Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Tranquil 16-day Journey in Nepal's Hidden Wonder
5.0
4 Ratings
Kathmandu
Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a tranquil 16-day journey in Nepal's hidden wonder. Avoid crowds and disturbances while exploring the challenging yet accessible Gorkha district. Limited spots available!
Duration: 16 days
Cancellation: 3 days learn more
Highlights

Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel

Kathmandu - You will land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our agency representatives will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. The hotels we book are mostly located inside the tourist hub of Thamel.

Free day for resting and trek preparation

Kathmandu - Today is a free day reserved for preparation activities for the trek. We will organize a short meeting between you and your trek associates so that everything related to the trek is well addressed in advance.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is only a few minutes distance from Thamel. The Square and many ancient temples nearby are UNESCO world heritage sites. You can take a short visit to the place today if you are interested.

Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola ( 930 m/3,051 ft); 155 km

Aarughat - We will begin our trip with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola Khola. The road leads westwards from the southern mouth of Kathmandu valley. Our vehicle will follow the Trishuli river up until we reach a place called Malekhu. We cross the river from this point and head further west.

Our second major destination is Arughat, an old trading outpost. We will meet the Budhi Gandaki river for the first time as we reach Arughat. The road ahead of Arughat starts revealing Manaslu, Ganesh, and Himalchuli mountains. We will Sotikhiola Soti Khola, and reach Machha Khola our resting spot, after about an hour’s drive from Sotikhola.

Machha Khola to Jagat (1410 m/4,625 ft); 22 km

Manaslu - Today we will once again follow along the path created by the Budhi Gandaki river. The river gets more thunderous as we gain height. We will then cross another river called Thado Khola and reach a place known as Khorla Besi. This place is a village of local Gurung people. We will enjoy hot Tibetan tea at one of the teahouses.

There is a Tatopani (hot water spring) ahead of Khorlabesi. You can immerse yourself in the pool if you are willing. A place called Yaru Phant welcomes us. Phant means a big open land area in Nepali. The forest starts to get very dense at this stage. We will then reach the beautiful village of Jagat and rest there for the night.

Jagat to Deng (2095m/6871ft); 19.5 Km

Manaslu - Once we move ahead of Jagat, we will come to a place known as Salleri. Ghatta Khola comes soon after. Upon crossing a bridge from here, we will come to a place known as Philim. It is a large village of Gurung people. Our trekking permits will be checked here. We will rest at Philim for a while.

The road now turns north. There are many terraced fields of barley and millet on the road. Our next destination is ekle bhatti. There are numerous waterfalls on our way that flow into the Budhi Gandaki River. We will walk through a beautiful forest of pine and Rhododendron and cross Siyar Khola. Tsum valley will be to our right as we reach Deng, our resting spot for the night.

Deng to Namrung (2,900m/8,333 ft); 19 km

Manaslu - The trek from Deng starts after breakfast. We will reach a place known as Rana hilltop first. We will then cross a bridge to reach Bihi Phedi. This trail separates into two parts – one regular route and one path to the village of Bihi. Budhi Gandaki valley opens wide in front of us now.

Many major peaks like Manaslu, Ganesh, Annapurna II, etc. start to appear in front of us. We will then come across Prok and Ghap villages. They are traditional villages of the Gurung people. Pork offers a stunning view of the Siringi mountain. We will reach Namrung at the end of the day and take a rest here.

Namrun to Lho Gham ( 3180 m)

Manaslu - Today After breakfast we have some gentle and ascend up to Lho Gham. The view is very beautiful with Pine forest and some small villages encountered on the walk. it is about a 4-5 hours walk. we arrive at Lho Village. It is a very beautiful Village and can see Perfect Mt. Manaslu. There is a big Monastery in this village you may visit and pray some minute inside it. Overnight at Lodge.

Lho Gham to Samagaon (3550m/11,646 ft); 10 km

Manaslu - After breakfast, we start our journey to Samagaon and will meet beautiful villages like Sho, and Sama on our way. Sama village houses the beautiful Ribung monastery. We will also come across Shyala village, which offers a beautiful view of Himalchuli, Manaslu, Peak 29 (Ngadi), and some large glaciers. We will reach Samagaon village at the end of the journey and take a rest there.

