Ground Transportation as Per our plan
Manaslu Circuit Trek is widely called "new Annapurna" among the hiking community but it is, really, more than a mere option that leads one to a rough and unspoiled part of the Himalayas where change by modernity is quite rare. The Himalayas' snowy peaks are the only ones that stay in the shade the whole day, and the riverbed is the only place that gets a little bit of sunlight for a few hours daily. So, the trek around the Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain on earth, which the locals call the "Spirit's Mountain," and which offers a solitude that is indeed difficult to find in the more developed areas of Nepal, actually, is nicknamed "the new Annapurna" by the trekking circles.
The path is a masterclass in natural variety and changes with the altitude. It takes one from the hot and humid, subtropical jungles of the lower hills, through the terraced rice paddies and roaring gorges, to the desolate, windswept Tibetan plateau. The lodges here, as opposed to the crowded tea houses of Everest, are like the homes of the locals, and the trail is not occupied by tourist caravans but by mules carrying rice and salt, and locals turning their prayer wheels as they go from village to village. It is a place where the map is not only in kilometers but also in the slow change of culture from the Hindu lowlands to the devout Buddhist highlands of the Nupri Valley.
Trying this circuit is hard on your body and it is also rewarding for your mind, it is a real journey that ends with the crossing of the Larkya La Pass. More than just having strong legs you also need to have the inclination to switch off from the digital world and get back to the beat of the mountains. If anyone wants an adventure that would give him the excitement of a high-altitude expedition and still let him have a deep cultural immersion, then I think that the Manaslu Circuit is the best tea-house trek in the Himalayas nowadays.
The Manaslu Circuit is a 13 to 15-day trek covering about 177 kilometers (110 miles) in most cases. It is a journey from a rather low start point (approximately 700m at Soti Khola) to the scary Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). As the path goes around the Manaslu massif, you do not go back to the places you have been; thus, every day you encounter totally different nature. The walk is marked as "strenuous" because of the long days and altitude over 3,000 meters, but it can be done by a person with good cardiovascular fitness and some hiking experience.
It is still a "Restricted Area," i.e., there are no trekkers traveling alone – you have to take a licensed guide, and the minimum number of people in your group should be three, including the guide, which is a way of helping to keep it clean and unspoiled.
After that, the trip changes to the tropical green lowlands and most people would take off from Soti Khola or Machha Khola. The first couple of days one fights with the heat instead of cold.
The trail is right at the edge of the steep cliffs, and it is going uphill along the Budhi Gandaki River that is very loud and foaming. You go through sal forests which are the most lush, cross extremely tall suspension bridges that are very shaky and pass over the river that is whitewater and go to the villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar people.
Most of the time the road is very tight, it is made directly into the side of the rock, and you have donkeys passing by that are loaded with goods and their bells are making jingling sounds, going to the high remote villages. This stretch is full of energy and the noise of the river and the jungle makes it even livelier.
Going up after Jagat village and through Deng, not only the nature but also the people change quite a lot. You are passing to Nupri Valley, a region which has a long trade history with Tibet. The humid forests disappear and are replaced by cooler pine and rhododendron woods.
There are stone houses instead of bamboo huts and also you start to see Mani walls - stones on which Buddhist mantras are carved. The air becomes fresh and the deep valleys are getting visible, through which you can see the snow-peaks coming. The change is not only a physical one; the place becomes calm and quiet, probably because of the influence of Tibetan Buddhism.
A walk short in distance but somewhat tiring in nature from Samagaun will take you to Samdo, the highest inhabited valley settlement, at 3860 meters. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village that was set up by the families that had to flee and cross the border close to here.
The place here is a very stark and desolate one, a high-altitude desert of brown earth and grey rock without any trees. Life is harsh; the people are dependent on yaks and a few potatoes grown from their crops.
Samdo is the last checkpoint of human presence for the trekker. It is cold, windy, and ravagingly stunning in its isolation. You can rest here, drink some water, and get yourself mentally ready for the pass that is coming.
