Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is still among the best treks in Nepal, and some still rate it as off-beat-path trekking. Why? It’s because this trek is more than a walk in the mountains. It’s 180 kilometers long, remote, challenging, and enriched with unblemished culture and panoramic views of elegant mountains. Moreover, fewer trekkers embark on this trek, making it less crowded than popular treks like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

A beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu and the glacier, photo captured from Dharmashala, while on Manaslu Circuit Trek
A beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu and the glacier, as viewed from Dharmashala (Image © NepTrek)

Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain, is called “The Mountain of the Spirit.” Thus, more than the high-altitude trekking, circumambulating around the Manaslu Circuit is a spiritual journey in the Himalayas. On the walk through the serene landscapes kissed by the gentle winds and chirps of birds with cascading Budi Gandaki, you’ll find peace en route. Moreover, the visit to Pung Gyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and Pongkar Lake adds extra flavor to this adventure.

Conquering Larke La (Pass) is the epitome of Manaslu Circuit Trek. It’s among the most beautiful mountain passes in Manaslu Annapurna Three Passes Trek. It sits at 5,106 meters, the highest elevation in the trek. In addition, the elegant mountains other than Mt. Manaslu, such as Cheo Himal, Ganesh, Himlung, and Gyanji Kang, elevate the viewing experience.

Want to embark on an 11 days Manaslu Circuit Trek with us in the 2025 Spring/Autumn season? Feel free to read this authentic and in-depth trek guide we’ve prepared for you. Importantly, we’ve curated this trek package with our first-hand experience by exploring the Manaslu region.

Spotlight from Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Larke La (Pass) at 5,106 meters with a stunning view of mountains and glaciers.
  • Elegant panorama of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain alongside Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, etc.
  • Acclimatization hike to Manaslu Base Camp and turquoise Birendra Lake.
  • An awe-inspiring view of the glacial cirque formed by Himlung, Gyaji Kang, Nemjung, and Kang Guru in Manang.
  • Peaceful trek along the picturesque hamlets like Namrung, Sama Gaun, and Samdo.
  • Serene walks through the vibrant landscape enriched with alpine forests, Budi Gandaki Gorge, suspension bridges, and streams.
  • Tibetans influenced the cultural experience of ethnic communities throughout the trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost- For 2025 (Spring & Autumn Season)

To make your Manaslu Circuit Trek experience awesome, we’ve set the best price for 2025 season. If you’re an individual with a plan of doing this trek with us, it costs USD 1399 for 11 days. However, if you’re coming in a group of 4-5 people, we have exciting group discount as well.

Here’s how we’ve set Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost for 2025 season.

Pax

Cost per person (USD) Availability

Want to Book?

1

1399 Available Inquire Us

2-3

1369 Available Inquire Us
4-5 1339 Available

Inquire Us

5 and more 1309 Available

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Cost Details

To make the cost breakdown clear, here are the details on what you’ll get and won’t after paying the trek fee to us.

-  Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu

-  Private Jeep transfer from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Besisahar to Kathmandu (Optional Add-Ons USD 440 per person will be required for private jeep)

-  Hot drinks other than those provided in breakfast, lunch, and dinner

-  Mineral water, soft drinks, boiled water, hot water shower, wifi, etc.

-  Medical emergency rescue with a helicopter evacuation (we highly recommend you buy a travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage)

-  On-arrival visa fees

-  Personal expenses

-  Sleeping bag, down jacket (USD 40 for each on rent and should refund after completing the trek)

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025?

If you’re still unsure about whether to embark on this trek in 2025, we’re here to guide you through. We’ll brief some key elements from Manaslu that make it wholesome trekking in 2025.

Spiritual journey around Mt. Manaslu

The locals call Mt. Manaslu “The Mountain of the Spirit.” Hence, the trek around this mountain is bound to be serene and spiritual.

Measuring the Manaslu Circuit by foot is more than a high-altitude adventure. The serenity within the solitude of the region offers you a space where you can find yourself. On every step, with every breath, and on every sight of elegant mountains, you’ll get connected with the mother nature. You’ll experience a change within, learn humility from the mighty massifs, and appreciate the hardship of people living in higher elevations.

Awe-inspiring sunrise over Mt. Manaslu
Awe-inspiring sunrise over Mt. Manaslu (Image © NepTrek)

Mansiri Range: A home to Mt. Manaslu

Mt. Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the Mansiri Range, a part of the central Himalayas. And embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek for 11 days, you’ll circumambulate around this mountain range.

The mountain panorama in Manaslu Circuit is visible after three days of trekking from Machhakhola. Or if you take a drive to Bangsing, it’s two and a half days. You should trek to Lho to get the first glimpse of Mt. Manaslu and other mountains. Lho itself is a beautiful hamlet with a panoramic sight of Manaslu. You’ll hike to Manaslu Base Camp and the glacier from Sama Gaun for a close-up viewing.

Moreover, you’ll visit Pung Gyen Gompa, from where the daunting yet alluring sight of Manaslu and other mountains appears. The 360-degree elegant panorama of the entire mountain range, including the pyramidal Manaslu, leaves you in awe.

