Manaslu, the mountain of the spirit, lies in west-central Nepal and is surrounded by Annapurna in the West and Ganesh Himal in the East. Despite being the world's 8th highest peak, this destination is not popular as the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek and Langtang valley trek. Hence the trail is remote, with very few trekkers, which provides you with a perfect chance to enjoy the wilderness and connect with nature.
The Manaslu circuit trek offers everything you expect from a classic trek in Nepal: marvellous views, off-the-beaten-track, kind locals, waterfalls, streams, unique culture and the adrenaline rush you are looking for in the mountains. The highest altitude of this trek is 5160 at Larkya La Pass, one of the dramatic passes of Nepal that offer spectacular views of Manaslu (8163m), Himchuli (7893m), Himlung Himal (7126m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Annapurna II(7937m), Kang Guru (7937m) and Glaciers.
So, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is really worth it, as it is unique from every other trek of Nepal and offers you an experience beyond your imagination.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- Enjoy a scenic ride to Soti Khola from Kathmandu.
- Trek in the isolated region of Manaslu through the rich landscape of the Manaslu conservation area.
- Summit one of the dramatic and challenging passes of Nepal, Larkya La pass.
- Enjoy majestic views of glaciers and mountains like Manaslu (8163m), Himchuli (7893m), Himlung Himal (7126m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Annapurna II(7937m), Kang Guru (7937m).
- Explore the rich cultural diversity among the Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan groups inhabiting the area.
- Stay in the teahouses and experience warm hospitability
Manaslu Trek Itinerary:
Manaslu circuit trek can be completed in 15 days with arrival and departure. However, you can shorten or lengthen the trek according to your time availability and interests.
Below mentioned are some of the itinerary options for the Manaslu circuit trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola (890m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 2: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 3: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 4: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 5: Trek to Samagaon (3520m)
- Day 6: Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 7: Trek to Bhimtang (3720m) via Larkya La pass (5160m)
- Day 8: Trek to Dharapani (1910m)
- Day 9: Drive to Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 2: Trek to Macchakhola (890m)
- Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 4: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 6: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 7: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 8: Trek to Bhimatang(3720m) via Larkya La Pass (5160m)
- Day 9: Trek to Dharapani (1910m)
- Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 2: Trek to Macchakhola (890m)
- Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 4: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 6: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 7: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 8:Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 9: Trek to Bhimtang (3720m) via Larkya La pass (5160m)
- Day 10: Trek to Dharapani (1910m)
- Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 2: Trek to Macchakhola (890m)
- Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 4: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 6: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 7: Rest day in Samagaun
- Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 9:Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 10: Trek to Bhimtang (3720m) via Larkya La pass (5160m)
- Day 11: Trek to Dharapani (1910m)
- Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek 13 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 2: Trek to Macchakhola (890m)
- Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 4: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 6: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 7: Rest day in Samagaun
- Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 9: Rest day in Samdo
- Day 10: Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang (3720m) via Larkya La Pass (5160m)
- Day 12: Trek to Tilije/Goa (2300m)
- Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 2: Trek to Macchakhola (890m)
- Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 4: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 6: Trek to Lho (2975m)
- Day 7: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 8: Rest day in Samagaun (Hike to Manaslu base camp or Pungyen Gompa)
- Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 10: Rest day in Samdo
- Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 12: Trek to Bhimtang (3720m) via Larkya La Pass (5160m)
- Day 13: Trek to Dharapani (1910m)
- Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu
Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 3: Trek to Maccha Khola (890m)
- Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 5: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2630m)
- Day 7: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 8: Rest day in Samagaun
- Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 10: Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang (3720m) via Larkya La (5160m)
- Day 12: Trek to Tilije (2300m)
- Day 13: Trek to Syange (1100m)
- Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu
- Day 15: Departure
Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Trek preparation in Kathmandu
- Day 3: Drive to Maccha Khola (730m) via Arughat, Dhading
- Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1350m)
- Day 5: Trek to Deng (1860m)
- Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2630)
- Day 7: Trek to Lho village (3180m)
- Day 8: Trek to Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 9: Rest day in Samagaun
- Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
- Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala (4480m)
- Day 12: Trek to Bhimtang via (3720m) Larkya La (5160m)
- Day 13: Trek to Tilije (2300m)
- Day 14: Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar (760m)
- Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu
- Day 16: Departure
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Trekking in different seasons in Nepal offers different experiences. If you are trekking in the winter (December-February), the temperature is low, and the trails are filled with snow, while the sights of snow-covered pinnacles are enchanting. Trekking in spring (March-May) means you will see the forests adorned with wildflowers and rhododendron. Monsoon (June-August) is about slippery trails but offers beautiful views on a clear day. However, Autumn (September-November) is the best as the sky is clear after the monsoon rain, and the views are amazing. Since it's Dashain-Tihar time in Nepal, the festive mode makes trekking even more special.
