Manaslu Circuit Trek
Off-the-beaten-path adventure around the world's eighth highest peak
Days
15 Days
Difficulty
Challenging
Max Altitude
5,106m
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Trip Overview
Experience pristine nature and Tibetan culture on this remote circuit trek around Mount Manaslu. Fewer trekkers mean an authentic wilderness experience.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1350m)
- Day 2 : Sight Seeing, Trek Preparation/ Briefing In Kathmandu (1350m)
- Day 3 : Drive To Machha Khola (7/8 Hours, 900m)
- Day 4 : Trek To Jagat (7/8 Hours, 1340m)
- Day 5 : Trek To Deng (7/8 Hours, 1860m)
- Day 6 : Trek To Namrung (6/7 Hours, 2660m)
- Day 7 : Trek To Sama Gaun (6/7 Hours, 3520m)
- Day 8 : Acclimatization Day - Hike To Pungen Gumba / Manaslu Base Camp (6/9 Hours, 4700m/ 4900m)
- Day 9 : Trek To Samdo (3/4 Hours, 3860m)
- Day 10 : Trek To Dharamshala (3/4 Hours, 4480m)
- Day 11 : Trek To Bhimtang Via Larke Lha Pass (8/11 Hours, 3590m/5106m)
- Day 12 : Trek To Goa (6/7 Hours, 2560m)
- Day 13 : Trek To Tilje & Drive To Beshishahar (6/7 Hours, 760m)
- Day 14 : Drive To Kathmandu (7 Hours, 1350)
- Day 15 : Farewell / Departure From Kathmandu
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Step off the plane into Kathmandu's warm chaos, where a Meander Himalaya teammate will be waving you down at arrivals. The drive into the city is pure sensory overload in the best way, prayer flags fluttering over rooftops, temple bells, the smell of incense drifting through Thamel's alleys. Settle into your hotel and let the excitement build, you're about to disappear into one of Nepal's most remote regions.
Day 2: Sight Seeing, Trek Preparation/ Briefing In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A day to soak in Kathmandu's magic before the mountains take over. Wander through Boudhanath's vast stupa and Pashupatinath's riverside temples, then sit down with your guide for a full briefing on the restricted-area permits and remote trail ahead. Grab any last bits of gear from Thamel's shops, once you leave Kathmandu, options get scarce fast.
Day 3: Drive To Machha Khola
Distance: 160km · Walking: 7/8 Hours · Altitude: 900m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A long, adventurous drive out of Kathmandu takes you along winding roads and riverside tracks toward Machha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu trail. Watch the scenery shift from busy city streets to quiet, terraced countryside, a proper sense of leaving the crowds behind begins right here.
Day 4: Trek To Jagat
Distance: 22km · Walking: 7/8 Hours · Altitude: 1340m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Boots on the ground at last. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through forest and small villages, crossing suspension bridges and passing terraced fields along the way. Jagat, a charming stone-paved village, marks your entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area, and the start of some genuinely off-the-beaten-path trekking.
Day 5: Trek To Deng
Distance: 20km · Walking: 7/8 Hours · Altitude: 1860m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail continues along the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge, climbing in and out of forest with river crossings and waterfalls keeping things interesting all day. As you approach Deng, subtle signs of Tibetan-Buddhist culture start to appear, prayer flags, mani walls, and a real sense of entering a different world.
Day 6: Trek To Namrung
Distance: 19km · Walking: 6/7 Hours · Altitude: 2660m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb steadily through pine and rhododendron forest, with your first real glimpses of snow-capped peaks starting to appear through the trees. Namrung marks a noticeable shift in culture and landscape, this is proper high-Himalaya territory now, with Tibetan influence growing stronger with every village.
Day 7: Trek To Sama Gaun
Distance: 17km · Walking: 6/7 Hours · Altitude: 3520m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A spectacular day on the trail, with Manaslu itself finally coming into full view, towering above the valley in dramatic fashion. Sama Gaun is a large, culturally rich Tibetan-style village and a perfect base for the acclimatization day ahead, take a moment tonight to just stare at the mountain that gives this trek its name.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day - Hike To Pungen Gumba / Manaslu Base Camp
Distance: 15km · Walking: 6/9 Hours · Altitude: 4700m/ 4900m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A smart, well-earned rest day with an optional hike to Pungen Gompa or all the way to Manaslu Base Camp itself. Either route delivers jaw-dropping close-up views of the mountain and its glaciers, a huge highlight for anyone chasing that up-close Himalayan giant experience. Rest up tonight, the high pass is getting closer.
Day 9: Trek To Samdo
Distance: 8km · Walking: 3/4 Hours · Altitude: 3860m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A shorter, scenic walk brings you to Samdo, one of the last villages before the high pass, sitting close to the Tibetan border. The valley opens up wide here, with big skies and a real feeling of remoteness, this is about as far off the beaten path as trekking in Nepal gets.
Day 10: Trek To Dharamshala
Distance: 7km · Walking: 3/4 Hours · Altitude: 4480m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short but important day, climbing up to Dharamshala (also known as Larke Phedi), your final stop before the big pass. The landscape here is stark and high-altitude, glaciers, moraine, and thin air. Rest well tonight and prepare mentally, tomorrow is the toughest and most rewarding day of the whole trek.
