Trip info
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Min 2 Max 12
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Grade: Challenging
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Sept-Nov, Mar-May
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Max. 5,160m/16,930ft
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Duration: 16 Days
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Private & Sharing Jeep
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Hotel/ Teahouse/ Lodge
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All meals are included
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Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
- Trek the stunning off-the-beaten Manaslu Circuit to get closer to the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu.
- Experience the friendly people and a rich culture that includes Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic groups.
- Hike to the trek’s highest point at Larkya La Pass, which is 5,167 m high. From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Manaslu region.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of some of the world’s tallest mountains: Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and more.
- Experience stunning snowy peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru, with flowing glaciers.
- Get a glimpse of diverse wildlife, including endangered species like snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan Tahr.
A classic trek featuring exemplary trekking experiences; off the beaten trail, outstanding views, high pass and diverse cultural and geographical experience.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a classic off-the-beaten trek in Nepal. It features pure wilderness and majestic beauty as it circles the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It features off-the-beaten-path routes, high mountain passes, stunning views, and a rich diversity of cultural and geographical experiences. The sublime experiences you enjoy in the Manaslu region are unlike any other you’d ever imagine.
The Manaslu Circuit trek offers a challenging journey through the stunning Himalayan region, testing the mind, body, and soul. The area’s rich biological diversity and the unique culture of the local people, who share connections with Tibet, are captivating. Travelers can experience ancient traditions and intriguing history.
Despite the harsh trail conditions, the trekking experience in the destination is rewarding overall. But getting to it can be challenging. The paths are rocky and steep, and trekkers encounter shaky bridges and slippery rocks en route. This is all part of the adventure of exploring the wild. The trek through Manaslu Circuit is a lifetime opportunity to experience stunning natural beauty and engage in unique cultures and traditions.
Delve into the off-beaten path of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and soak in panoramic views, conquer high mountain passes, and immerse yourself in diverse cultural and geographical experiences. Our 16-day Manaslu circuit trek covers all the major highlights of the region while ensuring proper rest and acclimatization.
Manaslu Circuit Trek: After spending two nights in Kathmandu, you begin your journey to Manaslu. You will drive off-road for an extended period to reach Soti Khola. From there, you start your trek, passing through several villages along the way.
The trail passes through beautiful forests, traditional villages, and wide mountain valleys with great views of Manaslu and other peaks. you have planned rest and acclimatization days to ensure your bodies adjust to the altitude. Following the standard route, you will arrive in Samagoan, where you will stay for two nights before ascending to higher elevations.
From Samagaon, the trail gets more remote as you head to Samdo and then to Larkya Base Camp. The crossing of Larkya Pass is one of the most challenging but rewarding days, offering stunning views before dropping down to Bhimthang. After crossing Larkya Pass, the trail gradually descends through green forests and smaller villages until you reach the road at Dharapani. Then it’s a drive back to Kathmandu.
Customize Your Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The Manaslu Circuit trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please contact us.
16-Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
We recommend that you schedule your arrival in Kathmandu in the morning or afternoon. This will give you enough time to relax and recover from jet lag before starting your adventure. Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel where you will be served welcome drinks. After you have freshened up, your trek guide will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening.
Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street. Visit to Thamel, the main tourist hub. Overnight at Kathmandu's in a Hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
In the morning, you visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, as part of a guided sightseeing tour. The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon, you will be briefed about your upcoming adventure. If you have any doubts, check your equipment and visit the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple near your hotel. Spend the night in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s an early drive today for Machakhola. During the drive, you enjoy views of Nepal’s colorful rural landscapes, and the mountain scenery is evident throughout your journey. You will be driving on a well-tarred road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m), but the drive from Dhading Bensi to Arughat will be on a roughshod road.
On reaching Arughat, a major town in the region, you'll drive further down to Sotikhola and eventually reach Macha Khola after an 8-9-hour drive.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The slender trail has some minor ups and downs, eventually crossing the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. After some ascending and descending, you'll came across a small hot spring in Tatopani. You will climb over another ridge from the hot spring and then cross the Budhi Gandaki on an airy suspension bridge.
