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Manaslu circuit
Also known as: Manaslu Trek / Round Manaslu Trek
Distance: 177 km
Duration: 14 - 17 days
Country: 
Nepal
NepalThe Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day adventure that takes trekkers through remote valleys, lush forests, and traditional Nepalese villages while encircling the eighth highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu. The trek is a perfect alternative to the crowded Everest and Annapurna regions, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich local culture, stunning mountain views, and diverse landscape of Nepal. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass, which sits at a lofty altitude of 5,160 meters, providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The trek is challenging, but the sense of achievement upon completing the journey is unparalleled. With fewer trekkers on the trail, the Manaslu Circuit offers a more intimate and authentic experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track adventure in Nepal.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure treking Manaslu circuit. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.
Distances
- 14 - 17 days, 177 km, +8,000 m, 5,160 m high point
- daily: 5 - 8 hours, 10 - 20 km, +500 - 1,500 m gain
Route
- Circuit
- Starting and ending in Arughat
Cost
- $1,000 solo
- $899 - $1,300 guided
When to go
- March to May
- September to November
Permits
- 3 permits are needed
- costing around $48 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
- A registered guide is mandatory to obtain a restricted area permit.
Accommodation
Teahouses, Lodges, CampingThese are pictures taken while trekking Manaslu circuit. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Manaslu circuit, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is a challenging and remote trek that takes you around the majestic Manaslu mountain in Nepal. The trek offers breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich local culture.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Rest and prepare for the trek. Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and experience Nepalese culture.
Day 2
Drive to Soti Khola (710 m)
Time trekking / climbing: 8 hours
Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, a small village and the starting point of the trek. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Day 3
Trek to Machha Khola (900 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +190 m
Begin the trek and follow the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. Pass through terraced fields, waterfalls, and small villages. Reach Machha Khola and spend the night.
Day 4
Trek to Jagat (1,340 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +440 m
Continue trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges. Pass through dense forests and terraced fields. Reach Jagat, a village with stone houses.
Day 5
Trek to Deng (1,860 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +520 m
Trek through forests and cross the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times. Pass through villages inhabited by the Gurung and Tibetan communities. Reach Deng and rest for the night.
Day 6
Trek to Namrung (2,630 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +770 m
Continue the ascent, trekking through forests and crossing a suspension bridge. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Reach Namrung and spend the night.
Day 7
Trek to Samagaun (3,530 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +900 m
Trek through forests and cross a river. Ascend gradually, passing through villages and witnessing the unique culture of the Nubri people. Reach Samagaun, a picturesque village.
Day 8
Acclimatization Day at Samagaun (3,530 m)
Take a rest day at Samagaun to acclimatize to the high altitude. Explore the village, visit monasteries, and enjoy the views of Manaslu and other peaks.
Day 9
Trek to Samdo (3,875 m)
Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: +345 m
Resume the trek and ascend through a rocky trail. Cross a suspension bridge and continue along the Budhi Gandaki River. Reach Samdo, a Tibetan-influenced village.
Day 10
Trek to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) (4,460 m)
Distance: 9 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hoursElevation change: +585 m
Trek across grassy slopes, cross a wooden bridge, and follow the trail uphill. Reach Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, and prepare for the challenging pass.
Day 11
Cross Larkya La Pass, Trek to Bimthang (3,720 m)
Distance: 24 kmTime trekking / climbing: 9 hours
Start early in the morning and cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160m). Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. Descend to Bimthang and rest for the night.
Day 12
Trek to Tilije (2,300 m)
Distance: 13 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -1,420 m
Descend through rhododendron forests and reach a river. Cross a bridge and continue through villages and fields. Reach Tilije, a beautiful village with a monastery.
Day 13
Trek to Tal (1,700 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -600 m
Continue the descent, passing through lush forests and charming villages. Trek along the Marshyangdi River and reach Tal, a village with stunning views.
Day 14
Trek to Syange (1,100 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -600 m
Follow the trail alongside the Marshyangdi River, crossing several suspension bridges. Pass through waterfalls and terraced fields. Reach Syange and spend the night.
Day 15
Drive back to Kathmandu
Time trekking / climbing: 8 hours
Take a scenic drive from Syange back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the last views of the Manaslu region and reflect on the trekking experience.
Day 16
Departure from Kathmandu
Depart from Kathmandu with unforgettable memories of the Manaslu Circuit trek and the stunning Himalayan landscapes.
