Overview

  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Diffculty: Strenuous 
  • Best Time: Sept-Nov & Mar-May
  • Max. Altitude: 5160 m

Manaslu Trek - The Last Himalayan Jewel

Manaslu Trek exhibits sensational mountain vistas, fascinating culture, and biological diversity in Nepal. The 16 days of Manaslu Circuit Trek spans 600 to 5200 meters elevation - one of Nepal's last Himalayan jewels. It exhibits the unspoiled diverse culture and tradition with beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu. Undoubtedly this trek suits best those looking for a less trodden and challenging adventure in Nepal. This is one of the restricted region trekking done in 2 weeks in the local teahouse. Not to miss this trekking itinerary is a part of the Great Himalayan Trail. This Manaslu trek is also the best alternative to the classic Annapurna circuit.

Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larke Pass

We start our Manaslu trek in Nepal from Lapubesi after the drive from Kathmandu via the Aarughat. Trekking along the Budhi Gandaki river, the trail meanders, scrambles, and climbs its way along the confines of the valley. Much of the Manaslu Circuit trek is in the region known as Nupri, an area of strong Tibetan influence with the trade route between the regions. As we trek higher, the Hindu culture is being replaced by Buddhist features of Mani walls, Khanyi gates, and Chortens as the topography changes. This Manaslu region is a natural habitat for many elusive wild animals. Such as the snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and blue sheep - Keep your eyes open!!

Larke La pass is the highest vantage point in the Manaslu trek. The classic and challenging ancient salt trading route link the Buri Gandanti with Marsyandri valley Manaslu to the Annapurna region. The view from the Larkya pass is simply superb. Himlung, Cheo Himal, Larke peak, Annapurna II, and Mt. Manaslu can be captured from the pass. After the Larke Pass, we descend through the beautiful alpine valleys at Bhinthang and Jagat. Furthermore, the route joins the classic Annapurna circuit trekking before driving back to Kathmandu. You need 16 days for this Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal from arrival to departure from Kathmandu.

16 Days Manaslu Trek in Spring or Autumn in 2023 and 2024

The best time to do this 16-day Manaslu Circuit trek is the spring ( March to May) and Autumn ( September to November) seasons. We have departure dates to join in the Spring and Autumn of 2023 and 2024. If you wish to have a private trek and customize the arrival date in Nepal, we can customize it. 

Trip in Nutshell

  • Less trodden teahouse trekking to the Majestic Manaslu
  • Larke la pass cross - the last Himalayan jewel
  • Majestic Manaslu peak and Tibetan Buddhist culture at its best
  • Full board meals and drinking water on the Manaslu Circuit trek
  • Medically trained trek guide with a comprehensive first aid kit
  • Responsible trekking 1 Trekker: 1 Porter
  • Special trek permit
  • Required trek gear for the use

Trip map

Manaslu Trek map

Itinerary

  • We customize airport transportation as per the flight.
  • Make sure to look for the Mountain Monarch clipboard on your arrival in Kathmandu.
  • Initial arrival information is given, and the evening will be highlighted with a group Nepal welcome dinner with a cultural program. Make sure to have a camera with you at dinnertime.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Altitude1340 m

  • Half-day world heritage cultural tour in the morning after breakfast.
  • Afternoon trek briefing and trek gear distribution.
  • Mountain Monarch prepared the special trekking permit for your Manaslu trek today.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

  • Today we take around 8 hrs to drive to Lapubesi via the Aarughat and Korsenetar to start our trip to Manaslu. The next day we trek along the riverbank of Budhi Gandaki to Dobhan and stay a night at the elevation of 1070 meters at the local teahouse.

 

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude1070 m

  • We enter the Manaslu restricted region and cross several Mane walls, indicating we are now entering an area of Tibetan influence.
  • Cross and recross the suspension bridge over the Buri Gandaki River.
  • We stay a night at Philim ( 1,570 m), Deng (1,860 m) the next day, and then to Namrung (2,630 m)
  • The trail enters a steep slopes uninhabited gorge and crosses the Iron bridge over Buri Gandaki river, where the river is at its narrowest. We stay at a local and recently built teahouse at Philip, Den, and Namrung village.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude2630 m

  • We enter the Nupri Region, inhabited by descendants of Tibetan immigrants.
  • Pass through several villages of Lihi, Sho, and Lho to spend the night at Shyala (3500m), one of the best vantage places to witness the majestic Manaslu peak.
  • The highlights of the day highlight the spectacular views of Manaslu, North, Naike Peak, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29).
  • It descends onto a rock-strewn moraine and scales across the boulders to emerge onto a ridge overlooking the extensive pastures and fields of Samagaon (3,520 m).
  • We take the exploration hike to the Pung Gyan Gompa viewpoint from Shyala as the best acclimatization hike before we head to Sama Goan. 
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude3520 m