After the Samdo trek the trail gradually leaves the village and goes up to Lama Hotel (Larkya Phedi) 4,460 m approx. This location is not a village but a seasonal area that only has a few stone dormitory huts and tents. It is a place that has the absolute minimum of necessities—a place to stop and shelter from the wind before the big push. The place we are talking about has very thin air; it contains only about 60% of the oxygen that is available at sea level.
Altitude often causes people to have trouble sleeping and it gets quite cold when the sun goes down behind the mountains.The atmosphere in the eating room is a combination of nervous excitement and quiet determination as trekkers recharge their batteries with garlic soup and dal bhat and are quite aware that the alarm will ring long before dawn.
The ascent to Larkya La is the hardest part of the entire journey. It may be very darkish, and one usually wakes up around 3:00 or 4:00 AM, and the climb is started by the mild of the headlamps. The cold is very excessive; it isn't always uncommon for water bottles to freeze. The trail goes up slowly but progressively over a glacial moraine which is a heap of rocks and ice taken from the glacier. It is a long stroll, gradual and tiring, and one has to take breathing very consciously in each step. When the sun comes up, it begins to shine on the peaks of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II with golden and red shades.
The remaining step to the prayer flags on the skip, which is at five,106 meters, is very tiring, but the pleasure of the fulfillment is beyond examine. Being at the pass, with not anything however peaks all round, the sensation of achievement is so robust that it's miles tough to specific in words. You are at the very fringe of a razor's blade, or a steep mountain ridge, happening two special valleys and from there, you could see lower back the manner you came and the Annapurna location wherein you are going.
It is a common theory, that what goes up must come down and the descent from Larkya La is indeed very steep and, quite often, one can slip on the ice or free scree that covers the path. Nevertheless, the rocky and harsh terrain gives way to a gentler one as you drop elevation. The Bhimtang valley is the place where you lower your sights, a massive natural amphitheater surrounded by high peaks. Even the view of the west face of Manaslu and the Phungi Himal from there can hardly be compared with the perspectives from the ascent. Bhimtang is a lovely meadow area with comfortable tea houses. The air gets richer in oxygen, and thus, the crossing of the bypass made the meals taste better and the sleep deeper.
The last days of the trek can be compared with the victory lap through some of the most beautiful forests in Nepal. Just after Bhimtang with its alpine scrub, you head down shocking and really deep into very old rhododendron, oak, and pine forests. The smell of the pine needles and the wet earth comes back to you. You go through the village of Tilije, which is famous for its apple brandy and a mix of Manang and Gurung subculture, before finally connecting with the Annapurna Circuit path at Dharapani. Unexpectedly, you are once more on a "toll road" of trekkers, Jeep tracks, and familiar civilization, thus, marking the end of the wilderness isolation.
Due to the area being a restricted area (on the border with Tibet) and the fact that stricter policies are enforced here than usual, Manaslu no longer allows you to obtain these permits for yourself. A registered employer must do the office work for you. You will have 3 special permissions:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The fee adjustments relying on the time of the year (typically one hundred for the first seven days of the fall, and $75 for other seasons) and the permit is valid for the place from Jagat to Dharapani.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit: Just a conservation rate (around $30).
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP): Needed for the relaxation of the walk from Dharapani (round $30).
There may also be a "minimum number of trekkers" condition where if you are a solo hiker the organizations can sometimes work by pairing you with another invisible trekker that they assign you to (but you still need a manual).
Timing is the whole thing at the Manaslu Circuit. The excellent home windows are Autumn (overdue September to November) and Spring (March to May).
Autumn: This is the height season. With the sparkling monsoon rains, the air may be very easy and clean giving the sharpest views of nature. The festivals of Dashain and Tihar typically take vicinity throughout this period, as a consequence, a festive environment may be felt everywhere.
