The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a complete classic trek of Nepal. Taking you to the west-central part of the country, a region isolated, raw, and true. Manaslu translates as the “mountain of the spirit” a region clinging to mountain ridges and glaciers. Explore hidden valleys, traversing across lush woodlands, high alpine grounds, sheer cliffs, and high mountains pass to the foothills of the Himalayas. In this trek, you will not only be admiring the wonders of nature but complimenting it with the people of the region.
Starting from Kathmandu towards Soti Khola
The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a long from Kathmandu towards Soti Khola. From Soti Khola start your trek towards Machha Khola. Traversing across lush woodlands of central Nepal, following the upstream banks of the mighty Budhi Gandaki River. Next, proceed to the Budhi Gandaki Valley towards the settlement of Jagat. From, Jagat traverses along high cliffs with a series of waterfalls cascading down on both sides of the valley. Following the trails of the vibrant Budi Gandaki Valley to Deng.
Then head towards Namrung witnessing grand views of the Himalayas. From Namrung the trail follows high mountain country with alpine grassland crossing rural and isolated communities frozen in time to the village of Samagaun. After that crossing high alpine pasture lands with grand views of the various Himalayas and the mighty Manaslu standing at its grandeur reach the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo. Situated very close to the Tibetan border.
Larkya la pass
From Samdo following the tracks of the wide pastures and crossing the Budi Gandaki river head to the isolated village of Dharamshala. Next, head towards the highest point of your trek at Larkya la pass one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal, situated at 5,106 meters. At the summit of the pass witness grand views of the landscape of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and other mountain ranges of Tibet. Soaking in views head down to the settlement of Bhimthang.
From Bhimthang the trail takes you to Dharapani. Following through a dense canopy of rhododendron and oak with miles of undergrowth. Dharapani is a village nestled in the Annapurna Circuit. ( if you wish you can extend your trek to include the Annapurna circuit). Then the following day head on a long drive towards Kathmandu.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a blend of nature and culture at its best. Be a part of this trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
Wake up early and after breakfast head on a long drive towards Soti Khola. The 8 hours-long drive takes you across the lush hills of central Nepal, following various never networks. Along the way witness views of scatted settlements perched on hilltops and riversides. Upon reaching Dhading Besi from here you will be traveling on sections of off roads high above the hills with great views of the landscapes. After a tiring journey, you will finally reach Soti Khola, the district headquarters of Dhading district.
Maximum Altitude: 1400m (Kathmandu)
Duration: 7-8 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast starts your trek. Traversing across lush woodlands of central Nepal, following the upstream banks of the mighty Budhi Gandaki River. As you progress you will be traversing along the banks of the blue rapids of the Budhi Gandaki. From here follow uphill trails on a forested route, as you gain altitude witness grand views of the Himalayas and various river networks cutting through massive hills of the Mahabharat range. As you head further up you will reach Machha Khola.
Maximum Altitude: 900m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Start the trek following the banks of Machha Khola after a short walk across the river and following the trail you will reach the settlement of Khorlabesi. From here head towards Tatopani, a renowned village that has various natural hot water springs. Traversing across the lush canopy of the region head towards the Dovan Khola. As you proceed you will enter the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As you gain altitude the dense forest thins out and you will be trekking on high mountain grounds with patches of shrubs and scattered vegetation. Following the trail, you will reach the settlement of Jagat.
Maximum Altitude: 1340m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast starts your trek. Following the trails of the vibrant Budi Gandaki Valley towards the tiny hamlet of Sirdibas. Along this trail witness grand views of the Shringi Himal. Next, cross a suspension bridge and after a steep climb, you will eventually reach Philim. Traversing along high cliffs with a series of waterfalls cascading down on both sides of the valley reach the villages of Ekle Bhatti and then to Pewa. Continuing along the trail you will emerge out of the valley and arrive at the settlement of Deng.
