Manaslu Circuit Trek 19 Days

Highlights

  • An adventurous trek that traverses around the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manalsu, in the Manaslu Conservation Area
  • A restricted area trekking, perfect for experienced trekkers looking to level up their game in the Himalayas
  • Witness stunning mountain views and diverse landscapes throughout the trek
  • Trek from sub-tropical forests and ascends to ice fields & glaciers
  • Have intimate encounters with the locals and get to understand their Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage
  • Explore ancient monasteries, gorgeous alpine lakes, and cross a high mountain pass called Larkya La
  • Witness the stunning Manaslu glacier and Manaslu icefall in Samdo
  • Acclimatization hike to places like Birendra Lake/Manaslu Base camp or Pungyen Gompa in Samagaon and Rui La in Samdo

In the ocean of hundreds of trekking routes in the Himalayas, the Manaslu circuit trail is one the best given the isolation of the region and breathtaking scenery. This adventurous trek explores around the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manalsu (8,163 m). Flanked by Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) in the east and the Annapurna range (8,091 m) in the west, Mt. Manaslu sits in the Gorkha district, 50 miles from Kathmandu. 

The trail begins from sub-tropical forests and ascends to ice fields & glaciers. Larkya La pass (5,160 m), the highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek, is our final destination before we begin trekking down to the ending point of the trail Dharapani. The Manaslu circuit trekking route is packed, with all the adventure one can imagine in the Himalayas of Nepal. 

Mesmerizing mountain landscapes, Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage of the locals, diverse vegetation, lovely villages, intimate encounters with the locals, fantastic side excursions, ancient monasteries, gorgeous alpine lakes, and crossing a high mountain pass, the ultimate push of the journey. 

We at Nepal Pioneer Treks custom design the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary for our guests to best suit their necessities. You'll be trekking with a native guide who will help you navigate the trail and introduce you to the Manaslu region. A reliable team will be supporting you during the trek. As you cannot do the Manaslu circuit trek without a guide, it is better to trek with the best one.

What to expect during the Manaslu circuit trek?

During the Manaslu circuit trekking, you will be traversing the Manaslu Conservation Area. The dense forests of rhododendron, oak, fir, pine, and juniper cover the initial part of the route and gradually climb to alpine meadows and glaciers. You will be trekking through the Budi Gandaki gorge, crossing thrilling suspension bridges and lovely waterfalls on the way.

Snow-capped mountains like Manaslu (8,163 m), Boudha Himal (6,672 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Mt. Himlung (7,126 m), Mt. Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Simnang Himal (6,251m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), etc, are seen along the trekking route. Likewise, you will see the Manaslu glacier and Manaslu icefall in Samdo. 

We have two acclimatization days in our Manaslu circuit trek 19 days. In Samagaon (3,520 m), there is a hiking option to Birendra Lake (3,691 m)/Manaslu Base camp (4,800 m) or Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m). Likewise, in Samado (3,860 m), we will hike to Rui La (4,998 m), located near the Tibetan border. 

Difficulty

The Manaslu circuit trek is a strenuous trek. It means only experienced trekkers can do this trek. For beginners, the terrain and overall venture are way too challenging. The trail is off-the-beaten, uneven, and steep. 

You will roughly cover 180 km (110 miles) on the Manaslu circuit trekking. Likewise, crossing a high mountain pass above 5,000 meters (Larkya La, 5160 meters) after many days of trekking demands you to push your limits.   

The Manaslu circuit trek route is very remote, unlike the famous Everest base camp trek and Annapurna circuit trek. Therefore, the limitations along the way are high. While trekking for hours a day on a trodden path, you have to deal with simple accommodations and a strict menu. 

Determination, perseverance, and willpower are needed for the Manaslu circuit trek!

Altitude Sickness

You cannot cancel the altitude sickness entirely during the Manaslu circuit trek. However, you can do certain things to avoid it, and our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary & trained crew are just perfect for it. Acclimatizing, maintaining your pace, keeping yourself hydrated, and getting enough sleep are key for bypassing altitude sickness. 

Be aware of the below symptoms, and if you see any of them, inform your guide right away. 

headache

difficulty in breathing

vomiting

insomnia

nausea

Preparation

To trek for more than 14 days in the Himalayas inevitably demands good fitness and endurance. To become fit for the mountain and its uneven-trodden trail, we recommend you do cardiovascular training like going on hiking, regular long walks, etc. 

