No cancellation fees. No hassle. Book Now, stay relaxed. Read More

Duration : 16 days
Availability : September through June
Max Altitude : 5220m
Min Age : 5+
Trip Style : Trekking And Hiking
Trip Grade:
Package Grade
Strenuous to Challenging
From $1490
Book Now
Book Now > Pay Later

Book with confidence

  • Over 12 years in Business
  • Value for money
  • 100% safe record
  • Top Notch Customer service 24/7
  • Tailor made holidays
  • Guaranteed Departure
  • Local Expert

Have a Question

Talk to our Experts

Trip Highlights

Experience the Nepalese and Tibetan mixture of culture
Walking between the borders of Nepal and Tibet.
Experience diversity in culture and landscape during your Manaslu Trek. Visit remote Bhatia settlements untouched by modern civilization
Trek under the shadows of Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world
The challenging crossing of Larkya La (5,160m), a high mountain pass
Trek under the shadows of Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world

Overview

If you’ve ever wanted to trek in the Himalayas while enjoying spellbinding, crowd-free views of the eighth highest mountain in the world, consider embarking upon Nepal’s Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is one of the country’s best hidden gems, passing through the wild landscapes of the Manaslu Valley and ascending from lush jungles to high-altitude mountain passes. The unique environment of the Manaslu region represents a veritable cornucopia of pristine natural beauty and biodiversity. This is the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected reserve where keen birders can spot more than one hundred different species across multiple forest and alpine habitats. The conservation area is also home to large mammals like the musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and notoriously elusive snow leopard. When you add in the spectacular mountain panoramas around every corner, it’s easy to see why the Manaslu Trek is regarded as one of the best hikes in all of Nepal.

While the long ridges and glaciated valleys of Manaslu dominate the skyline during this entire two-week itinerary, there are plenty of other things to see along the trail. The Manaslu Trek passes through several villages inhabited by the region’s major ethnic groups: Nubri, Tsum, and Gurung. Soti Khola, Samdo, and Namrung are just a few of the settlements you’ll explore during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Traditionally, residents of these towns have practiced lifestyles based on agriculture and livestock; these days, they also cater to trekking tourism. These villages now make it possible for you to enjoy comfortable teahouse accommodation each night, which will come as a welcome relief at the end of a long day’s trek. Staying in local villages also gives you the chance to get an intimate look at cultural practices that have remained unchanged for centuries. For example, the Tsum people have retained their own regionally distinct dialect and traditions.

That these authentic personal encounters are still possible can be attributed in large part to the relative obscurity of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This trail still represents an off-the-beaten path adventure for travelers who want to experience the Himalayas as they have existed for hundreds of years. As you trek in the 8,000-meter shadow of Manaslu and round a turn in the path to discover yet another timeless pastoral scene, you may begin to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. But you’ll need a helping hand to fully understand this fascinating region. By choosing Accessible Adventure as your trekking partner, you’ll secure the company of a guide who can help you to get the most out of your experience on the Manaslu Trek. Your guide can interpret local customs and traditions to help you connect with local people and their enduring way of life in these remote mountains.

 

Highlights of the Trek

One of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Manaslu Trek is the sweeping Himalayan panorama you’ll enjoy from the high-altitude pass of Larkya La. Situated at over 5,000 meters, the pass looks out across the peaks of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. For many travelers, this is both the literal and figurative high point of their entire trekking career. Of course, more great views can be found elsewhere on the trek: the villages of Namrung and Samagaon are particularly excellent vantage points. But the Manaslu Circuit Trek has more to offer than mountain scenery alone. Ribung Gompa, the region’s most well-known monastery, can be found in the trailside village of Lho Gaun. Inside, you’ll discover a colorful collection of religious artwork. You may even have the opportunity to watch young monks at their lessons. These are just a few highlights of your Manaslu trekking adventure, but they represent the combination of natural splendor and cultural vitality that characterizes this exciting part of Nepal.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult?

We consider the Manaslu Circuit Trek to be one of the more strenuous packages offered by Accessible Adventure. You’ll reach a maximum altitude of approximately 5,106 meters, where the air is much thinner than it is at sea level and physical exertion becomes more difficult. However, our carefully crafted itinerary has built in all of the time you need to acclimatize to the high elevation of the Manaslu region.