At this juncture, you will climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, you climb the stone stairs, drop to the river, and climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you will climb over a ridge, trek along the river, and then climb towards the village of Jagat.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After descending a chain of stone steps to the river, you'll climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where you can see the impressive Sringi Himal (7187m). The path splits, with the right-hand branch heading off towards the Ganesh Himal while crossing the river at Gata Khola.
Your route continues upstream through a gorge with tall walls. You will cross the river thrice in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a short walk beyond Deng, you cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, you'll climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani, where you turn towards a corner that surrounds Ghap.
Despite an alternative route, you will take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint from which to see the beautiful Siringi Himal. You will cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and encounter several gompas en route.
The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it gushes down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense, and the trail is all right again. The pleasant walk continues, and after a last steep climb, you'll reach Namrung.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The seventh day of the Manaslu trek begins with breakfast in Namrung. Instead of going straight to Samagaon from Namrung, you'll broke the climb in half and stayed at Lho. This not only allows you more time to adapt to the increasing altitude, but from Lho, you can catch stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m).
You will explore the typical lifestyle influenced by Tibet as you walk through Banjam, passing by mani walls, lush terraces, and houses. And you’ll enter a fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lihi and then Sho.
Along the way, you’ll see locals wearing traditional Tibetan clothing and notice beautiful paintings in the gate arches (Kani) you pass. As you trek across rocky paths, you’ll finally reach Lho, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m).
Since you’ll be gaining altitude, strolling and paying attention to how your body feels is essential.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the eighth day of the trek, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear streams. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Sama Gaun.
The mountain views fade once you enter the village; however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you. Samagaon is the principal village of the Nubri people. It has a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, telephone/Wi-Fi access, etc.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You are staying at Samagoan today as part of your acclimatization plan to prevent altitude-related illness. Acclimatization day can also be a rest day if trekkers don’t feel like trekking to any side destinations. You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa today for your acclimatization hike and then retrace to Samagoan overnight.
This allows your bodies to adapt to the increasing altitude by climbing high and sleeping low. On a little hill near, Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great glacier views. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, which describes the two peaks well.
Manaslu base camp is situated north of Samagoan and offers a close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. During September, you will see the expedition tents set up at the base camp, as Manaslu is climbed mainly during September.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you'll begin; your day by descending the Budhi Gandaki River, which has turned north, and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base Camp.
The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley widens. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river, passing juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. You'll drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, and climb steeply onto a headland between two river forks. From a stone arch, you can view a large white kani. Finally, passing through the kani, you'll reach the village of Samdo.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The thundering Budhi Gandaki River trickles to a stream as you cling to its course and hike high up. This rewards you with amazing mountains from all sides. Manaslu stands in a league of its own.
After crossing the river’s east bank, you'll reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, Sumdu. High above the village, you'll cross a stream, which runs down from the Gya La (Pass), the pass to Tibet. And you'll come to the wreck of an abandoned village known as Larkya Bazaar. You assume this village thrived as a trading point, with Tibet lying over the Gya La.
The exchange seems to have dried up, leading to the settlers’ migration. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, you'll reach a lodge at 4450m, which has been built to cater to travelers crossing the Larkya La.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a brief climb, you'll reach a glen on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers, from where you can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, you will walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent that becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass.
From the pass, fantastic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kusum Kangguru, and the huge Annapurna II. It is a pretty lengthier day than usual to Bhimtang, but to walk into these lower pastures with the eventide fog setting in and with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an irresistible experience to remember
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, from a crest at Bimthang, you get to savor lovely views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. You will descend further and cross a high meadow (Sangure Kharka), followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. You walk through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, at 2785 meters.
You pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping circle to a river bank at 2580m. A brief distance beyond is the village of Gho, where you will stay overnight.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will climb over a small rim and enjoy the stone-paved trail as it passes through a charming, colorful village. You then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall, and reach Thonje village.
