Grading:
5106m
Activities
- 2 Days Drive
- 11 Days Trekking
Best Season
- Mar-May
- Sep-Nov
Meals
- 15 Breakfast
- 13 Lunch
- 12 Dinner
Accommodation
- 3 Nights at Hotel
- 12 Nights Lodge
Transportation
Car/Jeep/Bus/Van
Overview
13 days Manaslu trek (without arrival, permit preparation day and departure) is an amazing compilation of moderate trekking in the Himalayas bound with the breathtaking sceneries, rich culture, and magical mountain views. Highlighted by the mighty 8th highest or killer mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the overall trekking section is a magical gift of nature. Himalayas view, Highest Larkya la pass 5106m, interesting Tibetan-style Buddhist villages, Sotikhola, Machhakhola, Jagat, Philim, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo and Tilche , protected wildlife, rhododendrons and wild flowers, raging rivers, precarious bridges.
Trip Highlights
- Manaslu, (peak 29), Himlung Himal, Kang guru, Annapurna II, Ganesh Himal and others.
- The highest point of this trek, Larkya La pass (5106m)
- Tibetan-style Buddhist villages, protected wildlife, and wildflowers,
- Raging Budhi Gandaki Rivers, precarious bridges.
- Sotikhola, Machhakhola, Jagat, Philip, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo and Tilche Villages etc.
Manaslu Trek
13 Days Manaslu trek is a pristine trekking adventure in central Himalayas of Nepal. Heading deep in the majestic transition of subtropical to alpine vegetation, every stop is an opportunity to praise nature around you. Through the rocky terrain and the patches of rhododendron forests, you will discover life in magical places. Sing along the Himalayan birds and ride the fresh breeze beside the Budi Gandaki in Manaslu. The mountain of the spirit as translated in Sanskrit, the joy of reaching in the base of it is unexplainable. Halting briefly in the majestic Monasteries in the path, you will discover Tibetan inspired art and Lifestyle here. The passes you will cross in this trek are mostly moderately challenging and beautiful sight of the landscapes and Himalayas always waits for you on the other side of it. Crossing multiple villages and settlements, you can have a close look at the Gurung, Tsum, and Bhutia people living in these areas. The trek goes from the plains of Soti Khola and ultimately to the Larkya La at 5106 meters, from where a spectacular trek with views of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), NgadiChuli (7879m.) or (peak 29), Himlung Himal (7126m.), Cheo Himal (6820m.), Gyaji Kung (7030m.), Kang guru (6981m.) and the Annapurna II (7937m.),Ganesh Himal Range. So, you can witness a beautiful shift in the landscape, climate, and lifestyle in your journey here.
13 Days Manaslu trek is one of the best trekking trails one can take to transit into the much harder and longer treks around the world. The trail is perfect for amateurs looking to take their adventure to another level. This trek is recently growing popularity as a substitute or more challenging version of Annapurna Round trek. You will stop in some of the commercially prominent villages of these areas and get a view of the everyday life of the locals. The promising landscape view and the mesmerizing sound of nature in Manaslu wash away the exhaustion of trek. The trek of Manaslu circuit is best all over the year excluding extreme winter and monsoon seasons. Manaslu trek is the best trekking destination in the Himalayas and one providing the opportunity to live the life of a traveler. So, buckle up and dust your gears for your extraordinary trekking of the Manaslu circuit.
Manaslu is a control area; you need a Manaslu restricted area permit, Annapurna and Manaslu conservation area permit with minimum 2 people. Government license holder trekking guide lead this trek and register company issue the permit.
The trek starts in Arughat or Arkhet or Sotikhola and ends in Dharapani, Chyamche or Besishahar which is also the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek can be made longer or shorter depending on the length of your walking days and starting point. You can combine the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley, a beautiful, isolated valley where century-old Tibetan traditions prevail or Annapurna Round Trek which is one of the most popular treks in Annapurna region.
Outline
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arriving in Kathmandu (1350m).
Day 02: Manaslu Restricted Permit preparation day
Day 03: Drive to Soti Khola
Day 04-08: Trekking
Day 09: Acclimatization day
Day 10-11: Trekking
Day 12: The highest point Larkya La Pass (5106m) day
Day 13: Trekking
Day 14: 2 Hours Trekking and drive back to Besishahar from Dharapani
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu (1350m).
