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Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days





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Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days

The 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is a premier Himalayan expedition that circles Mt. Manaslu, offering a journey through diverse landscapes from subtropical lowlands to high-altitude deserts, and culminating in the challenging crossing of the 5,160m Larkya La Pass.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu circuit

Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Gorkha, Nepal

Price

$1300

Duration

16Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Group Size

8 Guest

Height

5,106 m

Trip Overview

The 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is a premier Himalayan expedition that circles the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), offering a profound journey of geographical and cultural diversity. The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu into the subtropical lowlands of the Budhi Gandaki river valley, transitioning into a challenging first phase of rhythmic ascents and descents through vibrant forests, over hanging bridges, and past traditional Gurung villages. As the trek gains altitude, the landscape dramatically transforms from subtropical jungles to alpine forests and the stark, high-altitude deserts of the upper Bhotia region, allowing trekkers to witness ancient Buddhist heritage in villages like Lho and Samagaun.

The true triumph of the journey is the high-altitude section, which includes essential acclimatization near the Manaslu Base Camp and the challenging ascent to the desolate beauty of Dharamsala beneath the massive Larkya Glacier. The expedition reaches its pinnacle at the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), rewarding trekkers with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Himalaya, including Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. The trek concludes with a rewarding descent through the meadows of Bhimtang and rhododendron forests, merging with the Annapurna route at Dharapani, providing a complete immersion into the raw, untouched beauty of the Nepal Himalaya.

Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist hub. Enjoy a welcome briefing and free time to explore the bustling streets, sample local cuisine, or relax.

The Manaslu Circuit journey begins with a departure from Thamel, Kathmandu, for a 160km (99.4 miles) drive along the Prithvi Highway. The route follows the scenic Trishuli River, famous for its white-water rapids and lush valley landscapes, as you head toward the traditional trekking gateways of Arughat and Soti Khola. Along the way, the drive offers stunning views of rural terraced fields, traditional villages, and early glimpses of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal ranges. After approximately 6 to 8 hours on the road, you will arrive at Machha Khola to settle in for your first night in the trekking region.

Day 3 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek involves a trek of approximately 9.5 km (5.9 miles) from Machha Khola to Doban, taking about 4 to 5 hours. Although you remain at a relatively low altitude of 1,070m, the trail is physically engaging with a series of sharp ascents and descents through vibrant subtropical vegetation. Along the route, you will cross two major rivers—the Tharo Khola and the Machha Khola—the latter via a scenic suspension bridge. The path leads through lush forests and passes through the village of Tatopani, which is famous for its natural hot springs. The day concludes at Doban, a settlement uniquely situated at the confluence of the Shari and Sarpu Rivers, whose name literally translates to “confluence of two rivers” in Nepali.

Day 4 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek covers a distance of approximately 13 km (8 miles) and takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. After breakfast in Doban, your journey toward the village of Philim begins with a sharp climb to Louri. The trail continues to ascend until you reach Thado Bharyang, located just below the village of Jagat. You will then cross a river to enter Jagat, a beautiful and traditional Tibetan-style settlement. After further trekking, you will cross another river to arrive at your final destination for the day, Philim, which is a culturally rich Gurung village.

Day 5 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek covers a distance of approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) and typically takes 4 to 5 hours. After leaving Philim, the journey proceeds northward through scenic terraced fields of millet before reaching the settlement of Ekle Bhatti. As the trek continues, the path becomes notably steeper, leading through dramatic, sharp gorges and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. You will then trek along the banks of the river and pass through dense bamboo forests that eventually lead to the Deng Khola river. The day’s experience concludes by crossing this river to arrive at the destination of Deng.

Day 6 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek covers approximately 11.5 km (7.14 miles) and takes 4 to 5 hours. After a hearty breakfast, the route proceeds through Bihi Phedi and Bihi, beginning with a short descent followed by a sharp ascent toward the Rana Bridge. You will trek further through pine forests and cross another bridge to reach Bihi Phedi. Upon crossing, the landscape transitions into a distinct Buddhist region, characterized by intricate Mani walls and sacred portraits of various gods and goddesses. The day’s journey involves crossing one final suspension bridge before arriving at Ghap.

Day 7 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek involves a trek from Ghap to Namrung, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours and covering a distance of about 9 km. The route leads you through a rich variety of high-altitude landscapes, including dense forests of fir, rhododendron, oak, and bamboo. As you navigate the trail, you will experience several steep ascents, traverse stone stairs, and cross the Budhi Gandaki River via dramatic suspension bridges. Upon arriving at Namrung, the scenery opens up into wide, picturesque barley fields, offering a cultural and scenic introduction to the upper Bhotia region.

Day 8 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek involves a journey from Namrung to Lho, covering a distance of approximately 11 km (6.8 miles) over 5 to 6 hours. After breakfast, the trail leads you through the beautiful village of Lihi. As you continue, you will cross a stream originating from the Lindanda Glacier to reach the village of Sho. Throughout this section, you can enjoy impressive views of Simnang Himal, which stands at 6,251m. The day concludes at Lho, a culturally rich village adorned with vibrant prayer flags, Mani walls, and ancient Chortens and Stupas.

