Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

The Manaslu Circuit Trek opened in the year 1992 and it immediately grew in popularity because of its captivating natural essence, the exclusiveness and the untouched beauty. Situated along the border of Nepal and Tibet, we will experience and witness the culture and lifestyle of both Hindu’s and Buddhists. The off beaten trails take us through many verdantly rich forests of rhododendron trees blooming beautifully, alpine woods like pine, cedar, birch and juniper and delightful meadows.

The Manaslu Trek (or Manaslu Circuit Trek) is a 16-day tea-house trek which circumnavigates the 8th highest peak in the world (8,156 m). The trek has all the elements of other treks in Nepal including both Hindu and Buddhist culture, protected wildlife, rhododendrons and wildflowers, raging rivers, precarious bridges and stunning mountain scenery. The off beaten trails take us through many verdantly rich forests of rhododendron trees blooming beautifully, alpine woods like pine, cedar, birch and juniper and delightful meadows.

The circular tour around Manaslu counts as one of the truly great Himalayan treks. Flanked by the Annapurna’s to the West and Ganesh Himal to the East it is one of the most graceful of the 8000-meter giants. Less than two percent of trekkers go to Manaslu. This means that even in the high season you will not meet many trekkers. Manaslu is remote, physically demanding, culturally enriching and scenically uplifting. The circuit takes you from the steamy lowlands with their terraces of rice and millet, through the mighty gorges of the Budhi Gandaki with its turquoise waters and amazing waterfalls. Suspension bridges here are in a league of their own for both length and height, and the yearly monsoon often wash minor bridges away leaving trekkers to use semi-submerged rocks

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a scenic drive from to SotiKhola via Arughat which approximately takes the whole day. On the following day, our trek begins to MachhaKhola. During the trek, we will be walking through beautiful forests, climbing onto ridges, walking past rice terraces and crossing suspension bridges. After trekking for about four days, we will be arriving at Deng, which starts to give us appearances of snow peaks. As we continue trekking, we will be crossing a small village then further reaching to Namrung village where it’s an amazing viewpoint for Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Mt. Himalchuli (7,893m). Trekking a bit further, we will arrive at the highest village in Budi Gandaki valley; the Samagaon village. We will acclimatize at this village the following day and then continue our trek, heading towards Samdo followed by Dharamsala. At this point, we will be rewarded with the astonishing views of Larkya Glacier and the Larkya peak. The challenging trek awaits as we will be trekking around Manaslu crossing the Larkya La Pass (5100m) eventually reaching Bhimthang then to Gho. Further moving to Dharapani we will pass through fields and villages, following the Annapurna Circuit trek in reverse. On the last day, we will drive back to Besisahar then back to Kathmandu to your respective hotels.

The challenging Manaslu Circuit trek is the best choice for an adventurous journey for trekking enthusiasts as it offers not just beautiful scenery of nature and the mountains, but it gives us an insight into two different cultures; Buddhism and Hinduism that bond together. For further more experience, trekkers may wish to view other options such as 12 Days Around Manaslu Circuit Trekking, 21 Days Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trekking, 16 Days Tsum Valley Trekking. Also Check Out special Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp trek to add options to your bucket list 2020.

Check out the safty measuer taken for tourism in Nepal after covid-19. As Discovery World Trekking has been working in tourism market for about 2 decades now, we're in the postion to assuer you with all possible safty measuers and precaution while trekking in Himalyas of Nepal. Manaslu Circuit trek can be best trek as it's relatively less populated and completly untouched by outer world by far. 

1. day 1

   Drive from kathmandu to Arughat - Distance ( 126.5 km/78 miles ), then drive to Soti Khola (730 m/2896 ft) - Distance ( 36 km/ 22 miles) – about 6-8 hrs

   Driving in the Prithvi Highway; occident from Kathmandu, we will be exceeding by a beautiful river view of the Trishuli river. From Dhading Bensi, we will be driving to Arughat where the roads will be boisterous. After an early forenoon breakfast, we will be prelude our tour with a scenic drive to Arughat, ensuing to Soti Khola. Arughat being a huge settlement, it is aggregate on both sides of the Budhi Gandaki river connected by a suspension bridge. The next two hours’ drive will take us to Soti Khola. In the first few hours, we will reach Dhading Bensi which is the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m). Manaslu and Ganesh Himal range, small villages following the Budhi Gandaki river. Along the way we will see elegant mountain scenery resembling Mt. In this long drive, we will be stopping for multiple breaks and for lunch as well.

