• Duration 13 Days / 12 Nights
  • Price from $999 / person
  • Difficulty Level Medium Hard
  • Max Altitude 5160m

Join our fantastic Manaslu Circuit Trek with a carefully designed itinerary and inclusive package trip cost with a bucket list of comprehensive services including a local guide, permit, and all the necessities for the year 2024. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best choice of alternative hiking trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek as the road construction has threatened its reputation. During the journey, the trip passes through dominantly Hindu communities in the first few days and with lush green subtropical valleys with villages and terraced farming lands in lower elevations. From the beginning, we hike along the Budhi Gandaki River taking you through distinct regional scenery of rivers, waterfalls, flora, fauna, and above all - mountains. In Higher elevations, we trek through the Buddhist-influenced Nup Ri meaning the "western mountain" area. The people’s language, culture, and dresses resemble Tibetans as they are direct descendants of Tibetans and are very proud of their unique cultural heritage having a strong sense of preserving their culture. On the trail, after Jagat, we enter the Tibetan Buddhist-influenced villages as we can see people of Shyo, Lho, and Samagaun villages identify them as a lot closer to Tibet and have been part of Tibet in history.

How long this trek will be?

Manaslu Circuit Trek will be a minimum of 10 days and can be extended up to 18 days depending on how many site trips and places of interest we include in the tour. The level of your fitness and your previous hiking experience also differ in the itinerary. Our standard 13 days itinerary contains 11 days of walking; 2 days drive to/from trekking and 1 additional day should be allowed in Kathmandu for issuing permits. And this itinerary is for having moderate trekking habits. However, this trip can be customized according to your interests.  

Our journey starts from Kathmandu by taking a local bus or riding a private jeep, reaching its highest point at Larke Pass at an elevation of 5160m (16,324 ft.). The route follows mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, Himalchuli Himal, Manaslu (8163m; the 8th tallest mountain in the world), Naike Peak, Larke Peak, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna range passing through the beautiful village of Bimthang among high mountains. The amazing journey also goes through holy sites, most remarkably the oldest ancient Buddhist monasteries, prayer walls, stupas, and chortens in the region. This trekking route connects to the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal sections of The Great Himalaya Trail, The eastern portion of the trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, to its source near the village of Samdo. To get there several days of uphill hiking are required. Then the route goes over the pass, a grueling day of hiking, and back down the other side, where it meets up with the Marsyangdi River. After the pass, at the end of the trek, several options are available: following the Marsyangdi river further trek to the proper road and catching a jeep at a comfortable tourist bus at Besisahar, or extending the trek toward the world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek.

Trek Style

Manaslu Circuit is a "teahouse trek," meaning there are mountain lodges and teahouses to eat and stay along the entire route. Clients are expected to eat breakfast and dinner in the same lodge where they are staying for the night, wherever you trek in Nepal, this is the same!

How much does it cost for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The amount you pay for the same trek depends on your selection of travel agency. If you choose an international agency in your home town, they may charge you around US$ 1500 to 1700 per person but we offer a much lower price of just US$ 999 per person on a minimum 2 people sharing basis for the same service they provide.  Some agencies charge for their trademark and brand. Local companies also provide equally satisfying services, almost the same. The package price includes your local guide, necessary porters, meals, accommodation, local transportation, and all necessary Manaslu trek permits. It is your option to pick the agency according to your budget and travel plans however booking with a local organization is your direct contribution to supporting locals in Nepal. We offer a value-for-money price for a 13-day inclusive package that costs just USD 999 per person for the years 2024 and 2025. 

Highlights

  • Magnificent mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Mount Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna Range.
  • Ancient Buddhist Monasteries, Prayers engraved Mani Walls, Beautiful Villages, Tibetan-like locals, Budhi Gandaki Vally,
  • Dramatic Larke Pass (5160m, 16,324 ft.) with daily 4-7 Hours Walk.
  • Staying in tea houses, Interact with locals and learning local traditions.
  • Inclusive package and best price guaranteed

Itinerary

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Join our fantastic Manaslu Circuit Trek with carefully designed itinerary and inclusive package trip cost with bucket list comprehensive services including local guide, permit and all the necessities.

After enjoying hot breakfast; we set off to Soti Khola, some 8/9 hours drive by bus or a private jeep through the beautiful landscape passing by Arughat – Arukhet then to Soti Khola, at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Today; you have paid meals included: Lunch and Dinner. Overnight stop at Soti Khola in trekking lodge.