Day 9 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek involves a trek from Lho to Samagaun, covering approximately 17.2 km (10.6 miles) in 4 to 5 hours. The trail begins early in the morning, passing through lush forests and reaching the scenic village of Shyala. Shyala is characterized by its wooden resting places and extensive agricultural fields that surround the settlement. As you continue the journey, you will cross a small stream that drains the Punggen Glacier before arriving at a wide, flat valley. The day concludes at Samagaun, a strategically significant village known for being the closest permanent settlement to Manaslu Base Camp.

Day 10 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is dedicated to acclimatization in Samagaun to help your body adjust to the high-altitude environment. Rather than staying idle, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the village and observing the traditional lifestyles of its residents. For active exploration, you can hike to Birendra Tal, a stunning glacial lake at 3,450m known for its thunderous displays of tumbling ice blocks, or visit the Pungyen Monastery, located two and a half hours south, which offers spectacular views of the Manaslu glaciers. Additionally, you have the option to hike to Manaslu Base Camp, the closest point to the world’s eighth-highest peak, ensuring an interesting and productive stay at an altitude of 3,530m.

Day 11 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a comparatively pleasant and interesting journey as you transition into higher alpine terrain. The trek begins with a steady ascent through the valley, leading you through scenic pasture areas and forests filled with juniper and birch trees. As you descend toward the Budhi Gandaki River, you will cross a wooden bridge before a final steep climb across the riverbank. Throughout the 8.2 km (5-mile) walk, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, you are rewarded with magnificent mountain views, with the towering peak of Manaslu becoming increasingly prominent. The day concludes at Samdo, a unique Tibetan refugee village, where you can spend the afternoon exploring the settlement and the surrounding hills.

Day 12 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a short but physically demanding journey toward the high-altitude staging point of Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. Covering a distance of approximately 11.7 km (7.2 miles) in 3 to 4 hours, the trek begins by descending from Samdo to cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River before following the path alongside the Larke River. As you ascend past ancient Mani walls and vibrant prayer flags, the landscape transforms into a rugged glacial valley characterized by the magnificent Larkya Glacier. The day’s climb concludes at the stone guest house in Dharamsala, which is a basic community dormitory rather than a traditional lodge, specifically designed to provide essential shelter before the final push over the pass. This high-elevation outpost offers awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the glacier and the Manaslu massif, serving as a critical location for rest and mental preparation before tackling the Larkya La Pass the following morning.

Day 13 is the most exhilarating and challenging phase of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, involving a 24.7 km (15.3 mile) journey that takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Starting with an early morning breakfast to beat strong winds or storms, you depart from Dharamsala to begin a steady ascent over the moraine and past four frozen lakes. The pinnacle of the trek is reaching the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 ft), where you are rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the massive Annapurna II. After celebrating this achievement, the route follows a steep and rough descent down the western moraine, eventually softening into grassy meadows. The long day concludes as the valley widens, leading you past Mani walls into the beautiful settlement of Bhimtang at 3,720 meters.

Day 14 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek marks a refreshing transition from the high-altitude glacial landscapes back into the lush greenery of the lower valleys. After the exhausting crossing of the Larkya La Pass, today’s trek is significantly less taxing, involving a 10 km (6.2 miles) walk that takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The journey begins with a descent toward the Budhi Gandaki River, which you will cross to enter vibrant rhododendron forests—a stark and beautiful contrast to the barren rock and ice of previous days. The trail opens up into Karche, a fertile and cultivated area located near the top of the Budhi Gandaki valley. You will continue walking along the scenic riverbanks until you reach the village of Gho at 2,550m.

Day 15 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek serves as your final day on the trails, covering a distance of approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) over 3 to 4 hours. The journey begins at Gho and consists of an easy descent through beautiful fields and high-altitude pastures. A major highlight of the day is arriving at Tilje, a large and culturally vibrant Gurung settlement. This village is locally famous for its traditional brandy, though the path continues forward past several ancient Mani walls to reach Thonje village. The trekking portion of your expedition officially concludes upon entering Dharapani village at 1,910m.

The final day of your Manaslu Circuit adventure marks the transition from the rugged mountain trails back to the vibrant energy of the capital. After breakfast in Dharapani, you will depart via a local jeep for a bumpy but scenic drive to Besisahar, the bustling hub that serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Besisahar, you will board a private vehicle for the remainder of the journey to Kathmandu, following the winding curves of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. The drive offers a last look at the terraced hillsides and rural villages that define Nepal’s middle hills. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel in Thamel to refresh before a celebratory farewell dinner, where you can reflect on the successful crossing of the Larkya La Pass and the incredible journey you have just completed.

Trek Location

  • Gorkha, Nepal

Gallery Of Our Tours

Manaslu circuit
Manaslu trek
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Have Any Question?

Contact us 24/7 via Text, Email, or Call. Our WhatsApp/Viber number and email address are provided below.

  • (+977)9841074133

  • trek@vervenepal.com

FAQs

The Manaslu Circuit is rated as strenuous. While it doesn’t require technical climbing, it is physically demanding due to:

  • High Altitude: You will reach 5,106m at Larkya La Pass.