   • Overnight at “ABC Hotel” with attached bathroom.
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
2. day 2

   Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m/ 2,965 ft) - Walking Distance (9.7 km/6 miles) – 6 to 7 hrs

   A long travel day bide, as we start to travel to Machha Khola. We will be obstruct towards Soti Khola with picturesque views of waterfalls and the tributary. Then we will be peripateticism through the lovesome Sal woodland, successive the climb onto a ridge above the vast rapids of the Budhi Gandaki rivulet on the away to Liding (750m). Passing through the unfeeling track, we reach Khursane. Across BudhiGanadaki are the views of Annapurna Circuit between Bahundanda and Syange that expect incredible. Soon after, we will be trekking down rice terraces taking us to Lapresi; a Gurung village. The path capture us where the col uncovered up and the Budhi Gandaki roam among extended perplex bars. The imposition maintain down to the tophaceous death bed of the Budhi Gandaki and we travel down to NauliKhola crossing a suspension bridge and yet inbound at Machha Khola

   • Overnight at “Hotel Everest View”
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
3. day 3

   Machha Khola to Doban (1070 m/3510 ft) -Walking Distance (9.5 km/ 5.9 miles) - 4 to 5 hrs

   The trail we journey today has some ups and downs which often drops onto the gravel bars alongside the stream. The trail does become a little resistant at some point. Soon after, we will be crossing the Tharo Khola which flows in a rocky cavetto reaching Khorla Besi. Peaks like Manaslu Himal, and Kutang Himal are seen as they beautifully stand their ground. Khorla Besi is a small beautiful Gurung village and is a part of many trekking routes such as the Manaslu Circuit journey and the Tsum Valley trek. After another steep climb, we will reach Tatopani; hot Spring. Then we climb over a wrinkle, crossing the Budhi Gandaki river over a suspension bridge followed by a wide, well-made staircase over a ridge to Doban. It is a confluence of the ShiarKhola and the SarpuKhola that flows from the eastward and the occident.

   • Overnight at “Doban Guest House”
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
4. day 4

   Doban to Philim (1570 m/5150 ft) - Walking Distance ( 13 km/ 8 miles) - 5 to 6 hrs

   Our travel age originate with thwarting a delay overbridge successive the eastwards embank scansorial a ragged hard imposition. In approximately, three hours of trekking, we come at Jagat from Doban. Jagat is the item setback item of the Manaslu Conservation Area. As we abide journey, the drag is solemn as it is paven and has unbounded flagstones and mani bulkhead that front flatly fine. This evince an symptom of the Tibetan Buddhist educate. After we fretful Jagat, the imposition fall us down to the Dudh Pokhari Khola. We will be interrupting the unfeeling abrupt to a ground of Salleri; the fields of rice and millet. Climbing along the occident escarp of the Budhi Gandaki affluent, we will be wonder by a celebrated prospect of the gleam apex of Singri Himal and Langju Himal to its orientate. Shortly, we will expanse the thorp of Sirdibas. In honest approximately forty-five jot up the procession is Philim; another huge Gurung village.

   • Overnight “Manaslu River View”
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
5. day 5

   Philim to Deng (1860m/6102 ft) - Walking Distance (11 km/ 6.8 miles) - 4 to 5 hrs

   The trek today from philim tender a pleasant view of the naturalness. The snow capped trail will be engross us with impressive waterfalls on either side of the valley. As we poll towards the northward, traversing the terraced fields to Ekle Bhatti. We enter a steep, deserted gorge and then we descend down to the grasslike land incline with lofty pine trees thwarting the Budhi Gandaki overbridge. As we travel along the occident bank, we will see the Shar Khola and the Tsum Valley that connect the Budhi Gandaki on the opposite bank. The trail takes us to the occidental side where the valley ultimately widens and we have a pleasing walk through the bamboo sylvan to Deng.

