Address:Thamel, Kathmandu
The Manaslu Circuit trek follows the trail alongside and across the Machha River, Ghatta River, Soti Khola, Deng Khola, and Marshyandi River, through the lush green forests with the sight view of the majestic Himalayas including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Lamjung, and Mt. Himlung. The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the must-go treks for adventure lovers.
The trek itinerary will be a total of 17 days, beginning from your arrival in Kathmandu to the departure day. Our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary is designed to provide a high level of satisfaction to our travel lovers by enabling them to observe the beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal at their best.
During the journey, the trekkers will trek through Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng Village, Ghap, Lho, Sama Gaon, Manaslu Base Camp, Samdo, Dharamsala, Bhimtang, Tilije, and Tal. As you need to walk through the narrow and slippery path, we suggest you schedule the trek in the months of September, October, and November. During this time, the views will be more clear and pleasing.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Lunch
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Diverse Adventure will greet you and welcome you to the city. The representative will then transfer you to our hotel and introduce you to your trekking guide.
As you are about to begin a 17-day-long adventurous journey, please make sure that you have brought all the necessary equipment essential for the trek, and even if you have forgotten any, you can buy them tomorrow.
Today you will stay in Kathmandu and embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of different must-visit places inside.
Early in the morning, you can visit the world heritage sites of Nepal like Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath, or Boudhanath. The visit to these sites will provide you with peace of mind. Next, you may visit the Durbar squares either Kathmandu Durbar Square, or Bhaktapur Durbar Square, or Patan Dubar Square, and explore the history and culture of these cities by visiting museums there.
Nevertheless, if you have forgotten any of the essential equipment for the trek, you can buy them at Thamel.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Lunch, Breakfast
Altitude: 930m
On the third day, you will drive to Machha Khola, which is situated at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level. The drive from Kathmandu through Arughat and Soti Khola offers you a picturesque view of charming small towns, the Himalayas incluting Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, countryside settlements and farm villages, waterfalls, Trishuli River, Budhi Gandaki River. After 9 to 10 hours of driving you will reach Machha Khola and rest overnight at a hotel.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1,440m
It is the first day of walking through a slender terrain that persists until reaching the Machha River. Crossing over a ridge within a forested region and navigating suspension bridges over Dovan Khola, enter the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Witness the remarkable transformation of the terrain with varying elevations, featuring lush greenery and mischievous langurs. Following numerous ascents and descents, indulge in a rejuvenating experience at the Tatopani hot springs. The journey proceeds to Jagat, where you will settle in for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 1,865m
Get ready for today's exploration of expansive landscapes amid numerous small rivers, rural villages, and subtropical forests. Our journey kicks off by trekking over a rocky ridge to Salleri, descending towards Sirdibas. As you continue to walk, the terrain broadens on your approach to the Ghatta River.
A narrow, lengthy suspension bridge spans the river, leading to a steep ascent towards Philim, where magnificent waterfalls will greet us in the valley. Upon reaching Ekle Bhatt, the trail expands, guiding us through a bamboo forest. Traverse this lush environment, cross Deng Khola, and finally arrive at the quaint settlement of Deng, where you will spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 2,160m
Commence the day with a breathtaking descent to traverse the river and then ascent to Rana Bridge, through the enchanting valley, passing several small ethnic settlements. This part of the trek includes several landslide zones, so be careful when you make your way through the trail. Encounter Mani stones, extending a welcoming gesture as you enter the Buddhist settlement. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki multiple times, the trail leads to today’s destination, Ghap.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 3,180m
Leaving Ghap behind, today you will move to Lho today. You will pass Namrung (2,630m) at first. The landscape unfolds, revealing numerous peaks in a captivating display. As you have already entered the Buddhist settlement, throughout the trail you will witness the locals dressed in their traditional Tibetan dress, monasteries, and chortens. Next, you will pass through Sho.
Trekking across the rocky hillside trail, you will finally reach Lho. Overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 3,500m
Kick off the day with the stunning view of sunrise and walk through the rocky hillside. Throughout the day you will walk through rhododendron and pine forests and be accompanied by the mesmerizing view of Mt. Manaslu by your side. After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will get to Sama Gaon, the village of the Nubri people. Stay overnight.
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 4,800m
Here comes the only acclimatization day of the trek to get adjusted to the high altitude. Getting amused by the yak pastures and typical Nubri settlements around, go for an acclimatization hike to Manaslu Base Camp (the ultimate destination of the trek) and Birendra Lake, Birendra Lake (3,450m) is at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier.
