Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Region Trek , Nepal , Restricted Region Trek
Duration
17 Day
Tour type
Trekking/Hiking
Group size
2+
Accommodation
Tea House/Guest House
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max.Altitude
5160m
Best Season
Through Out The Year
Departure from
Kathmandu
Hightlight
- Best remote trek towards the 8th highest peak of the world
- Least crowded trekking trails
- Cultural villages of Gurung and Tibetan Buddhist community
- Flora and fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area
- Exploration of the Budhi Gandaki River Valley and its various richness
- Incredible vistas of the snowcapped peaks: Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), Shiringi (7,187m), Langpo (6,668m) and Saula (6,235m)
- Experience of crossing Larkya La Pass (5,213m)
- Side trips to Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake and Pungyen Gompa
Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular off-the-beaten-path trekking in Nepal. It is a wonderful combination of nature, culture, and adventure.
Located in the historical Gorkha District, it is the closest off the beat trekking route that gives different experience from other treks like Langtang Valley Trek.
This Nepal Trekking Route is named after Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest peak in the world. Mount Manaslu is also called a Killer Mountain as it is one of the hardest 8,000ers to climb.
Besides, you can witness tens of snowcapped peaks above 6,000m. Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, & Ganesh Himal are some of the prominent peaks seen during this epic Manaslu trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). It is one of the Himalayan conservation areas in Nepal that has protected large variety of flora and fauna.
This trek rewards you with unspoiled nature and culture untouched by modernity. The lifestyle of the Manaslu Region is still in its purest form because it is away from city lifestyle.
The Manaslu Region shares its border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It used to be an ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet. Thus, it is fragile from the security perspective as well.
Due to its unspoiled nature, ancient culture and security sincerity, the Nepal Government has declared it as a restricted area for international tourists.
Trekking to Manaslu Region is equally adventurous. The Manaslu Trekking Route begins from around 700m and rises as high as 5,167m (Larky La Pass). Gradual altitude gain is a challenge for beginner trekkers but it offers a thrilling adventure, too.
Ancient monasteries of Tsum Valley help you feel peace of mind. This Himalayan Valley has been following footsteps of Lord Buddha since time immemorial. Animal sacrifice is forbidden in this valley. If you are non-veg, you must forget non-veg dishes at least until you remain in this valley.
Manaslu Trek Permits
Manaslu Region is a restricted area for trekking in Nepal. Hence, you cannot do this trek as a solo trekker but needs at least two in your group. Your group must have a government-licensed trekking guide.
Among Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, you need a restricted area trekking permit. Manaslu Trek Restricted Area Permit price is one for the autumn whereas different for rest of the months.
From September to November, it costs USD 10 per person per day for the first 7 days. Then, you have to pay an additional charge of USD 10 per day.
From December to August, the special permit price is USD 70 per person per day for the first 7 days. Then, you have to pay an additional charge of USD 10 per day.
Another is Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit. The cost of MCAP Permit is USD 30 per person per entry and remains same throughout the year.
The last one is Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit because after crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,167m), you enter into Annapurna Region. The ACAP Permit price is USD 30 per person per entry.
Being an off-the-beaten-path trekking in Nepal, TIMS Card is not necessary for this trek though.
However, if you want to continue Annapurna Circuit Trek from Dharapani, the same permit works. Nevertheless, for Annapurna Thorung La Pass Trek, you must have TIMS Card mandatorily.
You do not have to worry about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits. The agency you book the trip with will manage all these because it is an organized trip.
Around Manaslu Trek Cost/Price
Manaslu Circuit Trek cost/Price is higher than Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Mardi Himal Trek. Besides other expenses, you have to spend for a special trekking permit for this trek.
The special trekking permit, also known as restricted area permit price is an additional expense than other treks in the Himalayas. Similarly, you need two conservation area permits: an MCAP Permit and an ACAP Permit.
Even though an off-the-beaten-path trek, it is completely a teahouse trekking in Nepal. This Nepal trekking route contains teahouses and lodges providing luxurious to basic services of food and accommodation.
However, the higher you trek, the higher the price of food, beverages and accommodation.
You cannot do Manaslu Trek as a solo trekker, so you must pay a good amount for your guide and porter. Similarly, you might like to give incentives and allowance to your guide and porter when you become happy with their services.
