MANASLU TREK 10 DAYS ENDING IN POKHARA
MANASLU TREK 10 DAYS ENDING IN POKHARA
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 Days Ending in Pokhara, professionally crafted by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking, is one of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich treks. This incredible route leads you through the heart of the Himalayas, offering remote trails, ancient monasteries, Tibetan-influenced villages, and the exhilarating crossing of Larke La Pass (5,106m). The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, and ends in the peaceful lakeside city of Pokhara, making it a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
The trek starts with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,300m), passing through the hills and valleys of central Nepal. From Jagat, the trekking trail gradually ascends along the Budhi Gandaki River, leading to the beautiful villages of Deng and Namrung. These areas are rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with prayer wheels, mani walls, and traditional stone houses that give a glimpse into the local lifestyle.
From Namrung, the trail continues to the enchanting village of Samagaon (3,530m), nestled beneath the towering Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest peak in the world. You will spend an important acclimatization day in Samagaon, which helps your body adapt to the altitude. On this rest day, you can choose between a hike to the stunning Manaslu Base Camp or a visit to Pungoin Gompa, a peaceful monastery with panoramic views.
As the trail continues, you head towards Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village, then on to Dharamsala (4,460m), the last stop before tackling the high pass. The most thrilling part of the trek is crossing Larke La Pass (5,106m). This high-altitude crossing rewards you with jaw-dropping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and parts of the Annapurna Range. After reaching the summit, the trail descends to the stunning alpine valley of Bhimthang (3,720m).
The following day, you continue trekking through lush forests and traditional settlements as you descend to Dharapani (1,960m), marking the end of the trekking portion. From Dharapani, you’ll take a shared jeep to Besisahar, followed by a private transfer to Pokhara, where your adventure concludes. Pokhara is a vibrant city where you can relax by Phewa Lake, enjoy great food, and reflect on your trekking experience.
This 10-day itinerary is ideal for trekkers looking for a less crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, while still enjoying equally breathtaking scenery and cultural richness. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking ensures you are guided by licensed English-speaking guides and strong Sherpa porters, with all permits, meals, and accommodations arranged.
Whether you are drawn to towering peaks, cultural exploration, or personal challenge, the Manaslu Circuit Trek ending in Pokhara offers it all. It’s not just a trek — it’s a journey into the soul of the Himalayas.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,300m) – Duration: 9–11 hours.
Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, a journey that takes you through scenic hills, terraced fields, and winding mountain roads. The drive follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, then continues alongside the Budhi Gandaki River into the Manaslu region. Jagat is a charming stone-paved village where you'll rest for the night and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 2 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m) – Duration: 5–6 hours.
The trail begins with a gradual climb through forested landscapes, waterfalls, and traditional Gurung villages. You’ll cross several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, pass by small settlements like Sirdibas and Philim, and finally reach Deng, a small village surrounded by beautiful cliffs and farmland.
Day 3 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m) – Duration: 5–6 hours.
Today’s route leads through dense pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional views of snow-capped peaks. You’ll pass through Lho and Bihi villages, catching glimpses of Tibetan influence in architecture and prayer flags. After crossing more suspension bridges and ascending stone steps, you'll arrive in Namrung, a culturally rich village with views of Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli.
Day 4 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m) – Duration: 6–7 hours.
The trail ascends steadily through picturesque alpine landscapes and ancient monasteries. You’ll pass through Lihi and Sho villages, and enjoy your first clear views of Manaslu (8,163m). Upon reaching Samagaon, one of the largest villages in the region, you'll experience traditional Tibetan culture and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Day 5 : Acclimatization Day in Samagaon – Hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.
Today is a rest and acclimatization day to prepare for higher altitudes. You can explore the village or take an optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for panoramic views of glaciers and peaks, or visit the peaceful Pungyen Gompa, perched on a ridge with stunning scenery. This helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m) – Duration: 3–4 hours.
A shorter day as you trek through alpine meadows and yak pastures toward Samdo, a small Tibetan refugee village just 17 km from the Tibetan border. You’ll have time to rest and explore the surroundings or hike up a ridge for sunset views of Mount Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier.
Day 7 : Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m) – Duration: 4–5 hours.
The trail today ascends gradually to Dharamsala (also called Larke Phedi), the base camp before crossing Larke La Pass. The terrain is dry and rugged with stunning views of mountains and glacial moraines. This is a crucial stop for rest and preparation before the big day ahead.
Day 8 : Trek from Dharamsala to Bhimthang (3,720m) via Larke La Pass (5,106m) – Duration: 8–9 hours.
This is the most challenging but rewarding day of the trek. You’ll start early to cross Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek, with breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. After the pass, a long descent leads to the beautiful valley of Bhimthang, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by alpine beauty.
Day 9 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,960m) – Duration: 5–6 hours.