Maximum Altitude: 2095m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today’s trek is mostly on uphill sections so it can be tuff and strenuous, but the views will make you forget your pain. Following a steep ascent and descent head towards the Budi Gandaki River. The trail then crosses through a high valley and several settlements with grand views of the landscapes. As you progress you will witness a series of Mani stones which marks the starting of Namrung. Upon reaching Namrung head towards your accommodation and rest for a while. If you are not too tired head on a short hike towards Prok village. The views from the village are breathtaking. If not stroll around and start a friendly conversation with the people and get an insight into their lifestyle and cultures.
Maximum Altitude: 2900m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Traversing on high mountain country start your trek. Following the alpine grassland, you will reach the ancient settlement of Lho. A village clinging to the foothills of Ngadi Chuli (7871 meters aka Peak 29). Here witness the rural and isolated communities frozen in time. After a short walk, you will eventually reach Samagaun. If you are not too tired head on a short detour to the Pungen Glacier to catch the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu.
Maximum Altitude: 3500m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Crossing high alpine pasture lands head down the valley. Along the trail witness grand views of the various Himalayas and the mighty Manaslu standing at its grandeur. As, you progress you will reach the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo, situated very close to the Tibetan border. Here learn about the unspoiled and primitive culture of the local people exploring around.
Maximum Altitude: 3690m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Start by. Next, you will be traversing across inclined sections with great views of the landscapes. As you gain altitude you will eventually reach the isolated village of Dharamshala. Following the tracks of the wide pastures and crossing the Budi Gandaki river the way visit various monasteries and pass through Larke Bazar “a seasonal Tibetan market”. Upon reaching Dharamshala head out to explore the green fields, surrounding mountains, and Larkya Glacier. Also, witness majestic sunset from the porch of your tea house.
Maximum Altitude: 4450m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today’s trail is tuff and strenuous and takes you to the highest point of your trek. As, you will cross one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal, situated at 5,106 meters it is essential to start early. Apart from the altitude, the climb is non-technical. Following the inclined trail head towards the summit. The summit is marked with colorful praying flags, from here witness grand views of the landscapes like never before. Soak in the panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and other mountain ranges of Tibet. After spending a brief time at the summit head on a steep descending route. Traversing along rocky terrain you will reach a small ice lake as you progress from here you will eventually reach the settlement of Bhimthang on the other side of the pass.
Maximum Altitude: 5106m (Larkya La Pass)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today is your final day of the trek. After breakfast start by following the downhill trail, as you descend you will come across large alpine pastureland. From here cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola. As you descend further the landscapes changes to lush woodlands. Following the dense canopy of rhododendron and oak with miles of undergrowth, you will reach Dharapani. The trail section of the Annapurna circuit ( if you wish you can extend your trek to include the Annapurna circuit).
Maximum Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After breakfast head on a long drive towards Kathmandu. Initially, the drive takes you on an off-road ride on high cliffs and later joins the blacktop roads of the Prithvi Highway. Passing through various settlements perched on hilltops, riverbeds, and lush rolling hills of central Nepal you will finally reach Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and later in the evening join in for a dinner program to mark the end of your trekking.
NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.
Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Cost Include
All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
1 night accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast, Twin sharing 3*
10 Nights stay in Tea House during the trek. Simple guest house
Kathmandu to Soti Khola by jeep, if the group size is more than 2
Dharapani to Beshisahar by sharing jeep
Besisahar to Kathmandu by car is the group size is more than 2
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek: meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only
Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu
All government, local taxes, and official Expenses
ACH Kitbag and T-shirt for you
Ncell Sim Card (Nepalese Sim Card including 20 GB data pack) - Only 1 for a group.
Cost Exclude
Nepal Visa fee
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature
Travel insurance including evacuation
Tips for local staff, guides, and porters
Desserts, Mineral Water, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi
Along the Manaslu Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, The region has several tea-house along the trail and is run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities.
However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail which are untreated, so direct use of the water is not recommended, you may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.
If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.
The best season for trekking in Manaslu Region is during autumn and spring.
The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.
During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.
The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.
Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.
In the winter season, Manaslu Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.
All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given, we highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
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