- This is a fantastic view of the 8th highest mountain, Mount Manaslu, along with other surrounding peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Cheo Himal, Himalchuli, and many more.
- Passing a challenging and beautiful pass, Larkhya La Pass (51060m), which is also the highest passing point of the trek.
- Explore the local culture and traditions of different ethnic people such as Gurung, Sherpa, and Tibetans.
- Termed to the best remote trekking trial with less crowd and untouched natural beauty.
- Exploration of Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) and Birendra Lake made by the Manaslu Glacier.
- Visiting Nubri Monastery and Pungyen Monastery and passing through Chhortens and Mane walls across the trial.
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Manaslu Trek – 17 Days
Country
Nepal Tour and Trek Packages
Duration
17 Days
Difficulty
Sophisticated
Activity
Trekking
Best Season
October – November, and March – April
Region
Restricted Area Treks in Nepal
Start / End Point
Gorkha / Bensi Sahar
Max. Altitude
5120m
Group Size
2 - 99
Highlights of Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Trek – 17 Days Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
(1350m / 4,430ft)
Upon arrival, our representative will greet you, warmly receive you, and assist you in transferring to the hotel. After some refreshments, we will meet in the office to briefly discuss the last-minute specifics of the trek and have a Nepali dinner. In the evening, you can explore the Thamel area by yourself.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
After breakfast, we start our sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. First, we visit Swoyambhunath, a beautiful Buddhist monastery, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched at the top of a hill—an excellent viewpoint to see Kathmandu. After visiting these historical heritages of great importance, we leave the rest of the day at your leisure. At your interest, you can wander around the small, lively streets in Thamel and shop along with hundreds of colorful shops.
Drive to Maccha Khola
Trek Distance
900m, 1952 ft
After early breakfast, we start our drive to Machha Khola (Fish River). Our drive will be around eight to nine hours from Kathmandu. Machha Khola is a village stream in the river. Overnight stay in a lodge or guest house.
- Driving Hours: 8-9 hours
- Driving Distance: 160 km /99.4 miles
Trek to Jagat
Trek Distance
14.6 km/ 9 miles
Trek Duration
7 hours
Highest Altitude
1340m, 4,396 ft
After breakfast, we start our trek through the narrow trekking trail with minor ups and downs. We eventually cross the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reach Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs, there is a small trailside hot spring from where we reach Tatopani. From the Hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, climb over a hill, trek along the river, and then climb towards the village of Jagat.
Trek to Deng
Trek Distance
17 km/10.5 mile
Trek Duration
6-7 hours
Highest Altitude
1,860m/ 6,102 ft
After breakfast, we begin our trek. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays fairly level as it traverses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, trek along the west bank for a while, cross to the east bank, and then back again. As we keep walking, the valley widens through bamboo forests and goes to Deng Khola.
Trek to Ghap
Trek Distance
7.7 km/ 4.8 miles
Trek Duration
3-4 hours
Highest Altitude
2,250m/ 7381 ft
After a short distance beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki onto the north bank and climb to Rana at 1980m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Making ups and downs in forests, we pass mani walls, then turn to a corner and contours to Ghap. You can make a side trip to Prok. Visit the Tibetan Gompas at Prok. There is also an MCAP office in the Prok villa.
Trek to Lho
Trek Distance
14 km / 8.6 miles
Trek Duration
7-8 hours
Highest Altitude
3,180m /10,433 ft
The path follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense, and the trail is fine again. Climbing steadily in the shade of a forest takes us to Lihi, a fine village with many chortles and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal. A Chorten with detailed paintings announces Sho, another nice village with fine views up the open valley. We must climb one final steep slope and then reach the houses lined up on a ridge.
Trek to Samagaon
Trek Distance
7 km/ 4.3 miles
Trek Duration
4 hours
Highest Altitude
3,530 m/ 11,581 ft
The Buri Gandaki is far down, but we follow a small tributary instead. Walking in the shady fir forest is very enjoyable, and it is a short climb to a plateau and the village of Shyala. Huge mountains surround us: Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, other snow summits to the right, and at the far end of the valley we have just come from stands Ganesh Himal. From a large chorten, we look down into a little dip where two rows of houses form the main part of Sama. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley, stands the well-known monastery of Sama.
Acclimatization day in Samagaon
We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Ponder at the thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. Meet the village women in Samagaon who wear lovely silver spoons as jewelry. An old Gompa is on a little hill near Samagaon. Take a side trip to Pungyen Gompa, a monastery with great glacier views. The mountain is named after Manaslu; Pungyen describes the two peaks well, which means bracelet.
