With 8 out of 14 world’s eight-thousanders, Nepal soars high above the rest of the world. Luckily, the Manaslu Circuit is still a well-kept secret—and trekking this off-beaten trail gathers all the highlights of other popular treks, but with way less people. Starting from the subtropical jungle, we’ll pass through Himalayan foothills until we reach the steep and rocky Larkya La pass at 5,106 m (16,752 ft) with a fantastic view of the Manaslu. As an added bonus, we’ll get to experience the authentic Nepalese culture and tradition by staying at tea houses and visiting monasteries. It’d be a shame to miss out on the colorful jumble that is Kathmandu, so we’ll also spend some time exploring its bustling streets, admiring UNESCO-protected sites, or enjoying Nepalese cuisine.
Witness the grandness of Manaslu and get to know Nepalese rich cultural heritage
Trekking in Nepal isn’t allowed without an expert guide by your side and a special hiking permit
The result is a slightly higher cost, and a significantly more immersive backcountry hiking experience
Nepal is a climber’s dream, but you can make it come true by joining the 16-day Manaslu Circuit tour. Lucky for us, this circuit is still far less trekked than some other trails in the country—this only means we’re getting a more authentic Himalayan experience through more remote parts of the mountain. There’s not enough space for us to list all the different alpine and tropical landscapes, vegetation, and animals we’ll encounter, so here are some showstoppers: Budhi Gandaki gorge with turquoise-hued waters and waterfalls, Himalayan blue pine forests, and mighty herds of yaks. We’ll stop for meals and overnight stays in rustic tea houses, so we’re really getting 2 for the price of 1: views of celestial, snow-capped peaks and a cultural experience of the traditional way of life.
We’ll begin our journey in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city. We will meet together at the Tribhuvan International Airport and get transferred to our hotel. You’ll have some time to rest before heading out for a welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of the city. This is a chance to get to know your guides and fellow travelers. We’ll also have a briefing and a detailed discussion of the trekking plan. After dinner, we will head back to your hotel for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Today we’re exploring the many historical and heritage sites of Kathmandu, such as the Hindu pilgrimage temple of Pashupatinath, the Boudhanath Stupa, and the “Monkey Temple.” This is a great starting point for learning about Nepalese culture and traditions before embarking the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Our hiking equipment and mountain gear will also be checked—if you’re missing anything, you’ll have enough time to purchase it before the trek. Kathmandu is our last chance to stock up on supplies for the remainder of the journey. Let’s head back to the hotel and relax for the remainder of the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Duration: ~6-hour walk
With an early wake up, we’ll set out for a 5-hour drive in a passenger van along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. We’ll then transfer to a 4×4 jeep that will take us to Machha Khola, at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. We will stay overnight in our first local tea house lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 9-hour drive
Elevation: -531 m / -1,742 ft
Altitude: 869 m / 2,851 ft
Continuing our journey along the Budhi Gandaki River, we will cross the Tatopani hot springs. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in several places. After a short section of a forest path, we’ll reach the tea house at Doban, above which we’ll be able to see an impressive series of rapids of Budhi Gandaki. We will climb a short steep section and then cross the river using a suspension bridge, followed by another short climb towards Jagat. The night is spent at the tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 5-hour hike
Elevation: +541 m / +1,775 ft
Altitude: 1,410 m / 4,626 ft
After breakfast in Jagat, let’s start climbing over a rocky bridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. We will continue onto the Ghatta Khola River and follow it upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village, from where the trail crosses the millet fields towards Ekle Bhatti. We’ll come to a steep gorge, after which we’ll descend down to the grassy slopes and cross the Budhi Gandaki river. The trail takes us through bamboo forests to the tiny village of Deng, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 5-hour hike
Elevation: +394 m / +1,293 ft
Altitude: 1,804 m / 5,919 ft
Today we’re gaining significant altitude as we step slowly into alpine territory—which also means we’re getting spectacular views. We’ll pass many mani-walls and river crossings enroute to Namrung village. Above this village, the valley opens out: extensive pastures until you reach the Tibetan Village of Sho. We’ll stay overnight above the village, where we’ll get first views of Manaslu North and Manaslu peak. Overnight is at the tea-house lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 6-hour hike