   • Overnight at “Windy Valley Lodge”
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
6. day 6

   Deng to Ghap (2250 m/7382 ft) - Walking Distance (11.5 km/ 7.14 miles) - 4 to 5 hrs

   Followed by an seasonable morning break one's fast, we will escalade up to Bihi Phedi stepping the Sringi Khola that promontory westward up the Budhi Gandaki. As we attend the imposition upstream of Deng affluent, we will be coming across a littletown include of four dwelling. As we persevere our travel with furthermore elevated scale and upwards and downs in the woodland, we will care a course with mani partition and chortens that precedence us to Ghap. This is a omen of Tibetan Buddhist educate. The mani partition in Ghap has an richly ornamental sculpture that compel it seem so delightful and absorbing. The educate lifestyles and the tribe in Ghap are fully selfsame to the Tibetan lifestyle

   • Overnight at “Lama Hotel”
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
7. day 7

   Ghap to Namrung (2660 m/8727ft) - Walking Distance (9 km/5.5 miles)-4 to 5 hrs

   From Ghap, our destination for today will be Namrung. We will take the march via the Prok town. This town is a surprising standpoint for a few point such as the SiringiHimal. It gives an astonishing sight and trekkers often restrain in this town for a while to seizure this consideration. We pass underneath a capacious overhanging cliff, and misfortune the Budhi Gandaki a few clock ensuing the tree radiate in a sylvan that have fledgeling and animals intercept Danphe or pheasant; Nepal’s public fledgeling and a group of grey Langur marmoset. We will also be pedestrian through a unmixed forest of fir tree, flowering rosebay and bamboos eventually gain Namrung through a stone archway. Namrung is an elegant dorp with a graphic struggle of buildings

   • Overnight at “Namrung Guest House” with attached bathroom.
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
8. day 8

   Namrung to Lho (3180m/10433 ft)-Walking Distance (11km/6.8miles)- 5 to 6 hrs

   We oblique the stiff overbridge over Budhi Gandaki as we chase the footway lined with household that are broadcast with cultured fields. As we begin the upper Nupri, the idiom changes to Tibetan. The pursue have mani rampart which an beautifully carven as the Tibetan educate stands out. We journey through woodland of firs, rhododendrons and oaks, promptly after, exceeding through a stone arch and entering the Lihi exhibit; the extraordinary workmanship of this neighborhood. As the exaltation grow, our trekking with appearance of pry like Mt. Manaslu and Naike Peak (5,515m). Shortly, we will cross a small stream that will lead us to Lho. Lho is a major league settlement with a monastery, a rough cobble archway at the entrance and chortens and immense mani wale denoting the Tibetan civilization.

   • Overnight at “Hotel Majestic” with attached bathroom.
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
9. day 9

   Lho to Samagaun (3530m/11581 ft) - Walking Distance (17.2 km/10.6 miles)- 4 to 5 hrs

   From Lho today we’ll be enjoying the surprising survey of many mountains on the passage. We will be excessively the torpidness gate and a long mani testicle bailey of the clachan as we get to see the Ngadi Chuli; Peak 29 (7,879), HiunChuli (7,893m) forth of us in Shyala village. From Shyala, the passing takes us up and easily after down to the affluent that originates from the glacier of Pungyen. Following the side moraine of the Pungyen glacier, we vanish through many chortens and monasteries with enormous prayer compass. The hiking gradually increases and becomes challenging as we cross the crest and trek in and out of the gulch of ThosangKhola. Descending down into a rock-strewn moraine across the defense, we emerge into an edge that examine the widespread fields of Samagaon

   • Overnight at “Hotel Manaslu” with attached bathroom.
   • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
10. day 10

