Highlights
- A less crowded, adventurous trek in the north-central Himalayas of Nepal
- Trek around Mount Manaslu, the 8th-highest mountain in the world
- Perfect for trekkers looking for an authentic, untouched Himalayan experience
- Enjoy offbeat trekking across varying climatic zones
- The trails constantly ascend and descend through terraces, lush forests, alpine meadows, and glacier moraines
- Go on existing side hikes to Pun Gyen Gompa, Birendra Lake, Manalsu Base Camp, and Rui La Pass
- Get to know the rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the locals of the Manaslu region
- Explore stunning waterfalls, rivers, and streams along the way
- Cross numerous suspension bridges
- Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass
- Witness diverse landscapes and jaw-dropping mountain views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Himalchuli, Annapurna II, Sringi Himal, Naike Peak, etc
- A most satisfying and fulfilling trek in Nepal
Manaslu Circuit trek introduction
The Manaslu Circuit trek is an adventurous journey around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), the eighth-tallest mountain in the world. The trek combines high-altitude walking through varying altitudes, terrain, and climate zones.
On the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will witness stunning mountain scenery and explore the rich Tibetan Buddhism cultural heritage of the locals. The trek takes you deep into the region, near the Tibet border.
You will go on exciting side hikes to Pun Gyen Gompa, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, and Rui La Pass. The trail crosses beautiful waterfalls and many suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River.
Unlike the famous treks in Nepal such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit trek is tougher and offers a special sense of isolation.
Similarly, the Manaslu Circuit trek is also considered a less busy and less commercialized alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit trek. In fact, most trekkers also combine the Manaslu Circuit trek with the Annapurna Circuit.
Manaslu Circuit trek history, distance, and interesting details
The Manaslu Circuit trek was a long-prohibited part of Nepal for foreigners. The trek route was first opened in 1991 for foreigners. Before that, it remained a popular salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
An expensive restricted area permit and necessary camping requirements kept trekkers away from this region for a very long time. Although you can do the Manaslu Circuit trek in teahouse style now, still fewer trekkers visit this region compared to Everest and Annapurna.
The Manaslu Circuit trek distance is approximately 165 kilometers. You will walk 6 hours a day on average and cover this distance in 11 days of trekking.
The restricted area begins from Jagat village onwards and continues till Larkya La Pass. Larkya La Pass is the most challenging section of this trek. It is a high mountain pass standing at 5,106 meters above sea level.
Where do you start the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Your Manaslu Circuit trek adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Our team will welcome you in this vibrant city.
Although our 13-day Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary does not include arrival and departure from Kathmandu, you have the option to include them, making the trip 15 days long. Additional charges apply accordingly.
Spend your arrival evening exploring the bustling streets of Thamel, where you can buy trekking gear, clothes, and all essentials. You can also rent gear like sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, etc.
From Kathmandu, you will travel to Machha Khola on a local bus. It will be an adventurous and scenic ride. You will experience the famous bumpy mountain roads. The trek starts from Machha Khola.
New roads have been built till Jagat. So, you have the option to start the Manaslu Circuit trek from Jagat instead of Machha Khola.
From here, you will ascend to Jagat, trekking through small villages and terraced fields. Jagat is a beautiful village with 10-12 teahouses and excellent service.
Jagat onwards, you will enter the restricted area. We will register the permits at the police checkpost and keep them safe, as there are multiple checkpoints throughout the trail.
From Jagat, you will gradually ascend, spending nights in Deng and Namrung villages. On the way, explore cascading waterfalls, stupas, prayer flags, and lovely small settlements.
On the way to Namrung, you will enter the Nubri Valley. It is the upper part of the Manaslu region, home to the indigenous Nubri community. The trail then continues crossing landslide- and rockfall-prone areas to Shyala village and Sama Gaon.
Visit the ancient Pun Gyen Gompa while trekking from Shyala to Sama Gaon. It will be a detour. You will take your first acclimatization break in Sama Gaon and hike to Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake.
