Manaslu Circuit Trek – A Hidden Himalayan Gem Kathmandu to Kathmandu – 17 Night / 18 Days
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 to 14 participants. 👉 “One Destination. One Small Group. One True Adventure.”
🗓️ 18 Days – Arrival to Departure
👥 Small Group | 4–14 Participants
🚩 Guaranteed Departure
🎒 Guided by English Speaking Trek Leader or Hire Prasan
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most dramatic, remote, and culturally rich treks. Circling the world’s eighth-highest mountain—Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—this trail offers a pristine Himalayan experience with fewer crowds than Annapurna or Everest. You’ll pass through Tibetan-influenced villages, cross high suspension bridges, and ascend to the breathtaking Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters.
Compared to more commercialized routes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers unmatched authenticity. You’ll walk through restricted areas that require a special permit, meet warm-hearted locals from the Nubri and Tsum ethnic groups, and witness an ever-changing landscape—from lush rice paddies to glacial moraines.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or an adventurous first-timer, this journey is a rare opportunity to discover the wild side of the Himalayas.
Why Trek the Manaslu Circuit With Prasan?
Join me, your experienced, local trek and wellness guide with over 10 years of guiding in Nepal’s most beautiful and remote regions. Manaslu is close to my heart, and I ensure your experience is not only safe but soulful.
✅ Government-licensed, trusted, and deeply experienced
✅ Trekking with purpose—supporting local homestays and communities
✅ Focus on safety, culture, and mindful adventure
✅ Certified in first aid and high-altitude awareness
✅ Daily yoga, breathwork, and meditation sessions for balance and wellness
✅ Eco-conscious and culturally guiding
Walk with someone who knows every trail, every turn, and every village story in the Manaslu region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
- Cross the thrilling Larke La Pass (5,106m)
- Explore the ancient Tibetan-style village of Samagaon
- Stay in remote, community-run tea houses
- Witness stunning views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli
- Acclimatize gently with mindful pace and guided wellness sessions
- Enjoy deep cultural immersion with the Nubri people
- Trek through restricted zones with special permits for a less-touristed trail
🗓️ Manaslu Circuit Trek outline itinerary
Kathmandu to Kathmandu – 16 Nights / 17 Days
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) – airport pickup and hotel transfer
- Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu (1,400m) – rest, explore, and prepare for trek
- Day 03: Drive to Machha Khola (870m) – 8–9 hrs scenic drive via Arughat & Soti Khola
- Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,340m) – 6–7 hrs walk through villages and riverbanks
- Day 05: Trek to Deng (1,860m) – 6–7 hrs forested trail with waterfalls
- Day 06: Trek to Namrung (2,630m) – 6–7 hrs with views of snow peaks and mani walls
- Day 07: Trek to Lho (3,180m) – 4–5 hrs walk with Mt. Manaslu first visible
- Day 08: Trek to Samagaon (3,530m) – 4–5 hrs through alpine pastures and chortens
- Day 09: Acclimatization day in Samagaon – optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa
- Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,860m) – 3–4 hrs gradual walk near Tibet border
- Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460m) – 4–5 hrs ascending to high-altitude camp
- Day 12: Cross Larke La Pass (5,106m), trek to Bhimthang (3,590m) – 8–9 hrs tough but epic day
- Day 13: Trek to Gho (2,515m) – 5–6 hrs descent through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests
- Day 14: Trek to Dharapani, drive to Besisahar (1,300m) – 4 hrs walk & 3 hrs jeep ride
- Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 6–7 hrs overland return
- Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu – relax, shop, or enjoy cultural sites
- Day 17: International departure – transfer to airport for your flight home
🏔️ Manaslu Circuit Trek – Detailed Itinerary
A soulful Himalayan journey through hidden valleys, ancient culture & wild landscapes
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 17-day journey through remote Himalayan valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages, and dramatic mountain scenery. Starting from Machha Khola, the trail leads you to the iconic Larke La Pass (5,106m) before descending into lush forests and alpine meadows. Perfect for trekkers seeking raw beauty, fewer crowds, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Activities: Airport pickup and hotel transfer
Accommodation: Serenity Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Once settled, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and trek briefing. You’ll get to meet your guide, ask questions, and go through a final gear checklist.