Comparing to Everest Trek, transportation cost for the Manaslu Round Trek is cheaper because you do not have pay for domestic flight tickets. You can reach to the trailhead by public bus, tourist bus or rent a private jeep. The price of roadway transportation is cheaper than flight tickets.
In addition, you do not need to spend extra amount for purchasing climbing gears. It means climbing gears like ice axe, ropes, harness, crampons, etc. are not necessary. You have just to pay for your stuffs.
Manaslu Round Trek Package
There are several versions of Manaslu Circuit Trek package available. Nepal Trekking packages are made according to your budget, vacation, choice and route you want to follow.
Manaslu Circuit Trek alone is also done if you want to avoid traversing across Tsum Valley. Avoiding Tsum Valley Trek means less days in itinerary that saves your time, energy and budget.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary ranges from 11 days to 17 days and even longer. If you are experienced in Nepal trekking routes, especially in the high altitude, you can even customize this trip.
But for beginner trekkers in Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trekking 14 days will be more suitable. As a beginner, you need enough time for acclimatization and observation of natural and cultural heritage sites.
Without enough acclimatization time, you might be unable to beat Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty. Starting from around 700m, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route Nepal reaches as high as Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,167m.
As soon as you trek higher than 2,500m from the sea level, acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common phenomenon. To overcome possible altitude sickness during the trek to the Himalayas, you must have enough duration for pauses during the trek and acclimatization days.
So, we recommend you to make sure you book the right Manaslu Circuit Trek package based on your physical fitness and experience.
Short Manaslu Round Trek
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is design for those having less than 2 weeks’ vacation in Nepal. Although short, the rewards are not different from that of longer itinerary.
Short Manaslu Round Trek is more suitable for the experienced trekkers who have already done high-altitude trekking in Nepal.
Moreover, you must have good physical fitness that can sustain with long trekking hours and AMS. Make sure you have habit of regular exercise and sound health condition to successfully complete Short Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,167m) might be challenging for beginner Nepal trekkers. This is one of the highest passes in the Nepalese Himalayas, a major challenge for Manaslu Trek.
Best Time for Manaslu Trek
Either the spring or the autumn is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The spring and autumn are peak seasons of Nepal trekking.
Trekking to the Manaslu Region in the spring lets you enjoy the colorful forests due to hundreds of blooming flowers.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) contains more than 2,000 species of plants both flowering and non-flowering. The flowering plants including rhododendrons decorate the forests during the spring because this is the blooming season.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in the autumn is popular for splendid views of the snowcapped mountains including Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). The weather in this season remains stable and pleasant serving clear skies. When the skies are clear, you can see the panorama everywhere.
The autumn is also call festive season in Nepal. You can also observe and become a part of festivals like Dashain, Tihar, etc.
Because of the natural scenery and festive occasions, spring and autumn are called Manaslu Circuit Trek best time.
However, if you love tranquil trekking trails and can adjust with cold temperature, Manaslu Circuit Trek in the winter is also possible. Although a off-season to trek in Nepal, you can book Manaslu Circuit Trek package in winter.
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking gives a different experience from doing Manaslu Circuit Trek alone. Generally, trekkers combine Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Tsum Valley is also call a hidden treasure of the Nepalese tourism industry. This valley has maintained unspoiled nature and culture untouched by modern technology and tools.
Tsum Valley is a beautiful serene village surrounded by Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. Stone-roofed houses, terraced fields, Himalayan streams, lush forests and several snowcapped mountains above 7,000m are the assets of this village.
Tsum Valley Trek rewards you with the true flavor of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition in Nepali territory. Thousands of years old monasteries, chortens and mani walls make this place a completely peaceful zone.
Most significant Tibetan Buddhist shrines are Piren Phu (also called Milarepa’s Cave), Ruchen Nunnery, Mu Gompa and Gumba Lungdang. Spending a time at these monasteries help you feel peace of mind.
The most beautiful aspect of this serene village is that animal sacrifice is not allowed in this sacred valley as well.
Therefore, Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek rewards you with a lifelong experience of trekking in Nepal.
Conclusion: Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Arughat at an altitude of 6,00m all the way up to Larkya La Pass (5,167m). Traversing along the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), you might occasionally have glimpses of diverse flora and fauna.
Walking up and down the hills and mountains gives you a true sense of adventure during the Manaslu Trek.
