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Manaslu Circuit Trek 13 Days
Manaslu
Trip Grade
Modest to DifficultTrip Type
TrekkingMaximum Elevation
5160mAccomodation
Local Lodges/Tea HousesDestination
ManasluBest Time
Oct-Dec/March-MayTrip Start
MachhakholaTrip Ends
KathmanduOverview
Manaslu Circuit Trek 13 Days
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular Himalayan adventures which offering to trekkers the rare chance to step off on it’s landscapes. It less crowded trails then than the Everest Trek and Annapurna Trek and different tasted landscapes with ancient culture. Encircling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, this trek weaves together a tapestry of breath-taking scenery, timeless traditions, and high-altitude excitement.
What sets the Manaslu Circuit Trek apart is its unique blend of fresh natural beauty of the Himalaya’s and the authentic cultural encounters of the Manaslu region. Since the beginning, the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail follows the valley of the Budhi Gandaki River. We ascend through the terraced rice fields, waterfalls and dense forests of local vegetations like Nepal’s national flower— the rhododendron and pine forests. As our Manaslu Circuit Trek’s journey moves on, the landscapes transform into alpine meadows, glacial moraine and passes of high mountain’s. It reveals an ever-changing Himalayan panorama! The crown jewel of the trek is the crossing of the legendary Larkya La Pass (5,160m)—a challenging yet exhilarating experience that rewards you with sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna ranges.
But this trek is much more than a mountain journey. It is a cultural immersion into the lives of the Gurung, Nubri, and Tibetan people who call this remote region home. Along the way, you’ll pass centuries-old monasteries adorned with fluttering prayer flags, intricately carved mani walls, and sacred chortens that echo the deep Buddhist traditions of the Himalayas. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo offer glimpses into a lifestyle shaped by altitude, spirituality, and harmony with nature—an experience far removed from modern distractions.
Unlike the busier Everest Trek or Annapurna Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek remains a hidden gem which protected by its status as a restricted area. Special permits and the company of a licensed guide are required, which not only ensures the safety of trekkers but also helps preserve the delicate balance of local culture and environment. This exclusivity means that while you trek, you enjoy the serenity of quiet trails, unspoiled villages, and genuine hospitality without the crowds.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek journey typically takes 2 weeks and 2-3 days more or less. This duration allows you to be well acclimated and explore the main routes of this circuit. So, we need at least one day for acclimatization before 3500m or before attaching the 4000m plus altitude. As per our guides and our own experience, Samagaun is the best place to get it. Samagaun and Samdo provide opportunities for side hikes to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or the turquoise water of Birendra Lake, both offering jaw-dropping perspectives of glaciers and peaks. Each day on the trail brings new adventures—whether it’s spotting blue sheep on a rocky slope, sharing a meal of <Dal Bhaat> in a teahouse kitchen, or simply sitting in silence as the evening sun paints the mountains in gold.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately challenging, suitable for trekkers with good physical fitness and a spirit of adventure. Daily walks range from 6 to 8 hours, with gradual altitude gains leading up to the high pass. The physical effort is matched by equally rewarding cultural encounters, making this trek as enriching for the soul as it is for the senses.
For those seeking more than just a trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a memorable journey into the heart of the Himalayas—an experience of discovery, transformation and awe. It is a trek where every step carries you closer to Himalaya, not only to breath-taking peaks but also to the timeless spirit of the mountains.
Glacier Family Treks & Expedition, we specialize in crafting safe, sustainable and unforgettable treks, tour, treks with children. With our experienced local guides, we carefully design each itineraries with deep study on the point and commitment to responsible tourism. So, your Manaslu Circuit Trek becomes more than a holiday—it becomes a life-changing adventure.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 02: Permit Preparation and Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m)
Day 04: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
Day 06: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,660m)
Day 07: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
Day 08: Trek from Lho to Samagaun (3,530m)
Day 09: Acclimatization Day in Samagaun (3,530m)
Day 10: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,875m)
Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,480m)
Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Trek to Bimthang (3,720m)
Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Goa (2,515m)
Day 14: Trek from Goa to Dharapani (1,860m)
Day 15: Trek to Jagat and Natural Hot Springs (1,300m)
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 17: Buffer Day in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 18: Final Departure
Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a Himalayan adventure like no other trek route offering trekkers an unforgettable blend of breath-taking landscapes, rich culture, and high-altitude excitement. At the heart of the trek is Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, famously first summited by a Japanese expedition on May 9, 1956.