Our professional guides will also ensure that you are trekking at an appropriate pace, resting frequently, and staying hydrated. You should be in reasonably good physical condition before starting this itinerary, but you don’t need to be a professional athlete. Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running, and swimming, will help prepare you for the steep slopes of the Manaslu Trek. By partnering with Accessible Adventure, you can make your dream of completing this adventurous trek come true.

Best Time of Year for the Manaslu Trek

The trekking seasons in Nepal are largely dictated by the persistent rains of the summer monsoon and the heavy snows of winter. While it’s possible to enjoy the Manaslu Circuit Trek during these parts of the year, most travelers prefer to visit during two of the more comfortable seasons. The first option is to trek during the spring, which runs from March to May. You’ll benefit from pleasant hiking weather and good views; Manaslu itself is especially impressive at this time of year, still cloaked in the snows of winter. Springtime also brings rhododendron blooms to the forested hillsides, transforming the entire trek into a photographer’s delight. A second option is to undertake the Manaslu Trek during autumn, which occurs between September and November. Now that the monsoon has passed, this time of year rewards trekkers with crisp mountain views, cool weather, and fewer crowds.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Right for Me?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins at the town of Soti Khola, which is only accessible by road. This means that you won’t have to worry about costly internal flights, and you’ll get a unique glimpse of Nepal’s countryside during the drive from Kathmandu. Once you get started, you’ll quickly discover that this trek is also very much off the beaten path: the region was first opened to tourism as recently as 1991. While you’re sure to see at least a few other trekkers, there’s a real sense of exploring the Himalayas as they have existed since time immemorial.

And thanks to the itinerary we’ve carefully developed here at Accessible Adventure, your route on the Manaslu Trek is not a loop. This makes every day feel new and exciting, because you’re never obliged to retrace your own steps. This is a truly grand adventure, following an old trading route through the remote Himalayas alongside the winding watercourse of the Budhi Gandaki River. If this sounds like your cup of tea, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

Itinerary

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Accessible Adventure representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day taking a rest. Overnight in Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world.

Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

Swoyambhunath ( Monkey Temple)
Situated on a hill, Swoyambhunath is both a Buddhist and a Hindu Temple. The origin of Kathmandu valley is closely linked to this temple. Also known as Monkey Temple, the sprawling tree-filled grounds of the temple is home to many monkeys.

Patan Durbar Square
Patan is an old Newar city where we will see the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Taleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabir (the golden temple), Mahabouddha with views of old carved wooden windows through  the streets, curios shop and Bazaars.

 After the morning breakfast, we leave for Machha Khola, the starting point of our trek. From Kathmandu to Dhading Besi is a 3-hour comfortable drive on a concrete paved road. After this is a bumpy and winding dirt road to Machha Khola which takes from 5 to 7 hours depending on the traffic and road condition. The total drive for the day will approximately be 8 to 10 hours. The road to Machha Khola from Soti Khola was recently constructed and it isn’t paved in concrete. We will be sending a private 4WD vehicle for you and assign an experienced driver.

Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

After crossing Machha River and Khrola besi, there is a hot spring called Tatopani. The trail follows a forest reaching Dovan, below which flows the massive Budi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation.

Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Enjoy an early breakfast this morning before leaving the sleepy little town of Jagat; there’s a lot of ground to cover on today’s agenda. Your trail first climbs a valley to the quaint village of Sirdibas, where you’ll find scenic streets lined with traditional stone-built homes. You can also get a great view of the Sringi Himal range from here; its highest peak is the mountain called Chamar. After admiring the view, you’ll descend to the Budhi Gandaki and cross a long suspension bridge to pick up the trail leading to Philim. Beautiful terraced fields surround the Gurung village of Philim. Just past the settlement of reaching Ekle Bhatti, you’ll return to the Budhi Gandaki and use suspension bridges to cross the river twice more. You’ll trek through the village of Pewa and continue through the valley past a small campsite before finally reaching today’s destination, a small town: Deng.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner today are included.