  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 700m
  • Soti Khola

Soti Khola to Machha Khola trek starts at the terraced field. Now there is road building work is going on. We can enjoy the view of Buri Gandaki Valley via the suspension bridges, tiny hamlets, terraced fields, and waterfalls. After walking 5-6 hours we finally reach the village of Machha Khola where we will spend the night. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 869m
  • Machha Khola

Today we hike to Jagat from Machha Khola, the distance is some 13 miles. It takes 5 to 6 hrs to get to Jagat from Machha Khola going throughout the Gurung villages of Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dobhan, Yuru Khola along Budigandaki valley. Jagat village situated at an elevation of 1340 meters above sea level. Overnight stay in trekking lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 1340m
  • Jagat

After staying at Jagat for the night; our journey starts to Deng; also spelled “Dyang”. The trail begins to climb a rocky ridge where views of Sringi Himal (7,187m) appear. We keep on through beautiful terraced fields of maize, potato and millet before entering the Nupri (‘the Western Mountains) via bamboo forests. We spend the night in the Buddhist village of Deng for overnight stay. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 1980m
  • Deng

Continue track from Philim the villages of Ekle Bhatti comes. Turn left cross the Buri Gandaki on a solid bridge after about 1hr and traverse to a welcome bhatti just around the corner for tea and a last look up the Tsum Valley. Trek through bamboo forests to Deng (1860m), inhabited by Gurungs who practice Buddhism. Lodging at Manaslu Trekker Home and Shangri-La. Just beyond Deng re-cross to the east bank and climb to Rana (1980m) and pass Bihi Phedi (1990m, Himal and Manaslu hotels) with the trail up to the stone-carving village of Bihi (2130m; Bhi). The river roars below. Continue in and out of continuous wild canyons, with a village perched in every conceivable cropping situation, cross the Serang Khola coming from the north and climb steeply again before finally circling into Ghap (2340m; Tsak) past Mountain View lodge where the horses stay, Budhi Gandaki Lodge. The mani walls here and onwards as far as Bimthang often display intricate quality carvings of various Buddhas in meditation, incised in the hard local stone by a family of carvers from Bihi. The Manaslu Thakuri lodge and Kyimolung lodge and camping ground are in Ghap itself and building is underway. A side-trip from a bridge below Bihi can take you up to Prok (2380m), and an excursion to Kal Tal (3685m; Kalchhuman Lake), then back down to Ghap. Two lodges are reported in Prok and those who visit really enjoy the experience, including a lake 1200m higher for which a local guide is advised. We still continue to Namrung, a beautiful village nestled at the elevation of 2630m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 2630m
  • Namrung

Enter a beautiful forest of fir and rhododendron with many birds, staying on the south bank, cross north on a wooden bridge with a roaring narrow canyon below then cross back to the south bank on a new swing bridge with grey langurs watching. The main trail now climbs on well-made stairs, but a highly recommended narrow shortcut to the right just after the bridge and along the riverbank is far quicker and through superb pine forest. After about 1hr, climb a zigzag from the river to the neat village of Namrung (2660m) with shops, restaurants and the Thakali, Thakuri and Namrung lodges about the flagstoned square. While waiting for a meal it is worth wandering around the village, where carvings from Bihi have been painted in colours above a gateway. The architecture characteristic of upper Nupri starts here: several houses gathered together about a common courtyard and livestock shelters on the ground floor, with heavy wooden shingle roofs and log stairs to dark verandahs. Pass mani walls, fields and houses through Banjam (2800m, Banzam) with Nubri Trekkers Inn. Enter the fir, rhododendron and oak forest before climbing to Lihi (2900m; Li, Ligaon) with the Lihi Hotel in 1hr, then onto Sho (2950m, Syogoan) where there is a bhatti but no lodges yet. The platforms in the fields are where people keep overnight watches to chase bears from their crops. Most people from here onwards wear traditional Tibetan dress, with the children in small chubas like dressing gowns, asking for shim shim (Tibetan for candy). Some have impeccable English due to an Australian aid project. There are some particularly fine paintings in the kani (gate arches) that you pass before Sho. Shrip (3000m) boasts the Nupri Eco-hotel. A leisurely walk onwards, in and out of gullies to Lho (3180m; Logoan) with the large Tashi Delek lodge and Majestic Guest House. Pity about the wedding-cake stupa donated from Taiwan which dominates this otherwise picturesque village focused on yak herding. There are excellent views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) from the mani wall at the far end of the village and from the gompa on the hill to the west. The views of Manaslu are stupendous still continue walk to Shyala (3520m, Shyalagaon, up a pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear stream. Enjoy 360° views from here due to a fire and extensive deforestation and extensive building including the largest lodge on the trek under construction, currently Manaslu Pik 21 Hotel and Gurkha Manaslu Homestay. Another easy hour to the large village of Sama (3520m, Samagaon, Ro), losing the gigantic views of Manaslu but entering a world of yaks, pastures and houses which seem to have grown from the stones. Only potatoes and barley can be grown at this altitude.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 3520m
  • Samagaun