This trek takes you through the homelands of the Gurung and Nubri people, where centuries-old traditions and lifestyles remain largely untouched. Along the trail, the Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture is visible in monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and sacred chortens, giving trekkers a deep cultural and spiritual experience.
Unlike the busier Everest and Annapurna regions, the Manaslu Circuit offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path journey. Its status as a restricted area controlled by the Nepalese government ensures safety, requires licensed guides, and helps preserve local culture and the environment. The trek also provides easy access to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, offering flexibility for longer adventures. With pristine valleys, high passes, glaciers, and welcoming Himalayan villages, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is more than a journey—it is a life-changing Himalayan experience.
Key Reasons to Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Mount Manaslu (8,163m- the 8th highest peak in the world.
- Trek through historic routes first explored by mountaineers in 1956.
- Discover the rich culture of the Gurung and Nubri communities.
- Tibetan Buddhist heritage, including monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags.
Just nearby the Tibetan border. - Less crowded than Everest and Annapurna treks as per our experiences.
- Regulated by the Nepalese government ensuring safe and sustainable trekking.
- Connect easily to the Annapurna Circuit, perfect for extended trekking adventures.
- Stunning Himalayan landscapes, high passes, glaciers, and alpine villages.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Mount Manaslu (8,163m) is the world’s eighth-highest peak, on one of Nepal’s most captivating treks.
Walk along the pristine Budhi Gandaki Valley, starting from terraced rice fields and waterfalls to rhododendron and pine forests.
Dramatically changing landscapes—alpine meadows, glacial moraines and high passes— ever-changing Himalayan panorama.
Conquer the legendary Larkya La Pass (5,160m) for the views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna massive range.
Exploration of Gurung ethinic culture, Nubri, and Tibetan communities with their monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens.
Explore spiritual highland villages like Samagaun and Samdo, gateways to side hikes such as Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) and Birendra Lake.
Encounter Himalayan wildlife, including the chance to spot blue sheep grazing in rocky alpine slopes.
Enjoy authentic Himalayan hospitality, sharing meals like traditional dal bhat in cozy teahouses along the trail.
Trek through a restricted area with special permits and licensed guides, ensuring quiet trails, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism.
Spend 14–18 days on a moderately challenging trek, with daily walks of 6–8 hours, suitable for trekkers seeking both adventure and cultural experience.
You humbly check out out other trekking as well:
- Everest Balcony Trek 14 days especially with children.
- Mustang Circuit Trekking
- Annapurna Circuit Trekking
Contact us:
WhatsApp: +9779818727219 (Dilu Rai)
Mail: trekkers.guide@gmail.com (Dilu Rai)
Itinerary
You arrive in Kathmandu, where our representative of Glacier Family Treks welcome you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive a short briefing about the trek. The evening is free to explore Thamel, the vibrant tourist district of the city. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Today, we prepare the restricted area permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you wish, you can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is also a good day for last-minute trek preparation. Overnight in Kathmandu.
We leave Kathmandu early for a scenic drive through winding mountain roads and terraced fields. Passing Arughat, we follow the Budhi Gandaki River until reaching Machha Khola at 930 meters. The drive takes 8 to 9 hours, offering glimpses of rural hill life. Overnight in Machha Khola.
The trek begins by following the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges, and passing waterfalls. We ascend gradually with some steep sections and descend briefly before climbing to Jagat, a culturally rich village where restricted area permits are checked.
Ascend: +500m
Descend: –100m.
Overnight in Jagat.
The trail continues along stone steps and river gorges, climbing steadily through subtropical forests and small Gurung villages. The landscape becomes more rugged as we approach Deng.
Walking hour: 6 to 7 hrs, 20 km
Ascend: +700m
Descend: –200m
Overnight in Deng.
Today’s trek passes through forests of fir and rhododendron, with several crossings of the Budhi Gandaki River. Tibetan Buddhist influence becomes more visible in chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. Namrung is a scenic village with stone houses and views of Himal Chuli.
Walking hour: 6-7 hours, about 19 Km
Ascend: +800m
Descend: –200m
Overnight in Namrung.
We continue gradually uphill through alpine meadows and forests, passing villages like Sho and Shyala. From here, the first clear views of Manaslu appear, along with Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. Lho is famous for Ribung Gompa Monastery and its panoramic setting.
Walking Hour: 5 to 6 hrs, 10 km
Ascend: +600m and, minimal descent.
Overnight in Lho.
