- Destination: Nepal
- Region: Manaslu
- Maximum Altitude: 5150m.
- Accommodation: Tea-House / Lodge Basis.
- Activity: Trekking/Hiking
- Trip Grade: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Activity per day: Approx. 6 to 7 hours walking
- Trek duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
- Best Time: Sept-December & February-May
- Transportation: Private Car or Tourist Bus
- Start/End Point: Pokhara to Pokhara
Trip Overview
“Experience this Adventure trekking at the border of Tibet with giant Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres (26,781 ft) above sea level”
‘Cross Larke-La Pass(5106m./16751ft.), one of the highest mountain passes of the World’
Are you looking forward to do an adventure trekking above 5000m in the less crowded Himalayan region of Nepal bordering to Tibet? If so, then, let’s go with Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to one of the less crowded and the wildest areas of Nepal where one can witness and experience the Himalayas of Nepal and Tibet at the same time. This trek is protected by Manaslu Conservation Area which runs under the government of Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trekking in Nepal like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo trekking. The trails of Manaslu Circuit Trek shares the border with Tibet and because of the security issue, this trek has been declared as a restricted area trekking in Nepal.
Those who love solitary walk into the core wilderness befriending with high Himalayas of Nepal can find Manaslu Circuit Trek an absolute adventure trekking to celebrate holiday. The local people’s life style, local settlements, terraced rice fields, deep gorges, winding rivers, rare species of wildlife and plants in Manaslu Protected Area make your trek more mesmerizing. Most importantly, the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and alluring mountain summits in the Tibetan side get you thrilled and astonished while witnessing/ capturing them. The Tibetan culture, the people and their food and the trade can also be experienced during the trek.
Both the beginning and the ending point of Manaslu Circuit Trek is Kathmandu. For Manaslu Circuit Trek one requires to obtain special area trekking permit to enter into Manaslu region which is different from ordinary trekking permits and TIMS Card. Your travel partner located in Nepal will help you to obtaining it.
Those who have been to Manslu region say, “The absolute wilderness and adventure trekking of Nepal is Manaslu Circuit Trek”, and so it is. Go and Experience it.
Things to do in Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Enjoy the absolute wilderness in the less crowded and less beaten Himalayan region of Nepal
- Explore both Nepali and Tibetan civilization, culture and history at the border between Nepal and Tibet
- Experience rare and distinct species of flora and fauna in Manaslu Conservation Area
- Hit the less beaten trails in the heart of Mt. Manaslu
- Celebrate the victory of crossing Larke-La Pass(5106m./16751ft.), one of the highest mountain passes of the world
- Have the bliss of being at serene freshwater lake like Birendra Lake
- Have a deep insight into the blended economic and cultural activities of the people living at the border
- Taste a stay at local lodges/teahouses
- Relish local food items which are fresh and organic
Best Weather to Travel
What is the best weather for Manaslu Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek? This is the most common question to be asked by the trekkers who are preparing their Manaslu Circuit Trek.One must venture in the best weather in order to triumph over Manaslu Circuit Trek since it is completely wilderness adventure trekking above 5000m from the sea level. If it is rainy and snowy on the trail, one really cannot accomplish this trek.
The best time to travel to Manaslu region is between Sep-Nov. These months in Nepal not only offer best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek but they also are the finest times of the year for trekking and hiking. The temperature is mild, the region and the trail receives no rain and snowfall and the mountain breathtaking during the months September, October and November.
Similarly, people who are willing to travel to Manaslu region can find the months March, April and May equally beautiful as September, October and November. The flowering rhododendron in lower Manaslu region makes the trail more enchanting during the trek.
Food and Accommodation on the Trail
Since Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the remote and less crowded treks specified as a restricted area trekking by the government of Nepal, the trekkers who are undertaking this trek will be having very basic food and accommodation at local teahouses and lodges. The local lodges and teahouse are run by the local people and they offer only ordinary accommodation because they are very remote from the modern cities. However, the beds you are using will be comfortable and clear enough to spend a single night. If you are wondering about the cost of one accommodation, the cost ranges between Rs. 1000 – 500.
Now, let’s talk about Manaslu Circuit Foods. Again, the food items are presented in the menu by the local teahouses/lodges. Actually, they don’t offer many items of food in their menu and you have to find some of the items from it. They, normally, offer Nepali Daal Bhat, Curries, Noodle Soup, French Fires, Tibetan Bread, Dumpling etc. Don’t expect to enjoy your favorite food item of food like you do in modern restaurants in the cities. In fact, you make one local item favorite during the trek. Can’t you? Or Nepali Daal Bhat can be your favorite.
