Manaslu Circuit Trek – 14 Days Cost & Itinerary

The exciting part of your trip starts when you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, 1334 meters above sea level. As soon as you leave the plane, you’ll feel the fresh mountain air and the lively atmosphere.

After quickly clearing customs and getting your things, a friendly agent from The Himalayan Trek greets you. They help you through the airport with a friendly smile and make sure you have a smooth ride to your hotel. 

Once you’re in your Kathmandu hotel, take some time to relax and get used to the higher air. If you get to Kathmandu early, take advantage of the time to trek around the busy streets, where old temples sit next to new shops and markets. 

You will meet with your trekking guide later that same night for a full briefing on the upcoming journey. You will go over the itinerary, discuss important trekking details, answer any questions, and address any worries you may have. It’s a great chance to meet other trekkers and get ready for the trip ahead. 

As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner that showcases the complex tastes and spices of Nepalese food. Take your time with each bite because tomorrow, you’ll start an unforgettable trek through Nepal’s stunning Manaslu area.

It’s a mix of learning about the culture and getting ready for the trek today as you explore the Kathmandu Valley’s rich history and culture. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will go on a tour with a guide of Kathmandu’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The holy Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” is your first stop. It is perched on a hill with a view of Kathmandu. Enjoy stunning views of the valley below while taking in the beautiful building adorned with bright prayer flags and intricate carvings. 

Next, go to the holy Pashupatinath Temple, which is a major Hindu pilgrimage place where people come to worship Lord Shiva. Along the banks of the Bagmati River, where Hindu cremations take place in an emotionally charged atmosphere, you can experience the deep rituals of life and death. 

As you continue your spiritual trip, you should see the beautiful Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s biggest stupas and the most important place in Tibetan Buddhism. Trek around the stupa with other religious people, spin prayer wheels and pray for peace and understanding. 

After spending some time in these holy places, return to Kathmandu for a leisurely lunch and some free time to look around the busy streets and markets. Take advantage of this chance to get any last-minute trekking gear or gifts. 

Meet your trekking partners in the afternoon for a final lecture and gear check with your guide. Review the trek’s schedule and safety rules in-depth, and ensure you have everything you need for the trip.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a local restaurant as the day ends. Enjoy the flavors of authentic Nepalese food while you think about the interesting people you met and the exciting journey that awaits you tomorrow. Then, return to your hotel for a good night’s sleep while you look forward to the morning trek to Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Tomorrow starts early in Kathmandu as you start an exciting trip to Machakhola, a peaceful village on the banks of the Buri Gandaki River. 

Leaving the noise of cities behind, the path winds through beautiful landscapes with terraced fields, small towns, and lush woods. Along the way, you will see views of traditional Nepalese life and beautiful natural scenery. 

Your journey will take several hours, but when you get to Machakhola, the peaceful riverbank and friendly people will greet you. 

As soon as you arrive, check into your lodging and take a moment to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You could trek along the riverbank or admire the architecture of the traditional houses as you walk around the town. 

Enjoy a delicious meal in the evening, made with fresh products from the area and featuring Nepalese flavors. As night falls, return to your lodging to rest and prepare for the exciting days of trekking to Manaslu Circuit.

The trail from Machha Khola to Jagat takes you through rhododendron and pine woods, making the trip feel like a magical botanical adventure. The trip takes about 6 to 7 hours and goes up and down about 400 meters. It goes through a variety of landscapes and through forests where the ground is covered in complex patterns of light. 

Rich moss grows on old rocks, and the sound of running water can be heard with every step. As you climb, the air gradually gets thinner, giving you a fresh, energizing feeling. At the same time, the view gets bigger, showing you snow-capped hills rising out of the clear blue sky. Finally, Jagat, a beautiful Gurung village set in terraced fields, greets you with open arms and dishes of steaming yak butter tea, marking the end of this rewarding yet difficult Himalayan journey.

As the journey moves from Jagat to higher elevations, it passes through many cute agricultural hamlets near Sidibas Bazaar. The picturesque town is one of these settlements that stands out. It is here that people take a short break. After that, there is a short climb, then a drop across a suspension bridge that leads to Nagjet. As the trip continues, a climb is made to Philim, a large village with many spread-out farmsteads. As the trek goes from Philim, it goes through terraced landscapes with golden fields of wheat and barley. After that, the path goes up a rocky hill and ends at the entrance to a bamboo forest. The day’s Manaslu Circuit Trek route ends with a night’s stay in Dyang town.

The trek from Dyang to Namrung takes 6-7 hours and goes up more than 1,000 meters. It is a classic Himalayan trip. The trail leads past rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and cute towns with stone houses. 

