Manaslu Circuit Trek

Around the eighth-highest mountain

17 days
Strenuous
From $5,600

Duration: 17 days
Walking grade: Strenuous
Highest point: 5,106 m
Best months: Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Starts and ends: Kathmandu

For experienced trekkers who want a quiet circuit and villages little changed.

A restricted area with quiet trails
Cross the Larke La at 5,106 m
Nubri villages of Tibetan descent
Two acclimatisation days at Samagaon and Samdo

Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and the circuit around it is a restricted area that only licensed groups may enter. That keeps the trail quiet and the villages much as they were.

The walk climbs the Budhi Gandaki gorge into the Nubri valley, where people are of Tibetan descent and the monasteries are old. We take two acclimatisation days before crossing the Larke La at 5,106 metres.

The route starts low, at under 1,000 metres, and climbs slowly for three days through a deep, green gorge before the valley opens into fields, mani walls and stone villages below Manaslu. Acclimatisation days at Samagaon and Samdo come before the short day to Dharamsala and the long crossing of the pass. On the far side you descend through forest to the Marsyangdi, and a private jeep takes you to Pokhara for a day of rest.

This is one of our most demanding journeys, best for travellers who have trekked at altitude before and enjoy long days. It also sees far fewer people than Everest or Annapurna. Comfort is simple: every night between Kathmandu and Pokhara is in a family teahouse, often with shared bathrooms, and the lodge at Dharamsala is very basic. Your guides carry oxygen and check your levels every morning and evening.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: the route

13 places · starts and ends in Kathmandu

Your journey at a glance

Choose a day

Day 1Kathmandu1,400 m

Arrival · Luxury hotel

Read this day

Highest night 4,460 m at Dharamsala · highest point 5,106 m

Way upWay backPositions are approximate; peaks are shown for orientation.

Manaslu Circuit Trek, day by day

Day 1 Kathmandu Luxury hotel Arrival 1,400 m

Your host meets you at arrivals and drives you to the hotel in central Kathmandu. Because Manaslu is a restricted area, your restricted-area permit is arranged before you arrive, using the passport details you send us; in the evening your guide goes through the route and your gear over dinner. The rest of the day is for resting after the flight.

Getting there
Arrival

Sleeping altitude
1,400 m

Where you stay
Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)

Meals
Dinner
Day 2 Machha Khola Best teahouse Drive 8–9 h 930 m

A private jeep heads west out of Kathmandu and then north into the hills, following the Budhi Gandaki river to Machha Khola. The last part of the road is rough and slow, and the day is long, with stops for lunch and tea. The teahouse at Machha Khola is basic and friendly, beside the river.

Getting there
Drive 8–9 h

Sleeping altitude
930 m (−470 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Jagat Best teahouse 6–7 h · 22 km 1,410 m

The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream through a narrowing gorge, past waterfalls and the small hot springs at Tatopani, with long suspension bridges across the river. At Jagat your permits are checked at the entry to the restricted area. The village is paved with stone and has a few simple lodges.

Walking
About 6–7 h, 22 km

Sleeping altitude
1,410 m (+480 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Deng Best teahouse 6 h · 20 km 1,860 m

The gorge deepens as you climb past Philim, where the trail to the Tsum valley branches off, and on through bamboo and pine forest. The path is cut into the cliffs in places, high above the river. Deng is a small cluster of houses and lodges, quiet once the day's walkers arrive.

Walking
About 6 h, 20 km

Sleeping altitude
1,860 m (+450 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Namrung Best teahouse 6–7 h · 19 km 2,630 m

A long climb into the Nubri valley, crossing and recrossing the river as the gorge opens out. The houses change: flat roofs, prayer flags and carved wooden windows. Mani stones and chortens begin to line the trail. Namrung has good views up the valley and one of the better teahouses on the route.

Walking
About 6–7 h, 19 km

Sleeping altitude
2,630 m (+770 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Lho Best teahouse 4 h · 10 km 3,180 m

A shorter day through barley fields and villages of Tibetan descent, past long mani walls and chortens. At Lho you get the first full view of Manaslu at the head of the valley. Ribung monastery sits on the hill above the village, and in the afternoon there is time to visit it with your guide.

Walking
About 4 h, 10 km

Sleeping altitude
3,180 m (+550 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7–8 Samagaon Best teahouse 3–4 h · 8 km 3,530 m

An easy walk across open pasture to Samagaon, the largest village in Nubri, with Manaslu rising directly above. The next day is for acclimatisation: a climb to Pungyen Gompa, a small monastery below the mountain's glaciers, or a shorter walk to Birendra Tal, a glacial lake. You return to Samagaon to sleep.

Walking
About 3–4 h, 8 km

Sleeping altitude
3,530 m (+350 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9–10 Samdo Best teahouse 3 h · 8 km 3,860 m

A gentle climb up the valley to Samdo, the last village before the pass and a day's walk from the Tibetan border. Samdo's families came from Tibet, and the village keeps close ties with it. The second day is for a further acclimatisation walk above the village, with views of the high peaks around the Larke La, before sleeping again in Samdo.