Day 2: Free Day in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Activities: Rest or explore Kathmandu
Accommodation: Serenity Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a flexible day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Visit UNESCO sites like Boudhanath or Swayambhunath, stroll around Thamel’s colorful markets, or just relax. In the afternoon, we’ll reconfirm permits, gear, and logistics. Get ready—your Manaslu adventure starts tomorrow.
Day 3: Drive to Machha Khola (870m)
Activities: Long scenic drive via Arughat & Soti Khola
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We depart early for Machha Khola, driving through scenic hillsides, rivers, and rural villages. The road is a mix of paved and off-road tracks, especially beyond Arughat. Though long, the drive offers amazing first glimpses of Nepal’s rugged beauty.
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1,340m)
Activities: Trek along the Budhi Gandaki River
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail today follows the Budhi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls, rice terraces, and forested sections. You’ll reach Jagat, a traditional stone village and checkpoint for entering the restricted Manaslu region.
Day 5: Trek to Deng (1,860m)
Activities: River crossings, forest trails, and rocky paths
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s route climbs and descends along cliffs, through bamboo forests and villages like Salleri and Philim. The river gorge narrows, and the terrain becomes wilder as we reach Deng, a peaceful village with mountain views.
Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2,630m)
Activities: Forest walk and cultural shift to Tibetan influence
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail ascends gradually through forests of pine and oak, with glimpses of Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal. As you reach Namrung, you’ll notice a shift in architecture and language—welcome to the Tibetan-influenced Nubri region.
Day 7: Trek to Lho (3,180m)
Activities: Mountain views and spiritual villages
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue past mani walls and prayer wheels, trekking through barley fields and small settlements. The trail offers stunning views of Manaslu and Naike Peak. In Lho, you can visit a beautiful monastery and soak in your first close view of Manaslu.
Day 8: Trek to Samagaon (3,530m)
Activities: Short trek through alpine terrain
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a relatively gentle walk to Samagaon, the spiritual and cultural heart of the region. Along the way, you’ll pass yak pastures and chortens with colorful prayer flags. Samagaon sits beneath mighty Manaslu and is home to friendly villagers and ancient gompas.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon (3,530m)
Activities: Optional hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
To help with acclimatization, we stay in Samagaon and take a side hike. You can hike to Pungyen Gompa for panoramic views or trek toward Manaslu Base Camp. The slower pace helps your body adjust to the altitude while allowing time to explore this sacred area.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,860m)
Activities: Gradual walk near the Tibetan border
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The landscape becomes more barren and dramatic. We walk past birch forests and yak grazing fields, eventually arriving in Samdo—a windswept Tibetan-style village with just a few hundred residents. The views here are immense, and the vibe is raw and remote.
Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi) (4,460m)
Activities: Ascend to high camp for pass crossing
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This short day helps with acclimatization before crossing the Larke Pass. The trail climbs steadily through rocky terrain and reaches Dharamsala (also called Larke Phedi), a basic but strategic stop for trekkers. Rest well—tomorrow is the biggest day of the trek.
Day 12: Cross Larke La Pass (5,106m), Trek to Bhimthang (3,590m)
Activities: Long, challenging day with stunning Himalayan views
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start early to cross Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The climb is gradual but demanding, especially in thin air. At the top, you’ll see an epic panorama: Himlung, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, and Kanggurus.
The descent to Bhimthang is steep but rewarding. This is one of the most scenic Himalayan valleys, surrounded by glaciers and silence.
Day 13: Trek to Gho (2,515m)
Activities: Forest trails, waterfalls, and pasturelands
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A beautiful day of descent through alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests. The landscape transforms as we drop in elevation. Gho is a small Gurung village with friendly locals and cozy tea houses.
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani, Drive to Besisahar (1,300m)
Activities: Final walk and jeep ride out of the mountains
Accommodation: Hotel in Besisahar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We hike a short distance to Dharapani where our trek ends. From here, we take a private jeep along the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar. After days in remote wilderness, the sight of roads and villages feels surreal.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Activities: Return journey by road
Accommodation: Serenity Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic 6–7 hour drive brings us back to Kathmandu. Watch the landscape slowly change from mountains to valleys and cities. Once in the capital, enjoy a warm shower and reflect on the incredible journey.
Day 16: Free Day in Kathmandu
Activities: Optional sightseeing or shopping
Accommodation: Serenity Hotel or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is your buffer day—ideal for shopping, relaxing, or exploring Kathmandu’s temples, markets, and cafés. You can also enjoy a wellness spa treatment to rejuvenate after the trek.
