Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days journeys through Nepal’s untouched high country for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path trek. Celebrate the solitude of the Manaslu Conservation Area as the trail encircles elevated panoramas and sacred mountain villages. Trekking around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest summit, rewards adventurers with both spiritual insight and alpine grandeur.
This trail begins with a rugged drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Dovan, leading into deep rhododendron forests, hillside farming terraces, and serene Gurung and Tibetan hamlets like Jagat, Dharapani, and Samagaon. These quiet villages blend tea house warmth with spiritual elements—think fluttering prayer flags, stone chortens, and traditional architecture.
The journey’s most iconic achievement comes with conquering the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). The ascent challenges you physically, while the panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and other Himalayan giants reward your effort with a sense of epic accomplishment.
Descending past Bhimthang’s alpine meadows and glacier-fed rivers, the trek continues through mixed pine forests and ridge trails before concluding at Tilje, where you begin your return to civilization.
The 9-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of challenge and immersion into rugged terrain and rich culture. Streamlined permits—including Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, and ACAP—plus a local licensed guide ensure a seamless, compliant trek.
Ideal trekking seasons—spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)—reward trekkers with vibrant flora, crisp skies, and ideal climbing conditions. The adventure is uniquely rewarding, combining high-altitude wilderness with insight into the valley’s traditional way of life.
With expert Sherpa support for permits, accommodations, meals, and guidance, the Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days becomes more than a trek—it’s a transformative Himalayan experience, unlike any other.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola driving through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road deteriorates and is quite rough and bumpy from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon we follow a trail through the woods heading upriver along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and then across the mountains from where we have frequent views down to the river far below. Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola.
Day 2 : Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1340m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we cross the Machha Khola River and pass Khorlabesi (920m) before arriving at Tatopani, famous for its therapeutic hot springs. The trail then passes through a forested area as we make our way to the Dovan Khola (river) and to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As we head higher you will notice a change in the vegetation right up until we arrive at Jagat Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Day 3 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we trek through the valley to Sirdibas where there are fantastic views of Shringi Himal. We then cross the suspension bridge followed by a steep ascent to Philim, with waterfalls cascading down from the mountains into the valley. We next arrive at Ekle Bhatti and then Pewa Village as we follow a trail through the valley until we arrive at Deng Village where we will stay overnight.
Day 4 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we initially have a steep climb and then have to head back down to the Budi Gandaki River. The trail heads through the valley and past several small settlements. As we get nearer to Namrung you will see Mani stones (stones with carved with Tibetan mantras) a reminder that we are venturing into territory occupied by Tibetan Buddhists. In the afternoon we will take a short and interesting detour to Prok village (2 hour round trip) and then follow the trail to Namrung for our overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 5 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon, (3,530m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We is like stepping back in time today as we walk between the Mani stone walls of Lho Village, a place where there are few signs of modernity. From Lho we can see the snow capped peak of Ngadi Chuli (7871m aka Peak 29). Another short detour takes us up to the Pungen Glacier from where we have stunning close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. We will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Samagaun.
Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m) Duration 4-5 hours.
This morning we cross several rivers before coming to Larkya Bazaar, a village that survives as a trading post for traders heading down from Tibet. From here we climb up a steep trail until we come to Dharamsala where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 7 : Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) Duration: 8-9 hours.
We have a tough day ahead of us as we take the trail via Larkya La Pass (5106m/17,121 ft) to Bhimthang. We first have to climb to Cho Chanda and then up to the steep snow covered pass. The views of many surrounding peaks are truly exceptional from this high altitude vantage point. The Himalayan mountains of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are clearly observable from the pass. We then descend a steep trail and trek across moraines until we come to Bhimthang Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Day 8 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,900m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we descend from high pasture land and then cross the Dudh Khola (river) on a suspension bridge. Along the trail we head through rhododendron (flowering in spring) and oak forests. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours we come to Dharapani in the Annapurna region. This is also a common gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek. If you are thinking of extending your trek, then we can head along the Annapurna trail. Tonight we stay at a guesthouse in Dharapani.
Day 9 : Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani Duration: 8-9 hours.
This is our final day on the trail of our Manaslu Circuit trek. Across the river, we will take a local jeep to Besisahar and then a bus back to Kathmandu where you will be taken back to your hotels.
SERVICES
Costs Include In Your Package:
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola and from Dharapani to Kathmandu via public bus.
