€2,250 – €3,299
Embark on an adventure through the pristine beauty of the Manaslu Trek in Nepal, a breathtaking journey winding through remote villages, lush landscapes, and awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas. It is one of Nepal’s unspoiled trekking destinations, promising an unforgettable experience.
Embark on the exhilarating Manaslu Circuit Trek, an enthralling journey that encircles the eighth-highest mountain globally, the majestic Manaslu (8,163m), standing near the awe-inspiring Annapurna Range. Offering a sensational off-the-beaten-track alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek, this adventure promises spectacular and secluded trekking.
Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Mt. Manaslu throughout the trek, immersing yourself in the rich local heritage and biological diversity of the region. The pinnacle of the journey is the Larkya La Pass, an undeniably dramatic crossing amidst the Himalayas. With most of the trek traversing mountain trails, it caters to individuals with reasonable fitness levels.
Nestled between the Western Annapurnas and the Eastern Ganesh Himal, Manaslu stands as one of the most graceful among the 8,000-meter giants. Unlike the bustling Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu circuit is a less-trodden path, offering a remote, physically demanding, yet culturally enriching, and scenically uplifting experience.
The trek unfolds through steamy lowlands with rice and millet terraces, traversing mighty gorges of the Budi Gandaki adorned with turquoise waters and impressive waterfalls. The Manaslu trek boasts suspension bridges of remarkable length and height, a testament to its rugged beauty. Initially opened to a limited number of 400 trekkers in 1992, this trek retains an adventurous, pioneering spirit reminiscent of the 1980s.
As a restricted region, the Manaslu Trek requires a special permit, expertly facilitated by our company, along with ACAP and MCAP permits. Accommodations are in basic tea houses, each night offering a unique experience with shared toilets and limited heating. Dining areas provide warmth, and meals are served in teahouses, making every stop an integral part of the trek.
Highlights of this visual feast include the jaw-dropping natural beauty of forests, rivers, and flora, encounters with the friendly locals showcasing rich Nepalese and Tibetan cultures, the exhilarating ascent to Larkya La Pass, and panoramic views of towering peaks like Manaslu, Himlung, and Annapurna II. Amidst this rugged terrain, encounter abundant wildlife, from Tahr and Agali to Pika and Himalayan Marmots, with the rare chance of spotting the elusive Snow Leopard. Prepare for an adventure that transcends time and captivates the soul.
Highlights of Manaslu Base Camp Trek:
- Cross one of the highest passes in the world at Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters.
- Spot wildlife species such as Tahr (mountain goat), Agali (Blue Sheep), Pika (Highest Living Mammal), Himalayan Marmots, and even the Snow Leopard.
- Enjoy spectacular panoramas of Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Ganesh Himal Range, Himlung Himal, Lamjung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
- Explore one of the popular restricted trekking regions with high-altitude glacial lakes; four glaciers are mingled above Lamjung Himal.
- Immerse yourself in the lifestyle and culture of the Nuri, the ethnic inhabitants of the region.
- Discover the fascinating Tibetan-influenced culture and festivals celebrated by Indo-Aryan Hindus like Magar, Gurung, Tamang, and Burmese.
- Experience the rich local multi-ethnic biodiversity and natural scenery, captivating in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Traverse trails passing through several farmlands; Budhi Gandaki River Gorge, forests of rhododendrons, oak, pine, bamboo, cedar, birch, juniper, and delightful meadows.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Relax at your hotel, we will have a trip meeting money exchange and group dinner at night. Then explore the streets of Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
After a lovely breakfast in the morning, we will visit the town to do last-minute shopping for our trek. Evening dinner and trekking briefing.
Day 3: Transfer to Gorkha
Spend the night there at Gorkha Village.
Day 4: Soti Khola to Machha Khola | 7h | 875m
Early Morning drive from Gorkha to Soti Khola to start the trek. The first few days of the trek are relatively long in terms of hours walked due to the lower altitudes and decent teahouses’ availability. It can also be scorching, especially in the spring. We start our trek from Soti Khola and walk through a beautiful forest. Climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens, the Budhi Gandaki River meanders among gravel bars. After walking alongside some big rounded stones then we climb over a side ridge. Welcome, again the river and traverse to Machha Khola village.
Walking for the day: 7h, final elevation 875m
Day 5: Machha Kola to Jagat| 7h | 1,340m
Another quite long day as the trail undulates along the river, passing several small hamlets and farms. After crossing a few streams and rocky ravines, we reach the Khola Besi. We will find a hot spring there. In the afternoon the trail takes us to the eastern bank and crossing a suspension bridge takes us to Dobhan. Trekking from Doban to Philim is a good chance to take in the amazing views of Shringi Himal (7,187m). Walking on a steeply rising rocky trail, we reach Yara Khola. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. We continue and cross another long suspension bridge to reach Jagat.
Walking for the day: 7h, final elevation 1,340m
Day 6: Jagat to Deng| 7-8h | 1,860m
After some walking, we reach the Manaslu Conservation Area and then descend to Philim. We climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see Singri Himal, 7,187m. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. We cross the Budhi Gandaki and then walk down to the Shar Khola River. Pass through several villages like Mani village, Barchham, and Lihi village. We walk for a while and then we enter Lho village. Lho has a beautiful monastery and Lama school. After passing through a forest we get to Deng village.
