Manaslu Circuit Trek- Less Crowded Trek of Nepal

Destination
Nepal
Activity
Trekking
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge and Tea house
Region
Manaslu Region
Distance
177 km ~
Start / End Point
Bhulbule/Arughat Bazaar
Duration
15 Nights 16 Days
Max. Altitude
5160m
Meals Included
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Group Size
2-25
Nature of Trek
Tea house trek
Best Season
March-May August-November
Trip Code
MT-MCT
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Transporation
Jeep / bus
Grade
Moderate

Manaslu Circuit Trek- Less Crowded Trek of Nepal Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most popular long trekking in Nepal which involves trekking around the Manaslu peaks. We get an up-close view of the world's eighth-highest mountain with a small village called Samagaun located in its lap. The village is prominent among trekkers for its scenic beauty. This trek grants a unique experience in comparison to other similar treks in Nepal such as Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.

Trekking Highlights
    • Immerse yourself in the fusion of Nepalese and Tibetan cultures in the Manaslu areas.
    • The mesmerizing natural beauty of the green forests, fast-flowing rivers and beautiful scenario of snow-capped mountains
    • The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking is Larky La Pass which is at an altitude of 5167 meters.
Where is Manaslu located?

With an altitude of 8163 meters, the eighth-highest mountain in the world is located in Chumanubri rural municipality, covering areas from both Manang and Gorkha districts.

How Challenging is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek can be considered moderately challenging. However, it can be pretty hard for first-timers as it mostly encompasses the off-beaten path and steep inclines. Also, they have a chance of getting lost.

So, the Manaslu circuit map may become handy during the confusion. Before deciding on this trek, it would be better to experience other treks in order to decrease the likelihood of getting altitude sickness.

Reminder: You can combine Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Trek.

When is the best time to trek Manaslu Circuit?

The weather in the Gorkha Manaslu region is quite similar to any other region of Nepal. So, it pretty much depends on when we decide on trekking. The temperature rises during the summer averaging 12-22 degrees Celsius.

The place witnesses heavy rainfall during June and heavy snowfall from January to March with an average temperature of 6-8 degrees. So, Manaslu trekking during this time of the year might be challenging.

The optimum time for the trekking is Autumn season as there is no rainfall, and the temperatures are mild, with warm days and chilly nights. The months from March to June are also known as the best time for hiking in the Manaslu Gorkha region. However, September to November is also perfect for the trek.

Manaslu Samagaun Nepal

During the trek for Manaslu Base Camp, people often use this village as an acclimatization spot. Famous for its captivating landscapes and scenery, thatched houses, yaks, and a nearby glacier lake called Birendra Taal, this village is precisely positioned on the base of Mt.Manaslu.

The villagers are primarily of Tibetan origin and follow the Tibetan Buddhism religion. So, Samagaun village reflects traditional Tibetan culture. Furthermore, the beauty of the village is added by snowfall during the winter season. The villagers are warm and welcoming and are always happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

Safety and Precaution

Acute mountain sickness (ACM) and cold are the most seen problems during the high-altitude trek. For this, we will be equipped with medical supplies and a first-aid kit in case of any accidents and sickness.

We will also take a day off for acclimatization in Samagaun or Samdo in order to adapt to the high altitudes. Drinking hot drinks is mandatory to stay hydrated and alcohol must be strictly avoided as it has adverse effects on our lungs. Thus, may be life-threatening.

 

Manaslu Circuit Trek- North Nepal Travel & Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek- Less Crowded Trek of Nepal

  1. day 1

    Arrival at Airport

    Highest Altitude 1400m

    After arriving at the airport in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up in a car and take you to your hotel. Later in the evening, we will have a briefing program about the trek.

      • Overnight Stay at a Hotel.
  2. day 2

    Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation Day (Optional)

    Highest Altitude 1400m

    After having breakfast, we start our guided tour of Kathmandu sightseeing. You will visit many of the World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Durbar Squares. These places are of vital historical and cultural significance. The temples are sacred sites for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Similarly, the durbar square areas represent the various kings and rulers throughout Nepal’s rich history. Make your way back to the hotel for a rest. We will be of assistance in the evening with the necessary trek arrangements.

      • Overnight Stay at Hotel.
    • Breakfast 

  3. day 3

    Kathmandu to Soti Khola ( 135km)

    Flight Hours 9 Hrs
    Highest Altitude 730m

    A Bus/ Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and then to Soti Khola in the early hours of the day offers a captivating view of the hill highway and its lush green landscape. A few hours drive, we will be at Dhading Besi and then make our way to Arughat, renowned for its shopping areas which are frequented by visitors from Manaslu Gorkha and Dhading. The drive from Arughat to Soti Khola is awe-inspiring, with grand views of the mountains and snow-covered hills.

