Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Active Adventure
  • Transport: Public Vehicle
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
  • Group Size: 2-16
  • Max Elevation: Larkya La Pass (5160m)
  • Total Distance: 177 KM

Highlights

  • A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola.
  • Explore Budhi Gandaki Valley.
  • Cross Larkya La pass 
  • Explore the culture of Tibetan Buddhism in this region.
  • Mesmerizing views of the Annapurna Range and Mt. Manaslu.
  • Walk in the serenity of the Manaslu region.
  • Visit Kargyu-Pemba Chholing Gompa, Labrang Gompa, Pungyen Nunnery etc

Description

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. The peace and solitude in this trek are unlike any other destination in Nepal. The scenic views of Manaslu and other mountains including the Annapurna range are wonderful in the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lies above the foothills of the Gorkha District. You will encounter people of various ethnicities like Brahmins, Chhetris in the lower regions. But as you trek to the high altitude regions, you will meet Gurung people. The Gurungs of this region are adherents of Tibetan Buddhism.

You can see the influences of Tibetan Buddhism in various places along this trek. During your trek, you will get to various monasteries like Kargyu-Pemba Chholing Gompa, Labrang (Lama’s Place) Gompa, Pungyen Nunnery, etc. These monasteries let you explore the Buddhism of this region. These monasteries are also set beautifully amidst the mountains surrounding this region. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek by Mount Mania starts after a scenic drive through the hills surrounding Kathmandu valley to Arughat and finally to Soti Khola. The trekking trails then take you along the gushing waters of Budhi Gandaki river.

The trail passes through several farmlands, bamboo, rhododendron, oak, and pine forests as you trek to the highest point of this trek in Larkya La pass. This pass is set at an altitude of 5125 meters. The pass is one of the best vantage points to view several mountains like Pawar Peak (6,620m/21,720ft), Cheo Himal (6,820m/22,376ft), the Himlung pyramid (7,126m/23,380ft), Gyaji Kung (7,030m23,065ft), Kang Garu (6,981m/22,905ft) plus Annapurna II (7,937m/26,041ft). 

Are you Planning Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of the best places during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the village of Samagaon. You will spend a day acclimatizing to this village. Exploration of this wonderful place includes the visit to the various Gompas as well as mountain viewing spots.

After crossing the Larkya La pass, you will descend into the dense forests of the Manaslu Conservation Area. You will cross some picturesque villages along the way like Samdo and Bimthang before finally getting to Dharapani. From Dharapani, you will take a bus ride to Kathmandu. You can also extend this trip to Tsum Valley

Manaslu Trekking Permit Cost

Manaslu Restricted Permit Fee

Manaslu trek permit from September to November (Autumn) will cost USD 100 for the first seven days and USD 15 for each additional days
Manaslu trek permit from December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer) will cost USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 for each additional days

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Fee 

MCAP Entry Fee for SAARC:  NRs.1000 per person 
MCAP Entry Fee for other nationals: NRs. 3000 per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Fee (ACAP)

ACAP Entry Fee for SAARC: NRs. 1000 per person 
ACAP Entry Fee for other nationals: NRs. 3000 per person

Read more about trekking permits

Manaslu Circuit Trek Without Guide

It is not possible to do the Manaslu Trek without a guide because the area from Jagat to Bhimthang is a restricted zone. You can't go trekking by yourself; you have to be with at least one guide or porter who has a license from the government.

Read more about manaslu trek solo or without guide

Read More: An Ultimate Guide to Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek

Mount Mania invites you to this culturally, as well as a natural, blessed place of Manaslu. Its fresh trekking trails with awesome landscape and an astonishing backdrop of mountains are every trekker’s delight. 

12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

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Today, you will head out to the starting point of your trek i.e. Solti Khola. You will take a bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The route of the bus takes you along the Prithvi Highway. The road you through the middle hills till Malekhu. From Malekhu, a 30km road takes you north along the Trishuli river as you head towards Dhading Besi. A further 35-kilometer drive along a dirt road leads you to Arughat. As the road gets winding up to Gola Bhanjyang, you can see panoramic views Ganesh, Baudha and Manaslu Himal. A further 3 hours of ride leads you to Soti Khola. The bus ride up to Soti Khola is 8-9 hours. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 160km / 8-9 hrs
  • Altitude: 710m

You will start your trekking journey today. The initial portion of today’s trek takes you along a gradual uphill through beautiful Sal forests. You will then walk past forested and terraced ridges and numerous waterfalls along the way. At times, the trail also narrows. You might also find yourself clinging to the sides of cliffs sometimes.