Today’s trek begins with a river crossing and a steep ascent through lush greenery. As the trail continues, you’ll begin to see mani stones along the path in the small villages. Each stone is inscribed with a Buddhist mantra and is an indication that you’re now entering a region influenced by Tibetan culture. Consider stopping for lunch in the nearby village of Prok; you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot to take your meal while reveling in outstanding views of the Sringi Himal. After lunch, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki a few more times and follow the river to the village of Namrung. You’ll know that you’re getting close when the dense forest starts to thin out and the trail begins its final ascent to Namrung.

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

You might be tempted to linger over breakfast this morning; on a clear day, Namrung offers splendid views of the Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. You might also spot Himalchuli to the south, which at over 7,000 meters is one of the mightiest peaks of the Mansiri Himal range. Once you leave town, you’ll hike along a forested trail to reach the picturesque village of Lihi. This is a pleasant spot to take a break; terraced fields surround the town, and pine-clad hills are dotted with chortens and colorful prayer flags. Continuing past Lihi, you’ll keep ascending through the forest to reach the village of Lho Gaun. Best known for its hilltop monastery, Ribung Gompa, Lho Gaun also offers extraordinary views of Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli (sometimes called Peak 29). You’ll return to Lho Gaun after visiting the Pungyen Glacier and spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Departing Lho Gaun, you’ll earn spectacular mountain views as you ascend steadily to reach a plateau, where you’ll come across the village of Shyala. Cross a ridge before descending to a rocky moraine leading to Pungen Glacier. From here, your path continues to the pastoral settlement of Samagaon. Regarded by many travelers as the most beautiful village on the entirety of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Samagaon’s slate-roofed, stone-built houses cluster beneath some of the most prominent peaks in the region. There are a handful of cozy guesthouses in this little village; you’ll spend the next two nights at one of them.

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. 

Explore the village and interact with the villagers. Take an acclimatization walk to Punggen Monastery. Situated very close to Manaslu, you can enjoy 360-degree views of this glorious peak, Hiunchuli, and Nadi Chuli. If you want something challenging you can hike up to the Manaslu Base Camp. The whole journey takes around 8 hours (5 hours hike to Manaslu Base Camp and 3 hours return trek) and is filled with spectacular views of tumbling glaciers, icefall, Birendra Tal(a mountain lake), and the Nubri Valley surrounded by snow-covered peaks. En route, you cross the serene Birendra Tal, a turquoise lake fed by the waters of the Manaslu glacier. If you make the hike during the climbing season, you will find the whole base camp area covered with colorful tents of expedition groups.

Overnight in Sama Gaon. 

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. 


From Sama Gaon you trek to Samado. Take the path to Khermo Kharka (lined with mani walls), where the trail divides. Take the one that leads to Samado (the other leads to Manaslu Base Camp). You walk past the Manaslu Glacier and hike up through a forest filled with birch, rhododendron and juniper trees. Take an upward ascent till you reach the village of Samdo. Situated very close to Tibet, many of the villagers living here have migrated from Tibet. This village is the last permanent settlement before the crossing of Larkya La. The ancient trade route to Tibet went through this ancient village. Some of the trails from this village lead directly of Tibet. In the summer months trading fairs are held a few miles from the village. Traders from Tibet bring their wares to sell at these fairs. Dotted with flat-roofed stone houses, yaks, chortens, prayer flags and mani walls, Samdo feels very much like a Tibetan settlement. 

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.  

Take the trail leading to Larkya Phedi or Larkya Base Camp. Today’s walk offers some of the best mountain views in this circuit. You walk very close to the mountains, and you can see the massive walls of these Himalayan peaks rising right above you. It is a humbling experience as you stand dwarfed by the gigantic mountains towering right above you. The dramatic landscape simply leaves you awe-struck. You stop at Dharamsala, a settlement with few houses. Have an early night as you will be crossing the Larkya La, a high mountain pass and the highest point of your trek at 5165m, tomorrow

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.   

Rise up at the crack of dawn and get an early start. An uphill ascent brings you to the north side of the Larkya glacier from where you can enjoy enthralling views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. Today’s walk is quite tough and challenging as you make a crossing of the Larkya La. Take each step carefully as you walk past the treacherous moraines of the glacier. From Larkya La you can savour impressive views of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kangaru, Gyaji Himal, and Annapurna II. Take a steep descent to Bimtang while enjoying the view of Manaslu’s forked summit. Some parts of the trail may be icy and you may need to wear crampons. Once you reach the village head to a teahouse and take a rest. It has been a tough climb and you need time to get recharged

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.    