Walking for the day: 7-8h, final elevation 1,860m
Day 7: Deng to Namrung| 7h | 2,630m
Starting the trek from Deng, we again meet the Budhi Gandaki River. We pass the village of Lama and start to see Mani stones, a sign that we are entering the Buddhist region. After about four hours we reach the village of Ghap in the Tibetan area where we have lunch. As we gain altitude, we move into alpine territory with great mountain views. There are more Mani stone walls and three more crossings of the Buri Gandaki on our route to Namrung.
Walking for the day: 7h, final elevation 2,630m
Day 8: Namrung to Lho | 4-5h | 3,180m
A short descent followed by another climb brings us to Barchham and then to Lihi. We will be passing through Tibetan villages, and we start to enjoy the magnificent mountain views all around. From Lho we get our first glimpses of Manaslu, Naike and Larkya Peak.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, final elevation 3,180m
Day 9: Lho to Samagaon| 4-5h | 3,520m
The trail climbs out of Lho to the monastery. We then follow the valley enjoying great views of Manaslu ahead. The trail then climbs to Shyaula village, from where we are surrounded by amazing panoramas of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Peak 29, Maike and Larkya. Soon we reach Samagaon.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, final elevation 3,520m
Day 10: Samagaon Acclimatisation Day | 3,520m
Explore the village and take an optional hike to Pung-Gyan Gompa which backdrops Mt Manaslu.
Day 11: Samagaon to Samdo via Manaslu Base Camp| 6-7h | 3,875m
Today we continue to follow the Budhi Gandaki surrounded by spectacular mountains on all sides. We will make a detour off the main path to visit Manaslu Base Camp. From here we rejoin the main route and descend to Samdo for the night. Samdo is a Tibetan community and the last permanent settlement in the valley. It is only a day’s walk from the Tibetan border.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, final elevation 3,875m
Day 12: Samdo to Dharamsala | 5h | 4,460m
We cross the Budhi Gandaki for the last time and follow the trail that leads us to Larkya La glacier’s viewpoint. Climbing further, we arrive at Dharamshala, a few seasonal tea houses offering basic meals and accommodation. There are three-person prefab huts and two-person tents. Mattresses are provided in the huts and tents, and there is a basic dining room and basic toilets).
Walking for the day: 5h, final elevation 4,460m
Day 13: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass| 8-9h | 3,590m
An early start (usually in the dark) to avoid the wind which is usually of gale force after midday. Today is a long day, and if there is any snow, it can take us even longer to cross the pass, especially the descent. We climb steadily to the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), from where there are stunning views of Cho Danda, Annapurna II and Larkya Peak. Then we follow the long stretch of downhill trail that leads to Bimtang.
Walking for the day: 8-9h, final elevation 3,590m
Day 14: Bimthang to Chyamche | 6h | 1,430m
Leaving behind the Bimthang village, we now cross to the eastern side of the Dudh Khola River. After crossing the Dudh Khola, we join the main Annapurna Circuit trail. Then we follow the trail along the Marshyangdi River and reach Chyamche.
Walking for the day: 6h, final elevation 1,630m
Day 15: Chyamche to Nadi Bazaar| 6-7h | 930m
From Chyamche we continue walking down towards Nadi Bazaar, through the forest and past waterfalls alongside the beautiful Holy Marsyandi river.
Walking for the day: 6-7h, final elevation 930m
Day 16: Transfer Nadi Bazaar – Besisahar – Kathmandu and Overnight
We take a jeep and drive on the rough road to reach Besisahar (2h). After reaching Besisahar, we get in our minibus and drive back to Kathmandu (6h). Night in Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu
Day for rest in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure
Leave Nepal after your incredible journey and head home, or stay on and have another adventure. Check out what else we offer in Nepal.
Thank you for your interest in this tour, if you have any questions please write to us or call us anytime.
Price includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport Transporation.
- International flights from Dublin and return for people flying from Ireland and the UK. ( people from the rest of the world can join us in Kathmandu, we will offer the trip price without international flight tickets)
- Hotel in Kathmandu – 3 Nights, at 3 Star Hotel.
- Transportation: Kathmandu to Sotikhola Private 4×4 wheel Jeep and return to Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu City Guided tour
- Meals In Trekking: 3 Times Meals a day (14 Breakfast, 14 Lunch and 13 Dinner)
- Free Dinner night In Kathmandu after the trek.
- Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit: Manaslu Conservation permit, Annapurna Conservation permit, and Special Manaslu permit and Company necessary paperworks
- Accommodation In Trekking: All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
- Trekking Guide: An experienced, helpful, friendly and English-speaking Trekking guide, sherpas and trip leader from Ireland.
- Trekking porter: A porter to Carry your Backpack ( One Porter between every 2 members) their food, accommodation and well-paid salary.
- Oxe-Meter- To Check your oxygen saturation and heart rating
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
- Adventure Certificate.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All government taxes & VAT
- Service charge.
Price excludes
- Travel Insurance covering 5000M
- Tips for staff and guides
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunch Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Water Bottle of Drinks, WI- FI, Camera, Mobile recharge.
- Bar Bills, laundry or any personal expenses.
Tour enquiry
Reviews