Acclimatization day in Samagaon

Manaslu - Today is a day reserved for acclimatization. Samagaon is one of the largest villages in the Manaslu region. It is a Buddhist community of Gurung and Sherpa people. You can explore the village and learn more about their culture. Hiking to the famous Pung Yen Monastery is also an option.

Some people prefer to skip acclimatization and take a trek towards Manaslu Base Camp. This takes about 5-6 hours and is equal to a day’s trek. If you are interested in this detour, we request you to inform us in advance so we can set aside another day for acclimatization.

Samagaun to Samdo (3690 m/12,106 ft); 8 km

Manaslu - We will trek to the far northern borders of the Manaslu region today. Budhi Gandaki river is once again our companion for the day. There is a diversion ahead with one road leading to Manaslu Base Camp (MBC) and another road leading to Larkya La Pass. We will take the one towards Larkya La.

The path ahead is easy as it takes us to Kemro Kharka – a yak grazing field. Forests of birch, pine, and Juniper are common in the region. The village of Kani is also ahead of us. Samdo is mostly a village of Tibetan asylum seekers. We have the option of hiking to Samdo Monastery upon reaching the village.

Samdo to Dharamsala (4,450 m/14,599 ft); 6.5 km

Manaslu - We will begin our trek after breakfast. The trek today is relatively short in terms of distance but is also very difficult to charter. Once we move ahead from Samdo, we will come to a place known as Larkya Bazaar – which is a seasonal market for the local people. There are many monasteries and stupas on the way.

There are three rivers on our way – Athara Saya river, Larke River, and Salka Khola. We will see a stunning view of the Larke Glacier as we are close to Dharamsala. Dharamshala is located at the base of Larkya La Pass – also known as Larkya La Phedi. We will rest here for the night.

Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/1,6751 ft) and trek down to Bhimtang (3,595 m/11,783 ft); 25 km

Bhimtang to Tilje (2,340 m/7,677 ft); 26 km

Manaslu - We will be awake with a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains in front of us. After enjoying the scenery and a well-laid breakfast, we will move towards a yak grazing field known as Sangure Kharka. The road is mostly downhill. Forests of Rhododendron start to dominate the terrain as we lose altitude.

There are terraced fields and well-kept lands as we reach a valley called Karche. A small river flowing out of Dudh Pokhari greets us on our way. The road starts to get more and more scenic with beautiful flowers blooming in the forest. We reach the village of Gho and continue to Tilje. Tilje is one of the beautiful village around here with Gurung people inhabitants. Overnight in teahouse.

Tilje to Chyamje (1,430 m/4,760 ft)

Manaslu - Today’s trek brings us near to the end of the journey. We will start navigating south-eastwards. There are many beautiful villages like Thonje on our way. We will meet the Marsyangdi river – one of the tributaries of Narayani, as we get closer to the lower belt. The Dudh Khola river flows into Marsyangdi.

At a place called Dharapani, we will also meet people who have taken the Annapurna Circuit route. Most of the forest is dominated by Rhododendron, pine, utis, khayar, and sal trees. We continue to walk to Chyamje and it is a large settlement that serves as a gateway to the upper reaches of Annapurna and Manaslu. We will rest here today.

Drive to Besisahar and Kathmandu

Kathmandu - Today is the final day of the trip. The first part is a drive to Besisahar from Chamje. The road is somewhat bumpy. We will see many waterfalls and rivers flanking beautiful little traditional villages on our way.

The second part is an easy and memorable drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. The road leads south up to Dumre and turns eastwards from there. We will drive along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The path serpentines through the Mahabharata hill range and enters Kathmandu through the Nag Dhunga Pass. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Final departure from Kathmandu or extend your trip.

Kathmandu - You have successfully completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You have two options now – return back to your home country or extend the trip. We will bid you farewell and drop you at the airport if you wish to return home.

