Brief Description
The Manaslu Circuit Trek of Nepal is one of the remotest and best treks of Nepal taking you to a maximum altitude of 5110 M. The trek takes you on an offbeat path around the eighth highest peak in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8163 M). This trek is a paradise for those looking for a less crowded trail that takes you through dense forests, alpine pastures, deep gorges and the mighty Larkya La pass at 5106 M in altitude. The advantage of this trek is that in spite of being a lengthy 15 days trek, the trailhead is easily accessible by road with tea houses being at every stage that makes it easier for trekkers to enjoy this heavenly trail. Located within the restricted region of Nepal close to the border with Tibet, obtaining permits is imperative. Being a difficult trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is meant for experienced trekkers only. The best time to do this trek is in the pre-monsoon months of March to June and the post-monsoon months of September all the way till December. Stay on this page for more information on the legendary Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival our representative will meet you and take you to the hotel and issue your first permit. In the evening you can visit the Thamel Street, it is a very popular place. It has a lot of restaurants, casinos and plenty of shops to buy trekking gears and accessories.
Kathmandu to Sotikhola via Arughat - 8 to 10 hrs Drive
Have breakfast and start the drive from Kathmandu to the village of Soti Khola on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. The drive takes you along rural villages, small towns, green terraces and beautiful hillsides with views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal. Overnight in lodges in Soti Khola.
Soti Khola (720 M) to Machha Khola (900 M) - 14 km, 7 hrs
From Soti Khola we will start our trek post-breakfast. The trail takes you through forests, rice fields, ridges, gushing streams and the rapids of Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes you to Khursane on a rocky trail past tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff eventually descending to the beautiful Gurung village of Labubesi. Following this the trail climbs to a valley which wides next to a river that takes you over a suspension bridge to the village of Machha Khola. Overnight in teahouses.
Machha Khola (900 M) to Jagat (1370 M) - 22 km, 7 hrs
Today we will trek along a gorge and continue up the river. The trail has a series of ascends and descends eventually crossing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi eventually reaching a hot spring which is a good place to break. The trail then climbs over a ridge to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. After crossing the west bank of the river the trail climbs over another ridge towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in teahouses.
Jagat (1370 M) to Deng (1804 M) - 19 km, 7 hrs
Today we will trek across various landscapes, dense forests, small rivers and classic villages to reach the village of Deng. The trail enters a steep gorge and then to grassy slopes eventually through a wide valley and bamboo forests to the Deng Khola river.
Deng (1804 M) to Namrung (2630 M) - 20 km, 8 hrs
Today's trek will take you across the Budhi Gandaki river and climb up to the bridge taking you up a valley passing through lush forests, alpine vegetation and lovely villages that host ethnic groups of Manaslu region this making this a culturally important section of the trek. You also get to witness major peaks that appear in the distance.
Namrung (2630 M) to Samagaon (3530 M) - 18 km, 8 hrs
The trail climbs steadily and passes through forests to reach Lihi, and then drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal close by. Crossing the villages of Sho, Lho, Shayala and Sama you can enjoy stunning views of Manaslu. You will be surrounded by Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu and large glaciers. You will then reach Samagaon. Overnight in teahouses.
Samagaon (3530 M) to Samdo (3875 M) - 16 km, 6 hrs
Today we will descend to Budhi Gandaki River and follow several mani walls. The valley expands and the mountain views get better as you move closer to the border of Tibet. We will pass juniper and birch forests and then climb steeply to the village of Samdo.
Rest Day in Samdo (3875 M)
Today we will rest and spend the day exploring the area. We will hike up the valley behind Samdo from where you will get lovely views of Manaslu, Simrang, Himchuli, Cheo, and many more.
Samdo (3875 M) to Dharamsala (4460 M) - 11 km, 5 hrs
We will cross the Tibetan market of Larke Bazaar and then move down to Budhi Gandaki River. We will cross the wooden bridge and witness the Larkya glacier. We will move towards the valley of Salka Khola to climb to Dharamshala across many monasteries.
Dharamsala (4460 M) to Bimtang (3590 M) via Larkya La (5135 M) - 24 km, 9 to 10 hrs
Today will be a long and tough walk along clear glacial lakes, traditional villages, stunning valleys, diverse flora and fauna and some notable peaks. We will reach the north side of Larkya glacier with epic views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. After crossing moraines, we will reach the Larkya La pass with views of outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive Annapurna II. We will then descend down to Bimthang.
Bimtang (3590 M) to Tilije (2300 M) - 16 km, 6 hrs
Post breakfast we will head to a ridge from where you will get stunning views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We will then cross alpine pastures, rhododendron forests, lush fields and several ridges. We will then reach the village of Tilije where we halt for the night.