Past Larke Pass, the towering peaks of Manang appear with a huge glacial cirque. The elegant Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang, Nemjung, and Kang Guru appear mammoth. You’ll love this sight.

Elegant sight of Mt. Manaslu summit and the glacier
Elegant sight of Mt. Manaslu summit and the glacier (Image © NepTrek)

Edging towards the end of Manaslu Circuit Trek, the awe-inspiring mountain views captivate you from Bimthang to Tilche. The west face of Mt. Manaslu and the glacier leave you delighted. Most beautiful is the serene alpine forest through which the wholesome mountain panorama entertains you.

Larke La: Take on the challenge

Embarking on 11 days Manaslu Circuit Trek with us can make your dream of conquering Larke La come true. This beautiful high mountain pass sits at 5,106 meters, which for trekkers to scale, is an adventurous challenge. Are you ready to take on the challenge of conquering Larke La?

Sitting on the lap of Larke Peak and encircled by elegant massifs, Larke La is the epitome of Manaslu for trekkers. Sometimes windy and mostly calm, the ecstasy of stepping on this pass is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Larke La, the highest mountain pass in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Proudly waiving our banner at Larke La (Image © NepTrek)

On the trek, you’ll approach the walk to Larke La from Dharmashala. The route to the pass isn’t steep but a comfortable gradual climb. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the top of Larke La.

Ethnicity and Culture: Still Unblemished

Manaslu Circuit Trek was opened for trekkers in 1992, which compared to other trekkings in Nepal, is very late. Due to this, it’s still one of the best off-the-beaten paths in Nepal. In recent years, the demand for this trek has risen exponentially. Want to know why? Simply, it’s because of enriched ethnicity, lifestyles, and culture that are still unblemished.

The Nubri people, the people of Manaslu, are the descendants of Tibetan refugees who fled to Manaslu in 1600 A.D. The direct descendants of Tibetans are now Nepali people but heavily Tibetan-influenced. It is also because the Tibetan border is just 5 kilometers away from Samdo.

Locals here live a mountain lifestyle, a hardship life for them, which for trekkers like us is uniquely enticing. The Buddhism-influenced attires and subtle cultural nuances offer an exquisite experience to the trekkers.

Pung Gyen Gompa with a beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu in the backdrop
Pung Gyen Gompa with a beautiful sight of Mt. Manaslu in the backdrop (Image © NepTrek)

Every hilltop has prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls, reflecting the enriched religious practice. Moreover, the base of Mt. Manaslu nestles the revered Sama Gaun Gompa and Pung Gyen Gompa. These ancient monuments suggest that the Buddhist Gurus who fled from Tibet to Nepal meditated in the caves and later built the monastery while seeking asylum.

Apart from a few modern tea houses, every hamlet has traditional stone-built houses that are withered and aesthetically appealing. The incensed juniper leaves in the morning or the Buddhist mantra humming in the evening, everything offers a sense of cultural richness, that is far from the modern touch.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary- Detailed Breakdown

Previously, trekkers used to trek from Machha Khola to Jagat for a day. However, with the motor road to Bangsing, many trekkers these days take the three-hour jeep drive. The best thing about taking a jeep to Bangsing from Machhakhola is you'll avoid an additional trek day. Plus, the walk to Jagat is entirely on a Budi Gandaki Gorge with no significant hamlets or mountain panorama. Plus, it's a long tiring walk.

The jeep drive to Bangsing begins after breakfast at the lodge in Machha Khola. The off-road jeep drive progresses through popular landmarks like Dovan, Jagat, and Philim before it stops at Bangsing. Along the drive, in Jagat, you'll get a picturesque glimpse of Budi Gandaki Gorge and the expansive river bank.

You'll cross a suspension bridge, trek for 30 minutes, and stop for lunch at a tea house in Philim. From Philim, you'll start the trek.

The trial progresses through Ekle Bhatti and separates at Lhokpa. Trekkers on the Tsum Valley Trek take the right turn, and trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit Trek cross a long suspension bridge to Deng.

With multiple suspension bridges crossing and ascending, you'll reach Pewa, a hamlet with few tea houses. Few trekkers do stop here. However, you'll trek an hour further to Deng on a winding trail with few steep ascends.

You'll settle in at Hotel Shangri La, the best tea house in Deng.

The 7-hour-long walk to Namrung starts after having an elegant breakfast at the tea house in Deng.

Leaving the tea house, you'll trek for 30 minutes on a flat terrain, followed by a gradual ascend. The trail then descends to Budi Gandaki River, where you'll cross a suspension bridge and climb for 20 minutes to Rana Village.

Half an hour from Rana Village is the Kadoorie Bridge, followed by the descent to Bihi Phedi.

The trekking route past Bihi Phedi is almost flat, with no ascends. One-and-a-half-hour trek from Bihi Phedi takes you to Bur. However, you'll trek one hour further to Ghap for lunch, crossing a small landslide zone.