      • Overnight stay at Hotel.
      • Included Melas (Breakfas + Lunch + Dinner)
  4. day 4

    Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m)

    Highest Altitude 890m
    Trek Duration 6-7 hours

    We start our trek in the morning after breakfast. We hike through more verdant forests and vibrant villages. We will reach Lapu Besi, which is a village inhabited by Gurungs. From there, we walk further along the zigzag path to reach Machha Khola after 6 hours.

      • Tea House Accommodation 
      • Included Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Tea Coffee)
  5. day 5

    Machha Khola to Jagat

    Trek Duration 7 hours

    We begin early and start hiking upstream towards the small village of Khola Besi and then to the hot springs at Tatopani. We then cross a suspension bridge to the other side and walk through a forest. After crossing Doban and reaching Lauri, we will cross another bridge and start climbing uphill. Finally, we will reach Jagat after 7 hours of hike.

      • Overnight Stay at lodge
      • Included Meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  6. day 6

    Jagat to Dyang

    Highest Altitude 1800m
    Trek Duration 6-7 hours

    After breakfast, we begin our hike and cross yet another suspension bridge before reaching Philim. Gurung communities mostly inhabit the village. Filled with traditional houses, serene monasteries, and chortens, it provides stunning insights to the rich Gurung tradition. After crossing more bridges, we will reach the village of Dyang, which is famous for its agriculture.

      • Overnight Stay at Lodge.
      • Included Meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  7. day 7

    Dyang to Namrung

    Highest Altitude 2650m
    Trek Duration 7-8 hours

    We hike through a flat trail and then ascend to Namrung through a green forest. With views of Manaslu along with ridges and valleys, we will enjoy our way to Namrung. It is a Buddhist village with several monasteries, chortens, and Prayer Flags.

      • Overnight Stay at a Teahouse.
      • Included Meals (Breakfast + Lunch Dinner)
  8. day 8

    Namrung to Sama Gaun (3530m)

    Highest Altitude 3530m
    Trek Duration 7-8 hours

    We trek along a winding path with some magnificent views of the Gorkha Himal, Lajing Himal, Saula Himal, and Manaslu, among others. As we go further ascending uphill, the air becomes thinner and colder. Moreover, the vegetation changes gradually with the rhododendron forests turning into pasture grasslands. We also walk through the Tibetan-style village of Lhogaun before reaching Sama Gaun.

      • Overnight stay at a Tea house
      • Included meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  9. day 9

    Acclimatization at Sama Gaun

    Highest Altitude 3530m

    We will rest in Sama Gaun for the day for acclimatization. The place is surrounded by some breath-taking views as well as verdant forest. So, it is an ideal place to take a rest and relax.

      • Overnight say at a tea house.
      • Included Meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  10. day 10

    Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo

    Highest Altitude 3860m
    Trek Duration 3-5 hours

    After spending an entire day in the beautiful village, we will start climbing uphill through a mostly desert path to Samdo. It is merely 4 kilometres away from the Tibetan border. Moreover, the village also has a Tibetan refugee camp.

      • Overnight stay at a Tea house
      • Included Meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  11. day 11

    Samdo to Larkya La Phedi

    Trek Duration 4 hours

    We traverse through more zigzag path to reach the Larkya La Phedi.

      • Overnight stay at a tea house
      • Included Meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  12. day 12

    Larkya La Phedi to Bhimtang

    Highest Altitude 3700m
    Trek Duration 3-4 hours

    We begin early after breakfast and head up to the Larkya La Pass. It is moderately difficult climb as we hike through winding rocky trail. At the Pass, we will enjoy some stunning views of the snow-clad mountains like Ratna Chuli, Cheo Himal, and Manaslu. Then we descend downhill and encounter some icy lakes, before reaching Bimthang.

      • Overnight stay at a tea house.
      • Included Melas ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  13. day 13

    Bhimtang to Darapani

    Highest Altitude 1860m
    Trek Duration 6-7 hours

    We begin by walking across the pasture land and descending to the valley of Budhi Khola. We walk further crossing the river and walking through the rhododendron forests. After a couple hours of hike, we reach Tije, where there is an apple orchard. Also, Tije is famous for its wine. We trek for another hour to reach Dharapani.

      • Overnight stay at a tea house.
      • Included Meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
  14. day 14

    Dharapani to Besisahar

    Trek Duration 4 hours ride

    From Dharapani, we return to Besisahar by jeep. The roads are not in good condition because of heavy rainfall last year, river Marsyangdi flooded through the Tal valley and swept away everything.

      • Overnight stay at a lodge.
      • Included meals (Breakfas + Lunch + Dinner)
  15. day 15

    Besisahar to Kathmandu

    Trek Duration 7 hours drive

    Taking the bus from Besisahar we ride back to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Map

everest base camp trek map

Manaslu Circuit Trek Information

What are the things to carry with yourself for Manaslu Circuit Trekking?

Depending on the season you wish to go trekking you may have to make adjustments to clothing and equipment however these are the necessities list we prepared to keep your comfort and utility in mind. We never recommend our clients bring over equipment that is not necessary for the trek.