The trail weaves downwards past green meadows and pine forests. It descends to Hampuk and follows the downward descent to Dudh Khola. Walk past the settlements of Karche and Gho. Walking down the west bank of the river,  you finally reach the Gurung village of Tilije. The village is popular for its Apple Brandy.

Overnight at guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.     

Your last day of hiking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a climb over a small ridge just past Tilje; the trail here is paved with stones and leads you through a beautiful village. You’ll take a bridge across the Dudh Khola river before passing through a chorten-shaped archway and following a mani wall to the village of Thonje. After crossing the Marsyangdi river, you’ll ascend to the village of Dharapani, where your trail merges with the traditional Annapurna trekking circuit. Past the town, you’ll need to cross the Marsyangdi one more time before reaching another village called Tal. Situated at the foot of a large waterfall and lined with mani walls, Tal is a scenic place to take a break; in fact, many trekkers choose to spend the night here. You’ll push on a little further to descend to Chamje village your stay for the night.

Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner today are included. 

Your unforgettable journey along the Manaslu Trek has now come to its conclusion. After breakfast in Chamje, you will be transferred to Besisahar. This bustling town serves as a trekking gateway to the Annapurnas, so it’s likely that you’ll encounter more than a few fresh-faced hikers getting ready for their adventures here.

From Besisahar, you’ll enjoy transportation in a private vehicle back to Kathmandu. The entire route should take approximately eight or nine hours, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get one last look at Nepal’s timeless rural landscapes along the way. When you’ve arrived in Kathmandu, you’ll check in at your hotel to enjoy a hot shower and well-deserved nap. This evening, you can visit the restaurants and markets of Kathmandu for a final time.

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your time on the Manaslu Circuit Trek during your visit to Nepal. This morning, you’ll have one last included breakfast in Kathmandu before it’s time to say farewell.

Want to make your own customized trip ? Click Here

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick up & drop off service in a private vehicle
  • 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Transfers from Kathmandu to Machha Khola to  Chamje  to Kathmandu by Jeep
  • Best available clean and comfortable Tea house accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)  during the trek
  • Guided sightseeing tour as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking, government licensed local tour guide for sightseeing
  • Highly experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed, trained in first-aid Trek Leader (Guide)
  • Assistant Trekking Guide (4 trekkers : 1 Asst. guide) for personalized cares
  • Porter service to carry your main luggage during the trek (2 trekkers : 1 porter)
  • Staff cost including their food, accommodation, salary, flight, insurance, equipment etc.
  • Trekking permits - Manaslu restricted special permit, Manaslu Conservation area project (MCAP) entry fee and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee
  • First Aid kit, Pulse Oximeter and essential medicines (Paracetamol, Diamox etc.) carried by the Trek Leader
  • Souvenirs - Accessible Adventures’ kit bag (Duffel bag), T-shirt, and trekking map
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trek completion)
  • All Local and Government taxes, administrative charges

Cost Excludes

  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival or late departure
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Nepal Visa fee
  • Kathmandu city tours, including all entry fees,  
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • International flights
  • Personal expenses (phone call, internet, laundry, bar bills, snacks, battery recharge, bottled or boiled water, souvenirs, hot showers, extra porter etc.)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Tips for guide, porter and driver (tipping is expected)
  • Any unseen expenses due to circumstances beyond our control
Share your Experience

Location

Altitude

Average Temperature

Arughat (trailhead)

600m

25-30°C

Soti Khola

1750m

20-25°C

Machhakhola

2700m

15-20°C

Jagat

1300m

20-25°C

Philim

1570m

15-20°C

Namrung

2630m

10-15°C

Lho

3340m

5-10°C

Samagaon

3530m

5-10°C

Dharmasala

4460m

0-5°C

Larkya La Pass

5106m

-5-0°C

Bhimthang

3720m

5-10°C

Dharapani

1860m

15-20°C

Besi Sahar (trailhead)

760m

25-30°C

Related Packages

ganesh himal
Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Region Trekking 

Ganesh Himal (Ruby Valley) Trek

$1390
Per Person
12 Days
manaslu trek
Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Region Trekking 

Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trek

1990
$1930
Per Person
24 Days