You'll cross a bailey bridge over Budi Gandaki, ascend for five minutes, and stop at a tea house in Ghap for lunch.

Post lunch, the trail winds up. One hour ascending through the lush forest is Prok. Few tea houses here sell fresh apple juice and pies you can feast on. Moreover, it's an ideal viewpoint of Mt. Siringi Himal.

Unlike the ascend from Ghap-Prok, the route past Prok-Namrung is less steep and easy. An hour of slow walk from Prok sits a beautiful hamlet, Namrung.

A cottage-style tea house at the end of Namrung is where you'll settle in overnight. It's the best tea house in Namrung.

Leaving Namrung after breakfast, you'll cross a bailey bridge over a small stream. The morning walk through towering panoramic hills takes you to Banjam.

The winding trail past Banjam gradually ascends to Buddha Mandir, a small hamlet with a Buddhist Gompa. Past the Buddha Mandir, the first sight of mountains in the Manaslu region appears. However, you'll still need to trek for three more hours to see Mt. Manaslu.

The walk from Namrung to Shyala is more comfortable and has fewer steep sections than the walk from Deng to Namrung.

Past Buddha Mandir, you'll trek for 20 minutes to Namaang Khola (River) through a trail with Mani Walls and Prayer Flags. A wholesome suspension bridge awaits you.

After crossing the suspension bridge, you'll trek for half an hour more to Shyo. From Shyo, you'll get the maiden sight of Mt. Manaslu, the mountain of the spirit. From Shyo, you'll also see the beautiful Lho village.

One hour from Shyo is Lho, where you'll stop for lunch. You'll stop for lunch at Hotel Blue Sky, which has rooftop seating that offers an unobstructed, elegant view of Mt. Manaslu.

The route to Shyala winds up after Lho, where you'll ascend, descend to Budhi Gandaki River, cross several streams, and ascend again. A small cascading stream welcomes you as you edge Shyala.

For overnight accommodation, you'll settle in at a tea house in Shyala.

We suggest you wake up early in Shyala to view the sunrise over Mt. Manaslu. The south face of Manaslu on sunrise leaves you in awe.

Your beautiful morning hike to Pung Gyen Gompa starts with breakfast at the tea house in Shyala. You'll start the trek with a gradual uphill walk for an hour to a glacier region. Watch out for your steps as the streams here freeze overnight and get slippery in the morning.

From here, Mt. Manaslu and other mountains around appear spectacular.

Following the glacier point, you'll trek for 30 minutes to a junction to Pung Gyen, Shyala, and Sama Gaun. The best part of this junction is that you'll leave your backpacks there. We'll have our porters taking care of your backpacks until you return.

With no backpack, the walk to Pung Gyen Gompa gets easier and more comfortable. In no time, you'll reach a flat surface. From here, you'll trek a further 30 minutes to the gompa.

The spots around Pung Gyen Gompa are among the best photographic spots in Manaslu Circuit Trek. With Mt. Manaslu in the backdrop, you'll have a wholesome time with photography and sightseeing.

Since you'll be trekking only to Sama Gaun, you'll spend an hour or more at the gompa.

You'll return to the junction in 45 minutes, carry the backpacks, and take a route on the left to Sama Gaun. It's almost a downhill walk but scenic, with elegant 360-degree mountain panoramas.

You'll descend to a suspension bridge and trek for 30 more minutes to Sama Gaun, a popular landmark nestled on the lap of Manaslu.

You'll settle in at a tea house for lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

It's a rest day in Sama Gaun. And as a part of acclimatization, you'll hike to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake. It'll be an exciting day in Sama Gaun.

With breakfast at a tea house in Sama Gaun, you'll start the 6-hour acclimatization hike. As it's a long day, you'll have a packed lunch at the Manaslu Base Camp.

It takes three to four hours from Sama Gaun to reach the Mount Manaslu Base Camp. Mostly ice and glacier, you'll trek to the north of the glacier to the base camp. The summit view of Mt. Manaslu from the base camp captivates you.

From Manaslu Base Camp, you'll get picturesque sights of mountains, glaciers, landscapes, and the entire valley, including Sama Gaun, Shyala, and Birendra Lake.

After lunch at the base camp, you'll return to Sama Gaun. But, mid-way, you'll visit Birendra Lake, a turquoise glacial lake formed with seepage from the glaciers of Manaslu.

Once returning to the tea house, you'll shower, drink warm tea, and sit by the fire oven. Or you can stroll around the village and visit Sama Gaun Gompa to attend the evening prayer sessions.

You'll have an early dinner and go to bed early for adequate rest.

Sama Gaun to Samdo is a short day walk of four hours. You'll trek 8 kilometers on a straightforward trail with no ascending sections.

You'll start the walk late with breakfast at 8 am.

Leaving Sama Gaun, you'll cross a bridge over a stream seeping from Manaslu Base Camp. You'll reach a junction where the trail to Manaslu Base Camp and Samdo separates. You'll follow the trail towards Samdo. You'll trek two more hours to the Budhi Gandaki River, cross a wooden bridge, and ascend to Samdo.