Spring: The wildflowers grow within the valleys making them look very beautiful. The rhododendrons blossom in purple, purple, and white and for this reason, the lower forests appear to be a lawn. It is barely warmer than autumn, however it may be hazier in the afternoons.
Winter and Monsoon: Generally avoided. The Larkya La Pass is often closed because of heavy snow in wintry weather, and the lower trails are leech-infested and slippery in the course of the summer time monsoon.
| Read More: You can read this for complete information about the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. |
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If you're looking for a journey that feels wild and untamed, this is it. The Manaslu Circuit offers vacationers an extraordinary hazard to get away from the "trekking highways" of Nepal and step into an untouched international route in which minutes stretch into hours. It’s quiet here. You don’t have to fight for space on the trail or fear about queues at suspension bridges. Instead, you get to go to far flung Himalayan villages close to the Tibetan border, wherein life moves at the tempo of the seasons. Every stride unveils discoveries—whether or not it’s colorful prayer flags rippling high inside the deep blue sky, rivers carving via deep valleys, or the massive glaciers that appear like frozen rivers of ice. It’s for folks who need the actual Himalayas, without the economic fluff.
You'll stay in teahouses (simple local lodges) most nights, run by welcoming Nepali families. At lower elevations, rooms are fairly comfortable with shared bathrooms; higher up, they're more basic (twin beds, thick blankets, and epic mountain views). Camping isn't necessary unless you specifically want a fully tented trip. In Kathmandu before and after, you'll have proper hotels with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and comforts.
Dal bhat (rice, lentils, veggies, pickles) is the staple—nutritious, filling, and often with free refills for energy. Other common options include momos (dumplings), noodle soups, fried rice, pasta, eggs, porridge, pancakes, and endless cups of milky tea or coffee. Menus are more varied lower down; higher up, choices slim but are still hearty and freshly made. Vegetarian food is widely available—bring energy snacks like nuts or chocolate for the tougher days.
The adventure usually starts with a jeep or local bus ride from Kathmandu to the trailhead (Soti Khola or Machha Khola, 7–10 hours on bumpy roads). The trek ends around Dharapani or Besisahar, followed by another jeep/bus back to Kathmandu.
Train with regular hikes, stairs, and cardio to prepare. Built-in rest/acclimatization days help prevent altitude sickness. Pack a basic first-aid kit (including altitude meds like Diamox if advised by your doctor), stay hydrated, and get comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Consult a doctor for recommended vaccinations well in advance.
Travel coverage is vital for the Manaslu Circuit trek as it is a faraway high altitude trek with restrained medical centers. Your cover have to include climbing up to at the least five,two hundred metres, consisting of emergency helicopter evacuation and clinical treatment. Changes inside the weather, altitude illness or surprise accidents can arise, and having the proper cowl ensures protection, protection and a concise rescue manual if needed.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is considered quite hard specially because of its long walking days, excessive altitude and far off terrain. Although no technical trekking is needed, trekkers want to be physically suit and mentally organised, in particular to move the five 135m excessive Larkya La Pass. Proper optimization, stable pace and previous monitoring enjoy greatly lessen the hassle.
Read More: Difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
A normal day in Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with morning breakfast, accompanied by way of 4 to 7 hours of hiking through forests, villages, rivers and alpine landscapes. Lunch is typically taken along the path at a teahouse, and the afternoon is spent resting or exploring the village. Evenings are quieter with dinner, socializing and coaching for the day ahead, giving hikers a risk to fully revel in mountain lifestyles and the encircling subculture.
