The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m), offering breathtaking Himalayan views, Buddhist villages, and high mountain passes. A perfect mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable journey around one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally vibrant Himalayan regions. Over the course of this carefully designed itinerary, trekkers circle the majestic Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), experiencing a blend of dramatic landscapes, Tibetan-influenced villages, and peaceful wilderness that remains untouched by mass tourism. Beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the trail gradually winds through deep river valleys, lush forests, stone-built settlements, and high alpine terrain.
As the altitude rises, the beauty intensifies from the spiritual ambience of Sama Gaun and the yak-grazing meadows of Samdo to the breathtaking side hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m), a dream location for photographers seeking powerful shots of the towering massif. The journey culminates in the challenging yet rewarding crossing of Larke La Pass (5,160m), followed by a rare overnight stay at High Camp surrounded by the quiet grandeur of the Himalayas.
| Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 900m | N/A |
| Day 2: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat | 1340m | 6 - 8 hours |
| Day 3: Trek Jagat to Deng | 1860m | 6 - 7 hours |
| Day 4: Trek Deng to Namrung | 2630 m | 6 - 7 hours |
| Day 5: Trek Namrung to Lho | 2957 m | 4 - 5 hours |
| Day 6: Trek Lho to Samagaon | 3530 m | 4 - 5 hours |
| Day 7: Acclimatization day (Hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa) | 4900m | 8 - 10 hours |
| Day 8: Trek Samagaon to Samdo | 3860m | 4 - 5 hours |
| Day 9: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala | 4460m | 4 - 5 hours |
| Day 10: Trek Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larke Pass | 5160m | 8 - 10 hours |
| Day 11: Trek Bimthang to Gho | 2670m | 6 - 7 hours |
| Day 12: Trek Gho to Dharapani | 1965m | 4 - 5 hours |
| Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar | 760m | N/A |
| Day 14: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu | 1400m | N/A |
· Best available standard tea-house/guest house accommodations on twin sharing basis during the trek.
· During the trek, one main course (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
· Comfortable private transfer : Kathmandu to Machha khola and Dharapani to Besisahar | Besisahar to Kathmandu
· Experience Trek Guide: A 17 years experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek guide/leader
· Micro Crampons (to walk on the snow)
· Porter service: strong, reliable porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
· All necessary paperworks: special permits and trekking permits
· Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
· High-resolution photographs and mobile videos from the trek
· All government and local taxes
• Nepalese visa fee
• International flights
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, WIFI extra porters, mineral water bottle or boiled hot water, Hot shower etc.)
• TIPS for guides, porter(s) and driver(s)
• Anything not mentioned in the included section
During the trek, meals are simple yet nourishing, designed to provide the necessary energy for high-altitude hiking. The staple meal is Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepali dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles, often with unlimited refills. Other common options include noodles, soups, Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, momos (dumplings), and fried rice. Breakfast typically consists of eggs, toast, porridge, or chapati with tea or coffee. While fresh vegetables and meats are available in lower elevations, food choices become more basic at higher altitudes due to limited supplies. Trekkers on a budget can stick to Dal Bhat for the best value, while those wanting variety can try different local and Western dishes offered in teahouses.
Accommodation along the Manaslu Trek is in teahouses, which are basic mountain lodges run by local families. These teahouses provide small rooms with twin beds, simple mattresses, blankets, and pillows. In lower elevations, some lodges offer attached bathrooms, but as you go higher, shared squat toilets and bucket showers become the norm. While Wi-Fi, hot showers, and charging facilities are available, they come at an extra cost. In peak season, teahouses can get crowded, so early arrival is recommended to secure a good spot. For budget trekkers, basic rooms are free as long as meals are purchased from the lodge. Despite the simplicity, the hospitality and warmth of the locals make staying in teahouses a unique and memorable experience.
