Manaslu Circuit Trek 

This trek is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas, and the region offers a rich blend of cultural diversity and fantastic high-mountain views. During the trek, Manaslu and Ganesh appear in the distance as a gigantic barrier of jagged, shimmering peaks, suspended above the ground and connected to the earth only by thin layers of mist. The houses scattered across the hills are thatched and painted according to tradition. The foothills and the valley floor are terraced rice paddies, and the oxen and cows pulling the plow provide milk and meat. Bananas are plentiful, and the cicadas that gather in the trees during the flowering season add another dimension to the landscape.

  • Walk through the remote Budhi Gandaki Valley and Manaslu Conservation Area.
  • Experience Gurung and Tibetan-influenced mountain communities.
  • Spot yak caravans, prayer flags, and traditional Himalayan life
  • Cross Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m, the highest point of the trek.
  • Descend through the glacial landscape of Bimthang toward the Annapurna region.
  • Away from the crowds, between villages and mountain peaks

Away from the crowds, between villages and mountain peaks

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most spectacular trekking adventures in the Nepalese Himalayas, offering an unforgettable combination of breathtaking mountain scenery, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. The trail winds through lush valleys, terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and dramatic high-altitude terrain, with magnificent views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Along the journey, you'll discover charming hillside villages featuring traditional stone houses, terraced rice fields, and centuries-old customs that reflect the region's unique cultural heritage. As you ascend, the landscape gradually transforms from subtropical forests and fertile farmland into alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and rugged mountain terrain.

The trek also provides opportunities to experience the Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture of the upper Manaslu region, including ancient monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and welcoming local communities. With its remarkable natural beauty, peaceful trails, and authentic cultural encounters, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking a rewarding Himalayan adventure away from the busier trekking routes.

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Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, an Alpinist Club representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Later, you will meet the trekking team for a trip briefing and initial equipment check. The remaining time is free to rest or explore Kathmandu.

  • Final altitude: 1,400 m
  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s important cultural sites. Depending on the programme, you may visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

In the afternoon, meet your guide for the final trek briefing and equipment check. Any missing trekking items can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu.

    • Final altitude: 1,400 m
    • Activity: Sightseeing and trek preparation
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel

    Leave Kathmandu and drive west through Dhading toward the Gorkha region. The journey follows river valleys, terraced fields and rural settlements before joining the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Continue through Arughat, Arkhet and Lapubesi to reach Machha Khola.

    The final section of the road can be rough, and the driving time may vary according to traffic and road conditions.

    • Final altitude: 930 m
    • Driving time: 8–10 hours
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      The first walking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River through Khorlabesi and Tatopani. Continue across suspension bridges and through narrow sections of the valley to Dobhan. From here, the trail climbs gradually toward Jagat, a traditional stone village and restricted-area permit checkpoint.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +660 m / −220 m
      • Final altitude: 1,340 m
      • Walking time: 6–7 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Follow the trail through Salleri and Sirdibas before crossing the river toward Philim. The path continues above the Budhi Gandaki Gorge through forest and rocky sections. After passing the junction for Tsum Valley, continue toward Pewa.

      Tibetan Buddhist influences become more noticeable through the village architecture, prayer wheels and mani walls along the route.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +1,040 m / −520 m
      • Final altitude: 1,800 m
      • Walking time: 7 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Continue through bamboo and rhododendron forest, passing Deng and several small settlements along the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The trail includes river crossings, rocky sections and gradual climbs before reaching Prok, a traditional village surrounded by cultivated fields and mountain scenery.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / −320 m
      • Final altitude: 2,540 m
      • Walking time: 6 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Descend from Prok and rejoin the main trail before climbing through the forest toward Namrung. Continue through the villages of Banjam, Lihi, and Sho, passing cultivated fields, mani walls, and chortens.

      As the trail approaches Lho, views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli become increasingly impressive. After arriving, there may be time to explore the village and visit Ribung Monastery.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +1,050 m / −200 m
      • Final altitude:  3,180 m
      • Walking time:  7 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      We also have a beautiful view of the Manaslu Himal. We visit Lho Monastery before continuing to Shyala. From Shyala, we head towards Sama. This stage is a little-used variant of the Manaslu tour and allows us to perfect our acclimatization. We are in a wild environment between rock and grassy plateaus. The panorama is exceptional, and we admire the Manaslu, which is getting closer to us every day. We are not far from the glaciers, and the chortens and mani walls remind us of a human presence from a not-so-distant time. We retraced our steps to take the "classic" path and go to the village of Sama.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +600m / -100m.
      • Duration: 5 hours of walking
      • Final altitude: approximately 3,530m
      • Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: one night in the lodge

      Spend an additional night in Samagaon to help your body adjust to the altitude. You can explore the village and monastery or take a moderate hike to Birendra Lake.

      Trekkers who are well acclimatized may make the longer and more demanding hike toward Manaslu Base Camp. The guide will choose the most suitable option according to the group’s fitness, weather and trail conditions.

      • Overnight altitude: 3,530 m
      • Birendra Lake altitude: 3,690 m
      • Manaslu Base Camp altitude: 4,800 m
      • Activity: Acclimatization hike
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Follow the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley past the long Kermo Kharka mani wall. The trail climbs gradually through open alpine terrain before reaching Samdo, a Tibetan-influenced settlement close to the Nepal–Tibet border.

      The shorter walking day provides additional time for rest and acclimatization before moving higher.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / −50 m
      • Final altitude: 3,860 m
      • Walking time: 3–4 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Descend briefly from Samdo and cross the Budhi Gandaki River before climbing through increasingly barren mountain terrain. Continue gradually toward Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi.

