A magical country filled with stunning Himalayas, terraced fields with breathtaking views of the mountains, and ancient monasteries layered spiritually with colorful prayer flags, lined by mani walls, chortens, and sculptures dotted with historical significance. This is Nepal for you, a heaven on earth where the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, and many other glorious peaks reside, rising proudly in the continent of Asia.
Manaslu Region Trek
When we think about Nepal, the first thing that might hit us is trekking in popular areas such as the Everest and Annapurna regions. Many of us will not think about unexplored places hidden somewhere in the Himalayas. This is how a hidden gem like the Manaslu region exists. That not only takes you to one of the glorious views of panoramic mountains but also lets you feel what the raw version of trekking is like apart from the present luxurious treks that have modern amenities and crowded trails.
Just imagine walking past the untouched valley, exploring the pristine wildlife nature, and dense forests, crossing suspension bridges, and exploring the unchanged ancient culture in every single step that connects you to the 1980s livelihood of Tibetan people. This is Manaslu Region Trek for you. We have a variety of Manaslu region trips that you surely don’t want to miss out on.
About Manaslu Circuit Trek
Well, going a little flashback to the past trekking days in Manaslu Circuit. It was completely out of bounds for trekkers 34 years ago. Since its initiation in the year 1991, it has been captivating trekkers across the globe making it one of the most top-notch destinations in Nepal. Especially for those wanderers who love to explore the remote valleys with a touch of a sense of accomplishment after a long hiking day as we reach one of the highest vantage points of the Himalayas-Larkya La Pass (5106 meters).
This region was completely unexplored for many years even after its initiation. The real game changer for the Manaslu Circuit Trek began to arise when 300-three hundred tourist explorers like us visited the trekking trails of Manalsu truly highlighting how truly raw, pristine, and remote this region protected by the Manaslu Conservation Area holds compared to any other expedition routes.
In short, Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a roller coaster adventure that takes you through the off-beaten trails circulating the world’s highest peak- Mount Manaslu also globally known as the Killer Mountain. If you are craving to walk in the villages tucked away in the Himalayas where they still hold the same culture and tradition to this date. This adventurous expedition fits perfectly for you. The best part is! We at, Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition offer this 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package that can surely be customized as per your budget and time.
Make your trekking gear ready and unchain the hiking backpacks, a hidden treasure in the western part of Nepal awaits your discovery.
Why trek to Manaslu Circuit?
Visualizing any trekking expedition, the first and foremost that blows our mind are nature's wonders and walking in peaceful surroundings. That’s what everyone usually craves to be in the lap of Mother Nature away from the so-called city and busy life. A journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trekking truly stands out whatever you are looking for in any expedition. Wondering why? Situated in the northwest of Kathmandu and the heart of Gorkha, it has become the talk of the globe and is listed as one of the bucket lists of enthusiastic hikers who think about the treks in Nepal.
Located in the remote areas of the Himalayas it lets you immerse in the pristine wildlife and flora as it is being conserved by none other than Manaslu Conservation Area. Every step here leads you to the mirthful walk along the cascading waterfalls, high suspension bridges, and dense forests of blooming wildflowers where you’ll surely be accompanied by thrilling landscapes and several highest mountains.
When you are embarking on a journey to Manaslu Circuit, this treasure trail shows you the shining glow of several rivers such as the Budhi Gandaki River, Dudh Koshi River (Milky River), and the diamond glacier lake of Birendra Lake (3691 m) melting from nearby mountains including the peak of Mt. Manaslu. This beauty of the lake of Birendra can be witnessed while we make our step to the Manaslu Base Camp which surely makes our tiring long day hike one hundred percent worth it.
Ancient Buddhist monasteries and gompas reside here holding a high spirituality of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. While heading on this journey, you’ll pay a visit to these famous ancient monasteries such as Pungyen Gompa, Syangen Gompa, Lho Gompa, and many others.
Long walking through continuous ups and downs for more than a week might be mentally daunting and physically tiring but reaching the enchanting Lakya La Pass which sits at an altitude of 5106 meters makes you completely forget about leg trembling. On top of that, our professional guides and porters are always there to accompany you making the trip enjoyable and safe at the same time. Being new to this region, you might not know anything about it. So, they will surely tell you every small detail, history, and exciting mythological history that resembles the true essence of this Manaslu region.