Enjoy and experience the authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions in Tsum Valley.
Manaslu Round Trekking is all about a wonderful combination of nature, culture and adventure all at once!
Itinerary
On the arrival time, the representative of Nepal Trekking Routes welcomes you at the Kathmandu Airport and escorts you up to the hotel.
After taking rest, you can collect some trekking gears required for Manaslu Circuit trek around Thamel, the tourist junction. In the evening, the trekking guide gives you instructions about the trekking itinerary, difficulty, and the nature of landscapes and so on.
After having breakfast, the tour guide of the company takes you around Kathmandu Valley for showing you the sites worthy of visiting. There are seven out of ten cultural, natural and religious sites recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. You will be visiting Patan Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashuaptinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa in the course of Kathmandu Sightseeing tour.
Today, you head towards the gateway to Manaslu Circuit trekking region by roadway transportation. After having breakfast, you travel in a private jeep along the Prithvi Highway up to Dumre Bazaar, a town below the Queen of Hills, Bandipur. En route, you enjoy the staggering views of the snowy peaks of Manaslu region, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna region. The journey moves ahead along the banks of the Trishuli River and then the Marsyangdi River. After about eight hours driving, you reach the Budhi Gandaki Valley to begin your trekking formally the next morning.
After having breakfast, you begin the epic trek around Manaslu region through the rugged trail until you get to Machha Khola. You will walk past some gurgling rivers, natural springs and the paddy fields in the course of trip. Similarly, you go across a few suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki Valley. You move along Lububesi, a typical Gurung Village that has kept its unique culture and tradition intact for ages.
Today’s trekking track continues along a few pastoral Gurung Villages of Manaslu trekking region. You also go across a few suspension and wooden bridges over the mountain rivulets like the Tharo Khola and the Yura Khola. After following a stone stair, you reach Khorlabesi Village and a natural hot water waterfall. You can play with the hot water while taking a short pause here. Moving further, you come across some Gurung ethnic hamlets with their traditional housing pattern, lifestyle, art and architecture. Finally, you reach Jagat where you spend the night at a teahouse that serves you local organic food as per your appetite.
Walking past some lush subtropical forests, pastoral villages and cultivated fields, you reach Deng for the night stay. The villages you have to go across are Salleri and Sirdibas before you cross the suspension bridge over the Ghatte Khola. Then, you walk past Philim, one of the largest Gurung villages in Manaslu Circuit and then, Ekle Bhatti (meaning only one inn for the travellers). By walking through the bamboo forests and wide valley behind, the trail takes you to Deng.
It is quite interesting trekking today as you go past some dense forests, alpine vegetation and a few villages having rich culture and tradition. While continuing along the trail, you enjoy the enchanting vistas of the major peaks of Manalsu region. You can reach Namrung by following an alternative way via the village Prok that offers you the wonderful view of the Siringi Himal. You have to cross the Budhi Gandaki River several times by using the suspension bridges while moving further. This alternative trekking trail of Manaslu region takes you through Manaslu Conservation Area, an in-situ for wildlife and vegetation.
Moving ahead towards Lho village, you can enjoy the typical lifestyle and Tibetan Buddhist influence in the Nubri Valley. Nubri Valley and Tsum Valley are the two major valleys in Manaslu region. Nubri Valley is occupied by the Gurung ethnic communities and the majority of people are in foreign employment. Until you reach the mani walls of Lho Village, you continue along the tush forests of rhododendron and oak, deep valley and terraced land with variety of crops. On the way, you come to see the enthralling view of the Pungen Glacier that originates from Peak 29 of Manaslu area. Here, you can enjoy the eye-catching sights of the snowcapped peaks of Manaslu region.
Lho village serves you with a beautiful sunrise view of Mt. Siringi, Mt. Ganesh and Mt. Himalchuli. Therefore, don’t forget to take a short visit to Ribung Gompa before leaving Lho Village. Then, you follow the trail that leads you through Lihi which is a beautiful village with monasteries and terraced fields beautified by various crops. Thereafter, you walk past three other villages naming, Sho, Lho and Shyala from where you see the alluring outlook Manaslu region peaks. The enchanting view of Peak 29, Himal Chuli, Mt. Manaslu and large glaciers accompany you while moving ahead. In the end, you reach Samagaun, which is a naturally and culturally attractive village and rest point throughout Manaslu Circuit trek.