Daily Itinerary
Arriving in Kathmandu
1350m Hotel
Today you will fly to the Tribhuwan International airport (TIA) in Nepal. Our representative will receive and transfer you to hotel. After a 30 minute of drive, you will reach your hotel in Thamel. Orientation and trek preparation session at your hotel. Introduction and meeting with your guide for the Manaslu trek. You can stroll in the market areas of Thamel in the evening today. Overnight at your hotel in Thamel.
Manaslu Restricted area Permit
B Hotel
We need your original passport to prepare your Manaslu Restricted area Permit. It is also the day for trekking gears preparation day. If you have your own gears, it’s okay. But if you do not have, you may buy or rent at Thamel in Kathmandu. Thamel is tourist hub in Kathmandu. All the restaurants, Hotels, Bars, trekking gear shops, Money exchange, souvenir shops etc. are in Thamel.
Kathmandu - Drive Arughat - Arkhet - Soti Khola
700 m, Soti Khola 7-8 hours drive B,L,D Lodge
After your breakfast, we will leave early to the starting point of your Manaslu circuit trek today. We will pick you from your hotel for a drive to Soti Khola. You will be taking a public vehicle to Public bus. Passing by some beautiful settlements beside some natural delights of landscapes and views you will reach DhadingBesi. With some magnificent view and off-road experience in between, you will reach Sotikhola in the late afternoon. Rest and take a brief walk around Soti Khola which is an important commercial point for the locals here too. Overnight at Soti Khola.
*Note-If you want, it is also possible to hire a Private Jeep.
Soti Khola - Khursani Bari-Lapubensi-Nauli Khola-Khanibesi- Machhakhola
869 m, Machhakhola 6 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
The walking portion of the Manaslu circuit trek starts from today as you make your way to Khursani Bari, Lapubensi, Nauli Khola, Khanibensi and the village of Machha Khola. Most of today's trek is gentle ascend taking you through the hill terrace rice farmlands. You can take brief stops in the lovely villages of LapuBesi passing through the trail. The magical view of Mt.Siringi Himal makes the walk wonderful and memorable. Overnight at Machha Khola.
MacchaKhola-Khorlabesi-Tatopani -Dovan-Thuludunga-Yaru Khola-Jagat
1340 m, Jagat 7 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
The trek of today is mostly beside the beautiful Budi Gandakiriver leading your way to Jagat. After your breakfast and fair view of the sunrise over the hills, you will start your trek. The trail first reaches the lively settlement of Khorlabensi. You can explore the local farming techniques in your brief stop here. The path then gradually starts to gain altitude and with it the beautiful sceneries as well. We will now walk in a forest trail with occasional patches of Plain fields before reaching Tatopani. Resting for a brief time in the hot springs of Tatopani, we will continue our walk to the Jagat Village via Dovan, Thulodhunga and Yaru Khola. Overnight at a hotel in Jagat.
Jagat -Salleri -Sirdibas-Philim-Ekle Bhatti - Nigala Gari -Pewa Khola -Deng
1860m, Deng 6-7 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
Jagat is a lively village and is also an important commercial settlement for the villages in these areas. We will officially enter the Manaslu restricted areas as we continue our trek from here. After the checking of our permits here, we will walk our first segment to Salleri, Sirdibas, Philim village. We will then take an uphill trail leading to Ekle Bhatti. Trekking a bit further from here, we can see the path of the Tsum valley trek separating from this one. Selecting the left trail, you will reach Nigala Gari, Pewa Khola and finally at Deng today and rest for the day.
*Note- You can also customize your itinerary to include the famous Tsum valley in it.
Deng-Ranagaon - Bihi Phedi – Ghap –Ghapsya -Namrung
2630m, Namrung 6-7 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
The views just keep on getting better as you will wake up with a beautiful sunrise here in Deng. After breakfast starts your walk down the river and climbs up to the village of Ranagaon. We will continue our walk with brief sightseeing stops and reach Bihi Phedi. From here you can see two different trails leading to Ghap and Prok villages. The Manaslu village trail continues from the Ghap and Ghapsya and then to Namrung. The views of Ganesh, Jugal and Siringi mountains are breathtaking from this trail segment. Overnight at a lodge in Namrung.
*Note: You can customize the trek to include the Prok village and the lake Kal with Kal Chhokang Gompa.
