The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's well-known off-the-beaten-trail treks, and it offers you a very good Nepal Himalayan trekking experience. The path is not so populated with trekkers and offers good Himalayan views. The path offers varied flora and fauna, Nepalese village culture, and good panoramic views of the mountains.
This trek has been officially allowed since 1992; previously, the Manaslu Himal was a territory wherein no trekking was ever permitted. Hence, the need to have a restricted area permit if you desire to trek here. Because it has only recently been opened to become a trekking area, fewer tourists come across each other on this trail in Nepal.
You can see the vast, white, snow-capped peak of Manaslu during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. At Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), the top of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you have great views of the Himalayas, with Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) visible. See the grandeur of the Himalayas and the Manaslu Trek.
Route Description
Your 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Kathmandu to Machha Khola along the highly scenic route. You have views of green hills, terraced farmlands, and diversified landscapes. The trek starts officially from Machha Khola. You trek through terraced fields and forested trails. You cross settlements like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, and Sama Gaon. The trail offers beautiful landscapes and Himalayan views far away while you get to walk along scenic trails. In Sama Gaon, you spend a day acclimatizing. Acclimatization is required while working at high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Then trek to Pungen Monastery and take pleasure in the great view of Manaslu and Birendra Tal. Visit Tibetan-rooted villages and interact with the locals. The higher you get, the more the landscape changes, and a change in the atmosphere and a cool temperature are felt.
From Sama Gaon toward Samdo and Dharamsala, one feels a change in vegetation here. This is the last stop before going over the Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. This is where you get a majestic view of the Himalayas, Manaslu, Himlung, and Annapurna II, before descending to Bhimtang. Descending from Bhimtang through lush forest to the picturesque villages of Goa and Tiliji, it gets hot temperature-wise here. From Tiliji, you ride to Besisahar and from there back to Kathmandu, where your journey began.
In the whole journey, attitude unfolded a mixture of raw nature, genuine mountain culture, and physical challenge, thus making trekkers with an adventurous zest search for complete solitude, scenic excellence, and cultural depth in a part of the remote Himalayas.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Sites Sightseeing and Preparation Day
Day 03: Drive to Machha Khola
Day 04: Trek From Machha Khola to Jagat
Day 05: Trek From Jagat to Deng
Day 06: Trek From Deng to Namrung
Day 07: Trek From Namrung to Shyala
Day 08: Trek From Shyala to Sama Gaon
Day 09: Exploration Day
Day 10: Trek From Sama Gaon to Samdo
Day 11: Trek From Samdo to Dharamsala
Day 12: Trek From Dharamsala to Bhimtang via Larke-la Pass
Day 13: Trek From Bhimtang to Goa
Day 14: Trek from Goa to Tilije, then drive to Besisahar.
Day 15: From Besisahar, drive to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Farewell
Trip Itinerary
Upon your arrival, a representative from Nepal Intrepid Treks will be there to welcome you. He’ll drop you at your hotel where you stay. Take some time to relax and adjust to the new environment.
A brief meeting will be held by Nepal Intrepid Treks, where you meet with your guide and communicate with him. You can discuss the trekking days, itinerary, and other things that you need to have knowledge of.
Max. Elevation:1355m
Duration:20-25 minutes
Distance:Approximately 6.2 kilometers ( Airport to Hotel )
Included/Excluded
All ground transportation in a private vehicle, including airport pickup and drop-off
Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at a 3-star category hotel on a BB basis.
Kathmandu city tour including all entry fees, a tour guide, and a private vehicle
Best available twin-sharing lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the trek
Three times daily full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with a cup of tea during the trek
Manaslu trekking special permit (Manaslu is in a restricted zone; we need a special permit to visit this area)
All necessary staff with an experienced English-speaking guide (require porters: two clients 1 porter), including their food, salary, accommodation, insurance, etc. (Personal Sherpa guide provided upon request with extra charge)
Seasonal fruits during the trek
Required permits include the TIMS, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), and Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permits
Nepal Intrepid Treks T-shirt, duffle bag, and trekking map
Sleeping bag and down jacket during the trek
Trip Achievement Certificate as a token of their successful journey, recognizing their accomplishment and endurance
First aid kit with the provision of an oximeter to monitor oxygen level and heartbeat.