| Days | Activity / Route | Elevation (Meters/Feet) | Duration |
| 0 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel | 1350m / 4429ft | — |
| 02 | Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and Trek preparation | 1350m / 4429ft | — |
| 03 | Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola | 930m / 3051ft | 7-8 hours (Drive) |
| 04 | Trek to Jagat | 1,340m / 4395ft | 6-7 hours |
| 05 | Trek from Jagat to Deng | 1860m / 6100ft | 6-7 hours |
| 06 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 2630m / 8626ft | 6-7 hours |
| 07 | Trek from Namrung to Lho Gaon | 3320m / 10892ft | 4-5 hours |
| 08 | Trek from Lho Gaon to Sama Gaon | 3,530m / 11581ft | 4-5 hours |
| 09 | Rest day in Sama Gaon for acclimatization | 3,530m / 11581ft | — |
| 10 | Trek to Samdo | 3,780m / 12401ft | 4-5 hours |
| 11 | Trek to Dharamshala (Larkya Phedi) | 4450m / 14599ft | 4-5 hours |
| 12 | Cross Larke La Pass & descend to Bhimtang | 5,135m / 16,847ft (Pass) | 8-9 hours |
| 13 | Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani | 1860m / 6100ft | 6-7 hours |
| 14 | Drive to Beshisahar, then Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara | — | — |
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a representative from Adventure A One will pick you up. You’ll be driven to your hotel where you can wash off the travel dust. Later, you'll meet your guide for a briefing. If you have time, take a walk through Thamel to grab any last-minute gear.
Today is about the soul of Nepal. You'll explore the Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu site in the country. You'll also visit the massive white dome of Boudhanath Stupa and the ancient Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). The afternoon is for checking your trekking boots and packing your bag.
The road trip is an adventure in itself. You'll drive along the Prithvi Highway, watching the Trishuli River flow below. After Arughat, the road turns into a dirt track, bumping along the riverbank until you reach Machha Khola, where you’ll spend your first night in a mountain tea house.
Your boots finally hit the trail today! You’ll follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. A major highlight is Tatopani, where natural hot water gushes from the rocks. You’ll cross several suspension bridges before a final climb brings you to the stone-paved village of Jagat.
The trail gets narrower and more dramatic today. You’ll walk through the village of Philim and see beautiful waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls. As you reach Deng, you enter the Buddhist region. You’ll see "Mani walls"—stones carved with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"—which you should always pass on the right side.
As you climb higher, the air begins to cool. You’ll walk through lush rhododendron and pine forests. After crossing the river several times, you'll reach Namrung. This village is the gateway to the upper Nupri region and offers incredible views of the Siringi Himal.
This is a short but breathtaking day. You’ll pass through the villages of Sho and Lhi. In Lho, you’ll visit the famous Ribung Gompa, a monastery that sits on a hill with a view of Mount Manaslu that looks like a postcard.
The walk to Sama Gaon is gentle and scenic. You are now in the high alpine zone. Sama Gaon is the heart of the region, where the local people still wear traditional Tibetan-style clothing. You’ll have a clear view of the Manaslu glacier and the mountain’s twin peaks towering above the village.
This is the "Big Day." You wake up at 3:00 AM in Dharamshala. The climb is slow and rhythmic. Reaching the Larkya La Pass is the peak of your journey. You’ll see a sea of peaks including Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. The long descent takes you down to Bhimtang, a beautiful meadow surrounded by glaciers.
After a final breakfast in the mountains, you’ll take a Jeep to Besisahar and then a bus or private car back to Kathmandu. As you watch the mountains disappear in the rearview mirror, you'll realize you've just completed one of the greatest walks on Earth.
These services and items are covered in your trekking package:
Arrival & Kathmandu Stay:
Transportation:
Trekking Staff:
Permits & Paperwork:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.
Meals & Lodging:
Equipment & Support:
You will need to pay separately for the following:
Travel Essentials:
City Expenses:
Extra Staff Services:
Personal Trail Expenses:
I recently completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek and I have to say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and the trek itself was challenging but extremely rewarding. From the stunning views of snow-capped peaks to the friendly people and vibrant culture along the way, this trek has it all. The guides and porters were knowledgeable and extremely helpful, and made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the trek. I would highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
Adventure A One Treks provided a wonderful experience on Manaslu Circuit Trek. Their professionalism and expertise in the field was remarkable. Every single detail of the trek was well planned and catered. It was an amazing experience to see the stunningly beautiful mountain peaks in Manaslu range and get to witness the local life in remote village areas. The guides were knowledgeable and always had answers to all our queries. They went to extraordinary lengths to make us feel comfortable. Moreover, I must appreciate the delicious regional food served during our trek. The hospitality and support of the Adventure A One Treks team made the journey truly memorable. I'm highly recommending their services to those looking for an unforgettable adventure.