Namrung – Ligaon – Syogaon – Lho -Syalagaon - Samagaon
3620 m, Samagaon 5-6 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
We will have our permits checked at Namrung check-post before starting the trek of today. Your walk is to the Samagaon village, and you will gain almost 1000 meters of altitude in your trek segment to Samagaon. However, the views start to open up and get more promising as you start your day from Namrung. The villages of Lihi, Sho, Lho and Syala will be your strategic brief rest points. You can also try some of the local snacks and Himalayan cuisine here. Viewing the Manaslu and Himchuli from close, you will reach Samagon in the late afternoon. Overnight at Samagaon.
Rest day in Samagaon
B,L,D Lodge
Samagaon is a lively village which lies at an altitude of about 3520 meters. Technically and strategically it will be an ideal point to rest and acclimatize in the Manaslu trek . Samagoan is comparatively bigger among the other villages and facilitates us with multiple short hiking options around the village. You can take some of these hiking options and rest for the day with the views. The hikes you can do today are:
- A trip to Pungyengompa (4-5 hours of a moderate hike)
- Manaslu Base camp and back (5-6 hours of a moderate hike)
- Birendra Tal and back (2 hours of a more leisurely walk)
Samagaon -Samdo
3875 m, Samdo 3-4 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
With the rise in altitude, we will do a shorter trek to the Samdo village today. We will have enough time to enjoy nature and sceneries surrounding today's trail. Starting at your breakfast, we will push slowly towards Samdo and reach there in about Lunch time. You can prepare for the problematic trekking portions ahead in the trek by doing a side hike to the trail to the Samdo Peak. The view of Manaslu and the other peaks gets better from the walk. Acclimatization is the key if you want a better hiking experience in the Manaslu region. Hence, the hike will help you with that acclimatization purpose. Rest and dinner at a lodge in Samdo.
Samdo - Larkya la Phedi or Dharmasala
4460 m, Dharmasala 4-5 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
Today will mostly be a gradual uphill with some steep section to Dharmasala. The trek will take about 5 hours. However, you should walk carefully and follow your guide in some of these sections. The snow-capped mountains lead ultimately to Mt. Manaslu which is visible closer as you move towards Dharmashala. Once here prepare for the big climb to Larkya La pass the next day. Overnight at a lodge in Dharmashala.
Dharmasala - Larkya La Pass 5106m-Bhimthang
5106m, Larkya La Pass 7-8 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
You will do the Larkya La pass today and will be passing by the highest point of the Manaslu trek. After warming up your body for a while in the morning, start your walk towards the Larkya La Pass. The trail is snow covered and with some of the challenging segments as well. From the Pass, you can have an incredible 360-degree view of the Himalayas. CheoHimal, Manaslu, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna II mountains are some of many beautiful peaks visible from the pass. After some magical time in the Pass, we will start our downhill walk to Bimthang. The trail is easy nearing Bimthang, and you will be more comfortable with the altitude loss. Overnight at a lodge in Bimthang.
Bhimthang - Puktu Kharka – Surki – Gho
2515 m, Gho 5-6 hours walk B,L,D Lodge
Bimthang offers you some of the best views of the landscape in Manaslu and is a lively place to explore the Moutain lifestyle. The sunrise over the mountains marks the start of your day as you will trek to the Puktu Kharka, Surki and village of Gho today. The trail is mostly smooth and downhill to Gho. You will notice the change of Landscape as you will shift from Alpine patches to subtropical forests. Reach the village of Gho stopping through some of the smaller settlements in the way. Overnight at a hotel in Gho.
Gho to Dharapani, Beshisahar by public jeep
830 m, Beshisahar 2 hours, 4.5 hours of drive B,L,D Lodge
Today is the Last day of your Manaslu trek, and you will trek from Gho to Dharapani. The scenic downhill trek will pass through a number of small villages and hilly terrace farmlands. You can have your lunch at Dharapani before continuing your journey by a local jeep to Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, you can rest and replenish your memories of this magnificent trek. Overnight at a lodge in Besisahar.
*Note: You can also customize your itinerary trekking to Pokhara continuing in the Annapurna Circuit trek route.
Return drive to Kathmandu
1340m, Kathmandu 6 hours drive B,L Hotel
After your breakfast and tasting some local snacks in Besisahar, we will take a local bus back to Kathmandu. This scenic hill highway drive passes through some of the iconic settlements; you will take brief stops in them. The hilly landscape and views of the TrishuliRiver beside will make this drive come to life. Drive back to your hotel and head for the evening stroll around it. Involve in some souvenir shopping in the beautiful street markets here. Overnight at Kathmandu.
*Note: You will also have options of hiring private Jeep/car/van for the drive back to Kathmandu.