Day 17: International Departure
Activities: Airport transfer
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight. Leave Nepal with a full heart, strong legs, and unforgettable memories of your Manaslu Circuit Trek.
💰 Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost
| Group Size | USD Price | AUD Equivalent | NZD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 14 Trekkers | $1799 per person | AUD $2825 | NZD $2990 |
💡 A single room supplement of USD $99.00 applies for hotel nights in Kathmandu. Private rooms are not guaranteed in the mountain teahouses, especially at higher altitudes.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fully guided, all-inclusive experience with no hidden fees. It includes all accommodation, ground transport, permits, wellness sessions, meals on the trek, and experienced local staff.
Compared to more commercial treks, Manaslu offers unmatched value—with fewer tourists, deeper cultural immersion, and scenery just as breathtaking as Everest or Annapurna.
What’s Included in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- 🚐 Airport transfers – pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- 🏨 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu (twin-share with breakfast)
- 🚙 Private ground transport – Kathmandu ↔ Machha Khola & Dharapani ↔ Kathmandu
- 🧾 All trekking permits – Manaslu Restricted Area, MCAP & ACAP
- 🧭 Licensed English-speaking trekking leader or hire Prasan
- 🏔️ 1 porter per two trekkers (max baggage 10kg per person)
- 🛖 12 nights teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing)
- 🍽️ All meals during the trek – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 🍛 Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
- 💊 Group medical kit and pulse oximeter for altitude checks
- 📜 All government and local taxes included
What’s Not Included
- 🛂 Nepal entry visa (available on arrival – USD $30 for 15 days)
- ✈️ International airfare to/from Nepal
- 🥗 Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome & farewell dinners)
- 🔌 Personal expenses – Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging, laundry, snacks, etc.
- 🏨 Extra hotel nights due to flight delays, itinerary changes, or early trek return
- 🧳 Personal trekking gear – boots, poles, sleeping bag, backpack, etc.
- 🪙 Tipping for guide and porters (recommended: $6–8/day for guide, $4–6/day for porter)
- 🍺 Alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages on the trek
- 🚁 Emergency evacuation & medical treatment (must be covered by your insurance)
- 📱 Travel insurance – mandatory (must include helicopter evacuation up to 5,500m)
- 🎟️ Optional entry fees for Kathmandu sightseeing sites (if you choose to explore)
Additional Information
Your Manaslu Circuit Trek includes all key logistics—accommodation, meals, permits, and ground transport—so you can focus on the journey. You’ll stay in teahouses, enjoy nourishing local meals, and travel by private vehicle (no flights needed).
Bring appropriate trekking gear, carry enough cash for personal expenses, and ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. With expert guidance, wellness support, and a carefully paced itinerary, this trek offers a safe, scenic, and deeply rewarding Himalayan adventure.
🛏️ Accommodation
Your journey includes 2 nights in Kathmandu at a comfortable, tourist-standard hotel (twin-sharing with ensuite bathrooms and daily breakfast). It’s a quiet place to rest before and after the trek.
During the trekking days, accommodation is provided in locally run teahouses—simple mountain lodges that reflect the character of each village you pass through. Rooms are basic but clean, usually with twin beds and shared toilets. At lower altitudes, you may find teahouses with hot showers and electricity for charging devices (for a small fee). Higher up, especially near the Larke Pass, facilities become more rustic—but the warm hospitality of the mountain families and stunning views more than make up for it.
🍽️ Meals
All meals during the trek—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included in your package. These meals are cooked fresh at the teahouses and are designed to fuel you for the day’s trek. You’ll enjoy classic Himalayan dishes like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), vegetable noodles, Tibetan bread, pancakes, momos, and hearty soups.
Breakfast is typically served around 7:00 AM before the day’s walk. Lunch is enjoyed at a midway village, and dinner is served shortly after you settle in for the night. Teahouses offer a surprisingly varied menu—especially at lower elevations.
Welcome and farewell dinners are also included in Kathmandu to celebrate the beginning and end of your journey. In Kathmandu, meals beyond these dinners are not included to give you flexibility to explore local restaurants and cuisines.
🚙 Transportation & Trail Access
All your overland transportation is fully arranged and included. You’ll travel in a private jeep or tourist vehicle from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (your trek starting point), and again from Dharapani to Besisahar, and onward to Kathmandu at the end of the trek. These long but scenic drives take you through Nepal’s beautiful hills, terraced farmland, and traditional villages.