Want to embark on a trek to the Manaslu and unwrap the gem that has been hidden from the world? Willing to push off your limits by reaching one of the highest mountain passes and feel a rewarding sense of accomplishment? Then, just click our page, and your one-click transports you to the journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Just let us know your time and date, we are here for you to plan your trip and be a shadow to make your envision turn into reality.
Major Highlights of the Manaslu Trek
- Explore the undiscovered treasure far away in the Himalayas nestled in the heart of Gorkha District
- Experience the livelihood of Nurbi and Tsum communities showing the lifestyle and rich cultural heritage of Tibetans
- Mark your footprint on the enchanting- Larkya La Pass which sits at an altitude of 5106 meters
- Get an insightful walk to the less crowded trails where pristine flora and fauna are yet to be discovered
- Get accompanied by several mountains such as Cheo Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himchuli, and Peak 29
- Be hypnotized in the beauty of Birendra straight out of the Himalayan peaks
- Pay a visit to the ancient monasteries and caves such as Pungyen Gompa and Mirapa Cave
- Reach the base camp of none other than Mt. Manaslu
- Walk past the cascading waterfalls, remote villages, and terraced fields and cross over the huge suspension bridge of none other than Budhi Gandaki River
- Get a chance to see the Himalayas' wildlife such as Red pandas and snow leopards
- Ancient-style tea houses and meals that seem like being accommodated at 1980’s style lodges
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Outline for the year 2025 and 2026
Day 1: Arrival Day here in Nepal
Day 2: Permit Preparation day and a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive to Machhakhola, 9hours
Day 4: Trek to Jagat, 6 hours/20 km
Day 5: Trek to Deng (1860 m/6102ft) 7-8 hours/22 km
Day 6 : Trek from Deng (Dyang) to Nangrung (2630m/8628ft/6 hours/19 km
Day 7: Trek from Namrung village to Syala via Lho village (3490m /11475ft) 5 hours/ 16 km
Day 8: Trek to Samagaun via Pyungen Gompa Monastery (3530 m/11581ft) 4 hours/ 8 km
Day 9: Excursion Day at Samagaun trip to Manaslu base camp (MBC) 13 km
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3875m/12713 ft) from Samagaun 3-4 hours/ 7 km
Day 11: Excursion day at Samdo village - side trip to Tibetan border (6 hours) 19 km
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala (4460/14630ft) 4-5 hours/18 km
Day 13: Dharmashala to Bhimtang via crossing over Larkya La pass (5106m) 8 hours/15 km
Day 14: Bhimtang to Dharamshala via Tilche (1960m/6434ft) 7 hours/19km
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar by sharing or private jeep, 9 hours
Day 16: Final Departure Day
Crossing the enchanting Larkya La Pass: A Sense of Accomplishment
There's no doubt that this journey is one hell of a roller coaster ride that takes you straight to the Larkya La Pass- 5106 meters. It is not only the highest point of the trek but also one of the thrilling passes that everyone would love to cross over by challenging themselves.
Although an ascend to this vantage point might quite be mentally frustrating and physically demanding as we walk past the challenging terrains and snowy trails. But, once you reach the top of this pass, and get surrounded by the heavenly glaciers and mountain views. It will for sure make anyone feel that their footprints on the challenging trails of Manaslu Circuit have become a thousand percent worth it.
Crossing over this almighty pass isn't all about a destination but an adventure that shows "How far can we go and achieve" by pushing our limits makes the Larke Pass; a road to accomplishing the pass by pushing off our limits.
Relish in the rich cultural heritage of the local Tibetans
People still tend to believe that everything has changed due to the modernization. Maybe everything has turned out to the modern buildings and engineered architecture and also the culture has been slowly dissolved in the influence of city lifestyle. But, can you believe the rich culture is still preserved in the corners of the Himalayas? Well, if not then, the Manaslu region is a living example of unchanged traditions, language, and lifestyle that has been passed by the ancestors and reflects the ancient lifestyle in the same way for many decades.