Departure from TIA
B
Being the last day of your tour, you can revisit your favorite places, restaurants, pubs, monuments near your hotel in your spare time. We will Pick up from your respective hotel and transfer before a couple of hours before your flight. Return to your home with stories and memories of this beautiful trek.
Whats Included?
- Pick-up and drop-off service at Trivuwan International Airport in Kathmandu by private Car/Van/Bus depending on group size.
- 3 Nights Standard Hotel in Kathmandu on BB Plan.
- Kathmandu-Soti Khola and Besishahar -Kathmandu by Bus .
- Dharapani - Besishahar by public Jeep.
- All the Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and accommodation during the trek.
- One experienced and qualified English speaking guide and trekkers 2: 1 porter.
- Manaslu restricted trekking permit fee.
- Manaslu / Annapurna Conservation area (MCAP) and (ACAP) permit fee.
- First Aids Kit.
- Local seasonal fresh fruit like apple and Pomegranates etc.
- Duffel Bag.
- Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, we use every day to check your oxygen level and pulse in your body to minimize high risk.
- Himalaya Trip T-short.
- Farewell Dinner in Nepali Authentic Restaurant in Kathmandu.
13% government VAT and Official charge.
Whats not Included?
- International airfare and visa fee (15 days for USD$25 and 30 days for USD$40).
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- All the drinks such as: tea, coffee, coke, beer, mineral water etc.
- Your Trekking Gears and Personal shopping.
- Hot Shower, Battery charge, Boiled water, WIFI etc.
- Your travel insurance which should include emergency rescue.
- Tips for the staffs.
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
Are you interested in planning a Custom Trip now? It takes only 2 minutes! Customize this tripTrip Reviews
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The whole Manaslu trek was a Wonderful experience! We enjoyed it thoroughly. Our guide Om an our porter Ram were just pefect in assisting, organizing and telling us everything we wanted to know. The weather at the beginning of October was also perfect. Not to forget Harka, who organized everything very well from Kathmandu. I can highly recomend Nepal hidden treks and expeditions! Rainer Goetzelman
, October 26, 2018
Manaslu circuit trek and Tsum valley
Harka provided us a confident and great guide for the Manaslu circuit trek and Tsum valley. We were 23 days in the mountains which was amazing. our guide was very reliable and helped with the meals and homestay accommodation. We also found him fun and a good companion for the journey. Overall we highly recommend Manaslu circuit and Nepal Hidden Treks.
U.K, August 23, 2016
Essential Infos
When Is The Best Time To Do This Trek?
We organize this trek every day in whole year. But if you are planning to do this trek at the best time. We recommend you following time.
- Winter (December – February): This is coldest time of the year. It will be difficult to trek because of there will be heavy snow. There is high chance to closed the trek during this time.
- Spring (March – May): This is best time to trek on Manaslu trek. You will have wonderful weather with warm temperature. You will also have chances to see the Rhododendron flowers.
- Summer (June – August): This is monsoon in Nepal. There is chances of raining every day and it will be cloudy and risk of landslide. The rain poncho or rain jacket is needed.
- Autumn (September – November): This is another best time to do this trek. After the raining season. It will be fresh and clear weather will be appear. It will be warm temperature.
What Kind Of Foods Do We Expect During The Trek ?
The Lodges have Menu; you will have your own choice. The foods are hygienic. But it is not like cities foods. Non-veg food are not recommend. It is not fresh and hygienic .
- Breakfast: Simple Breakfast (Eggs any item has-brown potato, toast or Tibetan Bread, Pancake, Muesli, Oat Porridge etc.)
- Lunch: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam,Tomato Hot spicy, Chicken curry optional), Macorani , Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Friend Rice, Fried Noodles, French fries etc.
- Dinner: Nepali Thali (Plain Rice, Lentil soup, Potato Curry, Green Vegetable, Papadam,Tomato Hot spicy or pickle, Chicken curry optional), Macorani , Spaghetti, Potato item, Mo.Mo or dumpling, Pizza, Friend Rice, Fried Noodles, French fries etc.
- Dessert: Fresh Fruit (Apple, orange, pomegranates, Banana with any seasonal fruit) serve as sweet dessert.
Note: All the drinks soft, hot, hard drinks are not included.
Packing List
- Trekking boots (If new boots are purchased, “break them in” to avoid blisters) and spare laces
- Hat (Warm),scarf and gloves
- Trousers (Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
- Running shoes, sandals or thongs (To wear in the camp at night or when your boots are wet).
