Max. Elevation
Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Manaslu Base Camp: Ultimate Himalayan Adventure
The Manaslu Circuit Trek with Manaslu Base Camp is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and less-crowded trekking routes, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling high-altitude adventure. This trek takes you around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, through pristine landscapes, remote mountain villages, and ancient Buddhist monasteries influenced by Tibetan culture.
This Manaslu base camp trek offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the towering peaks of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. Along the way, trekkers experience warm cultural immersion by visiting traditional villages such as Samagaon, Deng, and Lho, home to Gurung, Tibetan, and Sherpa communities.
The trek’s highlight is reaching the Manaslu Base Camp at around 4,800 meters, where you can witness massive glaciers and get up close to the awe-inspiring mountain itself. This journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to high alpine meadows, and across the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, showcasing incredible biodiversity and ever-changing scenery. Compared to more popular treks like Everest or Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit offers a quieter, more authentic Himalayan experience off the beaten path.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: one night in the hotel
Have breakfast, and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally, the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Manaslu Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
- Day tour
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
We leave by bus in the direction of Dhanding. The road offers great views of the Trisuli River Valley, but shortly after the road turns away from it, we turn north through beautiful tropical scenery. At Arughat Bazaar, we change vehicles. We go up the course of the Burhi Gandaki, through fields and rice paddies, to Macchakola, passing through the villages of Arkhet, Almara, Lapubesi, and Machhakhola
- Drive in a private vehicle for 7 hours.
- Final Altitude: 930m
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We continue our progress along the river to Kanigaon and Khola Bensi, with, at times, beautiful views of the peaks of Ganesh Himal and the Machha Khola valley. We reach Tatopani fairly quickly, on the same bank of the river, where there is a hot spring; then we cross the Budi Gandaki by a suspension bridge to reach Dobhan (1,300m). The Budi Gandaki valley then narrows before arriving at Jagat.
- Elevation: +660m / -220m.
- Walk 6hrs
- Final altitude: 1,300m
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a lodge
Ascend right bank, crossing the villages of Saleri and Sirdibas, to the bridge under Philim. The path turns into a balcony path with a beautiful view of the village of Pansing. For an hour, the trail is carved into the cliff above an impressive gorge. At Pewa (1750 m), the valley opens up to offer a beautiful panorama of the Ganesh Himal massif. Crossing the deep gorges of the Budi Gandaki on an iron bridge. The path evolves between wooded and rocky areas, and the vegetation changes gradually. Arrival at the village of Pewa, where the Tibetan influence is already felt, as much by the architecture as by the faces of the villagers or the prayer wheels.
- Elevation: +1,040m / -520m.
- 7 hours of walking
- Final altitude: approximately 1,800m
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the lodge
The “Tibetan” villages follow one another with their “manis” (engraved stone walls) and prayer wheels, signs of cultural change. The path is sometimes tricky (rockslides). Crossing of humid forest, where we can see some monkeys (without any aggressiveness). There is a steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung. A beautiful typical village, with its stove built in the middle of the main street and its women working on their looms.
- Elevation: +700m / -320m.
- Duration: 6 hours of walking
- Final altitude: approximately 2,540m
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the lodge
The path is sometimes tricky to descend to Gapshe small villages. Crossing of humid forest, where we can see some monkeys (without any aggressiveness). There is a steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung. A beautiful typical village, with its stove built in the middle of the main street and its women working on their looms. After the superbly cultivated plateau that crosses the hamlets of Baksan, Lihi, and Wangsang, we walk against the backdrop of the immaculate Manaslu, contrasting with the color of the fields. The trail soon arrives at Shyo, offering us beautiful views of the Ganeshs and then the Himal Chuli. We pass a beautiful series of chortens and mani walls. Arrived at Lho, we visit the village, the school, and its small monastery, then settle down at the lodge for the night.
- Elevation: +1,050m / -200m.
- Duration: 7 hours of walking
- Final altitude: approximately 3,200m
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the lodge
We also have a beautiful view of the Manaslu Himal. We visit Lho Monastery before continuing to Shyala. From Shyala, we head towards Sama. This stage is a little-used variant of the Manaslu tour and allows us to perfect our acclimatization. We are in a wild environment between rock and grassy plateaus. The panorama is exceptional, and we admire the Manaslu, which is getting closer to us every day. We are not far from the glaciers, and the chortens and mani walls remind us of a human presence from a not-so-distant time. We retraced our steps to take the "classic" path and go to the village of Sama.
- Elevation: +600m / -100m.
- Duration: 5 hours of walking
- Final altitude: approximately 3,500m
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the lodge
Acclimatization day. Visit the Tibetan village of Samagaon, its monastery, and nun cells. Optionally, visit Birendra Kund lake (3,570m). For well-acclimatized trekkers, an early morning, challenging excursion to Manaslu Base Camp (4,850m) is possible (+1,350m ascent/descent, ~10 hours walk).
- Elevation: +300m / -300m (for village/lake exploration).
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours (for village/lake exploration).
- Altitude: 3,520m.
- Accommodation: Lodge.
