Manaslu Circuit Trek

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  • Trip Duration 18 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Cost Contact Us
  • Trip Style Trekking
  • Transportation Private Vehicle / Bus
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
  • Accommodation Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and lodge/teahouses during the trek
  • Group-Size 2-10 people
  • Max-Altitude 5,160m/16,924 ft.
  • Arrival on Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
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Manasalu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Region situated on the Norther parts of Gorkha The wonderful Manaslu Circuit Trek Normaly start from Aarughat. Manasalu is also one of the  eighth tallest mountains in the world at 8163 meters is the central attraction. Cultural and natural biodiversity is the unique attraction of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.  The highest point in this trek is the ‘Larkya La Pass’ which is widely believed to be one of the most dramatic pass along the Himalayas.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from lower than 1000 meters then Trekking up to 5,160 meters.  Green valleys and fascinating villages offer impressive snow-capped views of the white Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit Trek gives us a chance to explore the Himalayas from bottom to top and from many different angles and perspectives.  We will explore hilly villages, mountain villages and town villages and compare each lifestyle. We will observe the lifestyle and culture of the mountain people.  For those who love walking in nature and trekking in a less busy part of the Himalayas, there is no question that the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best place to visit.

Trip Highlights

  • Historical, cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • A complete ecosystem in the Himalayas
  • Views of the world’s highest mountains: Manaslu (8th)
  • Crossing the Larkya La over 5,160 m
  • Exploring the Budhi Gandaki River valley
  • Experience the Nepalese and Tibetan mixed cultures

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu, (1,300m/4,264ft).
  • Day 02:Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
  • Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (6,40 m/2,099 ft.), 7-8 hours
  • Day 04:Arughatto SotiKhola (7,10m/2,328 ft.); 4-5 hours
  • Day 05:SotiKhola to MacchaKhola (9,00m/2,952 ft.): 6 - 7 hours
  • Day 06:MacchaKhola to Jagat (1,410m/ 4,625 ft.): 6 - 7 hrs.
  • Day 07:Jagat to Pewa (1,870m/6,135 ft.): 6-7 hrs.
  • Day 08:Pewa to Ghap (2,100m/6,889 ft.): 6-7 hours
  • Day 09:Gharp to Lho (3,180m/10,433 ft.): 5-6 hours
  • Day 10:Lho to Sama (3,500m/11,482 ft.): 4-5 hours
  • Day 11:Samagaon - Samdo (3,860m/12,660 ft.): 4-5 hours
  • Day 12:Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4,460m/14,628 ft.): 4-5 hours
  • Day 13:Dharamsala - Larkya la (5,160m/16, 924 ft.) - Bimthang (3720m/12, 201 ft.): 8-9 hours
  • Day 14:Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430 ft): 6-7 hours
  • Day 15:Dharapani to Jagat(1,300m/4,265 ft): 5-6 hours
  • Day 16:Jagat to Nhagdi Bazaar (8,90m/2,919 ft.) 5-6 hours
  • Day 17:Nhagdi to Kathmandu: 8-9 hours
  • Day 18:Final departure

Cost Includes:

  • Airport / Hotel pick up & drop off by private tourist vehicle.
  • Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals during the trek  
  • Three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Teahouses during the trek.
  • One item per meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Local licensed proficient English speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
  • Food, accommodation, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment and medicine for our staff.
  • Manaslu Trekking and TIMS permit for trekking.
  • Complimentary snacks (cookies, fresh fruits) on the Trek.
  • All Nepali government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.
  • Note: You can spend as much time as you like in the mountains. The above itinerary is a guideline.  If you want to stay longer, we can be flexible and arrange that for you. Please also note that after the formal start your trip we cannot refund any amount.

Cost Excludes:

  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu (Requires approximately USD or equivalent currency $15 to $25 per person per day)
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation (compulsory).
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. See above for information.
  • Mineral water, Alcoholic, and all kind of drinks
  • Kathmandu sightseeing is not include.
  • Personal trekking Equipment.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porter (Tipping is expected).
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Cost Includes' section.
  • Arrival in Kathmandu, (1,300m/4,264ft).Day 01
    Arrival in Kathmandu, (1,300m/4,264ft).

    A hearty welcome to Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital and cultural hub. We’ll be waiting with a warm greeting and easy transfer to your hotel by private tourist car. We will then have an early evening briefing about your trek and introduction to your guide.

    • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
    • Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,428 ft
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek PreparationDay 02
    Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

    Today after breakfast we will go on a cultural tour to some of the most historic and architectural attractions in Kathmandu valley some of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We will visit the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the Hindu divine temple of Pashupatinath. In the evening, you will meet your fellow participants, and briefly discuss our trip.

    • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
    • Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (6,40 m/2,099 ft.), 7-8 hoursDay 03
    Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (6,40 m/2,099 ft.), 7-8 hours

    We will travel by bus from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar. For the first part of the day, the drive follows the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway which then leads to a typical mountain road that takes us to Arughat Bazaar. Stay overnight at a guesthouse.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 7/8 drive
    • Max. Altitude: 6,40 m/2,099 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Arughatto SotiKhola (7,10m/2,328 ft.); 4-5 hoursDay 04
    Arughatto SotiKhola (7,10m/2,328 ft.); 4-5 hours

    The trek from Arughat Bazaar to Soti Khola takes about 4-5 hours. We will trek along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, pass numerous villages and green fields of rice and grain. We will see azalea trees that are completely different than the azaleas in your gardens in Europe or the United States. Soti Khola is a village at the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. With luck, we can swim in the river near the suspension bridge. Stay overnight at a lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 4/5
    • Max. Altitude: 7,10m/2,328 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • SotiKhola to MacchaKhola (9,00m/2,952 ft.): 6 - 7 hoursDay 05
    SotiKhola to MacchaKhola (9,00m/2,952 ft.): 6 - 7 hours

    Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola takes about 6-7 hours. All the time you go along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River but the way is not as flat as a day before. The path is now narrow and zigzag. From time to time you can pass a group of loaded animals. Meeting animals on your way you have to respect the principle: the donkey from the abyss. Stay overnight at lodges in Machha Khola.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 6/7
    • Max. Altitude: 9,00m/2,952 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • MacchaKhola to Jagat (1,410m/ 4,625 ft.): 6 - 7 hrs.Day 06
    MacchaKhola to Jagat (1,410m/ 4,625 ft.): 6 - 7 hrs.

    The trek from Machha Khola to Jagat takes about 6 hours. The most interesting village on your way is Tatopani which has hot springs. We will have lunch here. The trek partly goes across the forest. Do not be surprise when you see marijuana plants. At the end of the trail, we will climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat. Stay Overnight at lodges.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 6/7
    • Max. Altitude: 1,410m/ 4,625 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Jagat to Pewa (1,870m/6,135 ft.): 6-7 hrs.Day 07
    Jagat to Pewa (1,870m/6,135 ft.): 6-7 hrs.

    The trek from Jagat to Pewa takes about 6 to 7 hours. Again we will see tall azalea trees. The main village where you will have lunch is Philim. Before Philim we will cross the river on a suspension bridge, one of the longest on our way. For the first time we will see the white summit of Manaslu. Before reaching Pewa, we will cross the river again. Overnight in Pewa.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 6/7
    • Max. Altitude: 1,870m/6,135 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Pewa to Ghap (2,100m/6,889 ft.): 6-7 hoursDay 08
    Pewa to Ghap (2,100m/6,889 ft.): 6-7 hours

    Trek from Pewa to Ghap takes about 7 hours. If your trek is in spring that day for the first time you will see the blooming rhododendrons. Gharp is the longest village on your way. Stay overnight in lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 6/7
    • Max. Altitude: 2,100m/6,889 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Gharp to Lho (3,180m/10,433 ft.): 5-6 hoursDay 09
    Gharp to Lho (3,180m/10,433 ft.): 5-6 hours

    The trek from Gharp to Lho takes about 5 hours. We will pass a few villages. On the way, we can enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing and many other snowcapped mountains and peaks. Lho is a typical high mountain village and a starting point for those who plan to climb Manaslu. In the afternoon, we can visit a Gompa above the village. There is not only Gompa, but also a school run by monks and volunteers. It is the first day when we might feel the altitude and low evening temperatures. Stay overnight in lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 5-6
    • Max. Altitude: 3,180m/10,433 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Lho to Sama (3,500m/11,482 ft.): 4-5 hoursDay 10
    Lho to Sama (3,500m/11,482 ft.): 4-5 hours

    The trek from Lho to Sama takes about 4 hours and it is an easy day. In the afternoon we can visit a Gompa on the small hill over the village. Stay overnight in lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 4/5
    • Max. Altitude: 3,500m/11,482 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Samagaon - Samdo (3,860m/12,660 ft.): 4-5 hoursDay 11
    Samagaon - Samdo (3,860m/12,660 ft.): 4-5 hours

