Manaslu Circuit Trek 18 days
Best: Autumn / Spring
Manaslu Circuit Trek
INR 115,000
Go beyond the well-trodden Himalayan trails.
An 18-day journey through the remote Budhi Gandaki Valley, traditional villages and dramatic mountain landscapes, culminating at Larkya La Pass.
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- 4.9/5 rating
- 15+ years
- 15,000+ trekkers
“Went for the EBC trek with Himalayan Wonders a few weeks ago, and it was truly a wonderful experience thanks to their team. Our guide, Mr. Garba Rai, was incredibly helpful, fun, and supportive throughout the journey.”
Aparna Nair
Trekking Facts
- Trek Name
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Best Season
- Spring (March-June) Autumn (Sept-November)
- Transportation
- By Tourist Bus / Private Vehicles.
- Accommodation
- Tea House
- Grade
- Fairly Strenuous
- Highest Point
- 5215m.
- Duration
- 18 Days
- Group Size
- Min. 1 to Max. 10 People
- Culture
- Mixed
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1
KATHMANDU: ARRIVAL DAY
Nepal welcomes you, and we do as well! We’ll be waiting at Tribhuvan International Airport to pick you up and bring you to your hotel. Enjoy your first glimpses of the Nepalese capital, a city rich in history, culture, and loveliness.
Day 2
KATHMANDU: FREE DAY (PERMIT PROCESS)
This is a free day in Kathmandu and will give us time to process your permits as Manaslu requires a special restricted area permit. Afternoon and early evening bring a final briefing and preparations for trekking.
Day 3
KATHMANDU TO ARUGHAT TO SOTI KHOLA
8 Hour Bus Ride. Your trekking guide will meet you at 7:00am to ensure you catch the bus to Arughat, from where our trek begins. It’s an eight hour drive overland, half of which is over bumpy dirt roads! The pavement ends after Dhading Bensi, opening up to the wilderness we'll soon be hiking!
Day 4
SOTI KHOLA TO MACHHA KHOLA
930m (6 to 7 hours hiking) It's a journey between rivers today as we depart the Soti River and climb towards Almara. A wending forest trail alive with colorful blooms brings us to RidenGaon, and the valley of Lambesi. Here, we'll follow the riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki before arriving alongside the Machha River where we will spend the night.
Day 5
MACHHA KHOLA TO JAGAT
1410m (6 to 7 hours hiking) We'll cross the Machha Khola as we leave camp, and then the Kharola Besi. The Tatopani hot spring, which comes next, is a popular stopping point with trekkers - a soak in the springs is a deliciously reinvigorating treat! The forest trails welcome us again as we walk towards Dovan, and then some raging rapids at Budhi Gandaki. The elevation is increasing quickly, and you'll notice the landscape changing accordingly.
Day 6
JAGAT TO DYANG
1860m (5 hours hiking) The terraced hill of Saguleri, with its view of Shringi Himal, is our first challenge as we walk upwards today. Sirish Gaon is our first landmark as Gandaki valley narrows, and we tackle the precipitous footpaths leading us to Dyang.
Day 7
DYANG TO NAMRUNG
2660m (5 to 6 hours hiking). Following the Deng River will bring us this morning to a miniature village - just four houses! A newly-constructed rock tunnel helps circumvent the steep climb to Ghap, where Tibetan culture is seen everywhere in the chortens and abundance of mani stones around you.
Day 8
NAMRUNG TO LHOGAON
3180m (4 Hours hiking) Sho is the next village, and getting there affords tremendous views of Naike, Manaslu North, and Manaslu. The Pungen Glacier is an outstanding side trek from here, affording outstanding views of Manaslu in its snow-capped glory!
Day 9
LOW TO SAMA GOMPA
3520m (3 or 4 hours hiking) We follow the lateral moraine of the glacier to reach the village of Sama, and then a bit longer to get to our campsite at Sama Gompa.