Walking
About 3 h, 8 km

Sleeping altitude
3,860 m (+330 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Dharamsala Best teahouse 3–4 h · 12 km 4,460 m

A short climb to Dharamsala, a small stone lodge at the foot of the pass. You arrive early, eat well and go to bed early. The lodge is basic and cold, and this is the simplest night on the route. Your guide checks oxygen levels and plans the morning start with you.

Walking
About 3–4 h, 12 km

Sleeping altitude
4,460 m (+600 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Larke La · Bimthang Best teahouse 8–9 h · 16 km 3,590 m

The big day. You leave before dawn and climb slowly over moraine to the Larke La at 5,106 metres, hung with prayer flags, with Himlung and the Annapurnas in view. The descent is long and steep, sometimes on snow, down to the meadows of Bimthang at the foot of Manaslu's western glaciers. It is a long day, and a happy evening.

Walking
About 8–9 h, 16 km

Sleeping altitude
3,590 m (−870 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Tilije Best teahouse 5 h · 13 km 2,300 m

Down from Bimthang through rhododendron and pine forest, with Manaslu behind you, to the Dudh Khola and the village of Tilije. The air feels thick and warm after the high valleys. Tilije is a village of stone houses and small fields, with simple lodges and a hot meal waiting.

Walking
About 5 h, 13 km

Sleeping altitude
2,300 m (−1,290 m)

Where you stay
Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Pokhara Luxury hotel 3 h · 8 km 820 m

A short morning walk to Dharapani on the Marsyangdi river, where the circuit meets the road. A private jeep is waiting to drive you down the valley and on to Pokhara, about six hours. By evening you are in a comfortable hotel by the lake, with a hot shower and a long night's sleep.

Walking
About 3 h, 8 km

Getting there
Drive 6 h

Sleeping altitude
820 m (−1,480 m)

Where you stay
Luxury lakeside or hillside hotel in Pokhara

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Pokhara Luxury hotel 820 m

A full day of rest in Pokhara. Take a boat out on Phewa Lake, have a massage, walk the lakeshore or do nothing at all. After two weeks of teahouses, a long breakfast and a slow afternoon feel well earned. In the evening your guide and team may join you for a farewell dinner.

Sleeping altitude
820 m

Where you stay
Luxury lakeside or hillside hotel in Pokhara

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Kathmandu Luxury hotel Flight 25 min 1,400 m

A short flight back to Kathmandu, with the Himalaya along the windows on a clear morning. Mountain flights depend on the weather, so the day is kept loose. The afternoon is free at the hotel, or for a last visit to Boudhanath or the old city, and your host can book a farewell dinner.

Getting there
Flight 25 min

Sleeping altitude
1,400 m (+580 m)

Where you stay
Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Departure Departure

A private transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you would like more time in Nepal, we can add nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Getting there
Departure

Meals
Breakfast

Walking times are typical at an unhurried pace and include rests; your guide adjusts each day to the group and the weather.

Is this journey for you?

Walking: Long days of six to ten hours with high passes above 5,000 metres.
Fitness: Strong fitness and previous trekking at altitude.
Altitude: You sleep as high as 4,460 m, with acclimatisation built into the route. We send a health questionnaire and talk it through before you book.
Terrain: Narrow trails cut into the gorge with many suspension bridges, then open valley paths, and a long climb over moraine and sometimes snow to the Larke La.

The practical details

Where you stay

Named lodges or similar, confirmed in your proposal.

4 nights
Luxury hotel

Heritage luxury hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika's or similar)

Kathmandu · Pokhara
12 nights
Best teahouse

Best available teahouse, private room, often with shared bathroom

Machha Khola · Jagat · Deng · Namrung · Lho · Samagaon · Samdo · Dharamsala · Bimthang · Tilije

Best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

JanJanuary: Not recommended. Cold and clear; snow can close high passes.
FebFebruary: Not recommended. Cold and clear; snow can close high passes.
MarMarch: Best. Spring begins: clear mornings, rhododendrons in bloom lower down.
AprApril: Best. Peak spring season: warm days, flowers, busier trails.
MayMay: Good. Warmer and hazier, with afternoon cloud as the monsoon nears.
JunJune: Not recommended. Monsoon: rain most afternoons, leeches low down, mountains often hidden.
JulJuly: Not recommended. Monsoon: heavy rain and frequent flight cancellations.
AugAugust: Not recommended. Monsoon: heavy rain and frequent flight cancellations.
SepSeptember: Good. Monsoon clears late in the month; lush valleys, some cloud.
OctOctober: Best. Peak autumn season: clear views, festivals, busier trails.
NovNovember: Best. Clear, stable and cooler; quieter after mid-month.
DecDecember: Possible. Cold, clear and quiet; short days at altitude.