Manaslu circuit Trek in Spring (March to May):
It is needless to say, spring is the maib season for trekking in Nepal. After the harsh cold of winter, the temperature slowly rises during this time of the year, and trails look lovely with blooming colourful rhododendron flowers. The temperature is tolerable, and the views of snow-capped pinnacles are marvellous during this time. The average temperature of the Manaslu region ranges from -6˚C to 10˚C in March, 4˚C to 15˚C in April, and 4˚C to 18˚C in May.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn (September to November):
Another best season for Manaslu circuit trekking is in Autumn. As the monsoon cloud clears, the skies and the surrounding get clear, giving pleasant vibes and the best views. And since the Hindu festival, Dashain Tihar, falls during this time, trekking in this season is even more special. On the trekking trail, you will spot people travelling with Tika on their foreheads to receive blessings from their elder relatives. The villages are adorned with blooming marigolds and makhamali flowers. Along with this, you will also spot several traditional swings made from bamboo on the trail if you are trekking during Dashain.
While festivals and views make trekking during this time memorable, the temperature will also be moderate, with an average temperature of 7˚C to 21˚C in September, -2˚C to 20˚C in October and -3˚C to 12˚C in November.
Accommodation and Food
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a Lodge to Lodge trek it is known as tea house trek in Nepal.when manaslu trek open 1994 at that time It was required Camping . tent accomodation. Now a days there is nice mountain lodge also Dharamshala, you might have to spend the night in a tent if you Trek in busy seasons in Dharmasala that is also managed by hotels/ lodge . The rooms will be basic with little furniture and clean washrooms.
You will get food served as per the menu of the tea house lodge . You will find Nepali, Indian, and Tibetan cuisines. Besides that, you can also buy bars and snacks item on the trail. Do carry a reusable water bottle with yourself and refill it every time it gets empty.
Manaslu Trek Cost:
The Manaslu trekking cost depends on various factors like the number of days you spend on the trail, services you use, food and drinks, and the season you are trekking. Other expenses like travelling and Permits remain constant. However, the best way to save money and get the most appropriate rate is by buying a trekking package through local trekking companies.
The packages offered by the trekking companies in Nepal include all the costs like accommodation, food, permits and transportation costs inside Nepal. Hence, you do not have to hassle and break down your costs. However, extra services like the Internet, drinks, snacks, insurance, trekking gear and personal expenses are not included in the package. So make sure to ask the trekking company before booking the trip.
We are selling our best Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days package at US$ 945 per person. So do contact us to book your trek with us.
Most Asked Questions about Manaslu Trek?
1. What are the required permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek?
✔ Unlike other treks, the Manaslu circuit trek requires three permits, and they are mentioned below:
- Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit and
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
2. How long is the Manaslu circuit trek?
✔ The Manaslu circuit trek can be completed in 9 days or can be increased to 16 days. However, the wise way is to choose an itinerary that allows you to acclimatize and explore the isolated Manaslu region. Hence, the 14-16 days itinerary is the most suitable one, as it helps you to rest and soak yourself in the beauty of the Manaslu and Annapurna region.
3. Do you need a guide for the Manaslu circuit trek?
✔ Yes. Manaslu circuit trail is through the restricted region. Hence, hiring a guide is compulsory for the Manaslu circuit trek.
4. How hard is the Manaslu circuit trek?
✔ The Manaslu circuit trek is moderately challenging, and the most demanding part of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass. The increasing altitude, strong winds, and steep trail may trouble you, but the views from the pass are worth every challenge.
Conclusion:
Trekking in the Manaslu region is one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself and nature. The region is rich naturally and culturally and deserves more recognition and trekkers. Hence, if you are planning to trek, Manaslu can be the perfect destination for you. And yes, Manaslu is totally worth your time.
