MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 9 DAYS
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 9 DAYS
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path trekking experiences, offering dramatic mountain scenery, rich cultural encounters, and a true sense of wilderness. Encircling Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, this trek is ideal for adventurers seeking fewer crowds and authentic Himalayan landscapes.
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu into the Budhi Gandaki River valley, where terraced fields, waterfalls, and traditional villages welcome trekkers into rural Nepal. As the trail gradually ascends, the landscape transforms from subtropical forests to alpine terrain, passing through charming settlements like Jagat, Deng, and Namrung. These villages reflect strong Tibetan Buddhist influence, visible in ancient monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.
Higher up, the route leads toward the culturally rich region of Samagaon, set beneath the towering Manaslu massif. This area provides an essential acclimatization stop, allowing trekkers to adjust to altitude while exploring nearby monasteries and glacial viewpoints. The surrounding peaks, including Manaslu North and Naike Peak, create a breathtaking alpine panorama that defines the heart of the trek.
Beyond Samagaon, the trail climbs steadily toward Dharamsala, the final settlement before the high mountain crossing. The highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the exhilarating ascent over Larkya La Pass (5,106m)—a challenging yet incredibly rewarding section. From the pass, trekkers are treated to sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, making it one of the most scenic high passes in Nepal.
The descent leads into the beautiful alpine valley of Bimtang, surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered peaks. As the trail continues downward, lush forests and warmer air return, eventually connecting to Dharapani and the Annapurna region. The trek concludes with a comfortable drive back to Kathmandu, completing a circular journey through one of Nepal’s most diverse trekking regions.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for trekkers seeking adventure, cultural depth, and raw Himalayan beauty. With proper acclimatization, experienced guidance, and thoughtful planning, this trek delivers a once-in-a-lifetime mountain experience far from the crowded trails.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Private Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,340m) | 9–11 Hours.
Your Manaslu Circuit adventure begins with a private Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, ensuring comfort and flexibility throughout the long journey. The drive follows scenic highways and rugged mountain roads along the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, passing terraced farmland, waterfalls, and rural villages. Jagat marks the official entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Day 2 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m) | 5–6 Hours.
The trek starts along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and climbing through stone-paved trails. You’ll pass traditional villages like Salleri and Philim, offering your first close look at local Gurung culture. The trail gradually ascends to Deng, surrounded by forested hills and steep mountain walls.
Day 3 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m) | 5–6 Hours.
As you move higher, the landscape becomes more alpine. The route features dramatic river gorges, lush forests, and impressive mani walls reflecting Tibetan Buddhist influence. Upon reaching Namrung, you are rewarded with beautiful views of Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli.
Day 4 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m) | 6–7 Hours.
This day offers stunning Himalayan scenery as you walk through charming villages like Lho and Shyala. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) before arriving in Samagaon, a picturesque high-altitude settlement beneath the Manaslu Glacier.
Day 5 : Acclimatization Day at Samagaon.
A vital day for altitude adaptation, this rest day helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Optional hikes include visits to nearby monasteries, Pungin Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp or viewpoints overlooking glaciers and surrounding peaks. Acclimatization here is essential for safely crossing the high pass ahead.
Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m) | 5–6 Hours.
The trail climbs steadily through barren landscapes and glacial moraines. Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, serves as the final stop before crossing the high mountain pass. The air is thin, and the alpine environment feels truly remote.
Day 7 : Trek to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) | 8–9 Hours.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Crossing Larkya La Pass offers breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After the pass, a long descent leads to the scenic valley of Bimtang.
Day 8 : Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,900m) | 6–7 Hours.
The trail descends through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and glacial rivers. Gradually re-entering warmer terrain, you arrive in Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna region.
Day 9 : Private Jeep Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu | 8–9 Hours.
Your journey concludes with a private Jeep drive back to Kathmandu, offering comfort after days of trekking. Enjoy scenic mountain roads and reflect on an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
SERVICES
Costs Include:
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat By Private Jeep and from Dharapani to Besisahar to Kathmandu via Private Jeep
- All standard meals 3 meals a day (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Manaslu special permit to travel within the Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after the trip is completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses at lower altitudes. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food in the mountainous regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Physical fitness
Some days can be challenging where you often have to walk 6-8 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Best season to travel
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is usually done in autumn (Sept. to November) and spring (March to May) when you are much more likely to get to have crystal clear views of the mountains and can also enjoy the lush vegetation in the lower regions of the trail - particularly during spring..
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We take the bus from Bensisahar to Kathmandu. In the past Aarughat used to be the starting point of the trek but nowadays, due to better road conditions we can travel by bus direct to the Soti Khola. We will travel along secondary (rough) roads all the way to Soti Khola by local bus and from Dharapani to Besishahar we will be traveling by private jeep
Guide and Porter on the trek
We provide you trained & certified trekking guides and porters who will take care of all logistics and a porter for every two trekkers who will each carry about 20 kg ( 10 kg for each trekker). An experienced guide and porter will be the difference between success and failure. They will also save you from taking unnecessary risks during poor weather conditions.
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FAQS
What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. It is a remote and challenging trek, offering stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and a unique cultural experience.
How long does the trek take?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes around 9 to 16 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekker. This duration includes acclimatization days and allows for a more enjoyable and safe trekking experience.
Is a special permit required for the trek?
Yes, a special trekking permit and a restricted area permit are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These permits are obtained through a registered trekking agency, and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
What is the level of difficulty?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. It involves long and steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and rugged terrain. Previous trekking experience and a good level of physical fitness are recommended.
What are the highlights of the trek?
The highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek include breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks, crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass, exploring remote villages, experiencing the rich local culture of the ethnic communities, and encountering diverse flora and fauna.
When is the best time to do the trek?
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
Are tea houses available along the trekking route?
Yes, there are tea houses available along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. However, the infrastructure is less developed compared to other popular trekking regions in Nepal. It is recommended to carry some cash and be prepared for basic facilities.
Is a guide necessary for the trek?
Yes, hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It ensures your safety, helps with navigation, provides cultural insights, and supports the local economy.
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