Manaslu Circuit Trek

Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration15 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Journey beyond the crowds and into the heart of the Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit is a spectacular adventure through remote mountain landscapes, traditional villages, Tibetan-influenced culture, lush forests, glaciers, and some of Nepal’s most breathtaking Himalayan views.

From the warm hospitality of the lower hills to the dramatic crossing of Larke La Pass at 5,106 m, every day brings a new landscape and a deeper connection with mountain life. Meet local communities, walk ancient trails, pass Buddhist monasteries and mani walls, and experience the changing face of the Himalayas on foot.

This is more than a trek—it is a journey through nature, culture, and high mountain wilderness, ending with the unforgettable sense of having crossed one of Nepal’s great Himalayan passes.

What's included

  • All Necessary Permits | TIMS, MRAP, MCAP, ACAP, TNRMEF
  • Private Porter
  • English Speaking - Licensed Trekking Guide
  • All ground Transfer By Private Jeep
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • All Applicable Government Tax
  • Best Available Teahouse in Mountain.
  • Breakfast
  • 4 star / Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing
  • Full Body Massage before and after trek in Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratitude to Guide and Porter
  • Personal expenses and any costs not mentioned under “Included” are excluded.
  • Nepal Visa

What to expect

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
  1. Kathmandu
    4h
    Welcome to Kathmandu—the gateway to the Himalayas. Your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Settle in, refresh, and, if time allows, take a short walk through the lively streets, markets, and historic corners of the city.

    In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner, followed by a trek briefing and gear check. Tomorrow, the mountains begin.

    About Kathmandu
    A vibrant crossroads of ancient civilization, art, culture, temples, and bustling bazaars, Kathmandu is where your Himalayan adventure officially begins.
Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola
  1. 6h
    An early morning drive takes you from Kathmandu into the heart of rural Nepal. Following the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers, the landscape changes from busy city streets to terraced fields, traditional villages, and lush green hills.

    After Arughat, the road becomes more rugged as you continue toward Machha Khola, a peaceful riverside village surrounded by steep hills and farmland.

    The trek officially begins here.

    Max. Altitude: 900 m / 2,950 ft
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat
  1. Jagat
    6h
    After breakfast, follow the Budhi Gandaki River through forests, waterfalls, and traditional mountain villages. Cross wooden bridges and pass through Khorla Besi and Tatopani, where you can enjoy the natural hot springs before continuing toward Dobhan.

    The trail gradually climbs and descends through rugged landscapes until you reach Jagat, a beautiful stone-paved village and the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

    About Jagat
    With traditional slate-roofed houses, mani walls, chortens, and narrow stone alleys, Jagat offers your first strong glimpse of the region’s Tibetan-influenced culture.

    Max. Altitude: 1,340 m / 4,396 ft
Day 4: Jagat to Deng
  1. 6h
    Leaving Jagat, the trail winds through forests, waterfalls, traditional villages, and dramatic river gorges. Cross a long suspension bridge to reach Philim, a large Gurung village, before continuing through Ekle Bhatti and pine forests toward Deng.

    The landscape gradually becomes more rugged and remote, with the first strong signs of Tibetan-influenced culture appearing along the trail.

    About Deng
    Nestled in a deep gorge, Deng is a peaceful mountain village surrounded by cliffs, stone houses, mani walls, and chortens. It marks the beginning of the Nubri Valley’s distinct Tibetan cultural landscape.

    Max. Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft
Day 5: Deng to Namrung
  1. 6h
    The landscape and culture change dramatically as you climb higher into the Tibetan-influenced Himalayan region. From Deng, the trail passes through bamboo, pine, and rhododendron forests, crossing suspension bridges and traditional villages including Rana, Bihi Phedi, and Ghap.

    Prayer stones, mani walls, and Buddhist shrines become increasingly common as the trail steadily ascends toward Namrung. Along the way, you may spot langurs among the forest canopy.

    About Namrung
    Perched above the river, Namrung feels like a traditional Himalayan settlement, with stone gates, wooden houses, prayer flags, and vibrant mani walls. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ganesh Himal.

    Max. Altitude: 2,630 m / 8,628 ft
Day 6: Namrung to Samagau
  1. Samagaun
    6h
    One of the most scenic days of the trek takes you deeper into the Tibetan-influenced Nubri Valley. From Namrung, the trail passes through charming villages such as Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Shyala, surrounded by barley fields, ancient mani walls, chortens, and traditional stone houses.

    With Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli rising above the valley, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. By afternoon, you reach Samagaun, the cultural heart of Nubri.

    About Samagaun
    Set in a vast glacial basin beneath Manaslu, Samagaun is a peaceful highland village of stone houses, yak pastures, prayer wheels, and monasteries. It is also an important acclimatization and exploration point, with options such as Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa.

    Max. Altitude: 3,520 m / 11,548 ft
Day 7: Acclimatization in Samagaun
  1. Samagaun
    4h
    Today is dedicated to acclimatization and mountain exploration. Choose between two rewarding hikes, depending on your fitness and interests.

    Option 1: Pung Gyen Gompa – 4,060 m
    A 4–5 hour round-trip hike through yak pastures leads to this peaceful ridge-top monastery, with spectacular views of Manaslu Glacier and Manaslu’s East Face.

    Option 2: Manaslu Base Camp – 4,800 m
    A challenging 7–8 hour round-trip hike across glacial and moraine terrain brings you closer to the mighty Manaslu and its dramatic south face.

