Manaslu Circuit Trek | 14 to 16 day

Overview

Circle the eighth highest mountain on Earth

If you want wildness and quiet trails, the Manaslu Circuit is one of the finest journeys in Nepal. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river from green lower valleys up into high Tibetan influenced country, with ancient villages, mani walls and gompas along the way.

The trek builds slowly and safely towards the crossing of the Larkya La at 5,106 m, one of the most dramatic pass days in the Himalaya. Because Manaslu is a restricted area it sees far fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna, so the mountains feel raw and unspoiled.

Trek highlights

Circle Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak on Earth
Cross the spectacular Larkya La at 5,106 m
A restricted area trail with far fewer crowds
Tibetan Buddhist culture and old stone villages
A green to high alpine change of scenery each day
Option to add the sacred Tsum Valley

Sample itinerary

Scenic drive from Kathmandu along the river to the trailhead village of Machha Khola.

Follow the Budhi Gandaki past hot springs and waterfalls to the stone paved village of Jagat.

Enter the restricted area, cross the river several times and reach the small village of Deng.

Climb steadily through forest and gorges, with the first Tibetan style villages appearing.

A beautiful day with first close views of Manaslu above the village of Lho.

Walk through Shyala with mountains on every side to the large village of Samagaun.

An acclimatisation day with an optional hike to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp.

A shorter day up to Samdo, the last permanent village before the pass.

A second rest and acclimatisation day close to the Tibetan border.

A short but important day to the simple high camp at Dharamsala, ready for the pass.

The big day. An early start to cross the Larkya La with huge views, then a long descent to Bimthang.

A long downhill day through forest and pastures into the greener Annapurna side.

Walk to Dharapani and drive out towards Besisahar.

A scenic drive back to Kathmandu, or continue your journey.

This is a sample schedule. We adjust every day around your dates, pace and fitness.

What is included

Included

Airport transfers in Kathmandu
All trekking and area permits for the route
Licensed, experienced English speaking guide
Porter support (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and accommodation
Teahouse lodging throughout the trek
Domestic flights or private transport as per the itinerary
Company first aid kit and oximeter monitoring
Government taxes and service charges

Not included

International flights and your Nepal visa
Travel and high altitude rescue insurance (this is mandatory)
Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, apart from the welcome dinner
Personal expenses, drinks, hot showers, Wi Fi and charging on the trail
Tips for your guide and porter

Good to know. Manaslu is a restricted area. This means a special Restricted Area Permit is required, trekking must be arranged through a registered agency with a licensed guide, and a minimum group size applies. Reet Trails handles all of the restricted area paperwork for you.

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Ready to walk the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

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