If you wish to extend the trip and explore other parts of Nepal, then please inform us about your wish.

What's Included
  • Strong porters included (1 porter per 2 guests) covering all expenses and insurances
  • Welcome or farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu
  • Optional private jeep transfers available for an extra cost
  • All necessary permits, paperwork, and taxes included
  • Professional trekking guide and assistant for large groups
  • Arrangements for rescue and medical evacuation in emergencies
  • Daily breakfast provided
  • Accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
  • Meals and accommodations during the trek
  • Trekking essentials provided (down jacket, sleeping bag, map, first aid kit)
What's Not Included
  • International Airfares, Visa Fees,($ 30 for 15 days, $ 50 for 30 days and $ 125 for 90 days)
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance, Emergency Evacuation
  • Personal nature expenses (bars & beverage, drinks, hot shower, WiFi, laundry, battery charging etc)
  • Extra activities than mentioned in the itinerary, extra porter charges
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu [Meals not included also in the cases of early returns from the trips]
  • Extra accommodation caused due to early arrival, flight delays, natural disasters etc.]
  • Costs arising from natural calamities, mishaps or anything beyond our control
  • Tips / Gratitude for Guides and Porters
  • Any services not mentioned in Service Includes Section unless specified on booking of the trekking
Additional Information

Manaslu circuit trek is a great opportunity for trekkers who want to avoid too much crowd and disturbances. Manaslu, unlike the much-crowded Everest and Annapurna trails, is hidden deep inside the Gorkha district of Nepal. It is visited by a very low number of local and international trekkers.

This is because the trek is very challenging and there are fewer shops/trekking facilities on the way. However, the trek is also not so remote so that we need to carry our tents and a lot of food with us. The teahouses on the circuit provide cozy accommodation.

Manaslu was only opened to trekkers in 1992. Even since the opening, only a few people have actually completed the circuit trek. With all of your safety/trekking needs covered by us, embarking on this trip is one experience you will never forge

Location
Ambition Himalaya Treks and Expeditions
Amrit Marg
Alternatively, you can visit us at our office to discuss the tour plans and meet us in advance. We are easily found on Google maps.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 4 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Pacogq6941ud
May 31, 2024
An experience for a lifetime. - A spectacular trekkin in every sense!!! The organization by Ámbition Himalaya Trekk has been impeccable, its manager Shishir is an attentive, professional and above all very honest person, our guide Purna is charming, happy, cheerful, a very good and professional person, it is impossible to know him and not love him. Plus, they both speak Spanish very well! Couldn't be better! Super tight prices, although I would be willing to pay more to repeat with them, in fact with Shishir's advice we are already studying the Trekk for next year 2025. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY FOR YOUR TREKKINS THROUGH NEPAL. All the best! See you at the mountains!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U4655nwmigueldaluz
Dec 10, 2023
12 days Manaslu trekking - We did 12 days Manaslu trekking with Ambition Himalaya. There is no words for defining such experience, but the most accurate are unforgettable, unbelievable and unmissable. Rajendra is a very kind, helpful and dynamic person, we could not have a better guide. He always gave us his best. Also Shishir is very professional, kind and his organisation are the best option for enjoying Nepal. Absolutely recommendable if you want to visit Nepal.
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O4897lyfranciscov
Nov 24, 2023
The magic of Nepal and the Himalayas - Incredible flights to Everest. Excellent guides. Shishir treated us like family. The tour was Kathmandu, Everest Flights, Nagarkot, Lumbini, Pokhara. The excellent guides. A wonderful trip. We plan to return as soon as we can.
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328bielm
Nov 2, 2023
Travel in Nepal - From the moment we started talking to Shishir, we could tell he was an experienced individual. All the planning he did, we were able to adapt to our travel requirements, and we could even make some changes to it on some days. All communication with him has been super effective and quick, always responding within minutes, and showing concern for us. We've visited various parts of the country, engaged in different activities based on our preferences, and all the guides have been top-notch. All the places where we have stayed have been perfect. I have not a single complaint.
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