Manaslu Circuit Trek

4 Reviews

Join our life-changing Manaslu Circuit Trekking with an 11-day short itinerary and inclusive tour price with complete services including a local guide, permit, and all the necessities for the years 2024 and 2025. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Soti Khola at an altitude of 700 meters from sea level and is a charming village on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. From lush rice paddies terraced fields with water buffalo and thatched huts, we walk north along the incredible, mountain-capped high route, through sprawling Gurung villages perched on high, terraced hilltops covered in Rhododendron, to reach Kutang, or lower Nubri. Here the ethnically Tibetan inhabitants speak their dialect, partly Tibetan and partly Gurung, and live a lifestyle that spans Nepal and Tibet.

Trekking to Manaslu Circuit is ever higher to upper Nubri, purely Tibetan culture and tradition; we share the trails with yak caravans. Here, trade with Tibet continues as it has for centuries and Tibetan villages have been forged from the wilderness by Tibetan refugees. Inspiring mountain panoramas, dominated by Manaslu itself, are a highlight of the trek as are day hikes to Pun Gyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Gaun and Rui La, a traditional trade route to Tibet at the Nepal-Tibet border from Samdo Village, the valley above Samdo near the border of Tibet and the epic crossing the snow-covered Manaslu Larke Pass to Bimtang and Manang region of the Annapurna circuit is lifetime experiences. This rapid Manaslu Circuit Trek program is planned for those fit and strong people already acclimatized in the Alps  or Himalaya with previous trekking experience that allows to experience marvelous Manaslu region in short period of time. If you are looking for a relaxing and leisure Manaslu trek we recommend you choose our 18 days around Manaslu trek program which allows you to have a proper acclimatization process and trek without rush or the Manaslu Trek via Tsum Valley requires a minimum of 21 days to complete the trek. 

What makes Manaslu Circuit Trek special?

According to trekking professional mark the Manaslu Circuit Trek best among the best treks in Nepal. Although it’s recently grown in popularity, the Manaslu Trek remains remote and less crowded compared to the well-established teahouse treks in Nepal. The trek takes you around Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft). 

The main features of this trek are:

  • It is very popular but still less crowded compared to peers at Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. The word is getting out about Manaslu, but there are still about 10 times fewer trekkers on the Manaslu Trail.
  • Manaslu circuit offers wild and wilderness experiences with authentic local culture and people but it is no more a camping trek but a tea hose trek (lodge-to-lodge trek).
  • Manaslu trek is easily accessed, and no stressful domestic flights are required.
  • The first part of the trail follows the Buri Gandaki, a deep, long river gorge, with many suspension bridge crossings. 
  • This trek fulfills all the taste of Nepal: you'll walk from the subtropical jungle at lower altitudes, through the Himalayan foothills to the alpine zone, the cold and daring crossing of the Larkya Pass above 5100 meters (17,000 ft).

How to get Manaslu Circuit? 

Public buses leave every day in the morning between 6 to 7 am from Kathmandu to Arughat -Soti Khola. If you are trekking around the Dashain festival; local buses are overloaded as more than two million people leave Kathmandu Valley for various destinations to celebrate the Dashain festival and visit their families back home in the villages during the holiday. It is hard to get a seat in buses for the last hour booking if your trek is around festival that usually falls at the end of September and October. Except around festival time; there are easily available bus seats. If you prefer comfortable ride to trekking starting point, we can arrange a private jeep that can be faster and comfortable and will cost around USD 195 to Machha Khola.   . 

The alternative Manaslu Circuit Trek Route & Trail to avoid road

Now; the Nepal army has been constructing the road since 2014 the government plans to link roads to the Tibet border. So because of road construction, the first part of the Manaslu Trekking trail has been affected and trekkers have to walk on unsealed roads for the first 2 days. And soon in the future; they will build the road even further up to Sama Gaun and then link to China (Tibet). A new alternative trail has been researched through the village of Arughat (600m) - Manbu – Kashi Gaon (1800) – Kerauja (2075m) meter) and finally conjoining to the main Manaslu route at Dovan this new trail has basic logistics and trekking is more aerobic since it involves much up and down but this “off the beaten trail” rewards with experience of various ethnic of Ghale, Magar, and Gurung people, villages and real culture. Trekking through alternative trails will need a couple of extra days so your Manaslu trek will be around two weeks long.   

Transportation to Manaslu Trekking? 