Continue past the Kermo Manan mani wall to Samdo (3,780m), a Tibetan refugee community located near the Tibetan border, where a caravan trail leads to Tibet via Lajyung Pass (5,096m)
- Elevation: +400m / -50m.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
- Altitude: 3,850m.
- Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge.
Explore Samdo surroundings before proceeding to Dharamsala (4,480m), the highest camp of the trip. Accommodation is in a stone shelter or lodge, with a cold night expected.
- Elevation: +600m / -50m.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
- Altitude: 4,480m.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Early start for the challenging ascent of Larkya La Pass (5,150m). Superb views of Tibetan border peaks like Cheo (6,812m), Nemjung (7,140m), Himlung (7,126m), Kang Guru (7,010m), Gyaji Kang (7,036m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). Descent often involves snow and scree to reach Bimtang, with views of Manaslu's West face.
- Elevation: +750m / -1,450m.
- Duration: Approximately 9 hours.
- Altitude: 3,710m.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge.
DAY 13: BIMTANG — DHARAPANI
Descend the Dudh Khola river valley to Tilije, a Gurung village. Pass through alpine hamlets and re-enter wooded areas before reaching Dharapani.
- Elevation: +350m / -1,550m.
- Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
- Altitude: 2300m.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge.
After a private jeep drive to Besisahar, we will change vehicles to continue our journey to Kathmandu.
7-8 hours of walking
Meals: breakfast – lunch
Accommodation: night in the Tea house
Free time depends on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you off at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels
Meal: Breakfast
Included & Excluded
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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’s Staff. |
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PERMITS :
Manaslu conservation area project (Mcap permit) Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality permit Annapurna Conservation Area project (Acap permit ) |
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Manaslu 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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TRANSPORTATION :
Kathmandu – Machhakhola (private Jeep/bus, as per itinerary) Tiliche-Besishar -Kathmandu private jeep
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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 (Breakfast- lunch- Dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/ lodge with attached bathroom.
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GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
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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.
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COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES FROM ALPINIST CLUB :
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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 is 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 Circuit 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 and, especially when 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.
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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: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set 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 passe.
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 Manaslu Circuit 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 Serve in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee.
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 enjoy 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 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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Gears List
Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllThe Manaslu region is located in the Gorkha district which is about fifty miles far west of Kathmandu.
In the Manaslu region, the Manaslu Circuit hike is a high-pass, moderate hike. Trekking in the Manaslu region can be accomplished without much difficulty if you choose the right time of year. You need to be emotionally and physically prepared before hiking in the Manaslu region.
The optimum months to hike in the Manaslu region are March- May and September- December. Spring begins in March and lasts through May, whereas fall begins in September and lasts through December. Since spring is warmer than fall, the majority of trips take place at this time.
One of the most enjoyable adventure passes in the Manaslu region is Larkya La Pass, which is located 5,160 meters above sea level. Although it is not very high, crossing the pass will be extremely difficult if there is a lot of snow on the other side. When there is a lot of snow on the pass, it is quite hard to see the road since it is so slippery.
The highest peak in the Manaslu region and the eighth tallest mountain worldwide is Mount Manaslu, which stands at 8,163 meters. On May 9, 1956, Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, who were part of a Japanese expedition, made the first ascent of the summit.
On average, you need to walk 6 to 7 hours a day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your walking pace, the state of the terrain, the weather, and the particular itinerary your trekking agency determines how long it takes. Walks may be shorter on some days and longer on others, particularly when high mountain passes must be crossed. For a safe and pleasurable journey, it's crucial to follow your trekking guide's instructions and be ready for different walking times.
The majority of the lodging options on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are teahouses or lodges. Trekkers can find food and shelter at these simple but cozy guesthouses along the trail.
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking area may have inconsistent and poor internet and cell phone network access, particularly in the more isolated areas. There may be places where you can receive a mobile signal, but there may also be places where there isn't any signal at all. In some locations, internet service may also be slower and more irregular.
You will need three permits for the trek. You will need the Manaslu Conservation Area Project ( MCAP ), Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP), and a Special permit.
Our trek's highest point is above 5,000 meters. We will often walk between 3,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level. The temperature is low, and the weather is unpredictable at this elevation.
During Summer, the nightly temperature is 5 degrees Celsius, while in winter, it is -15 degrees Celsius. Manaslu experiences sunny days most of the time, with summer temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius.
Alicia
(19 Mar 2025)I just finished a customized, extended 17-day trek around Manaslu. My local guide, Ranbir Gurung, used his extraordinary familiarity with the area to include two overnight homestays and five days of hiking on unique trails away from the standard route around the mountain.
Michael Mark
(19 Mar 2025)I had never traveled to another country and Nepal was my first trip (Manaslu circuit trek) I am not an experienced traveler, but from arriving at Kathmandu airport right through my whole trip I can honestly say that the Alpinist Club team has done their very best to accommodate, guide, potter, and they share any every information to make my experience the best possible. Alpinist club is a Very genuine company that puts the customer first in all situations. And a very special Thank you to my guide Kalyan Gurung, he spoke great English and we became good friends and shared lots of good experience. Also, I found the trip very competitively priced. I am very happy with them. highly recommend to other travellers and trekker