- Shorts and trousers
- Wool-blend socks, liner socks and under wear(three pairs)
- Thermal underwear
- Sunhat
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts (two or three) and long sleeved shirt with collar (long sleeved – shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.)
- Laundry soap powder or bar
- Toilet paper
- Sunscreen (SPF 20+) and lip guard
- Sunglasses
- Pocket knife
- Iodine ,water-purification tablets or filter
- Insect repellent ( for lower elevation)
- Stuff sacks
- Earplugs
- Back pack
- Sleeping back and silk liner
- Water bottle
- Torch (flashlight),spare batteries and bulbs
- Duffle bag
- Crampon
- Down jacket
- Camera ,memory card and battery charger( spare batteries)
- Books and magazines
- Trekking poles
- Quick- drying camp towel
- Day pack (This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day e.g. toilet items, cameras, towel, soap, chocolate bar etc.)
- 2-4 large plastic bags: to separate clean clothes from dirty ones
- Personal medical supplies
Visa information
You will get on arrival Visa in Kathmandu International Airport . If you fill up this form Department of Immigration Nepal and bring it with you from there. It will be much faster and avoid the long queue.
Visa Fee required to obtain Tourist Visa from Nepalese diplomatic agencies and entry points:
- US $ 30 or equivalent foreign currency for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days.
- US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days.
- US $ 125 or equivalent foreign currency for Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 100 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have extra time in Kathmandu, you have different kind of activities which can be done around Kathmandu. They are; 1. Nagarkot Sunrise tour with 3-4 Hour hike to Changunarayan Temple or 5-6 hours hike to Dhulikhel. 2. Everest experience flight by plane or Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour 3. Kathmandu World heritage tour 4. 2 nights / 3 days Chitwan Jungle Safari tour 5. Bunjy Jump 6. Trishuli or Bhote Koshi river rafting
You will take necessary gears with you on the trek. The remaining gears, you will store at your Hotel in Kathmandu or in my office in Kathmandu. It is free of cost.
If you are interested to take private Jeep instead of taking public bus. You have option for this. You may take this service by paying additional cost.
If you are more than 2 people, we organize private trek at your desire date. The price will be same as group joining.
I prefer the remaining payment cash US dollar, Euro, Pound sterling, Nepali currency etc. If you pay by credit card, it takes some time to collect in my bank account and you will charge extra 4%.
We have different options to make the deposit. You may choose according to your convenient. They are Bank Transfer, Credit card payment, Western union etc. For the online credit card payment, kindly go through this link of Nepal Hidden Treks , this is the easiest way to make the payment. If you use bank transfer, I will send it you by email.
We are so pleased to organize your trek. Please, kindly scan or photo of passport copy, passport size photo by email or WhatsApp +977-9851196388 and deposit 25% of total amout. We will confirm your booking.
Yeah, if you want to book your Hotel in Kathmandu on your chooice. It is possible to book Manaslu trek only. The price of Hotel will be reduce. And if you book Manaslu Trek only, It will be 13 days Manaslu Trek.
Yeah, we organize Manaslu Tea house trek. All the places, you will stay at Tea House and the foods at the restaurant in the Lodge.
This trek is the restricted area, it requires a Manaslu Restricted permit issued by Department of Immigration Nepal, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit which is arranged by our company and a government certificate holder trekking guide led the group. All the permit are included in the package.
You have your own sleeping bag, you may bring it with you. If you do not have, we will provide you sleeping bag . Rest of them, you can buy in Kathmandu.
We also organize single traveler for this trek. But you have to pay single supplement cost.
There is no any Bank or ATM or money exchange during this trek. You have to take extra Nepali rupees from Kathmandu.
Hot Shower is available on the trek. You can have shower by paying extra charge.
- Ask permission to photograph people.
- Do not remove or purchase antiques, it is illegal.
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes and avoid outward displays of physical affection.
There are available of natural spring water. You can use the spring water by putting water purifying tablet or use the filter. It is also possible to buy mineral water and boiled water.
The highest point of this trek is Larkya La Pass (5106m). We give this trek grade 4. Grade 1 is easiest and grade 5 is hardest trek.
Yeah, Internet or WIFI is available on this trek. But you have to pay to use WIFI .
The Lodges or Tea Houses do not have enough blanket, you have to take sleeping bag with you.
We provide one twin bed private common room for 2 people. You have to share Toilet and Bathroom.
We organize small group trek everyday. Everyday is available to book this trek.