Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Manasulu

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Hiace & Local bus

  • Duration

    17 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Strenuous

  • Altitude

    5,106m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-December

  • Start/End Point

    Machakhola/Kathmandu

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Manasulu Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Hiace & Local bus
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
17 Days Strenuous 5,106m March-May & Sept-December Machakhola/Kathmandu

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a massive, high-altitude loop around Mount Manaslu—the 8th tallest peak on the planet—and it’s pretty much the gold standard if you want huge Himalayan views without stepping on other hikers’ toes every five minutes. It takes you straight from warm river gorges up into high, remote Tibetan-influenced mountain territory right near the border.

You start out low in green, sub-tropical canyons along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing high suspension bridges over rushing glacial water. As the days go on, the trees thin out and the valley opens up into raw alpine landscapes. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo feel world’s away from Kathmandu—stone houses, ancient monasteries, yak pastures, and local Tamang and Gurung communities whose way of life hasn’t changed much in generations.

The big climax of the trip is pushing over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. It’s a long, cold, breathless early-morning slog, but standing up top looking out at Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive glaciers hanging off Manaslu makes the sore legs completely forgettable. After that, you drop down through Bimthang into quiet rhododendron forests before hitting the road back out.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek over Larkya La Pass (5,106 m): Early morning push over a high mountain pass for sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo, and the Annapurna mountains.
  • Get up close to Mount Manaslu: Stay in Samagaun village right beneath the world’s 8th highest peak (8,163 m).
  • Side trips around Samagaun: Hike up to the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake or hit the trail toward Manaslu Base Camp at 4,400 meters.
  • Overland drive to Machha Khola: Head out from Kathmandu through green hills and river valleys to the trail start point.
  • Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River: Follow the river gorge inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, crossing high suspension bridges along the way.
  • Finish in the Marsyangdi Valley: Drop down through quiet mountain trails until you merge onto the main Annapurna route at Dharapani.
  • Varied forest trails: Walk through thick woods of rhododendron, pine, oak, and bamboo.
  • Spot rare mountain wildlife: Keep an eye out for blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, rare snow leopards, and red pandas along the trail.
  • Drive back to Kathmandu: Wrap up the circuit with a road trip back to town after finishing the trek.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can rest after your journey or take a walk around Thamel if you have some free time. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Today is for the final trek preparation. We’ll meet your guide, check your trekking gear, complete any remaining arrangements, and go through the plan for the trek. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We leave Kathmandu early and drive toward Machha Khola. The road follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki valleys, passing through small towns, villages, and countryside. The drive is long, but the scenery changes as we get closer to the mountains. Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

  • The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through forests, small settlements, and several suspension bridges. We pass through Tatopani and continue along the river before reaching Jagat, the entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight stay in Jagat.

  • Today’s trail climbs gradually through bamboo and forested sections. We pass villages such as Philim and Pewa, with the valley becoming narrower as we move further into the Manaslu region. Overnight stay in Deng.

  • We continue along the Budhi Gandaki, crossing several bridges and passing through forests and small mountain villages. As we approach Namrung, the views of the higher peaks become more noticeable. Overnight stay in Namrung.

  • The trail climbs steadily through alpine forests toward Lho. Along the way, we get better views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. Lho is a traditional mountain village with stone houses and Buddhist monasteries. Overnight stay in Lho.

  • Today we walk through the upper Manaslu valley toward Sama Gaun. The landscape becomes more open, with impressive views of Manaslu, Manaslu Glacier, and surrounding mountains. We’ll take the afternoon to rest and adjust to the altitude. Overnight stay in Sama Gaun.

  • We spend another night in Sama Gaun to help with acclimatization. Depending on the weather and how everyone is feeling, we can take a short hike around the village or toward the nearby viewpoints and glacier. Overnight stay in Sama Gaun.

  • Leaving Sama Gaun, we follow the valley toward Samdo. The trail is relatively short but the altitude becomes more noticeable. Samdo is a small Tibetan-influenced village close to the Nepal–Tibet border. Overnight stay in Samdo.

  • Today’s walk is short, allowing us to reach Dharamsala early and get plenty of rest before crossing Larkya La Pass. The surroundings become increasingly rocky and barren as we move higher. Overnight stay in Dharamsala.

  • This is the biggest day of the trek. We start early and climb toward Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit. After enjoying the mountain views, we make a long descent toward Bimthang. Overnight stay in Bimthang.

  • Leaving the high alpine zone behind, we start dropping down through rhododendron woods, pine forests, and quiet mountain pastures. Following the Dudh Khola, the air gets warmer and the greenery thickens as we descend into Tilije, a traditional village known for its stone lanes and mountain culture. Overnight stay in Tilije.

  • We finish up the final short leg of the trail with an easy walk downhill from Tilije to Dharapani, where the Manaslu route joins the main Annapurna Circuit. From Dharapani, we hop into a local jeep and drive along the Marsyangdi River gorge straight to Besisahar. Overnight stay in Besisahar.

  • We leave Besisahar and drive back to Kathmandu. After arriving, you can relax at the hotel or spend the evening exploring the city. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Today, we visit some of the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The rest of the day is free to relax or do some shopping. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our team will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This is the end of your Manaslu Circuit adventure. Thank you for trekking with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure soon. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport Pick up and Drop off by private vechile
  • Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu BB plan
  • A cup of tea or coffee with the meal during trekking
  • If and when available, fresh fruit will be provided
  • One Experience Trekking guide & one porter per 2 trekkers
  • All ground transportation
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), MCAP, ACAP permits, and local area entry taxes completely covered.
  • All accommodation during the trek (attached bathrooms where available)
  • Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, duffel bag, transportation, etc.

Cost Exclusion

  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Sightseeing costs in the city. (Temples, monasteries, etc.).
  • All beverages, snack, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, etc.
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.

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