Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Trek is all about remote trekking in one of Nepal’s restricted areas (Manaslu Conservation Area). It takes you along untrodden trekking routes of the Himalayas, far away from the bustling city. 

One can enjoy the untouched highlands of Manaslu, where Tibetan Buddhism has prevailed for centuries and continues to influence people’s lives in the Manaslu region. On the trek, you will have splendid views of mountains like Mt Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,163 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), and others.

Nubri and Tsum Valley’s well-preserved Tibetan lifestyle shows its rich history. Interacting with the locals of these villages, mainly of Tibetan and Gurung descent, and visiting their sacred sites will provide you with excellent cultural exposure.

Moreover, the daring feat of scaling Larke La Pass (5,106 m), the most challenging phase of Manaslu Trekking,  will be an unforgettable moment of your life.

As Manaslu is a remote region and falls under Nepal’s restricted areas, trekking is its people’s primary source of income. It also provides a means to preserve Manaslu’s natural environment and biodiversity.

Nepal Hiking Team is a trustworthy and reliable trekking company in Nepal that has been in this trade for fifteen years. We are a team of committed members who strive to deliver excellent customer service with the best price guaranteed. Our team consists of experienced guides and local crews trained to make your trekking experience safe and enjoyable.

We have assisted trekkers worldwide in realizing their Nepal trekking goals. Trusted by over 27,000 customers, 52% of whom are returning clients, our reputation speaks for itself. We also have many positive customer reviews on Trip Adviser and other social media sites.

Hence, remember us for a secure and unparalleled Nepal adventure at the best price available in the market.

As Larke La Pass (5,106m) is the most challenging section of the journey and it is the highest point of the trek. You must be physically fit and possess high mental endurance to cross over this mountain pass successfully. The trek from Dharmsala to Bhimtang through Larke La Pass will take 8 to 9 hours, spanning 24.5 kilometers.

The high altitude induces a drop in oxygen levels, producing very thin air. Therefore, you have a chance of getting altitude sickness. Adding to this difficulty is the long ascent to the top of the Pass, followed by a steep descent. Unpredictable weather conditions could make the route inaccessible in some cases. 

Still, you can have a pleasant trek in Manaslu despite these hardships. Our experienced guides can help you prepare for the challenging hike over the Pass by getting you adequately acclimated to new elevations and taking necessary precautions. 

Manaslu Trek route stretches for about 175-180 kilometers (108.7 - 111.8 miles) on rugged, arid trails, which you will cover in 11 days. Starting from Machha Khola in the northern Gorkha district, you will hike through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho gaun, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, Larke La Pass (5,106 m), Bhimtang, Goa, and Tilije. From Tilije, you will catch a ride back to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek reaches its highest point at Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters / 16,752 feet). It is high-altitude pass, one of the longest in the Himalayas, which lies between Dharamshala and Bimthang.

Trekkers cross this challenging yet breathtaking section on day 12 of the trip, enjoying panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

If you find our Manaslu itinerary to your liking and want to book your trip with us, we recommend you follow our booking process and secure a spot as soon as possible. While booking, you must pay 20% of your package cost as a deposit.

Steps to Reserve Your Place for the Trip

• Select Your Preferred Dates: After you select a date for your trip from our package options, click “Book This Date.”
• Fill Out the Booking Form: You have to complete our booking form and then select one of the options:
• Continue with Secure Payment: You will pay with your bank card online. It confirms your booking instantly.
• Book Now & Pay Later: After booking your trip with us, you will receive an email from the Nepal Hiking Team. It will furnish you with payment details, which you can make later.

However, you must not submit another booking form while paying the deposit. Once we receive your deposit money, we will mail you a confirmation letter with other essential details about the trip.

We will need copies of your passports in advance to obtain your trekking permits. It must have at least 6 month’s validity from the time you arrive in Nepal.

Once you reach Kathmandu, you must pay the rest of the cost of your trek package. You can pay in cash (US dollars), by card, or by wire transfer. 

On the off-chance that you must cancel your booking for Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must send us a cancellation request. After canceling your booking, we will notify you promptly. 

However, you will have to forgo your 20% deposit as it is non-refundable, and we will levy it as a cancellation fee. 

Or, you can reschedule your trip and use the 20% deposit as a credit for that trip. We entertain a very flexible rescheduling option for our esteemed guests.

Important Note

Please read our booking and cancellation policy carefully before booking your trip. We are here to provide you with a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday experience.  

