Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days - All inclusive

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Trip Overview
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate or Grade B (**)
  • DestinationNepal
  • Meals & AccommodationBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Trip Start & EndKathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip TypeTrek
  • Major AttractionLarkya Pass, Manaslu
  • Maximum Altitude5154 Meters
  • Best TimeSpring & Autumn

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular guided trekking trails within a restricted area of Nepal. This trek normally takes at least fifteen days, ranging from Soti Khola and ending at Besisahar and crosses the high mountain Pass of Larkya La (5160 m). A permit from the government of Nepal to access the restricted area needs at least 5 pax with a licensed agency in a group to arrange the Manaslu Circuit trek.

In the trek 4700+m ascent from the footstep to peak is a really steep climbing route with Tibetan temples villages like Samagaon, Samdo until descending to the Annapurna region.

It lies one of the low crowds at high elevation trekking routes of Nepal and much less traversed compared with Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 days Overview

We operate the Manaslu Circuit Trek for 15 days, returning to Kathmandu. Clients must obtain all necessary permits before departing Kathmandu, as they cannot be acquired on arrival. The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) costs $100 for the first 7 days plus $15 for each additional day from September to November. From December to August, the cost is $75 for the first 7 days plus $10 for each additional day. You are also required to obtain a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), costing NPR 3,000, and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), costing NPR 3,000 for the section of the trek up to Dharapani. All three permits should be provided one week in advance, as Nepal Immigration does not accept same-day Manaslu Restricted Area Permit applications.

From Machha Khola to Jagat, you trek along the Budhi Gandaki gorge; this is the only part where they check the restriction permit, which will be copied out and stamped into your passport for the first time. The route then continues up through Namrung, Samagaon, to the Larkya La pass at 5160m - this, undoubtedly, is the ultimate goal for the majority trekking the Manaslu circuit. We trek from Larkya Phedi to the pass starting as early as 3.30 am, as a lot of other companies leave much later from Larkya Phedi (as late as 4:30 am); there tends to be strong winds starting about 9 am on the Larkya La pass, which are extremely dangerous-we have had to turn back quite a few times over the last three autumn treks. Traveling an hour earlier means you usually avoid this point.

The number of rooms available for booking above Samagoan is limited, particularly at the Larkya Phedi, and you should make a radio call 2 days ahead to confirm availability if you are not booking through a trekking company, which will manage such details on your behalf. We offer 'flexible itineraries' but the 2 acclimatization days are non-negotiable to cope with a 6-day, 3500m+ trek with a 5160 m pass included.

Main Highlights

  • Circle the 8th highest peak in the world at 8,163 meters, Manaslu, walking directly below its shadow in Samagaon, a short distance from the Manaslu base camp, where most expedition hikers would pass through it on their journey to the mountain’s base.
  • Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m just before dawn, a steep crossing with challenging winds that pick up momentum after midday, offering views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II from the pass’s summit
  • Walk through the old Tibetan market of Samdo, a border village on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, still serving as a crossroads for the region’s commerce and trade, offering a unique cultural experience not found anywhere else in the trekking regions of Nepal.
  • Trek independently on a side trail from Samagaon to the Manaslu Base Camp as an optional acclimatization hike, a steep climb reaching up to the south face of the mountain’s glacier about 400-500 meters above Samagaon village
  • Alternatively, take a less strenuous but culturally enriching sidetrip to the Pungyen Gompa monastery, a local sacred site deeply connected to the region’s cultural and religious traditions of mountain worshipping, from Samagaon.
  • Visit the Rehung Gompa Monastery in Lho village, where Manaslu’s peak dominates the horizon on clear mornings, one of the closest and most remarkable mountain-monastery views in the Himalayas.
  • Meet the Gurung and Tibetan communities and discover how the local people, their traditions, costumes, and languages differ as you ascend from the subtropical belt to higher altitudes in the isolated Buddhist valley.
  • See unique cultural artifacts, such as mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels, concentrated in this region around Namrung and Samdo villages, created as expressions of the local people’s spiritual practices rather than ancient cultural heritage sites for the visitors’ benefit.
  • Hike for six consecutive days at elevations of more than 3,500 meters, gradually acclimatizing to the altitude, compared to only two days of serious hiking at Everest Base Camp, with two stops for the night in Samagaon and Samdo.
  • Have a spectacular view of the valley below from the highest point on the trail in Bimthang, descending 1,570 meters to a meadow in the middle of the valley, surrounded by towering peaks of the Manaslu and Annapurna massifs on either side, the most significant single drop in elevation on the entire circuit.
  • Hike a remote trail through a restricted area for permit holders only, meaning fewer crowds than on any other trek in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit trails, despite Manaslu’s popularity among hikers.
  • Pass through Philim and Deng villages, small settlements perched on the valley’s edge, where farmers continue their traditional way of life unaffected by the presence of hikers.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days All-Inclusive Package in 2026/2027

Our Manaslu Circuit Trek 15-day all-inclusive package comprises all costs from Kathmandu arrival to your departure, with a guide, a porter, all three restricted-area permits, teahouse accommodation and three meals on the trail, and both jeep and bus transfers. We have designed it after seeing our clients get surprised by agencies quoting a particular amount which does not include permits or porter charges on the spot. Thus, you pay exactly what is mentioned on the quotation without any ‘hidden’ charges at the trailhead.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days booking costs USD 1,650 per person for a group of two to four, while it reduces to USD 1,550 for five or more people. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days cost incorporates the permits that charge between USD 175 and 260 depending on the season. It is a manifestation of the exact amount we pay for the services provided in the mountains. Also, we do not add up agency commissions to create a ‘budget-friendly’ budget.

What you need to bear in mind is that the Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days does not include international flights, a visa to Nepal, evacuation coverage, alcohol, and internet connections in the mountains, except in Namrung. When you are looking to book the Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days, our guides will walk you through the day-to-day schedule of the tour before finalizing the date of your departure.

Why Choose Mountain Rock Treks for Your Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days All Inclusive Package

  • Our complimentary airport pick-up makes use of a private vehicle rather than a shuttle bus, as other operators do.
  • We also recruit local guides from Manaslu, Gorkha and other areas with plenty of experience.
  • We keep our promise of 100% guaranteed departures, no matter how low our headcount might be on the day.
  • Free sleeping bags that are made for the sub-zero nights of Samdo and Larkya Phedi. We know some clients generally arrive here without this and have had to rent low-quality sleeping bags in Kathmandu at the last minute.
  • A waterproof duffle bag that is yours to keep.
  • A guide and porter insurance policy included with every trip departure.
  • 97 percent success rate on our departures in 2025 and spring 2026. We measure this and publish it, as we believe clients should know the truth and not hear marketing slogans.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m) With the Right Team in 2026/2027

In all our 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek excursions, clients are woken up at 3:00 AM and taken up at 3:30 AM instead of 4:30 AM, because Ram Bhatta, who is always in charge of these treks and happens to be someone who has seen the mountain from his childhood home in Gorkha, has seen winds blowing at three times their normal speed from the ridge after 9:00 AM for the past three or four autumn seasons. That hour of an early departure makes all the difference between a smooth climb up the peak and an ascent which should be avoided at all costs.

The first hour and a half of the trek is done in the dark, with people wearing headlamps and making crunching sounds while walking on the frozen moraine, which becomes soft and slippery by mid-morning; the reason why our tours of the Manaslu Circuit Trek With Guide are always ahead of schedule. Ram has a good understanding of the ice, knowing exactly where to reduce the speed when crossing the rock bands of ice that he has crossed many times before; it is especially important in this bit of the trek since he knows how people injure their ankles while walking on this terrain.

Close to the peak of 5,106m, the prayer flags placed by previous expeditions flap furiously in the thin winds as Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II appear on the horizon, with Manaslu steeply positioned behind it so close that Ram still enthusiastically points it out. The descent into Bimthang consists of almost 1,500m of icy, rocky ground, and this is the place where tiredness leads to more incidents than the ascent, so Ram prefers to keep everyone roped in and distanced, rather than turning the descent into a competition to get warm at the base.

Side Treks Already Included in This Trip

Manaslu Base Camp Side Hike

We incorporated this activity into the Samagaon acclimatization day as an alternative to providing it as an extra charge: a climb of 400 to 500m towards the southern glacier face, which follows the same approach route expedition parties take on their way to the actual base camp. Ram Bhatta, who leads most of our groups on Manaslu, calls for an additional guide to accompany the group on this section of the walk, not merely due to the fact that the scree’s nature in certain places near Samagaon is undiscovered, but also because he has himself escorted clients while walking and hence would prefer to arrange the walk with two guides rather than let something similar happen again.

Pungyen Gompa Monastery Hike

We treat this as the stronger client option in case you are not after that glacier pic, and we can say this knowing there are client travelers to this point who will be like, let's do the Base Camp route. That monastery is affiliated with a particular local-area pre-tourism trekking religious devotion to one particular mountain, and the guides, raised within the wider Gorkha area community, will point this out as being the way it really functions. The altitude gain is extremely similar to the base camp option; the difference is really what you find while learning.

Samdo Ridge and Old Tibet Trading Route

It takes you high above Samdo to where local people used to cross into Tibet with goods– a cross-border trail that's now blocked - an under-the-radar hour or so that, we're pretty sure, has been the most underrated part of the whole trip (local people are usually too busy just trekking towards the pass above their village). According to local people in this area, people from the valley walked down the hill there in summertime and trade routes carrying things like salt, wool and grain made family money - facts you find in local people's kitchens, not your maps.

All Inclusive Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost 2026/27

Our all-inclusive Manaslu Circuit Trek starts at USD 1,095 per person for solo hikers, USD 975 for groups of 2-6, USD 895 for groups of 7-10 and USD 890 for groups of 11-14. The rate reflects the true value of an exclusive permit for a restricted area, as individual costs for a guide, porter and jeep transfer get distributed among more people per group beyond a certain size; hence, the cost reduction per trekker slows down considerably beyond 7 people.

A solo trek is more expensive as you bear the full cost of an exclusive guide and jeep transfer. In contrast, costs for a group are distributed among several people, reducing their share individually. Please note that we do not hike this circuit with any clients on a private basis outside of large groups, partly due to the costs, but mainly due to the limited availability of teahouse beds at Larkya Phedi. If you sign up for a private tour, we have to allocate one of our regular group slots, normally costing about the same as a private departure for a solo trek.

The rate for a group or private trek includes a guide, a porter, three restricted area permits, teahouse accommodation with three meals per day, and a jeep and bus transfer to and from Kathmandu. It does not include international flights, a visa, travel insurance that covers rescue operations, alcohol, or the additional cost of solar power and wifi at higher altitudes, which are all discussed and agreed upon in detail before departure.

Private, Group, and Solo Trekking Available

We offer the Manaslu Circuit for private departures, joined groups, and solo travelers. The prices are formed honestly according to real expenditures and allocated guides for a single trek and a group of hikers. A solo hiker pays the same as a group of people who share a guide and a jeep – 1095 USD.

Since early March 2026, the solo hiker does not have to organize a “ghost” permit for a second trekker, who will be on his route but will not be physically present to share the guide and the transportation costs. This rule made it possible for solo travelers to get organized in a proper way and book a permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek independently.

Private excursions enable you to appreciate the flexibility of timing, especially considering the weather uncertainties of the Arughat road and the Larkya La crossing. Grouped departures on a private basis (2-14 persons) offer a more budget-friendly option, as the price per person decreases with the increase in the number of registered participants, and have fixed dates of departure for the entire group. Nevertheless, we limit the groups’ sizes to ensure that our clients enjoy the most comfort, considering the restricted number of available rooms at the Larkya Phedi lodge. Regardless of the selected plan, the staff-to-client ratio remains the same (1 guide for 6 persons).

Our Success Trips

We summited the summit and traveled to Nepal with thousands of people. Still, our true victory is to get your destination that brings us to the top with our complete service of trekking, mountaineering, and adventure tours.

Know before you book

Itinerary

All Inclusive Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary from kathmandu 

Our 15-day Manaslu package includes two nights in Kathmandu: one night on your arrival and another night when you return from Besisahar by jeep and bus. The other 13 nights are spent on the trek and on the road. You will be accommodated in our standard three-star hotel in Thamel. In case of any delay in the return journey via road, the extra night in Kathmandu shall be borne by us instead of you.

The date on which you shortlist for the start of the trek will be your day of arrival. The permits will be issued, and your briefing session with Dipak will be done on the same evening. The next morning, the jeep will leave for Soti Khola. If you wish to reach one day ahead of time to recover from your flight, then you can inform our office directly, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Clients sometimes ask if they can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in a shorter time frame by skipping an acclimatization day. However, we do not suggest or facilitate this option. Our guide, Ram Bhatta, who leads most Manaslu treks, insists on spending two days acclimatizing in Samagaon and Samdo, as the extra day gives you a chance to get used to the altitude and prevents altitude sickness. The trek starts at Soti Khola and follows the Budhi Gandaki Gorge through spectacular river valleys to the permit checkpoint at Jagat and on to the isolated village of Samgaon at the foot of Manaslu. 

If you have limited time, you can complete the Manaslu Circuit trek in a short time.

Day to Day Info

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Your Manaslu Circuit tour commences in Kathmandu, where a representative from Mountain Rock Treks will reach out to you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and assist you with your hotel check-in. Your Manaslu trek is slightly different from Everest region treks in the sense that you have to complete a few additional formalities prior to commencing your journey ahead. Hence, your day in Kathmandu holds greater significance as compared to other tours which do not require any permits. 

We will utilize the afternoon to get your passport copies and passport-size pictures clicked, as your Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Manaslu cannot be acquired without a registered Trekking Agency, which is different from the Annapurna region, which is open to everyone. In your evening briefing, we will walk you through the specific details related to your restricted area permit and the Jagat check post, which you will have to clear in order to begin your trek beyond. 

Thamel is a great place to explore in Kathmandu and is located close to our hotel; hence, you can spend your evening here browsing through the local shops and acquiring the last-minute items you might need. Make sure to have an early night, as we leave for our overnight drive towards Soti Khola at dawn the following day.

welcome to nepal

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 30 minutes
  • 1320 Meters

The journey out from Kathmandu takes 6 to 8 hours over progressively bumpy terrain, and we explain to our clients that this is definitely the most uncomfortable day of the whole trip, not the trekking part itself. The journey follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, with the road shifting from paved to gravel and hairpin bends on approaching Soti Khola. 

After this starts the short trek to Machha Khola, along Budhi Gandaki, through terraced fields and small Gurung and Magar villages, this stretch of route does not require a Restricted Area Permit yet; this checkpoint is reached tomorrow at Jagat, but it gives clients an idea about the forthcoming trek experiences. Machha Khola’s teahouses are extremely simple, and this is the first place where tourists usually identify the differences in infrastructure on Manaslu from other busy trekking routes.

manaslu trek start from machakhola

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 8-9 hours
  • 869Meters

Today you will enter the restricted area proper, and we will halt at the Jagat checkpoint to scan your Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and Conservation Area Permit against your passport, a task for which you must be present. However, it is we who do the scanning. Following the Budhi Gandaki gorge, we walk over a couple of suspension bridges and pass through Khorlabesi and Tatopani, the latter of which boasts a natural hot spring where some climbers choose to soak their weary muscles. 

This part of the trail is comparatively warm and damp, being subtropical in climate, and presents a marked change from the alpine conditions we will soon encounter at higher altitude. Landslide-prone sections are frequent along this stretch, and our guides are always acutely aware of the latest trail conditions since they cannot always adhere to a rigid itinerary due to local knowledge of recent landslides. Jagat is a cluster of stone houses that constitute the first true glimpse of the wilderness that is the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Jagat to dang manaslu trek

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 7 hours
  • 1410m Meters

Gradually, the trail goes upwards through the gorge, a walk which is punctuated by no less than three suspension bridges which wobble and flex much more than first-time restricted-area trekkers might anticipate. The route goes through Philim, a large Gurung village complete with terraced fields, but then turns into tighter forest for the short leg to Deng. Beyond Deng, you will be in the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA).

The trees close in, the villages are more widely spaced, and the other traffic drops to about one quarter of what you may be used to on the Everest or Annapurna regions, with Deng one of the smallest settlements in the circuit where you'll likely find a total of about three teahouses and where clients begin to feel the real isolation that attracts travelers to Manaslu instead of one of the more developed treks – as we consider one of the roughest but wildest of Nepal's 'mainstream' trekking areas to be.

Lho

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 7 hours
  • 1860m

Today's hike gains a lot of elevation. The hike goes through forests and past mani walls and chortens - two things that show you the increasing presence of Tibetan Buddhism in the upper area of Manaslu. 

After Ghap, the hike now heads back and forth across the Budhi Gandaki River and continues steadily to Namrung. Namrung is a checkpoint village where you need to show your permits again. The village marks not only a change in altitude but also a change in surroundings, as from now on you will see more Tibetan-style buildings, prayer flags, and mani walls. 

The lodge infrastructure in the village is much better than in the villages lower down, which is a good thing, paving the way for the more challenging hike later. You can finally see Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 7 hours
  • 2630m

This is one of our favorite days on the entire circuit, and we say that having been on both Everest and Annapurna routes for years. The trail goes through the beautiful village of Lho, with the Ribung Gompa perched on a hillside with fantastic views back over the village on clear mornings. 

Manaslu also rises up and over the village at the rear and offers some stunning views on a clear morning. We continue through Shyala, which also offers some great views across high altitude pastures bounded by Manaslu, Peak 29, and Himalchuli. 

This is a wonderful triangle of summits that is unique to this trek in our experience. The forest gives way to some more open rocky outcrops and scrub juniper as we climb higher and higher. Shyala is a small village, and we have a short day hike today, allowing our guests to acclimatize before arriving at the even higher village of Samagaon tomorrow.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 7 hour
  • 3,575m

A quick and easy walking day according to Manaslu standards, and one which we plan specifically to be our first toe-hold, literally, in Samagaon - one of the highest inhabited Tibetan-based villages on the circuit - and your base camp for the mandatory acclimation day tomorrow. 

Samagaon is (relative to anything else up here at least) properly substantial, with Tibetan style monastery - yes, there are people still farming barley - and it herds yaks up on the slopes above. Manaslu towers on the sky directly behind, so much so that parties heading up for the Manaslu base camp trek can and do walk right through there. 

We utilise today's short walking to make sure you are fully prepared for tomorrow's acclimation climb to Samdo - where altitude issues can begin to raise their heads - rather than down there in the forests as in the earlier days.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 7 hours
  • 3,520m

We ensure that clients don't view this as a lodge day. For most groups hiking up towards Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa monastery, what we are telling them to do is that they will gain 400m to 500m of altitude before descending back to sleep at the same altitude as Samagaon. This is simply taking the concept of climb-high-sleep-low from our Everest region trips. 

Manaslu Base Camp presents incredible views of the southern face of the mountain; otherwise, Pungyen Gompa offers an opportunity to learn more about local culture. We choose the destination based on how fit each client is and how acclimatization is proceeding – not just choosing one option for everyone. 

If timing allows, we will definitely include a visit to Samagaon’s Saturday market, as it truly shows how trade between Tibetan traders and tribes from lower valleys works in this area of Nepal.

birendra lake

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 3,520m

The trail from Samagaon takes a final crossing of the Budhi Gandaki before climbing steadily into Samdo, the last village before the high pass. This is a much drier and more exposed trail than the forested trail below. There are also distant views of the Tibetan border, which is only a day's walk away. 

Not surprisingly, given the proximity to Tibet, Samdo has a long history of trade with that country. The villagers remain keen traders, bartering with what they can find in their own country since regular trade with Tibet is now illegal. It is a reasonably easy walk of three to four hours from Samagaon, but we will be watching all our clients carefully from this point on due to the altitude. 

Samdo is a wide valley surrounded by peaks, with a scattering of hardy villages clinging to the land. The inhabitants have long traded with Tibet, and the custom remains, despite the Chinese closing the border to trade. This has had an inevitable effect on the wares to be found in the village shops.

tibet nepal boarder gorkha

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 7 Hours
  • 3,875M

Similar to Samagaon, it's an active acclimatisation day, not an in-room day. Most groups trek to the ancient trading route that eventually reaches the border of Tibet, ascending an exposed ridge line of back into the valley, looking back onto the views of Manaslu and Naike Peak. 

It also serves as our last formal altitude check before heading to Larkya Phedi and the pass, and our guides do pulse oximeter readings here on all clients who are kept there another day if presenting symptoms.

The remoteness here is unparalleled; in fact, in terms of populated places, this would probably rate among the most remote sections of any circuit we conduct, with a lifestyle remaining closely allied to the yak herds and limited trade.

The time has changed in this pocket of the Himalaya less in comparison with the bustling trekking areas to the East.

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 3875m

Today's trek is a short one. We purposefully keep it a little lower by gaining around 585m, and therefore are situated just under the Larkya La in readiness for tomorrow morning. We exit Samdo Valley, entering the desolate mountain landscape before coming to Larkya Phedi.

Here, accommodations are really simple and consist of literally a small handful of stony dwellings constructed around providing rest at the crossing. However, it's a really simple setup, and you won't have other options if the few beds in those houses have been taken. We secure a space per radio from Samdo ahead. So you cannot count on walking up and hoping to get yourself a place at Phedi.

Especially because of the high season, there might not be that many available beds at that time of year. Anyway, we usually put our clients to bed relatively early because crossing the pass starts early, before sunrise, to be able to cross before midday due to expected wind.

samdo view

  • Lodge/Tented Camp
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 6 Hours
  • 4460m

This day is undoubtedly the most challenging day along the Manaslu Circuit, and we do not hesitate to say that to our clients. Usually, we begin our journey between 3 am and 4 am, when we trek across the moraine and sometimes even icy areas in total darkness ahead of the 5160 m summit.

Being in time for the summit around sunrise is the best time to cross it, as the winds will become more dangerous later in the morning. The experience of being on this summit is truly amazing since you can see the views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II; the place where you can see all these peaks is less visited than other trekking routes like Everest. 

After reaching the summit, the way down to Bimthang is long and steep, covering nearly 1570 m drop, which requires a lot of attention from the tired legs at the end of the day. Bimthang is situated in a spectacular gorge with Manaslu on one side and Annapurna on the other side.

larke pass

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 10 Hours
  • 3590Meters

The trail drops steadily through varied forest, the rhododendrons giving way to pines as you descend, eventually meeting up with the established Annapurna Circuit route near Dharapani. You can sense the change as soon as you arrive; the trail sees more traffic, better teahouse accommodations, and, most notably, the vibe of the trek changes as the isolation of Manaslu gives way to a more established trekking route. 

We push on to Tilje rather than stop in Dharapani, as Tilje's lodges are less busy and retain more of that Gurung/Tibetan feel that you appreciated in the high mountain sections. This is also a long day of descending (6-7 hours), and it's good to be tired, as only road transport (taxis) remains between here and Kathmandu, a change that most clients don't particularly appreciate until their legs thank them for it later.

bhimtang manaslu view

  • Lodge
  • Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • 8 Hours
  • 1963 Meters

The final day of the journey combines the jeep ride through the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar and then onto the bus journey back to Kathmandu, which turns out to be a longer, less convenient way of returning than taking the flight to Lukla, as our clients who have trekked in the Everest region have. 

The road conditions for this section vary from season to season, and we have allowed extra time to accommodate our arrivals since delays are common and beyond anyone's control. The drive gives you the last panoramic views of the terraced hills and the river valleys of central Nepal before transitioning to the bustling city of Kathmandu.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast-Lunch
  • 11 Hours
  • 1320 Meters

Your Manaslu Circuit ends today, with a Mountain Rock Treks representative taking you to Tribhuvan International Airport to catch your onward flight. Depending on your travel timing, you could make for a final stroll in Thamel, or a last Newari meal before departure. 

Manaslu is one of Nepal's best-kept secrets in terms of popular circuits, with most hikers not venturing this far from Kathmandu, so having just crossed the Larkya La and spent nights in the villages of Samdo and Samagaon, most of our clients leave knowing that we offer one of the most rewarding restricted area treks (culturally different to Everest and Annapurna, but with no less physical challenge for those who prepare properly). 

We always build in flexibility on Manaslu departures. If you would like to extend into the Tsum Valley, or take a longer trek next time to acclimatize, our team is happy to build a tailored itinerary with you directly.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Free Day
  • 1320m

We are pleased to offer the flexibility of tailoring your journey to your desired duration and places, whether extended or shortened, as our proficient team of locals-cum-guides, porters, and accompanying staff have an in-depth understanding of every location traveled.

customize my trip

Trip Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days - All inclusive map

Cost Details

Includes

Airport Transfers

  • Mountain Rock Representative will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and then transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle on arrival.
  • Airport drop-off for your international departure.
  • Hotel Pickup and Drop Off by a Private Vehicle Before and After The Trek

Pre-Trek Preparation

  • Pre-trek briefing one day before the trek.

Transportation

  • All ground transportation for the guide and other trekking staff as required
  • Sharing/Public transportation to the starting point (Kathmandu to Maccha Khola) and ending Point (Dharapani to Besisahar to Kathmandu)

Accommodation

  • 2 Night Standard Kathmandu Hotel Accommodation with B/B Plan in Thamel Park or Similar (Before a trip and last day of the trip)
  • Tea House/Guesthouse Accommodation during the trek

Meals

  • Breakfasts on a Trek: Expect a variety of options, including Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, eggs, and toast, served with tea or coffee.
  • Lunch on a trek: Common meals include dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, momos (dumplings), fried rice, pasta, and soups to energize you for trekking.  
  • Dinners on a trek: Similar to lunch, dinner offers hearty meals such as dal bhat, Sherpa stew, pizza, and spaghetti, providing essential warmth and sustenance after a long day.

Drinking Water

  • We'll provide a water purification tablet for you to purify the tap water if needed.

Guides and Porter

  • One professional, licensed, friendly, knowledgeable, and English-speaking mountain guide, along with all his salary, food, accommodation, drinks, and insurance.
  • One helpful and strong porter for two trekkers with his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance coverage. (Weight limit of 20-25 KG).

Permits and Legal Requirements

  • All necessary trekking permits: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Restricted Area Permits, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit
  • All applicable taxes are as per the government rules and regulations.

Gear and Trekking Equipment

  • Provide a sleeping bag, a duffel bag, and a down jacket (Refundable), which is for -15 to -20 degrees Celsius)
  • Manaslu Region Trekking Map

Souvenir

  • One Mountain Rock Treks T-shirt.

Safety and Emergency

  • Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
  • Comprehensive medical supplies (a first aid kit will be available).
  • Oximeter to check your pulse, Oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice a day.

Farewell

  • Farewell dinner in the Nepali restaurant at Thamel before you depart from Nepal.

Additional Services

  • Free luggage is stored at the office or the hotel.
  • Certificate of achievement (If needed).
  • All organizing costs.

Excludes

International Travel and Visa

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.

Insurance

  • Nepal Travel Insurance.

  • Travel/Medical insurance and Emergency evacuation costs if needed.

  • Medical expenses, rescue at high altitudes, trip cancellation, and unforeseeable events are excluded. We strongly recommend that you choose travel insurance for your Nepal tour from the options that have benefited our previous clients during their travels.

Meals and Accommodation in Cities

  • Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or returning earlier than planned.
  • Lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu. Here are some local foods and restaurant names you can try in Kathmandu.

Personal Expenses

  • All personal expenses may include a Nepalese SIM card, internet, battery charging, hot shower, laundry, fizzy drinks, soda drinks (Coke, Fanta, etc.), alcohol, etc.
  • Clothing, trekking gear, bags, and a personal medical kit. Recommended Packing List for trekking in Nepal 
  • Drinking water (like boiled water, mineral water, or filtered water)

Unforeseen Costs

  • Expenses incurred due to unavoidable Events, i.e., road wrecks, flight delays, etc.

Tips and Gratitude

  • Tips for the guide, porter (it is expected).

Other Activities

  • Optional tours and sightseeing or any activities during free time.
  • Donations of any kind.
  • Wifi or Data on Trekking, Hot Shower Charges, Charging Device Charges, etc

Dates & Price

Guaranteed Departure

Manaslu Circuit trips will definitely depart on the date you have chosen. When you book, your trip is guaranteed with no cancellations, no maybe. Whether you are traveling with a friend or solo, this trek will go ahead, and your trip costs provide the best possible opportunity for trekking in groups of 6-10 people. Check our departure date.

Private Trip Anytime

Customize your adventures on private trips according to your taste and schedule. They are available year-round, and you can choose your own departure date. Just pick the date that you want, and we'll take care of the rest of your custom Manaslu experience. Get in touch to schedule your trip when it's convenient for you.

Lifetime Flexibility Policy

Our plans can change suddenly. But while we stand by our no-cancellation and no-refund policy to guarantee all of our confirmed travelers that their departure will take place, we provide something better than lifetime postponement. You are free to reschedule your Manaslu Circuit Trek for any time in the future, without any time limit. Friends and family are welcome to join you on your journey.

Learn more about our Terms and Conditions here.

Essential Info

Manaslu Restricted Area Permits (RAP, MCAP & ACAP) Breakdown

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Month

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

January

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

February

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

March

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

April

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

May

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

June

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

July

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

August

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

September

$100 first 7 days + $15 per extra day

October

$100 first 7 days + $15 per extra day

November

$100 first 7 days + $15 per extra day

December

$75 first 7 days + $10 per extra day

This permit is the one that limits the region; it is checked in Jagat and again in Namrung. The fee is USD 100 for the first week in autumn, plus USD 15 a day after that. The fees drop to USD 75 for the entire winter and USD 10 each following day. In March 2026, the Department of Immigration of Nepal eliminated the rule requiring at least two trekkers, thus allowing travelers to apply independently, but we still process it through our registered agency as required.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

The fee of NPR 3,000 (around USD 23) applies to non-SAARC citizens regardless of the length of the trek or the season. This is sufficient for using Philim and further in the conservation area of the trek.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This is needed for the last part of the trek after Dharapani. There is a standard fee of NPR 3,000 as well.

The permits would cost around USD 175 to 260 in total, depending on the season, for a standard itinerary of 15 days. We apply for all three permits at least a week in advance, since the restricted area permits cannot be obtained at the last minute.

Best Seasons for Manaslu Circuit: Spring vs. Autumn Trail Conditions

Autumn (September to November)

We conduct more trips in autumn than in any other season due to the weather in the upper valley, rather than in the lower gorge. The monsoon ends with almost no haze in the region close to the Samagaon village in late October. Our leading trekking guides have managed to observe the Manaslu summit on no fewer than 90% of October days.

By mid-November, temperatures at the Samdo village may drop to -8 to -12 degrees Celsius, and thus we start changing participants’ sleeping bags to warmer ones. The moraine near the Larkya Pass is the driest here, consisting of loose rocks instead of dense snow.

Unfortunately, accommodation services in the village of Larkya are not always enough, so we often need to accommodate our group in several lodges during peak weekends in late October.

Spring (March to May)

Spring sees milder temperatures than the winter months, and a less intense gorge. The forest of rhododendrons between Machka Khola and Namrung is awash with deep red blooms in April, a stretch of trail that takes on a sickly green hue in autumn. It's a section of the trek that our returning clients often request we time their visit to, in order to witness the floral display.

The Larkya La Pass has less snow in early April, making for a more challenging, if not slower, trek than later in the season, when the trails firm up to be more consistent, if somewhat easier than their autumn counterparts.

Afternoons see a cloud build-up earlier in the spring months, sometimes as early as 9 am in Samagaun, meaning we often have to time our ascents to the Larkya Phedi even earlier than in autumn to see the summit before the wall of cloud arrives. Agricultural burning in the lower valleys can sometimes cause reduced visibility of distant peaks in April, usually cleared by the second week of May.

Trail Conditions and Terrain Breakdown That You Can Expect Daily

  • Machha Khola to Jagat (Days 2-3): This stretch of gravel road riverside features 6 to 8 suspension bridge crossings spanning the Budhi Gandaki, many rebuilt after damage from the 2023 monsoon - something our guides witnessed with their own eyes. It's hot, subtropical, and if you do get hit by any rain, you will spend all your time negotiating an inevitably slick and unavoidable slippery part of the river road, a spot known to more of our clients as their downfall than any section of trail anywhere. This is another common pitfall – the relative lack of danger in many low-elevation trails creates something of a false sense of security for walkers who know that up high, they absolutely need to pay attention at every turn and every step.
  • Jagat to Namrung (Days 4-5): The trek through the gorge sometimes cuts into a rocky cliff with sheer drops, and there will be occasional points that narrow or widen depending on how far up the valley it is. Landslide-danger sections near Deng change annually; sometimes changing from week to week, with the guides taking a different section that locals may or may not give us information about beforehand, depending on the lodge keeper they happen to consult that specific week.
  • Namrung to Samagaon (Day 6): The trail emerges from the forests into alpine scrub, while the terrain changes a little to gravel and stone steps (nothing to write home about). What's really different is exposure. At Lho, the winds suddenly start to howl around you once you are above the treeline. Side-trail routes during acclimate days (Day 7-9) into both Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa sites are not so much defined trails as loose scree running above 4000 meters without being at all clearly marked for clients' eyes, which is why we send a Sherpa back with our clients as opposed to allowing them to walk themselves.
  • Samdo to Larkya Phedi (Day 10): Right here is the start of the glacial moraine landscape. Grey rocks with barely a trace of green, and you'll leave your walking poles behind once we get any higher than here.
  • Larkya Phedi to Bimthang via Larkya La (Day 11): For the first two hours, it's darkness plus frozen moraine. Once we reach the pass, we'll be trekking on hard-packed snow or completely exposed bare rock (depending on the season), after which you'll start one of the circuit's toughest days: a descent, down-sloping gravel over almost 1500m.
  • Bimthang to Dharapani (Day 12): And we're back to forest trails: switchbacks, rhododendron, and pine underfoot, almost a pleasant relief from a day and a half of ice and granite.

How Difficult Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

In our view, this trek is strenuous, instead of the "moderate to strenuous" terminology used by some travel agencies to make their booking attractive. The tough parts are concentrated in three sections of the trail: the bare gorge section between Jagat and Deng; the six nights spent at an altitude higher than 3500 m; and the Larkya La crossing itself, which is the 5106 m high pass of the trek and takes about 8 to 9 hours to cross, climbing 570 m and descending almost 1500 m until reaching Bimthan.

What Actually Makes It Hard

  • Sustained altitude exposure longer than Everest Base Camp, with no conveniently located yak ride back if you pass Namrung.
  • A technical pass day that mixes sub-zero pre-dawn temperatures, slippery moraine, and a steep and tiring descent on the same legs you used to get up.
  • Truly basic lodging options beyond Samagaon, sometimes with few rooms available at the Larkya Phedi, meaning no room to wait if the weather turns bad.
  • Getting isolated in a restricted area with no option but to call a helicopter for evacuation, several days away, rather than a short walk to a bigger village.

Difficulty by Section

Section

Terrain

Altitude Gain

Our Difficulty Rating

Machha Khola to Jagat

Riverbank, bridges

Moderate

Easy to moderate

Jagat to Namrung

Gorge, exposed drops

Steady

Moderate

Namrung to Samagaon

Alpine scrub

Steep

Moderate to hard

Samagaon to Samdo

Glacial approach

Moderate

Hard

Larkya Phedi to Bimthang

Moraine, snow, scree

570m up, 1500m down

Hardest day, technical

Who This Actually Suits

Fitness is less important than pacing discipline here; we've seen fit runners get stopped cold at Samdo while their slower, steadier trekking companions never had a problem surmounting Larkya La, due to altitude and hydration issues.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trail

It is a teahouse trek from beginning to end, with no camping necessary (contrary to what some might tell you given the remoteness of the area) despite the drop-off in elevation above Namrung. We personally stay in the lodges we book for you, and do not take a broker's word for the condition of any given room, rotating out of places that cut corners.

Kathmandu Hotels Before and After

We offer our guests a package deal that includes a three-star hotel in Kathmandu. For clients who prefer to stay at hotels closer to the Hyatt or other five-star chain properties, a difference in price is introduced so that that difference is not incorporated into a low rate.

Soti Khola and Machha Khola

In Soti Khola, we prefer Fulbari Guest House and Satkar Guest House to the Green Valley and Tsum Valley properties nearby mainly due to the fact that the linens in the former two guest houses held up significantly better in our last visit. The options in Machha Khola, which include Tsum Valley Guest House, Larkey Guest House, and Everest Guest House, as well as those in Soti Khola, do offer wi-fi, though we do not guarantee that it will work every night.

Jagat

Jagat Guest House and Manaslu Santi Guest House are our default establishments, as both of them are equipped with satellite phone communications when cell service weakens, which is a crucial point that is not taken seriously enough by trekkers at this stage of trekking in restricted areas.

Deng

Windy Valley Guest House and New Manaslu Guest House offer wifi, however, hot water is out of service. This is the first major decline in service quality we inform tourists about.

Namrung

Namrung Thakali Guest House and Nubri Four Seasons Hotel have hot showers and wifi despite their elevation, and it is reasonable to think that this is the last comfortable place on the way.

Lho and Samagaon

Majestic Manaslu Guest House and Tashi Dalek Guest House in Lho and Mount Manaslu Guest House or Peace Heaven Guest House in Samagaon offer satellite phones and hot showers; however, it is better to reserve rooms in Samagaon beforehand because climbers and trekkers going to the base camp can get the limited number of available beds during climbing season.

Samdo and Larkya Phedi

In Samdo, the Yak Hotel and the Jambala Guest House lower their prices to wifi only, with no hot showers. Past that, at the Dharamsala-style shelters of Larkya Phedi, the Jambala and the Larkey Guest House provide only minimal assistance and a bed, with no wifi and no hot water, and sometimes only six rooms overall in the entire settlement.

What Accommodation Actually Costs

The price for the peak season is three to five US dollars per night in the lower gorge, and seven to ten USD higher up and past Samagaon. The off-season price is two to three USD lower down and five to seven USD higher up. Rooms are cheap because most of the lodging’s income is generated through food, not through beds, which is worth keeping in mind when considering how much to pay for a meal at the guest house.

Rooms, Bathrooms, and Basic Comforts in Teahouses

Rooms

Rooms are generally shared between two guests and have two single beds with thin foam mattresses. The walls are made of wood, and insulation is minimal. Single rooms exist below Namrung but tend to become less reliable beyond Samagaon, when hotels might only offer a few twin-bedded rooms regardless of the number of travelers.

Bedding, Blankets, and Sleeping Bags

Hotels provide just a basic blanket, which might not be sufficient if someone is above 3500m. Every traveler is given a -15°C sleeping bag, which is included in the package, since relying just on hotel bedding leads to having cold nights in the end, e.g. in Samdo and Larkya Phedi places to stay.

Attached and Shared Bathroom Facilities

Rooms with a bathroom are available only below Samagaon, and their amenities are rather simple – just a toilet and a bucket with a tap. Any accommodation in higher areas has shared bathrooms on the street or in a hallway.

Hot Showers and Personal Hygiene

Hot showers (electric or gas-powered) cost between NPR 300 and NPR 500 and become unavailable with each next stop, starting from Samdo and Larkya Phedi. Therefore, we recommend using wet wipes for the last three to four night stays.

Electricity, Charging, and Mobile Connectivity

Charging is done via solar power from the lodge, but it is a bit pricey (NPR 200-400 per device per charge) and only cash. NTC signal is generally good until Samagaon, but then disappears entirely at Samdo and Larkya Phedi.

Wi-Fi Availability at Manaslu Teahouses

There is sometimes wi-fi downstairs in the lodge (but it can be slow), while after Samagaon it is completely unavailable. This is a big difference compared to the teahouses in the Everest region, where wi-fi is available for a small fee almost everywhere.

Dining Rooms and Common Areas

The only warm place to be in most of the lodges is the dining hall, where there is a central wood/yak-dung stove that people gather around, chatting after dark. This is where most of the socializing during the trek takes place, as the bedrooms are generally too cold to sit around in.

Meals on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Meals Included in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package

In the Machha Khola to Bimthang trekking journey, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. All the meals are freshly prepared at local teahouses, while all the meals in Kathmandu and the trip back to Kathmandu are excluded because of more choices for restaurants there.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on the Trail

Breakfast is usually a mixture of porridge, eggs, toast, and Tibetan bread served with coffee or tea. Lunch is served on the way at the teahouse around midday, consisting of noodles, fried rice, or dal bhat. Dinner is the heaviest meal and consists of dal bhat, and the dish is served with plenty of refills, which is the choice of the guides for tomorrow's journey.

Local Nepali and Tibetan-Style Food Options

Below Namrung, menus are more Nepali, featuring dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup and steamed rice) or momos (steamed dumplings). Further up the trail towards Samdo and the old trade route, we start to see more Tibetan dishes, namely thukpa (noodle soup), tsampa (a porridge made from roasted barley), and Tibetan bread, as Tibetan Buddhism more influences the region.

Meals at Higher Altitudes

Menus shrink after Samagaon, as there are no roads and the availability of fresh produce diminishes. We also do not allow meat to be ordered above Samagaon, as the supply chain is too far and it is likely that the meat has been sitting in a freezer for a very long time. Dal bhat, potatoes, and instant noodles will get you through the final stretch to Everest Base Camp.

Drinking Water and Refreshment Costs on the Manaslu Circuit

Costs rise steadily and are significantly higher than in the Everest region during this period, as most goods are hauled up on mules and donkeys, while the mix of yak and helicopter resupply is less prevalent. Tea costs USD 2.5 to 4, coffee USD 3 to 5, 600 ml beer USD 5 to 8 and water or soda USD 2 to 5 (bottled), with prices climbing towards the top end of this range the higher you go towards Samdo.

At lower altitudes, bottled water costs approximately NPR 200 (about USD 2), while at higher altitudes, it costs NPR 400 (approximately USD 4). This is the main reason why many seasoned trekkers are against using bottled water. You should know about the availability of free water purification tablets, which you can ask for when you check your gear at our office in Kathmandu. Water from natural sources along the trekking route is considered clean, but it can still be boiled and treated safely.

A sheet of instructions about the amount of water to bring with you on the hike states that you need to carry one or two liters of water at a time while being on the trail because there are many water points during the trek (about every hour or two of walk). In total, during your day you should aim to drink four to six liters of water. You should have both hot and cold water bottles with you because you will be drinking a lot of garlic soup and tea after Samagaon.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: Altitude Sickness Management

Why This Route Carries Real Risk

Six straight nights of sleeping over 3,500 meters culminated in traversing the highest point of this trek, the 5,106-meter-high Larkya La. In our Everest Base Camp itinerary, your exposure to altitude and altitude risk significantly increases on the Seven Passes.

And for clients of variable fitness, including a couple of very fit marathoners that we've seen struggle through a day or two around Samdo while less fitness-attuned trekkers have traversed the Larkya La with relative ease, the risk is about as uniform as altitude gain can get.

We educate our clients on this before departing on all our treks from Annapurna to the Langtang, rather than allow them to believe their physical conditioning will automatically offer them protection.

Our Monitoring Protocol

  • Guides carry pulse oximeters and check oxygen saturation levels on a daily basis from Namrung, even if climbers don't complain
  • If it's under 85 percent and the climber is experiencing symptoms, we slow their pace or stop them, rather than asking a majority vote on whether to continue or not
  • We've kept a client at Samagaon for an additional day, instead of sending them on to Samdo on a scheduled day, even in the middle of the climbing season

Fixed Acclimatization Points

Both acclimatization days are part of the normal travel schedule; Samagaon offers one acclimatization day with the option of walking to Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa, and one at Samdo, where we visit the old Tibet trading route.

What We Watch For

Acute mountain sickness symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite are taken seriously and are treated as early warning signs. Confusion, loss of coordination, and breathlessness at rest require immediate action.

Evacuation Readiness

The guides use satellite communications devices as soon as we leave the area of mobile telephone cover, which occurs around Samdo. We check the client’s travel insurance to ensure that it has adequate coverage for helicopter evacuation in case it is required, as standard policies often do not give adequate coverage, and in previous years there have been cases where clients had to be evacuated from Samdo owing to insurance shortcomings.

How to Reach the Trailhead of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

From Kathmandu to Soti Khola

We do not provide flight service to our clients, and this confuses new trekkers in restricted areas. The trip from Kathmandu to Soti Khola is approximately 150 km and takes 7 to 8 hours, not because the distance is long but because the drive becomes rugged and bumpy after Arughat. We start the journey at 6 am so that we can finish the toughest sections of road before the local buses and jeeps catch up along the road on their way to Soti Khola.

Why We Refuse Shared Buses on This Leg

Some clients prefer using public bus services and then taking local jeep transfers from Arughat, thus costing clients around USD 15 less per person. Here, we do not approve of this alternative. Given how crowded this road is, shared means of transportation can lead to delays, as there will be many stops along the way. We will not risk the safety of our clients to save money.

Road Conditions We Actually Track

The same drivers who have worked with us for several years, instead of the new drivers available at the time, make sure that landslide activity reports are received from Arughat district. It should be noted that we had to spend the night in the village instead of risking the drive after dusk through the potentially dangerous area.

Where the Trek and Permits Actually Begin

Soti Khola is the main starting point of the trek,. Still, it is also possible to arrive at Machha Khola after an additional 2 to 3 hours of walking once the overall situation improves and a departure on that day is confirmed. Anyway, the permit is checked only at Jagat a day ahead of time; you may travel the road before that since the actual entry into the Restricted Area of Manaslu starts on foot.

Suspension Bridge Crossings on the Manaslu Circuit: Safety and Guidance

  • There are between 6 and 8 major crossings over the Budhi Gandaki in the section between Machha Khola and Jagat – the steel wire bridges sway considerably beneath us. Some were rebuilt after being destroyed during the monsoon period, and our guides have seen the incidents happen with their own eyes.
  • One person at a time is obligatory. We enforce this rule quite strictly as the test weight of the bridges has not been defined according to the modern norms of engineering.
  • Wet planks will get extremely slippery, and the guides lower the pace in this area so no one crosses at high speed.
  • Mules always have priority when moving on narrow trestle bridges, so we prefer to wait until the trains pass rather than try to avoid them while crossing.
  • According to the experts, the higher the elevation, the greater the impact of the wind, so the bridge sections between Namrung and above sway more strongly than those in the lower gorge area, which is one of the mistakes made by those trekking in the restricted areas for the first time.
  • The trekking poles were folded, not pinned into the bridge footway, as some of the clients happen to trip on poles situated between the boards rather than being affected by the swaying.
  • Due to the fact that some old bridges after the Deng Pass have no handrails but only wires, our guides walk close to those clients hesitating instead of demonstrating confidence.
  • Photography takes place not on the bridge but away from it, as we have already seen other trekking groups stopping on the way to take photos and therefore blocking the traffic behind them.

Local Trekking Guide and Porter Information

Guide-to-Client Ratio

At Manaslu, we assign one guide for every six trekkers so that we do not end up with one guide struggling to manage a large number of trekkers, since the process of altitude monitoring can be successful only when a guide is able to speak to the trekkers daily and know how they are doing physically and not just look around and count the heads.

Who Leads Our Manaslu Groups

Ram Bhatta is our leader on the route. Ram was born in the Gorkha district and practically grew up at the foothills of the Manaslu range. Therefore, when the clients start calling him “the mountain goat” after the first few days on the trek, it truly makes sense. Ram’s understanding of the trail and his knowledge about timing the Larkya La crossing to keep ahead of the dreaded morning winds do not come from any books and manuals but from life experience.

Licensing and Training

All our guides are licensed under the Nepal Ministry of Tourism, and they are also certified in First-Aid under the Nepal Red Cross Society, as well as experienced in operating in restricted areas. This is an important safety prerequisite, as Manaslu requires permit formalities and checkpoints, not found on popular routes.

Porter Weight Limits

According to the Porter Welfare guidelines of Nepal, porters can only carry up to 20 to 25 kgs which is generally divided between two duffels for two clients, weighing about 10 to 12 kgs each. In most cases, nosotros weigh the bags beforehand but make sure to avoid carrying heavy bags since that could lead to injuries more associated with the porters rather than the travelers.

Local Hiring and Insurance

We always prefer to recruit porters from local places so that they can be found mostly in villages along the way, and we also get insurance for the travel attendants on the Manaslu trekking trip, something which some budget companies do not take care of.

FAQs

  • Q1. Where is Manaslu Region?

    Mount Manaslu is located 64 kilometers east of Annapurna in northern Nepal, straddling the border between the districts of Gorkha and Manang. From the subtropical Himalayan foothills to the arid Trans-Himalayan high meadows bordering Tibet, the Manaslu region is comprised.update

  • Subtropical weather prevails at the beginning of the trek. The average annual temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. However, during the winter months, the temperature will drop to -20 or lower in the higher portions of the climb.