Tilije (2300 M) to Syange (1080 M)
Today we move through pine, rhododendron forests to reach the village of Syange where we halt for the night.
Syange to Kathmandu - Drive
We will drive from the village of Syange to Kathmandu. It will take about 9-10 hours.
Depart from Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
Please do carry either your passport or Voter ID card, along with a few passport size photographs.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
You will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel/guest house in Kathmandu.
Transport: What time will we reach the end point on last day of the trek?
You will be dropped off at the hotel/guest house in Kathmandu at the end of the trek.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
You can offload your backpack (up to 10 kg) on this trek. This portage fee is included in the trek cost.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of the participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by the directions of the leader. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
You can buy your trekking necessities from Kathmandu.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
Depending on the season, the temperature can drop to -10°C at night and be as high as 30°C during the day time.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
There may be fresh snowfall in the region depending on the weather. There will be permanent snow accumulation at higher altitudes, though not necessarily on the trail itself.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not a camping trek, tents and sleeping bags are not required.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
There are adequate, hygienic facilities throughout the trail and at all accommodations.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
Gaiters and microspikes will not be provided by us for trekking in snow. If required you can rent these items in Kathmandu. Not Applicable for treks in Nepal.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Meals are not included on this trek. The lodges / guest houses on this trek have ample eating options.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
You will be provided shared accommodation in a hostel in Kathmandu. On the trail, you will be provided twin or triple sharing accommodation in lodges / tea houses / guest houses.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
You will be in Kathmandu at the beginning and end of this trek. There are a number of places to explore in Kathmandu - walk through the old city, explore the streets of Thamel, visit the famous Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath temples, take thangka painting workshops or learn how to cook local cuisine. You can also drive or fly to Pokhara in Central Nepal and explore the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions - rife with vast trekking options as well! Another must-see attraction is the Royal Palace, the site of the infamous 2001 massacre of the Royal Family by the then Crown Prince, and now converted into the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Kathmandu. To get to Kathmandu from Delhi, you can take one of the following options - By Air: There are multiple flights daily connecting Delhi and Kathmandu. Return airfare will cost you between INR 10,000 - INR 15,000 By Road: The road distance between Delhi and Kathmandu is 1,152 km. A DTC service is operated on this route that will cost you around INR 5,000 for a return journey. You can also drive to Kathmandu in your own vehicle. By Rail: There are multiple trains operating daily from Delhi to Gorakhpur near the India - Nepal border. From Gorakhpur, you will have to take a bus to the Sunauli across the border. From Sunauli, you will have to take another bus to Kathmandu. Expect the return journey to cost you between INR 4,000 - INR 7,000
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
Over the last few years the mobile/ cell phone network has improved significantly in more remote areas of Nepal. The best network above Kathmandu is Nepal Telecom (NTC) or NCell. It is easy to buy an NTC SIM card from Kathmandu. You will need to provide your passport, so don't forget to bring it along.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Lantang Valley trek best time:
Pre-monsoon - March to June
Post monsoon - September to December
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a difficult 17 day trek in Nepal starting from Kathmandu which takes you on an off beaten path thus making it one of the best treks of Nepal. This trek takes you around the world's eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8163 M) in one of the remotest areas of Nepal across river gorges, suspension bridges, alpine pastures and the challenging Larkya La above 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a difficult trek i.e. it requires more strength and endurance than moderate level treks. It is a high altitude trek climbing to the height of 5100 meters. Therefore, it is recommended that you first gain experience of trekking to altitudes of 4500 meters and learn about campsite basics, ascending descending on mountain trails, basics of high altitude acclimatization process and then move up a notch with Manaslu Circuit trek. Manaslu Circuit Trek level on Bikat's scale is 5. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
Should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in their kitty. For the trek’s achieving more than 5000 meters, a person must have a prior experience of trekking at altitudes of or more than 4300 meters.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
One should be familiar with the following:
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
- Basic mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & Descending on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Accommodation in guesthouse/lodge on all trek days
- Permits (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Experienced guide
- Portage of 10kg personal luggage
Whats Not Included?
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- Any meals during the trek/road journey/hotel accomodation
- Any tip to porters or guides which is a customary thing in Nepal
- Backpack Offloading of more than 10 kg
- Travel Insurance and Rescue Evacuation in case of emergency
- Gaiters, microspikes and sleeping bags (wherever necessary) are not included and thus have to rented from Kathmandu by you).
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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<p><span style="color: #000000;">Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.&n
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