Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular teahouse trek in Nepal that takes you through the remote and unspoiled region of Manaslu. The trek offers magnificent views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world, as well as a unique cultural experience with the local villages and people.
The trek starts from Setikhola and follows the Budi Gandaki River valley through dense forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. The route passes through the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters, which is the highest point of the trek. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Himal Chuli, Mt. Ganesh Himal, and others. The trek is a great opportunity to witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the local people. The region is mainly inhabited by the Gurungs and Tibetans, who have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions. The trek also passes through several monasteries and chortens, adding a spiritual aspect to the journey.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging journey that requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization. The best time to trek is from September to November and from March to May, when the weather and visibility are at their best. The trek requires a special permit from the Nepal government, and a licensed guide is mandatory.
Trip Overview
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Lodging Level
3 Star Deluxe Hotel/KTM
Teahouses/Trekking
13 dinner, 15 breakfast, 12 lunch
Highly Demanding
5,160m
Lively culture, Village life, Mountains, amazing landscape & more
Trekking and Hiking
Styles
Private Tours with Guide
Outline Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day1 | Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel | 1,350m | – |
| Day2 | Kathmandu city tour & trek preparation | 1,350m | – |
| Day3 | Drive to Setikhola from Kathmandu | 710m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day4 | Trek to Maccha Khola | 900m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day5 | Trek to Jagat | 1,410m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day6 | Trek to Deng | 1,804m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day7 | Trek to Namrung | 2,630m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day8 | Trek from Namrung to Samagaun | 3,530m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day9 | Acclimatization day at Samagaun. Hike to Pungyan Gumba | 3,110m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day10 | Trek to Samdo | 3,860m | 4-5 hrs |
| Day11 | Trek to Dharmasala/Larkya B.C | 4,460m | 4-5 hrs |
| Day12 | Trek from Dharmasala to Larkya la to Bimthang | 5,160m | 8-9 hrs |
| Day13 | Trek from Bimthang to Tilije | 2,300m | 5-6 hrs |
| Day14 | Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar | 1,700m | 2-3hrs |
| Day15 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,350m | 7-8 hrs |
| Day16 | Depart Kathmandu | – | – |
DETAILS ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Expedia Holiday will be warmly greeted with traditional Dhaka Khada and transferred to the hotel in (Check in at 1400 Hrs).
Reminder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (No Meal)
Day 2: Kathmandu city tour & trek preparation
After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Boudhanath Stupa: one of the world’s largest, draws visitors for its religious importance. Encircling the base are 108 niches with statues of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha, symbolizing enlightenment stages. It holds significance for Tibetan Buddhists and locals alike.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is in Kathmandu. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. UNESCO lists it. It features pagoda-style architecture. It showcases intricate carvings. It stands by the Bagmati River. Daily rituals take place. Devotees frequent it.
In the evening, you can indulge in shopping or use the time for trek preparation, depending on your schedule.
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast)
Day 3: Drive from kathmandu to Setikhola
After breakfast, we will begin our drive to Arughat. The drive will pass through beautiful countryside and provide views of mountain scenery. Up to Dhading Bensi, the road is paved, but from here onwards the road becomes rough and bumpy until we reach Soti Khola.
Overnight Stay at Setikhola (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 4: Trek from setikhola to MacchaKhola
Today marks our inaugural trekking day. We’ll traverse a bridge and venture through enchanting sal forests. Ascending onto a ridge, we’ll arrive at Khursane, encountering two scenic waterfalls along the way. Descending through rice terraces, we’ll ascend again to Labubesi, a quaint Gurung village. Continuing our journey, we’ll navigate sandy river beds, ascend over ridges, and cross suspension bridges before reaching Macha Khola.
Overnight Stay at Macchakhola (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 5: Trek from Macchakhola to Jagat
After ascending and descending, we’ll cross Tharo Khola to reach Khorla Besi, then proceed to Tatopani. We’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a thrilling bridge and trek along a stone staircase, encountering a landslide area. Crossing a suspension bridge over Yaru Khola, we’ll ascend once more on a stone staircase, navigating several ascents and descents before reaching Jagat.
Overnight Stay at Jagat (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng
From Jagat, we’ll trek through forests, rivers, and villages, ascending to Salleri, then descending to Sirdibas. Next, we’ll reach Ghatta Khola via a thrilling suspension bridge, then Philim, followed by Ekle Bhatti. Ascending steeply from Ekle Bhatti, we’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki river, trek through bamboo forests, and finally arrive at Deng.
