The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular treks. It winds its way around the Manaslu Conservation Area, culminating in a stunning vista of the world’s eighth-tallest peak.

This Manaslu Circuit trek might be a wonderful alternative to the Annapurna Circuit if you’ve already done the Annapurna Circuit. It’s a 14-day trek that starts at Soti Khola and finishes at Beshi Sahar, but it may be made into a 22-day trek by adding a side trip to Tsum Valley.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most elegant of the 8000-meter giants, flanked on the west by the Annapurnas and on the east by the Ganesh Himal.

Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, which attracts trekkers from all over the world, the Manaslu circuit trek is generally less crowded. Manaslu Circuit Trek is both culturally enlightening and scenically inspiring, despite its remoteness and physical demands.

The circuit takes you from the sweltering lowlands with their rice and millet terraces to the majestic Budi Gandaki gorges with their turquoise streams and stunning waterfalls. The Manaslu trek’s suspension bridges are unparalleled in length and height, and the seasonal monsoon frequently washes out lesser bridges, forcing trekkers to rely on semi-submerged rocks.

Manaslu Circuit Trek, which was only available to a maximum of 400 trekkers in 1992, has the sense of a pioneering expedition. The Manaslu circuit trip is a visual feast from start to end if you want to see what trekking was like in the 1980s, but you’ll need to be in good shape.

Slowly, you make your way north to the Larkya La Pass, which is snowbound and close to the Tibetan border. The height is a concern here, but the breathtaking vistas of Manaslu make it virtually unnoticeable. Larkya La pass, at 5167 meters, is generally snow-covered and slippery. On the descent, micro crampons are frequently utilized. The trek to the pass must begin at 3 a.m. to reach the highest point before the winds arrive, which normally arrive around mid-morning.

Looking back on the way you came from the past provides a clear perspective, but the most incredible vista occurs after you leave the Pass and continue along a corridor to the west.

A massive glacial cirque appears out of nowhere. Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru form a magnificent wall that sends a torrent of glaciers down, while Annapurna II peaks ahead. The vista alone is worth the journey. Your all-inclusive 15-day trek may be arranged with Magical Nepal. Unless you wish to travel off route, when camping is the only option, the journey may be done in a teahouse.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek highlights:

• It is significantly less busy than Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. Manaslu Circuit trek is becoming more well-known, yet there are still around ten times fewer trekkers on the Manaslu Trail.
• The journey is wild and inaccessible, but there are teahouses at every step, eliminating the need for hikers to pack tents and food, making it more accessible and inexpensive than similar treks.
• The trailhead is accessible by land, therefore no domestic flights are required.
• The Buri Gandaki, a deep, lengthy river valley with several suspension bridge crossings, is followed during the first section of the path.
• The environment is spectacular in the Manaslu Circuit trek: you’ll travel from the subtropical jungle at lower levels, across the Himalayan foothills, and up to the high, cold, and hard Larkya La crossing at 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.

Accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Unless guests express a preference for tents, the journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek will be based on lodges and tea houses owned by local families. Each lodge features a central common space with a stove, as well as unheated bedrooms with two beds, mattresses, and pillows. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag (3 seasons is usually plenty), and the lodge will provide you with a blanket if necessary during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The showers are usually gas-powered, and the toilets are the famed ‘drop’ toilets, however, some lodges now employ a flush system. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not as populous or linked as the popular Khumbu or Annapurna regions, which is part of its appeal.

However, the location’s remoteness means that connectivity to phones and the outside world is less frequent or can take days. You won’t find the same pizza or burger alternatives as in other parts of the country, but the authentic and delicious food, warm greetings, and breathtaking landscape are the main draws during your Manaslu Circuit trek.

How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the finest option for adventure-seeking hikers. This is a somewhat tough trek. The difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mostly determined by the trekker’s physical condition.

The Manaslu Trek is one of Nepal’s most arduous hikes, taking you through isolated Himalayan communities. It is one of Nepal’s off-the-beaten-path hikes. Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft). And it’s quickly becoming known as the newest jewel in the Himalayan hiking crown. The Manaslu Circuit trek also makes for an excellent tea house hike. Some even call it Nepal’s greatest all-around hike. It is unquestionably a superior option to the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

How fit should I be for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit trek is indeed exhausting, and being fit is undoubtedly advantageous, but keep in mind that you’ll be exercising every day on the walk, and you’ll finish up mountain fit and weather-battered! Return toned, healthy, detoxed, and a few pounds lighter!

Do plenty of walking with a daysack to prepare, but don’t overdo it. Although it is not a marathon, there are several hills to climb and descend! The high pass is also fairly difficult. For carrying the bag (it’s just around 5kg, but it seems like 10 while you’re going uphill in the sun), work on your thigh muscles, calf muscles, and shoulders.