Trek to Samdo
Trek Distance
7 km / 4.3 mile
Trek Duration
3/4 hours
Highest Altitude
3860m / 12,713 ft
Descend to the Budhi Gandaki, which has turned north, and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp trek. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley widens. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river, passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, and climb steeply onto a promontory between two river forks. From a stone arch, we can see a large white Kani. Finally passing through the Kani, we find Samdo.
Trek to Dharamsala
Trek Distance
6 km/ 3.7 miles
Trek Duration
4 hours
Highest Altitude
4460m / 14,632 ft
We continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Buri Gandaki, and begin walking upward. Cross two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier. Go around the valley of the Salka Khola, climb up again, and come to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larkya Phedi. We spent overnight here today and have a rest to prepare for tomorrow’s crossing of the famous and most awaited Larkya Pass. The short walk today also leaves ample time for acclimatization and afternoon relaxation.
Trek to Bimthang (3,590m/ 11,778 f ) via Larke Pass (5106 m / 16,751 ft)
Trek Distance
14.6 km/ 9 miles
Trek Duration
7 hours
Highest Altitude
5106 m / 16,751 ft
After a short climb, we reach the Ablation Valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent that becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. In the past, there have been outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the huge Annapurna II. Savor the spectacular views from the top of the pass. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in and Manaslu, you cannot miss this experience.
Trek to Gho
Trek Distance
12km / 7.5 miles
Trek Duration
5 hours
Highest Altitude
2515m/ 8,251 ft
Cross the high pasture and descend the valley of the Burdin Khola. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the southeast and Annapurna II to the southwest. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land at Karcher, 2785 meters. From here, we cross a slide and fields before climbing steeply over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho
Trek to Dharapani
Trek Distance
7 km / 4.3 miles
Trek Duration
4 hours
Highest Altitude
1963m, 6,440 ft
Continue through the fields, over a clear stream, passing through the houses and fields interspersed with rhododendrons and oak forests. Staying on the north bank, we trek into Tilje. Climb over a small ridge to the stone-paved village and wind among the closely spaced houses of this large Village. Leaving the village, cross the Dudh Khola and trek along the river embankment. Cross a wooden bridge back to the northern side of the Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch and past a mani wall to Thonje. At the village of Thonje, we go through a police checkpoint and then continue to Dharapani.
Drive to Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
1350m/ 4,430 ft
The Marsyandi valley opens, and on its bank, terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides are the age-old work of the Nepalese farmers. We cross several interesting villages, such as Bhulbhule and Khudi. Then, we drive on a flat part alongside the left bank of the Marsyandi to Besi Sahar, a dusty and busy place, and further drive back to Kathmandu.
- Driving Hours: 8-9 hours
- Driving Distance: 220 km /99.4 miles
Rest and free day in Kathmandu
On this day, you can explore Kathmandu Valley and shop for souvenirs.
Departure
We will arrange your transfer to the Tribhuwan International Airport three hours before departure. Enjoy your flight back home, and may you cherish the memories from your trip for a lifetime.
What is included?
- Arrival and transfer transport from to international airport in Kathmandu
- Welcome dinner by arrival
- Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
- Culture guide and private transport during sightseeing in Kathmandu
- 3 meals a day during trekking (B, L, D)
- Government licensed trekking guide and 1 porter for two clients
- Staff insurance, wages, equipment and local transport
- Accommodation in lodge, local house during trekking
- Special Manaslu permit and Annapurna /manasalu conservation fee
- Public transport to Machhakhola and from Dharapani to Kathmandu
What is excluded?
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal insurance and helicopter rescue in case of emergency
- International flight ticket
- Nepal visa fee
- Monument entrance fee during sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses
- Wi-fi Charge and hot shower
- Tips for staff
- Other services which are not mention above program
Essential Information
The Difficulty of Manaslu Trekking
This Trekking is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. The Buri Gandaki Valley, which you must cross during the trek, does not allow you to walk through the valley. You have to climb and step back, and then climb again and step back because there is no other option.
The trek leads through several climatic zones, including hot and humid regions along the Buhri Gandaki and the Marsyangdi Khola in the Annapurna region. The ground in this region can be muddy and slippery, and you must navigate through small villages and jagged ravines with very cliffs.
The trek also leads across grassy slopes, scree snow, and ice near the Larkya La (5106m). The slopes are occasionally quite steep, and the Larkya La can drop a lot of snow nearby. The daily hiking period will vary from 2 to 10 hours, and you must ascend and/or descend approximately 300m to 1000m daily.
