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Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you on an amazing trip through Nepal's daring Himalayan landscapes. This wonderful environmental path from Nepal allows you to see the country's hidden landscapes in their natural glory.
Manaslu is the world's eighth highest peak, located about 120 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu on the Tibetan border. The valleys to the north and east of Manaslu were only opened to international visitors a few years later into the 1990s.
The Manaslu circuit trip has fewer trekkers than the known trekking routes, but the whole circuit of Manaslu over the Larke La pass is emerging as a new trekking destination in Nepal.
As a restricted area, this path is rarely crowded, which encourages responsible tourist practices. This also offers you an exceptional opportunity to genuinely engage with the essence of this amazing location.
You can enjoy traditional Nepali and Tibetan food at local restaurants and experience village life in Nepal by staying in simple accommodations.
Prepare to be enchanted by the pristine beauty of Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal. Explore the rocky landscape, inhale the calm of the surroundings, and make lifelong memories in this hidden paradise.
The name “Manaslu” comes from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” which translates to “Intellect” or “Soul,” reflecting the profound spiritual essence of the area. First opened to travelers in 1992, it remains a physically challenging path, and due to its lower traffic, it preserves an essence of unspoiled nature and a “pioneer” spirit for those who select to venture through it.
The journey to discover Mt. Manaslu began in the early twentieth century, as adventurers were attracted by the challenge of reaching the summit of the world’s 8th tallest peak.
The Japanese team, under the leadership of Toshio Imanishi, made their first attempt to reach the summit of Manaslu in 1952, but they had to turn back because of severe weather conditions and dangerous avalanches. Following several years, the Japanese team made a comeback and attempted once more on May 9, 1956. This attempt was regarded as an important achievement and received recognition in the history of Himalayan ascent.
After the first climb went well, many teams from around the world tried to climb Manaslu, but only a few were able to make it to the top. A lot of people from all over the world keep coming to Mount Manaslu, and it's not just for expeditions. They also come to trek to the base camp and see the killer Manaslu Himalaya.
We are here to provide you with the Manaslu Circuit Trek, an adventure you will never forget. Book Your Trip Now!
Trekking to Manaslu Base Camp is a wonderful journey, but you need to be mentally and physically strong. The path goes over rough terrain, steep hills that go up and down, and a high pass that is 5106 meters high.
Additionally, the journey through the high-altitude trail can be challenging, with an average of 6-7 hours of hiking per day. In the same way, the Manaslu Trek Difficulty is enhanced by its remote locations and lack of infrastructure.
However, we highly recommend you to do cardio training, endurance training, and trek with a seasoned trekking guide. Hidden Trek Nepal is here to assist you to the most remote parts of the Manaslu Region. Our trekking professionals ensure that you have an extraordinary trekking experience by following all necessary security measures throughout the trek.
Special permits are required to access the Manaslu Circuit region. Before taking on this adventure, you must get several permits for the Manaslu Circuit. These permits include
This may change based on the duration of your journey and whether you choose to start during peak or off-season times. The fees collected will be allocated directly to preserving the natural environment and supporting community-based efforts aimed at promoting sustainable trekking practices.
|
Trek Day |
Route |
Altitude (m/ft) |
Duration |
Activity |
|
Day 1 |
Kathmandu to Tandrang Village |
1,500 m / 4,921 ft (est.) |
7–8 hrs drive |
Drive through countryside to start point |
|
Day 2 |
Tandrang Kot (sunrise) – Thanithan (sunset) – Prep Day |
1,800 m / 5,905 ft (est.) |
5–6 hrs walk |
Explore, hike, and prep for trek |
|
Day 3 |
Tandrang to Machhakhola (bus) → Trek to Khorlabeshi |
970 m / 3,104 ft |
7–8 hrs |
Drive + trek along Budi Gandaki River |
|
Day 4 |
Khorlabeshi to Jagat |
1,360 m / 4,396 ft |
4–5 hrs |
Trek through hot springs and ridges |
|
Day 5 |
Jagat to Deng |
1,880 m / 6,168 ft |
6–7 hrs |
Trek past suspension bridges and small villages |
|
Day 6 |
Deng to Namrung |
2,630 m / 8,629 ft |
6–7 hrs |
Trek through forests and Mani walls |
|
Day 7 |
Namrung to Shyala |
3,500 m / 11,483 ft |
5–6 hrs |
Scenic trek through alpine forests |
|
Day 8 |
Shyala to Samagaun via Pung Gyen Gumba |
3,520 m / 11,549 ft (Samagaun) |
5–6 hrs |
Visit monastery (4,100 m / 13,451 ft) en route |
|
Day 9 |
Samagaun – Manaslu Base Camp (exploration) |
4,800 m / 15,748 ft |