    Rest Day in Samagaun

    In this long journey, we acclimatize at Samagaon to adjust to the thin air as we are in a higher elevation. We will not stay idle but will explore this village of Buddhist culture. We will be noticing the lifestyles of the locals and experiencing their culture. Additionally, we have other explorations planned as well. The options include to hike to the Manaslu Base Camp or continue to Birendra Lake and then climb the ridge to Pungyen Monastery. This monastery is in the south of Samagaon which is about two and half hours’ hike. It is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu and gives us tremendous view of the glaciers. Birendra Tal is a glacial lake at 3,450m where ice blocks tumble into the lake with thunder displays. Samagaon is indeed an interesting place for acclimatization

    • Overnight at “Hotel Manaslu” with attached bathroom.
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
11. day 11

    Samagaun to Samdo (3,875m/12,713 ft)- Walking Distance ( 8.2 km/ 5 miles)– 3 to 4 hrs

    The trek today is comparatively more interesting and pleasant. We will be crossing the pasture areas and ascending to the valley. The trail leads us to forests with juniper and birch where we enjoy the beauty of the nature. As we reach down the Budhi Gandaki river, we will be crossing the wooden bridge over it and climb up steeply across the river. We will be getting an amazing view of the mountains, specially Manaslu as we will be reaching Samdo, which is a Tibetan refugee village. Upon reaching Samdo, we will also explore the village and the surrounding hills

    • Overnight at “Yak Hotel”
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
12. day 12

    Samdo to Dharamsala (4,480m/14,698 ft) - Walking Distance (11.7 kilometers / 7.2 miles)– 3 to 4 hrs

    With an exciting day ahead, we walk down the edge through fields and old mani walls, crossing the wooden bridge over the BudhiGanadaki river. We begin walking upward of the valley. We will be noticing the mani walls and the prayer flags hung on the route, signifying the closeness of the Larkya La Pass. After crossing two streams, we will witness the Larkya Glacier which is unquestionably magnificent. As we enjoy the view, we further trek around the valley of SalkhaKhola and climb up again reaching the stone guest house (4,450m). The stone guest house is not a lodge but it is a kind of shelter better known as Dharamsala or Larkya La Phedi. Today’s day would be a gratifying day as we will get an amazing view of the Larkya Glacier and the amazing view of Mt. Manaslu in a great angle. The short trek today gives us plenty of time later onwards to acclimatize and relax.

    • Overnight at “Dormitory /Tent”
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
13. day 13

    Dharamsala to Bhimtang (3720m/12205ft) by crossing Larkya la Pass (5,160m/16929ft) - Walking Distance ( 24.7 km/15.3 miles ) – 7 to 8 hrs

    The exciting part of the journey awaits for us, as we will be trekking around the Manaslu circuit crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,100m). After an early morning breakfast, we will leave Dharamsala as it will be a whole day trek. The weather being the most important factor, it will decide if the trek becomes more challenging as strong winds and a storm could possibly occur. We being by crossing the moraine, descending down to a small lake. The trail begins to be rough and unclear as we have to cross the south of steep grassy slope. Our route stays on the moraine to an edge which is marked by two landmarks. The prayer flags mark that the route is visible, so that we can continue trekking. Carefully trekking, we will descend to four frozen lakes then finally climbing a steep trail to the pass. The four frozen lakes look undeniably striking. From the pass, we get outstanding panoramic views of Himlung Himal, CheoHimal, Kang Guru and the great Annapurna II. As we live in the moment and admire the beauty of the nature, the trail takes us to the top of the moraine, heading to the west and making a steep, rough bends. We further cross the moraine then descend gently to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. As we have descended, the trail becomes easier to walk in and then we reach a small meadow. The valley begins to widen as we near the large meadow, mani walls and small houses that indicate we have reached Bhimthang

    • Overnight at “Punkar Guest House” with attached bathroom.
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
14. day 14

    Bhimtang to Gho (2,550 m/8,367 ft)-Walking Distance (10 km/ 6.2 miles)- 4 to 5 hrs