Day 11: Trek To Bhimtang Via Larke Lha Pass
Distance: 24km · Walking: 8/11 Hours · Altitude: 3590m/5106m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the big one. An early, cold start takes you up and over Larke La, the highest point of the trek, with breathtaking views across the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Crossing this remote, dramatic pass is a genuine mountaineering-flavored achievement, and the long descent into Bhimtang's beautiful alpine meadow is the perfect way to celebrate.
Day 12: Trek To Goa
Distance: 19km · Walking: 6/7 Hours · Altitude: 2560m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With the pass behind you, enjoy an easier, scenic descent through forest and past cascading waterfalls toward Goa. The landscape turns lush and green again, a welcome contrast after days spent at high, stark altitudes, and a nice reminder of just how diverse this circuit really is.
Day 13: Trek To Tilje & Drive To Beshishahar
Distance: 7km+40km · Walking: 6/7 Hours · Altitude: 760m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A final, pleasant trek through forest and traditional Gurung villages brings you to Tilje, where a jeep or bus picks you up for the drive to Beshishahar. Trade trekking boots for a comfortable seat and look back over the incredible circuit you've just completed.
Day 14: Drive To Kathmandu
Distance: 175km · Walking: 7 Hours · Altitude: 1350 · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A scenic drive back along winding mountain roads returns you to the buzz of Kathmandu, hills and rivers gradually giving way to city streets. Settle back into your hotel this evening, a hot shower and a real bed have rarely felt this good after two weeks in remote Manaslu territory.
Day 15: Farewell / Departure From Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Time to say farewell to Nepal, at least for now. With Larke La, Manaslu Base Camp, and weeks of remote Himalayan trail all behind you, our team will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. Namaste, and until next time!
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Backpack (30 to 40 liters) for daily use
- Duffel bag (provided by us)
- Sleeping bag rated for -15°C or lower (provided by us)
- Trekking poles (provided by us)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking boots, waterproof and broken-in
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
Clothing list
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Insulated down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Trekking trousers, 2 to 3 pairs
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff or scarf
- Gloves, lightweight and insulated pair
- Warm wool socks, 4 to 5 pairs
Personal items
- Passport (with visa) and passport-size photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) for personal expenses, ATMs are not available along the trail
- Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
- Diamox (for altitude, consult your doctor)
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera (extra batteries, memory cards)
Technical climbing equipment
- Not required for this trek (Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek, no technical climbing gear needed)
Your trek cost includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star, B&B basis)
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Farewell dinner to celebrate the successful trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, with tea/coffee included and fresh seasonal fruit served every evening
- Private vehicle transfer Kathmandu to Machha Khola, private jeep Tilje to Besisahar, and private vehicle Besisahar back to Kathmandu (no domestic flight needed)
- All ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit (for the latter part of the trek)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant trek leader for groups of 6 or more trekkers
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 15 kg)
- Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and transportation for all Nepalese staff
- High-altitude first-aid medical kit carried by the guide
- Oximeter checks twice daily to monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and AMS symptoms
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangement (cost covered by your travel insurance)
- Satellite phone with the guide for emergency communication (available for member use at an extra charge)
- Complimentary use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (returned after the trip)
- Meander Himalaya trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and detailed trekking map to keep
- Trip achievement certificate on successful completion
- All applicable Government of Nepal taxes and fees
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport ($50 USD for 30 days; other durations available)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except the welcome and farewell dinners), including in case of an early return from the trek
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, flight cancellations, or early return from the trek
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), must cover medical treatment, high-altitude rescue, air evacuation, trip cancellation, and repatriation
- Personal expenses: phone calls, internet, toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissue paper, etc.), laundry, battery charging, hot showers, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (including mineral water, soft drinks, extra tea/coffee) purchased during the trek
- Personal trekking gear: clothing, packing items, bags, and your own medical kit
- Excess baggage charges on domestic flights (beyond the 10 to 15 kg limit)
- Special permits and fees for filming, cameras, and drone use
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (expected and appreciated)
- Any other service or activity not explicitly listed under "Cost Includes"
1. What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek different?
It circles Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, over roughly 177km, through subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,160m). It's quieter than Everest or Annapurna, with a strong Tibetan-influenced culture in villages like Samagaon and Samdo.
2. How difficult is it? Can beginners do it?
Rated moderate to challenging. Most days involve 6 to 8 hours of walking, and the Larkya La Pass crossing can take 8 to 10 hours. Beginners with good fitness can complete it with proper preparation, we recommend training 2 to 3 months in advance.
3. What permits do I need? Can I trek independently?
Required permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit for the later stretch. We handle all of this for you.
4. When is the best time, and what's the food/accommodation like?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. Accommodation is in teahouses with twin-sharing rooms, basic in lower villages and very basic near Dharmashala (Larkya Phedi), no attached bathrooms or wifi there. Food includes dal bhat, noodles, momos, and Tibetan bread. Carry cash, there are no ATMs on the trail.
5. Why trek with us?
Manaslu is remote and less commercialized than Everest or Annapurna. Our experienced local guides know the region intimately and help you connect with the culture safely, this is a genuine off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure.
Have more questions?
Reach out by email, phone, or through our website FAQ Page for anything on altitude safety, equipment, training, insurance, or itinerary customization.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team can help with altitude safety, packing lists, insurance, or a custom itinerary.