Local buses are often full of passengers, even in the passage too. They stop many times to take people in and drop them off. Usually, local people travel with basket of vegetable, sometimes chicken and bag of rice. Drivers play nun-stop music during the journey. You might find less legroom as it is sized for Asian people. Still, many of our western clients used it, it is good if you want to experience the local and don’t mind doing like as locals do. And of course, it comes cheap cost.   

What will be the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost? 

Yes, this question can be the first among many Manaslu circuit trek questions. To answer this question; we need to know your trekking requirements. Our standard package price is USD 939 per person on a minimum two-person sharing basis for 11 days. The price includes a guide, porter, meals, lodges, permits and sharing local bus and local jeep sharing after the trek. 

The cost varies in the following cases.

  • If you choose a private vehicle instead of the local bus.
  • Group size: Yes group size differs the price, the group is bigger the cost is cheaper. 
  • Many people prefer private groups in terms of making itinerary flexible. 
  • The duration of the trek, and the selection of trekking day matter the trip cost. 
  • Camping trek is more expensive than teahouse trek comparing price.
  • Extra services like including appetizers, hot table drinks in pots, hot bags, etc will cost extra. 
  • Including accommodation, meals, transfers, and sightseeing in Kathmandu. 

How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek? 

 It is 177 km in distance also it differs from where you start your trek and where you end the walking, On the other hand, Nepal is the country where trekking distance is measured in days. Usually, the Manaslu Circuit trek is 12 - 14 days. If you include more side visits, it needs more extra days. Side trip to Tsum Valley Trek requires one week extra, and there are many other day-long side trip destinations such as Serang Gonpa, Kaal Taal (Death Lake), Hinang Gompa, Himalchuli  Base Camp, Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Gompa, Lajung La, etc. Hence;  the itinerary is determined according to the time  you have, your interest and your previous trekking habit and physical fitness etc. Our 11-day pre-set trip is a short version of the Manaslu trek that meets your budget and the time frame of moderate trekkers. For customized trips, please contact us

Trip Highlights

  • A scenic ride through charming landscape to Machha Khola from Kathmandu.
  • Trek around world’s eighth highest Mountain; Mount Manaslu (8163m)
  • Short and best itinerary for fit and adventure trekking passionates.
  • Manaslu Route; the blend of culture and natural heritages.
  • Hike through the Budhi Gandaki River gorge
  • Pass through the dramtic Larke Pass that offer memorizing panoramic view
  • A life changing mountain holiday
  • Value for money and all-inclusive package

Itinerary

Expand All Hide All

1
Day 01: Drive to Machha Khola (869m) from Kathmandu

Early morning, drive to Arughat to Maccha Khoal, some 8 hours by bus and then connecting jeep to Machha Khola or rent a private jeep for more comfortable drive. After getting at Arughat we have a connecting local bus/jeep ride to Machha Khola, at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight in trekking lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Cost Includes:

  • One government registered local friendly trekking guide.
  • An assistant guide if group size exceed more than 6 people.
  • One sharing porter between two trekkers to carry your main pack (weight limit 20 kg).
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
  • Tea, coffee, cookies and fresh fruits during the trek.
  • All ground local transportation, group first aid kit and water purifier.
  • Sharing twin/double bed room accommodation in trekking lodges during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary of the guide and porters.
  • One complimentary Manaslu Trekking Map
  • All necessary Manaslu Trekking Permits.
  • Insurance and trekking gear for guide and porters.
  • Office service charge, government tax and vat etc.

 

Cost Excludes:

  • Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  • Guided sightseeing and monument fees in Kathmandu
  • All bar bills and beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water and laundry service.
  • Hot shower, hot water, internet and phone calls.
  • Toiletries and personal nature expenses. 
  • Personal travel insurance and equipment.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency (we arrange rescue on request).
  • Tips for your guide/porter.

Dates & Prices

We are local tour and trekking operator based in Kathmandu so we guaranty small private group departures any dates that suits your date and time. Please kindly contact us for your customized departure date, itinerary and the price. Thank you and Namaste!

Start Date End Date Availability Price  
23 March, 2024 02 April, 2024 Guaranteed US$ 939
28 March, 2024 07 April, 2024 Guaranteed US$ 939
30 March, 2024 09 April, 2024 Guaranteed US$ 939
Rated 5/5 based on 4 reviews
  • Lifetime Experience Manaslu Trek
    United States

    Lifetime Experience Manaslu Trek

    Rating:

    If you are interested in doing a trek in Nepal I highly recommend Wilderness Excursions. After shopping around my friends and I settled on using this company for several reason. Pardip is easy to work with, responsive, and offered a fair price. The trip views, guide, and experience were excellent.  If you have specific interests for a particular trek make sure to mention those beforehand. We had some difficulty communicating trip adjustments to our guide.

