Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

• One of the best remote treks in Nepal in addition to being an all-round great trek
• Unspoiled trails situated far from the bustle of the crowds 
• The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to over 2000 species of flora and hundreds of unique birds and animals
• Cross the 5160m Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek
• Amazing side trip options including Pungen Gompa, Birendra Lake and more
• Experience genuine Newar, Gurung and Tamang culture as you pass through numerous villages
• Magnificent views of Manaslu, Namjung, Ganesh Himal, Kang Guru and Larke among others

Enjoy an offbeat experience as you adventure through the remote valleys around Manaslu on the Manaslu Circuit Trek!

This 17 day Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you off the beaten path through tranquil valleys and windy passes around the world’s 8th highest peak, Manaslu (8163m). The scenic trail, along with the vantage point at the summit of Larke La, offer fantastic views of Himal Chuli, Himlung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and Manaslu among other peaks. The region, home to Hindus, Buddhists, Newars, Gurungs, Tamangs and Tibetans offers a diverse cultural experience in rural Nepal. Apart from the culture and scenery, the trail also offers opportunities to encounter Himalayan wildlife including herds of Blue Sheep and Mountain Goats, Pika, Snow Leopards and more.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a full day of driving from the capital to Soti Khola. Over the next few days, you will trek through plowed fields, lush forests and hillside trails with daily stops at Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho and Sama. Following a fun exploration / acclimatization day at Sama Gaon, you will continue through Samdo to Dharmashala. One of the highlights of the trek is next with the crossing of Larke La Pass (5160m), where you’ll witness alluring mountain vistas. Enjoy your time at the summit and steadily descend to Bhimthang. From Bhimthang, further descend through Tilije to Chamje. The trek comes to an end as you catch a bus back to Kathmandu from Chamje.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderately strenuous trek that takes you through unspoiled trails and remote valleys. While technical climbing skills or prior trekking experience are not required for this trek, good physical fitness and stamina is a necessity. Some other factors you need to consider for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are:

Elevation:

With the trail starting as low as 700m and eventually climbing up to the spectacular glaciers at over 5000m, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a lot of variety in terms of landscape and ecosystem. You are at risk of altitude sickness during the latter parts of the trek, so always listen to your body. Also remember to schedule acclimatization days as needed, preferably at least 2.

Length:

A typical Manaslu Circuit Trek takes around 17 days to complete. During this time, you’ll cover a total distance of around 180km, which averages out to around 15km or so per day. The trail, especially on the later parts of the trek can be quite rough and uneven. So, we recommend preparing your body with running, HIIT or hiking itself, prior to the trek.

Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be performed all year round; however spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are the best time for the trek. These temperature during these seasons are moderate and skies are clear with outstanding views. The weather during monsoon tends to be unstable with the occasional downpour. As for winter, the temperature can drop quite low along with the possibility of snowfall severe enough to block off the pass.