    After a Time of a challenging journey, the pursue begins to variegate to the crystal current and the promontory water of the Dudh Koshi river. We will be contradicting the wooden bridge then through a dense pine sylvan where we will get a sight of the blooming rhododendron flowers with a diversity of ensign. This is flower versed at leap. Wide range of animals and birdwatch are seen in the sylvan as well such as sheep, horses, jackanapes etc. We then trial a landslide making a precipice escalade on to an edge ornamented with prayer flags. Above the Marsyangdi bottom, we can see the culminate of the mountain, Lamjung. After a perambulate to the river bank, we will lastly arrive at Gho

    • Overnight at “Nirvana Guest House” with attached bathroom.
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
15. day 15

    Gho to Dharapani (1910m/6266ft) - Walking Distance (6 km/ 3.7 miles) - 3 to 4 hrs

    As we have been descendent, the imposition now is basically downhill. We will be trekking through many fields and pastures. We will remark that the beautiful prime rosebay are broadcast everywhere along with oak timber. Soon after, we arrive at Tilje which is a abundant Gurung settlement. This village is famous and well known for Brandy. After farewell the wick via a insensibility arch, we will cross the DudhKoshi anabranch following its embank and migration declivous through a scrub forest. While journey, the walls of the Marsyangdi valley emerge massive and we follow the course of the Annapurna circumambulate journey but in reverse. We will moderately be securement glance of the inn in Dharapani from a discrepancy. After a last difficulty of crossing the stiff overbridge, exceedingly the chortens and another long stop overbridge, we will reach Dharapan

    • Overnight at “Heavan Guest House”
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner ).
16. day 16

    From Dharapani We’ll Drive to Besisahar (760 m/2,493 ft) - Distance (34 km/ 21.1 miles ) – 4 to 5 hrs then drive back to Kathmandu -Distance (190 Km /118 miles) -7 hrs

    Today we will be on the road the whole day. After an early morning breakfast, we leave from Dharapani to Besishar on a local jeep or a bus which will approximately take about six to seven hours. The drive will be scenic as we will pass many villages, Marsyangdi river, bhulbhule town an Khudi. According to the schedule, we should be reaching Besisahar at least before 3 pm so that we can catch the last bus to Kathmandu. In case the time is not favorable with us, we will have to extend a day in the itinerary. After catching a bus that takes us back to Kathmandu, we will be getting the sight of the Marsyagdi river meeting the Trishuli river as we head west in the Prithivi Highway. The drive has many beautiful and natural scenery that pleases our eyes with terraced lands a last few glimpses of the peaks.

    • Overnight at your own selected hotel at Kathmandu.
    • Included all standard meals ( Breakfast + Lunch ).

• Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat to soti khola (trek start) and from Dharapani(trek end) to Kathmandu by public bus.
• All Standard Meals (16 Lunches, 15 Dinners and 16 Breakfasts) during the trek.
• Accommodations: Seven nights room with private attached bathroom at Sotikhola, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun(2N), Bhimtang and Gho. eight nights standard room at Machha Khola, Doban, Philim, Deng, Ghap, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Dharapani(Generally twin Sharing room)- 15 Nights
• Government License holder English Speaking Discovery World Trekking experienced and qualified trek leader,(12 or above trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and porter to help trekkers luggage. (2 trekkers:1 porter "9 kg per trekker max limit")
• Coverage of Guides and Porters, Their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
• Manaslu special permit with Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
• Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
• Snacks (cookies) and Seasonal fresh fruits every day
• All government, Local taxes and official Expenses
• Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance)
• Souvenir - A company's T-shirt & Cap
• Discovery World Trekking’s appreciation of certificate after the successful trek
• Farewell Dinner at the end of the trek

• International flight airfare
• Nepal Entry Visa Fees for multiple Entries on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days - $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
• Excess baggage charges (Limit is 9 kg per Person)
• All Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after we start our journey
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
• Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee), extra porters etc
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
• Tips for guide and porters (Recommended by the Culture)
• Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes etc.
• All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "cost includes" will be counted as Excludes