Finally, you will ascend to Samdo village, a Tibetan refugee village. Spend the second acclimatization day here and hike to Rui La Pass (the ancient salt trade route). Further, you will spend a night at Larke Phedi (also known as Dharmasala) and cross the Larkya La Pass.
From the pass, descend to Bimtang and continue to Tilije, where the Manaslu Circuit trek ends. In Tilije, you will hop on a mountain jeep and drive to Besisahar. The following day, drive back to Kathmandu in a comfortable tourist bus.
Major attractions of the Manaslu Circuit trek
There are many things to explore and discover on the Manaslu Circuit trek. We have shared the major attractions of this trek below:
Mount Manaslu (8,163 m):
Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is referred to as the Mountain of the Spirit. Manaslu is a stunning giant mountain that will take your breath away with its massiveness.
You will enjoy a view of this mountain throughout the Manaslu Circuit trek and also reach its base camp, Manaslu Base Camp.
Larkya La Pass (5,106 m):
Larkya La Pass is the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trek. You will cross this pass to end the trek, and crossing it is very demanding.
The trail descends through steep, unclear paths and crosses glacier moraines to reach the top of the pass. After a challenging hike to the top of the pass, you will enjoy the most excellent mountain views.
Manaslu Conservation Area
The Manaslu Circuit trek route is inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a protected area that covers more than 1,600 square kilometers of the diverse Himalayan ecosystem.
During the trek, you will walk through dense rhododendron forests, pine and fir forests, bamboo groves, alpine meadows, and glacier moraines, exploring a wide range of biodiversity.
Traditional mountain villages
Many villages on the Manaslu Circuit trek are old-style with stone houses, stupas, chortens, terraces, etc. The architecture will be quite fascinating. You will see locals' unique way of living and their culture while exploring these villages.
Pun Gyen Gompa
It is a sacred Tibetan Buddhist monastery at 4,700 meters above sea level. Pun Gyen Gompa is one of the major monasteries for the Nubri community in the Manaslu region.
Birendra Lake
Birendra Lake is a freshwater lake situated at 3,691 meters above sea level. You will come across it while hiking to Manaslu Base Camp. It is one of the hidden, isolated alpine lakes in Nepal that only a few trekkers get to witness.
Rui La Pass (4,998 m)
Most trekkers who do the Manaslu Circuit trek miss hiking to Rui La Pass from Samdo village. It is an ancient salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
By hiking to the Rui La Pass, you will get closer to the Tibetan border. The hike will be challenging but quite rewarding.
Tibetan Buddhist culture
In the depths of the Manaslu region, the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture thrives. Locals follow their ancient culture, traditions, and values.
There are stupas, mani walls, prayer wheels, monasteries, and prayer flags all over the trail. The region also has pilgrimage sites such as Serang Gumpa and Mo Gompa in the most isolated parts of the region.
Suspension bridges over Budhi Gandaki River and deep gorges
Throughout the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will cross many suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and deep gorges. Likewise, you will explore many stunning waterfalls and rivers, which add to the trail excitement.
Diverse landscapes and jaw-dropping mountain vistas
On the Manaslu Circuit trek, you will trek from 870 meters to 5,106 meters in just 10 days. Imagine the diversity in scenery you will witness while trekking on these varying elevations.
Similarly, you will see many other mountains apart from Manaslu on this trek. The trail is surrounded by Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Ngadi Chuli, Naike Peak, etc.
Peaceful and less crowded trails
Trekkers love the peace and seclusion the Manaslu Circuit trek offers. Even during the peak trekking seasons, you will have a tranquil journey. You will enjoy full attention from the locals and have the views to yourself.
Authentic Himalayan adventure:
One of the most attractive things about the Manaslu Circuit trek is the authentic Himalayan experience it offers. Untouched by mass tourism and commercialization, trekkers can experience authentic mountain trekking and lifestyle.
