MANASLU TREK 11 DAYS ENDING IN POKHARA
MANASLU TREK 11 DAYS ENDING IN POKHARA
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days ending in Pokhara, organized by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking, is a perfect short Himalayan adventure combining breathtaking landscapes, cultural exploration, and the thrill of high-altitude trekking. This epic trek offers an off-the-beaten-path experience around Mount Manaslu (8,163m) — the world’s 8th highest peak — and concludes in the peaceful city of Pokhara.
The journey starts early in the morning from Kathmandu, driving along scenic hillsides to reach Machhakhola, the starting point of your trek. The trail then leads to Jagat, marking the official entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area. From here, the trek begins in earnest, following the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges, and passing through picturesque villages and terraced farmlands.
From Jagat, the trail ascends gradually through the villages of Deng and Namrung, offering magnificent views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. Namrung is a beautiful village rich in Buddhist culture, where you'll begin to notice the influence of Tibetan traditions and architecture.
Continuing the trek, you reach Samagaon (3,530m), a major highlight of the Manaslu Circuit. This charming Tibetan-style village lies in the shadow of Manaslu and is a perfect place for an acclimatization day. On your rest day, you can opt for a hike to the Manaslu Base Camp for stunning views of glaciers and surrounding peaks, or visit the serene Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery with dramatic mountain backdrops.
After a good rest, you head to Samdo (3,875m), the last permanent settlement before the pass. Then, the trail climbs to Dharmasala (4,460m) — also known as Larke Phedi — where trekkers prepare to cross the Larke La Pass (5,106m) the next day. This pass is the highest point of the trek and offers panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and parts of the Annapurna Range.
From the top of Larke La, you descend into the lush valley of Bhimthang (3,720m) — a peaceful alpine haven surrounded by snowy peaks. The trail then continues down to Dharapani, where the trek officially ends.
From Dharapani, a shared jeep will take you to Besisahar, and from there, you'll enjoy a scenic drive in a private vehicle to Pokhara. After days of trekking, the lakeside city of Pokhara offers the perfect place to relax and reflect on your adventure.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days is ideal for trekkers looking for an authentic Himalayan journey with fewer crowds, rich cultural immersion, and dramatic mountain scenery. With Sherpa Expedition and Trekking, you get expert guidance, reliable support, and a well-designed itinerary that balances challenge and comfort.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (869m) – Duration: 6-7 hours.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola. The journey offers breathtaking views of the lush countryside, rivers, and terraced fields. Machhakhola is a small village nestled by the Budhi Gandaki River and serves as the official starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Day 2 : Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1300m) – Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trek officially starts today as you walk along the Budhi Gandaki River valley. The trail passes through small villages, lush forests, and suspension bridges. Jagat is a charming village that marks your first overnight stop, offering basic teahouse accommodations.
Day 3 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) – Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today’s trek leads you deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area. You’ll pass through bamboo forests and quaint villages, crossing several suspension bridges. Deng is a welcoming settlement surrounded by stunning mountain views, making it a perfect rest spot.
Day 4 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) – Duration: 5-6 hours.
As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into alpine forests and rugged cliffs. Namrung is a traditional Tibetan-influenced village with tea houses offering local hospitality and panoramic views of the Manaslu range.
Day 5 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3530m) – Duration: 6-7 hours.
The trail ascends steadily today, leading to Samagaon, a significant village where trekkers acclimatize. Samagaon is known for its ancient monasteries and stunning views of Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world.
Day 6 : Acclimatization day at Samagaon – Hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.
This rest day helps your body adjust to high altitude. You can hike to Pungyen Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery, or choose to trek to Manaslu Base Camp for spectacular views of the towering Manaslu peak and its glaciers.
Day 7 : Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3875m) – Duration: 3-4 hours.
A shorter day allows for easy trekking to Samdo, a village with Tibetan culture and stunning mountain panoramas. Samdo marks the gateway to the higher-altitude sections of the trek.
Day 8 : Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) – Duration: 4-5 hours.
You ascend further to Dharamsala, a small settlement that acts as the final stop before the challenging Larke La Pass. The altitude here is significant, so take it slow and stay hydrated.
Day 9 : Trek to Bhimthang (3720m) via Larke La Pass (5106m) – Duration: 8-9 hours.
