Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal: A 16-Day Duration Guide

Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, a hidden gem in Nepal, beckons adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path beauty. Traverse vibrant valleys, cross the windswept Larkya La pass at 17,000 ft, and soak in the warmth of traditional villages untouched by time. This adventure isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey into the heart of the Himalayas, where nature’s grandeur and cultural treasures leave you breathless. So, lace up your boots, pack your spirit of exploration, and prepare to be awestruck by the magic of Manaslu.

• Season : Spring and Fall
• Nearest city : Your tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital
• Duration : 16 days
• Skill level : Intermediate

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, you’ll pass through Himalayan foothills until you 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, immerse yourself in the 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 you’ll spend some time exploring its bustling streets, admiring UNESCO-protected sites, or relishing quintessential Nepalese cuisine.

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal

Nepal is a climber’s dream, but you can make it come true by joining the 16-day Manaslu Circuit tour. Lucky for you, this circuit is still far less traveled than some other trails in the country—this only means you’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 you’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 You’ll stop for meals and overnight stays in rustic tea houses, so you’re really getting two for the price of one: views of celestial, snow-capped peaks and a cultural experience of the traditional way of life.

A 16-Day Duration Guide

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Begin your journey in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city. Meet your guides at the Tribhuvan International Airport and get transferred to your 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. You’ll also have a briefing and a detailed discussion of the trekking plan. After dinner, head back to your hotel for the night.
  Meals: Dinner
  Accommodation: Hotel
  Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
• Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing Today you’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 on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your 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 your last chance to stock up on supplies for the remainder of the journey. Head back to the hotel and relax for the remainder of the evening.
  Meals: Breakfast
  Accommodation: Hotel
  Duration: a 6-hour walk
• Day 3: Machha Khola With an early wake-up, set out for a 5-hour drive in a passenger van along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. You’ll then transfer to a 44 jeep that will take you to Machha Khola, at the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. Stay overnight in your first local teahouse 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).
• Day 4: Jagat Continue your journey along the Budhi Gandaki River and cross the Tatopani hot springs. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in several places. After a short section of a forest path, reach the tea house at Doban, above which you’ll be able to see an impressive series of rapids in Budhi Gandaki. Climb a short, steep section and then cross the river using a suspension bridge, followed by another short climb towards Jagat. Spend the night at the teahouse.
  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).
• Day 5: Deng After breakfast in Jagat, start climbing over a rocky bridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. 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. You’ll come to a steep gorge, after which you’ll descend down to the grassy slopes and cross the Budhi Gandaki river. The trail takes you through bamboo forests to the tiny village of Deng, where you’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).
• Day 6: Namrung Today you’re gaining significant altitude as you step slowly into alpine territory—which also means you’re getting spectacular views. You’ll pass many mani-walls and river crossings en route to Namrung village. Above this village, the valley opens out into extensive pastures until you reach the Tibetan Village of Sho. Stay overnight above the village, where you’ll get the first views of Manaslu North and Manaslu Peak. Overnight at the teahouse 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).
• Day 7: Lohegaon Discuss with the locals what your best option to get to the gompa is. You’ll pass through Lho, a large village at 3,150 m (10,335 ft), and you’ll find a little monastery there, numerous chortens, and mani-walls. Leaving the village, 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
• Day 8: Samagaon Head straight towards Peak 29, and then follow the lateral moraine of the Pungen Glacier towards Sama. New day, new spectacular views—you’ll see Manaslu, Naike Peak, and Northern Manaslu at 7,145 m (23,442 ft). Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, stay 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)
• Day 9: Resting day Today is a rest day at Samagaon. Spend your day exploring the local surroundings. You 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 you’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
• Day 10: Samdo Cross a high plateau and skirt around the ridge of the lateral moraine. 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
• Day 11: Dharamshala Crossing the tundra, the trail winds its way to the foot of the immense Larkya glacier pouring out of Manaslu. Surrounding you are mighty mountains and snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu. The once large Bhudi Gandaki is now merely a stream as you continue to follow its course upward. You’ll reach the last permanent settlement in the valley—Sumdu—and you’ll walk along the ruins of Larkya Bazaa, an old trading village that had strong ties to Tibet. Continue hiking towards Dharamsala until you 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
• Day 12: Larkya Pass—BBhimthang Head towards Cho Chnda so you can reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya glaciers. Walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent that becomes steeper only in the last part. From the top, the panorama is spectacular: Himlung Himal, Cheo Hima, Kang Kuru, and Annapunra II—all above 6,800 m (22,310 ft). You’ll be welcomed by colorful Tibetan flags encircling the “Congratulations for 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 you’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)
• Day 13: Tilije 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. 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).
• Day 14: Dharapani—BBesisahar Hike gently downstream of the river, passing the village of Dharapani. Once there, you’ll catch a local jeep and drive back to Besisahar, where you’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).
• Day 15: Besisahar—KKathmandu Get ready for your big transit day—you’re driving back to Kathmandu for 6-7 hours. Reminiscing of the remote mountain villages and the purity of their modest lives, Kathmandu is a stark contrast with its swarming businesses and buzzing streets. Fantastic in its own way, you’ll have time to explore the city before setting out for a celebratory dinner for your last night together as a group.
  Meals: Breakfast
  Accommodation: Hotel
  Duration: 6- to 7-hour drive
  Elevation: +640 m/+2,100 ft
  Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
• Day 16: Departure After breakfast on your final day in Kathmandu, your guides will arrange transport back to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you’re not yet ready to say your goodbyes, ask your guides for recommendations.
  Meals: Breakfast