Manaslu Circuit Trek
- 18 Days - 17 nights
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a vastly underrated trail that takes you up through typical mountain villages to the foot of the 8th highest mountain peak in the world – Manaslu (8163 meters/26,781 feet). If you ask a trekking guide, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is bound to be within their top few favourite trails in Nepal. It is often compared to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, but with less tourists and more genuine interactions with the local villagers. Learn about the ethnic groups in the area, who are descendants of Tibetans and heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist. The trail, which lies just south of the border, has been a part of the ancient trade route for centuries.
If you have a passion for backpacking and have a fascination with local cultures in the mountain region, this is your go-to trek. If you want to get away from the crowds of the Annapurna region, come take the Manaslu Circuit Trek!
The adventure begins in Arughat Bazaar, on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. The perfectly cultivated terraced fields are an architectural fascination. From here, the trail moves up and northward. Meet open, compassionate villagers along the way. See the drastic change in scenery throughout the trail, which happens faster than you think. From the lush fields of crops, we move into dense sub-tropical forests. Here, there are is a wide array of wildlife, including the grey wolf, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and much more. Try to find some of these rare species lurking in the trees on the ascent.
The ethnic groups in the area also change on the way up. We first pass Gurung and mixed ethnic villages until we get in the more mountainous areas, where the ethnically Tibetan residents live. Everyone on our journey offers splendid hospitality and welcomes us warmly. Learn about their culture and day to day lifestyle.
A major highlight of the trek comes as we pass the Larkya La Pass (5160 meters). Surround yourself with the expansive of Himalayan peaks as far as the eye can see. It may just be one of the most incredible views you will ever see. From the pass, the rest of the trail descends all the way back to Besisahar. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime adventure.!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be taken anytime of the year. Be aware of the climate of Nepal, though. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for clear weather and mountain views. However, the rainy (monsoon) season and the winter are nice because there are fewer tourists. Daewoo Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. handles the complete with complete management. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
- Day 02:Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley.
- Day 03:Drive to Arughat Bazaar (608 meters). About 7 hours.
- Day 04:Trek to Sotikhola (700 meters). About 6 hours.
- Day 05:Trek to Machhakhola (869 meters). About 6 hours.
- Day 06:Trek to Dovan (1070 meters). About 5 hours.
- Day 07:Trek to Philim (1570 meters). About 5 hours.
- Day 08:Trek to Deng (1860meters). About 6 hours.
- Day 09:Trek to Namrung (2630 meters). About 7 hours.
- Day 10:Trek to Samagaon (3520 meters). About 4 hours.
- Day 11:Exploration at Samagaon.
- Day 12:Samagaon to Samdo (3875 meters). About 4 to 5 hours.
- Day 13:Trek to Dharamsala (4460 meters). About 7 hours.
- Day 14:Trek to Bhimthang (3590 meters) via Larkya-la Pass (5160 meters). About 7 hours.
- Day 15:Trek from Bimthang to Tilje (2300m), 7-8 hours.
- Day 16:Trek from Tilje to Jagat (1410m), 6 hours.
- Day 17:Drive to Besi Sahar, then to Kathmandu.
- Day 18:Departure from Nepal.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
- Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
- Transportation to and from the trail.
- Local guest house accommodation on the trail.
- TIMS Card
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
- Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
- Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
- First Aid Kit
- Service charge and government taxes
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare
- Meals in Kathmandu(besides breakfast)
- Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
- Sightseeing entry fees
- Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
- Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
- Tips for guide and porter
- Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
- Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Detail Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
Upon arrival to Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Daewoo Travels & Tours will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the evening, we brief you on the upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel.
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Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley.
After breakfast at the hotel, we take you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu including some the UNESCO World Heritage sites (Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath). Spend the rest of the day preparing for your upcoming trek and exploring the city. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 03: Drive to Arughat Bazaar (608 meters). About 7 hours.
We head off early today for Arughat Bazaar. During the drive, experience views of the countryside, getting glimpses of the typical village lifestyle and enjoying mountain views in the background. We drive on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m), and drive on a bumpy road from Dhading Besi to Arughat. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 04: Trek to Sotikhola (700 meters). About 6 hours.
Today, we walk on an even trail along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. Weaving through terraced fields, numerous villages, and cascading waterfalls, we arrive to Sotikhola after about 6 hours. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 05: Trek to Machhakhola (869 meters). About 6 hours.