The trail then descends as you walk past rice paddies before climbing up to Labubesi (885m/2,800ft). From the village of Labubesi, you will trek to a suspension bridge Nauli Khola falls. You will then descend to gravel banks along the river before hiking gently up to Machha Khola village(900 meters). The trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola is 6-7 hours long. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 11km/ 5-6 hrs
  • Altitude: 900m

After breakfast, you will head out on a 6-7 hour trekking journey to Jagat (1410 meters). After crossing Machha Khola, you will trek gently up to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi. From there, you will get to the natural hot springs at Tatopani. This trail is also quite challenging.

After crossing a short forested path, you will reach a single teahouse at Doban. Above the village of Dobhan, Budhi Gandaki river descends rather impressively to a series of rapids. The river is quite calm beyond this steep slope. A further trek from Dobhan leads you to Lauri, where you will cross the river on a suspension bridge. Finally, you will climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat, where you will spend your night. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 22km / 7-8 hrs
  • Altitude: 1410m

After breakfast at a teahouse in Jagat, you will embark on your trekking journey. A gentle uphill trek followed by a trek along level fields takes you to a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki. After crossing this suspension bridge, you will get to Philim. Philim is a large Gurung village that is home to small serene monasteries, stupas and prayer flags. You will have your lunch in Philim.

After lunch, you will trek through a flat leveled path. This path is inside pine and rhododendron forests. During the trek, you will also cross a few bridges that overlook quaint villages afar. After trekking for 6-7 hours from Jagat, you will arrive at Deng (1080 meters). Deng is home to a few houses. You can also enjoy an amazing waterfall lying at a small distance from Deng. This is an agricultural village that is famous for its potatoes, and buckwheat, barley, wheat, cabbage, & spinach. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 20km / 7-8 hrs
  • Altitude: 1804m

Deng is a village that is the point of entry to Kutang or lower Nupri (part of Tibet until the 1840s): It is a primarily a Gurung settlement with the culture of Tibetan Buddhism. They have their own language. The trail from Deng takes you along a winding path to Rana. After trekking past a series of uphills and downhills, you will get to a log bridge. After crossing a tributary from the bridge, you will get to an isolated water mill. Then you will descend gently along the trail to Bihi Phedi, which lies high above the river.

Beyond Bihi Phedi, the trail descends as you cross the Serang Khola. Then, you will trek along a winding path that shapes up like an S. The path lies between sheer basalt walls. You can also see huge rocky crags to the right. You will also have splendid views of the waterfall above the maize and wheat fields. As you trek towards the northeast direction, the valley broadens. After trekking past a bridge and mani stone walls, you will reach the attractive village of Ghap (2,250m/ 7,382ft). Past the village of Ghap, you will trek through bamboo, rhododendron and oak forests. On some days, you can also see birds like Impeyan pheasant (also known as Himalayan Monal)

This trail is above the steep descent of the river. For a short duration of time, you will trek to the north bank. Then you will head back towards the southern bank after crossing a bridge. After trekking for one hour from the bridge, you will reach Namrung. Namrung also has a police checkpoint for permits. Just before you get to Namrung, the trail overlooks Tum Khola from Tibet. This adds to the volume of water in Budhi Gandaki in the confluence. The trek from Deng to Namrung (2630 meters) is 6-7 hours long. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 19.5km / 7-8 hrs
  • Altitude: 2630m

Namrung is a Tibetan village and serves as an entrance to Upper Nupri. As you trek past a mix of forest and barley fields, you will reach Lihi. You can see impressive chortens as well as great views of Himal Chuli (7,893m/25,897ft) and Ganesh Himal. The trail then descends before entering a valley as you cross the Hinang Khola. After crossing Hinanag river on a bridge, you will trek along a steep uphill to a chorten, which offers spectacular views of Ngadi Chuli (7,873m/25,831ft).