8–9 hrs |
Acclimation hike to Base Camp |
|
Day 10 |
Samagaun to Samdo via Birendra Lake |
3,875 m / 12,713 ft |
3–4 hrs |
Trek through yak pastures and lake views |
|
Day 11 |
Samdo – Samdo Peak or Tibet Border (exploration day) |
5,120 m / 16,798 ft |
7–8 hrs |
Acclimation hike to peak or border |
|
Day 12 |
Samdo to Dharmasala (Larke Phedi) |
4,460 m / 14,633 ft |
3–4 hrs |
Short climb to high camp |
|
Day 13 |
Dharmasala to Bhimtang via Larkya La Pass |
5,106 m / 16,752 ft (pass) |
7–8 hrs |
Long day crossing high pass (Bhimtang: 3,700 m) |
|
Day 14 |
Bhimtang to Tilije |
2,300 m / 7,546 ft |
6–7 hrs |
Descend through forests and pastures |
|
Day 15 |
Tilije to Besisahar (Jeep) → Kathmandu or Pokhara |
1,340 m / 4,396 ft (KTMP) or 800 m / 2,625 ft (PKR) |
7–8 hrs |
Drive to city destination |
The Government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has made it mandatory to hire a professional guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We also strongly advise it to help to reduce the pressure on these difficult paths.
In order to control all other trek-related expenses on your own, Hidden Trek Nepal now provides a "guide only" service whereby you can hire a licensed guide and pay just for the guide's price. With this service, we provide you with a government-licensed, experienced trekking guide who knows the Manaslu region inside and out.
We understand that many travellers today prefer a more flexible and cost-effective approach to adventure. That is why this service especially targets budget-conscious tourists looking for a real Himalayan adventure. It lets you manage your own logistics like transportation, accommodation, and meals along the route, thus welcoming different tastes and budgets.
Trekkers can start an unforgettable trip among some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes with the freedom to personalize travel, food, and accommodation combined with an expert local path.
Following breakfast, we head out to Tandrang by vehicle. While the road to the destination may be bumpy and uneven, your journey will be visually appealing. The path will lead you through picturesque scenery, including beautiful hills, colorful villages, views of the Trishuli River, and welcoming locals. You will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their unique way of life in Tandrang. The trip will end with a night in Tandrang. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Tandrang is a typical village, where the majority of families depend on subsistence farming to cultivate rice, maize, and seasonal vegetables. To enrich the untouched Tsum Valley experience, we dedicate a full day to Tandrang, a genuine village where you can immerse yourself in local culture and connect with the welcoming residents.
Your adventure begins with sunrise breaking over Tandrang Kot, a stunning historical site. You'll next travel through steep hills and appealing villages before heading to Tandrang's significant holy landmarks. Afterwards, we will have lunch after some exploring. A relaxing swim in a pond is an option if the weather permits. Finally, Thanithan will present you with a breathtaking sunset view. The day ends with a delicious dinner featuring traditional Nepalese cuisine. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
We will head on a 2 hour journey to Macchekhola, passing through Sotikhola and other scenic spots along the way. Machhekhola is the official beginning of your journey into the Tsum Valley.
We trek all the way up to Khorla Besi, a charming farm village. This is our first stop of the day and a 45-minute hike. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
After breakfast, we head out along the Budhi Gandaki via Tatopani to explore the hot spring, followed by a challenging ascent through Dobhan.
Before reaching the entrance gate to Manaslu Conservation Area and Jagat (1410m), the trail zigzags across the river and requires the crossing of numerous suspension bridges. Jagat is identified by the unique flagstone village square. Authorities conduct permit checks.
Following the overnight stop, there are a few steep climbs until you reach Jagat, a small village on the Budhi Gandaki River. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
The trail goes up above Jagat to Salleri and Sirdibas before it gets to Philim. The trail winds past several waterfalls and the landscape gets dry until it comes to a junction at Ekle Bhatti. From there, the trail goes to Lokpa, a village on the way to the Tsum Valley.
We then ascend above the meeting point of the Buri Gandaki and Shar Khola rivers, continuing to Pewa and finally Deng (1860m). A lot of damage was done to many villages in this area by the earthquake in 2015. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
In comparison to our past few days, today is going to be quite lengthy. After breakfast, we will set off on our trek by crossing the bridge and descending briefly before ascending steeply and winding our way for 20 minutes to arrive at Rana village. Two hours from Rana village, you'll find Bihi Phedi, a challenging steep ascent.
