Highlights
Manaslu Circuit Trek: An Epic Journey Through Natural Wonders and Cultural Heritage
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a premier hiking adventure that blends stunning landscapes with rich cultural experiences. First opened to trekkers in 1991, this route takes you through the majestic Manaslu region, one of Nepal’s most captivating trekking destinations.
Highlights of the Trek:
- Majestic Peaks: Witness the grandeur of towering peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Larke Peak. These snow-capped giants dominate the skyline and offer some of the most awe-inspiring vistas.
- Cultural Immersion: Dive into the vibrant culture of the local communities. Experience their warm hospitality, traditional customs, and time-honored practices, which enrich the trekking experience.
- Natural Beauty: Traverse through lush forests, serene rivers, and picturesque valleys. The trek showcases the region's breathtaking natural beauty, from verdant landscapes to tranquil waterways.
- Additional Peaks: Enjoy views of other prominent snow-capped mountains, including Himlung Himal, Annapurna, Kang Guru, and Cheo Himal. These peaks enhance the trek’s allure and provide a panoramic backdrop to your journey.
Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Journey to the Summit
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a celebrated adventure that culminates in the demanding ascent of Larkya La Pass, the trek's highest point. This challenging climb rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, solidifying the trek's reputation as an extraordinary experience.
Beyond the Summit:
- Cultural Immersion: The Manaslu region offers a unique chance to delve into the rich cultural heritage of its local communities. Experience their traditions, customs, and warm hospitality, which enhance the trekking adventure.
- Natural Wonders: Discover the region's stunning landscapes, from lush forests and serene rivers to picturesque valleys. The trek reveals the natural beauty of the Manaslu region in all its splendor.
Trekking Considerations:
- Physical Fitness: While the Manaslu Circuit Trek is accessible, it requires a reasonable level of physical fitness, especially for the ascent across the challenging Larkya La Pass. Preparation and training are key to a successful and enjoyable trek.
- Preparation: Proper training and preparation are essential to tackle the trek effectively. Ensuring you are well-prepared will contribute significantly to a rewarding experience.
Popular Trekking Destinations:
- Tsum Valley Trek: Explore the remote and culturally rich Tsum Valley, a hidden gem within the Manaslu region. This trek offers additional cultural and natural experiences.
- Larkya La Pass: Challenge yourself with one of the world’s longest mountain passes. The ascent offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.
Best Time to Trek:
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn provides stable weather, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes, making it the ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The season’s conditions are perfect for enjoying the trek's full range of experiences.
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🧭Alternative Tours & Packages
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
Embark on one of Nepal’s most iconic treks, circling the Annapurna massif through dramatic mountain passes, diverse terrains, and culturally rich villages — a true classic for adventure seekers. - Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Venture deep into the eastern Himalayas on this off-the-beaten-path trek that loops around the mighty Kanchenjunga, offering untouched natural beauty, authentic cultural encounters, and fewer crowds.
Included and Excluded
Included:
- Accommodation in 3-star or similar in Kathmandu on BB sharing basis.
- Accommodation in a teahouse or lodge during the trek on a full-board sharing basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- All Restriction fees and Entrance fees for sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Special restricted area permit and ACAP, MCAP, and Tims permit for trekking.
- All the airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- Vehicle transfer from Kathmandu – Macha Khola – Dharapani-Kathmandu.
- Experience English-speaking Guides.
- One porter for every two trekkers.
- Insurance for guide and porter.
Excluded:
- All the lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Extra charge if early return from trekking.
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver.
- Personal belongings and expenditure.
- Rescue and Insurance fee.
- Additional costs arise due to Natural disasters, Political Disturbances, Problematic conditions, and Epidemics.
- All the personal expenses water, extra food, mobile and associate charges, internet charges, beverages, etc.
Itinerary
Time :
Whole Day
Max Altitude :
1,400 m
- Landing at Tribhuwan International Airport: Upon landing and completing check-in, you will be greeted by our airport representative at the terminal.
- Transfer to Hotel: You will then be taken to your designated hotel. After checking in, take some time to rest and refresh.