  • The trail is at first gentle, then gets rougher as it reaches a yak train.
  • Village Samdo (3,872 m) is nestled behind a ridge. (3-4 hours.) We also explore the Birendra lake from the massif Manaslu on the way to Samdo, the last settlement close to the Tibetan border.
  • Next, we have a short descent on a wide trail to the river and begin climbing toward the Larkye La. The spectacular view of Samdo peak, Larke peak, and Manaslu Northwest is the best highlight of the day. Keeps eyes open on blue sheep on the Himalayan slope. We stay at a nomadic type of basic shelter / tented camp at 4460 meters with a primary facility in our preparation to climb the Larke pass the following day.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude4460 m

  • Today we cross the Larkya La (5,160 m), the highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek.
  • Views are tremendous: Himlung Himal (7,125 m/23,373′), Cheo Himal (6,820 m/22,370′), Kang Guru (6,980 m/22,898′), and Annapurna II (7,940 m/26,041′).
  • Drops steeply and traverses scree slopes to another grassy moraine down to a large meadow and camp at Bhimtang (3,700 m), situated in a vast valley surrounded by high peaks. About a 9-hour walk.
  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude3700 m

Today we descend to Gho for a present walk through the rhododendron forest. We see the different faces of the majestic mountain Manaslu. We stay at a local teahouse, and they have hot shower facilities there ( weather permits). The next day we take a drive to Besishar via Dharapani. Besisahar is the trek starting point of a classic around the Annapurna trek.

  • AccommodationTea house
  • MealsB, L, D, Tea, Coffee
  • Altitude2520 m

  • Around 6 hours drive to Kathmandu, then stay a night at a hotel.
  • Browsing the internet and shopping in the Thamel area or exploration of sights and sounds on your rest day in Kathmandu.
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsLunch & Breakfast
  • Altitude1340 m

Today is the last day in Kathmandu; as per your flight details, we will make sure to drop all of you at the Kathmandu international airport on your way home after this adventure of being a lifetime.

  • MealsBreakfast

Manaslu Trekking Itinerary:

Round Manaslu Circuit trekking itinerary in the Himalayas: Check out the walking hours, sleeping elevation, places of interest, and major highlights, including the majestic peaks

What's Included
  • Airport transfer customizes as per the flight details.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin share bed- and- breakfast.
  • Group welcome dinner as listed in the itinerary.
  • Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance fees
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Accommodation on teahouse while on trek.
  • Full board meals with tea and coffee while on the trek.
  • Mountain Monarch Trip Gears - sleeping bag, fleece liner, down jacket, and rain poncho for use on the trek.
  • Supplementary Oxygen Tank or Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) / Gamow Bag (A life-saving device in case of Acute Mountain Sickness) along with the comprehensive First Aid Kit.
  • Professional and experienced Trek Leader / Guide trained in Wilderness First Aid and his supporting trek crew with wages, accommodation, food, required gear, and porter insurance
  • Responsible Trek Policy of 01 Trekker: 01 Porter thus porter carry less weight at high elevation
  • Manaslu region Special trek permit.
  • complimentary Mountain Monarch T-shirts, trek Duffle bag, trek map
  • TIMS / Trekking permit, Conservation entry fees
What's Excluded
  • Nepal entry Visa fees; travel insurance of any kind
  • International airfare
  • All drinks and main meals in cities
  • Tips and Items of personal expenses like a hot shower, battery charge, telephone calls, beverage drinks, and drinking water on a trek.

Dates & Availability

Manaslu Circuiut Trek Departure Dates

We offer fixed departure group joining trip departure dates with an all-inclusive package trip cost. Check below the departure dates for 2023. With a minimum of two trekkers, let us know if you wish to have customized trip dates.H

March Departure
     
Start DateStart DateMarch 26, 2023End DateEnd DateApril 10, 2023StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS$1690

FAQs

  • Q1. Level of physical fitness for this Manaslu trip?

    Manaslu circuit trek started as a camping trek. Where tea house trekking has been in progress very recently, it is the most beautiful destination, which once served as a fundamental trading route between Nepal and Tibet. Manaslu circuit itinerary is quite demanding; though the trek rises to an altitude of 5106 meters / 16,751 feet, the daily altitude gain is very gradual, preparing challenging grounds for going over the Larke La pass. Anyone with reasonable fitness can join because the altitude is a more significant issue than fitness level. However, our trekking route is very well designed with slow pacing and ample time for acclimatization strategy. It's indeed heaven for keen walkers.