The lower regions of Manaslu are covered by mostly Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, and Tibetan locals who have their own culture and traditions. They are famously known for their warm hospitality that shows a heart-wrenching welcoming generosity to every visitor. Moving to the upper parts, you can get a cultural insight into Tibetans of Nubri communities where the houses are made in an ancient style making you feel like you are somewhere out of this busy world.
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
Well, wondering about how the costs vary for the Manaslu Trek. Simply like all the trekking destinations here in Nepal, it depends on how much you spend on the penny. The cost varies from USD 1000 to USD 1300 if you are planning a trip of 13 days which is the minimum days that someone can ever finish this trek on. In this amount, you can barely get a dine in Paris or Switzerland. So, of course, it’s not a head-scratching cost after you are getting a lifetime experience in the Himalayas for straight 13 days.
Personal Professional Guide and Porter: Without a registered guide doing this trip is completely impossible. As, this trek goes through remote areas, for safety purposes hiring a professional guide is mandatory. The cost for the guide varies on how professional they are and what services they are providing. Normally, the guide cost varies from $ 20 - $ 50 per day. Hiring a strong porter who can carry two trekkers' bags can cost around $ 20 (Please remember that the load limit is only 22 kgs for one porter ).
Permit fees: For this trek, 3 major permits are mandatory. (RAP)- Restricted Area Permit: USD 75-100 per week, this permit cost depends on the season. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), 30 USD, and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- USD 20.
Food and accommodation: As higher as you ascend, the cost of lodging and meals increases due to the limited lodging facilities. While lodging, the tea house can cost you around $10-$20 which also depends upon the season you are trekking on. If you are trekking in the off-season it can be slightly cheaper. Food is costly in such remote areas, for a single meal, it can cost you around $10 and approx. $30 a full day.
Transportation: For this trek, you'll need 2 ways transportation. Starting from Kathmandu - Machakhola and Dharapani - Kathmandu. Sharing jeep: $15 - $ 20 per pax each way and a comfortable private jeep can cost around $ 250 comfortable enough to fit 6 individuals in a jeep.
Personal expenses: Besides all of these, personal expenses costs depend on what comfort you are looking for. Snacks like Snickers, dry fruits, juice, and many others are rarely found in the upper section. Even if you find one, it will cost you above $5-$6. For the other facilities like laundry, electric sockets, and hot water can cost you around $8 - $10. For bottled water, it costs around $2- $3 per bottle.
If you choose our trekking package, all these costs are managed by us. So, you can trek hassle-free without thinking much about your budget. Our costs start from USD 1000 to USD 1300 depending on the group size you are traveling with. We assure a pocket-friendly, safe, and customized trip for trekkers all around the globe.
Can this trip to the Manaslu circuit be combined with the Tsum Valley Trek?
If you want to explore the Manaslu region of Nepal more deeply then, combining this trek of Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit would be a great deal. Well, there are many reasons connected to it, firstly this combo trip can be completed just by extending 4-5 more days that lets you discover every corner of this region. Secondly, you will discover other ancient monasteries and hidden caves such as Mu Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Milaerapa GompA that have great spiritual significance. Lastly in the Tsum Valley, the communities of Tsum and Nubri reside which is a great opportunity for you to learn about in-depth knowledge about these communities.
TheManaslu Tsum Valley Trekcan be completed within 20 days which first visits the village of Tsum and then descends to Deng which connects the route of Manaslu Circuit. This combined expedition is a lifetime opportunity if you want to unveil something fresh in the culturally rooted remote valleys.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
When we are seeking to do any sort of adventure, the first and foremost part is to know what would be the ideal time to make the trip hassle-free and safe at the same time. There is always some kind of risk circulating in the mountains especially when you are walking past by the remote valleys. If a proper time is not calculated and planned then, many challenges might arise that we really cannot unsee.
So, if you are planning the ideal time for the trek to Manaslu, then the seasons that would be the best for you are Spring and Autumn as expected.
What to expect in Autumn (August, September, November)?
Autumn is one of the peak/ideal seasons for this trek to Manaslu as the weather during these months perfectly blends with the favourable climate. The skies are crystal clear and less foggy allowing you to immerse yourself in the best mountain views possible.