Cross a bridge soon after leaving the village, and continue through colorful forests. Ascend onto a ridge above rapids of the Budhi Gandaki. We reach Khursane, where the worn trail ascends and descends near two waterfalls along the side of a cliff. Soon, head down past terraced fields to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Climb again behind a rocky outcropping to an open valley. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk on the stones before trudging over another ridge. We trek down to the river and traverse another suspension bridge to reach Machhakhola village. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 06: Trek to Dovan (1070 meters). About 5 hours.
After breakfast, hike along a narrow and tough trail through Khorlabesi and Tatopani(near its natural hot spring bath). From there, we cross a suspension bridge and walk over a ridge to Dovan. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 07: Trek to Philim (1570 meters). About 5 hours.
Leave Dovan after breakfast and begin the day. Hike through various ethnically Gurung villages, admiring the views of Sringi Himal as we approach Philim. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 08: Trek to Deng (1860meters). About 6 hours.
We begin our trail after a delicious breakfast. Upon reaching a fork in the road, we take the left path (the one that continues the Manaslu Circuit Trek). For the next 3 hours, the trial ispretty flat even easy. After lunch, we trek further to our destination, Deng. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 09: Trek to Namrung (2630 meters). About 7 hours.
Leaving Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend to a village called Rana. We climb a bit more to join a trail from Bhi, then head west through the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through lush forests. We take the path that goes through Prok village – a perfect viewpoint of Siringi Himal. The trail follows the river upstream through a more forests, which becomes less dense as we climb. The pleasant walk continues and after one last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 10: Trek to Samagaon (3520 meters). About 4 hours.
Namrung has a nice viewpoint of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Hiunchuli. We climb steadily, passing through forests to reach Lihi. At this point, the trail drops and crosses the valley of Simang Himal with Ganesh Himal nearby. We enjoy incredible views of Manaslu from Lho, a pleasant village with a Gompa. In Shyala, we are surrounded by high peaks with Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead. Today’s journey ends the incredible village of Samagaon. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 11: Exploration at Samagaon.
Today, rest and allow our bodies to acclimatize. If you have any interest, we can take a day hike to explore the surrounding area. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 12: Samagaon to Samdo (3875 meters). About 4 to 5 hours.
Take the relaxing day with spell-binding mountain views as we get closer to the Tibetan border. Also, the biodiversity in this area is really inspiring. Stop midway for a delicious lunch in a small village. Most people have dal bhat, a standard go-to with rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry. Arrive to Samdo in the early afternoon with plenty of time to explore. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 13: Trek to Dharamsala (4460 meters). About 7 hours.
After breakfast, we start our day. Cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin walking higher. After crossing two streams and checking out the expansive Larkya Glacier, we walk around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 14: Trek to Bhimthang (3590 meters) via Larkya-la Pass (5160 meters). About 7 hours.
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier, where we can enjoy sweet views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, and gradually ascend the pass. There are excellent views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the colossal Annapurna II peak. It is a long and difficult day, but being constantly exposed to the amazing scenery keeps our eyes busy and minds refreshed. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 15: Trek from Bimthang to Tilje (2300m), 7-8 hours.
Today marks the first full day of descending, and it’s a big one. The views throughout make it all worth it, as we trek past a diverse assortment of landscapes. Pass Soti Khola (2700m), stare up at the towering Phungi Peak (6258m) and carry on along the riverbank to Gho. From Gho, the vegetation gets greener and thicker. Trek along the edge of the Dudh Khola to reach Tilje, the first permanent settlement since Samdo. Overnight in guest house.
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Day 16: Trek from Tilje to Jagat (1410m), 6 hours.
The final day of our Manaslu Circuit Trek brings us to Jagat, a gateway for several treks in the region. The trail goes up and down but ultimately descends almost 1000 meters. We arrive in Jagat with plenty of time to explore the amazing village. Celebrate the end of an amazing adventure in the evening! We are happy to have experienced this awesome time with you.
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Day 17: Drive to Besi Sahar, then to Kathmandu.
Take a scenic drive to Besi Sahar. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, enjoy every minute of it. Savour the last of the mountain views. Arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day wandering around Thamel, sightseeing, or getting some souvenirs. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 18: Departure from Nepal.
We take you to Tribhuvan International Airport about 3 hours before your international flight. We hope you enjoyed your time with Daewoo Travels & Tours, and see you next time!
- Destination Nepal
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Trip Difficulty Moderate -
Activity Trekking - Accommodation Hotel and Teahouses
- Transportation Car/Bus
- Transportation: Car/Bus
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Trekking
- Max Elevation: 5160 meters