- All standard meals (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Manaslu special permit to travel within the Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions t-shirt
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- International airfares
- Lunch and dinner & Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters (recommended in our culture – and well deserved too!)
- Additional costs or delays caused by events beyond our control, for example, landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies & strikes.
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "costs include" will be counted as exclusions.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses at lower altitudes. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food in the mountainous regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Physical fitness
Some days can be challenging where you often have to walk 6-8 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Best season to travel
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is usually done in autumn (Sept. to November) and spring (March to May) when you are much more likely to get to have crystal clear views of the mountains and can also enjoy the lush vegetation in the lower regions of the trail - particularly during spring..
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We take the bus from Bensisahar to Kathmandu. In the past Aarughat used to be the starting point of the trek but nowadays, due to better road conditions we can travel by bus direct to the Soti Khola. We will travel along secondary (rough) roads all the way to Soti Khola by local bus and from Dharapani to Besishahar we will be traveling by private jeep
Guide and Porter on the trek
We provide you trained & certified trekking guides and porters who will take care of all logistics and a porter for every two trekkers who will each carry about 20 kg ( 10 kg for each trekker). An experienced guide and porter will be the difference between success and failure. They will also save you from taking unnecessary risks during poor weather conditions.
MAP
PHOTOS/Videos
Departures
Select a departure month
Fill out the form below and a Travel Expert will reach out to create your perfect tour.
FAQS
How long does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes around 12-18 days to complete. However, if you have limited time, there are shorter versions of the trek available that can be completed in 9-10 days.
Is a permit required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, a special restricted area permit is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. In addition to the restricted area permit, a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is also required.
What is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally clear and stable, offering the best views of the mountains and comfortable trekking conditions.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and long walking days. It is recommended for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and have previous trekking experience.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,929 feet). Acclimatization days are included in the itinerary to help trekkers adapt to the high altitude.
Are there teahouses or lodges along the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, there are teahouses and lodges available along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. These provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. However, it is recommended to carry some extra food and snacks in case of limited options in certain areas.
Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide can provide valuable information about the route, culture, and history, while a porter can carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with ease and enjoy the experience.
What are the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Some of the highlights include the majestic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass, exploring remote villages and monasteries, and immersing in the local Tibetan-influenced culture.
Is it possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently?
Yes, it is possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently. However, as mentioned earlier, a special restricted area permit is required, which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. It is also important to be well-prepared, physically fit, and have prior trekking experience if choosing to trek independently. Hiring a guide and porter is recommended for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 26 Reviews
Yuan Wang
Australia
September 13, 2024
Smooth and Enjoyable Trek
Sherpa Expedition provided a smooth and enjoyable trekking experience on the Manaslu Circuit. Our guide, Pemba, was highly knowledgeable and made the trek both informative and enjoyable. The porters were diligent and cheerful, ensuring our gear was well-handled. The trek was organized with great attention to detail, from quality food to comfortable accommodations. Sherpa Expedition’s commitment to client satisfaction and their meticulous planning made the trek stress-free and memorable. Highly recommend their services for an excellent trekking experience.
Sann Stephen
United States
August 30, 2024
Excellent Service from a Dedicated Team
The service provided by Sherpa Expedition’s team on the Manaslu Circuit trek was excellent. Our guide, Tashi, was knowledgeable and supportive, making the trek both enjoyable and informative. The porters were hardworking and always ready to assist. The trek was organized with great attention to detail, from the quality of food to comfortable lodgings. Sherpa Expedition’s dedication to client satisfaction was evident throughout our journey. Their professionalism and care made our trek memorable and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Lien Baten
United Kingdom
August 17, 2024
Unmatched Trekking Support
Sherpa Expedition provided unmatched support during our Manaslu Circuit trek. Our guide, Dawa, was highly skilled and offered invaluable insights into the trek and the region. The porters were diligent and attentive, ensuring our gear was well-managed. The organization of the trek was impeccable, with excellent food and comfortable accommodations. Sherpa Expedition’s dedication to their clients’ comfort and safety made the trek enjoyable and stress-free. For a well-organized and memorable trekking experience, Sherpa Expedition is an excellent choice.
Write Your Review
Average Customer Ratings
How The Travellers Have Rated This Package
26
0
0
0
0
People Considering This Package Right Now Check availability
