The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most beautiful and off-the-beaten-path treks, offering the perfect blend of unspoiled natural scenery, cultural riches, and high Himalayan trekking. Nurtured under the imposing shadow of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world, the trek follows unspoiled valleys, medieval Buddhist villages, and breathtaking alpine landscapes unblemished by mass tourism.
As compared to more developed Annapurna and Everest areas, the Manaslu Circuit provides a far-flung and serene trekking adventure, where each trail resembles a step back in time. From rice fields and rhododendron forest to glacial highlands and the legendary crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,160m), each day is met with awe-inspiring scenery and deep cultural experiences. You will pass through Tibetanized villages such as Sama Gaun and Samdo, see centuries-old monasteries, and observe the abiding traditions of the Nubri and the Tsum Valley people.
For the adventure travelers who want authenticity and remoteness without having to compromise on scenery, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the ideal choice. With good tea houses, expert logistics, and Visit Himalaya Treks' seasoned team, you can focus on what matters most and immerse yourself in one of Nepal's most satisfying high-altitude treks.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking In Nepal.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package.
- Spectacular panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Ganesh Himal throughout the trek.
- Trek over one of the most stunning and challenging Himalayan passes with breathtaking views and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
- Fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna, ensuring a quiet and authentic trekking experience.
- Pass through traditional villages like Samdo and Lho, monasteries, and mani walls, and observe the Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Trek through lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, deep gorges, and high mountain deserts; all on one trek.
- The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, red pandas, and other birds and flora.
- Encounter the ethnic Tamang and Nubri people, witness traditional Himalayan lifestyles, and enjoy warm village hospitality.
- Remote though it is, the region now boasts a growing number of teahouses offering basic but comfortable lodging and local fare.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is classified as a moderately difficult trek and is suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and past multi-day walking experience. The trek goes as high as 5,160 meters to Larkya La Pass, which is a real challenge, particularly with the decreasing oxygen level in the air at high altitude. Although the trail ascends gradually, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk is greater than 3,500 meters. To lower this risk, itineraries typically contain acclimatization days to places like Sama Gaun and Samdo, which allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
The scenery ranges from subtropical forest and river gorges to alpine landscapes of rocky outcrops. Some sections of the trek involve walking along steep rock paths, and in the early spring or winter, snow and ice can also cause some sections to be difficult. Otherwise, with appropriate acclimatization, a planned schedule, and psychological tolerance, the trek is fairly feasible for fit trekkers.
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit.
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the optimum seasons to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Autumn is characterized by the most predictable weather, with sunny skies, dry trails, and crisp mountain vistas, ideal for photography and safe passage over high-altitude passes. Spring has its own burst of colors with blooming rhododendrons, pleasant weather, and longer days, and that too is an excellent window to trek.
Winter (December to February), though not so crowded and peaceful, the biting cold and heavy snowfall close to Larkya La Pass would raise the level of difficulty of the trek, which would be possible only for experienced trekkers. Monsoon months (June to August) are marked by torrential rain, slippery trails, landslides, and low visibility, and hence, the worst time to trek. However, for those who don't want crowds, late spring and early fall are the ideal compromise between peace and pleasant trekking conditions.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package 20 Days Full Itinerary;
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,335 meters).
Welcome to Nepal! We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport and bring you to your hotel. Spend a relaxing evening recovering from your flight.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Trek Preparation.
After breakfast, explore Kathmandu's cultural sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, there will be a trek briefing and a final equipment check with your guide.
Day 3: Drive to Barpak Village (1,915 meters).
A half-day scenic drive takes you to Barpak, a beautiful Gurung village perched high with breathtaking views and traditional stone houses. This village was also the epicenter of the earthquake in 2015 and has been rebuilt quite impressively.
Day 4: Trek to Laprak (2,100 meters).
Start your day with a hike across the thin Gupsi Danda ridge, with panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges. Drop down to the charming hillside village of Laprak.
Day 5: Trek to Khorla Besi (970 meters).
Steep descents and river crossings are part of the day's trail as you descend into the Budhi Gandaki Valley and trek to Khorla Besi, a riverside village with natural hot springs close by.
Day 6: Trek to Philim (1,570 meters).
Trek through Tatopani and along the riverbanks, passing numerous suspension bridges and rising up to Philim, a large Gurung village with beautiful terraced fields and a checkpoint for the restricted area entry.
Day 7: Trek to Bihi Phedi (1,990 meters).
