The relatively new Manaslu Circuit Trek is becoming more popular but it still attracts fewer trekkers than the trekking routes in the Annapurna and Everset Regions . The trek offers stunning views of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) the eighth highest mountain in the world as well as the dominating peaks of Himalchuli (7893 m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), Shringi (7187 m), Langpo (6668 m) and Saula (6235 m). The name Manaslu means “Spirit Mountain”.
Along the way you will stay in teahouses in villages inhabited by Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists and get to explore their fascinating cultures. The trail starts in Soti Khola and follows an ancient salt–trading route along the steep sided Budhi Gandaki river all the way to its source just below the Larkya Pass (5125 m). Starting at an altitude of around 700m at Soti Khola the trail slowly climbs through lush green forests of bamboo, rhododendron, oak and pine before eventually emerging into spectacular and barren high altitude landscapes with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
The crossing of the Larkya Pass (5125 m) is an unforgettable experience with the stunning scenery of the mighty Himalayan ranges towering around you and the spectacular glaciers make it more than worth the effort. The pass links the Budhi Gandaki with the Marsyangdi Valley. Beyond Larkya La the trail descends steeply to Bimthang and along the way you will have good views of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal and Kang Guru as well as occasional views of the Annapurna massif. On a clear day you will have superb unobstructed views of Manaslu from Bimthang. The trail continues down the valley till it emerges onto the Annapurna Circuit Trail near Dharapani before following the Marsyangdi to Bhulbhule and the completion of the trek.
The Manaslu Circuit trek requires a Restricted Area Permit and trekkers must travel in a minimum group of two trekkers accompanied by a registered guide. It is fast becoming one of the classic treks of Nepal. Do it now before it becomes too popular.
The trek starts and finishes in Kathmandu and includes transport by bus to Soti Khola where your trek begins and return from Bhulbhule at the end of the trek. In order to keep the trek cost as low as possible, we offer the flexibility for you to arrange your own accommodation in Kathmandu however we are happy to arrange this for you if you wish.
Day 1: By road from Kathmandu to Arughat (600m) 6 hrs
Day 2: Bus to Soti Khola (700m) then trek to Machha Khola (930m) 7 hrs
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1440m) 6 hrs
Day 4: Trek to Deng (1860m) 6 hrs
Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2560m) 6 hrs
Day 6: Trek to Lho (3280m) 4 hrs
Day 7: Trek to Samagaon (3520m)
Day 8: Rest and acclimatisation day Samagaon
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3875m) 4 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4460m) 4 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Larkya La Pass (5160m) then on to Bimthang (3590m) 8 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Tilje (2300m) 6 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Tal (1700m) 5 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Syange (1100m) 6 hrs
Day 15: By road to Kathmandu 8 hrs
Note: For those with less time available, it is possible to reduce the length of this trek by 3 days by taking a jeep from Dharapani to Kathmandu. Please contact us for further information.
3 Reviews on Manaslu Trek
Badri and Shankar arranged a great trek for us to the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit. As first timers to Nepal, we didn't know what to expect and being looked after by the kind, reliable and knowledgeable people from Lead Nepal Treks was very reassuring. Our guide, Bal Krishna, always had a song on his lips and a spring in his step, was excellent at spotting orchids and monkeys and added to our enjoyment of the trip. And in the event of any problems he had the magic pack which seemed to have everything we could possibly need - light-weight gloves to protect sunburnt hands, extra tape for blistered feet when my supplies ran out, lunch on the trail... The trek was an amazing experience and next time I would go for longer as there was so much more to see. The hardest thing will be choosing a guide from the wonderful team available, Alison King, Australia.
We did the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek which was organised through Lead Nepal Treks. Everything was very well organised and we were assigned a fantastic guide and wonderful porter. The trek was such a rich experience of culture, stunning scenery and wildlife. Our guide, Bal Krishna, watched over us every step of the way, always ready with a joke, to point out an item of interest or to explain aspects of the local culture we were experiencing. We would definitely recommend Lead Nepal Treks and hope to return and do another trek with our friends there soon
Lieber Niru, im November 2018 sind Irmgard und ich mit Dir fast vier Wochen durch Nepal gewandert. Begonnen hat die wunderbare Reise in Kathmandu, dann erkletterten wir das Tsum-Valley, um anschließend den Manaslu-Circuit zu gehen. Zum Abschluss waren wir dann noch Pokhara, Bandipur, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur und abschließend zwei Tage in Kathmandu. Der Aufenthalt in Nepal war durch Dich, lieber Niru, bestens organisiert. Es war erstaunlich, wie Du an Kleinigkeiten dachtest, auf unnachahmliche Blicke und Motive hingewiesen hast, und uns sicher und vorausschauend auf dem Trekking-Pfad geführt hast. Deine Ruhe, Dein souveränes und professionelles Auftreten, auch Deine persönliche Ansprache und Fürsorge haben uns vieles leichter gemacht. Nicht vergessen dürfen dabei Purna, unseren zuverlässigen und aufmerksamen Träger, der streckenweise von Maan unterstützt wurde. Danke Euch allen, wir waren eine tolle, bei Kartenspielen sehr lustige und in der Natur oftmals eine schweigende genießende Familie. Danke !!!!"