MANASLU CIRCUIT

An hike into the wilderness around one of Nepal’s most beautiful mountains.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, also known as the Round Manaslu Trek, offers a captivating adventure through diverse landscapes, blending lush forests, charming hill villages, and serene terraced fields. it ensures ample time for acclimatization while ascending toward the majestic Larkya-La Pass (5160m). Along the journey, you’ll be enchanted by alpine forests, crystal-clear glacial rivers, and the warmth of local communities. As you venture through the stunning Budhi Gandaki Valley and reach the Annapurna Circuit, the trek promises a perfect mix of nature, culture, and unforgettable Himalayan beauty.The trek is not only a test of endurance but also a chance to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Himalayan culture and religion. Along the route, trekkers encounter ancient monasteries and stupas, providing insight into the spiritual life of the region. The Manaslu Circuit is less crowded compared to the Annapurna and Everest regions, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience.

BESTS

  • Manaslu circuit trek lies in the remote and pristine, making it less crowded compared to popular trekking peaks in the Everest or Annapurna regions
  • Which offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a rich cultural experience with Tibetan influenced villages
  • wonderful experience the beauty of the Manaslu circuit featuring rivers, lush forests, suspension bridges, and high-altitude landscapes
  • Possibility of custom modification of the trip program with other activities or visits as well

COST

1700 USD per person with 3 participants with local guide

Private trip possible every day. Contact us to receive a customized quote for 1 or 2 people. Contact us to receive a customized quote with European guide speaking English, French, Italian.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 01.Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,264ft),
  • Day 02.Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (900m/2,952ft) by drive, 8-9 hours
  • Day 03.Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4,396ft), 7-8 hours
  • Day 04.Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft), 7-8 hours
  • Day 05.Deng to Namrung (2,630m/8626ft), 6-7 hours
  • Day 06.Namrung to Lho (3,180m/10,430ft), 4-5 hours
  • Day 07.Lho to Samagaon (3,530m/11,578ft), 4-5 hours
  • Day 08. Samagaon: acclimatization day
  • Day 09.Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft), 4-5 hours
  • Day 10. Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m/14,632ft), 3-4 hours
  • Day 11.Dharamsala to Larkya la pass (5,160m/16,925ft) to Bimthang (3,720m/12, 201ft), 8-9 hours
  • Day 12.Bimthang to Dharapani (2,860m/6,100ft), 6-7 hours.
  • Day 13.Dharapani (1.9 60m/6,430ft) to Besishar (820m/2,690ft), 5-6 hours by drive
  • Day 14.Besisahar (820m/2,690ft) to Kathmandu by drive, 7-8 hours
  • Day 15.Kathmandu: sightseeing and shopping day
  • Day 16. Final departure

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from Airport representative and transfer to hotel. We will serve authentic Nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.

Meals included: dinner. Overnight: hotel.

Day 02. Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (900m/2,952ft), 7-8 hours by drive, 8-9 hours
We set off early for Maccha Khola, a scenic 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu, covering 150-160 kilometers. Maccha Khola is the starting point for treks in the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. The drive offers stunning views of the Trishuli river, lush green forests, terraced fields, and small villages. We pass through towns like Galchi, Malekhu, and Arughat, each offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. Finally, we arrive at Maccha Khola