After observing the beauty of the lake, you will take a steep climb up to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). As the trail begins to gain height, the scenery becomes more vivid and astonishing. Witness a jaw-dropping vista of Mt. Manaslu and other towering peaks, spend some time in the camp, and return to Sama Gaon. Overnight stay at the village.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 3,860m
Today onwards you will make your way back to Kathmandu. To be specific you will slowly climb down to Samdo today. You will be accompanied by the heavenly beauty of the Himalayas while following the trail along Budhi Gandaki and crossing over several wooden bridges to reach the destination. After 5 hours of descending, you will reach the Buddhist settlement in Samdo.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 4,460m
The trail from Samdo to Dharamala is not that hard. Passing the icy stream, you will move towards a drier barren area, crossing the wooden bridges over Budhi Gandaki. As there are mostly Buddhists in this region, you will get a chance to see Buddhist sites including small or big monasteries every now and then. After trekking for around 4 to 5 hours, you will reach Dharamsal. Stay overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lucnh
Altitude: 3,590m
On the 12th day, you will go for Bhimtang from Dharamsala. Throughout the journey you can amuse yourself playfully in the company of the clouds that drift beneath you. During the trek, you will be captivated by promising views of Himlung (7,126m), Annapurna II (7,937m), and Kang Guru (6,981m) before you move downwards towards Bhimtang.
Hiking through steep and slippery terrain, massive icefalls, and surrounding hills like Pongkar Tal that take us through foggy pasture lands, you will reach Bhimtang.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 2,300m
Wake up early in the morning and freshen up with the mesmerizing vistas of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Lamjung, Mt. Himlung, and Mt. Cheo. Continue the narrow trail through a rhododendron forest and cross a high pasture followed by a bridge. After a short trek, you will reach Gho Village and next, you will get to Tilije and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Altitude: 2,300m
The two-week-long trek is gonna conclude today. Following the stone-paved trail down past a mani wall, you will reach Thonje. However, you will not stop here and continue the journey through a police checkpoint and Dharapani on the way to entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, leaving the Manaslu Conservation Area behind. Again, crossing a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola, you will reach Tal, today’s last destination. Stay overnight.
Today you will drive back to Kathmandu from Tal enjoying the stunning view of hill and mountain landscapes. Depending upon the traffic, you will reach Kathmandu within 7 to 8 hours and stay overnight in a hotel here.
Considering the probable delay in the flight, we have arranged this additional day for the trip. If everything goes according to plan, you will have a leisurely day in Kathmandu.
On this day you may visit different cities or go shopping around the markets in either the Asan area or in Lagankhel area as well.
As your final day in the country unfolds, we extend our gratitude for choosing us as your travel companion.
We hope your 17-day-long stay in Nepal was the most wonderful time of your life. Further, we wish you a safe and smooth journey back home.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking trekking adventure around the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters). It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. The trek takes you through remote villages, lush forests, and high mountain passes, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience. Its popularity stems from the pristine scenery, cultural encounters with local communities, and the challenge of crossing the Larke Pass.
The typical duration for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is around 14 to 18 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and acclimatization needs. The best time to trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is relatively stable, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures. During these months, the trail showcases vibrant flora and fauna, making the trek even more picturesque.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately challenging, suitable for trekkers with some prior hiking experience. The trek involves both ascents and descents, and reaching an altitude of over 5,100 meters at Larke Pass requires good physical fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for long walking days and varying trail conditions. While it may not be ideal for absolute beginners, those with a reasonable level of fitness and determination can successfully complete the trek with proper preparation and acclimatization.
To trek in the Manaslu region, trekkers need two essential permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Additionally, a registered guide and/or a minimum of two trekkers in a group is mandatory. These permits are obtainable through authorized trekking agencies in Nepal. It is recommended to arrange these permits in advance to ensure a smooth trekking experience.
Accommodations along the Manaslu Circuit Trek range from teahouses in the lower elevations to basic lodges in higher altitudes. Teahouses offer basic facilities, including a bed and meals. The menu at these places is diverse, providing a mix of local and international cuisine. While options may be more limited at higher altitudes, the teahouses aim to cater to the basic needs of trekkers. It's advisable to be flexible with expectations, as facilities may vary from one lodge to another.
I recently completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and it was an experience that surpassed all expectations. The diverse landscapes, from terraced fields and quaint villages to snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, left me in awe at every turn. The trek provided a perfect balance of adventure and cultural immersion. The highlight was undoubtedly crossing Larke Pass, standing amidst the towering peaks.
Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek was an adventure filled with both highs and challenges. The landscapes were breathtaking, with the snow-capped peaks reflecting in crystal-clear mountain lakes. The cultural encounters in the remote villages were humbling, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.