Smado is above the tree line and is full of yak pastures. Watch out for the yaks! We suggest you not go near the yaks or tease them, as they get furious with a slight disturbance while grazing.

Samdo is a beautiful hamlet with picturesque sights of Samdo Peak. Moreover, the chores and lifestyle of local people are one to watch.

You'll settle in at Hotel Snow Lion for lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation. They're the best in Samdo.

Four kilometers distance in three hours seems an arms reach. However, today, the altitude makes a significant difference in the way you trek. To avoid altitude sickness, you'll trek slow-paced from Samdo to Dharamshala.

Despite the Samdo-Dharmashala short-distance camp, you'll start the trek early to avoid the afternoon's fierce wind.

You'll start the trek after having breakfast at the tea house in Samdo.

Leaving Samdo, you'll cross a suspension bridge and trek to Larke Bazaar. A trail from here runs to the Tibet border and another to Dharamshala. You'll take the one to the west, towards Dharamshala.

You'll cross a few streams that usually freeze in November-December. Thus, be extra cautious while crossing these streams.

Usually, Himalayan Tahr, aka mountain goat, comes out to graze in the morning. Even with loads of trekkers on the trail, they never run. Instead, they graze and let you catch the beautiful sight of the herd.

An hour of slow walking takes you to Mt. Manaslu View Point. Here, you'll climb a 100 meters steep ridge. Once you reach the viewpoint, you'll glimpse Mt. Manaslu and the tea houses in Dharamshala.

Thirty minutes of gradual walk is Dharamshala, where you'll stop for lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

You'll go to bed early to start the trek to Larke Pass early in the morning.

Crossing Larke Pass on this day is the most exciting day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It's a long walking day but the most joyous and adventurous.

With breakfast at the tea house at 5 am, you'll start the trek to Larke Pass.

Leaving Dharmashala, you'll walk through a narrow section between the glacier and a slope. The altitude gain is very slow as there are no sharp steep ascends en route.

One and a half hours from Dharmashala takes you to a withered hut which most call a seasonal tea house. From here, the route to the pass is less steep. But if covered in snow, it's the most tricky and challenging section.

Approaching the pass will be close to the sunrise. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the top of Larke La.

The time you'll stop at Larke La depends on the wind on a given day. Larke Pass usually gets windy throughout the day. And, on some days in mid-spring and late Autumn, the wind blows up to 40-50 km/hr. With this, it gets cold and makes the walk even more arduous.

With some photographs and videos at the Larke Pass, you'll start the descent to Bimthang. Till High Altitude Tea Shops, it's a sharp descent from the pass.

Descending, you'll get a picturesque view of Pongker Lake and a glacial cirque formed by Himlung, Gyaji Kang, and other mountains. The panoramic wall of elegant peaks makes your descent entertaining.

Further descending for an hour takes you to Bimthang. From here, you'll get the rear view of Mt. Manaslu, the most beautiful sight of the mountain.

You'll have lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation at Apple Garden Lodge, the best in Bimthang.

After an elegant breakfast at the tea house in Bimthang, you'll start the 17 km-long walk to Tilche.

Past Bimthang, you'll enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The elegant sight of Mt. Manaslu and the tree lines make your walk serene. You'll trek along the pine and rhododendron forest and descend to Chauli Kharka.

Past Chauli Kharka, you'll descend to Surki Khola via Dudh Khola. The route gets flat and easy to trek on. You'll have lunch at Surki Khola or Goa.

An hour from Surki Khola is Goa. Another hour from Goa is Tilche, a beautiful hamlet on the banks of cascading Dudh Khola.

You'll cross a suspension bridge and take a shared jeep ride to Besisahar. The drive is three hours, with a stop at elegant Bung Waterfall in Chyamche.

Upon reaching Besisahar, you'll settle in at Hotel Tulsi Home, the best in town.

After breakfast at the hotel in Besisahar, you'll take a public bus/microbus drive to Kathmandu. It's a 6-hour drive along Prithvi Highway.

Based on the group size, with few add-ons, you'll get a private jeep transfer. However, a Jeep transfer for an individual from Besisahar to Kathmandu costs USD 440.

You'll stop for lunch midway.

You'll get a taxi to the hotel upon reaching the bus stand.

With this, your 11-day Manaslu Circuit Trek comes to an end.

You'll meet with our manager at the hotel for feedback sessions. Also, you'll get a trek completion certificate.

Manaslu Circuit Trek- Useful Information

Here is some useful information before planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2025. We’ve tried our best to cover the most essential topics from the trek so that you can have a clear picture of what it offers.

However, for an in-depth breakdown, we have a FAQ section. Feel free to scroll below.

Average day on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Every day on the trek is an adventurous challenge and rewarding. The challenge is that the walking distance each day is longer than that of other trekkings, like Langtang Valley Trek and even Everest Base Camp Trek. The rewards are the serene walk through vibrant landscapes and elegant mountain views, including Mt. Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain.

