Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Remote Himalayan Odyssey

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular high-altitude adventure in Nepal’s Gorkha and Manang districts, encircling Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163m. This 14-18 day trek, covering 177-190 km, reaches a maximum altitude of 5,160m at Larkya La Pass, offering breathtaking views of Manaslu, Annapurna II (7,937m), and Himlung Himal (7,126m). Rated moderate to challenging, it’s ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a less crowded alternative to the Annapurna or Everest circuits. The trek traverses diverse landscapes—lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and glacial moraines—while immersing you in the rich Buddhist and Gurung cultures of remote villages. As a restricted area, it requires special permits and mandatory guides, ensuring an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. With its rugged trails, high passes, and cultural depth, the Manaslu Circuit is a Himalayan gem for 2025 adventurers.

Why Choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit stands out for its untouched beauty and immersive experience:

• Stunning Scenery: Panoramic views from Larkya La Pass, with Manaslu’s snow-capped massif, glaciers, and turquoise Birendra Lake. A 2024 Tripadvisor review called it “Nepal’s best-kept secret.”

• Cultural Immersion: Stay in Gurung, Tibetan, and Nubri villages, visit ancient monasteries like Pungyen Gompa, and witness prayer wheels and mani stones reflecting Buddhist heritage.

• Less Crowded: Restricted access keeps trails quieter than Annapurna or Everest, offering solitude, as noted in a 2025 X post: “Manaslu’s peace is unreal.”

• Diverse Ecosystems: Trek through Manaslu Conservation Area’s subtropical jungles, rhododendron forests, and alpine zones, spotting blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, or snow leopards.

• Challenging Pass: Larkya La (5,160m) tests endurance with steep ascents and snowy trails, rewarding with jaw-dropping vistas.

• Improved Infrastructure: Post-2015 earthquake, rebuilt teahouses and bridges enhance safety, per Himalayan Glacier.

Best Time to Trek

• Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, vibrant views, and stable weather (10-20°C days, -5 to 5°C nights at higher altitudes). October is peak season for visibility.

• Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom, with temperatures of 15-25°C (lower) and 0-10°C (higher). April offers lush scenery but occasional clouds.

• Winter (December-February): Snowy trails and extreme cold (-10 to -20°C at Larkya La) make it risky; only for experienced trekkers with specialized gear.

• Monsoon (June-August): Avoid due to landslides, flooding, and leeches on lower trails.

For 2025, target October for optimal conditions or April for floral beauty. Check festival dates like Losar (February) for cultural events in Buddhist villages.

Getting There

The trek starts at Machha Khola or Soti Khola (700-800m) and ends at Besisahar or Dharapani, accessible via Kathmandu.

• By Air to Kathmandu: Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) from Delhi, Bangkok, or Doha (INR 10,000-20,000). Stay in Thamel (e.g., Hotel Moonlight, INR 1,500-3,000/night) for prep.

• Kathmandu to Soti Khola/Machha Khola:

  • By Bus: Public buses from Gongabu Bus Park to Arughat (6-8 hours, NPR 500-800, USD 4-6), then a jeep to Soti Khola (2-3 hours, NPR 1,000-1,500, USD 8-12).

  • By Jeep: Private/shared jeeps from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (8-10 hours, NPR 2,500-4,000, USD 20-30) offer comfort. Operators arrange from Thamel.

• Return from Besisahar: Jeep/bus to Kathmandu (6-8 hours, NPR 1,000-2,000, USD 8-15) via Dumre.

• Permits: Mandatory permits include:

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 100/week (September-November), USD 75/week (other months).

  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3,000, USD 25.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000, USD 25 (for Besisahar exit).

  • TIMS card: NPR 2,000, USD 15. Obtain via operators in Kathmandu (Nepal Tourism Board). Bring 4 passport photos, passport, and USD cash.

• Guides/Porters: Guides mandatory (USD 25-35/day); porters optional (USD 15-25/day, 10-15 kg). Required for restricted areas.

Acclimatize in Kathmandu (1,400m) or Arughat (600m) to prepare for altitudes up to 5,160m.