Rest days to get physically acclimatized. We can spend the day exploring surroundings such as, Birendra Taal (lake), Buddhist monasteries, Samagaun, a big Tibetan cultured community and a side trip to Pun Gyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp but this both side trips requires almost a full day for each. We will see a marvelous view of Manaslu. Stay overnight at same place.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 3520m
  • Samagaun

Another short day because of the altitude, with time to go via the iceberg-covered Birendra Tal (3450m) under the Manaslu Glacier, wade the exit stream depending on the time of year and drop down to pick up the main trail from Sama to Samdo. Easy walking through yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani walls, marmots in April but not November standing on their burrows. Finally leave the tree line behind, although low-lying juniper is all around, climbing to a ridge and drop to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge. It takes some time to reach the white Kani above but immediately behind is Samdo (3860m), a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding, so much so that there are more animal and fodder shelters than human accommodation. Lodges are Chez Kyrang, Yak Lodge, Tibetan Twins, comfortable although likely to be cold at this altitude. Side valleys and Samdo Peak call out for afternoon wandering but take a jacket as cold wind can come up at any time. The Larkya La trail is ahead up valley and left. You can see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La (Lajyung Bhanjyang, 5098m) sloping up to the right from the Larkya La trail and you can make an excellent afternoon acclimatization walk of 4-5hrs return to 4500m up this trail, seeing lots of blue sheep and yaks and entrancing views, but the pass itself is a full day trip. The first village and road in Tibet is about 2hrs beyond the pass with access currently blocked by China even for locals. There is a lot of Chinese and Tibetan alcohol and food for sale in Samdo.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 3860m
  • Samdo

Descend beyond Samdo on a broad trail, dropping to cross the much-reduced Budhi Gandaki at 3850m. Pass the trail to Tibet to the right and climb left after a mani wall, traversing through juniper with many marmots in April but not November when they hibernate. Cross two ravines on narrow tracks, very icy towards winter. There is no Larke Bazar despite what many maps assert; at one time traders from Namche Bazar came through Tibet to trade in this area and maybe some of the scattered stone shelters you will pass were part of that market. Dharamsala (4460m; Larke Phedi, Larkya Resthouse) is now a seasonal village with dark stone rooms and tents for at least 50 people, and a dirt-floored but efficient dining hut. Even toilets are available. In 2012 this entire place opened 1 October and closed for winter on 24 November, so check in Samdo before counting on staying here. The camping area is filthy with toilet trenches, rubbish and blowing toilet paper so be careful where you get your water and boil it well if camping. The views are marvelous. A large herd of blue sheep call the tussock-covered hills home and we saw snow leopard prints in fresh snow around the toilets. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 4460m
  • Dharmasaala

Note that if snow has fallen overnight and there have been high winds, then there may be less snow as you climb making the pass still crossable. Climb steadily over the ridge behind Dharamsala and beside the large lateral moraine of the Larke Glacier. The climb is not difficult but it is long and rocky underfoot, particularly as you top the moraine. Look for cairns and metal snowpoles which assist route finding. Descend past four frozen lakes and make a final tiring climb to the left up to Larkya La (5160m), marked by prayer flags. It takes about 3-5hrs to reach the pass and it can be very cold and windy with a risk of exposure if under-equipped or ill. The peaks to the west are Himlung (7126m) near Tibet and Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m) in the Annapurna Range. Trek west on a high moraine ridge exposed to wind for some distance, on the right side of a deep gully, then drop steeply on loose scree, eventually traversing left on more steep scree. There are several places where snow or ice would make this treacherous and some groups fix a rope on the steepest piece. Make a long descent on loose gravel to a welcome more level area with grassy moraine, where the angle eases. The track now runs left of the large lateral moraine, rocky at times, in a widening and beautiful valley all the long way to very scenic Bimthang (3720m; ‘plain of sand’), a descent of 1400m in about 3hrs. The views during the descent are huge – icefalls and mountains in all directions, a medial glacial lake (Pongkar Tal) between the Pongkar and Salpudanda Glaciers, and the joining of these two glaciers with a third glacier to form the Bhimdang Glacier whose lateral moraine towers over Bimthang. The new chalet-style Hotel Ponkar Mountain is the first lodge. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Bimthang
  • 3750m
  • Lodge