    The trek from Sama to Samdo takes about 4 hours. We will slowly walk along the valley looking at the very impressive east side of Manaslu. In Samdo, the highest village in the valley, houses are situated very near each other; all are made from stone. We can take a short walk around the village. It is the last place where we can rest before the pass.. The lodge is nice and comfortable. Stay overnight in lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 4/5
    • Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,660 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4,460m/14,628 ft.): 4-5 hoursDay 12
    Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4,460m/14,628 ft.): 4-5 hours

    The trek from Samdo to Dharamsala takes about 4 hours so we do not need to start very early. The camp before the pass is prepared for tourists. On the way, we will cross the road the leads straight to Tibet. From here, China is only 4 km away. Stay overnight in stones houses or large tents.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 4/5
    • Max. Altitude: 4,460m/14,628 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Dharamsala - Larkya la (5,160m/16, 924 ft.) - Bimthang (3720m/12, 201 ft.): 8-9 hoursDay 13
    Dharamsala - Larkya la (5,160m/16, 924 ft.) - Bimthang (3720m/12, 201 ft.): 8-9 hours

    We will start early in the morning around 5 o’clock. The weather has to be perfect to reach the pass about 9-10 o’clock. The beginning and end of the pass is decorated with prayer flags. The pass is really long, steep and exposed. From the pass, we will have beautiful views of Annapurna. Later we will follow a steep downhill path through rock and ice. In fog and in bad weather, it is impossible to see the path because the way is not obvious. Stay overnight in lodge in Bimthang.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 8/9
    • Max. Altitude: 5,160m/16, 924 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430 ft): 6-7 hoursDay 14
    Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430 ft): 6-7 hours

    The trek from Bimthang to Dharapani takes about 6 hours. At first, on the left, we can see excellent views of the north side of Manaslu and on the right, Annapurna. Later we will descend thought rhododendron forests until we reach the highest cultivated land. We can stay in Tilje for night if we still want a quiet atmosphere or hike 1 hour downhill to Dharapani. Dharapani is the junction with the Annapurna trek. Stay overnight in lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 6/7
    • Max. Altitude: 1,960m/6,430 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Dharapani to Jagat(1,300m/4,265 ft): 5-6 hoursDay 15
    Dharapani to Jagat(1,300m/4,265 ft): 5-6 hours

    In the morning we will start another day along the Marshyangdi River Valley. The first hour of hiking is an easy walk. Along the way are very nice waterfalls. We cross a suspension bridge, and then the trail goes gradually downhill. The trail continues heading downhill until we reach Tal, which is very nice village on the bank of Marshyangdi River. As we hike today, we will meet people on the Annapurna Trek. The road can be a little bit crowded. We pass a few villages and nice waterfalls. Stay overnight in lodge.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 5/6
    • Max. Altitude: 1,300m/4,265 ft
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Jagat to Nhagdi Bazaar (8,90m/2,919 ft.) 5-6 hoursDay 16
    Jagat to Nhagdi Bazaar (8,90m/2,919 ft.) 5-6 hours

    The trek from Jaget to Nhagdi Bazaar takes about 5 hours. We will cross several mountain villages, a suspension bridge and nice subtropical forests. Finally, we will reach in Nhagdi Bazaar, which is the last teahouse in the mountains. It is quiet and comfortable. Stay overnight at teahouse.

    • Accommodation: Teahouse/ Lodge
    • Walking hours: 5/6
    • Max. Altitude: 8,90m/2,919 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Nhagdi to Kathmandu: 8-9 hoursDay 17
    Nhagdi to Kathmandu: 8-9 hours

    The drive from Nhagdi to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar give us the opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes. Beautiful river valleys with the rice and millet fields will be refreshing views on this long drive. Finally in the afternoon, we will reach Kathmandu. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, there will be a farewell dinner in the evening. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
    *Note: Another option is to take a private jeep from Nhagdi to Kathmandu for the extra cost of USD $120. With this alternative, we can take a two hour break and visit Manakamana. It is one of the most important places for Hindu culture and religion.
    *this is an option. Please, inform us, before the start this trip, if you would like to take the jeep.

    • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
    • Walking hours: 8/9 drive
    • Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429 ft.
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • Final departureDay 18
    Final departure

    Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! Wish you all the best!! We can exchange emails and photos with your travel companions and Zam Zam Trekking P. LTD. A representative from Zam Zam Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

    • Meal: Breakfast

Departure Detail

Trip Note

You are most welcome to create your own itinerary list. Please note that, if possible, we always suggest that you plan one or two extra days in your trip.