Manaslu Circuit Trek - Trip Details

✓ Max. Elevation: 5200 m
✓ Best Season: Spring - Autumn
✓ Duration: 16 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 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m) through remote trails, vibrant villages, and the iconic Larkya La Pass. Experience untouched Himalayan beauty and rich cultural diversity.

Embark on a thrilling 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek with Best Trips Nepal, a journey through the remote Manaslu region, circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. This less-crowded alternative to Everest and Annapurna treks offers stunning views of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna II, while passing through diverse landscapes of subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,219m) and immerse in the vibrant Gurung and Tibetan cultures of traditional villages like Samagaun and Samdo. Perfect for fit trekkers seeking adventure and authenticity, this moderate-to-strenuous trek delivers an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

✓ Trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest peak, with views of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna II.
✓ Conquer Larkya La Pass (5,219m) for breathtaking Himalayan panoramas.
✓ Immerse in Gurung and Tibetan cultures in traditional villages like Samagaun and Samdo.
✓ Explore diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to glacial valleys, in the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Itinerary

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,338m)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a Best Trips Nepal representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Rest or explore the vibrant city. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, attend a trek briefing and make necessary preparations. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03: Drive to Machhakhola (870m)
Drive 7-8 hours from Kathmandu to Machhakhola via Arughat and Soti Khola, following the Prithvi Highway and Budhi Gandaki River. Enjoy scenic views of the Nepalese countryside. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,450m)
Trek 6-7 hours from Machhakhola to Jagat, following the Budhi Gandaki River through Khorlabesi and Tatopani’s natural hot springs. Cross suspension bridges, ascend a wide staircase, and cross Yaru Khola to reach Jagat. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 05: Trek to Deng (1,850m)
Trek 6-7 hours to Deng, descending to Sirdibas and crossing Ghatta Khola via a suspension bridge to Philim. Continue through millet fields and bamboo forests, crossing Budhi Gandaki River to Deng Khola. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 06: Trek to Namrung (2,500m)
Trek 6-7 hours from Deng, crossing Budhi Gandaki River and ascending west through the Budhi Gandaki valley. Pass mani walls and dense forests, climbing steeply to Namrung via Prok village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 07: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,440m)
Trek 5-6 hours from Namrung, ascending through rhododendron and pine forests. Pass Tibetan settlements like Barsam and Lihi, and Sho village with its Buddhist monuments. Enjoy views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08: Trek to Sama Gaun (3,500m)
Trek 5-6 hours from Lho to Sama Gaun, passing Shyala village with panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Peak 29. Traverse yak pastures and mani walls, arriving at the large Tibetan settlement of Sama Gaun. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 09: Rest in Sama Gaun for Acclimatization (3,500m)
Rest and acclimatize in Sama Gaun. Hike to Birendra Lake in the morning and explore the village’s Tibetan culture in the afternoon. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,800m)
Trek 4-5 hours to Samdo, descending to Budhi Gandaki River and passing through Kermo Kharpa forest. Climb steeply past a white kani to reach Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 11: Trek to Larkya Phedi (Dharmasala, 4,450m)
Trek 4-5 hours to Larkya Phedi, descending and crossing Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge. Ascend around Salka Khola valley to a stone guesthouse at Dharmasala. Explore the area before overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek to Bhimtang (3,700m) via Larkya La Pass (5,219m)
Start early for an 8-9 hour trek, climbing north of Larkya Glacier to Larkya La Pass (5,219m) with views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Descend to Bhimtang, a village surrounded by pastures with Manaslu views. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 13: Trek to Gho Village (2,560m)
Trek 5-6 hours from Bhimtang, descending through rhododendron forests and crossing glacial streams. Enjoy views of Manaslu and Annapurna II, passing pine forests to reach Gho Village. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (1,910m) and Drive to Besi Sahar (760m)
Trek 5-6 hours from Gho Village to Dharapani, descending along Dudh Khola River and joining the Annapurna Circuit trail. Pass terraced fields and villages, then drive 3-4 hours to Besi Sahar. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu (1,338m)
Drive 5-6 hours from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, enjoying views of terraced fields and river valleys. Arrive in Kathmandu and relax or shop in Thamel. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 16: Transfer to Airport, Departure
Prepare for departure from Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time for last-minute activities. Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before your flight, concluding your Himalayan adventure.

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 untouched beauty of the Manaslu region.

FAQs

1. What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek unique?: This trek offers a less-crowded alternative to Everest and Annapurna, with stunning views of Mount Manaslu, rich Gurung and Tibetan cultures, and the thrilling Larkya La Pass, blending adventure and cultural immersion.

2. 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.

3. When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer stable weather, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes, ideal for trekking. Monsoon (June-August) is less suitable due to rain and landslides.