Day 10
SAMA GOMPA REST DAY
You'll have the chance to learn more about the people and culture of Stone Hut as we linger here for another day. The air is thin at this altitude, and a day of acclimatization is necessary to stave off altitude sickness. Rest, write, or explore the small village.
Day 11
SAMA GOMPA TO SAMDO
3690m and 4 hours hiking Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.
Day 12
SAMDO TO DHARMASHALA
4470m (4 to 5 hours hiking). Only one tea house in dharmashala tea house owner will set up tents when its busy. Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
Day 13
DHARMASHALA TO BIMTANG
3720m and crossing the pass at 5160m. 8 hours hiking After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
Day 14
BIMTANG TO TILCHE
2560m and 5 hours hiking We trek for five hours today, walking downstream along the river. The path is easy and the trekking is pleasurable - even more so given the views of Chamje village and Himalpani.
Day 15
TILCHE TO JAGAT
1300m and 6 hours hiking We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani.
Day 16
JAGAT TO BHULBHULE
The walking is pleasant and easy again at this point, with the trail winding downstream of the village of Naadi. We’ll follow the bank of the Marshyangdi River to the town of Bhulbhule.
Day 17
BHULBHULE TO KATHMANDU
Our entire party - trekkers, guides, porters, and staff - will hop a bus this morning for the long, bumpy ride back to the capital. Your journey is done, and all that's left is reflection and a bit of leisurely fun. We'll bring you to your hotel in the city, and take our leave so you can indulge in a hot shower for the first time in a couple weeks!
Day 18
KATHMANDU: DEPARTURE DAY
Farewell from all of us at Himalayan Wonders! It's our pleasure to bring you to the airport in time to catch your flight home, or bid you bon voyage as you depart for new adventures.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Gallery
What's Included
- All airport transfers from arrival to departure
- 15 day trek, all accommodations and meals included
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (Breakfast Included)
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Kathmandu
- English-speaking, government-licensed guide
- Porter service
- All applicable trekking and climbing permits
- Government taxes, entrance fee, equipment fee, and other applicable fees
- First aid kit
- Farewell Dinner
- Himalayan Wonders T-shirt
Why Base Camp Hikes
15+ Years in the Himalayas
Decades of experience planning and operating treks across Nepal and the Everest region.
Experienced Sherpa Guides
Trek with experienced local guides who know the Everest trail, altitude, weather and mountain conditions.
Real Humans on WhatsApp
Speak directly with our team before, during and after your trek — without call-centre handoffs.
Complete Trek Logistics
Transfers, permits, accommodation, flights and trekking arrangements are coordinated by one team.
Trusted & Officially Registered in Nepal
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) · TAAN · Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) · verify our TAAN membership →
Meet Your Trek Experts
Real people in Kathmandu and India who plan your trip and answer your questions - not a call centre.
Nishes Thapa
Operations Director
Oversees operations in Nepal with over 15 years of trekking experience in the Himalayas. Works directly with our guides and porters and personally organizes every trek, hand-picking the best guides in the region.
Anand Dongre
Adventure Expert, India Office
Runs our India office operations out of Nagpur. Has trekked in Nepal himself several times and helps coordinate with guests, bringing excellent knowledge of the different treks on offer.
What Travelers Say
Traveler experiences with our parent company, Himalayan Wonders · Source: Tripadvisor
★★★★★
“Went for the EBC trek with Himalayan Wonders a few weeks ago, and it was truly a wonderful experience thanks to their team. Our guide, Mr. Garba Rai, was incredibly helpful, fun, and supportive throughout the journey.”
Aparna Nair Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“Our Everest Base Camp guide (Pasang Dawa) made this journey even more unforgettable. He took great care of us throughout the trek, always making sure we were safe, comfortable, and motivated.”
Charan Teja Reddy Chinthakuntla Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“Had a wonderful time with Bhanu Ji. Superb trek lead, fantastic experience, perfect weather prediction, and great knowledge on all peaks. Thanks!”