Walk south below Bimthang behind the moraine wall for some time before crossing the Bhimdang Glacier, which can be loose underfoot. Climb up the far moraine wall quickly to avoid stone-fall and enter some of the best forest in Nepal. If you are in rhododendron season, the mauves, reds, pinks and whites are stunning amongst the huge pines and the views of the back of Mt Manaslu are superb. Descend rapidly along the true right bank of the aptly named Dudh (‘milk’) Khola through a bhatti at Hompuk (3420m) in a forest clearing. Gentle riverside walking continues rapidly to Karche (2700m; Karache, Surki Khola, Suti Khola) for lunch after about 3.5hrs. This would be a great place to spend a night, with Saat Kanya Hotel or Himalayan Cottage chalets owned by the same Bimthang man. In the next hour you will see many signs of a glacial flood, with tree trunks smashed and banks undermined, the track becoming quite rough. Climb steeply over a ridge and drop to Gurung Goa (2560m, Gho), the first real village since Samdo. There are many new lodges now, continuing further down one hour to Tilche for overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House
  • 2300m
  • Tilche

Here the popular Annapurna Circuit trek meets, Dharapani is the place where we have to check out from our Manaslu circuit trekking and perhaps you will have a lunch and your trekking goes downhill but it is not steep down. Noise from the river and nature makes your trek more pleasant. Trek down through the steepest part of the Marsyangdi Gorge is 5 to 7 hours of walk today. Stay there overnight in lodge at Jagat

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge
  • 1300m
  • Jagat

After our breakfast we will catch a local jeep or bus get a bus to Beshisahar and connecting local hiace van drive to Kathmandu. This is will be a long day drive. Considering to extend a night and stay overnight in Besi Sahar allows you to travel relaxingly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Not included
  • 1300m
  • Kathmandu
Customized Trip

What's Included

  • One trained and licensed local Manaslu Trek guide
  • All relevant surface transfer to and from trekking
  • 12 Nights lodge accommodation on twin sharing basis during the trekking.
  • Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 12 Dinners during the trek.
  • Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit/Conservation Fees
  • 12 kg free luggage on trekking tours, carried by porter
  • Taxes and documentation charges.
  • Fee of guide and porters and their insurances.

What's Excluded

  • Meals, accommodation and guided sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • International flights, Visas
  • Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned
  • Bar bills and bottled drinks, Personal bills such as internet, laundry.
  • Personal travel insurance, trekking gears
  • Emergency evacuation (will be done in your account)
  • Tips for your guide and porters. 

Availabilities

Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd is a local tour operator so we guarantee small private groups departures on any dates that suit your date and time. We are trying to form join groups for the year of 2022 and 2023. So single travelers willing to trek to Manaslu can contact us.
Start Date End Date Status Note Price  
March 23, 2024 April 04, 2024 Available US$999
March 28, 2024 April 09, 2024 Guaranteed 9 Space Left US$999
March 30, 2024 April 11, 2024 Available US$999

FAQs

The traditional Manaslu Circuit trek takes couple of weeks or up to 17 days if you include some side trips. This trek can be condensed in 12 days (see our 12 Days short Manaslu trek). The actual distance you'll be covering each day will be approximately 15-20 km. During the trek, you don't have to walk continuously for a long time

In term of difficulty; this trek is medium hard. The trail goes through dramatic Larke Pass that is 5160 meter from the sea level. Having previous trekking experience or hiking habit for this trek is advantage. Pre- physical training will help of the trekker has a lot to do with the Manaslu Circuit Trek as it is one of the challenging treks in Nepal that takes you through the remote villages of the Himalayan region.

Can I Trek to Manaslu Circuit Solo? Actually the answer is no but we can arrange your trip for yourself. However; Nepal's restricted trekking areas require minimum two parties to get permits so only group trekking is possible as per state law. So you should have friend to trek with or join the other groups to get permission to enter the area. Write us with your expected travel date for more information about fixed group departures to join the group.

The answer is NO, you cannot trek as an individual trekker according to Nepal government rule. You should be accompanied by registered trekking guide and your trek must be organized by government registered company while trekking in such restricted areas. We have guide cum porters having guide license if you are low budget trekker. 

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