Head

    • Sun hat or scarf
    • Winter hat or insulating hat or Wide-brimmed hat
    • Headlight with extra batteries

Face

    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglass with UV protection
    • Face/body wipes

Body

  • Hands

    • Lightweight gloves
    • Heavyweight winter gloves

    Body

    • Hiking shirts
    • Long-sleeved shirt made of synthetic fiber
    • Hooded rain jacket
    • Fleece jacket
    • Lightweight cotton pants
    • T-shirts ( bring Lightweight wool)
    • Polypropylene underwear
    • down jacket ( available for rent in Kathmandu)
    • Sweater
    • Waterproof jacket and pants

    Footwear

    • Hiking Boots that have been worn in
    • Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)

    Essential gear

    • Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take a porter or not).
    • Thermal bottle
    • Water purification
    • Trekking pole
    • Sleeping bag (-15 bag is best in the high altitude trek)
    • Toiletries (toilet papers, toothpaste, toothbrush, )

    Toiletries

    • Medium-size drying towel
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Deodorant/ floss
    • Biodegradable bar soap
    • Nail clippers
    • Small mirror

    Personal accessories

    • Money
    • Watch
    • Cell phone
    • Camera
    • Extra items
    • First aid kit
    • Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
    • Notebook and pen
    • Binocular

Manaslu Circuit Trek- Less Crowded Trek of Nepal Company Reviews

2023-01-10

Excellent Service for Manaslu Trek

We organized permits and a guide for an independent Manaslu Circuit Trek with North Nepal Travels & Trek (based in Pokhara) in October 2022. We recommend North Nepal for any adventure you may have in Nepal. The owner, Mohan, is patient, knowledgeable, and very kind. We reached out via WhatsApp before our arrival and he answered our questions well.

As the time for our initial meeting approached, some late-monsoon weather caused landslides and damaged parts of the Manaslu Circuit trail, leaving many trekkers stuck in Samagaun. Mohan let us know about the conditions, and advised us to wait until it was safe. Two days later, he let us know that he got information that it was likely that local people would finish making trails across the landslides, and that we could begin our trek. We provided our passports and documents, and he got the three permits organized for us the same day (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) for $160 per person. Guide service provided for $28/day (which includes guide accommodation, food, and drinks). We paid for our groups’ transportation, accommodation, food, and drinks independently on the trail. We met with the fantastic freelance guide he organized for us (Raj Rai - recommended!) and began transportation to the trek the next day. North Nepal allowed for the payment of 8 days upfront, and the remaining 5 days after we returned from the trek. Mohan also directed us to the reputable “Trekking Shop/ Trek equipment solution” located next door, which provided excellent service for equipment rental and purchase.

During our pre-trip conversations, North Nepal also provided complementary chai masala, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was a lovely experience organizing our trek with North Nepal and recommend them fully for any adventures you want to plan, big or small.

Noah J
2023-01-10

Amazing and well organized Manaslu trek

We did the Manaslu Trek for 14 days from Pochara with Zeewan as guide and we had a perfect trip! Mohan from North Nepal was very helpful in organizing the trip and preparing us in every way with proper equipment, luggage transfer etc.

Zeewan was both a very skilled guide and animal spotter, but also an extremely kind and caring guide who took care of us in the best ways. Niranzan from North Nepal was also with us to do some PR and he too was caring and very good company while teaching us a lot about Tibetan and Nepalese culture and lifestyle.

We had a fun, beautiful, authentic and impressive trek and can highly recommend North Nepal.

Mathias K

Trip Downloads

FAQ's

1 : What about Food and Accommodation?

2 : Is this trek possible with children?

3 : Do I need any special permits on this trek?

4 : How do I prepare for this long journey?

5 : The cultural lifestyle of this region?

Related Trips

Group
from $ 2100 $ 1950

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: Itinerary/ Cost/ Best Season - 17 Nights 18 Days

Grade

strenuous

Duration

17 Nights 18 Days

Activity

Trekking
Group
from $ 1400 $ 1190

Everest Base Camp Trek: Explore the Short Yet Memorable Trek - 13 Nights 14 Days

Grade

Moderate

Duration

13 Nights 14 Days

Activity

Trekking
Group
from $ 1900 $ 1499

Upper Mustang Trek: A Concealed Exotic Destination - 13 Nights 14 days

Grade

Adventurous

Duration

13 Nights 14 days

Activity

Trekking
Group
from $ 800 $ 650

Gosaikunda Lake Trek: A Place of Religious Prominence - 7 nights 8 days

Grade

Strenuous

Duration

7 nights 8 days

Activity

Trekking

Our History in Service Excellence

We are associated with:

  • The logo of the Nepal Tourism Board of Nepal
  • North Nepal Trek pvt. ltd is authorised from Nepal Mountain Academy.