Manaslu Circuit Trek

SUMMARY

Have you ever felt that pull, that quiet whisper of adventure calling you toward the mountains? That’s exactly what the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers, a chance to step away from the everyday and into a remote corner of the Himalayas where the air is thin and the landscapes feel untouched. Over around 14 days, this journey begins and ends in the vibrant chaos of Kathmandu, but in between, it carries you deep into a world shaped by glaciers, rivers, and towering peaks.

This is a trek for those who want more than busy trails and familiar viewpoints. As you walk through forested valleys and into high alpine terrain beneath Mount Manaslu, the route reveals a side of Nepal that still feels raw and deeply rooted in tradition. Nearby, the sacred Tsum Valley trek branches away from the main circuit, leading into a quieter landscape of ancient monasteries, stone villages, and a slower, more spiritual rhythm of life.

The Manaslu Circuit isn’t only about scenery, though the views are unforgettable. It’s about connection, sharing tea in mountain villages, learning from the people who call these valleys home, and understanding life lived at altitude. For trekkers seeking the most complete exploration of the region, the extended Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek + Ganesh Himal Base Camp trek links remote valleys, cultural heartlands, and lesser-known Himalayan terrain into one long, immersive journey across multiple regions.

There will be days that test your limits, long climbs and high passes that demand patience and effort. But the reward comes in quiet moments of achievement, standing above remote valleys with the Himalayas unfolding in every direction. Whether walking the classic circuit or committing to the full 25-day traverse, this journey offers depth, solitude, and a rare sense of continuity through Nepal’s high mountain landscapes.

This is an immersion into the heart of Nepal, a journey that leaves you grounded, inspired, and carrying stories that stay with you long after the mountains fade into memory. If you’re ready to answer that call, Manaslu is waiting.

Key Highlights:

  • Cultural Immersion and High-Altitude Trekking: Experience a blend of cultural encounters and challenging trekking in a remote region of Nepal.

  • Diverse Landscapes: Journey through varied scenery, from lush forests to stunning snow-capped peaks.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit significant cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

  • Scenic Route: Trek along the picturesque Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through traditional villages.

  • Tibetan Influenced Villages and Monasteries: Explore villages like Deng and Samagaun, which exhibit Tibetan cultural influences, and visit monasteries such as Ribung Monastery.

  • Acclimatization and Optional Hikes: Enjoy an acclimatization day in Samagaun, with the option to hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.

  • Larke Pass Crossing: Traverse the Larke Pass at 5,106m, offering breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

  • Return to Kathmandu: Conclude the trek with a return journey to Kathmandu.

  • Mountains you'll see:

    • Ganesh Himal

    • Siringi Himal

    • Mount Manaslu (8,163m)

    • Himal Chuli

    • Ngadi Chuli

    • Himlung Himal

    • Kang Guru

    • Annapurna II

TREK OVERVIEW

Arrival city: Kathmandu

Meals: 15 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 14 dinners

Activity: Hiking

Maximum Altitude: 5,106 m / 16,752 ft

Trek Grade: Hard

Duration: 16 days

Price: US $1,150*
*Calculation based on 4 trekkers

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    • English speaking professional mountain guide

    • Porter

    • All government and local taxes

    • A comprehensive medical kit

    • Three meals a day

    • Welcome dinner

    • Farewell dinner

    • All necessary paperwork and permits (MCAP / ACAP / Special permit)

    • Trekking Map

    • All ground private transportation 

    • Excess baggage charges

    • International airfare to and from Kathmandu

    • Travel and rescue insurance

    • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, shower etc) tip for staff

    • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and incase of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary

ITINERARY

This comprehensive itinerary allows for proper acclimatization and ensures a safe and memorable trekking experience in the Everest region.

Please note: this itinerary can be customized according to your preferences and time constraints. The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, physical fitness, and the discretion of the trekking guide.

  • Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax, explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, and prepare for the trek. In the evening, a welcome dinner will introduce you to traditional Nepali cuisine.

  • Enjoy a self guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or visit trekking gear shops in Thamel to purchase or rent any last-minute equipment needed for your adventure. Meet your trekking guide for a pre-trek briefing, discussing the itinerary and essential details for the journey ahead. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • An early morning drive takes us westward through lush green hills, rivers, and charming countryside villages. We’ll stop for lunch along the way before continuing to Machha Khola, the starting point of our trek.

  • The trek begins with a scenic walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages like Khorlabesi and Tatopani. After a steady climb, we reach Jagat, a beautiful stone-paved village marking the official entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

  • We continue along rugged trails, passing through villages such as Philim, known for its vibrant Buddhist culture. As we gain altitude, the terrain begins to change, offering stunning views of deep gorges and waterfalls. We reach Deng, a small village with Tibetan influences, where we’ll stay overnight.

  • Today's trek takes us deeper into the Himalayas. We cross multiple suspension bridges and pass through pine and rhododendron forests before reaching Namrung, a picturesque village offering breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal.

  • A short but scenic trek leads us through traditional Tibetan villages. Upon reaching Lho, we’ll visit Ribung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, and enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Manaslu (8,163m).

  • Today’s trek takes us through the village of Shyala, offering a stunning panorama of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu. By afternoon, we arrive in Samagaun, a culturally rich Tibetan village where we’ll acclimatize.

  • To adjust to the altitude, we’ll take a short hike to either Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Pungyen Gompa, a hidden Buddhist monastery with breathtaking views. The day is spent exploring Tibetan culture, resting, and enjoying the spectacular scenery.

  • A relatively short trek takes us to Samdo, the last permanent settlement before Larke Pass. This remote village sits near the Tibetan border and is an excellent place to observe traditional Tibetan lifestyles.

  • Today’s trek ascends through rugged terrain towards Dharamsala (Larke Phedi), the base camp for crossing Larke Pass. We’ll rest early in preparation for tomorrow’s challenging climb.

  • The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek! An early morning ascent takes us over Larke Pass (5,106m), where we’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. A long descent leads us to Bimtang, a beautiful high-altitude valley.

  • We descend through lush alpine forests and charming villages before reaching Gho.

  • Final day of the walk. It’s a short 8 km hike followed by a short jeep ride to Besi Sahar. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a good rest, a hot shower, and a chilled beer before heading back to Kathmandu the next morning.

  • A scenic drive takes us back to Kathmandu. In the evening, we’ll celebrate our successful trek with a farewell dinner.

  • After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure in the Himalayas.

Discover what to pack for this adventure,

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Packing List

 

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Suspension bridge with prayer flags crossing rocky terrain in front of snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Stone stupa with prayer flags and snow-capped mountains in background.
Mountain village with stone houses, prayer flags, and snow-capped peaks in the background.
A scenic view of a snow-capped mountain with a traditional stone structure in the foreground, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky with forested hills in the foreground.
Mountain village pathway with stone structures, wooden fences, and snow-capped peaks in the background.
Tibetan prayer flags with Himalayan mountains and clouds in the background.