At the village, you'll pass through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. Lunch stops at Dharapani, and afterward, you'll catch your jeeps and drive to Besisahar for your last night on a trek.
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to the mountain and drive back to Kathmandu. The total journey from Besisahar to Kathmandu will take 6-7 hours, and you expect to reach Kathmandu by late afternoon. You will make a lunch stop along the way, and after reaching Kathmandu, you will have free time.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories.
You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home. Safe Journey!! We hope to see you again.
Meals: Breakfast
Manaslu Circuit Trek 16-Days Cost Details
Cost Includes
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
- Tea, coffee with Hot boiled water for drinking purposes on the trek
- Accommodation at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu for 3 nights
- All private ground transportation including airport transfers
- Twin-sharing accommodation at clean and cozy Teahouse/lodge
- All required permits for the trek (Special permit, MCAP & ACAP).
- Experienced English speaking local trekking guide
- Assistant guide to client ratio for personalized attention and support
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers: Porterage of your duffel bag (15kgs)
- Duffle bag for porter use (1 duffel bag per trekker)
- Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicine
- Trekking Area Map, and Water Purifications Tablet
- Staffs salary, food, equipment, and insurance, included on-trip cost
- Official expense, all local and government tax and VAT.
- Sleeping bag if needed (it is refundable)
- Farewell celebratory dinner in Kathmandu with trek team
Cost Excludes
- International flight tickets and Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara during stay
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24. al equipment
- Personal hiking equipment
- Personal expenses. Additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as other events beyond control.
- Drinks except tea and coffee. (Bar Bill, laundry and telephone calls.)
- Travel Insurance: Liability of insurance against any kind of medical expenses etc.)
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
- Tips for treks guide and porter (it is appreciated)
16-Days Trip Cost Details
- The trip cost always depends on group size, hotel accommodation category and client’s desire budget
- The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which AlpineTrav you. This trip itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements
- The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both AlpineTrav and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client’s request before the trip confirmation
- Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/ her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly
- The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary has been published in 3-star hotel and tea house/lodge services for better understanding of the customers.
Please contact us on WhatsApp: +9779860751012 for any information about in your selected package.
Useful Info
Please take care to note: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, the health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and during the trek
During your journey, we will manage your accommodation from Kathmandu to Manaslu Circuit. You will stay in the good reputable Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu, which has best facilities, services. After you leave Kathmandu and start climbing altitude, you will find simple hotels, lodges, and teahouses as your means of accommodation. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bared necessities..
Food during trekking in Manaslu Circuit
Throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, tea houses serve food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. However, it’s advised to avoid non-vegetarian food while trekking, as it may strain your metabolism and cause digestive issues at higher elevations. Still, we provide trekkers with food to choose from, anything from the menu.
Additionally, frozen food is often unhygienic due to long transport times. To stay healthy during hikes, stick to locally sourced vegetarian food. Generally, trekkers get to eat three meals every day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and trekkers have it before starting their trek. Some of the breakfast menus are Breakfast Sets, Pancakes, Tibetan Bread, Eggs, etc.
The menus for lunch and dinner are somewhat similar, with Nepali Dal and Bhat being the main serving. Trekkers can also eat Western meals like Pizzas, Burgers, Dumplings, etc.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu circuit trek is challenging due to its longer duration of trekking days and a maximum elevation of 5,160m/16,930ft at Larkya La Pass. The daily average walking hour is 6-7 hours.
Unlike other famous trekking regions of Nepal, Manaslu is still considered off the beaten path, so a basic sense of adventure is required on this trek. Previous trekking experience is not required, but you must be fit and comfortable walking 6-7 hours daily carrying your day pack. There are some factors of trek that make Manaslu Circuit Trek hard, and they are:
High Altitude – Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the toughest high-altitude treks of Nepal. The trekkers have to reach an elevation of 5,106 m, which invites altitude sickness. Altitude sickness poses a significant risk for those trekking the Manaslu Circuit, particularly at high elevations like Larke La Pass (5,106 meters). Symptoms often start mild—headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and nausea—but can escalate to more severe issues like vomiting, confusion, and dizziness.