BestGoodPossibleNot recommended

Seasons for this journey: Spring, Autumn. Choose a month for what to expect.

Comparing prices for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Cheaper treks are usually group departures. Ask any operator:

Is the guide yours alone?: Yes. Only your own party travels together, never a group departure.
How many guides and porters?: A senior guide and a porter for every two guests.
Are altitude checks written down?: Twice a day above 3,000 m, with bottled oxygen on every high route.
What if someone needs evacuating?: A standing helicopter agreement, and insurance confirmed before you travel.

Our Care Standard

Included

Himkora Host, plus a senior guide and a porter for every two guests
All hotels and lodges as described
All meals, including dinners in the cities
Pokhara–Kathmandu flight
Permits: Manaslu restricted-area permit; Manaslu Conservation Area permit; Annapurna Conservation Area permit
Porters, private vehicles and every transfer
Down jacket, sleeping bag and a Himkora duffel on loan
Treated drinking water every day on the trail
Twice-daily oxygen and pulse checks, and a full first-aid kit
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu as described
The Himkora Care Standard, in full

Not included

6 items

International flights
Nepal visa (US$50 on arrival for 30 days)
Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
Gratuities and drinks
Wi-Fi, charging and hot showers where lodges charge for them
Extra nights or helicopters caused by weather delays (often covered by insurance)

Before you go

Permits we arrange for you

Manaslu restricted-area permit (issued only through a licensed agency, with a licensed guide)
Manaslu Conservation Area permit
Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card

We need a scan of your passport photo page and one passport photo about six weeks before travel. Permit fees are included in your price.

Visa and insurance

Most nationalities get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or online in advance. Check the Department of Immigration before you travel.
Travel insurance is required. It must cover trekking to at least 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation; we check your policy before departure.

Prices

Private journey · 17 days · your dates

Price per person, by group size

When are you thinking of going? (optional)

Prices in

Approximate conversion. We quote and invoice in US dollars.

Included in every price

Private guide and porters
Every night’s lodging
Meals as listed
Flights and helicopter as listed
Permits and park fees
Every private transfer

See everything included Why this price?

Final price confirmed in your proposal. Booking terms

Enquire about this journey

Your Himkora host will reply personally within one business day.

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Questions guests ask

More answers on our questions page, or write to hello@himkora.com.

How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek cost?

From $5,600 per person, for two travelling privately, $4,950 per person for four and $8,300 if you travel alone. The price includes guiding, porters, accommodation, meals and permits as listed. Your proposal gives one clear price for your dates.

How many days is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

17 days as we have planned it, from your arrival in Nepal to your departure. Because it is private, we can add rest days or extra nights, or shorten it if you have less time.

How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

We grade it strenuous. Long days of six to ten hours with high passes above 5,000 metres. Strong fitness and previous trekking at altitude.

How high does the Manaslu Circuit Trek go?

The highest point is 5,106 m, and the highest night is at 4,460 m. The itinerary includes acclimatisation days, and your guide checks your oxygen levels every morning and evening.

When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The best months are March, April, October and November. See the month-by-month guide above for the rest of the year.

Which permits do I need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

You will need: Manaslu restricted-area permit (issued only through a licensed agency, with a licensed guide); Manaslu Conservation Area permit; Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card. We arrange all of them for you and include the fees in your price.

Is every journey private?

Yes. You travel only with the people you choose, on your dates. Your guide, porters and vehicles are yours alone, and the route can be adjusted before or during the journey.

What is included in the price?

Your Himkora Host and senior guide, porters, every hotel and lodge named in the itinerary, meals as listed, domestic flights, permits, park fees and private transfers. International flights, your Nepal visa, travel insurance, drinks and gratuities are not included.

How do deposits and payment work?

A 30% deposit confirms your journey, and the balance is due 90 days before travel. Your proposal sets out the full price and the cancellation terms before you pay anything. Our full booking terms are on the Booking terms page.

How fit do I need to be?

Each journey has a walking grade, explained on its page. Before you book, we send a short health questionnaire and talk through your walking history. If a route isn't right, we will say so and suggest one that is.

How do you manage altitude?

Above 3,000 metres our itineraries raise sleeping altitude by about 500 metres a night, never more than 700 metres and then only next to a rest day, with acclimatisation days built in. Guides check blood oxygen and pulse twice a day, carry bottled oxygen on high routes, and always have the authority to turn back.

Do I need special travel insurance?

Yes. Your policy must cover trekking to the highest altitude on your route (up to 6,000 metres on our high journeys), emergency medical treatment, helicopter rescue and repatriation. We check it before you travel.

What if flights to Lukla are delayed?

Mountain flights depend on the weather, and in busy months they may leave from Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. Every Everest itinerary keeps a spare day in Kathmandu after the Lukla flight, so a weather delay doesn't cost you any of the trek. If delays run on longer, a helicopter can be arranged at cost.

Short on time, or a few days spare?