Contact our travel expert for support and booking assistance anytime

• Email address: [email protected]
• Phone/WhatsApp or Direct Call: +977 9851058678

There are no age restrictions in place for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Anyone with a healthy body and mind can embark on this trekking adventure of Manaslu. However, we highly recommend you prepare well for the trek months before you take the trails. You will be hiking at altitudes as high as 5,106 meters (Larke La), the highest you will reach on this trek.

Other parts of the trail are also above 5000 meters. So, you must have a certain level of physical fitness, resilience, and proper acclimatization to complete the trek.

According to the Nepalese government’s regulations, solo trekking in Manaslu is impermissible. There are a few things that you must have when trekking in Manaslu.

First, you must have a licensed guide with you throughout the trip. Second, you must be part of a group (of at least two people) to get your Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.

Yes, you must have travel insurance with you for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Since it’s a high-altitude trek, there is a chance of getting injured. You could have accidents or develop high altitude sickness.

Your travel insurance will be helpful in case of mishaps or immediate helicopter evacuation. It also covers loss of property, delays and cancellations of trips, etc.

We at the Nepal Hiking Team have well-trained and licensed guides with expertise and experience in their respective field. They are well-equipped for any mishap that may occur on the trek.

From carrying essentials like a first-aid kit, oximeter, rescue tools, etc., to possessing a profound knowledge of executing rescue, they are well-prepared for accidents on the trek.

Our guide will conduct regular health checks to prevent our trekkers from getting altitude sickness. If and when an emergency occurs, they will provide medical first-aid and arrange for your evacuation or help you descend to lower altitudes.

Yes, you have to hire a guide for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Solo trekking is prohibited in this Restricted Area of Manaslu.

According to the Nepal government’s regulations, you need a guide and the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit to trek in Manaslu.

These regulations are there for several reasons. They ensure trekker’s safety, protect Manaslu’s wildlife, and manage travels to the Tibetan border.

Traveling to high elevations will likely make you prone to altitude sickness. You must, therefore, prepare well, take precautions, and listen to your guide’s advice to have a safe trek in Manaslu. 

On Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will be hiking at elevations above 5000 meters. So, you must be well prepared.

While on the trek, you must ascend slowly without overexerting yourself. You must have proper acclimatization day(s) depending on your trek’s itinerary.

Another crucial yet simple way to avoid altitude sickness is to hydrate yourself throughout the day and to have a balanced diet. You must also heed your guide’s advice, who has years of expertise in dealing with mishaps on the trek.

Listening to their advice will make you less prone to altitude sickness.

The ideal seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) because there are fewer chances of snow blocking the Manaslu Larke La Pass during these times. Occasional snowfall may occur, but the routes are not closed completely.

Trekkers can still navigate the Pass using micro-spikes for extra grip on snow and ice. Therefore, we highly recommend bringing micro spikes for your high mountain treks.

Note: All our trekkers will get their micro-spikes from us before their trek. 

There are several suspension bridges on the Manaslu Circuit Trail, which you must cross to complete your trek. You can not avoid them if you are determined to undertake the trek.

The good news is that even though these suspension bridges seem terrifying, they are super sturdy and made from solid materials, so you do not have to worry about their condition.

Also, our guides will assist you in overcoming your fear of suspension bridges. They will ensure you feel safe enough to cross the bridge and help you every step of the way.

We highly recommend you focus on the beautiful scenery rather than the bridge’s height to overcome your fear instantly.

You should aim to keep your daypack as light as possible, carrying only essentials like your passport, water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and any personal items needed during the day. Since this is a high-altitude trek, minimizing weight is crucial for your comfort and endurance.

For the trek, we recommend packing only the essentials to make your journey comfortable. Essentials include toiletries, medicines, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and energy snacks.

Necessary gear includes a duffle bag, sleeping bag, hiking boots, microspikes, a down jacket, caps, trekking poles, and waterproof layers.

For a detailed packing guide, click here: Complete Packing Guide for Manaslu Trek.

There are many trekking gear shops in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main tourist area. You can get quality gear like down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc, at reasonable prices. However, we recommend you buy only essentials so that you don’t overpack for the trip.

Yes, we will supply you with the necessary gear for the trek, including down jackets, sleeping bags, duffle bags, etc. Before you embark on your Manaslu Circuit Trek, we will offer complimentary items, such as a Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, a T-shirt and a cap, and a trek completion certificate at the end of your trip.

