Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 meters / 4,265 feet)

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city. In the evening, you’ll meet with your guide to go over the itinerary and discuss any final preparations for the trek.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting some of the city’s most famous cultural and historical sites, such as the Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Square. In the afternoon, you’ll have a pre-trek briefing with your guide to go over important information and last-minute details.

Day 3: Drive to Arughat (570 meters / 1,870 feet) By JEEP private transport!

On the third day, you’ll begin your journey to the starting point of the Manaslu Trek. The drive from Kathmandu to Arughat takes around 6-7 hours and passes through picturesque countryside and small villages. Upon arrival in Arughat, you’ll check into your guesthouse and have the rest of the day to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

Day 4: Trek to Soti Khola (710 meters / 2,329 feet)

The trail to Soti Khola follows the Budhi Gandaki River and passes through small villages and forests. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Soti Khola takes around 7-8 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Soti Khola.

Day 5: Trek to Machha Khola (890 meters / 2,919 feet)

The trail to Machha Khola continues to follow the Budhi Gandaki River and passes through the villages of Lapubesi and Arkhet. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Machha Khola takes around 6-7 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Machha Khola.

Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1,410 meters / 4,626 feet)

The trail to Jagat becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend through forests and small villages. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape.

You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Jagat takes around 6-7 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Jagat.

Day 7: Trek to Deng (1,804 meters / 5,922 feet)

The trail to Deng continues to climb through forests and small villages, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Deng takes around 6-7 hours and you’ll spend night at hotel.

Day 8: Trek to Namrung (2,630 meters / 8,629 feet)

The trail to Namrung continues to climb through forests and small villages, with breathtaking views of the Manaslu massif. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Namrung takes around 6-7 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Namrung.

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Namrung

On this day, you’ll take a break from the trek to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can take a day hike to explore the surrounding area or just relax and enjoy the views. Your guide can recommend a suitable hike based on your interests and fitness level. You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Namrung.

Day 10: Trek to Samagaon (3,530 meters / 11,578 feet)

The trail to Samagaon continues to climb through forests and small villages, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Samagaon takes around 6-7 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Samagaon.

Day 11: Acclimatization day in Samagaon

On this day, you’ll take another break from the trek to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can take a day hike to explore the surrounding area or just relax and enjoy the views. Your guide can recommend a suitable hike based on your interests and fitness level. You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Samagaon.

Day 12: Trek to Samdo (3,860 meters / 12,660 feet)

The trail to Samdo continues to climb through forests and small villages, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Samdo takes around 5-6 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Samdo.

Day 13: Trek to Dharamsala (4,460 meters / 14,630 feet)

The trail to Dharamsala becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend through forests and small villages. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Dharamsala takes around 5-6 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Dharamsala.

Day 14: Trek to Larkya La Base Camp (4,985 meters / 16,364 feet)

The trail to Larkya La Base Camp continues to climb through forests and small villages, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Larkya La Base Camp takes around 5–6 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Larkya La Base Camp.

Day 15: Trek to Larkya La High Camp (5,160 meters / 16,929 feet)

The trail to Larkya La High Camp becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend through forests and small villages. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, and rice terraces dotting the landscape. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at local teahouses for breaks and meals along the way. The trek to Larkya La High Camp takes around 3-4 hours and you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse in Larkya La High Camp.

Day 16: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters, / 16,752 feet) and trek to Bimthang (3,720 meters, / 12,201 feet)

On this day, you’ll tackle the challenging Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at 5,106 meters. The trail is steep and can be slippery, so it’s important to be careful and to listen to the advice of your guide. The views from the top of the pass are breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Bimthang, where you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse.

Day 17: Trek to Dharapani (5–6 hours) and overnight stay

Day 18: You will drive to Kathmandu. From Dharpani by local transport jeep to Beshishar and private transport to Kathmandu.

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

On the final day of the trek, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Note: If you have more then 19 days you can stay your own and can make trip to Bhtaktapur / Patana or other part of Nepal.

Price: USD 1280 per person

What is included?

• Airport transfer by Royal Mountain office representative in a private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at the Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis as per the program before trekking for 2 nights and after trekking for 1 night.
• Sightseeing maximum 3 places in one day—provide a car and driver in Kathmandu
• Accommodation twin sharing: Mountain Lodge is available en route during the trek; it is basic lodge accommodation. If you want to have a good hotel on the way, you can stay at some of the places, but it is an extra charge (you can pay directly)
• English-speaking, first-aid-, and Eco-trained local trekking guides
• Assistance guide as per the group size. If an extra guide is required, we will charge you extra.
• All the expenses for the guide and porters, along with Insurance
• Manaslu Permit, National Park Fees: require 2 each photo
• Exclusive medical kit bag,
• Duffle bag, if required
• Porter for trekking: We will provide a porter for 2 people, and one porter. (If clients want to have one client for one porter, the price will be chargeable.
• Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during trek—need to return after trek
• All government and local taxes, as applicable
• Airport port drop-off:
• Private transport trekking starting place and end place to Kathmandu

What is not included?

