The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you through the remote and rugged region of west-central Nepal. The trek encircles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,893m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). The trek is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse treks in Nepal.
The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, a small town located in the Budi Gandaki River Valley. From here, we begin our trek toward Soti Khola, where we will spend the night. The trail takes us through terraced fields, dense forests, and over suspension bridges spanning across the Budi Gandaki River. We will also pass through small villages and observe the local culture and lifestyle of the people who live there.
As we make our way higher, we reach Machha Khola, where we will spend the night. From here, we will trek to Jagat, another small village. We will also pass through the Lho village, home to many Tibetan refugees. The trail takes us through beautiful rhododendron forests and offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
Next, we reach Samagaon, a large Gurung village located at the base of Mount Manaslu. This is a great place to acclimatize and explore the local culture. From Samagaon, we will trek to Samdo, which is located near the Tibetan border. We will spend the night at Samdo and take a day to acclimatize before heading towards the Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
The Larkya La Pass is considered the highlight of the trek as it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After crossing the pass, we will spend the night at Bimtang, a beautiful meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks. From Bimtang, we will trek to Tilje, where we will spend the night before returning to Kathmandu.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging trek requiring a good fitness level and prior trekking experience. It is also a restricted trek, and a special permit is required to enter the region. The trek can be done in both teahouse and camping style, and the best time to go is from September to November and March to May. This trek offers an opportunity to explore a remote and little-visited part of Nepal, and the chance to experience the culture and hospitality of the local people.
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (580m)
Early morning departure from Kathmandu to Arughat
The drive takes around 7-8 hours and passes through beautiful landscapes and terraced fields.
Overnight stay in Arughat
Day 2: Trek from Arughat to Soti Khola (710m)
Begin the trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River
Cross the river several times on suspension bridges
Passing through small villages and terraced fields
Overnight stay in Soti Khola
Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (910m)
The trail becomes steeper as you climb higher
Pass through dense forests, waterfalls, and hot springs
Reach the village of Machha Khola and overnight stay
Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1440m)
The trail continues to follow the Budhi Gandaki River
Cross more suspension bridges and encounter more terraced fields
Reach the village of Jagat and stay overnight
Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m)
The trail becomes steeper as you climb higher
Pass through dense rhododendron forests and encounter more terraced fields
Reach the village of Deng and stay overnight
Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m)
The trail becomes steeper and more challenging
Pass through beautiful forests and encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains
Reach the village of Namrung and stay overnight
Day 7: Rest day in Namrung
Take a rest day in Namrung to acclimatize and explore the village and surrounding area
Optional day hike to nearby villages and viewpoints
Overnight stay in Namrung
Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3530m)
The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you enter the alpine zone
Pass through beautiful forests and encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains
Reach the village of Samagaon and stay overnight
Day 9: Rest day in Samagaon
Take a rest day in Samagaon to acclimatize and explore the village and surrounding area
Optional day hike to nearby villages and viewpoints
Overnight stay in Samagaon
Day 10: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3860m)
The trail continues to follow the Budhi Gandaki River and becomes steeper
Pass through beautiful forests and encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains
Reach the village of Samdo and stay overnight
Day 11: Rest day in Samdo
Take a rest day in Samdo to acclimatize and explore the village and surrounding area
Optional day hike to nearby villages and viewpoints
Overnight stay in Samdo
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m)
The trail becomes more challenging as you approach the Larkya La Pass
Encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains
Reach the village of Dharamsala and stay overnight
Day 13: Rest day in Dharamsala
Take a rest day in Dharamsala to acclimatize and explore the village and surrounding area
Optional day hike to nearby villages and viewpoints
Overnight stay in Dharamsala
Day 14: Trek from Dharamsala to Bhimtang (3720m)
Descend from the Larkya La Pass and follow the trail to Bhimtang
Encounter spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscapes
Reach the village of Bhimtang and stay overnight
Day 15: Trek from Bhimtang to Tilje (2300m)
Pass through beautiful forests and terraced fields
Reach the village of Tilje and stay overnight
Day 16: Trek from Tilje to Tal (1700m)
Pass through beautiful forests and terraced fields
Reach the village of Tal and stay overnight
Day 17: Drive from Tal to Kathmandu
Early morning departure from Tal to Kathmandu
The drive takes around 7-8 hours and passes through beautiful landscapes and terraced fields.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Note: This itinerary is subject to change depending on the group’s pace and trail conditions, and you should always be prepared for unexpected delays and changes. Also, you need to have TIMS and Permit before starting the trek.
Q: How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
A: The trek typically takes around 14-21 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the speed at which you trek.
Q: What is the highest point of the trek?
A: The highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass, which reaches an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet).
Q: What is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?
A: The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during the months of September to November and March to May. These months have the most favorable weather conditions and clear views of the mountains.
Q: Do I need a permit to trek the Manaslu Circuit?
A: Yes, a permit is required to trek the Manaslu Circuit. You will need to obtain a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter the region.
Q: What is the difficulty level of the trek?
A: The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its high altitude, rugged terrain, and remote location. It is recommended for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and have experience trekking in high-altitude areas.
Q: What kind of accommodation is available on the trek?
A: Accommodation on the trek is mainly in teahouses, which are basic lodges with basic amenities. You can expect to sleep in shared rooms on twin sharing basis.
Q: Is there any mobile or internet connection on the trek?
A: There is limited mobile and internet connection on the trek. Some teahouses may have Wi-Fi, but it’s not guaranteed and it’s not reliable.
Please note that this list is a suggestion and you should always adjust the list according to your own needs and preferences.
Congratulation!