  • Manaslu is a restricted area for which a company and a local trekking guide are a must since you would need Special trekking permits, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permit, an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit, and a TIMS trekking permit. However, with Mountain Monarch, it's all set all trekking permits for you.

  • Gorkha, a district under which the Manaslu region falls, was indeed an epicenter for the 2015 earthquake in Nepal that has undeniably brought about a transformation on the regular trekking trails with significant aftermath landslides. Yet, the safety of routes and settlements is undaunted. Trekkers are still doing the majestic trek even after the 2015 earthquake. There have been rumors about the Manaslu region coming to an end after the earthquake, but it's all fictitious. A risk assessment has been done, and it's fully functional. Nowadays, it is safe to hike in this Manaslu region.

  • Records till now show this Manaslu circuit trek has been busiest during October, and it's not as active as the commercial Annapurna circuit or Everest. However, April to mid-June during spring and September to November during autumn is the best time to trek when the view of the world's 8th highest peak, its neighboring mountains, beautiful gorges, and incredible landscapes are at their best state.

    Doing/starting this trek as early as December is still OK. However, we don't encourage doing this trek in late Dec, Jan, and Feb. Doing it in mid-winter could be pretty complicated because most of the settlements before and after the Larke La pass may be vacant as people tend to leave their lodges and head out further to a lower elevation due to the fear of increasing chill factor, fewer visitors and possibility of heavy snow.

  • Around Manaslu is a strenuous trek with longer hours of walking. Since the altitude gain is very gradual, it is suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness. However, anyone with knee, ankle, heart, or lung pre-medical history needs to seek medical consent before considering this trek. Though the Mountain Monarch itinerary is so designed that the walks are challenging but not very exhausting, some pre-training must figure out how many hours or how much weight you can handle. With some physical preparation, anyone can be ready to benefit from the paradise-like setting of the Manaslu region.

  • Though trekking in the Manaslu region has a gradual ascent, altitude sickness has been reported among many trekkers. Altitude sickness is something we get when we rapidly hike, and our body fails to adapt to the thin-air environment. Therefore, our itinerary is designed to make the ascent steady and enjoyable. Furthermore, we provide medically professional leaders with medications, oxygen cylinders with regulators, and oxygen chamber bags to deal with any altitude-related ailments. Besides, your leader will implement some basic guidelines to get away with altitude sickness. There are also multiple things you can do as precautions to ward off AMS, e.g., taking Diamox, etc. There has not been any record of fatal altitude sickness misfortune with mountain monarch groups.

  • Usually 6 to 7 hours on trek excluding lunch. However, it also depends on your pace though we allow you enough time to set up your own pace to make every day more entertaining. We usually start early so that you can reach the destination on time, leaving you enough time to explore and enjoy the serenity of the place.

  • The charging privilege for any of your electronic devices is possible only in a few settlements because the 2015 earthquake disrupted the Manaslu region's electricity facility. It will fix everything from trails, bridges, settlements, and electricity. Some have solar charging facilities which may not be very reliable. So it is always wise to carry extra batteries or fully charged power bank batteries since your batteries run out quickly in the cold. The availability of hot showers may be on and off in the trek, and your leader may suggest you not have the shower in high elevations regarding health issues.

  • Other than your group leader, you will have assistant guides in your group. Your leader will sort out assigning each of his assistants in the group systematically. At the same time, he takes responsibility for the slow-walking people being at the group's tail, making this Manaslu trek a less strenuous hike. Nevertheless, your leader would be counseling everyone to stay together and walk collectively as a team.

  • Mountain Monarch provides a warm sleeping bag and feather duvet jackets which people have used even while climbing peaks which is the mother of all warm clothing. We also offer a Duffle bag to fit all your gear in and a very warm fleece liner into your sleeping bag to keep you warm and cozy during night chill.

  • Since tea house trekking in the Manaslu region started very recently, the basic accommodation facility has twin bed sharing rooms with clean common toilets and occasional rooms with attached toilet bathrooms. Since pre-booking is not always possible, sometimes these tea houses, during peak season, provide you with a dormitory facility or dining hall with a heated chimney. However, we have always tried to accommodate our group in the available rooms. Hence, you have a variety of choices for food.

  • With no hidden costs, our staff will supply you with appropriately boiled water every morning and evening because of environmental concerns. We suggest you bring at least two metal or plastic Nalgene bottles to have enough to last the day. Besides, the hot water we fill up in the night after dinner serves as a hot pack that you can use in your sleeping bag and drink in the morning when it's still warm.