Trekking Experience: A 16-Day Itinerary

The Manaslu Circuit Trek covers 177-190 km, with daily treks of 8-15 km and 5-8 hours. Below is a 16-day itinerary, including travel and acclimatization, based on operators like Nepal Eco Adventure and Trek The Himalayas.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at KTM, transfer to Thamel. Explore Boudhanath or Swayambhunath. Attend trek briefing. Overnight in a hotel (e.g., Hotel Arts, USD 20-50).

Day 2: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m, 140 km, 8-10 hours)

Drive by bus/jeep via Dhading and Arughat along the Budhi Gandaki River. Reach Soti Khola, a small village. Teahouse stay (e.g., Riverside Lodge, USD 5-10).

Day 3: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m, 14 km, 6-7 hours)

Trek along the Budhi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing hot springs. Gentle ascents through forests and Gurung villages. Teahouse stay.

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m, 20 km, 7-8 hours)

Follow the river through narrow canyons, terraced fields, and waterfalls. Climb to Tatopani’s hot springs, then reach Jagat, a checkpoint village. Teahouse stay.

Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1,860m, 19 km, 7-8 hours)

Enter the restricted area, ascending through bamboo forests and Philim village. Cross the Budhi Gandaki to Deng, a small Nubri settlement. Teahouse stay.

Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,630m, 17 km, 6-7 hours)

Trek through pine forests and mani walls, passing Rana and Bihi Phedi. Reach Namrung, with Manaslu views and a Buddhist monastery. Teahouse stay.

Day 7: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m, 17 km, 6-7 hours)

Ascend through Lho village (monastery visit) and Shyala, with views of Manaslu and Naike Peak. Reach Samagaon, a large Tibetan-style village. Teahouse stay.

Day 8: Acclimatization in Samagaon (3,530m)

Rest to acclimatize. Options: hike to Pungyen Gompa (4 hours, 3,870m) for Manaslu views, visit Birendra Lake (30 minutes), or explore the village’s mani stones. Teahouse stay.

Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m, 9 km, 4-5 hours)

Short trek along the Budhi Gandaki to Samdo, a remote village near the Tibetan border. Spot blue sheep and yaks. Optional afternoon hike to Rui La Pass (4,998m). Teahouse stay.

Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m, 7 km, 4-5 hours)

Ascend through barren landscapes to Dharmasala (Larkya Base Camp), a high-altitude stop before the pass. Rest early for the next day’s challenge. Teahouse stay.

Day 11: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (5,160m, 24 km, 8-10 hours)

Longest day: steep 3-4 hour climb to Larkya La Pass (5,160m) with Manaslu and Annapurna views. Snowy trails possible; microspikes advised. Descend 4-5 hours to Bimthang’s meadows. Teahouse stay.

Day 12: Bimthang to Tilje (2,300m, 16 km, 6-7 hours)

Descend through pine forests and rhododendrons, crossing the Dudh Khola. Reach Tilje, a Gurung village with apple orchards. Teahouse stay.

Day 13: Tilje to Dharapani (1,960m, 12 km, 5-6 hours)

Trek via Karche and Tal village, joining the Annapurna Circuit trail. Reach Dharapani, a bustling stop. Teahouse stay.

Day 14: Dharapani to Besisahar (760m, 20 km, 6-7 hours)

Descend through Marsyangdi Valley, passing terraced fields and Syange’s waterfall. Reach Besisahar, a market town. Teahouse or hotel stay.

Day 15: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m, 180 km, 6-8 hours)

Return by jeep/bus via Dumre and Mugling. Arrive in Thamel by evening. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 16: Depart Kathmandu

Buffer day for delays or Kathmandu exploration (Patan, Bhaktapur). Transfer to KTM airport.

Optional Extensions

• Tsum Valley: Add 6-8 days for a sacred side trek to Mu Gompa (3,700m) and Tibetan culture.

• Annapurna Circuit: Combine via Tilje for a 20-25 day mega-trek.

• Chitwan National Park: 3-4 day safari for rhinos and tigers.

Highlights

• Larkya La Pass: Dramatic 5,160m pass with Manaslu, Annapurna, and Himlung Himal views.