The trek provides an opportunity to observe Tibetan culture, marked by Mani walls, monasteries, and prayer flags. The soothing sound of the waterfall and the ancient engravings on the stone, paired with vibrant fields of blooming mustard, add an extra layer of delight to this thrilling journey.
We head into a stunning forest filled with blue pine, oak, and rhododendron. We will pass through Budi Gandaki before arriving in Namrung village, where we will rest and spend the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today, you'll walk through Banjam past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses before entering the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest and climbing to Lihi and then Sho.
We can see the Ganesh and Baudha Himal ranges clearly behind us. To our right, the Kutang Himal is a tall mountain that forms a natural border between Nepal and Tibet. Our first real mountain panorama unfolds before us, featuring the peaks of Himalchuli (7893m), Peak 29 (7871m), and Manaslu (8163m). Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Following breakfast, we will walk to Samagaun. The first 1.5 hours from Syala to Pyungen Gompa are particularly difficult. Then, for a short duration, it's flat ground. This section provides a view of Manaslu's most spectacular mountain, which is one of the best viewpoints of the trek. Pyungen Gompa, which is approximately 600 to 700 years old monastery, is the main attraction of this Manaslu trek.
After a brief stop at Pyungen Gompa, we began walking downhill for 2.5 hours to Samagaon. We'll see wild animals on our trek to Yak Kharkha. The glacier path is quite fascinating. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today, we will stay at Samagaon for acclimatization and take this time to wander around and connect with the locals. We will also hike to Manaslu Base Camp, one of the best viewpoints in the area that allows you to observe the magnificence of Mt. Manaslu up close.
The base camp, in addition to providing a stunning view, serves as a window into mountaineering for trekkers.
Or, we can also hike to Birendra Tal, a short walk from Sama Gaun in comparison to Manaslu Base Camp. This is an option if you need to rest or are having difficulty with the altitude. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
On this new day, you will arrive at the newer destination, Samdo. This is a short day hike because you have to walk slowly because you are at a high elevation. A wide valley with long mani walls and a variety of birds will greet you as you ascend into the large yak pastures.
Leaving the forest behind, you'll ascend to a ridge, cross the Buri Gandaki wooden bridge, and eventually arrive at White Kani. It is a picturesque village near Samdo that specializes in yak herding.
Once in Samdo, you can explore the surrounding villages or hike to Samdo Peak. The trail to Larkya La is on the left, above the valley. The main Tibetan track over the Larjyang La forms slopes on the Larkya La trail. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
On this day to take a rest, you will stop at Samdo and then take a day trip to the front of Tibet. Parts of Tibet and Nepal are visible from the border. You might also get to see the Yak caravan cross the border if you're lucky.
There are many traditional Tibetan villages and nomadic settlements along the border. The culture, language, and traditions of these places are still very connected to Tibetan heritage. Once you get to the border, you can find a huge crevasse on the south of Samdo Glacier. During the season, you can also observe Picas, Blue Sheep, and Marmots. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
We trek quite less this day, but the remoteness of Manaslu will definitely make it challenging. While Dharmasala seems to be within reach of Sambdo, the altitude makes the journey more difficult.
Today is another exciting day at a high elevation. So, you need to pay attention to your body signs.
We will slowly walk through the rough terrain of the Manaslu region before you get to Dharmasala. Along the way, you will be able to see beautiful views of the Himalayas. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
This is a remarkable day, as you will be walking to the highest point of the trail. You will be required to walk to Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft) on this day. The walk could be difficult in bad weather and snow, but it is achievable.
The trail up is very gradual, but we will take our time at this altitude. The final section is quite steep, and it takes us approximately five hours to reach the pass. However, the effort is well worth it. The mountain vista to the west is breathtaking, featuring Himlung Himal (7126m), Chap Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6981m), and Annapurna II (7937m).
As we follow the glacier, the descent from the pass is extremely steep, passing ice and scree. Our progression is gradual and cautious; however, we eventually reach the Burdin Khola valley and proceed to Bhimtang, where we will spend our night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today is the last day you will walk on the trails in the Manaslu area. As you go downhill, you'll see rhododendron bushes and other plants and animals in lush forests.