As the Manaslu Circuit trekking route is long, each day’s walk will be 7-8 hours, with a distance close to 20 km. Thus, to maximize the daytime walking, you’ll start the hike early morning, around 8, with breakfast at 7:30 sharp. Every day’s accommodation will be at the best available tea houses with cozy rooms, warm dining halls, and hygienic meals.

The lunch will be en route after 3-4 hours of trek. We’ll accommodate in a tea house at each day’s end for the dinner. Also, the breakfast next morning will be at the same tea house you’ll stay overnight.

Be it fluttering prayer flags or mani walls and stupas, the Buddhist artifacts throughout the trail make you walk serenely. You’ll find the locals engaged in daily activities resonated by the hymns and juniper’s smoke.

On Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll see the mountains in the Manaslu region after reaching Lho, which is on the fourth day of lunch. However, along the trek past Lho, you’ll see the entire mountains in the region, including the conspicuous Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain.

After dinner, at the end of each day, you’ll have a discussion session, where you’ll share your experience of walking each day on the trek. Also, this session gives your trek guide an idea of your physical and mental state during the trek. Your trek guide will do short briefing sessions about the next day’s walk.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the only trek in Nepal where you must purchase three trekking permits. However, in recent years, the local government has mandated a local area permit with which trekkers now have to buy four permits.

MCAP, MRAP, ACAP, and a local area permit are four permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Note: Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost you pay us includes these trek permits.

Here’s an overview of these permits.

  1. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Since you’ll be trekking in Manaslu Conservation Area, you must have a conservation area permit. It costs Rs. 3000 Nepali rupees or USD 25, approx.
  2. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP): From Jagat to Bimthang, Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area. As there’s an open border to Tibet in Samdo, the region is restricted. Thus, you need a restricted area permit as well. It’s the most expensive permit and costs USD 70 (December-August) and USD 100 (September-November).
  3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): You’ll trek to Bimthang, Tilche, and Dharapani, all in Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, with Manaslu region permits, you also need an ACAP Permit. It costs USD 25 or Nepali rupees 3000. With this permit, after trekking to Manaslu Circuit, you can do Annapurna Circuit Trek if you wish to.
  4. Local Area Permit: The local area permit costs Rs. 1500, a must-buy permit for this trek.

To learn more about Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, read this blog.

Best time to trek to Manaslu Circuit

Our recommendation: If you’re planning the Manaslu Circuit Trek, March-April and mid-September till late November are the best times. It rains a lot in summer and snows with a fierce wind, making crossing Larke Pass almost impossible.

March, April, and May are ideal months to trek to Manaslu Circuit. Moreover, Autumn is the next best time, from late September to late November. During these months, the weather stays fair, the mountains look spectacular, and the temperature remains stable, all ideal for the trek. Moreover, the rhododendron blossom in Spring and vibrant vegetation in Autumn make the walk serene and elegant.

If you’re considering summer months from June to August to trek to Manaslu, please cancel it. Manaslu Circuit has many landslide zones that get active with summer rain and put you at risk. Moreover, you’ll barely see any mountains in the region, including Mt. Manaslu.

December is still doable, but the fierce wind at Larke freezes you. However, with snowfall in January and February, it’s almost impossible to do Manaslu Circuit Trek. Also, Larke Pass remains closed during the heavy snowfall. All tea houses remain closed during the extreme cold and snow in January and February.

Altitude Sickness during the trek

You’ll be free from altitude sickness while trekking to Manaslu Circuit. Thus, you don’t need to stress about getting altitude sickness during the trek.

The walking point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Bangsing, which is at 1200-1300 meters altitude. The highest altitude you’ll reach on this trek is Larke Pass, at 5,106 meters. And you’ll gain around 400-450 meters altitude each day on the trek. Moreover, you’ll visit Pung Gyen Gompa and stop for acclimatization at Sama Gaun. The next day from Sama Gaun is a walk to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake, which provides proper acclimatization with the altitude.

Continuing the trek from Sama Gaun, you’ll trek to Samdo for three hours. And the next day, you’ll trek for three hours to Dharmashala. And from Dharmashala, you’ll cross Larke Pass.

Accounting all these into the 11-day itinerary, the trek progresses slowly, offering you adequate rest and acclimatization.

Thus, you won’t get altitude sickness during Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Panoramic mountain view with a sight of turquoise Birendra Lake and Sama Gaun Village
Panoramic mountain view with a sight of turquoise Birendra Lake and Sama Gaun Village (Image © Raj Malla)

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQs

This FAQs section is a breakdown of everything you should know about Manaslu Circuit Trek, from trip bookings to trek safety and our recommendations. For your ease, we’ve explained each topic concisely.

Trip Booking and Cancelation

Once you agree to book this trek with us, you must send us at least 30% of the total trek cost. We call it the trek confirmation fee, which we'll use for the trek permits, tea house reservations, etc.

For the confirmation payment, we'll send you our bank account details, which you can use to transfer the funds.

Note: You may need to pay the service fee for international fund transfers while transferring the trek confirmation fee. This service fee isn't included in the 30% trek confirmation fee.