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 03. Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4,396ft), 7-8 hours
The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more walk ups and downs, there is a small trailside hot spring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot Spring we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 04. Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft), 7–8 hours
Today at the beginning we climb over a rocky ridge to Seller, and then descend to Setibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge. While climbing up to Philim we will be at a large gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays fairly in level as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Beyond Ekle Bhatti the route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this moment, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we keep walking the valley widens through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 05. Deng to Namrung (2,630m/8,628ft),6-7 hours
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki on to the north bank and then climb to Rana. From the bridge we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Making ups and downs in forests, we pass mani walls and then turn to a corner that contours to Ghap. Eventhough there is another route; we take route through Prok village. Prok village has a view point from where we see beautiful view of Siringi Himal. We further cross Budi Gandai several times today and come across several gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 06. Namrung to Lho (3,180m/10,433ft), 4-5 hours
Namrung villages is good viewpoint for Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal. There are also a MCAP office, health post, police station in Namrung. To the south rises, we will have the view of Himal Chuli, a huge peak. Climbing steadily in the shade of a forest takes us to Lihi, a fine village with many shortens and many barley terraces. We still have quite a bit of trail to reach Lho. Ganesh Himal Rises high into the sky when we turn around. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal. A chorten with detailed paintings announces Sho, another nice village with fine views up the open valley. We cross a stream short after leaving Sho and one final steep climb takes us to village with superb view of Mt. Manaslu. It is Lho Village where we explore the famous Ribung Gompa. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 07. Lho to Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft),4-5 hours
The Budi Gandaki is far down but we follow a small tributary instead. Walking in the shady fir forest is very enjoyable. Upon a short climb to a plateau we will be at Shyala village. Our arrival at the village will be surrunded by huge mountains and those are Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, other snow summits to the right, at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. From a large chorten we look down into a little dip where two rows of houses form the main part of Sama. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Samagaon. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 08. Samagaon: acclimatization day
We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. We pay our attention to ponder at the thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. At this juncture we meet the village women in Samagaon who wear a nice silver spoon as jewelry. On a little hill near Samagaon is an old Gompa. We take a side trip to Pungyen Gompa, a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year they met so much resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They finally submitted the mountain in 1959. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 09. Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft), 4-5 hours
Today, while descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north, we follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can see a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 10. Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m/14,632ft), 3-4 hours
Today, while descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north, we follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can see a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 11. Dharamsala to Larkya base camp (5,160m/16,925ft) and Bhimthang (3,720m/12,204ft),8-9 hours
A big day awaits us as we head via Larkya La Pass (5106m/17,121 ft) to Bhimthang. We first climb to Cho Chanda and then continue up to the steep snowy pass. The views of many surrounding peaks are truly mind-blowing. The Himalayan peaks of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are visible from the pass. We then have a steep trek down across moraines until we reach Bhimthang Village.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 12. Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,963m/6,440ft), 5 hours

A steady trek across the fields leads us to the smaller Karcher La pass and then we descend through a rhododendron forest to Tilje village. We then cross the Dudh Khola river and head uphill passing through a chorten styled arch, passing Mani walls before arriving at Thonje village. After leaving Thonje we enter the Annapurna region at Dharapani where there is a police checkpoint. 

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 13.Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) to Besishar (820m/2,690ft), 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we begin our journey from Dharapani to Besisahar by jeep. The ride takes about 5-6 hours, passing through scenic villages and lush landscapes along the Marsyangdi River.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: hotel.

Day 14.Besishar (820m/2,690ft) to Kathmandu 7-8 hours

Drive from besishar to Kathmandu via Dumre bazar, Muglin, Malekhu, Naubise, Thankot and transfer to the hotel. Evening farewell dinner in a typical Nepali cultural restaurant with a dance program.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 15. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
 After breakfast take an excursion visit. Today we will go for sightseeing swyambhunath, Pasupatinath temple, bouddhanath and patan. world heritage site and freely shopping day. evening there will be a typical Nepali dinner organized for you in the typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 16. Final departure
You will have breakfast and You will be free until your departure. A representative will take you airport for your final departure.

Meals included: breakfast.

INCLUDED

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
  • Overnight stays in common lodges during the trek, double room accommodation
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period in the lodges/restaurants
  • Surface transport to and from Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Twin sharing accommodation at the tea house lodges
  • An experienced certified guide and one trekking helper between 2 persons
  • Personal luggage transport during the trek with porters/yaks/ponies up to 12 kg
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
  • All required special trekking permits and conservation fees
  • Trekking permits (TIMS, ACAP and MCAP)
  • Manaslu restricted area permits
  • All government taxes and our service charges
  • An English speaking experienced trekking guide recognized by Government of Nepal
  • Highly experienced trekking porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Assistance during the trek by qualified staff and 24 hr. telephone with our office staff
  • Food, transfers, insurance and equipment for accompanying staff

NOT INCLUDED

  • Visa fee for Nepal
  • International flight to and from Nepal
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Travel and medical insurance (if any rescue and evacuation needed)
  • Meals and extra night (more nights than stated in itinerary) accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Soft and hard drinks
  • Personal insurance and other personal expenses
  • Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)
  • Anything not specified under “INCLUDED”

ON REQUEST

  • Single room
  • Sleeping bag rental on site
  • Guide with knowledge of Italian or French
  • Travel insurance
  • Superior hotel accommodations in town
  • Tour extensions