Elevation: +746 m / +2,448 ft
Altitude: 2,550 m / 8,366 ft
We will discuss with locals what our best option to get to the gompa is. We’ll pass through Lho, a large village at 3,150 m (10,335 ft), and we’ll find a little monastery there, numerous chortens, and mani-walls. Leaving the village, we will follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 5-hour hike
Elevation: +630 m / +2,067 ft
Altitude: 3,180 m / 10,433 ft
We will head straight towards Peak 29 and then follow the lateral moraine of the Pungen Glacier towards Sama. New day, new spectacular views—we’ll see Manaslu, Naike Peak, and Northern Manaslu at 7,145 (23,442 ft). Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, we will spend the night in a tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 6-hour hike
Elevation: +350 m / +1,149 ft
Altitude: 3,530 m / 11,581 ft
Today is a resting day at Samagaon. Spend your day exploring the local surroundings. We can hike a little up towards Pungyen Gompa, which will take about 3 hours. Another option is to go up the narrow and steep uphill trail to Manaslu Base Camp itself, where we’ll be getting close to the mighty Manaslu. The turquoise lake Birendra Tal is along the way. Return back to your tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
We will cross a high plateau and skirt around the ridge of the lateral moraine. Then we will climb a terraced hillside to reach one of the most remote permanent settlements in Nepal. Samdo is only a day’s walk from Tibet by the Lajyang La pass at 5,098 m (16,723 ft).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 3-hour hike
Elevation: +160 m / +525 ft
Altitude: 3,690 m / 12,106 ft
Crossing the tundra, the trail winds its way to the foot of the immense Larkya glacier pouring out of Manaslu. Surrounding us are mighty mountains and snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu. The once large Bhudi Gandaki is now merely a stream as we continue to follow its course upwards. We’ll reach the last permanent settlement in the valley—Sumdu—and we’ll walk along the ruins of Larkya Bazaa, an old trading village that had strong ties to Tibet. Continue hiking towards Dharamsala until we reach a tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 5-hour hike
Elevation: +780 m / +2,559 ft
Altitude: 4,470 m / 14,665 ft
Let’s head towards Cho Chnda, so we can reach the ablation valley on the north side of Larkya glaciers. We will walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last part. From the top, the panorama is spectacular: Himlung Himal, Cheo Hima, Kang Kuru, and the Annapurna II—all above 6,800 m (22,310 ft). We’ll be welcomed by colorful Tibetan flags encircling the “Congratulations for the Success” sign at the top of the Larkya Pass. This achievement will be greeted with the relief of descending into the valley and the tea house, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 8-hour hike
Elevation: +636 m / +2,087 ft, -1,386 m / -4,547 ft
Altitude: 5,106 m / 16,752 ft to 3,720 m / 10,728 ft
Today starts with a gentle descent through paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass, followed by a descent through fir forests filled with rhododendrons. Then we’ll head to the tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 5-hour hike
Elevation: -1,420 m / -4,659 ft
Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,546 ft
We’ll hike gently downstream of the river passing the village of Dharapani. Once there, we’ll catch a local jeep and drive back to Besisahar, where we’ll find lots of hikers on their way to the Annapurna Circuit Trail. Overnight at a tea house.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Duration: 6-hour hike
Elevation: -1,540 m / -5,052 ft
Altitude: 760 m / 2,493 ft
Get ready for our big transit day—we’re driving back to Kathmandu for 6-7 hours. Reminiscing of the remote mountain villages and purity of their modest lives, Kathmandu is a stark contrast with its swarming businesses and buzzing streets. Fantastic in its own way, we’ll have time to explore the city before setting out for a celebratory for our last night together as a group.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Duration: 6/7-hour drive
Elevation: +640 m / +2,100 ft
Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
After breakfast on our final day in Kathmandu, we will arrange transport back to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you’re not yet ready to say your goodbyes, ask us for recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
As Manaslu is a restricted region and that there are no roads connecting the different towns in the area, the cost of everything (including food and accommodation) is higher. Your guides try to keep these expenses as low as possible without compromising safety or quality of your experience.