The most severe form, high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), is life-threatening and can occur in trekkers with acute mountain sickness at high altitudes. Proper attention to symptoms is crucial to prevent serious consequences.
Long Distance and Duration – Another factor in the difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit trek is the long distance and duration. The average duration of this trek is about 16 days and can be extended up to 21 days. Each day, trekkers have to trek for six to seven hours.
The long distance and duration of the trek can take a huge toll on the physicality of the trekkers. Hence, this is why trekkers must be physically fit and start preparing months before the trek.
Harsh weather conditions – Another difficulty for trekkers on a journey to Manaslu Circuit Trek is the dynamic weather conditions, especially at high altitudes. The weather constantly changes from sunshine to winds to snow. The temperature increases during the day but falls below freezing at night, making it tougher for trekkers to cover more distance.
Remoteness – Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the remote trekking destinations in Nepal. Since this destination is restricted, few trekkers can reach it without a proper permit or verification. The trekking destination has limited infrastructure, such as transportation, hotels, hospitals, banks, etc., which makes trekkers’ daily lives difficult.
Rugged Terrains: – The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers trekkers a tough and varied landscape. You will face steep climbs and descents, rocky paths, and slippery areas, especially near high-altitude passes like Larkya La Pass.
The trek moves through different environments, from subtropical forests to dry, high-altitude areas, which requires good physical fitness. You will walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River and over glacial moraines, making it important to have the right trekking gear and be prepared for a good workout.
Challenging but rewarding Larkana La Pass
The Manaslu Circuit is one of the toughest treks in Nepal, as it takes you to the high elevation of Larkya La Pass. The adventure towards Larkya La Pass is challenging but equally rewarding. Let’s be real—crossing Larkya La Pass is no walk in the park. It’s thrilling, sure, but it’s also tough. Most people would say it’s moderately challenging—not the hardest trek out there, but definitely not a breeze.
One of the biggest hurdles is the altitude. At 5,160 meters (16,930 feet), the air is thin, and every step can feel like a workout. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so taking it slow and letting your body adjust is key. Then there’s the weather. It can get brutally cold and windy near the pass, especially early in the morning or late in the season. Snow can blanket the trail, turning it into a slippery, tricky path.
The Trails are also long, steep, and demanding.
Crossing the pass usually takes about 8 to 10 hours of hiking, which can be exhausting if you’re not used to long treks. Despite the challenges, so many people make it through—and you can too. With the right preparation, gear, and a solid dose of determination, crossing Larkya La Pass is absolutely doable. And when you do, it’s not just a physical accomplishment; it’s a moment you’ll remember forever.
Manaslu: A restricted area
The Manaslu region is designated a restricted area of Nepal. There are many restricted areas in Nepal, including Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Tsum Valley, and the Dolpo region. These regions are restricted to protect and safeguard their delicate natural environment and unique cultural heritage. Keeping places like Manaslu a restricted area helps the government regulate the tourist flow and conserve the local culture and traditions.
Another reason for restricting this trek is the conservation area. The trek passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to endangered flora and fauna species. Over the years, ethnic groups like Tamangs and Gurungs have generally maintained their customs and traditions.
So, by controlling tourism inflow, the government and tourism board have prevented cultural dilution and provided an authentic view of local life and the people residing there. To experience a restricted region like Manaslu, trekkers must obtain a special restricted area permit and trek with an authorized trekking agency.
Weather and temperature of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Understanding the weather and temperature of the Manaslu Circuit can enhance your trekking experience and make your journey far safer. The ideal weather and temperature for trekking make the trek fun. In contrast, constantly facing dull or challenging weather and harsh temperatures can hinder your encouragement and make you mentally weak.
Hence, this is also the reason trekkers must do research and find the ideal season for perfect weather and temperature for tough treks like the Manaslu circuit.