  • Manaslu Circuit Trek 2018
    United States

    Manaslu Circuit Trek 2018

    Rating:

    While searching local trekking agency in Nepal for Manaslu trek; I found Pradip online and he was quick to respond and answered all our questions. His English was very good which helped a lot to plan our trip. He worked with me to set up a trek which met our compressed schedule. He provided us with a guide who had hiked the circuit many times and spoke some English. Amazing trek 10/10, very glad we selected this trek.

  • Manaslu-Trek 2015
    Germany

    Manaslu-Trek 2015

    Rating:

    Manaslu-Trek 2015: From “Namaste“ to “Tashidelek “ - and even beyond! As trekking “rookies” of the Nepal region, equipped with high cultural affinity and staking out eco-friendly claims we intended to trek the Manaslu circuit in October 2015. As known, that region unfortunately got hit very hard by several earthquakes in April and May that year, the peak season for treks in that specific region. Unsure about the latest developments onsite, actual trek conditions, ethical and moral considerations with respect to the local people (we wanted to avoid any crisis tourism relatedness) and surely safety concerns for the entire team (guide, porter and us) we were almost about to postpone our trip. Luckily, only a few weeks before we initially planned to set off, we came across Pradip Tamang from Wilderness Excursions Pvt. Ltd – the best thing that could have happened to us and our trip! Pradip is not only very knowledgeable of the region and its specific characteristics and requirements, trekking in general and in very much detail (very important when it comes to e.g. altitude sickness), local flora and fauna or relevant cultural aspects of the various diverse people along the trek. Furthermore he is very well connected and was hence well informed about the conditions of the trek and always very honest with us on what is possible and what not or where some flexibility would be needed from our side. We very much appreciated this consultative procedure, his transparency and even more his ambitions to always meet our individual needs during the trek: To explore the cultural and natural diversity and manifold of the area while leaving a minimal ecological footprint and considering the current limitations of the region. By any chance, we wanted to avoid the typical touristy spots and adjustments and instead be as close as possible to local life and conditions. Whatever we asked for Pradip made it happen: Being accommodated in home stays as often as possible given the local conditions of some villages still, mutual cooking ofdhal baat, individual momo-cooking lessons or enjoying a good and well-deserved dudh chiya (milk tea) at the wood-burning fire in the local kitchen of our host after completing our again very exciting daily trek section. We enjoyed it all and have gathered a much better understanding of the life in Nepal and specifically the challenges around the Manaslu in general. And after all we simply had a fabulous and absolutely fantastic time – also personally - with Pradip and his much valued assistant Rahul and are looking very much forward to another exciting trekking episode (possibly in Dolpa) soon. About Pradip in short, who is not only guiding you along the trek but also explains and forges links: • Has very much knowledge about treks in Nepal, its flora and fauna, culture and customs • Offers an open communication & transparent and honest services • speaks very well English and can even cover the professional jargon • Is always approachable, very ambitious and eager to meet your individual needs and requirements while considering actual local conditions • Is very experienced and well-connected

  • Manaslu Trek 2011 with Pradip
    Switzerland

    Manaslu Trek 2011 with Pradip

    Rating:

    It was an absolutely wonderful life time experience. Pradip as our guide is great and very enthusiastic and informative. I trekked ‘Mystique Manaslu Trail Trekking’ with my mom, cousin sister and her husband. We booked our trip with Pradip Tamang, An independent trekking guide. He made our trip special and remarkable. It was my seventh visit to Nepal and I never get enough of travelling to Nepal and hiking Himalayas, Shangri-La, a country of ultimate destination. Definitely, I will come back soon and do some more trekking in Nepal.

Trip Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

Useful Info

Trip Note: This trip can be modified as per your travel needs that meet your time and budget. The package price we have offered here is on double occupancy basis. The trip cost will be according to trip mode and group volume. Using private vehicle to Machha Khola will cost extra 225 (share the price in group). Please kindly do let us know if you want us to include the accommodation in Kathmandu. International tour leaders are highly encouraged to get discounted rates. 

Trip Price: US$ 939
  • Trip Duration 11 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Trip Difficulty Medium Hard
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • AccomodationTeahouse and Lodge
  • Transportation: Local Bus, Jeep
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max Person: 12 Pax
  • Min Person: 2 Pax
  • Max Elevation: 5135m
  • Daily walking hours: 5-7 Hours.
Show All

Need Help?

Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1-2 business days. Or just call us now

+977 9851042153 info@guideinhimalaya.com