The trail descends through lush forests of pine and rhododendron, crossing rivers and passing small villages like Gho and Tilje. You’ll experience warmer temperatures and greener landscapes as you drop in altitude and reach Dharapani, a busy junction point with access to the Annapurna Circuit.
Day 10 : Drive from Dharapani to Pokhara via Besisahar – Duration: 7–8 hours.
After breakfast, you’ll take a shared local jeep to Besisahar, enjoying scenic views of rural Nepal. From Besisahar, a private vehicle will drive you to Pokhara, where you can unwind at Phewa Lake, enjoy a good meal, and celebrate the successful completion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
SERVICES
Costs Include In Your Package
- Private Ground Transportation: Comfortable private jeep from Kathmandu to Jagat, local shared jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, and a private jeep/car transfer from Besisahar to Pokhara.
- All Meals During the Trek: Enjoy three standard meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—featuring local and hygienic mountain cuisine.
- Lodge/Teahouse Accommodation: Best available teahouse or lodge accommodation along the trekking route (typically on a twin-sharing basis).
- Experienced Trekking Guide: A professional, government-licensed English-speaking trek leader, with an assistant guide for groups of 10 or more.
- Reliable Sherpa Porters: Friendly and experienced Sherpa porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers), including all their meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, and insurance.
- Fully Equipped Crew: All guides and porters provided by Sherpa Expedition & Trekking are fully insured and properly equipped for safe, responsible trekking.
- All Required Permits: Includes the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- Trekking Gear on Loan: Complimentary use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and trekking poles (to be returned after the trek if not personally owned).
- Government & Local Taxes: All national park fees, local taxes, official paperwork, and trekking registration charges are fully covered.
- Emergency Assistance: Coordination and assistance for rescue operations in case of severe altitude sickness or health emergencies (note: expenses must be covered by your travel insurance).
- Complimentary Souvenir: A Sherpa Expedition & Trekking T-shirt as a souvenir of your Himalayan adventure.
- Certificate of Completion: Receive a Sherpa Expedition and Trekking appreciation certificate upon successful completion of the trek.
- Daily Health Monitoring: Regular health checks with a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen level, pulse, and heart rate, ensuring your safety at high altitudes.
- Extra Assistant Guide: An additional assistant guide for groups of 8 or more to ensure personalized attention and safety.
Costs Exclude
- International airfares: Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the package.
- Nepal entry visa fee: Payable upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport – $30 USD (15 days), $50 USD (30 days), $125 USD (90 days).
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu: Meals in the city before or after the trek are at your own expense.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu: Not included before or after the trek (can be arranged on request).
- Extra nights in Kathmandu: Any additional nights due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek are not covered.
- Personal drinks and snacks on the trek: Includes alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and other items bought individually.
- Desserts and sweet items: Such as chocolate, cake, pie, and puddings purchased along the trail.
- Hot showers and battery charging: Available at some teahouses for an extra fee, not included in the package.
- Travel insurance: Must cover emergency rescue, medical treatment, and high-altitude evacuation – compulsory but not included.
- Tips for guide and porters: Not included – tipping is customary and highly appreciated in Nepali culture.
- Unexpected costs due to force majeure: Includes delays or changes caused by weather, landslides, illness, strikes, or other uncontrollable events.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in “Costs Include”: Any item or service not clearly listed in the included section is excluded.
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
🗓️ Best Time to Do the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and colorful forests, while autumn offers crisp air and dry trails. Avoid monsoon (June to August) due to slippery trails and landslides, and winter (December to February) unless you're prepared for snow and extreme cold, especially around Larke La Pass (5,106m).
🧾 Permits Required for the Manaslu Trek
To trek in the Manaslu Conservation Area, you must secure several permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
These are mandatory and regulated by the government to preserve the environment and support local communities. Solo trekking is not allowed — you must trek with a registered agency like Sherpa Expedition and Trekking, which handles all permits on your behalf.
🧍♂️ Physical Fitness & Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderately to highly challenging trek. You’ll be walking 5–8 hours daily, often on rugged, steep terrain. The crossing of Larke La Pass at 5,106m is the most demanding part, requiring stamina and proper acclimatization. Prior hiking or trekking experience is beneficial but not mandatory. Good cardiovascular fitness, mental resilience, and preparation for high-altitude trekking are essential for completing the 10-day itinerary comfortably.
🏘️ Accommodation & Meals During the Trek
Accommodation on the Manaslu trek route is in basic but comfortable teahouses and lodges, usually with twin-sharing rooms and shared toilets. Facilities become more limited at higher altitudes like Dharamsala and Bhimthang.
Meals included are three standard meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Expect dal bhat (rice and lentils), soups, noodles, pasta, vegetables, and occasional local treats. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking ensures food hygiene and provides clean water or boiled drinking water during the trek.