The trek is 7 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 7 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 9 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 8 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 9 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 5 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 5 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 7 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Manaslu circuit weather
How is the weather on Manaslu circuit, and when is the best time to go.
The best time to trek the Manaslu circuit is from September to November and from March to May when the weather is mild, dry and relatively stable. During the monsoon season (June to August) and winter (December to February) the trek is still possible, but with more challenging weather conditions.
The best time to trek Manaslu circuit is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
Manaslu circuit Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Manaslu circuit route is a remote trek, but it still offers a range of trekking services to make the trek comfortable and accessible for trekkers. Here is an overview of the services available on the route:
Accommodation
Teahouses and lodges are the primary accommodation options on the Manaslu circuit route.Food
Food is available on the route, and you can expect a range of options from local Nepali food to international dishes.Guides
Guides are available for the Manaslu circuit trek and typically cost around $25-$30 per day. It is advisable to use a guide as the route can be challenging, and they can provide cultural insights and local knowledge.Porters
Porters are also available on the route to carry your luggage, and they typically cost around $15-$20 per day. It is a good idea to hire a porter as the route can be challenging, and it will allow you to enjoy the trek without the added weight of your backpack.Medical facilities
There are no health services available on the route, so it is important to bring a basic first aid kit and any medication you may need.Gear rental
You can rent gear in Kathmandu, including trekking poles, sleeping bags, and down jackets. However, it is recommended to bring your own gear if possible, as the quality of rented gear can vary.Transport
The starting point for the Manaslu circuit trek is in Arughat, which can be reached by bus or jeep from Kathmandu. Private jeeps and taxis are also available. During the trek, there are no motorable roads, and transportation is on foot.Internet / Phone
Connectivity on the Manaslu circuit route is limited, and you should not expect internet or phone signal throughout the trek. Some teahouses may have wifi for a fee, but it is not guaranteed. It is recommended to bring a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon for emergencies.ATMs
There are no ATMs on the Manaslu circuit trek, so it is advisable to bring enough cash for the duration of the trek.Shops
There are small shops on the route, where you can buy basic necessities like snacks, toiletries, and batteries. However, the prices are likely to be higher than in Kathmandu.Manaslu circuit Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Manaslu circuit
Accommodation options on the Manaslu circuit trek are varied and range from budget teahouses to more luxurious lodges.
- Teahouses: The most common accommodation option on the Manaslu circuit trek, teahouses are simple lodges offering basic amenities like beds, blankets, and food. Prices typically range from $5-$15 USD per night.
- Lodges: A step up from teahouses, lodges offer slightly more comfortable rooms and additional amenities like hot showers and charging outlets. Prices typically range from $15-$50 USD per night.
- Tented Camps: Some trekking companies offer the option of staying in tents rather than lodges or teahouses. This option is more expensive and usually requires a larger group size. Prices vary depending on the trekking company.
Manaslu circuit permits
What permits are needed for treking Manaslu circuit
Permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit trek to enter and exit the restricted area. Here are the permits you will need:
1. Manaslu Restricted Permit
- $35 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- Permit to enter the restricted Manaslu region.
- Can only be obtained through registered trekking agencies.
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- $3 (~300 in the local currency)
- Permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the checkpoint at Jagat.
3. Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
- $10 (~1,000 in the local currency)
- Record-keeping system to ensure the safety and security of trekkers.
- Can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the checkpoint at Jagat.
Manaslu circuit access - getting there
How to get to Manaslu circuit
- Private jeep: A private jeep can be arranged from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek. The cost can vary depending on the season, but it is generally around $200-$250 one way.
- Local bus: You can take a local bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Arughat, from where you can either walk or take a jeep to Soti Khola. The cost is around $10-$15 per person, one way.
- Shared jeep: Another option is to take a shared jeep from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Soti Khola. This is a cheaper option than a private jeep, but can be uncomfortable as the jeeps are usually overloaded with people and luggage.
- Flight: You can take a flight from Kathmandu to the town of Lamjung or the city of Pokhara, and then take a jeep or bus to Soti Khola. This is the most expensive option, but it saves a lot of time.
- Ending point: The trek usually ends at Besisahar, from where you can take a local bus or private jeep to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Manaslu circuit. From route highlights to summittrail views, these clips showcase the treks beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Manaslu circuit video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future trekkers.
Manaslu circuit questions
What to know about trekking Manaslu circuit
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Manaslu circuit Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Manaslu circuit route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
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