As you trek further up a steep ridge, you will reach Lho. You can also visit a large monastery called Ribung monastery in Lho. You will then trek down a steep uphill before you reach Damonan Khola tributary. After trekking past a plateau, you will get to Shyala village (3,520m/11,549ft). Shayala overlooks many beautiful peaks like Himal Chuli (7,893m/25,897ft), Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7,873m/25,831ft); and Manaslu (8,156m/26,760ft).

As you continue trekking, you will get to a bridge over Numla Khola. The trail then takes the left of Pungyen Gompa. After trekking for 6-7 hours from Namrung, you will get to Samagaon (3530 meters). Kargyu Chholing Monastery stands against a forested moraine around the edge of this village. From Samagaon, you can only see the upper sections of Manaslu and the Naike ridge. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 18km / 7-8 hrs
  • Altitude: 3530m

Today, you will explore the village of Samagaon, which is the regional center of Nupri. You will also get to know about the culture and architecture in the region: only potatoes and barley flourish in the short summers at this altitude. Most of the people in this village weave clothes from sheep or Tibetan imported wool. They are also involved in the manufacture of hooked rugs for trade with Tibet. 

You will visit the Labrang (Lama’s Place) Gompa and the Kargyu Chholing Monastery in Samagaon, The history of these monasteries dates back some 500 years ago. Many people ascribe the history of these monasteries to its earlier Tibetan settlers. The monastery has impressive wooden carvings. All in all, there are eight temple buildings. The largest of them is the Pemba Chholing Gompa. It is home to an impressive statue of Guru Rinpoche.

A gentle hike past the monastery leads you to Birendra Tal (3,450m/11,319ft). This lake lies below Manaslu Glacier. You can also trek for close to 3 kilometers to get to a hilltop or a stony beach which offers wonderful views of Manaslu. You can also follow a trail towards Samdo to a bridge over the stream from the lake. After trekking for 5-6 hours, you will get to Manaslu Base Camp.

You can also trek to Pungyen Nunnery (3,870m/12,697 ft). It lies above Pungyen Glacier. You can get sumptuous views of the Nadi ridges and Manaslu from near the gompa. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 5/ 6 hrs
  • Altitude: 3870m

The initial part of today’s trek descends towards Budhi Gandaki. The trail is in the north towards the lake. You will walk along the Base Camp trail as you encounter several mani walls as the valley widens. The trek is relatively easy and lies a shelf above the river. You will walk past the forests of juniper and birch which surround Kermo Kharka. The trail then descends to a wooden bridge as you cross the Budhi Gandaki river.

Then you will trek along a steep uphill to a ridge that lies above the confluence of Budhi Gandaki and Mayol Khola. You will encounter a stone arch, and fields before you get to the entrance of the village. Although the place is an attractive one, it is primarily a yak and goat herding area. The village only turned out as a settlement in the late 1950s when Tibetans fled Tibet.

As you trek past these fields, you will get to several sets of flags on a high ridge. Here, you can catch superb panoramic views of Samdo Peak (6,335m/20,785ft) and its glacial basin, the Sama Valley, Manaslu range, Syacha Glacier, Dharamsala, and Larkya La pass. After trekking for 4-5 hours from Samagaon, you will reach Samdo (3860 meters). Samdo is the last village before Gho, in the Manang District. Only informal kharkas (with lodges) lie between these villages. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 8.5km / 3-4 hrs
  • Altitude: 3860m

You will trek past the fields in the northern village as you cross the Budhi Gandaki the final time. This will take place in the Larkya Bazaar site. The flow of the river takes it to the Pana Danda Valley in the north. You will then take the westward trail. You will trek past grassy slopes with scrub juniper, rhododendron and lichen covered granite. This trail is just above the Syacha Khola Valley. Along the way, you can also see the origin of Syacha Glacier, which descends from the Manaslu North ridge.