- Briefing on the Expedition: Our representative will provide a brief overview of your upcoming expedition, detailing the itinerary and important information.
- Explore Thamel: If you’re up for it, enjoy a short stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for its shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at a hotel in Kathmandu, preparing for your adventure ahead.
Time :
Whole Day
Max Altitude :
1,400 m
- Breakfast: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour: Visit key landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley, including:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: A former royal palace known for its temples and statues.
- Patan Durbar Square: Showcasing Newari culture with shrines, temples, and royal residences.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Famous for its 55-window palace, Golden Gate, and Pottery Square.
- Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): A hilltop site blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
- Permit Processing: Visit the Department of Immigration for trekking permits.
- Overnight Stay: Return to your hotel in Kathmandu for an overnight stay..
Time :
10 hr
Max Altitude :
900 m
- Early Start: Begin your day early with breakfast before starting your trek through the Himalayas.
- Drive Along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway: Head west along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway, traveling to Dhading Besi. From there, you'll ascend through Soti Khola and pass rural areas, small villages, grassy rooftops, and lush hilltops.
- Scenic Views: As the road turns into a rugged dirt path, take in stunning views of the southern slopes of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.
- Arrival at Macha Khola: After a long 10-hour drive, arrive at Macha Khola (900 m) in the Budhi Gandaki Valley.
- Overnight Stay: Settle in for the night at a nearby teahouse or lodge.
Time :
6 - 7 hr
Max Altitude :
1,290 m
- Waterfalls and Scenic Attractions: Along the journey, enjoy the sight of waterfalls, the stunning Buddha cliff, and natural hot springs. This marks your entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Trek Duration and Terrain: Today's trail covers 6-7 hours of trekking with a mix of uphill and downhill sections. You'll follow the river through a gorge, heading toward Khorla Besi, a charming Gurung village.
- Passing Villages: Continue your hike through villages like Tatopani, Dovan, and Thulo Dhunga, taking in the local culture and landscapes.
- Arrival at Jagat: Reach Jagat (1,290 m), the first Tibetan Buddhist-influenced village on this route and the official gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Jagat.
Time :
6 - 7 hr
Max Altitude :
1,865 m
Time :
6 - 7 hr
Max Altitude :
2,630 m
- Departure from Deng: Begin today’s trek by crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and leaving Deng behind.
- Trek to Ghap: Ascend through a stunning valley, passing small villages and numerous Tibetan mani walls, intricately carved with Buddhist teachings, as you make your way to Ghap village.
- Journey to Prok: Continue from Ghap to the village of Prok, enjoying beautiful views of Singri Himal along the way.
- Forest Trek and River Crossings: Trek through fir, oak, and rhododendron forests, crossing the river multiple times as you ascend.
- Arrival at Namrung: A final steep climb brings you to Namrung (2,630 m), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Mount Himchuli, and Singri Himal.
- Overnight Stay: After a 6-7 hour trek, settle in for the night at a teahouse or lodge in Namrung.
Time :
5 - 6 hr
Max Altitude :
3,180 m
- Trek to Lho Gaun: Today's 5-6 hour trek takes you along a trail lined with an impressive Mani stone wall as you approach Lho Gaun (3,180 m).
- Ascent to Pungen Glacier: Climb the mountainside to reach the crest at Pungen Glacier, where you'll witness the glacier descending from the stunning Peak 29. Enjoy close-up views of the glacier and spectacular panoramas of Mount Manaslu from the lower glacier.
- Return to Lho Gaun: After exploring the glacier, return to Lho Gaun for the rest of the evening.
- Cultural Experience: Along the way, immerse yourself in Himalayan life and culture, observing the local lifestyle.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at a teahouse in Lho Gaun..
Time :
4 - 5 hr
Max Altitude :
3,530 m
Time :
Whole Day
Max Altitude :
3,450 m
- Acclimatization Day: Take a day to rest and acclimatize in Samagaun as you’ve reached higher elevations. Use this time to adjust to the altitude while exploring the village.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover the local lifestyle and customs of the people living in Samagaun.