Oxygen cylinder and mask on request with an extra charge
Government taxes and office service charges
Nepal entry visa fee
International airfare
Travel Insurance
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
All cold drinks, water, and any beverages are not included in your trip price
We provide such service with an extra charge ( Note: - Our option excursions are culture trip, festival trip, monastery meditation with Lama and Monks, Bird watching, Farming trip other things as per the client’s interest)
Trekking Equipment: (Note: Clients have to arrange personal trekking equipment, such as trekking poles)
Tips for the driver, guide, and porters are not included in the cost of your package
Others
Personal expenses such as phone calls, Internet, laundry, bar bills, and extra porters
Costs arising out of landslide, road blockage, rescue of any form, cancellation of flight, or reasons beyond our control
Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the price include sections
Dates & Prices
Manaslu Circuit TrekVideo
Good to Know
Permits for Trek
You’ll need three types of permits to trek in Manaslu. They are:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
This permit is needed to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. It’ll cost NPR 3,000 per person.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
To trek in the Manaslu Himal, you must have a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, which costs NPR 3000 per person.
Special Restricted Area Permit
During September to November, it costs around USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per day per person.
From December to August, it costs around USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per day per person.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is difficult in the Nepal Himalayas. You require good experience and understanding of high-altitude trekking. You have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day on ascending and descending paths. Occasionally, the path is sloping and very ascended, and with the gaining altitude, you might feel uneasy.
How to prevent altitude sickness
To prevent altitude sickness, you need to pay attention to the following things:
Hydrate yourself
Walk high, sleep low
Avoid alcohol and Caffeine
Acclimatize properly
Eat enough nutritious food
Bring the necessary medicines
If you feel difficulty breathing, descend immediately
Best season to Trek in Manaslu
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to trek in Nepal. During this season, the weather is stable and clear, and the temperature is mild. The views of the Himalayas are crystal clear and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. During summer, all the forested trails are colorful with beautiful rhododendrons and wildflowers. During autumn, the great festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, occur. So trekking in this season offers trekkers the opportunity to experience Nepalese culture and traditions.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must while trekking in the Manaslu Circuit. Due to the remote region, if you get into any difficulty during trekking, your insurance must cover emergency evacuation. Your travel insurance must cover healthcare facilities, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, trip delay, and damage and baggage loss. So, prepare yourself for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the right manner.
Food and Accommodation
You’ll be eating in a local teahouse throughout the trek to the Manaslu Circuit. You will be eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, you’ll be eating Tibetan bread, tea, eggs, chapati, or anything available in the teahouse. For lunch and dinner, you’ll be eating dal bhat, a Nepali dish. You will have other varieties of foods like momo, thukpa, fried rice, porridge, and pancakes.
In a city area like Kathmandu, you’ll get a variety of food options, and vegan options are also available.
For accommodation in Kathmandu, you’ll be staying in a 3-star category hotel with well-maintained private rooms and all facilities available, like hot water and charging points for electronic gadgets. Also, you get Wi-Fi.
Throughout the trek to Manaslu Circuit, you’ll be staying at a local teahouse in a shared bedroom. The facilities are basic yet comfortable. You get a wooden bed with a mattress and warm blankets. The bathroom is shared, and as you trek higher, there will be charging points and wifi facilities in the teahouse. If you need warm water and charging, you’ll need to pay extra money. For the safety part, bring your sleeping bag.
Packing Essentials
Here is the gear list that you need to carry while trekking in the Manaslu Circuit.
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Thermal base layer
Fleece jacket and down jacket
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Light trekking pants
Raincoat
Duffel bag
Backpack
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Headlight
Neck gaiter
Warm gloves
Socks
Trekking boot
Thermal legging
Quick-dry pants
Trekking pole
Crampons
Sandals/slippers
Toiletries
Water bottle and purification tablets
Sleeping bag
Personal medication
Snack
Camera
Paper document
General Faqs
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires 15-18 days, including travel to and from Kathmandu and acclimatization.
I went to MBC with a group of mountaineering friends and completed the summit. The guide accompanied and cared for us all the way, making the whole trip perfect! ---Team leader Kamal, lead guide Yam, assistant guide Kedar, team leader Nabarai, porter partner Poters and Nepal intrepid treks8 expedition company
Thanks to the professional team, it was fun.
I went hiking with a group of friends at MBC and completed the summit. The guides took care of us along the way... Team leader Kamal, lead guide Yam, assistant guide Kedar, team leader Nabarai, porter partner Potersand Nepal intrepid treks8 expedition company