Once you transfer us the trek confirmation fee, upon receiving the payment, you'll get a message about the payment.

We'll send you an email that includes:

-  Detailed trek itinerary

-  Cost Includes and Excludes

-  Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek

-  Physical fitness training exercises and recommendations

-  And other necessary attachments related to the trek

If you wish to cancel the trek for various reasons, you must inform us before the trek's start date. You'll get the refunds as per our trek cancellation policy.

Here's our trek's cancelation policy for the refunds:

-  canceling the trek a month before the departure date subject to a 50% refund

-  subject to a 20% refund upon canceling the trek a week before the departure date

-  should cancel the trek a few days before the trek subject to no refund

-  should cancel the trek once it starts for various reasons, you must pay the whole trek cost with no refund

Absolutely. Instead of canceling the trek and asking for a refund, it's better to use the confirmation fee for other trekking. We have high-value treks, like the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes via Cho La Pass and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which you can join.

Moreover, these trekking are highly rewarding and are on par with Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Arrivals and Visa

Most nationals who fly to Nepal can benefit from an on-arrival visa. An immigration department at the arrivals provides on-arrival visas to all foreign nationals.

You must apply for a visa. The visa application booths at immigration collect your information and process your visa.

For an in-depth guide regarding Nepali on-arrival visas, read this blog.

Yes. You'll have a trek briefing session at the hotel you'll stay in Kathmandu. Our manager and the trek guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek will brief you about the trek.

The session runs for an hour with a photo/video presentation. Also, you could chat with your trek guide to learn more about him/her and the trek.

You must pay the remaining trek cost after the trek briefing session. Or, if you're in Nepal a few days before the trek, you can make the payment a day before the trek's start date.

Note: We recommend you pay the remaining payment in USD rather than in Nepali rupees.

Transportation

The trek cost doesn't include the private jeep ride for the trek. However, if you wish to drive on a private jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Besisahar to Kathmandu, you must pay additional USD 440 per person.

In USD 440, you'll get:

-  Private jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

-  Private Jeep from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Trek Guides and Porters

All of our trekking guides are fluent English speakers. Our trekking guides, who specialize in doing Manaslu Circuit Trek, can communicate fluently and are great storytellers.

Our primary goal in assigning fluent English-speaking guides is to ensure that you have better communication on the trek.

Yes. We have experienced male and female trekking guides. And, if you prefer trekking with a female guide, we'll organize this trek with a female guide.

Female guides at NepTrek Adventures are vastly experienced, with their extensive trekking in the Himalayas over the years. Moreover, they're friendly, adventurous, humorous, and supportive.

You'll have an adventurous walk in Manaslu with our female guide.

The group size determines the number of trek guides and porters we employ for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

We usually allocate one trekking guide for a group of five trekkers. However, we provide one trek leader and an assistant guide for groups of more than five.

Regarding the trekking porter, the two trekkers can share a trekking porter. A trek porter carries a combined 20 kg of luggage.

However, an additional USD 200 is required to hire a trekking porter for an individual trekker.

If you're trekking individually, you'll get a trek guide, which is more like private guiding. However, upon request, you'll get a private trekking guide, that too, while trekking in a group. To do this, you must pay an additional USD 300 for the private guide.

Note: During the season, the trekking guides often get busy with treks and tours. Thus, if you want a private guide, you must inform us while booking the trek. In this way, we can allocate the guide for you.

Yes. We purchase travel insurance for our trekking guides and porters. On top, Manaslu is a restricted area, and trekking there can get challenging sometimes. Thus, for their health and safety, we purchase annual travel insurance with helicopter rescue and accidental coverage.

The amount of tip depends on how wholesome your trek experience will be at the end. If you're satisfied with the overall guidance and other services from the guide, you can tip as much as you want. There's no standard fee for this.

However, most trekkers prefer tipping at least 15% of the total trek cost.

Note: We pay salaries to our trek guides and porters per the industry standards.

Accommodation and Meals

For overnight accommodation, you'll get a twin-sharing room. Twin-sharing rooms are usually spacious, clean, and have an electricity charging plug.

Most twin-sharing rooms in Manaslu have attached bathrooms. For example, you'll find attached bathrooms at Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaun, Shyala, and Samdo.

During the season, the tea houses get fully occupied. Thus, the availability of private rooms depends on the number of trekkers in the tea house.

A sleeping bag of -10 ˚C is highly recommended for this trek. During the season, the tea houses get occupied. Thus, they won't provide multiple blankets to trekkers.

Moreover, at Dharmashala, the tea houses run short of blankets, and if they are in stock, you have to pay to use them.

Thus, a sleeping bag is a must if you're planning this trek during the season (March-May and September-December). It keeps you warm and cozy and also saves some bucks.

Yes. Except for the ones at Dharmashala, all the tea houses in Manaslu provide hot showers. Most of the hot showers are gas geysers with proper ventilation.

Note: The hot showers cost Rs. 300-500. You must pay for the hot shower as it's an additional amenity that Manaslu Circuit Trek doesn't cover.