Equipment
Trekking to the Manaslu Circuit requires the best preparation and planning. With its off-the-beaten-path, you must also have the proper set of gear and equipment. This proper set of essentials helps you to make a safe and enjoyable trekking adventure. But what set of equipment is essential? Here is the list of essentials you need if you are trekking to this remote destination:
- Backpack (40-50 liters)
- Trekking boots
- Clothing layers (base, insulation, waterproof)
- Sleeping bag (warm)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- Water bottles/hydration system
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen/lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
- Towel
- Snacks/energy bars
- Map/navigation
- Camera
- Cash
- Trekking permit and TIMS card
- Insurance
- Portable charger/power bank
- Trash bags
- Durable duffel bag
Accommodation During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Considered the best tea house trekking in Nepal, this circuit offers two primary options for accommodations: Tea Houses and Camping. Even though the trail is remote, you don’t need to sleep uncomfortably in sleeping bags.
Teahouses
The teahouses provide basic lodging and meals with a cozy atmosphere. This is one of the best chances to experience local hospitality. They usually consist of small rooms with beds or sleeping mats and often have shared bathroom facilities. The rooms are modestly furnished, offering a place to rest after a day of trekking. Additionally, they offer a communal dining area where you can meet other trekkers and share experiences. The atmosphere of the tea houses is cozy and rustic, offering the best remote experience.
Camping
Back in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it was about the camping route before the tea house started. If you are looking for wild adventure, how about camping? It is the best opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Manaslu region and have some thrills. Ensure the price of camping in the area is slightly higher than tea houses. This option entails carrying essential equipment such as tents, fuel, cooking supplies, stoves, belongings, and a dedicated crew. Camping forever remains unparalleled for those seeking an authentic and undisturbed encounter in this region.
FAQs For Manaslu Trek – 17 Days
How far is Manaslu from Kathmandu?
Is Manaslu harder than Everest?
Can you trek the Manaslu Circuit without a guide?
How do you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Do I need training to trek Manaslu?
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek safe?
Where does Manaslu Trek start?
What is the highest point of the Manaslu trek?
Why is Manaslu so popular?
Manaslu Trek Permit
If you are trekking to Manaslu, you need three permits: a Special Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservational Area Permit, and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. These permits are crucial for ensuring environmental protection, managing tourism flow, and supporting local communities. Let’s learn more about each in depth.
Special Restricted Area Permit
This is the primary permit required for trekking in the Manaslu region. The Nepal Immigration Office in Kathmandu or authorized trekking agencies issue it. It allows tourists to enter and trek within the restricted area of Manaslu.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
It is most suitable for trekking in the Manaslu Region, as the route lies inside it. The National Trust for Nature Conservation issues trekking permits through registered trekking agencies.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
This permit is essential because the Manaslu Circuit trek passes through parts of the Annapurna Conservation Ares. The tourism board in Kathmandu issues it, or you can also get it at the gate of the conservation area.
Transportation
For the Manaslu Circuit trek, transportation usually starts with a bus or jeep ride from Kathmandu to the trailhead in Soti Khola or Arughat. This journey takes 6-8 hours, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages. Once you reach the location, you begin the adventure on foot, navigating through picturesque trails, suspension bridges, and traditional Nepali villages.
Similarly, at the end of the trek, you can arrange transportation from the trek endpoint, usually in Besisahar or Dharapani, back to Kathmandu. This involves another bus or jeep ride, offering trekkers a chance to reflect on their journey while enjoying the stunning views of the Himalayan foothills. Overall, transportation combines road travel with trekking, providing an immersive experience.
Plan your trip on your own date
Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.
Travler Reviews
Three Idiots’ Manaslu Circuit Trekking
We came back to Himalayan Leaders for yet another Nepal epic excursion! Last was in 2017 on an epic Annapurna Circuit MTB Ride. This round on Manaslu Circuit Trekking though.
We did a 13 days Manaslu Circuit Trekking as recommended by Mr. Jagat personally for the mesmerising scenery through both Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Regions.
We want to record our gratitude to Jagat for his chosen and too, our Guide Babu & his assistant, Prem, for the care and special attendance to our well being throughout the long daily trekking. We were told ahead and provided with crampons during the snow capped downhill stretch from Larkya Pass to Larkya Phedi, making our trekking more sure footed and enjoyable. We have occasions when Babu checked on us to ensure we were warmed for the night, brought us a warmer blanket. Prem too demonstrated a most professional act of back tracking 1+hrs to meet us with raincoats, making sure we were well protected during the final stretch of o heavy downpour before Bhimthang. We were so grateful to have both of them.
Yeah, not to forget the scenic treks around Mt. Manaslu, Birendra Lake with Manaslu perches right in front, glimpse of Annarpurna and the pretty big pine forests toward Bhimthang. Oh! Witnessed an avalanche right in front of our eyes. We have them all !
Yet, such a memorable and beautiful experience!! Big cheers to Himalayan Leaders for the excellent deliverance! Namaste !
We will be back for more !
By Three “Strong” Idiots (Uncles)
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