While people may think, that this peak time offers only stable weather. There’s another main reason why this season stands out. Well, the main festivals; Dashain and Tihar fall in the middle of September and October due to which the whole trails are filled by people in the mood of mood vibes. While staying at the tea houses, the locals even put tika (a significance that carries a blessing) to you with permission of course! So, this season of festive brings the best out of this region allowing you with a lifetime opportunity to witness the culture.
What to expect in Spring (March, April, May)?
Another preferable time for this Manaslu Circuit Trekking is during the Spring. Well, the simple answer is! The weather is perfect with less chance of heavy rainfall, high snowfall, and high humidity as well. So, you can cross the challenging pass of Larkya La without panicking about heavy snowy trails.
The route of this region during the Spring is to die for as well. The flowers bloom perfectly in the dense forest with an unobstructed view of the mountains that makes the daring hike complete in the blink of an eye.
How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
A journey to the mountain areas is not an easy task that can be completed easily. Especially, when we are embarking on a restricted area with limited infrastructure. This trek to the Manaslu Circuit falls under the moderate trek that is neither too difficult nor too easy and can be completed without any preparation.
During this trek, we are ascending in high altitudes each day with a pace of normally 6-7 hours. It might be mentally daunting and physically tiring, especially for beginner trekkers who have never been to long day hiking. The main challenges for beginners would be the remote terrains and limited infrastructure. So, before starting the trek, it is highly suggested to be mentally prepared first.
The challenging section comes when we start to navigate through the snowy trails when we are on the way to Larkya La Pass. On this day we need to walk for straight 8-9 hours which is one of the longest hikes throughout this trek. Even for pro trekkers who have been to mountains before can be a bit challenging.
However, this trek can be easily completed with the right gear and proper preparation without any hassle and challenges.
What kind of food and beverages are available in the Manaslu region?
One of the best parts about this trek to Manaslu Circuit is it has a variety of food ranges that cater to all the tastes of visitors. From local, Nepali, Indian, and any kind of Asian cuisine to Western cuisines, this region serves every diversity of food. So, that you don’t have to compromise on your taste buds and likings.
The menu will be provided to you by tea houses, so you can choose anything from them. They will be freshly cooked so, don’t worry about hygiene. Well, the one thing that is highly recommended to you is to try the ultimate Dal Bhat made by the locals which is rich in nutrients. It truly gives the stamina to trek on long-hours trails.
After you ascend from the route of Deng, it is kindly suggested to avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine items. As the altitude significantly rises from this point.
What type of accommodation facilities to expect during the Manaslu Trek?
As we all know, this trek goes all the way through remote areas with limited amenities. The luxury and modern amenities should be less expected. The tea house/lodges are basic but have a comfy environment and are hygienically maintained.
In the lower areas (beginning of point), you can get a room with a single bed and attached washroom but moving to the upper areas, the rooms must be shared. The attached bathrooms are not available in every resting section due to the limited no. of lodges up there. However, the single rooms are manageable if the bookings are done early.
In Kathmandu, you will get the best 3-star hotels or any 3-star rated hotels according to your choice with every best possible infrastructure. Not to forget! With a complimentary breakfast.
What about the Wifi and communication facilities along the trail?
The internet connectivity and phone networks are stable in the lower regions whereas it is hard to find the networks in the higher Manaslu region. Likewise, for the use of Wi-Fi, you must pay an additional charge at the teahouses or purchase a local SIM with a data pack, and for emergencies, there is a satellite phone facility.
Packing List for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Down jacket and Tshirt with a fleece inside
- Hiking boots/ Trekking shoes (it is a must)
- Crampons (as we must pass through some of the snowy trails in high passes)
- Warm shocks, hats, gloves, and jacket
- 2 trekking poles/sticks
- Dry fit t-shirts and pants
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen (to protect from ultralight)
- Headlamp or a simple light
- Purifying water tablets
- Basic medical kit (also carried by guide)
- Sleeping bags (if allergic to harsh coldness; provided by us)
- Personal medicines/ daily medications
Conclusion
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure that takes you to explore the best out of the earthy nature as it not only encircles the world's eighth highest peak but also shows you the Tibetan culture that has been hidden and well preserved by the local communities. Beyond natural beauty and almighty peak, it leads you on the mirthful around the semi-airned desert-like landscapes exploring the ancient gompas, caves, and monasteries that have a great spiritual significance of Buddhism.
