Overview
This route allows us to link two great classics: the Manaslu circuit (8,163 m) and the Annapurna circuit (8,091 m). It is a very beautiful route where we never take our eyes off the high Himalayan peaks. We sleep in lodges in the many villages we pass through. After the Larkya La at 5,180 meters, we pass the Thorung Pass at 5,450 meters. Our acclimatization is perfect.
The trek will lead to the Annapurna region. This region has lush forests, terraced fields, and the iconic Annapurna Peak. The region's major attraction is the villages of the Annapurna Conservation Area. We will lead our trek towards the Thorang La Pass (5,416 m). This pass is the highest in the Annapurna Circuit. The pass is also the route for the trek to Mustang. The trekkers will witness the stunning views of several major peaks such as Annapurna I, II, III, IV, the Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machapuchare (Fish Tail), Annapurna South, and Manaslu. The trek is the perfect mixture of the unique and varied experience, blending the wild beauty of Manaslu with the classic charm of Annapurna region.
Itinerary
Expand AllOur team member will warmly greet you at the airport as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu. After that, you'll be taken to the hotel for some much-needed rest. The schedule calls for leisure time after a briefing regarding the progress and presentation of the trek. You will have a full day if you arrive early. This can be used as a place to relax or for people who want to freely explore the area. It's the perfect opportunity to savor the regional cuisine and gain a comprehensive understanding of Nepalese culture.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: 1,440 m
We will head for the Macchakhola bus. From the road, you can view the Trisuli River Valley. We will change cars at Arughat Bazar. We will travel up the Burhi Gandaki, via the villages of Arkhet, Almara, and Lapubesi, and through fields and rice terraces to Macchakola.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: 900m
We keep moving downstream towards Kanigaon and Khola Bensi, stopping sometimes to take in breathtaking views of the Machha Khola valley and the peaks of the Ganesh Himal. After a few hours, we arrive at Tatopani, where there is a hot spring on the same bank of the river. From there, we cross the Budi Gandaki via a suspension bridge and arrive in Dobhan (1,300 m). After that, the valley of Budi Gandaki gets narrower until it reaches Jagat.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 1,340 m
We passed through various settlements, such as Philim. Along the trail, we will discover various Himalayan pines, the gorges narrow as we repeatedly switch banks. Finally, we will arrive at Deng—a Tibetan village—that has the first Buddhist temple and chortens.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 1,860m
We travel to the Kutang area, where Gurung people practice Buddhism. The day is interspersed with other communities and scenery, including woods of pine and bamboo, rivers, torrents, and the villages of Rana, Ghap, and Bihi, all leading up to the stunning stone buildings of Namrung.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 2,630m
We continue along the Budi Gandaki and pass through other villages, such as Bengsam, Lihi, Sho, and Lho, that are home to Bhotias, who are of Tibetan descent. After Sho, the Himalchuli (7,893 m) and the Ngadi Chuli dominate the view as it opens up on the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m). We can also see the stunning Ganesh Himal in the distance. Before moving on in the direction of Shyala, we stop at the monastery at Lho.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,180m
We leave Shyala and go toward Sama before making it to the 3,870-meter-high old monastery of PungGyen. We are in awe of the Manaslu, with its breathtaking vista, which is getting closer to us every day. The glaciers are not far away, and the mani walls, chortens, and other features serve as reminders of past human habitation. We turned around and traveled back to the "classic" route to the settlement of Sama.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,580m
We will stay here for the Acclimatization at Samagaon. We visit the monastery, the nuns' cells, and the lovely Tibetan village of Samagaon. We also visited the lake called Birendra Kund (3,570m), which is situated at the base of Mount Manaslu. The hardest and most acclimatized climbers can reach the 4,850-meter Manaslu base camp +1350 m, -1350 m, and roughly 10 hours of walking.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,580m
We keep moving towards the long Mani wall of Kermo Manan and the settlement of Samdo (3,780m), which is home to a Tibetan refugee community and is situated quite near the Tibetan border, not far from the junction of the Sama Chu and the Budhi Gandaki. Moreover, a caravan trail crosses the Lajyung Pass (5,096m) to reach Tibet through this region.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,875m
For a day to adjust to the altitude, we will remain here. One might explore Samdo's before proceeding with our journey to Dharamsala. The trip's highest camp will have a chilly night.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 4,460m
We will travel up the Larke Khola in the early morning. The route is straightforward initially but near the top of the Larkya pass ascent—which, depending on the source, varies greatly in altitude from 4,910 meters to 5,220 meters. It gets considerably steeper. We will have an amazing view of the Himlung (7,126m), Cheo (6,812m), Nemjung (7,140m), and Gyaji Kang (7,036m), as well as the border peaks of Tibet, including Annapurna II (7,937m). After crossing the pass, we frequently descend onto the snow, then reach Larcia, Tabuche, and the glacial valley of Bimtang, which offers views of Manaslu's west face.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,590m
We travel to the Gurung ethnic community's settlement of Tilije by descending the DudhKhola River valley. We pass through several mountain hamlets before arriving at the first settlements and woodland areas.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 1,860m
We will trek through the dense forests that give way to pines and junipers as the path makes a steep bend to the west and enters a valley where the vegetation becomes alpine. If the weather permits, we can bathe in the hot springs near the settlement of Chame.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 2,740m
Our journey takes us up in altitude, where majestic snow-capped mountains, such as Lamjung Himal (6,931m), Pisang Peak (6,091m), and Annapurna II (7,937 m). We passed through woods, clearings, stream crossings, and bridge crossings.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,250m
The ethnic groups and villages we come across from Chame are Tibetan in origin, and they have distinctive flat roofs, mani walls, and chorten architecture found in Nepal's high valleys. After arriving at Manang, the region's largest town. We travel through the alpine pastures that are still inhabited by a few yaks.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,519m
We will resume our journey towards Leder after spending the morning exploring the village of Manang. We'll be lodging in a lodge in Leder's hamlet.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 3,519m
This is the last day before climbing the 5,416-meter-high Thorung Pass. After passing through a series of glacial moraines, we still take our time among the yak breeders before joining Thorung Phedi's high camp and finally High Camp.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation: 4,200m
