Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 Days
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is a remarkable Himalayan adventure that blends untouched nature, high-altitude challenge, and deep cultural immersion. Circling Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), this trek is known for its remote trails, dramatic landscapes, and fewer crowds compared to more popular routes. It is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking authenticity and wilderness in the Nepal Himalayas.
The adventure begins with a long yet scenic drive from Kathmandu into the Budhi Gandaki region. The road winds through hills, rivers, and rural settlements before reaching the first trekking point. From here, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through stone-paved villages where traditional lifestyles remain unchanged. As elevation increases, the surroundings shift from green valleys to rugged mountain terrain.
Progressing higher, trekkers enter the culturally rich Nubri region, where Tibetan Buddhist heritage becomes increasingly visible. Colorful prayer flags, ancient mani walls, and peaceful monasteries line the trail. Villages such as Deng and Namrung offer stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli, along with warm hospitality from local communities.
A major highlight of the trek is reaching Samagaon, a beautiful alpine village located beneath the massive Manaslu Glacier. This area plays a crucial role in altitude adjustment and provides opportunities to explore nearby viewpoints and monasteries. The air grows thinner, the mountains rise higher, and the landscape becomes strikingly dramatic.
From Samagaon, the trail ascends toward high-altitude terrain leading to Dharamsala, the final stop before the most demanding section of the journey. Crossing the legendary Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) is the pinnacle of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The pass rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, making the challenge worthwhile.
After the pass, the descent leads into the scenic valley of Bimtang, surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered peaks. The trail then continues through alpine forests and pasturelands, gradually descending to lower elevations. The journey ends with a drive back to Kathmandu, completing a spectacular loop around one of Nepal’s most impressive mountain regions.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for trekkers seeking adventure, solitude, and raw Himalayan beauty. With its diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and high-mountain challenge, it stands as one of Nepal’s finest trekking experiences.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Private Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,340m) | 9–11 Hours.
Your journey begins with a scenic private Jeep drive from Kathmandu through winding mountain roads and river valleys. The route follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, passing terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and rural villages before reaching Jagat, the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Day 2 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m) | 5–6 Hours.
The trek starts along stone-paved trails and suspension bridges above the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll walk through charming villages and lush forests, experiencing local Gurung culture along the way. Gradual ascents lead to Deng, surrounded by steep hills and mountain scenery.
Day 3 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m) | 5–6 Hours.
As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and alpine. The trail crosses narrow gorges and impressive mani walls reflecting Tibetan Buddhist influence. Namrung offers your first clear views of Himalayan giants like Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli.
Day 4 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m) | 6–7 Hours.
Today’s walk is filled with spectacular mountain views as you pass traditional villages such as Lho and Shyala. The trail opens to wide valleys with breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu before arriving in the beautiful village of Samagaon, located beneath the Manaslu Glacier.
Day 5 : Acclimatization Day at Samagaon (3,530m).
A vital rest and acclimatization day to help your body adapt to the altitude. Optional hikes include visits to Pungyen Gompa or a challenging walk toward Manaslu Base Camp. You can also explore the village, monasteries, and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m) | 5–6 Hours.
The trail ascends gradually through alpine terrain and glacial moraines. Vegetation becomes sparse as you approach Dharamsala, the final resting point before crossing Larkya La Pass. The dramatic high-altitude environment adds to the sense of adventure.
Day 7 : Trek to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) | 8–9 Hours.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. An early start leads you across the stunning Larkya La Pass, offering panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After crossing the pass, descend into the beautiful valley of Bimtang.
Day 8 : Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,900m) | 6–7 Hours.
The trail descends through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and river valleys. As the altitude decreases, the climate becomes warmer and more comfortable. You arrive in Dharapani, where the Manaslu route connects with the Annapurna region.
Day 9 : Private Jeep Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu | 8–9 Hours.
The trek concludes with a comfortable private Jeep drive back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the scenic mountain roads as you reflect on an unforgettable journey around Mount Manaslu.
SERVICES
Costs Include In Your Package:
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Jagat By Private Jeep and from Dharapani to Besisahar to Kathmandu via Private Jeep
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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