Yes. Electricity is available in every tea house in Manaslu Circuit. The good part you can charge your electrical devices for free at most places.

Remember to bring a power bank for the trek because, at some tea houses, the room doesn't come with a charging plug.

Yes. Except in Dharmashala, all the tea houses in other places on the trek provide high-speed wifi to the trekkers. The wifi costs Rs. 200-300, depending on the elevation you're in.

The tea houses along Manaslu Circuit Trek are decent and provide expansive meal choices. You'll get hygienic, delicious, and adequate proportions.

Here's a brief of what meals you can expect during this trek:

-  Soup

-  Chapati and Breads

-  Pancake

-  Porridge

-  Egg

-  Curry

-  Rice and Veg Curry

-  Momo

-  Potato Dish

-  Noodle

-  Spring Roll

-  Macaroni

-  Spaghetti

-  Salads

-  Desserts

You'll have at least 4-5 options to choose from each of these meals.

It depends on what you prefer. But we recommend drinking hot water at higher elevations to avoid cough and throat issues. Usually, trekkers drink cold water, which results in severe cough, chest pain, and cold.

At lower elevations, you can fill in the running water from the tap and put one or two water purifying tablets. The cold water often contains bacteria and earth minerals that may not suit your belly.

Thus, hot water at higher elevations and cold water with purifying tablets at lower elevations are good choices.

No. Being a vegetarian is excellent for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Moreover, we suggest our clients not eat meat while trekking.

While on trekking, food digestion, and poisoning are often common among trekkers. The main issue behind this is the consumption of meat.

Thus, avoiding the meat on the trek is the safest option.

Health and Safety

We always prioritize your safety on the trek. Thus, we follow a series of steps if you get sick while trekking in Manalsu.

Here's how we'll respond if you get sick.

-  Your trekking guide will assess your physical condition and consult with our manager.

-  If the altitude sickness symptoms are mild, you'll rest for a day or two at the same place.

-  If the symptoms are severe, you'll ride back on a horse to the lower elevation trek down to Philim and take a jeep to Arughat and Kathmandu.

-  If you need an emergency rescue, you'll need a helicopter evacuation. However, you must have travel insurance with helicopter rescue coverage for the helicopter rescue.

Note: Manaslu Circuit Trek is in a restricted area. Thus, getting the helicopter can take a day due to the paperwork across multiple governing authorities.

Absolutely. Manaslu and all over Nepal are safe for female trekkers. In Manaslu, you'll be with a trekking guide and a porter who keeps you safe and sound throughout the trek. Moreover, the tea houses are friendly and welcoming. On top of this, we'll send our most experienced female guide with you on the trek if you want a female trekking guide.

Thus, as a female trekker, you'll feel safe and welcomed in Manaslu.

Yes. Your trekking guide comes with a valid Nepal government trekking guide license. Moreover, our trekking guides are Wilderness First Aid responders. Thus, you'll get a licensed trekking guide with first aid responder training expertise.

It ensures that you'll receive an on-the-spot first aid treatment for minor injuries during the trek.

Travel insurance, including helicopter rescue coverage, is a must for Manaslu. It's because during emergencies like altitude sickness, landslides, and heavy snowfall, you may need a helicopter evacuation.

Also, the helicopter rescue from Manaslu can cost $8k on average, which paying from your pocket isn't feasible. Moreover, to get the helicopter for rescue, you must have travel insurance. Otherwise, the helicopter won't fly to rescue you.

Furthermore, travel insurance compensates for the loss and damage of trek gear and personal stuff.

Hence, travel insurance is a must for Manaslu.

No. We don't guide people with existing health conditions. The health issues include:

-  Blood Pressure

-  Chronic Heart Issue

-  Pregnant women

-  Elderly over aged 70 years

If you're in any of these, trekking to Manaslu Circuit can be challenging and risky, given the health conditions.

Trek Preparation and Physical Fitness

The trekking gear and the clothes depend on the time you plan to do this trek. For example, the Spring months are warmer. However, the Autumn months are colder. Thus, the clothes must be accordingly.

You must bring at least a down jacket, sleeping bag, fleece, thermals, windproof pullover, trekking boot, layers, trekking pants, gadgets, and other essential items.

For complete information on this topic, we have prepared a blog on the Packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Please follow the link to learn more about what to bring for the trek.

Physical fitness is a must, especially when you attempt a trek like the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Why? It's because you'll walk almost 18-19 kilometers each day on the route. Plus, the trek runs for 11 days, which is long.

Here are our recommendations that help you maintain a decent fitness for the trek.

-  Yoga or meditation for peace of mind

-  Swimming, cycling, jogging, and running (for efficient breathing)

-  Two to three small hikes before joining the trek

We suggest you train on these exercises for at least two months before joining the trek. The ample time for fitness prepares you adequately for the trek. 

We'll provide a trekking porter to carry your backpacks and luggage for your comfortable walk. Thus, you won't need a big trekking bag. Instead, you can bring a daypack that can fit a water bottle, snacks, personal stuff, and other handy items.

For this, a 30-40 liter backpack is sufficient.