The ideal weather and temperature for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are the Spring and Autumn seasons. The spring season starts in March and ends in May, and the weather and views are crystal clear.
The temperature is also quite favorable for trekking, with a high temperature of close to 20 degrees and a lower temperature of around -5 degrees. Similarly, the Autumn season is also quite ideal for trekking in terms of weather and temperature.
The average temperature trekkers will feel during Autumn is about 18 degrees during the day and around -10 at night at high altitudes.
- Spring (March): Daytime Temperature 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F). Nighttime Temperature -6°C to -12°C (21°F to 10°F)
- Spring (April): Daytime Temperature 6°C to 16°C (43°F to 61°F). Nighttime Temperature -2°C to -8°C (28°F to 18°F)
- Spring (May): Daytime Temperature 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Nighttime Temperature 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F)
- Autumn (September): Daytime Temperature 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F): Nighttime Temperature 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)
- Autumn (October): Daytime Temperature 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 61°F). Nighttime Temperature -2°C to -6°C (28°F to 21°F)
- Autumn (November): Daytime Temperature 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F). Nighttime Temperature -5°C and -10°C (23°F and 14°F)
Are there alternative trekking routes around the Manaslu region?
The Tsum Valley Trek offers a unique experience at the base of Manaslu Mountain, taking you through the hidden Tsum Valley and remote villages. Located north of Gorkha, the route follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing colorful rhododendron forests and the hot springs in Tatopani. Entering the heart of Tsum Valley from Chhokangparo, you’ll discover scenic paths adorned with chortens and Mani walls.
This beautiful area is nestled among Buddha Mountain, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Mountain, and Sringi Mountain. The Tsumba people regard Manaslu, meaning “spirit mountain,” as a spirit deity. Trekking in this area became accessible to foreigners in 1992 and remains a controlled area.
Locals believe Guru Rinpoche established settlements in Tsum Valley during the 8th century as refugees for Tibetans fleeing conflict and famine.
Tsum is one of the best-preserved valleys, where polyandry is still practiced. This moderately strenuous trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,240 m at Rachen Gompa.
What are the transportation options for the Manaslu circuit?
Ground transportation in the Manaslu Circuit Trek mostly involves public or tourist buses, cars, and shared or private jeeps. The trek’s starting point is Machha Khola, which you can reach from Kathmandu by public or tourist bus and private vehicles. The local public bus is a budget-friendly mode of transportation, costing about $5 per person. Similarly, you can also choose the tourist bus, which costs $10 to $12 per person.
Another option for transportation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is private vehicles like cars or jeeps. During off-beaten treks like Manaslu, trekkers generally prefer traveling in jeeps rather than cars.
You can also choose either the private or shared mode of jeep transportation based on your budget. Private jeep mode is more flexible but expensive, as it may cost about $300 to $500 per person, and on the other hand, the shared mode of jeep transport costs about $150 to $200 per person.
What kind of culture can I experience during the Trek?
Trekking offers the chance to immerse in the unique culture and traditions of the people living in the region. The people trekkers will interact in the Manaslu region differently from other treks in Annapurna, such as the Annapurna circuit trek. This trek offers the rich and diverse cultural experience of the Nubri and Tsum people, who have strong ties to Tibetan Buddhism.
At the start of the trails, you’ll encounter primarily Chettri, Brahmin, and Magar people. As you go further, you’ll meet Indo-Aryans and Tibeto-Burmans in the upper regions. The Gurung people are predominant in the Manaslu region, while the Nubri and Tsum communities live along the Chikkur River.
Both groups practice Buddhism, Animism, and the Bonpo faith, speaking Nepali with their native languages, Numbri and Tsum, and some also speak Sino-Tibetan languages.
Festivals in Nepal foster unity and preserve a rich culture. In the Manaslu region, celebrations like Loshar showcase traditional dances and attire. Lhosar, or “New Year,” is celebrated by the Tamang, Gurung, and Sherpa communities, with Tamang people marking Sonam Lhosar in January or February, gathering to exchange warm wishes.