      Dharamsala is the final overnight stop before crossing Larkya La Pass. Lodge facilities are basic, and the afternoon is reserved for rest and preparation.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +600 m / −50 m
      • Final altitude: 4,460 m
      • Walking time:  4–5 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
      • Accommodation: Basic mountain lodge

      Begin before sunrise for the longest and most demanding day of the trek. The trail climbs steadily through cold and exposed glacial terrain toward Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m.

      In clear weather, the pass offers views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Gyaji Kang and Annapurna II. After crossing the pass, descend carefully over moraine, scree and possible snow before reaching Bimthang.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / −1,440 m
      • Highest altitude: Larkya La Pass – 5,160 m
      • Final altitude:  3,720 m
      • Walking time: 8–10 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Leave Bimthang beneath the west face of Manaslu and descend through alpine meadows and rhododendron forest. Follow the Dudh Khola Valley through settlements such as Karche and Gho before reaching Tilije, a Gurung village near the end of the trekking route.

      • Elevation gain/loss: +350 m / −1,550 m
      • Final altitude: 2,300 m
      • Walking time:  7–8 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      • Accommodation: Mountain lodge

      Travel by jeep from Tilije through Dharapani and continue toward Besisahar. Depending on the road and vehicle arrangements, you may change vehicles before continuing to Kathmandu.

      After arriving in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

      • Final altitude: 1,400 m
      • Driving time:  8–10 hours
      • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
      • Accommodation: Hotel

      Your schedule will depend on your international flight time. An Alpinist Club representative will transfer you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.

      • Meals: Breakfast

      Everest Very High altitude Note:

      If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.

      Plan a Private Trip

      Included & Excluded

      Included Points

      Airport Transfers : Private airport pickup and drop-off between Tribhuvan International Airport and your hotel.
      Kathmandu Accommodation : Three nights in a three-star hotel on a twin-sharing, bed-and-breakfast basis
      Welcome Dinner : One welcome dinner in Kathmandu with the Alpinist Club team.
      Kathmandu Sightseeing : Guided sightseeing tour according to the itinerary.
      Restricted Area Permit : Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.
      Conservation Permits : Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
      Local Permit : Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality permit, when required under current regulations.
      Private Transportation : Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Tilije to Kathmandu via Dharapani and Besisahar by private car or bus, depending on the itinerary, road conditions, and group size.
      Trekking Accommodation : Twin-sharing accommodation in mountain lodges or tea houses during the trek. Bathrooms may be shared, particularly at higher elevations.
      FOODS & LODGING : Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking period, including tea or coffee with meals.
      Licensed Trekking Guide : An experienced, government-licensed English-speaking guide throughout the trek.
      Porter Service : One porter for every two trekkers starts up to 15 kg of personal trekking luggage per participant.
      Staff Expenses : Wages, meals, accommodation, transportation, equipment, and insurance for the guide and porters.
      First-Aid Kit : A basic group first-aid kit carried by the trekking team.
      Government Charges : Applicable government taxes and official service charges

      Excluded Points

      International Flights : International airfare to and from Nepal.
      Nepal Entry Visa : Nepal tourist visa fee and any visa-extension charges. Travellers should confirm the current fee with Nepal’s Department of Immigration before arrival.
      Kathmandu Meals : Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, except for the included welcome dinner.
      Sightseeing Entrance Fees: : Entry fees for temples, monuments and heritage sites in Kathmandu unless specifically included in the final quotatio
      Travel Insurance : Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking up to at least 5,160 m, medical treatment, trip cancellation, emergency helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
      Personal Trekking Equipment: : Clothing, sleeping bag, trekking poles, footwear, backpacks, personal medical supplies and other personal equipment.
      Personal Expenses : Telephone calls, mobile data, Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, laundry, snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, toiletries, and alcoholic beverages.
      Additional Food and Drinks : Extra meals, drinks or services ordered outside the included meal plan.
      Tips : Tips for the guide, porter, driver, and other support staff.
      Unforeseen Costs : Expenses caused by natural disasters, landslides, political disturbances, road closures, or other circumstances beyond the company’s control

      Frequently Asked Questions

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      The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes 15 days in this itinerary, including travel from Kathmandu, trekking through the Manaslu region, crossing Larkya La Pass and returning to Kathmandu.

      The cost depends on group size, season, transportation and included services. Contact Alpinist Club for the current price and a detailed breakdown of what is included and excluded.

      The Manaslu Circuit Trek is challenging due to its high altitude, remote trails and long walking days. Good physical fitness and preparation are essential, especially for crossing Larkya La Pass.

      The highest point is Larkya La Pass, listed at approximately 5,160 metres on this itinerary. The crossing is physically demanding and depends on weather and trail conditions.

      Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are generally the best seasons, offering favorable trekking conditions and excellent mountain views.

      The main permits are the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Additional local requirements may apply, so confirm the current regulations before departure.

      Beginners with good fitness can prepare for the trek, but the high altitude, remote location and long walking days make it more suitable for people with previous hiking experience.

      Trekkers generally stay in local teahouses and mountain lodges. Rooms are simple, and bathrooms are often shared. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations.

      Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the trekking days if specified in your confirmed package. Meals typically include dal bhat, noodles, rice, soups, potatoes and breakfast options such as eggs or porridge.

      You can travel alone as an individual client, but restricted-area permit rules generally require at least two trekkers on the permit. Alpinist Club can discuss options for joining another trekker or group.

      Yes. Choose insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking to at least 5,160 metres, emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation.

      5.0
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      Client Reviews

      What our travelers say about their experience

      A

      Alicia

      19 Mar 2025 Verified Traveler

      Unforgettable Adventure in Nepal

      M

      Michael Mark

      19 Mar 2025 Verified Traveler

      Highly Recommended Trek