If you are seeking a trekking experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a genuine sense of adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a dream come true.
Mount Manaslu, also known as Kampunge, is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Mount Manaslu (8,163m/ 26,781ft) above sea level is located in the western part of Nepal, within the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Manaslu in Sanskrit means “manasa,” meaning “Intellect” or “soul”. Manaslu is known in the Tibetan language as “Kutan l“, in which “tang” means the Tibetan word for a flat place. Manaslu lies in Thoche, Dharapani, and Samagaun Village Development Committee of Manang and Gorkha Districts in the Western Development Region of Nepal.
Trekking must be headed by a Nepal Government Licensed Trekking Guide with a special permit and an ACAP permit too. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is widely regarded as one of the most stunning treks in Nepal. Opened for trekking in 1991, it is a relatively new route. The highest point of the trek is the Larkya La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,106 meters.
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Manaslu Circuit Trekking Highlights
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
- Mount Manaslu (8163m) is the World’s 8th Tallest Peak
- Larkya La Pass, one of the most challenging and rewarding passes at an elevation of 5,160m/16,751ft.
- Rich cultural experience, inhabited by diverse ethnic groups like the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Sherpas.
- Trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area which is rich in diverse flora, fauna, including lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts.
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Tibetan Buddhist communities, with visits to monasteries, mani walls, stupas, and traditional villages like Sama Gaon and Lho.
- Rivers, Waterfalls & Suspension Bridges
- Relax in the hot springs of Tatopani, a perfect spot to soothe your muscles after a day of trekking.
- Visit to Tibet border from Samdo.
Benefits of Trekking with Himalayan Gateway Trek
- Free transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to the hotel during arrival and vice-versa on departure.
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Trek with experienced local guides who prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
- Enjoy customized itineraries that match your fitness level, preferences, and available time.
- Enjoy transparent, fair pricing with no hidden costs, ensuring value for your money.
- Receive quick assistance in emergencies, along with guidance to prevent altitude sickness.
- Stay in local teahouses and connect with the local people to immerse yourself in their culture.
- Himalayan Gateway Trek promotes eco-friendly and responsible trekking, working closely with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits the region while preserving the environment.
Comprehensive Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a stunning adventure around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek offers a perfect mix of raw natural beauty, cultural richness, and a challenging high-altitude journey, making it one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path treks.
Ideal for experienced trekkers or those seeking a quieter alternative to the Annapurna or Everest regions, the trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. From there, the trail gradually ascends through dense forests, deep river gorges, and ancient Gurung and Tibetan-style villages. Along the way, you’ll pass through places like Machha Khola, Samagaun, and Lho, each offering a unique cultural window into life in the Himalayan highlands.
As you move higher, the landscape becomes more alpine, with glacier-fed rivers, majestic snow-covered peaks, and views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and more. The trek’s high point is the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)—a challenging yet breathtaking section of the journey that rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan range.
What sets the Manaslu Circuit apart is not just its scenic grandeur but its deep cultural connection to Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags line the trail, and locals still follow a lifestyle influenced by centuries-old traditions. It’s a trek where culture and nature walk hand in hand.
Typically completed in 14 to 17 days, the Manaslu Circuit Trek includes both teahouse stays and guided support, ensuring safety and comfort even in its more remote sections. The route requires special permits, as it lies within a restricted conservation area, which helps preserve its unique heritage and natural environment.
The best time to trek is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, the skies are clear, and the mountain views are at their most impressive.
For those looking for a challenging, culturally immersive, and less crowded trekking experience, the Comprehensive Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalayan Gateway Trek is a journey of a lifetime—rich in adventure, beauty, and meaning.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Itinerary Details
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1,400m ) and transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, our friendly team from Himalayan Gateway Trek will be there to greet you with a warm welcome and take you to your hotel.
Once you arrive, you’ll receive a warm welcome, with staff presenting you with traditional flower garlands. They will assist you with the check-in process and make sure you’re comfortable. Afterward, you can relax and get ready for your adventure the next day. In the evening, walk around Thamel and have dinner whenever you like.
At Himalayan Gateway Trek, we are excited to begin this journey with you and ensure a memorable experience throughout your stay in Nepal.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu (1400m) to Maccha Khola (890m ) by Local Deluxe Bus.
After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, you’ll embark on a long but scenic drive toward the starting point of your trek. The journey takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, traveling westward along the Prithvi Highway before branching north toward Arughat and further to Soti Khola and Maccha Khola. The road winds through lush hills, terraced fields, and riverside villages and offers glimpses of rural Nepali life.