You are suggested to bring some light snacks for the trek so that you don’t go starved on the trail if you even don’t want to have the food items mentioned in the menu.
Vegetarian? Yes, vegetarian will have the options of foods. They will offer you only vegetable items if you don’t want to have meat on the trail. You don’t need to panic about it.
You are allowed to have your own item of snacks or food during the trek at teahouse/lodge.
Manslu Circuit Trek Elevation Ranges
Once you are in Kathmandu, you are at 1400m and you will transfer to Barpak where the epicenter of 2015 earthquake in Nepal located. Barpak is located at an elevation of 2000m. So, in the first drive from Kathmandu to Barpak, you ascend 600m. Then the trek commences and the trail passes through Laprak, Khorlabesi, Jagat, Deng and Namrang where you get an elevation of (Namrung) 2660m. Next, you switch to Samagaon through Salyagaon which is 3550m. Then, a big switch to Punggen Gompa takes you to an elevation of 5039m. After passing through to Dharmashala (4550m), you will get the highest elevation of the trek that is Larkya La Pass (5106m./16751ft.). To sum up, the trekking beginning from 1400m in Kathmandu, takes you to the highest elevation, Larkya La Pass (5106m./16751ft.) and again ends in Kathmandu. Since you are going above 5000m to cross Larkya La Pass, one of the highest passes of the world, you need to prepare very well and do accordingly.
Manaslu Circuit Trke Difficulty and Preparations
Yes, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trek above 5000m. Simply put, it’s not a joke and an easy task to cross one of the highest passes of the world, Larkaya La Pass ((5106m./16751ft.). However, it doenst mean that you can’t do it. It is still doable because hundreds of people accomplish Manaslu Circuit Trek successfully.
You need to accompany with right and reliable trekking gear with prior trekking experience. One should have the stamina of trekking at least 7-8 hours a day at higher elevation like above 4000m. If you lack these preparations, don’t dare doing this trek. Also, find the right and the finest weather of the year that is autumn and get ready to encounter the extreme wilderness with basic foods and accommodation on the trail.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
We will have a day acclimatization on the trail beforehand crossing Larkya La Pass (5106m./16751ft.). However, some people prefer to have two rest days to acclimatize their body with elevation well during Manaslu Circuit Trek. Also, we get the elevation gradually by ascending with the proper pacing. If you ascend quickly while trekking in the mountain, there is high possibility of getting acute altitude sickness. We will have one whole days for Acclimatization at Punggen Gompa 5039m./16532ft). If you want to add another day for acclimatization, we will set Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary accordingly.
Yes, there are some cases of altitude or acute mountain sickness with the trekkers every year. Then, what happen to them? They are evacuated safely or made okay with some first aids taking them to the lower elevation. Acute mountain sickness is sudden so that one has to adopt some important precautions:
- Get elevation gradually with proper acclimatization
- Address your health issues if you have beforehand the trek
- Don’t smoke and drink a lot at higher elevation
- Avoid having impure water and food during the trek
- Use right and reliable trekking equipment
- Have a sound sleep
- Report immediately to the leader if you have any problem during the trek
- Carry first-aid kit with some basic medicines
Internet, Phone and Wifi Services on the Trail
You can simply install local Nepali SIM card in your cellphone and take it to the mountain. You can also buy data pack to run internet on the trail. In fact, for some days at higher elevation, it may not work, but, it will help you a lot during the trek. You can buy either NT or NCELL Sim car and install call and internet on your phone. It will take no more than Rs.100 for you to get it.
You can also have the access of internet or Wi Fi on the trail at local lodges/teahouses. They may charge you Rs. 200-500 per password or per device.
You can even talk to your family, relatives and the friends from the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail very easily and can share your images and the videos instantly.
Can Solo traveler do this Trek?