Manaslu Circuit trek preparation and tips
The better you are prepared for the Manaslu Circuit trek 13 days, the better your experience will be. Before starting the trek, do the following things to trek with confidence and make the most out of this incredible journey:
➤ Book your trek at least 8 to 12 weeks before you want to start it: Although we accept last-minute Manaslu Circuit trek bookings, we recommend trekkers book the trek early. It allows you to do some preparation and not start the trek in a rush.
➤ Improve your physical fitness: If you are not an active person, start exercising. Focus on improving your stamina, endurance, and strength. Likewise, build a long walking habit with a 5 kg backpack.
➤ Mental preparation: The physical challenges make the journey mentally challenging, too. Prepare your mind for long hiking days, cold weather, limited services, and remote mountain conditions.
➤ Kathmandu flight tickets: International flights to and from Kathmandu are not included in our Manaslu Circuit trek cost. Trekkers have to bear it themselves. For the best flight ticket rate, book your seat early.
➤ Break into your trekking boots: It is not smart to wear brand new pairs of trekking boots while hiking. It gives you blisters. So, get your trekking boots early and get used to them.
➤ Pack for the trek: If you do not trek regularly, then you might have to arrange a lot of trekking clothes, gear, and other essentials. If you have time, you will not miss anything.
Is the Manaslu Circuit trek 13 days suitable for you?
The Manaslu Circuit trek is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking challenging and remote adventure in the Himalayas. This trek has exceptional mountain panoramas and landscapes, but it comes at the cost of tough hiking.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is best for experienced trekkers with good fitness. Beginner trekkers may join this trek if they are fit and confident about their abilities in the remote area.
You do not need to be an athlete to do the Manaslu Circuit trek in 13 days, but you should be comfortable with:
- Long hours of hiking
- Consecutive days of physical exertion
- Limited facilities
- Walking uphill and downhill
- High altitude
- Cold weather
The Manaslu Circuit trek is perfect for:
- Adventure lovers
- Trekkers who want to challenge themselves
- Trekkers looking for an authentic Himalayan experience
- Anyone looking for less crowded trails and isolation
- A true wilderness experience
Why trek with us?
We make the Manaslu Circuit trek safe, hassle-free, and memorable with our service and expertise. Our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary is customizable. Similarly, you get to trek with the finest mountain guides by joining us.
We handle everything regarding the Manaslu Circuit trek, including permits, transportation, accommodation, food, etc. You do not have to worry about anything. Our guide will show you the trails and introduce you to the locals and the region.
Likewise, our porters will carry your heavy duffel bags, which allows you to walk freely and enjoy the trek to the fullest. You also get many other benefits by doing the Manaslu Circuit trek with us, such as:
- Price transparency
- Genuine Manaslu Circuit trek cost
- Comprehensive service and support
- Expert, licensed mountain guide and porter
- Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off as per the itinerary
- Personalization option
- Group trek and private trek option
- Hassle-free permit arrangement
- Quality accommodation and transportation
- Flexible booking, early reservations, and last-minute bookings
- Responsible and sustainable tourism practice
Outlined itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870 m/2,854 ft)
Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410 m/4,625 ft)
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,804 m/5,917 ft)
Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630 m/8,626 ft)
Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Shyala village (3,500 m/11,483 ft)
Day 6: Trek from Shyala to Sama Gaon (3,530 m/11,581 ft) via Pun Gyen Gompa (monastery) (4,700 m/15,420 ft)
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Sama Gaon - hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,748 ft) and explore Birendra Lake (3,691 m/12,109 ft) on the way
Day 8: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,875 m/12,713 ft)
Day 9: Acclimatization day in Samdo - hike to Rui La Pass (Tibetan border) (4,998 m/16,397ft)
Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Larke Phedi (Dharmasala) (4,480 m/14,698 ft)
Day 11: Trek from Larke Phedi to Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/16,752 ft) and descend to Bimtang (3,720 m/12,205 ft)
Day 12: Trek from Bimtang to Tilije (2,300 m/7,546 ft) and drive to Besisahar (760 m/2,493 ft)
Day 13: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft)