MANASLU TREK 9 DAYS ENDING IN POKHARA
MANASLU TREK 9 DAYS ENDING IN POKHARA
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days Ending in Pokhara, expertly designed by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking, offers an unforgettable Himalayan adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and thrilling high-altitude trekking. Starting with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, trekkers immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty and remote villages of the Manaslu region.
The trek begins in Jagat (1300m), a quiet gateway village where trekkers prepare for the journey ahead. From Jagat, the trail follows the serene Budhi Gandaki River valley, passing through lush forests and charming villages as it ascends to Deng (1860m). The trek continues with moderate climbs through terraced fields and dense rhododendron forests to Namrung (2630m), a village rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, featuring ancient mani walls and traditional monasteries.
From Namrung, the trek leads to Samagaon (3530m), nestled near the majestic Manaslu peak. This day is longer but highly rewarding, as Samagaon offers spectacular mountain views and a peaceful environment steeped in spiritual heritage. An important part of the itinerary is a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaon, during which trekkers can opt for an invigorating hike to the Manaslu Base Camp or visit the serene Pungoin Gompa. These excursions help acclimatize to the altitude while providing close encounters with Himalayan wilderness and Buddhist culture.
Leaving Samagaon, the trail ascends gently to Samdo, a Tibetan-style village that marks the edge of Nepal’s border with Tibet. From here, trekkers move on to Dharamsala (4460m), a small settlement providing basic lodges that serve as the perfect base to prepare for the challenging Larke La Pass (5016m). Crossing this high pass is the most strenuous yet exhilarating part of the trek, rewarding adventurers with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks such as Himlung Himal and Annapurna II.
After descending from Larke La Pass, the trek continues downhill to Bhimthang (3720m), an alpine valley surrounded by lush forests and meadows. The final trekking day leads from Bhimthang to Dharapani, where trekkers complete the high mountain journey. From Dharapani, the adventure transitions into a scenic jeep ride to Besisahar, a bustling town and gateway to the Annapurna region. Finally, a private jeep or car takes trekkers to Pokhara, the lakeside city famous for its tranquil Phewa Lake and stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range, marking the perfect end to the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
This 9-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking includes expertly guided trekking with licensed English-speaking guides and strong Sherpa porters carrying your luggage. The itinerary is designed to balance adventure with comfort, featuring the best available teahouses and lodges, nutritious meals, and necessary permits like the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Travelers can expect a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, trekking through diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, crossing pristine rivers, ancient monasteries, and traditional villages untouched by mass tourism. The use of essential trekking gear such as sleeping bags, walking poles, and down jackets is included to ensure safety and comfort.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days ending in Pokhara is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience combined with stunning Himalayan scenery and cultural immersion. Whether you’re looking for challenging high passes, tranquil villages, or spectacular mountain views, this trek offers a complete Himalayan adventure culminating in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara, perfectly designed and supported by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1300m) – Duration: 9-11 hours.
Your journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, the starting point of the trek. The road winds through picturesque valleys, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into rural Nepalese life. The drive takes around 9 to 11 hours depending on road conditions. Once in Jagat, you prepare for the days of trekking ahead.
Day 2 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) – Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trek starts from Jagat, following the Budhi Gandaki River through dense forests, terraced farmland, and charming local villages. You’ll pass through bamboo groves and traditional houses, experiencing the rich culture of the region. Deng is a small settlement where you rest for the night.
Day 3 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) – Duration: 5-6 hours.
From Deng, the trail ascends steadily through rhododendron and pine forests. You will cross several suspension bridges and encounter mani walls and Buddhist prayer wheels, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the area. Namrung offers stunning mountain views and traditional Tibetan-style villages.
Day 4 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3530m) – Duration: 6-7 hours.
The path leads you deeper into the mountains, climbing gradually through alpine forests to the large village of Samagaon. This village is a gateway to the higher Himalayas and is known for its monasteries and panoramic views of Mount Manaslu. After a long day’s trek, Samagaon provides a restful spot to acclimatize.
Day 5 : Acclimatization Day at Samagaon.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. You can take a hike to the Manaslu Base Camp or visit Pungoin Gompa, a serene Buddhist monastery perched above the village. Both options offer spectacular views and insight into local culture while helping your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4460m) – Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today’s trek takes you through rugged mountain terrain, gradually ascending to Dharamsala, a high-altitude settlement located near the Tibetan border. The air is thinner here, and the landscape is alpine, with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. This stop is important as it serves as the base before crossing the challenging Larke La Pass.
Day 7 : Trek from Dharamsala to Bhimthang (3720m) via Larke La Pass (5106m) – Duration: 8-9 hours.
This is the most challenging day, crossing the high Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters, the highest point of the trek. The climb is steep and demanding but rewards trekkers with stunning panoramic views of Manaslu and neighboring peaks. After the pass, the trail descends to Bhimthang, a beautiful alpine valley where you can relax.
Day 8 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1960m) – Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trek descends steadily from the alpine valley of Bhimthang through forests and rural villages, ending in Dharapani, where the landscape becomes greener and more tropical. This marks the completion of the trekking portion and the return to more accessible areas.
Day 9 : Drive from Dharapani to Pokhara via Besisahar – Duration: 7-8 hours.
From Dharapani, you take a shared jeep to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, then continue by private jeep or car to the vibrant city of Pokhara. Pokhara is famous for its lakeside beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and spectacular mountain views, providing a perfect ending to your Manaslu Circuit adventure.
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 Trek the Manaslu Circuit
The ideal time to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and stunning mountain views. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rains and slippery trails, and winter months can be very cold with heavy snowfall, especially around Larke La Pass.
Permits and Regulations
Trekking in the Manaslu region requires special permits including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits help preserve the fragile environment and support local communities. Your trekking company will arrange these permits, and you must carry valid identification (passport) during the trek.
Physical Fitness and Preparation
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging, with long trekking days and high altitudes, especially crossing the Larke La Pass at over 5,000 meters. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended. Proper acclimatization days are included to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation along the trek is in comfortable teahouses or lodges, generally twin-sharing rooms with basic facilities. Meals include traditional Nepali dishes, dal bhat, noodles, and soups. Carry snacks and personal essentials as options may be limited at higher altitudes.
Safety and Emergency Support
Your trek includes experienced English-speaking guides and Sherpa porters who carry your luggage and assist you during the trek. Oxygen meters and first aid kits are available to monitor health. In case of altitude sickness or emergencies, prompt evacuation support is arranged. Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue is mandatory.
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FAQS
What is the difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately challenging due to its length, altitude, and the crossing of the Larke La Pass at 5,016 meters. Trekkers should have a good level of fitness and some prior trekking experience. The trek includes long walking days and steep ascents, but acclimatization days and experienced guides help manage the difficulty.
When is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best times to trek are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and moderate temperatures. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, slippery trails, and landslides, while winter months can be very cold with snow blocking higher passes.
What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Two main permits are required: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Both permits regulate access to the region and contribute to conservation efforts. Your trekking company will handle all permit arrangements before the trek starts.
How does acclimatization work during this trek?
Acclimatization days, such as the rest day at Samagaon with optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungoin Gompa, allow your body to adjust to higher altitudes. Proper acclimatization reduces the risk of altitude sickness by gradually increasing your elevation and monitoring your health.
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
Accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is typically in teahouses or lodges, offering twin-sharing rooms with basic amenities such as beds, blankets, and attached or shared bathrooms. Higher altitude lodges might be more basic but comfortable enough to rest after a day’s trek.
Are meals included during the trek?
Yes, standard meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the trekking package. Meals mainly consist of local Nepali cuisine such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and vegetables. Additional snacks or special dietary requests can be brought along or purchased locally.
What should I pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Essential items include layered clothing for varying weather, sturdy trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, and personal medications. Your trekking company usually provides gear like sleeping bags and walking poles if you don’t have your own.
Is the trek safe for solo travelers?
Yes, trekking with Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is safe for solo travelers as you will be accompanied by experienced guides and porters. Group trekking is encouraged for safety and camaraderie, but solo travelers receive full support throughout the journey.
What happens in case of altitude sickness or emergencies?
The trekking company provides oxygen meters to monitor oxygen saturation and pulse rate twice daily. In case of severe altitude sickness or other emergencies, rescue operations including helicopter evacuation can be arranged promptly. Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue is mandatory.
How do I get from the trek endpoint to Pokhara?
After completing the trek at Dharapani, trekkers take a shared local jeep to Besisahar, followed by a private jeep or car transfer to Pokhara. The drive offers scenic views and a comfortable way to conclude your trekking adventure in the serene lakeside city.
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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