There are three permits required for Manaslu Trekking. They are:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Nepal Hiking Team obtains these permits for you. Our package includes the cost of trekking permits.

You will stay comfortably at a 3-star hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. Wood Apple and Spa is our choice of accommodation. It has a good location and the best services.

Yes, we recommend leaving your extra bags at the hotel in Kathmandu. It is free of cost. Also, it would be better for you and your porter to pack only the essentials for the trek. You can collect them after your trek.

Manaslu Circuit trails have very basic accommodations like teahouses and guesthouses. They are primarily family-owned businesses.

Many of these lodgings have twin-sharing rooms. In a few places, you will also find rooms with attached bathrooms. You will get all the essential amenities to make your stay comfortable.

As you move up the trail to higher elevations, lodgings become sparse, and amenities and services become even more limited.

At Dharmasala, for instance, you will find dormitories for your overnight stay. But, despite the limited facility, you will still have a cozy and relaxing stay after the day’s trek.

Yes, with the single supplement, you can get a private room for yourself in most places on the trek.

There are, however, chances of not getting a single room in some areas. This mainly happens during peak trekking seasons, when the few lodgings on high elevations, like Samdo and Dharmasala, are already packed with trekkers, making it impossible to get private rooms.

Therefore, please be prepared to share lodgings with your fellow trekkers when we cannot arrange a single room for you.

You have various options for having meals on Mt Manaslu Trek, Nepal. From popular choices like Dal Bhat, the staple of Nepalese cuisine (a perfectly balanced diet), there are provisions for continental dishes like pasta, pancakes, noodles, fire rice, etc.

If you have any dietary restrictions, you must inform your guide and the cook beforehand while placing your order at the restaurant. The cook will prepare separate meals for you according to your preferences.

We have meal options for vegetarians and vegans as well as gluten intolerants.

So, rest assured and enjoy the authentic flavors of Manaslu!

Yes, there are a few options for safe drinking water in the Manaslu region. They are mineral water bottles, natural spring water/tap water, and boiled water. You can get all these options at the on the trails.

Boiled water, readily available at the teahouses, is primarily a good choice to hydrate yourself and warm up on these cold trails.

All these options are safe and available on the trek; however,  you can still bring water purifiers to make them even better for consumption.

As for us, we highly recommend choosing natural tap water.

About 15,000-20,000 NPR is sufficient to cover this trek. With this amount allocated for personal expenses, you'll have enough budget for miscellaneous and unforeseen expenditures, such as snacks, drinks, bottled water, Wi-Fi, device charging fees, hot showers, and hot water.

Additionally, it’s advisable to keep extra funds for emergencies, such as flight delays or other unexpected situations.

You can access WiFi from almost all the Manaslu Base Camp Trek teahouses. The exception is Dharmasala, where there is no internet connection due to high altitude. 

Most teahouses provide a variety of internet packages, which you need to buy to access their WiFi. 

Yes, local SIM cards do work in the Manaslu Circuit area. NTC (Nepal Telecom) and NCELL sim cards have good coverage in most places, but signal strength and phone coverage weaken as you move up to higher altitudes.  

The best way to stay connected during the trek is by carrying a local SIM card, such as NTC or Ncell. Be sure to purchase an internet data package for the SIM card beforehand to access internet services while on the trek.

Most teahouses on Manaslu Circuit Trek have electricity, so you can charge your devices when you lodge there at the end of the day’s trek.

The lower-level teahouses have a regular electricity supply, but those at high altitudes, such as Samdo village and Dharmasala, rely on solar power. This could result in electricity shortage on cloudy days.

Therefore, we recommend you bring extra batteries and portable power banks to charge your devices in such circumstances.

Note: Nepal’s power outlets are compatible with Type C and Type D adapters. The standard voltage here is 230 V with a 50Hz frequency.

No, we don’t. You have to book your international flights yourself. Please make sure you arrive on time for your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Our Nepal Hiking Team staff will oversee your airport pickup and drop-off. You must send us details of your international fights in advance so we can proceed accordingly.

Manaslu Circuit Trek’s starting point is Machha Khola in Gorkha district. It lies at a distance of 160 kilometers from Kathmandu. The drive will take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours.

The Manaslu Trek ends at Tilije village in Manang district. You will take a private vehicle from there to reach Kathmandu, thus winding up your trip.

We arrange private transportation for our esteemed clients, using tourist vehicles to ensure safety and provide a comfortable travel experience.