Overnight Stay at Deng (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 7: Trek from Deng to Namrung
Following breakfast, we’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki river and ascend to Bhim. Trekking through dense forests and charming villages, we’ll arrive at Prok, where breathtaking views of Siringi Himal await. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki again, we’ll trek upstream to a narrow gorge. With a final steep climb, we’ll reach Namrung, our overnight stop.
Overnight Stay at Namrung (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Samagaun
After enjoying the morning mountain views, we’ll have breakfast and continue our journey. Trekking through lush green forests, we’ll pass through Lihi village and remote settlements like Sho, Lho, and Shyala. Lho village offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Manaslu, while in Shyala village, we’ll marvel at towering peaks such as Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and glaciers. Our day concludes as we reach Sama Gaun.
Overnight Stay at Samagaun (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 9: Acclimatization day at Samagaun. Hike to Pungyan Gumba
Today is an acclimatization day as we adjust to the altitude of our trekking region. We’ll hike to Pungyen Gompa for views of the Manaslu Himal and spot some wildlife like Himalayan Thars and Yaks. Alternatively, we can trek to Manaslu Base Camp, taking it slow due to the high altitude. After enjoying the stunning views, we’ll return to Sama Gaun for the night.
Overnight Stay at Samagaun (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 10: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo
On the 10th day of our Manaslu circuit trek, we hike about 4 hours from Sama Gaun to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village. We ascend approximately 325m, so we trek slowly and steadily. Passing through yak pastures and mani walls, we leave the tree line behind. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, we reach Kani, a picturesque village inhabited by yak herders. Samdo is just ahead, where we can explore the village or hike to Samdo peak for a fantastic view. Finally, we return to our village to rest for the night.
Overnight Stay at Samdo (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala/Larkya B.C
After descending, we will cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and ascend. We will then cross two streams. On the way, we will see a stunning view of Larkya Glacier. Further, from Salka Khola valley, we will ascend towards Dharamsala also known as Larke Phedi.
Overnight Stay at Dharmasala (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 12: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang Via Larkya La
On the 12th day of the Manaslu Circuit trek, we head to the highest point, Larkya La Pass. With a long journey ahead, we start early after breakfast. From the pass, the stunning views of Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II mesmerize us, making the trek truly worthwhile. After crossing the pass and enjoying the view, we descend. It takes about 3 hours to reach Bimthang from Larkya La Pass, where we dine and rest for the night.
Overnight Stay at Bimthang (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije
Today’s trail offers scenic mountain views as we descend through a high pasture, cross Dudh Khola via a bridge, and pass through a beautiful rhododendron forest. We’ll then trek along a narrow valley trail to reach Karche, before passing fields and ascending a steep path. After descending the ridge and reaching a riverbank and Gho village, we’ll continue on to Tilije for our overnight stay.
Overnight Stay at Tilije (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar
From Dharapani, we embark on a drive to Besisahar. The ride offers views of low warm farm country as we head towards the Lamjung area. The journey continues with a long winding downhill stretch to the bottom of a hill at Syange, following the Marsyangdi River to reach Besisahar. This bustling town serves as the headquarters of the Lamjung district. Tonight, we’ll rest in Besisahar.
Overnight Stay at Besisahar (Includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll check into our hotel and take a well-deserved rest for the day. Later in the evening, we come together for a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kathmandu (Includes: breakfast and dinner)
Day 16: Final Departure
We’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to your next destination.
(Includes: breakfast)
The Cost Include
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (3 nights’) on twin sharing basis with breakfast
- Total 12 nights stay on twin sharing basis in standard Teahouses during trek
- All transfers by private vehicle and Jeep transfer to from trek start and end point
- Three meals daily during trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- An experienced Government licensed English-speaking trek leader, Porter to carry trekkers luggage. 2/3 trekkers will share 1 porter. Please leave your non-essential items in your hotel or at our store.
- Wages of the guides,porters and their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, flight, and other necessary equipment
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Manaslu conservation Area permit fee and TIMs charge
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show
The Cost Exclude
- Any International flight costs & Visa Fee
- Any other services except mentioned in our package
- Nature of personal expenses & personal gears (shopping, snacks, boiled bottle water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc.
- Travel insurance, which is compulsory for trekking (make sure the policy covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation)
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
- Additional costs incurred due to causes beyond our control, such as, landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, significant rise in fuel, flight delay or cancellation due to bad weather condition etc.