• Nepal Visa (cost: US$30 for 15 days & US$50 for 30 days)
• Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance (you should bring it from your home country)
• Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or Coca-Cola), cost of extra
• All Meals extra while you are in trekking, snacks, phone bills, Internet, Wi-Fi, laundry, etc.
• Sightseeing monument entrance fee
• The cost incurred during emergencies, evacuations
• Tips for Guide, porters, driver…

Note: Manaslu Trek is a restricted area; you need special permits from the Government of Nepal, which are included in the cost.

Difficulty

The Manaslu Trek is a challenging trek, with a maximum altitude of 5,160 meters at the Larkya La Pass. The trek involves long days of hiking over rough terrain, with some steep and rocky sections. It’s important to be in good physical condition and to have a good level of fitness before embarking on the trek. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, most people with a moderate level of fitness should be able to complete the trek.

Best time

The best time to do the Manaslu Trek depends on your preference for weather and crowds. The trek can be done year-round, but the weather and conditions will vary depending on the season.

The autumn season (September to November) is the most popular time to do the trek, with pleasant weather and clear skies.

The winter season (December to February) can be colder and more challenging, with the possibility of snow on the higher passes.

The spring season (March to May) is also a good time to do the trek, with warmer temperatures and beautiful rhododendron flowers in bloom.

The summer season (June to August) is the monsoon season, with the possibility of rain and landslides.

Weather

The weather on the Manaslu Trek varies depending on the season and altitude. At lower altitudes, the weather is generally warm during the day and cooler at night. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the temperature becomes colder, with the possibility of snow on the higher passes. It’s important to bring warm clothing and gear for the colder temperatures at high altitude.

Insurance

It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for the Manaslu Trek, as you’ll be traveling to a remote area with limited access to medical facilities. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and other unexpected expenses that may arise during the trek. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the coverage and exclusions of your policy before purchasing.

Permits

You’ll need to obtain a special permit to do the Manaslu Trek. The Manaslu Conservation Area permit is required for all trekkers, and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is also required for trekkers who are not accompanied by a registered trekking agency. You’ll need to obtain these permits in advance through a trekking agency or in person at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

What is the Manaslu Trek?

The Manaslu Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you through the beautiful Manaslu region, located in the western part of the country. The trek starts in the town of Arughat and takes you to the village of Samagaon, located at an elevation of 2,900 meters (9,514 feet) above sea level. From there, you can continue to the Larkya La pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Manaslu massif and other iconic mountains in the Himalayas.

The Manaslu Trek is known for its off-the-beaten-path atmosphere and cultural diversity, as you pass through a variety of landscapes and communities along the way. The trek typically takes about 8-12 days to complete.

How long does the Manaslu Trek take?

The length of the Manaslu Trek depends on your pace and the route you take. Most trekkers take about 8-12 days to complete the trek, although it is possible to do it in less time if you are in good physical condition and can hike quickly. Some trekkers choose to take longer and take their time to explore the area more thoroughly.

What should I bring on the Manaslu Trek?

It is important to be prepared and bring the necessary gear for the Manaslu Trek. Some essential items to bring include:

• Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots
• Warm and waterproof clothing, including a jacket, fleece, and gloves
• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• A backpack to carry all your gear
• Water bottles and a water purification system
• Snacks and energy bars for the trail
• Basic first aid kit and any necessary medications

Is it necessary to hire a guide or porter for the Manaslu Trek?

While it is not strictly necessary to hire a guide or porter for the Manaslu Trek, it is generally recommended for safety and convenience. A local guide can help you navigate the route, provide information about the local culture and history, and assist you in case of any issues or emergencies. A porter can carry your gear and help lighten your load on the trail.

It is important to choose a reputable company or individual to hire as a guide or porter, and to treat them with respect and fairness.

What is the highlight of the Manaslu Trek?

One of the highlights of the Manaslu Trek is the opportunity to see the Manaslu massif, a group of peaks located in the western part of Nepal. The massif includes Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Another highlight of the trek is reaching the Larkya La pass, which is located at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level. From the pass, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and get a sense of the challenges and achievements of mountaineering.

What is the accommodation like on the Manaslu Trek?

Accommodation on the Manaslu Trek is generally in lodges or guesthouses, although conditions can be basic, and facilities may be limited. The lodges typically have shared bathroom facilities and offer simple meals, such as dal bhat (a traditional Nepali dish). Some lodges may have electricity, although this is not always the case, so it is important to be prepared for the possibility of power outages.

It is also possible to camp on the trek, although this requires carrying a tent and other camping gear and finding suitable campsites. Camping is not recommended for the entire trek, as the weather and conditions can be challenging, but it can be a good option for some sections of the route.

How much does the Manaslu Trek cost?

The cost of the Manaslu Trek depends on a variety of factors, including your route, the duration of the trek, the season, and your accommodation and transportation preferences.

Going with a trekking company or hiring a guide can increase the cost of the trek, as you will need to pay for these services. However, these services can provide added support and convenience, and can be worth the extra cost for some trekkers.

If you are going independently, you will need to pay for your own accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses. You can save money by staying in budget guesthouses, carrying your own gear, and cooking your own meals.