Your Manaslu Circuit Trek will begin with a private drive to Machha Khola and conclude with a drive back to Kathmandu from Tilije village.

We prioritize a hassle-free and comfortable transportation experience for our clients, avoiding local buses throughout the itinerary.

The 14-day and 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek route itineraries are the same. The only difference is that our 15-day Manaslu package has three overnight stays in Kathmandu, with a day tour of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In our 14-day Manaslu Package, you have only two overnight stays in Kathmandu and no day tours.

Our 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek Package aims at trekkers with time for an extended tour. In contrast, the 14-day package is more suitable for a quick trek in Manaslu. 

Yes, you can do a Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu. It will be an enriching cultural journey. The valley, popularly known as the ‘Hidden Valley,’ has many exploration points, such as ancient monasteries, traditional settlements, and a spectacular untouched landscape.

Yes, on your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will have an acclimatization day at Samagaun (3,525 m). There are a few options for a day hike; you can either hike up to the Manaslu Base Camp (4,400 m) or visit nearby attractions like Birendra Lake (3,691 m) and Pungyen Gompa (4,700 m).

Yes, we offer customized trek itineraries! You can tailor your Manaslu Circuit Trek according to your preferences. Whether you want to add extra day trips city or include additional activities, let us know in advance, and we’ll adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.

Yes, if you wish to visit Pokhara or Chitwan National Park after your Manaslu Circuit Trek, we can arrange private vehicles to get to these destinations. For your return, you may request a private car for an additional charge, or opt for a public bus, which is easily available.

For Pokhara, you will have to take a drive from Besisahar. It is a distance of 106 kilometers, spanning over 4 to 5 hours.

To reach Chitawan, you will have to drive from Besisahar via Dumre, which covers a distance of 145 kilometers.

Arranging your side trips with us will exclude the need to book an extra tour package and provide a perfect ending to your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Pungyen Gompa is a sacred ancient Buddhist site in Nubri Valley. As an isolated spiritual sanctuary, it is the ideal place for pilgrims to offer homage and seek blessings.

This old monastery in the Manaslu region can provide trekkers with in-depth cultural and religious exposure.

One can learn a lot about the spiritual practices of the people of Nubri by careful observations of the monastery and by attending prayer sessions with the monks.

As for the landscape, Pungyen Gompa has a stunning view of Mt Manaslu and Pungyen Glacier, thus becoming the perfect sight for nature lovers!

Pungyen Gompa adds so much significance to Manaslu Circuit Trek due to its location and age-old history.

Kutang and Nubri cultures are the main attractions of the Manaslu region. People of these areas are Tibetan descendants who have settled here since many centuries ago. Their unique lifestyles, distinct language, and centuries-old traditions make them Nepal’s unique ethnic communities.

Especially in Nubri, you can still hear people interacting in the near-extinct Nubri language. Manaslu Trekking has become more meaningful because of this cultural addition you won’t find in other parts of Nepal.

Nepal has many trekking adventures to offer, of which the three most popular choices are the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. While it may seem challenging to choose between them, you can quickly decide if you know which one suits your preferences.

Each of these popular treks has different features, so it would help to familiarize yourself with them.

On EBC Trek, you will reach the foot of Mt Everest (the world’s tallest mountain) in the Khumbu region. The trails are completely developed, so it’s a comparatively more comfortable hike.  Apart from being close to Khumbu glaciers and the Himalayas (Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, etc.), you will experience the lively Sherpa culture. The highest elevation you will reach on Everest Base Camp Trek will be at Kala Patthar (5,545 m).

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote trekking adventure in Nepal’s west-central region. Primarily inhabited by Nepalese of Tibetan origin, Manaslu’s Nubri valley is known for its Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions. 

The trails are rugged and unpaved, which adds to the trek’s difficulty level. Also, the highest trail across Larke La Pass (5,106 m) is long and strenuous.

Apart from great mountain views of Manaslu (8,163 m) - the world’s eighth highest mountain, Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), etc, you will visit many Tibetan villages like Samagaun, Samdo, Lho and Shyala. These villages’ ancient lifestyles and religious sites make this trek unique.

Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you to Nepal’s north-central region. It offers a variety of attractions, from diverse landscapes to multi-ethnic communities, along with spectacular views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) and others.

As for cultural exposure, Annapurna Trek provides you with an experience of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The highest altitude of the trek is Thorong La Pass (5,416).

All these treks are great adventures, offering many attractions, but it ultimately depends on your preferences.