Ascend through a steep gorge, trek through dense pine forests, and pass through small villages like Ekle Bhatti and Nyak to Bihi Phedi, surrounded by waterfalls and traditional Tibetan-style houses.
Day 8: Trek to Serang Gumba (3,042 meters).
Today, a side trip to the mystical Serang Monastery, rarely visited but deeply peaceful. Hidden in a secret valley, it offers deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism and stunning views.
Day 9: Trek to Ghap (2,160 meters).
Retrace some of your steps back to the main trail and trek towards Ghap. The path ascends steadily, passing through dense forests and Tibetan-style stone houses draped in prayer flags.
Day 10: Trek to Lho (3,180 meters).
The walk today takes you higher into the alpine zone, above rhododendron forests and mani walls. Arrive at Lho village, which is renowned for its grandiose vistas of Mt. Manaslu as well as the Ribung Monastery, which is quite impressive.
Day 11: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,525 meters).
It is a relatively short trek to Sama Gaon, the largest village in the Nubri Valley. There is a very strong Tibetan influence here. Enjoy the views of Manaslu and visit the monastery or the yak pastures in the vicinity.
Day 12: Rest Day at Sama Gaon.
Rest and acclimatize with a half-day trek to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint. This lets your body get used to the increasing altitude while still allowing gentle exploration.
Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3,860 meters).
Trek north through yak pastures and glacial moraines. Samdo is an old village just a day's walk from the Tibet border, and offers insight into trans-Himalayan trade and culture.
Day 14: Acclimatization Day at Samdo.
Use this extra day for acclimatization. You can trek to Samdo Ridge or towards the Tibetan border for panoramic views of the Himalayas and more acclimatization time.
Day 15: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460 meters)
Today's walk is shorter but steep and takes you to Dharamsala (or Larkya Phedi), the base camp of Larkya La Pass. Rest and prepare yourself for the longest and most exciting day tomorrow.
Day 16: Traverse Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters) and Trek to Bimthang (3,610 meters).
Start early to cross the formidable Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. After celebrating at the summit with magnificent views of Himlung, Cheo, and Annapurna II, descend to the beautiful glacial valley of Bimthang.
Day 17: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 meters).
Descend through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, crossing the Dudh Khola. You’ll eventually rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani, a village with more amenities.
Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar after breakfast, then continue with the overland trip back to Kathmandu. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel.
Day 19: Free Day in Kathmandu.
A well-deserved rest day. You can shop for souvenirs, get a massage, or explore more of Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 20: Final Departure.
Drive to the airport for your onward flight. Our personnel will assist you with a smooth departure, bidding you farewell with best regards and lifelong memories of the Manaslu Circuit.
On the way to the Manaslu Larkya La Pass Trek in Nepal.
What Facilities are included in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package?
- Private car or van transportation for arrival and departure from major land. (Picks up from Kathmandu International Airport and drops off after trek.)
- 4 nights in total – 2 nights before and 2 nights after the trek on a shared room basis at a 3- 4* or 5* hotel as per the client's requirements with breakfast.
- Guided day sightseeing tour of major heritage sites in Kathmandu with a professional city guide and private transportation.
- Land Transport for Trek, Kathmandu to Barpak Village by private 4WD jeep.
- Dharapani to Besisahar by local public jeep.
- Besisahar to Kathmandu by private car/van.
- Permits and Entry Fees:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Meals During Trek: Three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee during the entire trek at the best available tea houses or lodges.
- Best available tea house/lodge facility twin-sharing basis throughout the trek.
- Government-licensed English-speaking guide and all his costs (food, lodging, wages, insurance).
- Porters: 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (porters carry 20–25 kg collectively). Porter's food, lodging, wages, and insurance are included.
- First Aid Kit: Carried by the guide and used in case of emergency.
- All Government Taxes and Service Charges.
What Facilities are not included in the Manaslu Trek Package?
- Nepal entry visa. Available upon arrival or via your local embassy. See Nepal Visa Information for details.
- Entrance charges to monuments and heritage sites in the Kathmandu tour.
- Compulsory; must include emergency helicopter evacuation cover.
- If your stay in Kathmandu exceeds the scheduled itinerary (early arrival, late departure, etc.).
- Lunch and dinner for your duration in Kathmandu (not including breakfast at the hotel).
- Soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages while trekking.
- Laundry, battery charging, internet, hot shower (if charged), and bar bills.
- Tips for your trekking guide, porter, and driver (gratuitous but at your discretion).
