Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most rewarding yet difficult trekking trails in Nepal. The mountain is known as “The Spirit Mountain” as the peak has great spiritual importance to the people, with protective deities residing on the top. There are magnificent sights of snow-capped mountains, pure glacier lakes, as well as ample biodiversity in this trek. While passing through the villages of Gurung and Indo-Tibetan culture, you will experience the complete culture of the Himalayas. Mt. Manaslu, the 8th-highest mountain in the world, casts its presence in this trek.
Be it the coziness of teahouse lodges or the thrill of tented camps, the Manaslu region has something to cater to all trekking affinities. Climbing to the highest altitude of the trek, the Larkya-La Pass with an elevation of 5,300m, is an exhausting but exhilarating experience.
Usually performed in 16 days, this trek requires special permissions in addition to visas. These are Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), as well as entry permits into Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
How to Reach the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Public buses run on a daily basis from Kathmandu to Arughat-Soti Khola from 6.00 to 7.00 in the morning. The public bus is the cheapest means of transport. But in the peak trekking season, especially after September 30th to the first week of October, it is hard to find a place in the last-minute Departures. There is no lack of seats for the rest of the time.
To make the journey smoother, faster, and more enjoyable to the trekking point, you also have the option to use the private jeep service, which we will arrange for you if you request one.
Best Time to Visit the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to go trekking in the Manaslu region. These seasons provide crystal-clear mountain views and pleasant temperatures; the trails are even more beautiful with flowers in bloom and villages that add charm to the walk. In contrast, monsoon and winter bring heavy rain, landslides, snow, and extreme cold to the region. Because of these weather factors, trekking during these seasons isn’t as safe, and it is not recommended generally.
Note: Nepalese government regulations mandate the presence of at least two individuals when applying for this Restricted Area Permit.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Start your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and climbing into your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa situated atop a hill that combines both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, offering stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayan peaks.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, offering a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and providing an opportunity to experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today’s journey takes you just outside Kathmandu to explore two of the valley’s most historic and culturally vibrant cities: Patan and Bhaktapur. The overall historical and cultural history of this valley includes many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As you begin your visit to Patan, you will have the opportunity to see several of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, especially the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square, which feature beautiful examples of Newari craftsmanship. After visiting the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square, you will visit the Patan Museum for an in-depth look at the art, culture and royal history of the Malla dynasty, as well as see the Golden Temple, a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists and the Banglamukhi Temple, which is a well-known site for pilgrims.
Your next stop will be Bhaktapur, a living museum where you can see beautifully preserved architecture and experience the traditional way of life. Additionally, the intricate wood carvings add to the rich cultural experience of Bhaktapur. Stroll through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see ancient palaces, stone temples, and artisan workshops on the cobblestone streets of this historic centre. Be sure to visit the Nyatapola Temple, which is one of the highest and most magnificent pagoda-style temples in Nepal, towering over Taumadhi Square.
After a day filled with cultural discovery, you will return to Kathmandu, check into your hotel, and relax for another enjoyable evening.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, your journey will go towards Soti Khola. To reach Soti Khola, the journey will proceed from Dhading Besi and further to Arughat. After that, the journey will continue to Soti Khola. Driving through the countryside will give you an enjoyable experience despite the fact that the road will turn more rugged as you proceed.
Includes: Private Transport, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Soti Khola.
The trail goes over a bridge and takes you through a dense Sal tree forest. Now, you have to cross the Budi Gandaki River and reach a point known as Khursane. From this point, the trail goes ahead with gentle ups and downs. During the trek, you come across two waterfalls in the subtropical regions. Later, you visit Labubesi, a Gurung village. You have to cross another suspension bridge. Finally, you reach the Machha Khola village.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Machha Khola.
The trail becomes tougher as you progress, with the paths becoming narrower and involving continuous climbing. Soon, you will reach Tharo Khola and later Khorla Besi, and further on, you will see a hot spring, followed by the suspension bridge of the Budhi Gandaki River. Next, you will have to climb the well-maintained stone staircase that takes you to Dobhan, and further suspension bridges have to be crossed, in this case, Yaru Khola, before you ascend the final stone staircase, from where you will descend to Tharo Bharyang, near the end of the journey, where you finally cross the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Jagat.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jagat.
Today’s Manaslu Circuit trek starts with a climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, followed by a descent to Sirdibas. The valley slowly opens as you head further towards Ghatta Khola. The trail then goes upstream, where you will reach a long suspension bridge at Philim. The trail turns north and remains flat as it crosses millet fields en route to Ekle Bhatti. From here, the trail enters a steep and uninhabited gorge. You then descend to grassy slopes and cross the Budhi Gandaki, continuing along its west bank as the valley widens. Passing through bamboo forests, you will reach Deng Khola and, after crossing it, arrive at the small village of Deng.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Deng.