  • Yes. You require a permit. For Manaslu and the Annapurna, you will require a special restricted area permit as well as a conservation area permit (As the trail passes through the Annapurna Region too)

  • Aerially, Mount Manaslu is located 123 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. About 126 kilometers separate the trek's beginning location from Kathmandu.

  • Yes as Manaslu climbs six days in a row at above 3500m, while EBC only stretches its few high-altitude days, as the EBC route does not allow for yak-facilitated shortcuts through Namrung and crosses two technical passes at 5106m in height instead. 

    Furthermore, the gorge from Jagat to Deng resembles nothing like the EBC trek, as it consists of sustained drops along the exposed pathways. In this regard, physical fitness is not at such a premium as pace, and we’ve seen fit individuals struggling at Samdo. In contrast, others who cover the trek at a steadier pace make it across Larkya La successfully.

  • No and this is not our policy, but the law of Nepal; Manaslu is marked as a restricted zone, and permission to traverse the area can only be obtained through a registered expedition agent with requisite paperwork to allow the permits to pass through control points in Jagat and Namrung.

  • Autumn offers the most consistently clear weather after the monsoon season, and our guides said we had a view of the Manaslu summit on about nine out of ten October mornings, while the pass is at its driest. Spring has more blossoms in the lower valley and a cheaper permit, but the pass has more snow in early April. We avoid monsoon and harsh winter months entirely; the trailhead is inaccessible to all but the most determined hiker in monsoon season, while winter brings snow-closed passes to Larkya La.

  • Larkya La is the pass at an altitude of 5106 m. This is a day that occurs on the 11th day of a trip consisting of 15 stages. Before reaching Larkya La, trekkers have already spent six nights at high altitudes above 3500 meters in Samagaon, Samdo, and Larkya Phedi. This exposure to high altitude is longer than that of a majority of Everest Region treks. 

  • Crossing Larkya La, day 11. Departure is made from Larkya Phedi at 3:30, with only the light of headlamps. The goal is to reach the Larkya La pass at sunrise, as windy conditions are likely to start closer to noon. The descent into Bimthang is steep and involves almost 1500 meters of elevation loss. In fact, descending from the peak requires even more effort than ascending. It is necessary to plan for at least 8 to 9 hours on the descent.

  • NTC has good coverage in Samagaon, while the rest have limited connectivity. Wifi is slow and spotty below Namrung, shared among the lodge when available, and generally absent beyond Samagaon, being much worse than the teahouses in the Everest region. Our guides carry Garmin InReach satellite communicators from Samdo up so you are not completely isolated from the outside world in the case of an emergency.

  • Make sure your policy covers helicopter evacuation up to 6000M as most policies only go up to that. We review all our clients’ policies prior to departure to ensure this is covered, as we have had to organise a couple of evacuations from Samdo and don’t want the stress of insurance companies arguing about it. It is also worth having trip cancellation insurance, as the road to the trailhead can be very weather-dependent.

  • One guide is guaranteed per six clients, meaning that we add more staff instead of trying to spread one too thin. The porters carry two duffle-bags of our two clients each, and the weight is verified prior to departure. The design of the trek guarantees that the groups have fewer participants, as the lodge in Larkya Phedi can not accommodate lots of clients at a time; sometimes only six rooms are available for the entire camp. 

  • The conditions on the Manaslu route are quite inferior to those in Annapurna, as it does not have connected bathrooms and has only sporadic wifi. Moreover, it requires restricted area permits, which are not needed for Annapurna. However, it can be noticed that the level of tourist traffic is much lower than that in Annapurna, as well as the cultural development in this area, especially in Samdo, the settlement that allows for better insight into the culture of Tibetans. It can be stated that this trek is more complicated and remote and is more suitable for experienced trekkers.

  • In reality, individuals aged 16 to 65 with an excellent state of health can take part: our oldest completed client was 68, with a doctor’s approval and proper pace adjustment. We've turned down requests since people’s experience did not correspond to this trip, recommending that they arrive at Annapurna or choose easier Khumbu trekking routes. In any case, Larkya La and six nights spent above 3500 m do not forgive untrained bodies, however enthusiastic the trekkers are at the beginning.

  • Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is classified as moderate, which means that you need to be physically fit for the trek. You can do some regular exercise a month before the trek. Since you need to walk for about 6 to 7 hours each day and cover around 12-15 km per day, you need to prepare yourself for the trek accordingly. With days for acclimatization and short treks, the Manaslu circuit trek will not be challenging.

  • Manaslu Trek is a bit more expensive than its corresponding Annapurna Trek and other treks due to the reason that it falls under a restricted area. Since the Manaslu Circuit trek falls under the Manaslu Conservation Plan the following permits are required:

    • Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
    • Manaslu Conservation Area Project(MCAP)
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP)

    You can acquire the permits through your travel agent or in the tourism office in Kathmandu. Note that the TIMS permit is not required for this trek.

  • Manaslu Circuit's best season for trekking is Autumn which is from September to December and Spring which stretches from March to May. During these two seasons, the weather is very clear, and you can enjoy the views.

    However, Manaslu can also trek in the monsoon region which begins in June and lasts till mid-September since the region sees little rainfall.

  • It is best suggested and for tourists even mandated to take a guide since the trail isn't marked well, and Manaslu is also a restricted region. Having a guide can make accommodation and navigation much more accessible. Also, if you hire a porter to carry your luggage, then you can enjoy the trek to the fullest without any burden. 

  • It is 177 kilometers long and varies from where you begin and conclude your trip; nonetheless, Nepal is the only nation where trekking distance is calculated in days. The Manaslu Circuit trip usually takes 12 to 18 days. If you incorporate more side trips, you'll need more days. Tsum Valley Trek needs an additional week, and there are several more day trip sites such as Kaal Taal (Death Lake), Hinang Gompa, Himalchuli Base Camp, Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Gompa, and Lajung La. As a result, the itinerary is defined by the amount of time you have, your interests, your past trekking experience, and your physical health: cost, lodging, the best time to go, and information on the journey.

  • The Manaslu trek takes you through a rural Nepal region that is relatively new and undeveloped. Because towns are few and far between, you'll spend much of your time in nature, away from the everyday grind.

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  • Anna Maria DeRose

    My family friend suggested Mountain Rock Treks Experts go on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which turned out very well. Deepak's planning set the stage for a successful expedition. Our guides, Mingma and Porters Apa and Tenzing were unimaginably kind; they cared for our health even when my husband got sick with the flu. We also had a private car ride to Kathmandu and got an unplanned hotel stay due to their obsessive devotion to customer service. 

    T
    The Himalayan Escape to ManalsuFijiNovember 26, 2023

  • Manaslu Circuit Trek in 15 Days

    The coordination by Deepak from Mountain Rock Treks simplified the pre-trip arrangements with his prompt responses to our requests. It was easy to communicate with him via email; he answered our questions very clearly. The trek, in turn, was a combination of difficult uphills and magnificent panoramas. Dipak’s knowledge and companionship brought a personal touch to the trip, leading to our general contentment. The commitment shown by the team and the breathtaking magnificence of Manaslu gave us this incredible trekking experience with Mountain Rock Treks. 

    M
    Martina BraunCambodiaNovember 12, 2023
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