- Optional Activities:
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp: Explore the base camp for stunning views of Mount Manaslu.
- Visit Birendra Lake: A beautiful glacier-fed lake at 3,450 meters, where slabs of ice crash into the water in spectacular fashion.
- Pungyen Monastery: A 1.5-hour hike south of Samagaun takes you to this secluded monastery, offering incredible mountain vistas.
Time :
5 - 6 hr
Max Altitude :
3,875 m
- Trek to Samdo (3,875 m): Continue your journey toward Samdo. Today's 5-6 hour trek is both fascinating and enjoyable as you cross pastures and climb through the valley, surrounded by juniper and birch trees.
- River Crossing and Ascent: Descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, cross it via a wooden bridge, and then ascend sharply on the other side.
- Arrival at Samdo: Reach Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, especially Mount Manaslu.
- Explore Samdo: After arriving, explore the village and nearby hills before settling in for an overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge.
Time :
Whole Day
Max Altitude :
5,000 m
An acclimatization day in Samdo is crucial during the Manaslu Circuit Trek to help your body adapt to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. This rest day is essential for your well-being in the challenging high-altitude environment.
- Tibet Border Hike: Instead of a full rest, you’ll take a short hike toward the Tibet Border, reaching an elevation of around 5,000 meters. This gentle hike aids in acclimatization while offering refreshing views.
- Return to Samdo: After the hike, return to Samdo for an overnight stay and prepare for the next leg of the journey toward Dharamsala.
Time :
4 - 5 hr
Max Altitude :
4,460 m
- Before arriving at the Budhi Gandaki River on an ancient wooden crossroads, we leave Samdo beneath and proceed toward the Samdo, passing past pastures and historic Mani barriers.
- After crossing two rivers and passing through the Salka Khola valley, we continue ascending and arrive after 4-5 hours of trek at the Dharmasala(Alt. 4460 meters) after spotting the Larkya Glacier.
- Overnight at local lodge/teahouse.
Time :
7 - 9 hr
Max Altitude :
5,106 m
- Anticipated Adventure: Today, you will cross the stunning Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, one of the world's most beautiful passes, during a 7-9 hour trek.
- Early Start: Begin before sunrise, navigating rocky terrain marked by prayer flags.
- Descent to Frozen Lakes: After ascending, carefully descend to four frozen lakes, then tackle the challenging trail to Larkya La Pass, enjoying views of peaks like Himlung Himal (7,126 m) and Annapurna II.
- Post-Pass Descent: The trail continues gently for a short distance before descending steeply and becoming easier as you approach a secluded meadow.
- Arrival at Bhimtang: Arrive at Bhimtang, marked by Mani walls and small structures, where you'll spend the night at a teahouse.
Time :
7 - 8 hr
Max Altitude :
1,860 m
Time :
6 - 7 hr
Max Altitude :
1,400 m
- Morning Drive: After breakfast, drive to Besi Sahar, marking the end of your trek.
- Journey to Kathmandu: After a brief stop, board the vehicle for the return drive to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Enjoy the scenic views as you pass the confluence of the Marsyagdi and Trishuli rivers, taking in the stunning landscapes of terraced plains and towering hills.
- Arrival in Kathmandu: Upon arrival in the bustling capital, take time to refresh and relax.
- Evening Exploration: Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel Market in the evening, savoring local spices, dishes, and beverages of your choice.
- Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner with our representatives, reminiscing about your unforgettable experiences in the Manaslu region. Overnight at your hotel.
Time :
N/A
Max Altitude :
N/A
- Journey's End: The departure date has arrived, marking the end of your journey.
- Airport Transfer: A few hours before your flight, our airport representative will pick you up from your accommodation and escort you to the airport.
- Best Wishes: We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and travels!
Route Map
Fixed Departure
Manaslu Circuit Trek Availability
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FAQs
You might be curious about the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit trek and the fitness level required to complete it successfully. In terms of difficulty, it is considered a strenuous trek.
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