Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tour Type
Hiking Mountain
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a stunning 15-day Himalayan adventure that takes you around
Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s
8th highest peak. This remote and off-the-beaten-path trail offers a perfect blend of
scenic beauty,
Tibetan Buddhist culture, and
challenging mountain terrain.
Hike through lush
rhododendron forests, deep
river gorges, and ancient
stone villages, gradually ascending into the breathtaking
high alpine zone. Visit monasteries, encounter yak caravans, and immerse yourself in the
unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the Nubri Valley.
The trek's highlight is crossing the dramatic
Larke La Pass (5,106m), which rewards you with panoramic views of
Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and
Annapurna II.
Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and authenticity, the Manaslu Circuit delivers the
raw beauty of the Himalayas without the crowds of Everest or Annapurna.
- Restricted Area Permit:
- Manaslu Restricted Permit (MRP) and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) required.
- TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for exit route.
- Mandatory Guide: Cannot trek solo; guide handles permits and safety.
- Acclimatization Strategy:
- Samagaon (Day 10) and Samdo (Day 11) allow gradual altitude adaptation.
- Larkya La Pass (Day 13): Start pre-dawn to avoid afternoon winds; crampons may be needed in snow.
- Cultural & Scenic Gems:
- Tibetan Buddhism: Monasteries (Ribung, Pungyen), prayer flags, mani walls.
- Ethnic Villages: Nuri, Lho (Tibetan-Buriats), Samdo (last village before Tibet).
- Glacial Lakes: Birendra Tal below Manaslu Glacier.
- Flora/Fauna: Rhododendron forests (spring), blue sheep, Himalayan tahr.
- Difficulty & Prep:
- Moderate-Challenging: Long days (6–8 hrs), high altitude (Larkya La at 5,106m).
- Training: Cardio, hiking with elevation gain.
- Gear: Warm layers (-10°C at high camps), trekking poles, waterproof boots.
- Best Seasons:
- October–November: Clear skies, stable weather.
- March–April: Rhododendron blooms, fewer crowds.
- Avoid: Monsoon (June–Sept) and deep winter (Jan–Feb).
Include/ Exclude
-
Accommodations
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Breakfast In Kathmandu
-
Transportation
-
Activities
-
Guides
-
Mountain Permits
-
Airfare
-
Food ($35 /Day)
-
Optional Activities
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Travel Insurance
-
Personal Expenses
-
Tip for Sherpas (approx. $80 )
Tour Plan
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to your hotel.
- Rest and acclimatize.
- Briefing about the trek.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Prepare for the trek (rent gear, buy permits, etc.).
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- Long scenic drive (8–9 hrs) via Dhading and Arughat.
- Follows Budi Gandaki River.
- Overnight at teahouse in Machha Khola.
- Trekking through Tatopani hot springs.
- Cross suspension bridges.
- Reach Jagat, checkpoint for permits.
- ~6–7 hours walk.
- Pass Philim and Ekle Bhatti.
- Beautiful waterfalls and pine forests.
- 6–7 hrs trekking.
- Climb gradually with views of Shringi Himal.
- Walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests.
- 6 hrs walk
- Enter Nubri Valley (Tibetan-influenced).
- First glimpse of Manaslu (8,163m).
- Visit Ribung Gompa in Lho.
- 4–5 hrs walk.
- Incredible views of Peak 29, Manaslu, and glaciers.
- Visit Tibetan monasteries en route.
- 4 hrs walk.
- Optional hikes:
- Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) – full day.
- Pungyen Gompa – panoramic viewpoint.
- Rest and explore Tibetan culture.
- Short trek< through yak pasture lands.
- Close to Tibetan border.
- 3–4 hrs walk.
- Optional hike to Tibetan Border/ Rui La (5,000m).
- Rest and prepare for Larke Pass.
- Steep ascent with alpine landscapes.
- Prepare for early morning pass crossing.
- 4 hrs walk.
- Early morning climb to Larke La Pass (main highlight).
- Panoramic views: Himlung, Kang Guru, Annapurna II.
- Long descent to Bimthang.
- Descend through rhododendron forests.
- Cross several bridges and villages.
- Jeep drive from Dharapani to Besisahar.
- Overnight at lodge.
- Scenic drive (6 – 7 hrs).
- Return to hotel.
- Optional farewell dinner.