Actually, I was so impressed with the First Nepali people with their Greeting and Namaste!! as I and my girlfriend make plans to Visit the Manaslu circuit trek on 14th March 2023. Adventure A One Trek Owner come to see us in An airport and he welcomes us in a very impressive way that I never felt anywhere in the world. After meeting Dhruba Bhatta we drive to Hotel, he explained every detail of the distance where we are going to stay, and doing the trip. The team of Adventure a One all are very fantastic and helpful. The next day we left for Manaslu Circuit trekking. our Guide Raju was so great and much knowledgeable. he makes your trip very comfortable and enjoyable. we would like to suggest that all people, please feel very comfortable with this team for booking your Nepal Trekking. I like to thank all team but specially Dhruba, Raju, and Dev (our Porter) who make our trip complete. Thank you
The Manaslu Trek with Adventure A One Treks was an incredible adventure. The guides were experienced, friendly, and very professional. The remote trails, beautiful villages, and stunning mountain views made this trek truly special. Everything was well organized, safe, and enjoyable. Highly recommended for an authentic trekking experience in Nepal!
You'll need three main permits:
Typically 14–18 days on the trail, depending on your itinerary, pace, and any side trips (like Tsum Valley). Add travel days to/from Kathmandu for a full trip of around 3 weeks.
Autumn (September–November) for clear views and stable weather, or spring (March–May) for blooming flowers and milder temps. Avoid monsoon (June–August) due to rain and landslides, and winter for heavy snow on the pass.
It's moderate to challenging. Expect long days (6–8 hours), steep climbs, rough terrain, and high altitude. Good fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended, but fit beginners can manage with proper preparation.
Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet)—the toughest but most rewarding day with epic panoramic views.
Follow a good itinerary with built-in acclimatization days (usually in Samagaon), stay hydrated, ascend slowly, eat well, and consider Diamox (consult a doctor first). Listen to your body—if symptoms like headache or nausea appear, tell your guide immediately and descend if needed.
It can happen above 3,000 meters due to the rapid gain to over 5,000m, but with proper acclimatization and pacing, most trekkers avoid serious issues.
Yes, if you're in good physical shape and prepare well (cardio, hiking training). It's more challenging than easier treks like Ghorepani, but rewarding for motivated first-timers.
Mostly in simple teahouses (local lodges) with twin rooms and basic amenities. Food is hearty Nepali staples like dal bhat, momos, noodles, and soups—plenty of vegetarian options. No camping required unless you choose it.
Packages range from USD 1,000–2,000 per person, covering guide, permits, teahouses, meals on trek, and transport. Budget more for tips, insurance, and extras in Kathmandu.
Yes, essential! Get comprehensive coverage that includes high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and helicopter evacuation.
Yes, it's fully open with no major restrictions or issues reported. Trails are well-maintained, and it's gaining popularity but still quieter than Everest or Annapurna.
Days are pleasant (10–20°C lower down, cooler higher up), but nights drop below freezing above 3,000m. Expect cold at the pass—pack warm layers!
It's more remote and authentic, with fewer crowds, stunning untouched scenery, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and that raw Himalayan feel—perfect if you want adventure without the tourist bustle.
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,400 |
| 2 - 4 | $1,240 |
| 5 - 9 | $1,180 |
| 10 - 20 | $1,050 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,852 |
| 2 - 4 | $1,699 |
| 5 - 9 | $1,545 |
| 10 - 20 | $1,455 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,085 |
| 2 - 4 | $990 |
| 5 - 10 | $910 |
| 11 - 20 | $850 |