You will walk to Karche for lunch after crossing the Dudh Khola again. You will see numerous indications of a glacial flood over the next hour, such as broken tree trunks, banks that aren't stable, and the track getting rough. The path then goes down to Gurung Goa, the first village since Samdo.
You'll see more farms and lush vegetation in the valley as you go through oak and rhododendron forests and fields. Stay on the north (right) bank until you reach Tilije. From there, we will go on your walk toward Tilije. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today, we will take a jeep from Tilije to Beshi Sahar. From Besi Sahar, you will again take a ride back to Kathmandu. The drive takes 5-6 hours from Beshi Sahar to reach Kathmandu. We will drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The best times to go trekking in the Manaslu region are in the autumn and spring. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to go trekking because of the weather. The weather stays stable, and the sky is still clear blue. In the Himalayas, it gets warm during the day but colder at night. In these times of the year, the snow-covered Himalayas and the lush green hills look beautiful.
If you are brave enough to take on a cold winter trek, you can do so in January or February, when Buddhist communities in the high mountains celebrate Losar, or Tibetan New Year.
The Dhachyang, or Horse Festival, is an important festival celebrated in the Nubri Valley. A lot of horsemen from different villages come to this festival, which takes place in December or January. There are horse races and other competitions, and the winners get nice prizes and the chance to show off their skills.
Manaslu Trek takes you to the base of Manaslu (8,156m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The mountain pass of Larkya La (5,165m) is the highest point of the trek. More oxygen is needed in this area, which will make it harder to breathe.
People who have AMS are likely to feel tired, dizzy, sick, have headaches, and have trouble breathing. If the case is mild, Diamox and a good night's rest might help. Other things that will help you stay healthy are drinking a lot of water, tea, soup, and other liquids.
This itinerary is made by experts and experienced guides. A few days of "acclimatisation" have been added to the plan so that your body can get used to the thin air in the mountains. The trekking is well paced, so your body has time to get used to the mountain air's low oxygen levels.
However, we should take the necessary precautions to make sure the condition doesn't get worse. But if the symptoms get worse, one may need to go back to a lower elevation and get medical help. If things go badly, an air evacuation will be set up so that the patient can be flown to Kathmandu to get medical help. AMS can take your life if left untreated.
Trekking in high-altitude regions requires physical fitness and stamina. Therefore, it is suggested that you follow an appropriate training practice which includes cardiovascular activities and physical exercises, such as jogging, running, long walks, cycling, swimming, and climbing stairs, in order to maintain physical fitness. If possible, go on a few short hikes with a full backpack.
Our single day of walking will include several ascents and descents. The trail is rugged and requires lengthy walks. The air thins as you ascend in elevation, and the cold temperature may affect you. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but Manaslu Circuit Trekking is not to be attempted by anyone who is not in good physical condition.
Acclimatisation is also important for high-altitude treks, which is why we carefully planned the package.
The primary lodging options on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are teahouses, which are basic, family-run lodges with simple facilities such as comfy beddings, shared bathrooms, and common dining areas. While teahouses are most commonly found, some lodges offer a little more comfort, such as private rooms and attached bathrooms, particularly after crossing the Larke Pass.
One of the most remote and exciting ways to trek in Nepal is the Manaslu Circuit with Base Camp trail. Don't expect a menu with Western or other types of food. Trekkers can eat simple local foods while they're on the trail. The food at tea houses is usually pretty simple, but it fills you up. Most of the places don't have menus.
General Breakfast Items:
General Lunch and Dinner Items:
Your journey begins as you get north from the village of Arughat, known as the entry point to the incredible Manaslu region.
Arughat was once the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. However, due to new road construction, it is now simpler for everyone to begin the trek in Machakhola. Reaching Machakhola involves about a 10-hour journey by public bus or an 8-hour ride in a private Jeep.
When you make a reservation with Hidden Trek Nepal's package, your transportation is already taken care of in the package, so you can focus on your adventure without any concerns.
The path is quite smooth from Kathmandu to Dhading Beshi. The path can get quite tough beyond this point, particularly between Arughat and Soti Khola. After it rains a lot, be ready for delays that could happen because of mud or landslides. However, our team at Hidden Trek Nepal is dedicated to offering you the most up-to-date travel information and assistance to ensure your adventure is as enjoyable as possible.
Many teahouses and lodges around Manaslu Trekking offer Wi-Fi services that let you connect to the network and the internet. Low and high altitudes can have a big effect on the quality and dependability of the latter.