The trail works heads towards the Larkya Glacier. After trekking past the Larkya La Phedi, you will get to a settlement called Dharamsala (4460 meters). Today’s trek from Samdo to Dharamsala is 4-5 hours long. A short walk from your guesthouse will take to a place with better views of the Larke (6,249m/20,503ft) and Naike (6,291m/20,641ft) peaks. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 6.5km / 3-4 hrs
  • Altitude: 4460m

Today you trek for 3-5 hours to ascend 800m/2,600ft to get to Larkya La Pass (5160 meters). You will then descend for 3-4 hours losing 1,500m/4,900 in altitude to get to Bimthang(3720 meters). If the wind blows, it can get really cold along the way. You have to be extra careful if you encounter ice and snow along the way.

The trekking trail from Dharamsala takes you along a gentle ascent to a ridge. Then will be a long gentle climb to the moraine. The trail along the northern moraine of the Larke Glacier is not quite steep. However, the trek is quite long and rocky. So you might find this a bit challenging. From the glacier, you can see the Larke Peak (Larke Himal) and Pawar Peak (Cheo Himal) on the south and north of the glacier respectively.

From the pass, you will trek uphill to an ablation valley. The trail then drops down to the first of four small scattered frozen lakes. As you trek uphill to the glacial moraine from the left, you will get to the first set of summit flags. The trail overlooks the Tibetan border ranges beyond Samdo Peak on the eastern side. There is a long moraine-ridge that is parallel to the Larke wall. A set of flags separates the Larke Wall. These flags are the markers of the border between the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation areas.

This place is a wonderful point to see the various peaks like Pawar Peak (6,620m/21,720ft), Cheo Himal (6,820m/22,376ft), the Himlung pyramid (7,126m/23,380ft), Gyaji Kung (7,030m23,065ft), Kang Garu (6,981m/22,905ft) plus Annapurna II (7,937m/26,041ft).

After spending some time in Larkya La pass, you will start your descent begins from these prayer flags. The trail descends steeply from the moraine. Then you will get to a set of steep zigzags until you reach Dangboche Kharka (4,450m/14,600ft). The trail from Dangboche Kharka is not really steep. The trail winds along the lateral moraine of the Salpudanda/Bimthang glacier before getting to Bimthang Valley. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 24.5km / 8-9 hrs
  • Altitude: 3720m

Bhimthang is a beautiful settlement that gives you views of the Kechakyu Himal on the north and Manaslu’s northeast face. Bhimthang serves as a settlement of the people of Samdo village in the summer season. It was also an important trading post before the border to Tibet closed down. It was also a center of the Tibetan Khampa warriors around 1970.

Today’s trek begins as you walk past the Bimthang Plain. You will descend along a trail to cross the stony glacier before heading up a moraine to enter rhododendron and pine forest. All along this route, you will get wonderful views of Larke, Manaslu, Nadi and Chuli Himals. As you descend further, you will get to Hompuk and Sangura Kharka before reaching Karche. From Karche, you will trek past terraced fields and a steep uphill until you reach Gho.

The trail from Gho takes you through farmlands to Tilje (2,300m/7,546ft). From there, you will descend rapidly towards the Marsyangdi Valley in Thonje (1,965m/6,447ft) You will then join the new road along the main Annapurna Circuit route in Dharapani(3560 meters). Today’s trek is 5-6 hours long. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
  • Distance: 22km / 7-8 hrs
  • Altitude: 1860m

Today, you will head back to Kathmandu. You will follow the Prithvi Highway en route to Kathmandu. To reach our destination, we need to drive for about 7-8 hours by jeep and 9-10 hours by local bus. On the way, you can view natural waterfalls, rice-field, local house, forest, and streams.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Accommodation: None
  • Distance: 8-9 hrs
  • Altitude: 1320m

What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Three meals a day (12 Breakfast, 12 Lunch, and 11 Dinner) during the trek
  • Local Bus Ticket (Kathmandu to Soti Khola)
  • Local Bus Ticket (Dharapani to Kathmandu)
  • 12 days English Speaking Trekking Guide with Insurance, Transportation, Food and Accommodation
  • All Trekking Permits (ACAP, MCAP and Manaslu Special Permit)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner 
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed).
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude) 
  • All Government and Local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers

Useful Information

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The total length of the Manaslu Circuit trek is around 177 kilometers. You will be trekking for 10 days covering a distance of 15-20 kilometers every day. 