Similarly, you can also do swimming, cycling, and running. During the trek, begin and end every day with stretching to prepare yourself for the trail ahead. Each day you have to walk 6 hours minimum. 

Work on your stamina and learn to maintain a constant pace. The Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal is surely a lot more demanding than other trekking routes, but it also is a wonderful venture. Get yourself a lightweight trekking boot and wear it before the trek begins. 

Best Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, 2023 Booking Open

Our 19 days Manaslu circuit trek package is one of the best itineraries in the market. This itinerary is well-designed and tested. You will have ample acclimatization days to adjust to the elevation and take the journey slowly. 

The trip is supported by a well-trained and experienced crew, so you will be safe in the mountains. Likewise, our Manaslu circuit trek cost covers all the essentials and lets travelers freely trek. 

Book the Manaslu circuit trek 2023 departure now, or talk to our team if you have any queries. We are always eager to help you answer your question. 

Kanchenjunga circuit trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu trek, Everest three high passes trek, and Upper Mustang trek are a few other challengings yet very rewarding packages that you should check out too.

 

Itinerary
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Our team meets you at the Kathmandu airport terminal gate. They will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. We have booked a nice three-star hotel in Thamel for your stay in Kathmandu. Unpack and freshen up before hitting the bustling streets of Thamel. In the late evening, you will join a welcome dinner organized by the company.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

On this day, we introduce you to some historical sites in Kathmandu and later prepare for our adventurous trek in the Manaslu region. Early in the morning, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in a four-wheeler and drive you to different locations. You will explore monuments like Monkey temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple. After the tour, we meet with the guide and prepare for the trek. Pack our duffel bags and do last-minute shopping if needed.

 

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a local bus departing from Kathmandu to Arughat in the morning. This is an interesting drive along the scenic Highway. The bus makes two times stop for breakfast and lunch. After a seven hour drive you will arrive in Arughat. After a rest at the lodge at Arughat, you can walk around the town and explore the surrounding areas.  Stay overnight at lodge.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1100m

After having breakfast, we’ll gradually ascend via a lush forested path. On the way, we will come across lovely waterfalls and diverse vegetation. Excellent views of Buddha Himal and Ganesh Himal will accompany us. The trail is peaceful and not crowded at all. Soon, we will reach Kashigaon to spend the night.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1925m

The day begins with an astonishing panorama of the Himalayas. We leave Kashigaon and begin trekking along forests. The landscapes along the way are superb. Not many trekkers follow this trail, so it is not crowded at all. You will get a lot of time to enjoy the tranquility and unwind.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2074m

Leaving Kerauja, it is now time to trek to Dovan. The trail descends gradually towards Dovan. We will now be joining the mainstream route of the Manaslu circuit, so we may come across a handful of trekking along the way. The trail has better tea houses now and much better services.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1070m

The trail goes through sub-tropical rainforests. We will walk past a series of small hamlets, crossing a couple of suspension bridges on the way. We’ll cross the last bridge just before entering Philim. Philim is a fine village with a superb view of terraces and a river.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1570m

The trail continues along the lush forests. We will soon reach the junction that separates Tsum valley and Larkya La pass. Following the trail northwest, we head to Deng village on the way to Larkya La pass. We will take a small break for lunch in Deng and ascend to Bihi Phedi to spend the night.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1990m

We will be walking on an uphill trail that leads us above the valley. The views of Ganesh Himal, Kutang Himal, Shringi Himal, and others decorate the path. As most part of the trail goes through lush forests, we will be seeing a lot of vegetation. The trail heads west, and we'll walk past Prok village. From Prok, it's a steep ascend to Namring.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2660m

Our morning in Namrung village begins with outstanding views of snow-capped mountains like Hiunchuli, Shringi Himal, and Ganesh Himal. After breakfast, we leave the village behind and trek to Loh village. The trail steeply ascends through alpine woods to Lihi village. Gradually, vegetation changes, and we can see more alpine trees and plants. Likewise, we can also notice Tibetan Buddhism's dominance in the region. Passing through ancient chortens and barley fields, we reach Lho village.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3180m

The trail ascends to Samagaon today. Leaving Lho, we’ll walk to Shyla village. From here, trek relishing gorgeous landscapes and a close view of Mt. Manaslu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Upon reaching Samagaon, we will rest and later visit the Ribung gompa.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3520m

Today, we have an acclimatization day in Samagaon. We’ll spend the day hiking and resting. For the hike, we have two options. Either we can trek to the old Pungyen Gompa or the stunning Birendra Lake. Both hikes are adventurous and let us marvel at spectacular mountain landscapes. After the hike, we'll spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in Samagaon.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3520m