A licensed guide is a must for Manaslu Circuit Trek. As of April 2023, the Government of Nepal has restricted solo trekking through the region without a guide, porter and a special hiking permit.
This is no surprise — the trek takes you off the beaten path so you will need a guide to help you navigate the routes safely. This decision has been made for the tourists’ benefit, as many tourists have gone missing over the past few years when they went trekking solo.
Your authorized trekking guide will take care of the special permit so you don’t have to worry about the logistics and administration. The cost of the permit is included in the price of the adventure.
Hiking the Manaslu Circuit is a challenging undertaking, and it requires excellent physical fitness. If you want to fully enjoy your trip to Nepal, you should be able to hike for up to 6 hours a day on steep, rocky, and slippery terrain with significant elevation changes. A lot of the hiking will be done in high altitudes (up to 5,106 m / 16,752 ft), so some experience dealing with high elevation is recommended. Keep in mind that you’ll also be carrying a backpack for 15 days and that weather can be unpredictable.
The Manaslu Circuit trek isn’t ideal for beginners who have no experience with longer hikes, rugged terrain, and high altitudes. Make sure you’re fit enough to endure 11 days of trekking with a loaded backpack and that you’re ready for higher altitudes.
If you’re looking for some other treks in Nepal, check out this hiking tour of the Upper Mustang Kingdom, the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the legendary Everest Base Camp trek.
Suitcases or duffel bags are not allowed on this tour as you will be hiking with the backpack. If you want to bring extra clothing and luggage in a suitcase or duffel bag, you will have to leave them in the city. There will be no porter service on trek.
Ensure that all items fit securely within your backpack without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. The recommended maximum weight for your backpack is 12 kg/ 26 lbs, with an optimal limit around 8kg/17.6lbs. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations.
Here’s a list of personal equipment you need to bring:
Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring:
Due to the difficult terrain, it’s highly recommended to bring good quality mountain gear.
Your guides will contact you about any additional equipment at the time of contracting the trip.
While you’re in Kathmandu, you’ll be staying at 2/3-star hotels with breakfast included. Once you get on the trek, you’ll be staying at basic, local tea houses. All rooms are twin, though single occupancy is available upon request at an additional cost—but keep in mind that it might not be possible to get single rooms at higher-altitude tea houses.
When it comes to tea houses on the trek, most of them have only shared washing and toilet facilities. Showers are usually hot, but they can’t always be guaranteed due to unreliability of power sources.
During your stay in Kathmandu, only breakfast will be included. While you’re on the trail, all meals are included—breakfast and dinner in tea houses and lunch on the trek. There are no alcoholic or cold beverages included.
The diet during the trip will be healthy and balanced, using all kinds of local products for making authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian meals. If you have any dietary restrictions, let us know in time and your guide will make proper adjustments.
Group sizes:
Hiking the Manaslu Circuit can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Kathmandu, the starting point of your Manaslu Circuit tour, most people fly into Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide will arrange a pick-up (and a drop-off at the end of the tour) and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Nepal, please refer to the entry requirements by the foreign travel advice or COVID-19 information by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
For set dates, a 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies, and deposits are no longer refundable. The remaining 70% of the amount is paid the latest 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
CANCELLATION & CHANGE FEES.
Amarok Adventures ehf reserves the right to keep the below fee to cover costs in all of our tours. If clients formally cancel their participation:
Multi-day tours can be changed free of charge up to 6 weeks before departure date if there is availability on a different date.
After booking, client will need to sign the travel agreement. If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, Amarok Adventures will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.
