The most popular trek around Manaslu region is Manaslu Circuit trek, an adventure of fewer than two weeks. Where trek leads between Peak 29, Lamjung Himalayan range, and Annapurna Himalayan range in the west with Ganesh Himal towards the east.
The Manaslu Circuit trek leads to traditional mountain villages of Jagat, Namrung, Lo-Gaon and Sama-Gaon adorned with ancient cultures.
The adventure leads to the high Larke-La Pass at 5,106 m, the boundary between Gorkha, Manaslu, and Manang districts. The treks involve drives both ways, the other adventure around the Manaslu region is Tsum Valley. A trek of 2 weeks duration takes you to high Mu Gompa at 3, 700 m / 12,139 ft.
Customized Manaslu circuit trek 14 days Itinerary
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 02 | Drive to Machha Khola 900 m / 2,952 feet approx. 8 hours. |
| Day 03 | Trek to Jagat 1,340 m -06 hours walk. |
| Day 04 | Trek to Deng 1,860 m via Philim village-06 hours. |
| Day 05 | Trek to Namrung 2, 900 m-05 hours. |
| Day 06 | Trek to Lo-Gaon 3, 180 m-05 hours. |
| Day 07 | Trek to Sama-Gaon 3, 500 m /11, 480 feet-06 hours. |
| Day 08 | At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion. |
| Day 09 | Trek to Samdo 3,690 m -05 hours. |
| Day 10 | Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours. |
| Day 11 | Trek to Bhimthang 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours. |
| Day 12 | Trek to Dharapani village 1,820 m -05 hrs. |
| Day 13 | Drive to Kathmandu-08 hours. |
| Day 14 | International departure for homeward bound. |
Manaslu Circuit trek map
Alternative Treks Around the Manaslu Region
The Manaslu Circuit combines the splendors of the Tsum Valley, the picturesque lower Manaslu route, the iconic Manaslu base camp, and the world-famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit remarkable attractions, including the breathtaking Ganga Jamuna Waterfall, the resilient Barpak Village (which lay at the epicenter of Nepal’s 2015 earthquake), and the serene Tsum Valley – all thoughtfully included in our comprehensive trekking package.
At the pinnacle of your journey stands the Larkya La Pass, the highest point on the trek, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Once you descend from the pass, you seamlessly transition into the magnificent Annapurna Circuit Region. Opt for the Manaslu Trek, and you’ll not only explore this mesmerizing region but also complete a section of the illustrious Great Himalayan Trail, further enhancing your trekking experience.
Transport for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Kathmandu to Soti Khola (approx. 130-140 kilometers): The distance from Kathmandu to Soti Khola is roughly around 130 to 140 kilometers. The drive takes about 6-8 hours and includes traveling through Gorkha and Arughat before reaching Soti Khola.
- Return Transportation: After finishing your trek in Dharapani you have to take a Local jeep to reach Beshi Sahar then you change jeep or public bus to get to Kathmandu, From Beshi Sahar to Kathmandu is approximately 175-180 kilometers. The journey takes around 7-9 hours by road.
When is an ideal time to Trek to Manaslu Circuit?
Spring (March to May): This season, post the winter chill, offers mild temperatures and blooming rhododendron forests, enhancing the scenic beauty. The trails are clear, and the weather is generally stable.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another prime time for the Manaslu Circuit. The weather is crisp and clear, and the skies are often blue. It’s an excellent time to enjoy unobstructed mountain views and pleasant temperatures.
Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek
There are three different permits required for Manaslu trek. For more please check details about the Manaslu trek permit.
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is essential and specific to the Manaslu Circuit area. It’s obtained from the Nepal Immigration Office in Kathmandu or at the entry point in Soti Khola. The cost varies depending on the season (higher fees during peak seasons).
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit allows you to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. You can obtain it at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) counter in Kathmandu or at the entry point.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The Manaslu Circuit typically starts in the Annapurna region, so you will need an ACAP permit, which can be acquired at the same counter as the MCAP.