The trail ascends, following a deserted path across a windy valley. We will be trekking alongside the Budi Gandaki river and cross a bridge that joins the Larkya La pass trail. Further walking through forests of juniper, rhododendron, and birch, we walk past mani walls. We will ascend to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village located 4 km away from the Tibetan border. Mountains like Simnang Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu glacier, and Manaslu icefall dominate the sky.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3830m

We have another acclimatization day in Samdo village. Today, we will go on an incredible hike to Rui La. This is the closest we get to the Tibetan village. The hiking route is offbeat and steep. From the top of the pass, we'll get to see a breathtaking mountain panorama along with the Tibetan plateau. Later, we head back to Samdo and spend the remaining day with the natives.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4998m

From Samdo, we trek and cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. The trail then gradually ascends to Dharmasala. On the way, the view of Larkya glacier and Mt. Manaslu is mindblowing. The walk is short today, so we will get ample time to relax and recover before a big climb the following day.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4460m

We will wake up early in the morning today. The trail from Dharmasala gradually climbs to Larkya La pass, the highest point of our Manaslu circuit trek. We will walk through green meadows and steep, rocky tracks to reach the top of the pass. From the pass, the views of Mt. Himlung, Mt. Kang Guru, Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II, etc, are seen. From the pass, we descend to Bhimthang to spend the night. The trail steeply descends and walks past small lakes & meadows.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 5160m

Today, the trail offers very impressive mountain views. On the left, we can see Manaslu, while the right side of the trail is dominated by the Annapurna range. Leaving Bhimthang, we walk through yak pastures and follow the Dudh Khola down the hill. Crossing a bridge, we will walk via rhododendron forests that join a narrow valley. We will walk through terraces and crop fields. The trail goes through Tilje and gradually ascends to Dharapani for a night stay.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1960m

We will leave the mountains today and drive back to Kathmandu. The ride will be long and scenic. Once we reach Kathmandu, the team will drop you at the hotel. You have a remaining day to unpack and do window shopping in Thamel. We'll have a bid farewell dinner in the late evening and end the trip.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

Our airport team will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. You can also join another trek or tour with us if you wish.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Route Map
Manaslu Circuit Trek 19 Days Map
Includes/Excludes
Includes

 

  • Two nights accommodation in Kathmandu with twin sharing at tourist standard hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
  • All Ground and air transportation. Pick up and drop.
  • Full board meal 3 times a day (B+L+D) during the trek days including tea & coffee (served in a cup).
  • English speaking trekking guide who has been authorized by the government and necessary number of porters (According to the group size) with their insurance, salary, accommodation, and meals.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Cultural show. (Ethnic music and dance)
  • All the necessary official documents, TIMS Permit, Trekking Permit, Special Permit etc.
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets if necessary.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking Route map.
  • Insurance of Guide and Porters.
  • All required local and government tax.
Excludes
  • Nepal Visa fee and International flight.
  • Meal except for Breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea/coffee, snacks, battery re-charge, laundry service, etc.
  • Personal clothing and gears.
  • Tips to guide and porters.
  • Cost raised by flight cancellation, emergency rescue charges, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control.
  • Monument entrance fees.
Additional Information

Manaslu Circuit trek best time

The best time to do Manaslu circuit trekking is during spring and autumn in Nepal, which runs from March to early May and late September to November, respectively. Spring is the month of greenery and flowers blooming all over the trail. The mountain views are magnificent, and the climate begins to warm up gradually. Temperature ranges between 6°C to 12°C. The weather does not see frequent changes, so you will be on your itinerary. 

Autumn is the season of festivity in Nepa. The biggest festivals are celebrated during this time of the year, so you may get to be part of some of them. Or you can plan the trek accordingly to enjoy the festivals. Likewise, the trail is decorated with yellow and brown leaves. The climate begins to cool down, and the temperature ranges between 15°C to -2°C. The best part is streams, rivers, and waterfalls are replenished by the summer rain, and the air is just at its best. 

Manaslu Circuit trek accommodation

Manaslu circuit trek is a tea house trek. At the end of the day, you get to have a good night's sleep in a simple shared room with one other fellow trekker. The accommodation will be nothing sophisticated, but warm food and a place to lie down after walking 6 hours a day will be a blessing for you. 