Vivek Iyer Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“Ram Prasad Bhattarai was our trek leader, and he was exceptional in every way. He provided clear briefings and well-planned day-by-day schedules, which kept everything organized and stress-free, and he always made sure the whole group stayed safe.”
Vajeeram Bhoopalan Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“We went to Everest Base Camp through Himalayan Wonders. One of the greatest experiences of my life was made so much enjoyable by this team! Garba Rai, my guide, was amazing throughout - every day he would take care of my little needs like I was his family…”
Guru Kulkarni Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“I had an incredible experience with Himalayan Wonders on my Everest Base Camp trek. From start to finish, everything was handled professionally and with great attention to detail.”
Ashish Thakral Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“Our recent Annapurna Circuit Trek done with the wonderful support of Himalayan Wonders has been a great experience. They took utmost care of our group of 5 friends from Kathmandu airport up to the completion of the trek.”
Vaijayanti Ingawale Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“Good humble guides, good support, good back up at remote areas, good team and flexible with group travel. Travelled with my son.”
Praveen Kumar Manchi Laxminarayana Read this review on TripAdvisor →
★★★★★
“6 of us went for EBC trek in Oct first week 2024. Lots of uncertainty due to floods and weather conditions - Himalayan Wonders took care of the flights, choppers, anything, in a very short notice.”
Krishna Kumar Lakshmi Prakash Read this review on TripAdvisor →
From the Trail
From the Trail: Guest Videos
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Top Treks
Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days
Best: Autumn / Spring
Manaslu Circuit Trek Questions
How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit Trek for a typical trekker?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded Strenuous - you'll be covering serious distance at increasing elevation day after day - worth training for in the weeks before you fly out.
How many days does the complete Manaslu Circuit Trek take?
The full Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary runs 18 Days, which includes built-in acclimatization time rather than rushing straight up - the extra days matter more than they might seem to on paper.
When is the best season to experience the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Autumn and Spring are when most people go, and for good reason - skies are clearest, trails are driest, and the mountain views the trek is built around actually show up.
How high does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take you?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek tops out at 5,106m. The itinerary is paced to get you there gradually rather than quickly, which is the difference between a good trip and a miserable one at that height.
What local culture and communities will you experience on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The route weaves through Gurung, Tibetan-influenced communities settlements, prayer flags and mani walls marking the path - a chance to see mountain life up close rather than glimpse it from a bus window.
Gear You'll Need
Be prepared for changing Himalayan conditions. Here are the essential items we recommend bringing for your trek.
Trekking Boots
Good ankle support and grip for rocky, uneven trails.
Down Jacket
Warmth for cold mornings, evenings and high-altitude nights.
Sleeping Bag
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at teahouse altitudes.
Trekking Poles
Take pressure off your knees on long descents.
Backpack
A daypack for essentials you'll want on the trail.
Headlamp
For pre-dawn starts and teahouses without steady power.
Water Bottle
Reusable and insulated, so it won't freeze overnight.
Sunglasses
UV protection against strong high-altitude glare.
Trek Preparation Guide
Get Trek-Ready
- Build fitness: Walk, hike, or climb stairs regularly before your trek.
- Train for altitude: Include longer walks with gradual elevation gain.
- Pack smart: Carry only essential clothing, gear, medicines, and personal items.
- Break in boots: Wear your trekking shoes before the trip.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol before and during the trek.
- Sleep well: Arrive rested and ready for the trail.
- Prepare for weather: Himalayan conditions can change quickly, so carry suitable layers.
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance with trekking and emergency evacuation coverage is recommended.
Useful Trekking Resources
Comprehensive Everest Base Camp Packing List
A practical checklist covering clothing, equipment and essential supplies for an Everest Base Camp trek.
Read Guide →Earthquake Relief in the Dhading Region
A firsthand account of relief work supporting communities in Nepal's Dhading region after the 2015 earthquake.
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