- We offer fixed departure dates and private departures as per your time and group size. Prices vary based on the group size, custom services, and hotel selection.
- Contact Visit Himalaya Treks for the latest Manaslu Circuit Trek cost per person, group discount, and dates available.
High Altitude Sickness along the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you through an altitude of more than 5,000 meters, e.g., the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters. Due to the altitude, there are moderate to high chances of altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness: AMS), especially if the ascension procession is too quick or appropriate acclimatization is avoided. One needs plenty of fluids; ginger tea or garlic soup has been found to help acclimate.
We also recommend that trekkers take Diamox (acetazolamide), a medicine that avoids AMS symptoms, after consulting with a medical specialist. For severe symptoms, our experienced staff will have you airlifted straight away. Full travel and medical insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory before undertaking this trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits.
Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the protected and restricted areas, and hence, there are different permits. These include the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The MRAP is USD 100 for the first seven days (September to November) and USD 15 per day for additional days. During the off-season period (December to August), the fee is USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 per day afterwards. MCAP and ACAP cost NPR 3,000 each. Trekkers also have to be accompanied by an approved guide and at least one trekking partner in this closed-off area as stipulated by the Nepal Tourism Board. We arrange all the required permits and book experienced local guides and porters for an incident-free and secure trekking experience.
Grade of Trekking of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit is a moderately to strenuously demanding trek. The trek entails a 5-6 hour walk each day for nearly three weeks, involving crossing over high mountain passes and remote villages. While technical mountaineering is not required, trekkers will need to be physically fit and prepared for high-altitude hiking for several days. A background in multi-day trekking is preferred but not mandatory. Routine fitness conditioning, including pack hiking, aerobics, and strength conditioning, prior to the trek is recommended.
Weather on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear weather, better views of the mountains, and more pleasant weather. Spring offers rhododendrons in bloom which add colors to the trail, while autumn brings refreshing air and the ideal trekking temperature. Winter trekking (December to February) is also possible but with the chance of heavy snowfall, especially around Larkya La Pass. Monsoon (June to August) is the least recommended season because of rain, leeches, and landslides.
On the way to the Bhimtang after the successful Larke La Pass at 5106 meters.
Food and Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
During the trek, you will be staying in locally run teahouses with freshly prepared meals made of local vegetables. Breakfast and dinner are served at the overnight stay teahouse and lunch at tea houses along the way. There is a choice of Nepali, Tibetan, and some Western food. The accommodation is basic with twin beds and shared toilets in the basic rooms and heating in the dining hall. Your accommodation in Kathmandu will be arranged in a 4-star or 5-star hotel with all modern amenities.
Transport in Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Barpak and ends with a drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar. Private jeeps or public transport is used based on the size of the group and preference. All transportation to and from the trekking region is included in our package.
Electricity, Telephone, and Internet on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Electricity is available in most villages, either on the national grid or from solar power, and you can recharge your camera, phone, and other gadgets for another fee. However, in the more remote zones of the trek, electricity cannot be guaranteed. Mobile telephone coverage there is available in lower zones but becomes sparser when higher up. Wi-Fi, for a price, is available in some teahouses, but it is not suitable for heavy web surfing or video calls.
Drinking Water on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Drinking safe water is essential while trekking. Bottled water is readily available in most villages but not up to the higher altitudes. We recommend using water purification tablets or consuming boiled water available in teahouses to conserve the environment. Our guides will assist you in obtaining safe sources of water as well during the trek.
Trekking Days on Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Each day of walking starts early with breakfast, followed by 5 to 6 hours of walking through forest, village, and valley landscapes. Lunch is taken midway at a teahouse. The afternoons are less frantic, and you can rest in the village, take your time, or enjoy the mountain scenery. There are days that involve shorter walks for acclimatization, and then others that require longer hours, especially the day when you cross the Larkya La Pass.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Conclusion;
Visit Himalaya Treks offers the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package thrilling Himalayan adventure that is mixed with authentic cultural exposure and beautiful mountain views in the remote Manaslu region of Nepal. Despite presenting moderate to high challenges via altitude and inaccessibility of the land, proper planning, acclimatization, and proper guidance make the trek safe and rewarding. Choosing the appropriate season, either autumn or spring, offers the most rewarding trekking experience with good weather and stunning vistas. With meticulous planning and the aid of a licensed trekking company like Visit Himalaya Treks, you're half-way to enjoying one of Nepal's most beautiful off-the-beaten-track treks.