No. Solo traveler cannot do Manaslu Circuit Trek. No solo traveler is permitted to do trekking in restricted area like Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal by the government. One has to find at least 2 people or can join the bigger group to do Manaslu Circuit Trek. Also, the group has to be accompanied at least a guide during the trek. It means, without hiring an authorized and licensed guide, the group is not allowed to go in Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Permits
One who is planning for Manaslu Circuit Trek require obtaining there different trekking permits. These permits are: TIMS Card, Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit and Special Area/ Restricted Area Permit. TIMS Card cost Rs. 100, Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit costs Rs.3000 and Restricted Area Permit cost USD 100 for the first week and has to pay USD 15 per day. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August is low because December to August is off season or a low time for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The trekking or travel company with whom you are planning your Manaslu Circuit Trek will arrange or help you obtaining these permits. Ask them to get them for you beforehand the trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Transportation
Trekkers who are planning their Manaslu Circuit Trek are going to use two kinds of road transportation. They are: Local Bus and Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Barpak and back to Kathmandu. No domestic flights connect the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail from Kathmandu. Even no tourists’ buses can be used to go Baarpak from Kathmandu by the travelers like people use for Pokhara and Chitwan. It is total 8-9 hours drive to get Barpak from Kahtmandu. If you choose to drive with private jeep, it will be a bit comfortable and quicker.
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Pickup from airport Tribhuwan International (TIA) (1345m. /4411ft) Airport to Hotel
You can arrive in Kathmandu via any international flight that people recommend for you. Optionally, you can take a drive if you are using road to enter Nepal. You can use Indian and Chinese border for this. Whatever way you use for arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you and takes you to the hotel. The representative will let you know about the short orientation meeting regarding your Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek. Since we do not have any scheduled activities to do for today, you just rest and relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the city if time favors you.
Day 02: A Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour and Trekking Preparation Day
Today, largely, you will spend your time with astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu. You will go to explore them one by one after your breakfast. The private vehicle will come to receive you along with a professional and experienced city guide at the hotel where your stay and transfer you to the historical and religious sites which includes Swyombhunath Stupa( Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. You end this trip at around between 3-4 pm and prepare for your Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Barpark (2000m.6561ft) (176k.m.) 8-9hrs
We will drop you to the bus station with private vehicle. Of, if you choose to use private jeep, the jeep will go to pick you up from the hotel you stay. You will be accompanied with your guide and you don’t need to worry about the today’s transportation till you get Barpak. Before you get Barpak, you will pass through numerous local villages, landscapes, terraced fields and the rivers including popular Trishuli. The final portion of the raod before you approach to Barpak is rough. Arrive at Barpak and stay overnight there.
Day 02: Barpark (2000m./6561ft ) to Laprak (1920m./6299ft.) 5-6hrs
Rise early in the morning and enjoy a beautiful breakfast at the lodge. Today’s walk is mostly uphill. You will pass through picturesque terraced fields, rhododendron ( look more enchanting during spring) and local settlements. We climb steadly till we get to Bhosu Khang (2800m). On the trail, we witness incredible Manaslu and Buddha Himal (6672m). Now the descent begins after Bhosu Khang for Barpak. Barpak is a Gurung village and still the houses are under constructions which were hit by 2015 earthquake. Before getting to Barpak,, we pass through Gupsi Danda.
Day 03: Laprak (2000m./6561ft) to Khorlabesi (970m./3182ft) 6-7hrs
Today’s trail is all the way down till we get to Khorlabesi. The trail continues with stone stairs going down to Machha Khola River and the trail slowly goes up until Sing La village. After Singla Village, the train again descends until we reach to Khorla Besi passing through Khorla village. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Day 04: Khorlabesi ((970m. /3182ft) to Jagat (1410m./4625ft.) 5-6hrs.
Today’s trail mostly based on along and across the Budi Gandaki River. You will encounter with heavily loaded mules and the porters on the trail. Also, you enjoy crossing the suspension bridge across Budhi Gandaki River. On the trail, you will also see Tatopani, a natural hot spring located at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River suspension. Finally, you will notice that you are at Jagat when you see large cliff on the both sides. At the same time, you will see a board welcoming you all in Manaslu Conservation Area.
Day 05: Jagat (1410m. /4625ft) to Dyang (1800m./5905ft) 7-8hrs
Today, you will get your permits checked at the check post of Manaslu Conservation Area. We enjoy today’s walk passing through various rocky ridges and bridges. Before we get to Jagat village, we pass Philim village where we stop for our lunch. We walk further after lunch and pass through the village of Ekle Bhatti and finally get to the village Dyang . The village Dyang has a few lodges/teahouses where you stay overnight.
Day 06: Dyang (1800m. /5905ft) to Namrung (2660m./8727ft.) 7-8hrs
We head towards the west from Budi Gandaki River passing through forest and Mani. We cross Budi Gandaki River several times and have an opportunity to see monasteries. We enter into the core section of Manaslu Area today. After passing through several local settlements, we arrive at Namrung. The village of Namrung has some monasteries to explore.