Samagaun is the best place to have an acclimatization day as there are a few interesting sites to visit to make your trekking more memorable. You can take side trip to Pungyen Gompa (also called Sama Gompa), which takes about two hours’ walking distance from here. From the monastery location, you can enjoy the stunning vistas of the Manaslu Glacier, the largest glacier in the entire Manaslu region. While roaming around the gompa, you come to see hundreds of Sherpa women wearing their cultural attire, ornaments. The chortens and mani walls bejeweled with the prayer flags give you a real peace of mind and soul.
Alternatively, you can take another hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) that rewards you with the heart touching scenery of the Manaslu valley and Himalayas around. On the way, you come to see the Birendra Lake which is one of the freshwater lakes in Manaslu Himalayan region. Spread in about 3 sq. kilometers, Birendra Lake is formed due to the deposit of the Manaslu Glacier. Nowadays, it has become more and more popular among the domestic as well as international trekkers to Manaslu Circuit.
After having breakfast, you follow the trail that ascends towards the Budhi Gandaki River banks and then, a few suspension bridges and mani walls. You walk past some villages reflecting Buddhism in the Himalayas taking you very close to Nepal-Tibet border. This is the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet before other routes were not developed and you can find such practices even today. By walking through juniper and birch forests, you reach Samdo by leaving Kermo Kharka village behind. Overnight stay at a teahouse.
You continue the journey today after taking breakfast. On the way, you will walk past a seasonal Tibetan market of the region, also known as Larke Bazaar. Then, you ascend to the Budhi Gandaki River relishing the stunning view of Larkya Glacier. Again, crossing the Salka Khola valley, you end at Dharmasala after walking for about four hours. You are going to cross the highest point of the entire Manaslu Round trekking itinerary the following morning. Therefore, we recommend you to take side trips around Dharmasala to prepare yourself for crossing 5,160m high pass.
You are going to cross the most challenging but memorable high Himalayan pass of Manaslu region trekking. After having breakfast, you move ahead by keeping your determination quite higher. On the way, you enjoy the captivating sight of snowcapped peaks, glacial lakes, pastoral hamlets and diverse flora-fauna. Walking through the Larkya Glacial Valley rewards you with the miraculous sight of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Walk slowly but steadily to avoid altitude sickness to reach the top of the high pass. Once you reach the top of Larkya La Pass (5,160m), you can have an unforgettable memories of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II. While moving downhill towards Bimtang, you can have a distant view of imminent Manaslu Mountain in the early sunset. Overnight stay at a teahouse at Bimtang by enjoying the cuisines prepared and served by the Sherpa people.
After having breakfast at Bimtang, you begin your trekking today by walking along a ridge having a wonderful mountain view. You come to witness majestic view of snow-clad peaks of Manaslu, Lamjung, Himlung and Cheo until you cross the Dudh Khola River. Then the trail penetrates through a lush rhododendron forests and then cultivated land of Karche village. Walking along the rugged trail that moves uphill now and downhill then, you reach Tilche (Tilje) for the night rest.
Today is the last day of trekking in Manaslu Circuit, so, you begin the voyage after breakfast. The trekking route that goes past Thonje village walking along the stone-paved staircase to reach Dharapani. You meet Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail from Dharapani walking for about three hours. Taking a short break here, you catch a private jeep to drive to Kathmandu. You can celebrate the successful completion of Manaslu Circuit trek with the fellow trekkers to make this journey a lifelong memory.
Today, you have come to the end of Manaslu Circuit trek 17 days’ itinerary. So, the crewmember of the company accompanies you up to the Kathmandu Airport according to your flight schedule.
Inclusion/Exclusion
- Airport pick-up and drop off service.
- Trekking Guide and Trekking porter (Two participant=1 porter =Maximum 25 kg of luggage )
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & accommodation during the trekking
- Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks if required,
- Trekking permit of National park,
- Restricted area trekking permit
- TIMS(Trekking Information Management System )
- Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs
- First aid kit
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program in typical Traditional Nepalis restaurant
- Traveler travel insurance and international flight fare
- Bar bill, Drinks, beverages, hot shower,
- Tips
- Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (without itinerary)
Tour's Location
Fixed Departure
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FAQ's
You can customize your Manaslu Region Trek, according to your time. Manaslu Trek can be completed in two weeks, that is if you have done a high altitude trek before. However, the standard time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 17 days. During the trek, you will be covering nearly 15 – 20 km daily.