After a short walk beyond Deng, you cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana village. Then the trail continues west, up the Budhi Gandaki valley with a gentle climb to meet the path that comes from Bhi. You pass through forests and mani walls to contour around a hillside toward Ghap-although there are other routes, you will take the one through Prok Village, which boasts a spectacular viewpoint for Siringi Himal.
Continuing onward, you cross the Budhi Gandaki and pass several gompas with imposing views on the way. The trail follows the upstream river, passing through dense forest. Beyond the spot where the river crashes through a narrow gorge, you cross it again-this time it’s much thinner-and then the forest starts to disappear. You keep walking pleasantly up to a final steep climb to get to Namrung.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namrung.
Namrung is a village with excellent views of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal, while the view of Mt. Himal Chuli is visible on the southern side. Then the trail moves upward, finally reaching the village of Lihi, a picturesque place with chortens and barley fields. The trail moves downward toward the side valleys of Simnang Himal and Ganesh Himal.
Moving on towards Sho, Lho, and then Shyala villages, you will finally arrive at Sama village. While at Lho, enjoy the magnificent sight of Mt. Manaslu and the renowned Ribung Gompa. While in Shyala, the giant Himal Chuli and Peak 29, also known as Ngadi Chuli, greet you on the left side, and Mt. Manaslu and its icy glaciers fill the central sight, along with the snow-capped peaks on the right side, including the majestic Ganesh Himal Range in the background, where the day ends at Samagaun.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samagaun.
You will spend today acclimatizing and discovering the rich Sherpa culture by staying in the village of Samagaon. You will get to witness the thousands of Mani stones, chiseled with Buddhist texts and pictures, and the Sherpa women, adorned with their traditional dresses and ornaments. On a hill above the village of Sama lies the historic Pungyen Gompa, a monastery that presents breathtaking views of the glacier.
The gompa is named for Manaslu, and “Pungyen” is a bracelet, appropriately named for the two peaks adjacent to it. The gompa was leveled one year following the first failed Japanese ascent of Manaslu, as the locals believed the ascent had provoked the wrath of the deities. The mountain was not successfully climbed until 1959.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samagaun.
The eleventh day of the Manaslu Circuit trek takes you down to the Budhi Gandaki River, where you cross a bridge over a side stream and continue by turning left towards the trail that goes to Manaslu Base Camp. As you proceed along the Larkya La Trail, you notice various mani stones. In the valley, the sides start to open up as you continue along the trail that now runs along the shelf above the river and through the forests of juniper and birch trees at Kermo Kharka.
After fording the Budhi Gandaki River for the last time, this time on a wooden bridge, you have to climb up the hill through a steep trail. After some trekking, you reach the stone archway with a viewpoint to the enormous white Kani. After entering the Kani, you get to stay at Samdo.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samdo.
Today’s trek will be another challenging one. You will continue trekking along the valley side and then cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. After crossing two pleasant streams and enjoying the sight of the Larkya Glacier, the trek leads you around the valley of Salka Khola. Further ascent will take place into a stone guesthouse at an altitude of 4,450 meters. This is not exactly a tea house but an asylum called Dharmashala, or Larke Phedi. The day’s trek will be short enough for plenty of acclimatization.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharmasala.
A short climb is followed by entering a valley, and as you trek, you will be treated to breathtaking sights of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak, situated on the northern side of the Larkya Glacier. The trail follows the moraines of the glacier, with increasing altitude and steeper terrain only towards the end, before entering the Larkya La Pass. As you reach the top, the sights are breathtaking, with the majestic Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II trekking towards Bimtang, which is a long day trek, and trekking through the high pastures with the giant Mt. Manaslu at your back is something to remember.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bimthang.
Today is a hard day as we get down to traverse the high valley of Sangure Kharka, followed by a bridge across the Dudh Khola. The trail leads us into a rhododendron forest and a narrow valley. After a while, we reach Karcher, the highest cultivated area of the valley at 2,785m. After this, we pass the cultivated areas. A short hike later leads us to a village called Gho. Further ahead is the village of Dharapani.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharapani.
After breakfast, you will embark on the journey to Kathmandu through Besisahar. The scenic spots along the route in the Pithivi Highway, along the banks of the Trishuli River, are breathtakingly beautiful. The road winds through hills and meanders along vast rivers. The vegetated hills and lush gardens along the route will escort you to Kathmandu. The scenic spots include rice gardens and rivers in their natural settings.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, Private Transportation, and an overnight hotel accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