    Our team will recommend the most suitable option based on your fitness, weather, and acclimatization.

    After the hike, return to Samagaun for a well-earned rest. You can also take a gentle walk through the village to see its monastery, mani walls, museum, and traditional Tibetan-influenced culture.

    Max. Altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Day 8: Samagaun to Samdo
  1. 4h
    Leaving Samagaun, the trail climbs gently through juniper forests, yak pastures, chortens, and glacial landscapes. As you rise above the treeline, the valley opens into a vast high-altitude wilderness.

    Along the way, encounter yak herders, prayer flags, and traditional mountain life. On clear days, the surrounding ridges offer spectacular views toward Samdo Peak, Naike Peak, and Manaslu North.

    About Samdo
    Samdo is a remote highland village near the Tibetan border and the last permanent settlement before Larke La Pass. Scattered stone houses, roaming yaks, and its stark mountain landscape give Samdo an unforgettable feeling of being at the edge of the world.

    Max. Altitude: 3,875 m / 12,713 ft
Day 9: Samdo to Dharamshala
  1. 4h
    A short but important trek takes you to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), the final stop before crossing the challenging Larke La Pass (5,106 m).

    After crossing a bridge, the trail follows the Syacha Khola Valley toward Larkya Bazaar, once an important trading point between Nepal and Tibet. From there, the trail climbs steadily through a stark landscape of moraines, glacial streams, and ancient mani walls.

    About Dharamsala
    Dharamsala is a basic high-altitude staging point beneath Larke La Pass. With thin air, cold winds, and dramatic alpine scenery, it is where trekkers rest and prepare for the demanding pass crossing the following day.

    Note: Dharamsala’s teahouses may remain closed during the off-season. For larger groups, accommodation may be arranged in advance upon request.

    Max. Altitude: 4,460 m / 14,632 ft
Day 10: Dharamshala to Bhimthang Via Larkya la (Larke Pass)
  1. 4h
    The crown jewel of the Manaslu Circuit. Start before dawn with headlamps, climbing steadily across rocky moraines and snow-covered slopes to reach the mighty Larke La Pass (5,106 m).

    At the summit, colorful prayer flags frame breathtaking Himalayan views of Himlung, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurnas. After celebrating the achievement, begin the long descent through rugged terrain into the beautiful Bimthang Valley.

    Max. Altitude: 5,106 m / 16,752 ft
  2. 4h
    Meaning “Plain of Sand,” Bimthang is a peaceful alpine valley of meadows, birch forests, glacial streams, and spectacular mountain views. After the demanding pass crossing, its green pastures and tranquil atmosphere offer a perfect place to rest.
Day 11: Bhimthang to Gowa
  1. 6h · Admission ticket included
    The trail from Bimthang leads you back into greenery, descending through rhododendron forests, pine groves, and moss-covered boulders. Crossing the Dudh Khola, you pass through Yak Kharka before continuing toward the forested valley.

    After lunch at Karche, the trail winds through peaceful woodland to reach Gowa Village, a quiet and lesser-known stop on the Manaslu Circuit.

    About Gowa
    Surrounded by rhododendrons, ferns, wildflowers, and birdsong, Gowa offers a peaceful forest retreat and a refreshing change from the high alpine landscape.

    Max. Altitude: 2,510 m / 8,235 ft
Day 12: Trek to Dharapani Drive to Besisahar
  1. 2h
    Your final trekking day is a gentle descent through forests, mountain villages, and the Marsyangdi River Valley to Dharapani. Here, the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking routes meet, marking the end of your Manaslu Circuit adventure.

    About Dharapani
    Dharapani is a lively mountain junction with better roads, facilities, and connectivity. Stone houses, riverside scenery, and the ACAP checkpoint mark the transition from remote Himalayan trails back toward modern Nepal.

    Max. Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft
  2. Besisahar
    4h
    From Dharapani, board a private jeep and follow the river downstream as the landscape becomes greener, the valleys wider, and life gradually returns to a faster pace.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu
  1. Kathmandu
    7h
    The drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar goes back on familiar terrain. This return journey gives you the leisure of thinking back on your journey and resting. The drive passes across rolling hills, rural villages and bustling market towns. After reaching the busy capital, a hot shower will prepare you for a refreshing break. There will also be a celebratory dinner with your guide and new friends.

    Max. Altitude:1,400 m/4,600 ft
Day 14: Free Day At Kathmandu
  1. Kathmandu
    5h
    After days in the mountains, enjoy a well-earned free day in Kathmandu. Take your time to rest, explore the city at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy a relaxed café morning in Thamel.

    For those who want to explore, you can wander through local markets, ancient courtyards, temples, and historic streets, or revisit a favorite place from the beginning of your journey.

    No fixed schedule, no rush—just time to relax and enjoy Kathmandu your way.
Day 15: Departure
  1. 2h · Admission ticket included
    Your Himalayan journey comes to an end today. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

    Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk around Kathmandu or some last-minute souvenir shopping.

    As you leave Nepal, take with you the memories of mountains, villages, cultures, and the people who made the journey special. We hope to welcome you back to Nepal for your next adventure.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will arrange your airport pickup and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Your Amazing Kathmandu guide, who will be leading you throughout the trip, will personally welcome you at the airport upon your arrival.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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