Depending upon your personal fitness and experience, Manaslu Circuit Trek is Moderately Difficult Trek. The off beaten paths in the Himalayan Region have the risk of Landslide, rain that makes the trek difficult. Not to be confused with Manaslu Expedition, which is very dangerous.
The Manaslu Circuit is 111 miles which is almost 180 km. The circuit is less crowded and rewards you with internal and mental peace during the trek. You have to cover nearly 15 – 20 km daily during the Manaslu Trek.
The highest point you will trek in Manaslu Circuit Trekking is Larkya La Pass which is at the altitude of 5,135 m. Also, Mt Manaslu is the eight highest peak of the world at an altitude of 8,156 m. You can see the summit of Mt. Manaslu and many other mountains during the Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the rarest and excellent treks in the paths of Nepal. Trekking through the off beaten paths and restricted areas, the journey seems just beautiful. The trek will take you to the base of the eighth highest peak in the world Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). You can encounter Tibetan Traditions on the path, as the region lies on the Nepal- Tibet border.
Also, the foreign trekkers considered Manaslu Trek as one of the best treks in Nepal. Despite the popular tea houses available on the trek, this trek is simply raw and beautiful. Alternatively, if you have done Annapurna Circuit Trek, this trek will be a great experience. It offers stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and many other mountains. If you have two weeks for your holiday, Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards the best out of it. With a moderately difficult trek, the sunrises, snow-capped mountain ranges are totally alluring. You will also encounter the amazing mountain ranges of Himchuli, Shringi, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. The mountains and hills are perfectly wrapped in the trekking route.
The journey to Manaslu Trekking completely shifts you to an unspoiled region. People living in the Manaslu Region are very few and live miles away from the modern age. With cultural varieties and traditions, you can embrace nature also. The snowy paths, glacial lakes, and high altitude are the treasures of Manaslu. Manaslu Circuit Trek also gained popularity as Restricted Area Trekking. However, some preparations and trekking permits are needed.
Reviews
Traveller’s reviews
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible adventure through the remote and beautiful mountain regions of Nepal. I recently completed this trek and it truly exceeded my expectations. The scenery was truly breathtaking and the challenging terrain made it a really satisfying journey. While some sections were incredibly difficult to ascend and descend because of the altitude, the feeling when I reached the highest points is something that I’ll never forget. After spending the night in picturesque mountain lodges and villages, it was a great feeling to relax in the company of inspiring people I had met along the way. The local people were friendly and helpful throughout the trek, providing us with great advice and cultural insights. The guide we had was very knowledgeable and made the trek even more enjoyable. He was also flexible and accommodating when it came to our requests. The Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a unique opportunity to experience the stunning natural splendour of Nepal while getting close to its culture and people. I highly recommend this trek to anybody looking for a challenging, yet rewarding journey.
I recently completed the Manaslu Trek with Nepal Trekking Routes and had an amazing time! The experienced guides knew the region well and did a great job of showing us the beauty of nature and networking with the locals. The trek was smooth, and efficient, and went at a comfortable pace. The views were incredible with Mount Manaslu as the highest peak in the background. The food was exceptional, with some of the best Dal Bhat we’ve ever had. All of the accommodation along the way was great and the staff was always friendly and accommodating. Overall, I highly recommend this trek if you’re looking for a rewarding adventure in the Himalayas.
I recently completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Guide Bishnu from NTR. It was an absolutely incredible experience and Guide Bishnu was an absolutely stellar guide. He was professional, and knowledgeable and put the safety of myself and others first. He made sure we stopped before the line of exhaustion and was in tune with the needs of each individual trekker in our group. He was highly operational and very generous with his time and knowledge. He was great at offering suggestions for how to make the most of our experience as well as telling us stories of the local culture. His patience was unending and he kept up with even the fastest hikers with ease. I would highly recommend Guide Bishnu to anyone looking to trek the Manaslu Circuit. Can’t wait to do another adventure with them soon
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My Manaslu Circuit Trek was an amazing experience. The scenery was breathtaking and the people were so friendly and welcoming. The trek was challenging but the views were worth it. The trekking guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The food was delicious and the lodges were comfortable. I would highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an adventure.