This Manaslu Circuit trek is just as varied as the Annapurna Circuit. However, the great advantage of going around Manaslu is that you can hike through a tranquil region. Here, the Buddhist culture has kept its original character.
You’ll start and finish the trek in the tropical lower valleys. In between, you pass through wild gorges, raging waterfalls, and subtropical forests. Finally, you cross the Larkya La pass at an altitude of 5200 meters. The pass is located in a desolate landscape of rocks, snow, and ice. After crossing this high mountain pass, you will descend back into warmer climates.
The Manaslu trek itinerary begins with a day’s drive to Macha Khola. The last kilometers you travel on an unpaved road through the rice fields. First, you will hike through local villages and open wide trails. Here, it is warm and tropical, and you will pass through several bamboo forests.
The closer you get to the swirling Burhi Gandaki, the more you walk into a gorge. Once you arrive in the canyon, you will hike past high rock walls and beautiful waterfalls. Regularly, you cross the Burhi Gandaki River by suspension bridges. Additionally, you will hike right beside the roaring river.
Eventually, you hike out of the gorge, and the valley opens up to you. From here onward, Buddhist culture is visible throughout the landscape. This becomes evident when you pass by the typical Buddhist mani walls and chortens.
As you progress, more snowy peaks emerge to form a stunning backdrop. For acclimatisation, you take a side trip to Pung Gyen Gompa. The monastery sits in the shadow of Manaslu Mountain. Starting from the village of Samagoan, the mountain slopes are overgrown with birch and juniper. From here on, it is still a couple of days of hiking to the Larkya La pass. At dawn, you will climb from Larkya Phedi to the high Larkya La pass. While crossing the pass, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snowy mountain peaks. Among them are the famous Himalaya peaks, including Himlung Himal and Annapurna II.
After passing the Larkya La, the trail descends steeply downwards. Gradually, the alpine vegetation gives way to rhododendron forests as you descend. Your Manaslu Circuit Trek comes to an end in Tilje. From this final village, you’ll travel back to Kathmandu.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu and finalizing the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola (930 m – 8 hrs)
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1340 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 5: Trek to Deng (1800 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2600 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 7: Trek to Shyala (3500 m – 3 hrs.)
Day 8: Climb to Pung Gyen Gompa valley and trek to Samagoan (3530m - 6 hrs.)
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3860m - 5 hrs.)
Day 10: Acclimatization day in Samdo.
Day 11: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4460 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 12: Cross over Larkya La pass (5200 m) to Bimthang (3720 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 13: Trek to Tilje (2300m – 7 hrs.)
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu (8 hrs.)
Day 15: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season, prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size, and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
– 4 nights in a hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Private drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola; local drive from Tilje to Besishar and onwards a private drive to Kathmandu
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of a waterproof bag for your luggage
– Manaslu Concervation Area Permit, ACAP fee, TIMS card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary, like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for the mountain guide and porters