This is the most demanding day of the trek as you cross the Larke La Pass, the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit. The panoramic mountain views at the pass are breathtaking. After the descent, you arrive at Bhimthang, where you rest and recover.
Day 10 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1960m) – Duration: 5-6 hours.
Descending through rhododendron forests and charming villages, this day offers a change of pace. Dharapani is a lively village, marking the end of the trekking portion of the journey.
Day 11 : Drive from Dharapani to Pokhara via Besisahar – Duration: 7-8 hours.
Your final day includes a scenic jeep ride from Dharapani to Besisahar, followed by a private transfer to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Here, you can relax and reflect on your incredible Manaslu Circuit Trek adventure.
SERVICES
Costs Include In Your Package
- Private Ground Transportation: Comfortable private jeep from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, 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 Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and pleasant temperatures. During spring, rhododendrons bloom along the trails, while autumn provides crisp air and excellent visibility. Avoid monsoon and winter due to landslides and snow-covered passes like Larke La (5,106m).
Permits and Regulations
Because the Manaslu region is a restricted area, special permits are required:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
These permits can only be arranged through a registered local agency like Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. Also, solo trekking is not allowed — a licensed guide is mandatory for this route.
Acclimatization and Altitude Awareness
Acclimatization is crucial to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The itinerary includes a dedicated rest day in Samagaon (3,530m), with optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa to aid acclimatization. Guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen levels daily, ensuring your safety. Drinking water, slow pacing, and rest are key to successful altitude adjustment.
Accommodation and Food on the Trek
Teahouse accommodation is available throughout the trek. Expect basic but clean lodges, usually with twin-sharing rooms and shared toilets. At higher altitudes like Dharmasala and Bhimthang, facilities are more limited. Meals are simple but hearty — typically dal bhat, noodles, rice, soups, and tea. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking ensures hygienic meals and boiled water are provided along the trail.
Transportation to and from the Trek
The trek begins with a private jeep drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, followed by trekking to Jagat and onward. After completing the trek at Dharapani, a shared jeep takes you to Besisahar, and from there, a private car or jeep transfers you to Pokhara. This seamless transition lets you end your adventure in comfort, near Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
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FAQS
How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days?
The 11-day trek covers demanding terrains with high altitude, especially crossing the Larke La Pass (5,106m). Trekking 5–9 hours daily, it requires good fitness, proper acclimatization, and mental preparedness. With Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s expert guides, even moderately experienced trekkers can complete the journey safely.
Which permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You will need:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
These permits are mandatory and arranged by your trekking company, as solo trekking is prohibited in this restricted region.
Is solo trekking allowed on the Manaslu Circuit?
No, solo trekking is prohibited. You must trek with a licensed guide and registered trekking agency, such as Sherpa Expedition and Trekking, for safety and permit compliance.
When is the best time to trek Manaslu Circuit?
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when weather is clear, and trails are safer. Avoid the monsoon due to landslides and winter because of heavy snowfall at higher elevations.
How does the itinerary help with acclimatization?
The 11-day plan includes an acclimatization day in Samagaon with optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. This rest day helps your body adjust to higher altitudes, reducing risks of altitude sickness during the crossing of Larke La Pass.
What type of accommodation can I expect?
You will stay mostly in teahouses and lodges with basic amenities—generally twin-sharing rooms and shared bathrooms. In remote areas like Dharamsala and Bhimthang, facilities are more rustic but comfortable.
Are meals provided during the trek?
Yes, the package includes three standard meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, soups, noodles, and Tibetan bread are common. Clean drinking water and tea are also supplied.
What gear is necessary or provided?
Bring layered hiking clothes, waterproof jackets, gloves, sturdy boots, and sunglasses. Your trekking company provides sleeping bags, down jackets, walking poles, and duffel bags if you don’t have your own, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the cold and altitude.
How do I reach the trek starting point and return?
The trek begins with a private jeep ride from Kathmandu to Machhakhola. At trek completion, you trek to Dharapani, then take a shared jeep to Besisahar. Finally, a private jeep or car will transport you to Pokhara, completing your journey comfortably.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Absolutely. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation is essential. The Manaslu Circuit crosses remote and high-altitude areas, so insurance ensures quick emergency assistance if needed.
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