It also passes snow-capped peaks and lush pastures with yaks in them. Teahouses along the way provide warmth and yak butter tea, which brings trekkers together to share their journey stories. When you reach Namrung, which is surrounded by tall mountains, you feel like you’ve really done something amazing. The trip was so beautiful, and you know there will be more Himalayan magic ahead. 

After going up from Lo Goan, there is a clear rise in elevation and a much cooler temperature. After going through the tree line, the trail goes through an area with short juniper bushes and willow trees. As you trek slowly along a clear path, you can see peaks covered in snow in all directions. Samagaon is the last stop on this journey. It is a big mountain village on the way to Manaslu Base Camp and Larkya-la Pass, which connects to the path that goes to Tibet. 

On the seventh day in Samagoan, which is in the Manaslu range, getting used to the altitude is the most important thing. As you trek through the peaceful Manaslu Camp or the hundreds-year-old Pungyen Gompa, you are taking a trip into the heart of the Himalayas. Take deep breaths of the cool mountain air, enjoy the wide views, and let the peace of the town fill your heart. Enjoy the peace of a day that fits in with nature’s grandeur as the sun goes down behind snow-capped hills. This day of getting used to the altitude is more than just a physical necessity; it becomes a mental immersion that gets you ready for the amazing things that are to come on your Manaslu trek.

Today, you will start a 4- to 5-hour trek that will take you to the last town, Samdo, which is close to the border with Tibet. Before you reach the Lakrya La Pass, Samdo is the biggest, most beautiful, and highest town. Here, you can learn about the local traditions, culture, and beliefs and also visit the monastery while taking in the beautiful views of the Manaslu Himalayas. Notably, Samdo is close to the border with Tibet, which means it can get many Chinese things. 

The schedule for the second-to-last day of the trek includes a short trip to either Larkya Phedi or Dharmasala, after a nice break at Samdo village. Crossing an icy stream is part of the path, which then goes through a dry, empty area. The day’s trek isn’t particularly difficult, but there is a quick rise in elevation and a number of short climbs and descents that lead to Larkya Phedi, which means the base of the hill or pass. In the afternoon, you have some free time, so you could go for a short trek.

On the tenth day of our expedition, the brisk morning set the stage for the daunting Larkya Pass crossing. Leaving Dharmasala behind, our boots crunched on the snow-dusted trail, revealing a surreal moonscape as we ascended. Glimpses of turquoise glacial lakes and encounters with weathered yak herders punctuated the arduous climb. Cresting the 5,136-meter Larkya Pass, a breathtaking panorama unfolded. The descent to Bimthang, with its scree slopes and switchbacks, led to the welcoming embrace of the quaint village nestled in the glacial valley. As the sun dipped behind snow-capped peaks, a yak dung fire and steaming tea awaited, offering solace after an exhausting yet exhilarating day. Drifting into sleep, the wind whispered tales of our epic journey across the formidable Larkya Pass. 

Following a challenging traverse of the Larkya-La pass, today’s itinerary promises a more leisurely descent towards Gho. Situated within a wooded setting, the route from Bimthang meanders through unspoiled woodlands adorned with rhododendron, pine, and oak trees. The journey encompasses the passage through numerous agricultural structures before arriving at the tranquil destination of Gho. The trek from Gho becomes notably more manageable when traversing the downward incline, leading predominantly towards the Manang region, culminating at Telje village along the Marysangdi River. Dharapani, a substantial settlement replete with commendable lodgings, stands prominently on the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. The Manaslu circuit trekking trail seamlessly intertwines with the globally renowned Annapurna circuit trail. Should one possess a surplus of time, an extension towards the Annapurna circuit is a viable option after successfully traversing the Larkya La pass. Dharapani, distinguished for its scenic allure, is the culminating destination for the final day amidst the mountainous terrain.

The return trip to Kathmandu, descending from 1400 meters, unfolds like a tapestry of sunlit valleys and winding rivers. The roads cut into ochre cliffs, passing through quaint villages adorned with fluttering prayer flags. Each bend offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks against the turquoise sky, giving way to verdant canyons echoing with unseen streams. As time goes on, the serene mountain symphony gives way to a patchwork of fields and bustling towns. Finally, Kathmandu’s skyline appears on the horizon, a jagged silhouette against the golden dusk, welcoming you back to the lively embrace of the valley. 

The origin of the Manaslu Trek marks the beginning of an delight adventure through the Himalayas. As trekkers gather in anticipation, the journey unfolds through remote villages, lush forests, and high mountain passes, offering stunning views of the towering peaks, including the majestic Manaslu. Beyond a physical expedition, it becomes a spiritual and cultural exploration, immersing trekkers in the unique traditions and warm hospitality of local communities. With each step, new challenges and rewards emerge, creating enduring memories that make the departure a symbolic gateway to an unforgettable Himalayan experience.