• Manaslu Views: Close-up vistas of the eighth-highest peak from Samagaon and Lho.

• Buddhist Culture: Pungyen Gompa, Samdo’s Tibetan vibe, and mani walls.

• Birendra Lake: Turquoise glacial lake near Samagaon.

• Biodiversity: Blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and rhododendrons in Manaslu Conservation Area.

• Remote Villages: Authentic Gurung and Nubri settlements like Samdo and Jagat.

Trekking Tips

• Physical Preparation: Train 3-4 months with cardio (5 km run in 25 min, 20 km cycle), strength exercises (squats, lunges), and high-altitude hikes (4,000m+). Stamina is key for Larkya La’s 10-hour day.

• Gear:

  • Waterproof trekking boots (e.g., Salomon Quest, INR 10,000-15,000).

  • 4-5 layers (base, fleece, down jacket, Gore-Tex shell).

  • -15°C sleeping bag, microspikes/crampons (winter), trekking poles, headlamp.

  • 40-50L backpack, 3L water, water purification tablets, UV sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50).

  • Personal items: gloves, beanie, Diamox (optional for AMS).

• Safety:

  • Mandatory guides (USD 25-35/day) ensure navigation and permit compliance.

  • Acclimatize at Samagaon (Day 8) to minimize AMS (headache, nausea). Carry oximeter (90%+ at 4,460m).

  • Larkya La’s snow requires caution; check weather with guides.

  • Helicopter evacuation (USD 3,000-7,000) is the only emergency option.

• Costs: Guided packages cost USD 1,500-2,500 (INR 1,20,000-2,00,000), including permits (USD 165), transport (USD 100-200), teahouses, and meals. DIY not feasible due to restrictions. Budget USD 100-150 for tips/extras.

• Respect Culture and Environment:

  • Follow Leave No Trace (use toilet tents, carry litter).

  • Respect monasteries (remove shoes, no photos inside).

  • Tip guides/porters (USD 5-10/day each).

• Monsoon/Winter Precautions: Avoid June-August; for winter, pack snow gear and expect pass closures.

• Connectivity: No mobile coverage beyond Jagat; satellite phones with guides. Wi-Fi rare (NPR 500 at Samagaon). Carry NPR/USD cash.

• Facilities: Teahouses offer twin/dorm beds (USD 5-15/night), meals (dal bhat, noodles, USD 5-10), and hot showers (NPR 300-500). No ATMs beyond Kathmandu.

Challenges

• High Altitude: Larkya La (5,160m) risks AMS; acclimatize and monitor oxygen levels.

• Long Days: Up to 10 hours on Day 11 with steep, snowy ascents/descents.

• Remote Trail: Limited evacuation; guides and insurance are critical.

• Weather: Snow at Larkya La (even in autumn) and cold nights (-15°C at Dharmasala).

• Restricted Area: Permits and guides add cost and logistics.

• Trail Conditions: Rocky paths and suspension bridges require focus.

Nearby Attractions

• Tsum Valley: Sacred Buddhist valley with Mu Gompa (6-8 days).

• Annapurna Circuit: Join at Dharapani for extended trekking.

• Kathmandu: Explore Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath (1-2 days).

• Pokhara: Phewa Lake and paragliding (6-hour bus from Kathmandu).

• Chitwan National Park: Rhino safaris (3-4 days).

Why Manaslu Circuit is Unforgettable

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a journey into Nepal’s wild heart, blending raw adventure with cultural richness. The thrill of crossing Larkya La, the serenity of Samagaon’s monasteries, and the majesty of Manaslu create lasting memories. As a 2025 X post raved, “Manaslu’s untouched trails and glacier views are next-level.” Quieter than mainstream treks, it offers authenticity and challenge. Book with operators like Himalayan Glacier (www.himalayanglacier.com), Nepal Eco Adventure (www.nepalecoadventure.com), or Trek The Himalayas (www.trekthehimalayas.com), train for altitude, and trek in October 2025 for clear skies or April for blooms. With grit and respect, Manaslu’s magic will captivate you.