No domestic flights are needed—eliminating the risk of flight delays or cancellations. The Manaslu trail itself is wild and adventurous, tracing the Budhi Gandaki River through steep gorges, forested ridges, suspension bridges, and ancient villages before rising to the Larke La Pass (5,106m) and descending into the Annapurna region.
💧 Drinking Water
Staying hydrated at altitude is crucial. Boiled or filtered drinking water is available at teahouses for refilling your bottles. For added safety, we recommend carrying water purification tablets or a UV SteriPen.
We strongly encourage you to bring a reusable bottle or bladder and avoid single-use plastic bottles to help protect the fragile Himalayan environment.
🧺 Laundry
There are no laundry facilities available on the trail, and drying clothes at high altitude can be difficult due to cold and moisture. We recommend bringing enough changes of lightweight, quick-drying clothing for the trek and doing laundry in Kathmandu before and after your journey.
🩺 Health & Altitude Sickness
Your safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude awareness, and we carry a group medical kit and pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation daily. The itinerary is carefully designed to allow for gradual acclimatization, including a full rest day in Samagaon (3,530m) before ascending further.
Common symptoms like headaches, loss of appetite, or tiredness are monitored closely. If signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) appear, we will slow down, rest, or descend as needed. Your guide will always prioritize your health.
We encourage trekkers to drink 3–4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol, and listen to their body.
🛂 Nepal Visa Information
Getting a visa for Nepal is easy. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You’ll need:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- One passport-size photo
- Cash in USD, EUR, GBP, or a credit card for payment
Visa fees as of 2025 are:
- 15 days – USD $30
- 30 days – USD $50
- 90 days – USD $125
Online visa pre-application is also available via the official Nepal Immigration website to save time at the airport.
💵 Money & Tipping
Once you leave Kathmandu, there are no ATMs or card machines on the trek, so bring sufficient cash in Nepalese rupees (NPR). You’ll need it for snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging, showers, or extra meals not included in your package.
Tipping is customary and appreciated in Nepal. We recommend the following:
- USD $6–8 per day for your guide
- USD $4–6 per day per porter (shared between 2 trekkers)
Tips are given collectively at the end of the trek and are a powerful way to show gratitude to your hardworking crew.
🛡️ Travel Insurance – Mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Travel insurance is compulsory for all participants joining the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The remote nature of the trail, high-altitude exposure, and limited access to medical facilities make comprehensive coverage essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Your insurance must include:
✅ Emergency helicopter evacuation up to at least 5,500 meters
✅ Medical treatment and hospitalization in case of illness or injury
✅ Trip interruption or cancellation due to weather, illness, or unforeseen events
✅ Loss or damage of personal belongings (optional but recommended)
Why is helicopter evacuation required?
In remote regions like Samdo or Larke Phedi, road access is unavailable. In the rare event of altitude sickness or medical emergency, a helicopter is the only way to evacuate quickly. Without insurance, the cost of a rescue flight can exceed USD $4,000–$6,000 out of pocket.
🎒 Packing List
Packing well makes all the difference. You’ll be allowed one duffel bag (10kg max, carried by porters) and one daypack for your essentials. Weather in the Manaslu region can shift quickly, so prepare for everything from warm sun to snow and wind.
Essentials include:
- Waterproof trekking boots (well broken-in)
- Down jacket (rated to at least -10°C)
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Fleece or mid-layer for warmth
- Waterproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Lightweight trekking pants & t-shirts (quick-dry)
- Warm hat, sun hat, neck buff or scarf
- Insulated gloves and liner gloves
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sleeping bag (-10°C or lower rating)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
- Reusable water bottles or hydration system
- Personal toiletries (biodegradable preferred)
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, wet wipes
- Small first aid kit and personal medications
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
A complete checklist will be sent after booking.
🌄 Final Thoughts
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a true Himalayan gem—wilder and less crowded than Everest or Annapurna, yet just as rewarding. Each step brings you deeper into nature, culture, and connection—with the land, the people, and yourself.
Led by a mindful, experienced team, this journey is more than just reaching a pass—it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply, and experiencing the raw and sacred rhythm of the mountains. If you’re seeking authenticity, adventure, and transformation, the Manaslu Circuit Trek will stay with you long after your boots are off.