🏥 Health, Safety & Emergency Support
Altitude sickness is a real risk on the Manaslu Circuit, especially above 3,000 meters. The 10-day itinerary includes proper acclimatization at Samagaon, and guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your oxygen levels.
In case of emergencies, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking provides full assistance including evacuation coordination, but trekkers must have travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation. The trekking team is equipped with first-aid kits, and all guides are trained in high-altitude safety protocols.
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FAQS
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek 10 Days?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately to highly challenging, mainly due to the high altitude and the crossing of Larke La Pass (5,106m). Trekkers should be in good physical condition, but the itinerary includes proper acclimatization and support from experienced guides and porters.
Do I need a guide for the Manaslu Trek?
Yes, hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu region. Independent trekking is not allowed due to its restricted area status. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking provides experienced English-speaking guides and Sherpa porters to ensure safety and support.
What permits are required for the trek?
You will need the following permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Your trekking company handles all permit arrangements before your departure.
What’s the highest point on the trek?
The highest elevation reached during the trek is Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters. It is a tough but incredibly scenic crossing, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu, Himlung, and parts of the Annapurna Range.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, altitude sickness is a concern above 2,500m. However, the itinerary includes a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaon, and your guide will monitor your health daily using pulse oximeters. Always inform your guide if you feel unwell at any point.
What type of accommodation is available?
During the trek, you’ll stay in local teahouses or lodges. These are basic but cozy, with twin-sharing rooms and shared toilets. Facilities become more limited as you gain altitude, especially around Dharamsala and Bhimthang.
Are meals included in the package?
Yes, three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included during the trek. Meals are prepared by local lodges and typically consist of dal bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, and basic vegetarian options. You can also buy snacks and drinks along the route.
What gear do I need to bring?
You’ll need layered clothing, trekking boots, gloves, warm hat, sunglasses, and a sleeping bag. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking provides sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags, and trekking poles if you don’t have your own.
How do I get back to Pokhara after the trek?
After trekking from Bhimthang to Dharapani, you’ll take a shared jeep to Besisahar, then a private vehicle to Pokhara. The journey offers beautiful hill and river views, ending at lakeside Pokhara, a perfect place to relax.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is compulsory. It ensures you receive immediate support in case of injury, illness, or altitude-related issues during the trek.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
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Based On 5472 Reviews
Emily Zhao
Singapore
May 28, 2025
Professional Trek, Heartfelt Memories – Led by Tshering
I signed up for the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Sherpa Expedition based on a friend’s recommendation, and now I can confidently say it was the best travel decision I’ve ever made. Our guide, Tshering, was truly special. Calm, experienced, and incredibly warm-hearted, he guided us through every step with confidence and care. What I admired most was how he made sure everyone in the group felt supported. Whether it was helping with altitude or simply offering a kind word during steep climbs, he was always there. The trek itself was stunning—every day revealed a new landscape and view. We trekked through rhododendron forests, past rivers and waterfalls, and finally reached the snow-filled amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp. Sherpa Expedition managed all logistics perfectly—from flights to accommodation to delicious meals at the tea houses. Tshering taught us about the culture, pointed out peaks, and even made us laugh during the tough sections. The views from base camp were beyond anything I’ve ever seen—pure magic. I left Nepal with new friendships and a heart full of gratitude. Thank you, Tshering, and thank you, Sherpa Expedition, for an unforgettable experience.
Laura Petrovic
Canada
May 13, 2025
Absolutely Magical Trek with Guide Dendi
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp was one of the most magical experiences of my life. Sherpa Expedition made the entire journey smooth and stress-free, and a huge part of that was thanks to our guide, Dendi. His professionalism, combined with his kindness, made him the perfect companion for this adventure. Dendi was extremely knowledgeable and knew the region inside out—he explained the culture, the peaks, and ensured we were adjusting well to the altitude. Every day was an adventure—crossing rivers, walking through thick forest trails, and climbing toward snow-covered landscapes. Sherpa Expedition’s planning was excellent. The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara was on time, the porters were friendly and hardworking, and the tea houses we stayed in were comfortable and offered surprisingly good food. Dendi checked our health daily, helped with gear issues, and created a supportive group atmosphere. When we finally reached base camp, the sheer beauty brought tears to my eyes. It felt like standing in the heart of nature. This was not just a trek, but an emotional and beautiful journey. I’m thankful to Dendi and the Sherpa Expedition team. I would absolutely recommend this company for anyone looking to experience the Himalayas.
Marcel Mastenbroek
Netherlands
April 9, 2025
Beautiful adventure
My brother and I had a great trip to the Everest Base Camp. Together with Santa our very well informed gide, who took care of us in a fantastic way and gave us much information during the hike, and Gulzen our porter (who carried each day our two bags of 10kg each plus his own bag....unbelievable). We had a wonderful time in the beautiful Himalayas, it was a lifetime experience!
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