Manaslu trek | Himal Trek Nepal

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Strenuous / Challenging

Max Altitude

5,106m/16,752ft

Accommodation

Standard Hotels (Kathmandu) & Local Teahouses (Trek)

Activity

Trekking

Best Season

Autumn (Sept–Nov) & Spring (Mar–May)

Duration

14 Days

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a legendary, high-altitude journey that loops gracefully around Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—the eighth-highest mountain on Earth. Located inside a pristine restricted area bordering Tibet, this strenuous-grade circuit requires a minimum of two travelers plus a licensed guide. It stands as the ultimate alternative to the busier Annapurna routes, delivering an untouched wilderness experience completely free from massive commercial crowds.

Spanning 12 to 14 days and covering roughly 177 km (110 miles), the loop climbs alongside the thundering Budhi Gandaki River through deep river gorges and lush bamboo forests. The trail peaks culturally at the traditional Tibetan-style stone village of Samagaon (3,530m), which serves as a vital acclimatization hub beneath massive glacial icefalls. The ultimate physical challenge of the trip is conquering the majestic Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet), rewarding trekkers with boundless panoramas of Himlung Himal and the Annapurna massifs.

Following a thrilling descent past the scenic pastures of Bhimthang, the trail finishes seamlessly at the trailhead of Dharapani, allowing for a direct overland jeep transfer back home. Supported by cozy local teahouses, Himal Trek Nepal manages all complex logistics, including your specialized government RAP permits, National Park entry cards, and safety monitoring tools.

Trip Overview

Day 01

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, take time to rest. In the evening, meet your licensed trekking guide for your pre- departure briefing. Sort out gear, finalize last-minute preparations, and ask questions before departure.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 02

Permit sort out day. Meet your guide, sort out last minute preparation for trek before departure.

Day 03

Drive past scenic foothills, roaring rivers, and rustic countryside via Dhading and Arughat to reach the rugged trailhead.

Max altitude

900m/2,953ft

Day 04

Cross the suspension bridge at Khorlabesi and trek through the Tatopani natural hot springs. Enter the formal checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat.

Max altitude

1,340m/4,396ft

Day 05

Follow the Budi Gandaki River gorge through bamboo forests and small waterfalls. Cross multiple suspension bridges to reach the small village of Deng.

Max altitude

1,860m/6,102ft

Day 06

Climb higher up into traditional Tibetan Buddhist cultural territory. Pass colorful mani walls, prayer wheels, and terraced fields.

Max altitude

2,630m/8,629ft

Day 07

A shorter walk showcasing stunning, direct views of Mount Manaslu's twin peaks. Explore the majestic Ribung Gompa monastery perched above the village.

Max altitude

3,180m/10,433ft

Day 08

Trek through pine forests into the wide alpine valley basin. Samagaun is the largest and most important ancient Tibetan settlement on the route.

Max altitude

3,530m/11,581ft

Day 09

Crucial day to prevent acute mountain sickness. Hike to the historic Pungyen Gompa or make the demanding climb to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) before returning to sleep at Samagaun.

Max altitude

3,530m/11,581ft

Day 10

A shorter, slower high-altitude trek across open yak pastures. You are now extremely close to the Tibetan border.

Max altitude

3,875m/12,713ft

Day 11

Climb steadily up past the Larkya Bazaar ruins to the base of the pass. Rest early at the remote stone guesthouses of Dharmasala to prepare for the pass.

Max altitude

4,460m/14,633ft

Day 12

Start trekking by 4:00 AM with headlamps. A steep, cold climb to the prayer-flag clad pass rewards you with views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Followed by a long, rocky, knee-jarring descent down to Bhimtang.

Max altitude

5,106m/16,752ft

Day 13

Walk down through lush forests, passing Tilije village without stopping, and hike all the way to Dharapani to meet the road head.

Max altitude

1,860m/6,102ft

Day 14

Take a local jeep out of the mountains to Besisahar, then catch a private or public vehicle back to the capital.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 15

Free day for self exploration.

Day 16

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport exactly three hours before your scheduled flight time, marking the conclusion of your journey.

Trip Gallery

Trip Cost

What to Expect

4 nights accommodations during Kathmandu stay in twin sharing basis.
Internal Ground Transfer by public or private vehicle as per request.
Required Permits & Fees: • Manaslu conservation Area Permit (MCAP) along with Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) • Chunumbri Rural Municipality Local Permit. • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card if applicable.
Accommodation Along the Trail: • Standard twin-sharing rooms in local tea houses or mountain lodges for 11 nights.
Trekking Support Staff: • Salary, insurance, food, accommodation, and equipment for a licensed English-speaking guide. • Salary, insurance, food, and accommodation for porters (typically 1 porter shared between 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20–25kg total).
Meals on the Trek: • Full board meals: 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) chosen from the tea house menu. • Post-dinner hot beverages (tea or coffee) or a cup of hot water.
Safety Gear: • First-aid kit carried by the guide, including an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels daily.

What not to Expect

International Travel Costs: • International airfare to and from Kathmandu. • Nepal Tourist Visa fee (payable in cash USD upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport).
Single supplementary fee
Travel and Emergency Insurance: • Mandatory: Travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters (most basic plans cap out at 3,000m).
Meals before & after trek in Kathmandu & extra stay in Kathmandu hotels other than mentioned above: • Hotel up-gradation might cost extra depending on your request.
Trail Luxuries & Services (Tea house Add-on): • Hot Showers: Gas or solar-heated showers cost between $3 to $7 USD per shower (prices increase with altitude). • Device Charging: Power banks, phones, and camera battery charging cost $2 to $5 USD per full charge. • Wi-Fi / Connectivity: AirLED or Everest Link Wi-Fi prepaid cards cost roughly $5 to $10 USD for a set amount of data. • Drinking Water: Bottled water costs $1 to $4 USD per bottle (it is highly recommended to bring water purification tablets/filters instead).
Personal Trekking Gear: 1. Down jackets, sleeping bags, hiking boots, trekking poles, and backpacks (though sleeping bags and jackets can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu for around $1 to $2 a day).
Beverages & Snacks: • Alcoholic drinks (beer, spirits), specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bakery items or trail cafes.
Tips & Gratitude: • Tipping guides and porters is custom and highly expected. The industry standard is roughly 10% to 15% of your total trek cost, pooled together by the group and handed out on the final evening

Availability

Trip Date	Duration	Price	Space Left	Action
5 Oct 2026 - 21 Oct 2026	16 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now
15 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026	16 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now
2 Nov 2026 - 18 Nov 2026	16 Days	$ 1599	1 Space available	Book Now

What to Expect

World's Eighth-Highest Peak: Walk beneath the jaw-dropping, twin-peaked summit of the magnificent Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).
Larkya La Pass Conquest: Cross the exhilarating Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalayas.

Untouched Tibetan Culture: Explore the ancient, stone-built villages of Sama Gaon and Samdo, where locals maintain traditional Tibetan-Buddhist dress, language, and lifestyles.

Budhi Gandaki River Gorge: Follow the roaring turquoise waters of the Budhi Gandaki River through steep, dramatic gorges and over thrilling suspension bridges.

Flourishing Mountain Wilderness: Journey through the protected Manaslu Conservation Area, a sanctuary for gray wolves, blue sheep, and snow leopards.

Breathtaking Side Trips: Hike to the serene Birendra Glacial Lake or ascend to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) for an up-close look at crashing icefall routes.