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Manaslu Circuit Trek
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Overview
The wild Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a brilliant alternative to busier trails in Nepal. Therefore, trekkers can enjoy raw natural beauty without facing massive tourist crowds. Furthermore, the scenic route loops entirely around Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain globally. You will walk along the roaring Budhi Gandaki River through deep rocky canyons. Consequently, this incredible journey delivers a true wilderness experience for adventurous travelers. Initially, the trail climbs steadily through lush subtropical forests and terraced green fields. Afterwards, the landscape transitions smoothly into an arid, high-alpine Tibetan environment. Trekkers will encounter rich Buddhist culture, ancient long mani walls, and active monasteries. In addition, you must cross the challenging Larkya La Pass at great height. Ultimately, this complete package ensures maximum safety, excellent logistical support, and memorable experiences.
Key Facts
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Trip Highlights
Cross Larkya La Pass, which peaks at a thrilling altitude of 5,106 meters.
Explore Sama Gaon at 3,530 meters to witness authentic mountain Tibetan culture.
Trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area to observe rare alpine flora and fauna.
Enjoy stunning views of Mount Manaslu (,163m) and beautiful Ganesh Himal (7,422 m).
Walk along suspension bridges spanning across the spectacular Budhi Gandaki River canyon.
Photo Gallery
Included/Excluded
- All Trekking Permits: Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and Chumnubri Local Government Fees.
- Professional Staff: A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide and an assistant guide for larger groups.
- Porters: Usually 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (weight limit of ~10-12.5 kg per trekker).
- Accommodation: Standard twin-sharing rooms in teahouses/lodges along the trail.
- Meals: 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) along the trekking route.
- Ground Transportation: Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu (usually via public bus/shared jeep in standard packages, or private jeep in premium packages).
- Staff Expenses: Wages, food, accommodation, transport, equipment, and medical insurance for the guide and porters.
- First Aid: Basic medical kit carried by the guide, including oximeters to monitor oxygen levels.
- International Flights & Nepal Visa: International airfare to Kathmandu and the Nepal tourist visa fee ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days).
- Kathmandu Accommodation & Food: Hotels and meals (lunch/dinner) while staying in Kathmandu before or after the trek.
- Travel & Evacuation Insurance: Mandatory insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 meters.
- Trekking Gear: Personal clothing, hiking boots, sleeping bags (-15°C rated recommended, though can be rented in Thamel for $1–$2/day), and trekking poles.
- Trail Luxuries & Add-on Fees:
- Hot Showers: $3 – $6 per shower at high-altitude teahouses.
- Device Charging / Power Banks: $2 – $4 per full charge.
- Wi-Fi / Satellite Internet: $3 – $6 per day.
- Drinking Water: $2 – $5 per liter for boiled/bottled water (using purification tablets saves significant money).
Amenities
All Trekking Permits: Manaslu RAP, MCAP, ACAP, and Chumnubri Local Government Fees.
Professional Staff: A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide and an assistant guide for larger groups.
Porters: Usually 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (weight limit of ~10-12.5 kg per trekker).
Accommodation: Standard twin-sharing rooms in teahouses/lodges along the trail.
Meals: 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) along the trekking route.
Ground Transportation: Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu (usually via public bus/shared jeep in standard packages, or private jeep in premium packages).
Tour Plan
14 Days1
Day 1
2
Day 2
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m / 4,396 ft) Duration: 6–7 hours. Highlights: The trail crosses the Tharo Khola and leads to Khorlabesi. You will pass the natural hot springs at Tatopani, cross a suspension bridge, and climb a ridge to reach the neatly paved flagstone village of Jagat (the entry checkpoint for the restricted area
3
Day 3
Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m / 6,102 ft) Duration: 6–7 hours. Highlights: You will pass through Salleri and descend to Sirdibas, where the valley widens. As you cross a long suspension bridge to Philim, the trail enters a dense bamboo forest before opening up near Deng, signaling the beginning of culturally Tibetan settlements.
4
Day 4
Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m / 8,628 ft) Duration: 6–7 hours. Highlights: A significant ascent through forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. You cross the Budhi Gandaki multiple times and pass through minor villages lined with mani walls and prayer flags before reaching Namrung, which offers brilliant views of Ganesh Himal.
5
Day 5
Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m / 10,433 ft) Duration: 4–5 hours. Highlights: A shorter but highly scenic day. The trail winds through Lihi and Sho villages, where locals wear traditional Tibetan dress. As you approach Lho, the massive peak of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) dominates the horizon. You can visit the Ribung Monastery in the afternoon. Duration: 4–5 hours. Highlights: A shorter but highly scenic day. The trail winds through Lihi and Sho villages, where locals wear traditional Tibetan dress. As you approach Lho, the massive peak of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) dominates the horizon. You can visit the Ribung Monastery in the afternoon.
6
Day 6
Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530m / 11,581 ft) Duration: 4–5 hours. Highlights: You pass through Shyala village, surrounded by glaciers and peaks like Himal Chuli and Peak 29. Arriving in Samagaon, the largest settlement in the region, you're greeted by stone houses, extensive mani walls, and classic Tibetan-Buddhist architecture.
7
Day 7
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon (3,530m / 11,581 ft) Activity: Mandatory rest day to adjust to the thin air. Side Trips: You can take a 4–5 hour side trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) for incredible views of the icefall, or take a shorter, gentler walk to Birendra Tal, a stunning turquoise glacial lake.
8
Day 8
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m / 12,713 ft) Duration: 3–4 hours. Highlights: A shorter hike through alpine meadows alongside the dwindling Budhi Gandaki River. Samdo is a remote village located just a day's walk from the Tibetan border, heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and trade.
9
Day 9
Acclimatization or Day Hike in Samdo (3,875m / 12,713 ft) Activity: A secondary day for acclimatization. You can hike up towards the Rui La Pass (Tibetan border borderlands) or climb the hills behind Samdo to safely touch 4,200m+ before descending to sleep.
10
Day 10
Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m / 14,632 ft) Duration: 3–4 hours. Highlights: The trail climbs gently past abandoned stone huts and the Larkya Glacier. You reach the high alpine base of Dharamshala, a basic lodge settlement. It is an early night here to prepare for the pass the next
11
Day 11
Trek over Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752 ft) to Bimthang (3,720m / 12,204 ft) Duration: 8–10 hours (the longest and toughest day). Highlights: A pre-dawn start to conquer the Larkya La Pass. The ascent is gradual but demanding. At the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. A steep, knee-jarring descent over lateral moraines brings you to the beautiful valley of Bimthang.
12
Day 12
Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1,860m / 6,102 ft) Duration: 6–7 hours. Highlights: You descend through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir, tracking down the Dudh Khola. You’ll pass through Tilije village (known for its local apple brandy) and drop down to Dharapani, where the trail merges with the Annapurna Circuit.
13
Day 13
Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar via local jeep, then to Kathmandu Duration: 8–9 hours total drive. Highlights: A bumpy local jeep ride from Dharapani down to Besisahar, followed by a smoother highway drive back to Kathmandu.
14
Day 14
Day 14: Final Departure Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
Frequently Asked Questions
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