Expect a mix of paved and bumpy off-road sections, especially after Dhading or Arughat. By evening, you’ll reach Maccha Khola—a small riverside village nestled along the Budhi Gandaki River—where you’ll spend the night and rest up for your first day of trekking.
Day 03: Trek from Maccha Khola (890m ) to Jagat (1,410m).
The trek begins with a gentle ascent along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several narrow suspension bridges and passing through lush forested trails and small Gurung settlements like Khorla Besi and Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. The trail continues with steep ascents and descents, navigating through rocky ridges and riverbanks.
After crossing the Yaru Khola via a long suspension bridge, a final uphill push brings you to Jagat, a well-organized village with stone-paved streets and a checkpost for the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). You’ll stay overnight in Jagat, soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.
Day 04: Trek from Jagat (1,410m) to Deng ( 1,860m).
After breakfast, you leave Jagat and walk uphill to the small village of Sirdibas, where you can see beautiful valley views. Then you cross a long suspension bridge to reach Philim, a bigger village with a police checkpoint.
From here, the trail goes through green forests and bamboo trees, following the Budhi Gandaki River into a narrow valley. You pass Ekle Bhatti, then walk up and down through quiet forest paths and past small waterfalls. After a few more hours of walking, you arrive at Deng, a tiny village with Tibetan culture, where you will spend the night and rest.
Day 05: Trek from Deng (1,860m ) to Namrung (2,630m).
Today’s trail starts by crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and heading through dense forest and scattered villages. You pass through Rana and then climb steadily to Bihi Phedi, where you’ll see signs of Tibetan culture. The path continues through pine and rhododendron forests, with a few steep sections and stone staircases along the way. As you go higher, you’ll get your first good views of snow-capped mountains.
After crossing a few small wooden bridges and passing more quiet villages, you’ll reach Namrung, a peaceful village with good lodges, a police checkpoint, and great mountain views. You’ll rest here for the night.
Day 06: Trek from Namrung (2,630m) to Shyala ( 3,575m).
You start the day walking through a beautiful forest of fir, oak, and rhododendron trees, with the trail slowly going uphill. Along the way, you pass small villages like Lihi, known for its chortens and barley fields, and Sho, where you begin to see amazing views of Mount Manaslu. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler and the landscape becomes more alpine.
After a few more hours, you reach Shyala, a peaceful village surrounded by high mountains. From here, you can enjoy views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and other snowy peaks. You’ll stay the night in Shyala, preparing for more adventures ahead.
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Day 07: Trek from Shyala (3575m) to Samagaun (3360m).
Today is a short and easy walk compared to previous days. You leave Shyala and follow a gentle trail through open fields, past mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. The views of Mount Manaslu and nearby peaks are still incredible along the way.
After about 2–3 hours, you reach Samagaun, one of the biggest and most important villages in the Manaslu region. The village has Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, and stunning mountain views. You’ll have the afternoon to rest, explore the village, or visit the Pungyen Gompa or glacial lake nearby if you’re feeling up for a short hike. You’ll spend the night here.
Day 08: Rest at Samagaun (3,530m ).
Today you will take a rest day at Samagaun to allow our bodies to adjust to the higher altitude of 3,530 m . This day is important for preventing altitude sickness and giving you a chance to relax and explore the village. We can take short walks around Samagaun, visit the local Tibetan monasteries, or enjoy the stunning views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.
Additionally, there are several interesting options for the day, such as hiking to Manaslu Base Camp, exploring Birendra Lake (a glacial lake at 3,450m), or visiting Pungyen Monastery. The Pungyen Monastery, located south of Samagaun, is a two-and-a-half-hour hike away. Hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu, it offers spectacular views of glaciers.
Day 09: Trek from Samagaun (3,530m ) to Samdo(3780m).
Today you will begin the trek from Samagaun to Samdo, a small Tibetan village situated at 3,860 m. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River before ascending gradually through a series of rocky terrains and alpine meadows.
We will be getting amazing views of mountains, especially Manaslu, as we reach Samdo – a Tibetan refugee village. Upon reaching Samdo, we will also explore this village and the surrounding hills. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and as you reach Samdo, the higher altitude will begin to make the air thinner, so it’s important to take it slow and stay hydrated. Samdo is an ideal place to rest and prepare for the challenging trek ahead.
Day 10: Trek from Samdo (3,860m) to Dharamsala (4,460m).
On Day 10, you will continue the trek from Samdo to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, which sits at an altitude of 4,460 m. As we trek, we’ll pass through rocky paths and alpine meadows, getting closer to the base of Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek.
Now you can settle into your accommodation at Dharamsala, where you can rest and prepare for the challenging trek over Larkya La Pass the following day.