Another factor that determines the difficulty of this trek is the uphills and downhills you will encounter along the way. Many times as you trek along the Budhi Gandaki river, the trek can be harrowingly steep. The trek up to Larkya La Pass is also quite challenging.

Guide on Manalsu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to the highest altitude of 5,213 meters in Larkya La Pass. The altitude is high enough to incite altitude sickness. The trails also can get quite breezy making the trails quite cold. 

Taking all of these things into consideration, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a strenuous trek. As a result, you will have to be quite fit in order to complete this trek. 2-3 months of physical preparation will be necessary for you to complete this trek. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time

Autumn (September, October, and November) is the most popular time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Autumn offers the most beautiful views of Manaslu as well as other mountains in the Annapurna Range.

Spring (March, April, and May) is the second most popular time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The rhododendron forests of the Manaslu Conservation Area light up beautifully in this season. The low rainfall in this season is another reason for the popularity of the spring season.

As you will trek to an altitude of more than 5000 meters in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the trek can be quite cold in the winters (December, January, and February) with temperatures going as low as -20 degrees C. In the summer season (June, July, and August), the trails can be quite wet with the monsoon. So you will have to pack and prepare extremely well to trek in these two seasons.

Also Read: Updated Manaslu Trek Permit Cost

FAQs

How should I apply for Manaslu Trekking Permit?

Manaslu Trekking permit must be applied through the professional trekking agency which must be legally registered under the Nepal government act. 

Can I apply for Manaslu trek permit individually?

This is one of the most common questions that most of the trekkers’ ask. But, you can not apply individually for Manaslu trekking permit. Minimum of two trekkers is required to apply for Manaslu special permit from one of the professional trekking agency. 

Note: If you are planning Manaslu Trek individually, contact us we will find out other trekkers to join. 

Do we need a guide and porter for Manaslu trekking? 

As we know, the Manaslu region is located in the restricted area, the Nepal government and concerned authorities have made compulsory to have one licensed holder professional guide. Whereas, taking porter is optional.

Another major reason behind taking guide is for easy communicating with the local people in a village. The guide will also provide information about the authentic culture around Manaslu region.

How difficult is Manaslu Trekking? 

The difficulty level depends on your physical fitness. During the trip, you should be able to walk 6-7 hours a day. Sometimes, we need to walk longer, so be prepared for that. Similarly, at some point like Larkya La Pass (5160m), there is a step down which makes a little harder to pass due to the icy path.

In that case, using crampon on boots to pass the icy path to reach Bimthang would be recommended. As you know, Larkya La Pass is the highest point as well as the longest day in Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you complete this day, then another path is quite easy to trek down around the Annapurna Region.

If you are motivating from the first day then completing the Manaslu Circuit trek is not that much difficult. In between the trekking, the guide will suggest you take a different level of walking pace depending on your destination. This will make your trekking a lot more physical friendly.

What is the total cost for the Manaslu Trek and Tsum Valley Special permit?

Manaslu Circuit Trek Total Special Permit Cost:

Winter, Spring, and Summer Season: USD 110 per person. USD 7 for each additional day 
Autumn Season: USD 130 per person for 7 days. USD 10 for each additional day 

Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley Total Special Permit Cost:

Winter, Spring, and Summer Season: USD 145 per person. USD 7 for each additional day
Autumn Season: USD 165 per person for 7 days. USD 10 for each additional day

When is the best time to trek in Manaslu?

Like many other treks Manaslu is best between mid September and mid December, and between end of March to end of May. Some trekkers do undertake this trek in the monsoon between June and September but very few would choose the winter. The reason being sometimes the pass cannot be crossed due to snow.

What's the weather look like in Manalsu? 

At the start of the trek the climate is subtropical. Overall you can expect somewhere between 10 to 25 Celsius throughout the year. However in the upper parts of the trek the temperature will fall to -20 or below in the winter.

Feel free to contact us, if you are a planning a trip to Manaslu Trek, we will help you to create a customized itinerary on your specified month and cost. 

Customer Reviews

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