We began off early on our gradual ascent up the pass, allowing everyone to go at their own pace. Khatung Kang (6,484m) and Yakawa Kang (6,482m) dominate the pass, which rises at 5,416 m. The dry landscapes of the Muktinath Valley, near Mustang, on the other side of the pass, are lighted by the snow and glaciers of Dhaulagiri (8,167m). We go to the Muktinath Sanctuary, a popular Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage place.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation:5,416m
We ascend to a pass 4,000 meters above Muktinath, from where there is a breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri. We make our way down to the last village of the Bon religion, which existed before Buddhism. Later on, we move closer to Jomosom.
Accommodation: lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation:2,743m
We will take a drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. We will make a stop at Pokhara before moving on to Kathmandu. We will be staying overnight here at Pokhara.
Accommodation: hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation:822m
We will head back to Kathmandu after having our breakfast.It will take about 6- 7 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Elevation:1,440m
Free day in Kathmandu serves as a safety precaution in case any unforeseen circumstances arise during the trek. Today, you have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate or explore Kathmandu at your leisure, which may include shopping or engaging in any activity of your choice. Feel free to make the most of this day according to your preferences and interests.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: 1,440m
Depending on the departure time of your flight our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to provide our services to you again.
Included & Excluded
Included Points |
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AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
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PERMITS :
All necessary paperwork: Trekking Permit including MCAP, ACAP, and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Manaslu restricted permit and Annapurna restricted permit.
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Manaslu Region Trekking map.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Land Transportation: Kathmandu – Machha Khola and while returning Dharapani - Kathmandu (by reserved Jeep/bus, as per itinerary)
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
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GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. |
PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing. |
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit. |
Excluded Points |
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL VISA FEES :
The Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek are not included.
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TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
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Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team During the Manaslu Annapurna Trek
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all, follow his advice! Often, your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains, especially during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar): is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often, he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide: actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and setting camp.
The Porter: is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:
For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum;
Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passes.
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation And Meals during the Trek
For lodge accommodation: during the Manaslu circuit Trek, you will stay in the lodge or Tea House with twin shared bedrooms. For this trek, Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and served in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, Tibetan bread or pancakes, pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: We provide water purification tablets. and recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Physical level in Manaslu circuit Trek
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 12 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The Larkya Pass (5,150 m) often has snow later in the season.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoying your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Safety During Manaslu Circuit Trek
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring that safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
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FAQ's
Expand AllWith consistent weather, beautiful blue skies, breathtaking scenery, and excellent trail conditions, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Although the Manaslu Circuit's rain-shadow location allows it to flourish even during the monsoon, it is best to combine it with the Annapurna Circuit during these main seasons.
Yes, you need a few permits for the trek. You will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS), and Manaslu Special (Restricted) Permit.
In peak season (September to November), the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a special restricted area permit, which costs USD 70 for the first week and USD 15 per day; in the off-season (December to August), the fee is USD 50 for the first week and USD 7 per day. Additionally, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs USD 30 per person and NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens. International trekkers must pay USD 30 per person for the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). The cost is NPR 1,000 per person for SAARC citizens.
Yes, You can completely customize the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We are willing to adjust this program based on your fitness level, limited time, and price. Based on your schedule, you can either book a full circuit through Poonhill or take a flight from Jomsom airport to Pokhara after crossing the highest pass, Thorang La.
Many guesthouses allow hikers to use their Wi-Fi for an additional price. At lower altitudes, you can easily have access with better connections, but at higher altitudes, the wifi networks are weak.
You can drink tap water, filtered drinking water, or water from a bottle. We recommend that you get filtered refill water from your tea house lodge. Each refueling may only cost a small charge, depending on your location. It is better to bring your bottles and water purifiers.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is the highest point one can reach while trekking, making it a formidable obstacle for those seeking excitement.
Depending on the itinerary, acclimatization days, and speed of the trip, the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit journey typically takes 20–23 days to finish.
It is appropriate for trekkers who are reasonably fit and have some trekking experience. It helps to have prior high-altitude trekking experience.
During the trek, lodging usually consists of teahouses and guesthouses with simple yet cozy amenities. More luxurious lodges can also be found in some places, especially at lower elevations.