Day 11: Trek from Dharamsala (4,460m) to Bhimtang (3,590m ) by crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160m )
On Day 11, you will embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the trek. From Dharamsala, we will begin our ascent toward Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,160 m. After reaching the summit of Larkya La, we descend into the Bimtang Valley, where the terrain changes to more alpine meadows and forests.
Once in Bimtang, situated at 3,590m , we will rest and recover from the day’s challenging trek. This village offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and it’s a well-deserved place to relax after crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass.
Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang (3590m) to Tilche ( 2300m).
After a good rest in Bhimtang, you start your trek with amazing views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal. The trail begins by descending through open alpine meadows, then enters a beautiful forest filled with rhododendron, pine, and oak trees. You’ll pass by small streams, wooden bridges, and peaceful spots to rest.
As you go lower, the air gets warmer and the landscape turns greener and more tropical. You’ll pass Gho village, where some trekkers choose to stay, but you continue on a gentle downhill trail to reach Tilche, a quiet Gurung village with stone houses and farms. You’ll spend the night in Tilche, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Day 13: Trek from Tilche (2300m) to Dharapani (1,860m ) and drive to Beshisahar (760m ).
Today, you’ll begin with a downhill walk from Tilche through forests and small villages, heading toward Dharapani. The trail takes you through timber forests, across a few streams, and past terraced fields.
Once in Dharapani, you’ll have a short rest before catching a jeep or bus to Beshisahar, the main town in the area. The drive is about 2–3 hours along a bumpy road, taking you through villages, river valleys, and rolling hills. After reaching Beshisahar, you can relax and reflect on your trek, enjoying the much lower altitude and warmer weather. You’ll spend the night here.
Day 14: Drive from Besisahar (760m) to Kathmandu (1,400m ).
Today is the final day of your trip. After breakfast, you’ll start the drive back to Kathmandu, which takes about 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey follows the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, passing through green hills, small towns, and farming villages along the way.
You’ll arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon, where you can check into your hotel, take a hot shower, and rest after the long adventure. In the evening, you might want to enjoy a nice dinner in Thamel or do some last-minute shopping before heading home.
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu.
On the final day of your journey, you will be transferred to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping or explore the city.
As you leave Nepal, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of your incredible trek through the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
What is included in this trek package?
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Two nights Kathmandu Hotel including breakfast.
- Annapurna Conservation Permit and Manaslu Conservation Permit
- Manaslu special permit.
- All kinds of transportation services, notably local vehicles.
- Twin sharing mountain lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Full board meal during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with tea/coffee
- An english speaking,government licenced trekking guide and porter (1 porter for 2 trekker’s )
- Food,salary,insurance,accommodation of Nepali staff
- Sleeping bag & Duffel bag to each trekker’s (to be returned after the trek )
- All the government and local tax with paper work
- Farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant
- Travel & rescue arrangement (Helicopter evacuation available if required, at clients cost based on clients insurance policy)
- Trekking Certificate
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
- ACAP and MCAP permit.
What is excluded in this trek package?
- Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the trekking package.
- The Nepal visa fee of $30 USD can be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters bottled or boiled water, shower, heater and phone calls etc
- Travel Insurance (including medical evacuation, trekking, and emergency rescue) is not included.
- Personal trekking gear like trekking boots, jackets, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and a backpack are usually not included. These items must be purchased or rented separately.
- Private Jeep ( additional $350 for round trip )
- Tips to Guide and Porter
- All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Food and extra night’s hotel in Kathmandu & due to an early return from a trek, or an extended stay in Nepal
- Additional trips or tours in Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Map
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Himlayan Gateway Trek provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- 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
Free Pick and Drop from Airport
We offer a complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off service at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will then be driven to your hotel in a private vehicle.
Accommodation During the Trek
This package includes fifteen nights of lodge-to-lodge accommodation at the best available lodges along the Manaslu Circuit. We provide seven nights’ stay at rooms with a private attached at Soti khola, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun(2N), Bhimtang, and Gho.
Meals During the Trek
During the trek, you will be provided with a variety of nutritious and hygienic meals to keep you energized. While there are fewer meal options compared to urban areas.
Luggage Limit
The luggage weight limit for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 9 kg per trekker. For every two trekkers, one porter is assigned, and the combined weight of their luggage will not exceed 18 kg.
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
The best trekking seasons for the Manaslu Circuit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies and mild temperatures, with daytime temperatures at higher altitudes ranging from 18°C to -4°C.
Note to Travelers :
We organize private treks for groups of at least two people and do not add anyone in your group. Contact us via Call/WhatsApp/Viber at +977 - 9861197727 or email himalayangatewaytrek@gmail.com You can also use our Free Trip Planner.