The places are runned by the locals along the trail. The rooms have two beds and a shared washroom. Newly built tea houses have western-style toilets, but old ones usually have squat toilets. 

Most of the services, like WiFi, hot shower, charging, etc, require extra money, which is not covered in our Manaslu circuit trek cost. So, better carry some Nepali cash. The accommodation comes with a room and breakfast. 

Meals

Tea houses along the Manaslu circuit trail make it easy for you to have meals while trekking. You will be having dinner and breakfast in the place you spend the night. The menu of tea houses has a good variety of Nepali and Tibetan dishes along with Indian and some western options. You will not be forced to eat anything in particular. Likewise, boiled drinking water is available for trekkers. You can refill your bottle free of cost.

Most of the trekkers like to eat dal bhat as their heavy meal during the trek. It is also the best option, given the price, taste, and freshness of the food. Dal bhat is a staple Nepali meal and comes in a variety of side dishes. There are not many tea shops on the Manaslu circuit trek route, so it is better to carry your favorite snacks and bars. 

Group/private joining

You can do the Manaslu circuit trekking with us in a group or trek privately. As our Manaslu circuit trek 2023 booking is open, you can either opt for our fixed departures in 2023 spring and autumn or book a private trek. Do know that you have to be in a group of two people at least to do a private trek. 

If you are a solo traveler, you have to trek with one more participant that we can arrange for you. As per Nepal government rule, there have to be two trekkers along with a guide and porter in the group. 

Child Policy

Manaslu circuit trek is not for kids below 14 years old. It is a very physically demanding trek, so trekking with a kid requires proper assessment. If you want to do this trek with your child, it is better to first talk with our travel consultants. Please feel free to get in touch with us anytime. We will help you to organize the best Manaslu trek for you and your kids. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is necessary to join the Manaslu circuit trek 19 days. Even if we do our best to make sure the trek goes smoothly without any issues, there are underlying risks of altitude sickness and other unseen events that may occur during the trek. For backup, we ask our guests to buy travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation. 

Manaslu circuit trail is very remote and does not have roads to drive in and out of the region. There are no hospitals or proper health posts in the region. So in case, we have to provide you with medical assistance that needs professional care, we have to air evacuate you to a hospital in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

 

FAQs
  • The Manaslu circuit is a challenging trek in Nepal. This trek is for experienced trekkers who are aware of the Himalayan trail and its limitations. For new trekkers, Manaslu circuit trekking is very difficult and not recommended.

  • The Manaslu circuit trek cost ranges from USD 1200 to USD 1800 per person. The trek cost may vary as per the itinerary and company you are trekking with, depending upon their services.

  • Manaslu circuit trek is one of the longest treks in the Himalayas, and to truly enjoy the essence of this trekking trail, it is recommended to not cut off the itinerary short. Our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary is 19 days long. You can definitely customize the itinerary with us as per your requirements.

  • Yes, the Manaslu circuit trek is way harder than the Everest base camp trek. The trail is off the beaten and steep. Likewise, the tourist infrastructure along the way is also very unlimited, which is unlike the EBC trek. You will need previous trekking experience to join the Manaslu circuit trek and strong fitness.

  • The best time to trek to Manaslu is from March to April in the spring season and October to November in the autumn season. Other months are off time for trekking in the Manalsu region because of unfavorable weather situations. But it doesn't mean you can go on trekking at all in other months. You can if you want to challenge yourself.

  • No, Manaslu circuit trekking is not for beginners. It is a very demanding trek with a high altitude. Previous trekking experience will help you a lot during the Manaslu circuit trek. You will be able to adjust to the environment and limitations much more easily.

  • Yes, you need a guide for the Manaslu circuit trek. It is a restricted area trek. As per the rules of the Nepal government, you can only trek in a restricted area if you are in a group of two people with a guide & porter.

  • Manaslu region explores the surroundings of Mt. Manaslu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It is a restricted area, unlike Everest and Annapurna, so the number of visitors is controlled. The trail is much more difficult than other regions and not crowded at all. The region’s permit fee is very expensive, and the Manaslu region presents surreal mountain views.

  • No, you cannot do the Manaslu circuit trek solo, as we mentioned earlier. The trail goes through a restricted area that one can enter only with a licensed guide and in a group of two trekkers. Also, the trek must be organized by a local Nepali trekking company.

  • No, you will not need additional oxygen on the Manaslu circuit trek. The trail does go above 5,000 meters at one point, but you will not need additional oxygen support to complete the trek.

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