The days aren’t too long, the path is good, and the porters are helpful, but you’ll get a lot more out of this trip if you’ve worked on your fitness before the vacation.

Manaslu Circuit trek is not a forced march, and the pace is usually leisurely, with days that are shorter than a typical day hike at home. In your day bag, you’ll probably carry around 5 kg, thus this is a nice weight to start with. If you’re going to the gym, focus on step machines, which engage the thigh and calf muscles, and attempt to raise your heart rate to 50 percent over resting level.

Swimming, like any other cardiovascular activity, will not train the right muscle areas, hence it must be combined with other exercises to be successful. Body pumps, Pilates, and aerobics are all great ways to prepare for a hike like this, especially ones that focus on core strength, balance, and stability.

Heavy footwear will be hot, heavy, and inconvenient, thus light hiking boots with a high ankle are advised for the walk to protect you from falling over on an ankle. Cross trainers are trendy, although it’s freezing up high in the morning.

What is the best season for The Manaslu Circuit Trek?

March to June and September to November, are the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The start dates on our website’s ‘Dates & Bookings’ page correspond to your arrival date in Kathmandu, while the end dates refer to the earliest flight home you may book. However, you are welcome to arrive earlier or remain later to spend more time touring Kathmandu and stay at our guesthouse.

What makes The Manaslu Circuit Trek Special?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is unique. Along the steep-sided Budhi Gandaki River, the hike follows an old salt-trading route. While climbing through the Manaslu area, ten peaks taller than 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) are visible, including summits taller than 7,000 meters (23,000 feet). The Manaslu Circuit trek is far less crowded than its busier sibling, the Annapurna Circuit, and this distinguishes the climb.

The Nubri and Tsum ethnic groups make up the majority of the population in this area. These two racial areas are separated by the river’s splitting off of Chhikur. While Nubri became popular when Nepal’s tourism opened in 1950, Tsum has retained much of its traditional culture, art, and customs.

The Gurungs are the main ethnic group in the region’s central highlands. If you are going alone and wish to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should locate a companion. Because the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted region, permission and a start date must be obtained by at least two persons. Continue reading to learn which permission you require.

Recommended Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Patan

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath.

We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square and delight in the architectural wonders of the Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple, and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.

Day 3: Drive to Arughat Bazar

We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day; we then head towards the hill bazaar of Gorkha. The road gets a bit rough after Gorkha. We will reach our destination, Arughat Bazar, after seven hours from Kathmandu.

Day 4: Trek to Sundi Khola

On our first day of your Manaslu Circuit trek, we head north, following the Buri Gandaki. In the low country, rice paddies and picturesque hamlets surround us. After climbing briefly to Kyoropani, we descend once again to the river and at the confluence with the tributary of Sundi Khola. It is a nice first day not too long, and perhaps we have time for a refreshing swim sometime during the day for it is hot in the low country.

Day 5: Trek to Machha Khola

The country changes, the broad valley narrows, and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested. We pass several small villages, tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Buri Gandak

The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapbesi. We descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machha Khola, which has several teashops. 

Day 6: Trek to Jagat

We cross the Machha Khola – Fish Stream – and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley sides remain steep until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path, we reach the single teahouse at Doban.

Above Doban, the Buri Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we will cross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat.

Day 7: Trek to Deng

After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, we climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal (7187m). The path splits, with the right-hand branch heading off towards the Ganesh Himal while crossing the river at Gata Khola. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge with towering walls. We cross the river thrice in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.

Day 8: Trek to Ghap (2100m)

The valley is still steep-sided and most impressive. We cross the village of Lama and start to see mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks), a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist region. After only about four hours we reach the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan area. There’s a perceptible change in the climate and culture. It gets pleasantly cool, as we start to gain altitude.

Day 9: Trek to Lho Village 

The higher altitude takes us into alpine territory and increases mountain views. There are more Mani walls and 3 more crossings of the Buri Gandaki on our route to Namrung, where our special permit is checked. Above this village, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures.

Climbing gently now, and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. We will get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu Main ahead of Sho. As we continue we come to Lho, a large village at 3150 meters where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous Chortens and Manis. Looking back Ganesh I is visible.

Day 10: Trek to Sama Gaon

Leaving the village, we follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As we continue on the main trail, we soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500m. We reach Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, and Samdo, near the Tibetan border.

Day 11: Rest Day

Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, today we take a rest to acclimatize and relax. It is a good time to catch up on that book or wash clothes.