Sama Gaun, a popular landmark in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Sama Gaun, a popular landmark in Manaslu Circuit Trek (Image © NepTrek)

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The difficulty of Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on how experienced a trekker you are.

If you’ve completed treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu will be a comfortable trek for you. However, if you’re a novice trekker with no prior trekking experience, Manaslu Circuit Trek can be a demanding one.

However, even if you’re a novice trekker, you can complete this trek by customizing the itinerary with additional days and shorter walking camps.

The primary reason for Manaslu to be a difficult trek for many is the long walking distance each day. On average, theeveryday walking distance in this trek is close to 20 kilometers. Thus, you’ll start early to utilize the daylight to the fullest.

The total walking distance is 180 kilometers starting from Machhakhola and ending at Dharapani. However, you can now take a jeep ride from Machhakhola to Bangsing on a recently constructed road. And with a jeep, you can avoid Jagat, an entire day walk.

There aren’t many steep ascends on the entire trek route. However, you’ll experience the gradual altitude gain throughout the route.

Crossing Larke Pass isn’t difficult as there aren’t sharp ascends. However, it’s long, cold, and windy, mostly. Thus, a strong wind speed can drop the temperature to -20 ˚C.

Gears and Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek

In this section, we’ve put the overview of the packing list and clothing for Manaslu. However, for complete information, we have a separate blog on the Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Check it out to learn in detail.

Clothing

Layering the clothes is better than putting on thicker clothes. For example, you can use:

  • Base Layer: Thermals for upper and lower body
  • Insulation Layer: Fleece
  • Outer Shell: Windproof and Waterproof jacket
  • Trekking Pants and Thermal Underwear: Comfortable trekking pants (thin and thick)

Footwear

  • Trekking Boots: Premium trekking boot, sturdy, waterproof, and with ankle support
  • Socks: Woolen and light for day walks and night sleep
  • Extra shoes/Slipper: To use at the tea house during the evening

Gadgets and Accessories

  • Backpack: 50-60 litres if not hiring a porter. Otherwise, 30 litres would be enough
  • Trekking Poles: One pair is a must
  • Ice Micro-spikes: To use as crampons at Larke Pass
  • Camera and binoculars: For photographs and close-up viewing
  • Sleeping Bag: A must

Miscellaneous

  • Zip lock bags for personal stuff like money, passports, etc.
  • Snacks, dry fruits, etc.
  • Skincare products (Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, Beanie, Vaseline, Moisturiser, Quick Dry Towel, etc.)

Enriched Culture and Etiquette in Manaslu

Tibetan descendants are the ethnic community of Manaslu, also called the Nubri people. They practice Buddhism, and thus, every nuance of lifestyle, culture, hospitality, and monument reflects this enriched religious practice. Hence, as a trekker in Manaslu, you must respect their cultural values to the fullest.

Here are some etiquette tips for you while trekking in Manaslu Circuit.

  • Greeting to the locals: Instead of saying hi and hello, you can greet the locals with Nepali terms. The words like Namaste and Tashi Delek are two common greeting words.
  • Dress Code: While trekking, you can wear shorts and thin trousers for comfort. However, while visiting religious sites like Gompas and monasteries, we advise you to put on modest clothes like a jacket and long trekking pants. These clothes provide warmth and also show a modest respect to the site you visit.
  • Photo/Video Etiquette: The locals often pass the smile whenever you photograph or film them. However, it’s always best to ask for consent to take photos and record videos.
  • Visit to gompas and monasteries: Gompas and monasteries are the holy abode of the Buddhist community. Thus, while visiting sites like Pung Gyen Gompa and Sama Gaun Gompa, you must practice the etiquette. For example, if you want to enter the monastery, you must take off your shoes. Also, at most monasteries, you can’t take photos or videos. Furthermore, proper dressing is also a must while visiting the monastery.
  • Behavior in Public: The people in the mountains are conservative. Thus, kissing or hugging your partner in public can alter the lifestyle of the locals. Thus, you try to minimize public behaviors throughout the trek.

Extending your stay after the Manaslu Circuit Trek

You’ll get tired after completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Thus, extending your stay in Nepal for recreation for a few additional days can be a pleasing experience. Usually, people visit Chitwan for jungle safari and relaxation after completing the trek.

If you’re interested in extending your Nepal stay, we’d recommend you join the 2-night 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour. This tour offers a unique taste of wildlife, luxury accommodations, cultural experiences, and more.

Or, if you want to stay for a few days in Kathmandu, the Kathmandu Heritage Site Tour can be an ideal day tour for you. It can be done in a day or if you want to explore more, you can plan a two-day heritage site tour in Kathmandu.

Let us know if you want to extend your Nepal stay and go on other treks and tours.

Travelers Review

The reviews below are from our clients who did wholesome trekking and tours in Nepal with us. All the reviews here reflect how we run the trekking, treat our clients, and organize the trek and tours. Below listed reviews are from TripAdvisor, which is the most accurate and trusted review platform among travelers.

Have a read at what our clients say about us!!

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