Accommodation During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit Trek is primarily provided by teahouses or lodges. These family-run guesthouses offer cozy yet straightforward rooms with twin beds, blankets, and occasionally attached bathrooms.
Common dining areas in teahouses serve meals from a set menu, offering a variety of local and international dishes. Hot showers are available for an extra fee, and some teahouses offer charging facilities for electronic devices also cost an extra fee.
Booking accommodation in advance is advisable, especially during the peak trekking season. At higher elevations, teahouses may be more basic, and temperatures can drop significantly. For a more adventurous experience, camping is also an option with the help of trekking agencies.
Telephone, Satellite Phones and Wi-Fi in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Telephone Services: Mobile phone coverage can be sporadic along the trek. In lower-lying areas and some villages, you may find mobile signals for making calls or sending text messages. However, as you ascend to higher altitudes, the availability of mobile signals decreases significantly.
Wi-Fi: Teahouses and lodges along the route may offer limited Wi-Fi access, but it’s often slow and unreliable. These services usually come at an additional cost.
Satellite Phones: In case of emergencies, trekking agencies or guides carry satellite phones for communication. However, it’s not a standard provision, and it’s advisable to have your own means of communication for emergencies.
Manaslu circuit trek itinerary – 16 Days
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 02 | In Kathmandu with optional sightseeing tour and trek preparations. |
| Day 03 | Drive to Machha Khola 900 m / 2,952 feet approx. 8 hours. |
| Day 04 | Trek to Jagat 1,340 m -06 hours walk. |
| Day 05 | Trek to Pewa 1,710 meters-06 hours. |
| Day 06 | Trek to Ghap 2,160 meters-05 hours. |
| Day 07 | Trek to Lo-Gaon 3, 180 m-05 hours. |
| Day 08 | Trek to Sama-Gaon 3, 500 m /11, 480 feet-06 hours. |
| Day 09 | At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion. |
| Day 10 | Trek to Samdo 3,690 m -05 hours. |
| Day 11 | Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours. |
| Day 12 | Trek to Bhimthang 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours. |
| Day 13 | Trek to Dharapani 1,820 m -05 hrs. |
| Day 14 | Drive to Kathmandu-08 hours. |
| Day 15 | Free day for individual activities. |
| Day 16 | International departure for homeward bound. |
Trip fact
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5106M
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March-April | Sept - Oct
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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177KM
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Tea house
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Private Vehicle
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All meals during the trek
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English, Hindi, Chinese
Overview
Manaslu Circuit trekking is an adventure around the world’s 8th highest Mt. Manaslu, located in Nepal’s Far North Mid-West. The trek starts from the Machha-Khola within the district of Gorkha, where the Manaslu Himalayas is situated.
The walk takes you from low warm farm areas heading towards cooler green hills and lovely villages. An interesting places to explore around Jagat, Philim and Namrung villages. Where Buddhism cultures of Tibetan origin heritage customs can be observed, along with grand views of Mt. Manaslu.
The adventure leads to Lo and Sam-Gaon, the main major settlements of the high Manaslu valley adorned with impressive Buddhism religion. Spending an extra day for acclimatization, and then heading towards high Larke-La Pass the main highlight of the adventure. An excellent viewpoint for alluring scenery of towering snow mountain range, from the pass down towards Manang areas.
Where walk leads to the end of Manaslu Circuit at Dharapani village for an exciting drive back to Kathmandu.
Highlights
- Adventure around world’s 8th highest mountain Mt. Manaslu and its massif range.
- Explore lovely traditional villages enriched with old Buddhism cultures.
- Walk from low warm paddy fields to cooler alpine hills to arctic cold zone.
- Enjoy the dramatic changes of landscapes from green forest to arid terrain.
- Crossing high Larke-La pass facing tremendous views of giant mountain range