Day 07: Namrung ((2660m. /8727ft) Lho Gaon (3520m. /11548ft.) 7-8hrs.
Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli greet you with a stunning sunrise today. Initially, we have a comfortable walk until we get to Lihi Village. On the way we head to Himal Chuli Base Camp ((4020m) and also visit Hinang Gumba and trek back to the route which takes us to Lho Gaon.
Day 08: Lhogaon (3520m./11548ft) to Samagaon (3550m./11646ft.) 2-3hrs. (Birendra Taal(3691m./ 12109ft) 3hrs back to Samagaon (3550m./11646)
It is initially 2-3 hours walk through local settlements and picturesque landscapes until we get to the village Samagaon. After we arrive at Samagaon, we walk towards Birendra Lake, a freshwater lake in the lap of Manaslu Himnalayan range and walk back to Samagaon for overnight stay.
Day 09: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon ( Walk to Punggen Gompa 5039m./16532ft) 5hrs
We walk through pine and rhododendron towards Punggen Gompa. Before we arrive at Punggen Gompa, we pass Syala village. From Punggen Gompa, you will mesmerize at witnessing Manaslu, Hiuchuli, Nadi Chuli (Peak 29) and Rani Peak. After you explore Punggen Gompa and capture incredible mountain views, you will follow the same trail to descend to Samagaon.
Day 10:Samagaon (3550./ 11646ft).to Samdo (3800m./12467ft.) 3-4hrs
Today’s walk is relatively easier. We walk through beautiful chortens and mani wall. You will walk for 3-4 hours only to get to Samdo from Samagaon.
Day 11: Samdo (3800m./12467ft.) to Dharmashala (4550m./14927ft.) 3-4hrs walk
Today’s walk is also shorter than your usual walk. You will cross a wooden bridge and forward towards Dharmasala. Previously, there would be only one traveler’s rest at Dharmasala but these days, there are few isolated teahouses wher you stay overnight. On the way to Dharmasala, you will witness Larkyay Glacier. Dharmasala is also known as Larkay Phedi.
Day 12: Dharmashala (4550m./14927ft.) to Bhimtang (3800m./12467ft.) via Larke-La Pass (5106m./16751ft.)
Today’s walk is very important and challenging as well. The more you climb, the more the trail gets steeper. Once we arrive at the apex of Larkya La Pass ( 5140m), we are mesmerized to witnessing of Kangguru, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Namjung Himal, Ratna Chuli and Annapurna II. Next, we have a descent towards Bhimtang. On the way, we witness alluring giant Mt. Manaslu. The decent may be challenging for you and you have to be very careful while going down to Bhimtang. If the layer of ice is heavy, you can use crampons too.
Day 13: Bhimtang (3800m. /12467ft) to Dharapani (1910m./6266ft.) 5-6hrs
We trek to Dharapani through the village Tilje. On the way, we pass through various local settlements and forests like rhododendron. It’s 5-6 hours walk to get Dharapani from Bimtang. Stay overnight at Dharapani.
Day 14: Dharapani (1910m. /6266ft) to Besisahar (760m./2493ft.) Drive to Kathmandu ( 1345m.) 10-11hrs
After we walk around an hour from Dharapani, we take a jeep ride all the way to Kathmandu via Besisahar. The road passes through Besisahar, Dumre, Mungling, Trishuli River, Malekhu, Thankot and you will finally arrive in Kathmandu. Check in hotel and have beautiful shower and go for farewell dinner with the team.
Day 15: Pick from Hotel, Transfer for Farewell/ Departure
Today, you will leave Kathmandu for your home or for other trips that you are going to undertake. For this, we receive you from the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport and we bid farewell and you will depart. Have a wonderful time ahead.
Cost Exclude/Includes
Question and Answer
Cost & Date
All set dates are guaranteed departures. If the following dates are not suitable for your travel plans then contact us for your custom trip dates. The private trips are available on any date of your selection at any time of the year.
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Milan and his team made our trip to Kathmandu unforgettable. My travel partner and I got to the country having no idea what to do and how we would navigate the city until Milan came in and saved the day. His team went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t have to do any logistics and could just enjoy our vacation. With knowledgeable tour guides and the best hospitality in the city, Milan gave us an insider’s view of Nepal with an experience that left us feeling like family.