Wi-Fi services are relatively easy to find in areas with much lower altitudes. They can be found at places like Soti Khola and Maccha Khola. Wi-Fi is less reliable in higher elevations beyond Dharamsala. Some teahouses, even in Bimthang, may provide Wi-Fi, but it may be poor or unavailable due to altitude and weather.
Access to Wi-Fi at these locations can cost a few dollars, ranging from USD 2 to 5, depending on altitude.
To organize and schedule a Manaslu Circuit trip, it is best to hire the services of a well-known trekking company in Nepal, such as Hidden Trek Nepal.
We are concerned about your safety whenever you book a local company like ours, and we are here to help. Throughout every step of your trip, you will constantly have someone with years of experience to provide you with the best recommendations.
By making the reservations as early as possible, particularly during the peak trekking seasons, you may assure that you will be able to secure your desired accommodation without encountering any difficulties. Given that the majority of the most desirable places to stay in the region are often reserved well in advance, it is always a good idea to begin your planning process as early as possible.
Kathmandu has many great hotels, and we recommend staying in Thamel, the city’s vibrant tourist hub. It's packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
For shopping, there are plenty of nearby places to explore. Plus, our office is conveniently located in the heart of Thamel.
If you need assistance with hotel booking, Hidden Trek Nepal is here to help.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
We recommend hiking before the Manaslu circuit trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Manaslu Circuit Trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Our goal is to give you an experience that immerses you in the awe of the great Nepalese wilderness, whether that means customizing your schedule or making changes to the trail in real time or helping you through the tough parts of the trip.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
The journey is difficult due to the high altitude, difficult terrain, long Larke La Pass, and extended duration. Prior trekking experience and a high level of physical fitness are highly recommended.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a restricted region, and trekkers must accompany a guide and a porter, as mandated by the Nepalese government. They will assist with local knowledge, navigation, and gear carrying. This also benefits the local economy.
No, you cannot see Mount Everest from the Manaslu Circuit. While the Manaslu Circuit offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Manaslu itself and other majestic peaks like Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli, Mount Everest is located in a different region, much further east.
Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Larya La Pass, which also lies in Manaslu, is the longest mountain pass in Nepal. The trek can also be enhanced with add-ons such as the Tsum Valley trek, which provides an original sense of culture and beautiful scenery to the existing itinerary.
The primary places to stay along the Manaslu Circuit are in teahouses, which are basic, family-operated businesses providing basic necessities such as beds, shared bathrooms, and shared dining spaces. While teahouses are the most common, certain lodges provide a bit more luxury with private rooms and attached bathrooms, especially after navigating the Larke Pass.
We made a customised 15-day plan that includes the time needed to get used to the altitude and the right amount of trekking. However, you can add or remove days depending on your schedule. The schedule can be changed to fit your needs as long as you follow the rules.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
There are major electricity issues in these remote areas, and power outages occur frequently. To use power, you need to pay extra rupees. If you want to use it at higher elevations, you should definitely bring a power bank and an extra battery.
A lot of tourists now bring smaller solar chargers that they can fold up and carry with them. This way, they can charge their phones and tablets while they walk. It is essential to have these items on hand in case the power goes out or energy levels drop.
Yes, you can always join our fixed departure treks at the last minute. For customised treks, please stay in touch with us to check availability and arrangements.
Our 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfectly curated to cover all highlights while ensuring proper acclimatisation and comfort. It’s possible to complete the trek in less than 15 days, but it depends on how many days you're looking to cut and your trekking experience. Let’s discuss your preferences to see what’s feasible.
The Manaslu region prohibits solo trekking. You need to go on a trek with a qualified local guide and at least one other person.
It is not compulsory to have a porter for the Manaslu Trek. However, we highly recommend hiring one, which will relieve you of your luggage and enable you to fully appreciate the journey. Hidden Trek Nepal provides the best porters, and the service is added on our package too.
The highest point of our journey is over 5000 meters. Most of the time, we'll be walking 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the weather is unpredictable and the temperature is low.
The nighttime temperature varies between 5 degrees Celsius in the summer and -15 degrees Celsius in the winter. Manaslu has sunny days and temperatures that range from 15 degrees Celsius in the summer to -5 degrees Celsius in the winter.
Both the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Everest Base Camp trek are moderately difficult Nepalese hiking trails. Manaslu's terrain is easier than Everest's, but it has more remote areas and fewer facilities.
If you're looking for pleasant hotels and restaurants along the way, Everest may be a better option. However, if you only consider the walking time, the Manaslu Circuit trek is easier to access than the EBC trek.