The trail climbs gradually across yak pastures and mani walls, surrounded by towering peaks. We descend slightly before ascending to Samagaun, a large Sherpa village beneath the massive north face of Manaslu.
Walking hour: 5 to 6 hrs, 17 km
Ascend: +400m
Descend: –100m
Overnight in Samagaun.
We spend the day acclimatizing at Samagaun. Options include a full-day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) with views of glaciers and surrounding peaks, or a shorter excursion to Birendra Lake (3,691m). These hikes help the body adapt to higher altitude while providing spectacular scenery.
Overnight in Samagaun.
A short day of trekking with a gradual ascent across yak grazing fields and arid landscapes. The trail passes mani walls before reaching Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village where locals trade with Tibet across the border.
Walking hour: 4 hrs, 8 km
Ascend: +400m
Overnight in Samdo.
We climb steadily through barren, rocky terrain with stunning views of Larkya Peak. The trek is relatively short but important for acclimatization before crossing the pass. Accommodation here is very basic.
Walking hour: 4 to 5 hrs, 12 km
Ascend: +600m
Overnight in Dharamsala.
The toughest but most rewarding day of the trek. We start early with a long ascent of 700m to reach the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m, where prayer flags flutter against a backdrop of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
Walking Hour: 8-9 Hours, 22 km
Aescend: 680m
Descend: 1,440m
Overnight in Bimthang.
We descend through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing rivers and suspension bridges. Along the way, we pass charming villages and cultivated fields before arriving at Goa.
Walking Hour: 6 hrs, 17 km
Descend: –1,200m.
Overnight in Goa.
The trail continues downhill through forests and terraced farmlands until we reach Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit trail. Facilities here are more developed, offering comfort after several days in remote areas.
Walking Hour: 5 to 6 hrs, 15 km
Descend: –600m
Overnight in Dharapani.
We retrace part of the Annapurna Circuit trail, descending to Jagat, where natural hot springs await. This is a perfect chance to relax and soothe sore muscles after nearly two weeks of trekking.
Walking Hour: 6 hrs
Descend: 560m
Overnight in Jagat
We take a long but scenic drive back to Besisahar first by local Jeep Sharing Basis and then drive to by private vehicle to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you can check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps with a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
This day is kept as a buffer in case of delays during the trek or for extra sightseeing in the capital. You can visit Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, or enjoy shopping in Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
or,
Final departure from Kathmandu.
What's Include in Cost
- Airport arrival and departure service according to the plan
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan (Standard at Samsara Resort)
- Manaslu Special Trekking Permit.
- MCAP Permit (Manaslu Conservation Area Project)
- ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
- Three meals per day (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
- Three cups of tea or coffee with each meal
- Accommodation during the trek (teahouses / guesthouses)
- Public bus from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
- Shared jeep from Jagat to Besisahar
- Local / public bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu
- Professional trekking guide
- One trekking porter
- Local insurance for guide and porter during the trek
What's Excluded in Cost
- International/Domestic airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel and rescue insurance for trekkers
- Personal expenses such as bottled drinks, snacks, and laundry
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Hot showers and charging devices (where not included in teahouses)
- Any additional accommodation or meals in Kathmandu not mentioned in the package
- Personal trekking equipment and gear (e.g., sleeping bags, trekking poles, boots)
- Optional side trips or excursions not included in the itinerary
- Medical or emergency evacuation costs
- Any cost arising due to flight delays, landslides, or natural disasters
- Tea/Coffee in Pot System
- Lemon Giger Honey is your own cost
- Lunch and Dinner, Sightseeing, Extra Vehicle at your own cost.
- And, all those things which are not mentioned in <Cost Include> column, are not included in the demanded price of your trekking.
Fixed Departure
Equipment
Advisory
Inportant Things Required
FAQ
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
Review
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Excellent experience - Everything was set up well. Guides and Porter were so much familiar, used to talking care of each of us, asking us about individual problems of my health in the... read more 
davelogan22
July 10, 2023 April 2025 Annapurna Circuit with Dilu - Amazing Experience, Amazing Guide - We did the Annapurna Circuit in April 2025 and Dilu made it a once in a lifetime experience. First, for those considering going, the hike is a grand adventure with... read more Sebastian D
May 18, 2025 Excellent Annapurna Circuit Hike with Dilu Rai - My friend and I completed the Annapurna Circuit trek in April 2025, and it ranks among the most memorable adventures of our lives. Much of our success and enjoyment stems... read more Nick E
June 21, 2025
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