  • Duration: 16 days of consistent walking, averaging 6–8 hours per day.

  • Terrain: Expect steep ascents, rocky ridges, and potentially snowy conditions at the pass.

 

The maximum altitude reached during the 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) at the summit of the Larkya La Pass.

Since the trek begins at a relatively low elevation (Machha Khola at ~900m) and climbs to over 5,000m, your body undergoes significant physiological stress. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can typically start appearing once you cross the 2,500m to 3,000m mark.

To ensure your safety, our 16-day itinerary includes a mandatory acclimatization strategy:

  • Rest Days: We spend two nights at Sama Gaon (3,530m) and often an additional night at Samdo (3,860m).

  • Acclimatization Hikes: On rest days, we follow the “Climb High, Sleep Low” philosophy by hiking to higher points like Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Birendra Lake before returning to a lower altitude to sleep.

     

  • Daily Monitoring: Our guides use oximeters to check your blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate every morning and evening.

Common Symptoms to Watch For:

If you notice any of the following, you must inform your guide immediately:

  • Persistent headache

     

  • Nausea or loss of appetite

     

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

     

  • Difficulty sleeping or shortness of breath at rest

     

Pro Tip: Staying hydrated is your best defense. We recommend drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they significantly increase the risk of dehydration and AMS.

You will stay in Teahouses (mountain lodges).

 

  • Lower altitudes: Often have attached bathrooms, hot showers, and decent Wi-Fi.

     

  • Higher altitudes: Basic twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms. Hot water and Wi-Fi become rare and usually come with a small extra fee ($2–$5).

You need two main documents, which Verve Nepal handles for you:

  • ACAP Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Project 

     

  • MCAP Permit: Manaslu Conservation Area Project

  • TIMS Card: Trekkers’ Information Management System 

     

    Note: Always carry 4 passport-sized photos for these permits.

Yes, a licensed guide is strictly mandatory.

The Manaslu Circuit is classified as a Restricted Area by the Government of Nepal. Because of this, independent or solo trekking is not allowed. To legally embark on the 16-day journey, you must adhere to the following government regulations:

  • Licensed Guide: You must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide from a registered trekking agency (like Verve Nepal).

  • Minimum Group Size: There must be at least two trekkers in your group (excluding the guide and porters) to secure the Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

  • Checkpoints: Your guide will handle the logistics of presenting your permits at various police and conservation checkpoints, such as those in Jagat, Philim, and Dharapani.

 

The key to packing for Verve Nepal is the “Three-Layer System”: Base (wicking), Mid (insulating), and Outer (weather protection).

1. Essential Clothing (The Layering System)

  • Base Layers: 2–3 pairs of moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (Merino wool is best for odor control).

  • Trekking Shirts: 3–4 lightweight, quick-dry T-shirts (avoid cotton).

  • Insulation: 1 high-quality down jacket (rated to -15°C) and 1 fleece jacket or pullover.

  • Outer Shell: 1 waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) and waterproof trekking pants.

  • Trekking Pants: 2 pairs of convertible or hiking-specific trousers.

2. Footwear & Handwear

  • Hiking Boots: Sturdy, high-ankle, waterproof boots. Crucial: Ensure they are “broken-in” at least 3 weeks before the trek.

  • Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or Crocs to let your feet breathe at the teahouse.

  • Socks: 4–5 pairs of wool trekking socks and 1–2 pairs of thin liner socks to prevent blisters.

  • Gloves: 1 pair of lightweight inner liners and 1 pair of heavy, waterproof insulated gloves/mittens.

3. Gear & Equipment

  • Bags: * Duffel Bag: 80–100L (usually carried by the porter).

    • Daypack: 30–40L (carried by you for water, camera, and layers).

  • Sleeping System: A 4-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C to -15°C. (Teahouses provide blankets, but they aren’t enough at higher altitudes).

  • Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for the long descent from Larkya La to Bimthang to save your knees.

  • Headlamp: Essential for early morning pass crossings (with extra batteries).

 

Our standard packages include:

  • Licensed English-speaking guide and porters.
  • All necessary permits and government taxes.
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) on the trail.
  • Ground transportation to and from the trek trailhead.

  • International flights and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Travel Insurance (Mandatory): Must cover helicopter evacuation. insurance should cover trek’s maximum altitude rescue. 
  • Personal trekking gear (rentals available in Thamel).
  • Tips for guides/porters, alcoholic drinks, and on-trail luxuries like hot showers or Wi-Fi.
  • Personal expenses like souvenir, snacks. 

You can book directly through our website booking form or by emailing us at trek@vervenepal.com. We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for the Everest and Manaslu regions. 

Yes! We love crafting custom trips. Whether you want a private trek for two, extra days for photography, or a specific “off-the-beaten-path” route, our team will build a plan tailored to your pace and interests.

Yes, we do accept last minute booking. To see conditions please check our Terms and Conditions.

We accept bank transfer, Western Union and cash as a payment. 

Adventure. Hosted.

  • Kaldhara marga, Thamel.

  • info@vervenepal.com

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