Manaslu Circuit Trek (10 Days)

✓ Max. Elevation: 5100 m
✓ Best Season: Spring - Autumn
✓ Duration: 10 days
✓ Trip Grading: Moderate to High
✓ Activity: Trekking/ High Pass
✓ Transport: Private vehicle
✓ Accommodation: Hotel- Lodge- Tea house- Tent
✓ Meals: Breakfast-Lunch- Dinner
✓ Availability: Available

Highlights

Join Best Trips Nepal for a 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m) through remote trails, vibrant Gurung villages, and the thrilling Larkya La Pass (5,106m), offering stunning Himalayan views and cultural immersion.

Embark on a thrilling 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek with Best Trips Nepal, a condensed yet exhilarating journey through the remote Manaslu region. This trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, offering breathtaking views of Shringi Himal, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29, 7,871m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). Starting from Machha Khola, the trail winds through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing Gurung villages like Philim and Namrung, and Tibetan-influenced Sama Gaon, before culminating at the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m). With diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, this moderately strenuous trek is ideal for fit trekkers seeking adventure and cultural immersion in a less-crowded Himalayan route. Best Trips Nepal ensures expert guidance, sustainable travel, and an unforgettable experience in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

✓ Trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak, with views of Shringi Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and Annapurna II.
✓ Cross the iconic Larkya La Pass (5,106m) for panoramic Himalayan vistas.
✓ Experience Gurung and Tibetan cultures in villages like Philim, Namrung, and Sama Gaon.
✓ Enjoy a shorter, yet challenging, off-the-beaten-path trek in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Itinerary

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m, 7-8 hours)
Drive 7-8 hours by local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Dhading Beshi and Aarughat on a rough, scenic road. Trek through woods along the Budhi Gandaki River, arriving at Machha Khola. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 02: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1,340m, 6-7 hours)
Cross the Machha Khola River and trek past Khorlabesi (920m) to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. Continue through forests to Dovan Khola and into the Budhi Gandaki Valley, reaching Jagat Village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 03: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m, 5-6 hours)
Trek through the valley to Sirdibas, enjoying stunning views of Shringi Himal. Cross a suspension bridge to Philim, passing waterfalls, and continue via Ekle Bhatti and Pewa Village to Deng Village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 04: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m, 5-6 hours)
Start with a steep climb, then descend to the Budhi Gandaki River. Trek through small villages, passing mani stones marking Tibetan Buddhist territory. Take a 2-hour detour to Prok Village for cultural insights, then reach Namrung. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 05: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m, 6-7 hours)
Trek through Lho Village, surrounded by mani stone walls and minimal modern development, with views of snow-capped Ngadi Chuli (7,871m). Detour to the Pungen Glacier for spectacular Manaslu views, then arrive at Samagaon, a Tibetan-influenced village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 06: Acclimatization at Samagaon (3,530m)
Rest and acclimatize in Samagaon. Choose to explore Pungyen Monastery, perched on a hillside with serene views and Tibetan Buddhist heritage, or hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (approx. 4,400m) for closer Manaslu vistas. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 07: Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m, 4-5 hours)
Cross several rivers to reach Larkya Bazaar, a trading village for Tibetan traders. Climb a steep trail to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), a stone guesthouse near the Larkya Glacier. Prepare for the pass crossing. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08: Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m, 8-9 hours)
Start early to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m), climbing to Cho Chanda and tackling the snowy pass. Enjoy incredible views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyaji Kung (7,030m), Kang Koru (6,698m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). Descend steeply over moraines to Bimtang Village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 09: Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,900m, 6-7 hours)
Descend from high pastures, crossing the Dudh Khola River via a suspension bridge, through rhododendron and oak forests. Arrive at Dharapani, a key village on the Annapurna Circuit trail. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani (1,338m, 8-9 hours)
Take a local jeep across the river to Besisahar, then a bus back to Kathmandu. Enjoy scenic countryside views during the 8-9 hour drive. Return to your hotel in Kathmandu, concluding the trek. Overnight at a hotel.

Included

✓ Permits: All necessary permits for trekking and climbing.
✓ Base Camp and Camps: Full logistics and setup at base camp and higher camps.
✓ Trekking Guides: Experienced and certified professional trekking guides.

Excluded

✗ International Flights: Flights to and from Nepal
✗ Personal Gear: Personal climbing equipment (e.g., boots, clothing, gloves)
✗ Personal Expenses: Tips, snacks, and souvenirs

Trip Organization

Best Trips Nepal has been a premier adventure travel company based in Kathmandu, dedicated to delivering sustainable and authentic experiences. Specializing in off-the-beaten-path treks like the Manaslu Circuit, we guide adventurers through Nepal’s pristine landscapes and vibrant cultures. Our experienced guides, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to local communities ensure meaningful journeys that leave only footprints behind. Join Best Trips Nepal to explore the rugged beauty of the Manaslu region.

FAQs

1. Is the 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek suitable for beginners?: This trek is moderately strenuous, requiring good fitness and some trekking experience due to the high altitude (5,106m) and long trekking days. Best Trips Nepal provides experienced guides for support.

2. When is the best time for this trek?: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer stable weather and clear views, ideal for trekking. Monsoon (June-August) and winter (December-February) are less suitable due to rain or snow.

3. What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?: A Restricted Area Permit (RAP, $75-100 for 7 days, $10-15/day extra), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP, NRs 3,000), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, NRs 3,000) are required, arranged by Best Trips Nepal. A minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide are mandatory.