  • Manaslu is a restricted region of trekking in Nepal, and traveling with a registered trekking company is a must per the Nepal government's rules. Trekkers must have a trekking guide to do this trek to the Manaslu region. In cases of emergency, the necessary prompt assistance will be available only if you are affiliated with a reputed company. Furthermore, suppose you are looking for a hassle-free holiday in terms of issuing permits, hotels, flights, transportation, etc. In that case, it's best to go with a reputed company offering knowledgeable leaders and professionals. Reputable companies are there to provide you with quality service at a very competitive price and guarantee your safety which I suppose is the biggest concern. Besides giving you all the necessary information, leaders are there to cater to you during any crisis, no matter if it's a mountain ailment or any weather mayhem.

  • Yes, as per the time convenient to you and your fitness level, you can always modify the trekking itinerary in Manaslu. That may add up or lessen the walking hours on the trek. Depending on your schedule, you can always come up with necessary inquiries, to which we will be more than happy to get back to you with required additional alternatives. Mountain Monarch has always successfully organized customized treks for clients per their requirements.

  • Depending on your fitness level, nothing is unattainable, and camping groups have done it several times, setting up an advance camp before the Larke pass. Yet, we don't recommend doing the trek the other way around. If you are doing a tea house trek, then from Bhimthang (the base camp before the pass) to Larke La, you are ascending 1400 m / 4,593 feet in one go, which means you are undertaking significant physical risk. A very well acclimatization approach for trekking in the Manaslu region is anti-clockwise.

  • We suggest you have an all-inclusive travel insurance policy covering all aspects of your adventure. However, we assure you that there would be hardly any evacuations or health catastrophes as your leader is medically trained and has ample knowledge to deal with any life-threatening situation. But it's always wise to have insurance as your backup for just in any case.

Book with flexibility
All-Inclusive CostUS$1690

This trip can be booked privately if you’re travelling solo or private.

Make an InquiryCheck Availability
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Customer Reviews

  • R
    Rick Thomas 5.0CanadaDecember 20, 2016logo

    Awesome trek experience in Manaslu

    Text can’t entirely describe my experience on the Manaslu circuit trek because it’s how I felt on the inside that made it feel so worthwhile as each day passed. It was excellent and so different from the other two treks I have taken with Mountain Monarch, which was in the Everest region in 2010 and 2014 and which I both loved. What I really loved about this trek was the fact that there were fewer people on this circuit compared to the Everest region. Most of the trekking days were spent by the beautiful river, where the sound of raging rapids filled the air. The sound of water while going to sleep was calming.

    Larke pass was a long and tough day but a rewarding one. 5,106 meters, and every breath means something as you push on and reach that final flag. And a big highlight for me personally happened one night around 3 am when I went outside and, for a minute, just stared at the magnificence of Mt Manaslu before me, bathed in white alongside the night sky awash with all of the major stars of our universe. At that moment, all I thought was just maybe I was the only one on earth looking at it during that very moment in time. Felt great.

    As for the staff, Netra, our leading guide, was so knowledgeable and great to talk to. Pimba, our assistant guide, did an impeccable job as well. Our porters, all young guys, were a joy to be with. My fellow trekkers and I were happy with the complete service. If I return to Nepal ( which I am sure I will), Mountain Monarch will be my first choice again.

  • F
    Francois 5.0CanadaDecember 03, 2016logo

    Excellent organisation

    Wonderful and Safe custom trek around Manaslu and Annapurna in 17 days with our guide Yam. Thanks, Mountain Monarch, for the trip of a lifetime.

  • A
    Anthony And Belinda Ryan 5.0AustraliaJuly 11, 2015logo

    Simply Fantastic trekking experience

    We have done several treks with Mountain Monarch, with our first trek being the Annapurna Circuit in January 2006. It was an amazing trek where we were totally looked after, from being picked up at the airport to being dropped off at the airport some three weeks later. Our trekking crew (Subash, Dana & Santa) got us over Throng La, around the circuit & back to Kathmandu with minimal fuss. The views were stunning as we walked in valleys under the giants of the Himalayas.

    Along the way, the boys also helped locals & other independent trekkers where needed. Our second trek was the Langtang trek we did over Christmas 2007 with CP, Purba & Ram. This trek was different from our first trek as it had wide-open views of the mountain ranges that unfolded in front of us. Again we were well looked after, with the boys preparing one of the most delicious meals (Nepali chicken style) we have ever had on the last day of our trek.

    In February 2015, we did the lower region of trekking in Manaslu, reuniting with our original crew of Subash, Dana, Santa & many others. This was a camping trek completely different from our other treks. We were in a remote area that seldom saw trekkers walking through forests, terraced fields & villages. Instead, we saw amazing views of the nearby ranges & were fortunate to see locals going about their daily lives. Each of these treks differed from the other & we are currently researching our next trek with Mountain Monarch to another new location in this beautiful country.

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