Another important festival in the Manaslu region is Tsum Shagya. The highlight of this festival is the nonviolent tradition of Tsum Valley.
Tsum Valley has been a sacrificial place since 1920, emphasizing the power of non-violence and spirituality.
Can a beginner trek the MANASLU Circuit?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is very challenging for beginners.
It is still possible for trekkers with no prior experience to complete the trek successfully. You should have moderate fitness, but no prior experience is needed. This trek can take 14 to 18 days, depending on your pace, the season, and the itinerary. It begins in Maccha Khola and follows the Budhi Gandaki River valley. The trail circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
The Manaslu trek requires physical fitness because it involves long walking days on rough terrain and high altitudes, especially at the Larkya La Pass, which is over 5,100 meters high. Beginners should train before the trek with cardiovascular and strength exercises to build stamina and endurance. They should also consider trekking with a trusted agency and experienced guides.
Guides are extremely important as they offer support, provide safety, help in navigation, and can also issue permits. Additionally, the trek involves walking for 6-7 hours daily, adding to the challenge for beginners.
FAQs About Manaslu Circuit Trek
The following information will give you some ideas on what to bring for a hike. It is important not to forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the hike. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the hike. That is why we have listed some below.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket
- Duffle bag
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note that our guide will carry medicine and first aid kit during the trek. However, we recommend that you bring your own personal first aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous – but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
Determining which trek is “harder” depends on individual factors, but generally, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered more challenging than the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. While EBC reaches a higher altitude at Kala Patthar, the Manaslu Circuit involves longer distances, more rugged and remote terrain, and the challenging Larkya La Pass. Manaslu typically has more basic teahouse accommodations.
The worst month for the trek in the Manaslu region generally falls during the peak winter, or the monsoon season. July falls during the peak monsoon season with relentless rainfall, and adiitional possiblities of natural disasters. January falls during peak winter season, with harsh weather, and freezing temperature. Constant blizzards, and snowstorms also hinders trekking.
The trekkers looking to explore Manaslu Circuit trek must issue three permits which are Manaslu restricted area permit, Manaslu Conservation area permit, and Annapurna Conservation area permit. Since this destination is at restricted region, trekkers must show these permits at many checkpoints throughout the trek.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is undeniably challenging, though whether it’s the “hardest” is subjective and depends on individual experience. It presents significant difficulties due to its remote location, rugged terrain, high altitude, including the challenging Larkya La Pass at over 5,100 meters, and unpredictable weather. These factors, combined with long daily treks and basic teahouse accommodations, demand a high level of physical fitness and mental resilience.
The average trek duration of Manaslu Circuit Trek is from 10 to 12 days, however it can be extended to 18 days for proper itinerary, and to explore all the important places of the destination. The longer duration also enables proper acclimatization day for trekkers to minimize the possibility of altitude sickness.
When choosing a Manaslu Circuit Trek route, variations in duration and side trips, particularly to the Tsum Valley, are key. The standard trek takes 12-16 days and features the challenging Larkya La Pass. Adding the Tsum Valley extends the trek by 5-7 days, offering cultural immersion and unique landscapes. Important considerations include acclimatization, physical fitness , and the impact of weather conditions.
Manaslu Circuit Trek has several popular landmarks that trekkers can reach and explore. Along the trek, they reach popular places like Sama Gaun, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Larkya La Pass, etc, which are the must-see landmarks for trekkers to experience.
The Manaslu trek is less crowded, attracting only a few thousand trekkers each year. It requires a special permit for groups of at least two hikers. Trekkers should not expect luxury accommodations or a wide variety of food options. The Manaslu Nepal trek is one of the untouched paths in the Himalayas and offers a deep experience of local culture and traditions.
Yes, you’ll need microspikes for the Manaslu trek, especially when crossing Larkya La Pass, where snow and ice are common. A solid pair of hiking boots with full ankle support and good grip is also important, along with trekking poles to help with balance and reduce strain on steep sections.
Map
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