Day 12: Trek to Larkya Lodge (Dharamsala)

The thundering Buri Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. We are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. Manaslu is particularly impressive. After crossing to the east bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Sumdu.

Above the village, we cross the stream, which runs down from the Gya La (Pass), the pass to Tibet. We come to the ruins of an abandoned village, known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably, this village thrived as a trading point, with Tibet lying over the Gya La. The commerce seems to have dried up leading to the migration of the settlers. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach a lodge at 4450m, which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the Larkya La.

Day 13: Trek to Tanbuche

After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent, which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the Pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, and the huge Annapurna II. Initially, there is a steep descent over snow and then a screen, to reach the Ablation Valley trail to Larcia Kharka. Further on, a moraine ridge path leads to Tanbuche 3900m

Day 14: Exploring from Tanbuche

The valley system here is huge and well worth exploring. But if you wish you can rest the whole day.

Day 15: Trek to Karche

Below us is Bimthang, a broad and level ablation valley with several mani stone walls and deserted houses. Crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp to reach the west side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150 meters, we have excellent views of Manaslu to the southeast and Annapurna II to the southwest. Beyond a bridge, over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, we descend into the rhododendron forests and follow a trail through a narrow valley, until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche (2785m).

Day 16: Trek to Dharapani

We climb through terraced fields to the Karche La pass. A green and densely forested valley lies ahead, sloping down to the distant Marshyangdi River. At Thonje village is our final restricted area check post. Here we cross the Marshyangdi River and join the main Annapurna Circuit with the hoards of trekkers and soon reach Dharapani.

Day 17: Trek To Jagat 

An initially tight gorge briefly opens to Tal. The area here was formed when the valley was blocked by a landslide and a dam formed behind the lake. The lake has long dried up and now the village of Tal sits on the flat land. Over the next day and a half, we pass through the main Himalayan range, between Manaslu and the Annapurna range.

Day 18: Trek to Bahundanda

Making our way down from Jagat we reach Syange, where we cross a suspension bridge to the east side of the Marshyangdi Khola and onto easier terrain. We have a short but stiff climb up to Bahundanda, followed by a descent to Ngadi and Bhulebhule.

Day 19: Trek to Bhulebhule

Today we descend to Ngadi and Bhulebhule. Rice and paddy fields carpet the landscape again. It’s one of those walks we truly enjoy after a long tiring hike at higher altitudes.

Day 20: Trek to Besi Sahar 

With barely a hill on the way, this is an easy day’s walk. We might take the little-known east bank route from Bhulebhule to Besi Sahar.

Day 21: Drive to Kathmandu

It is approximately a seven-hour truly scenic drive through rural land that shows you Nepal’s lovely village landscapes teeming with the vigor of life. Watch them sing romantic songs as they go about their daily farmland chores while you cruise down to ancient Kathmandu. We will have lunch at a good roadside restaurant. Tonight we host a farewell dinner in one of the finest restaurants in Kathmandu.

Day 22: Depart Kathmandu

Our office escort team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc. Tashi Delek Nepal TreFks and Expeditions know you have spent a lot of money to enjoy your trip but should you like to enjoy other trips, be sure that our prices are pocket-friendly.

Permit Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

• For all foreigners, a Restricted Area Permit costs $70 for the first week and $10 per day after that.
• Foreigners must pay 2,000 NPR (about $20) to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• The fee for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area for SAARC nationals is 200 NPR.
• For foreigners, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 3,000 NPR (about USD 30).
• For SAARC nationals, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 200 NPR.

Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The primary concept behind the clothes you’ll bring is to keep you warm, dry, sun-protected, able to move freely in the mountains, and comfortable in the evenings and at night during your Manaslu Circuit trek.

Thamel, a district in Kathmandu, is home to hundreds of equipment stores, each one a veritable bazaar of new, used, high-quality, and low-cost rental and purchase options. Almost every item required for a hike may be purchased.

The primary concept behind the gear you’ll need is to keep you warm, dry, and shielded from the heat, rain, and cold so you can travel quickly in the mountains while being comfortable in the evenings and at night. Consider the fundamentals:

• 80L Large Duffle Bag/Rucksack (for a porter) + 40L Medium Daypack (carried by you)
• Wind/rain protection on top and bottom.
• A layered of warm inners that keeps your torso, hands, and head warm
• Lightweight layers drain perspiration away and allow you to strip down when it gets hot.
• Waterproof, comfortable boots that support your ankles on tough terrain. In the evenings, change into a lighter pair of shoes.
• Bring a warm sleeping bag and a bedroll to the lodges and campgrounds to have a decent night’s sleep.
• Water bottles and favorite snacks for the day
• Medical kit