Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. The Round Manaslu trekking will reward the adventurous with an unparalleled alpine experience. Opened in 1992, this area offers a combination of rich culture heritage, unsurpassed beauty, and biological diversity. Trekking around Manaslu offers a unique opportunity to experience a reasonably “untouched” region of Nepal and spectacular beauty along the border of Nepal and China. Manaslu Trek is absolutly one of the best Trekking in Nepal, a trek of amazing ethnic and scenic variety, breathtaking views of Mt. Himalchuli, Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) itself and other mountains. This trekking goes to through the beautiful landscape and different flora and fauna.  Manaslu Conservation Area is the main focal point of this trek. Having a wide range of altitudinal and climatic variations, the Manaslu trekking offers a remarkable and diverse habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna. Plants of all major ecological zones: tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, alpine and sub-alpine are found abundantly here.

The journey around Manaslu region’s legendary mountains is enjoyable and tough. Beginning from Gorkha Budi Gandaki Valley River, crossing the snow bound Larkya La pass (5213m). Snow-covered peaks over 6500m towers above as we cross. The descent, once off the snow, takes us through alpine then tropical areas, bursting with ferns, bamboo, pine trees, waterfalls and aqua-blue green lakes laced with cotton-white beaches. We pass through interesting and exotic Buddhist village of Samagaon, Sirdibas and Samdo and cross the Num valley to descend to Marsyangdi valley in Annapurna circuit route where Manaslu trekking ends in Besisahar. Due to the newly opened route, this trek encircling the entire Manaslu massif, offers a chance to comprehensively explore the full range of Nepal’s natural and cultural diversity. Manaslu circuit trek will be amply rewarded with the mesmerizing scenery and fascinating cultures and traditions of the primitive inhabitants of the Manaslu region. The diversity of the trek, from the Hindu middle hills to the Tibetan high-country dwellers and the awesome mountain scenery of the Manaslu Himal and surrounding peaks combine to make Manaslu trekking circuit one of the most fascinating trekking.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Greetings at Kathmandu Airport
Day 02: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley
Day 03: Kathmandu to Dhading to Arughat (570m) Drive
Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola (710m)
Day 05: Sati Khola to LabuBesi (880m)
Day 06: LabuBesi to Doban (1000m)
Day 07: Doban to Jagat (1410m)
Day 08: Jagat to Ngyak Bensi (2300m)
Day 09: Ngyak Beshi to Ghap
Day 10: Ghap to Namrung (2660m)
Day 11: Namrung to Samagaon (3530m)
Day 12: Rest Day in Samagaon (3530m)
Day 13: Samagano to Samdo (3860m)
Day 14: Samdo to Dharmashala/Larkya Rest house (4480m)
Day 15: Dharmashala to Bimtang (3720m)
Day 16: Bimtang to Tilje (2300m)
Day 17: Tilje to Tal (1700m)
Day 18: Tal drive back to Kathmandu
Day 19: Farewell departure

Greetings at Kathmandu Airport
We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long fight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program. You will have meeting with your trekking guide and discuss about the equipment needed for the trekking and we will process for the trekking permits. During this visit we will help you check your equipment and facilitate the processing of other necessary items such as National Park Permits, special permits etc. If you arrive at night we will have same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast.

Day 2:  A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley & Permit Making day.
The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture are highlighted on our guided tour. On return to your hotel you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the popular streets. Today we will prepare for special permit for the trek please note that we need your original passport and  1 full day Government working day  for the trekking  permit.

Day 3:Kathmandu to Dhading to Arughat (570m) Drive
We have an 8 hour driving journey to Arughat. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day till Dhading Bensi. From Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi (district headquarter of Dhading 1050m) for 4 hours is comfortable drive and from there to Arughat for another 4 hours, we will be driving on rough road with scenic view of landscape, villages, river, Mt Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. Overnight stay at local guest house.

Day 4:Arughat to Soti Khola (710m)
The route first enters the eastern part of Arughat, a large bazaar and turns west across the bridge over Budhi Gandaki. You trek over a flat leveled path along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River through mostly terraces, numerous villages, green hills, some pretty waterfalls and are almost surrounded by green forest. The trail further passes through the forest of monkeys to Sante Bazaar (630m) where you have views of Sringi Himal (7187m). The trail becomes steeper and crosses the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, to Arkhet (760m). Descending from the small Magar and Gurung village of Kyorpani (820m), the trail fluctuates uphill and downhill through forest of Sal, Chilaune and other local vegetation. Soti Khola is a tiny village at the bank of Budhi Gandaki. There is a small water fall just above the trail; a larger water fall with a 60 meter drop is visible by climbing upstream. This is the best place to relax where you can enjoy swimming to ease your tiredness from walking.

Day 5:Soti Khola to LabuBesi (880m)
The trail crosses the bridge and treks through beautiful sal forests, then climbs up onto a ridge above the huge rapids of Budhi Gandaki and follows a path blasted out of vertical rock to Khorsane (820m). The route gets a bit precarious as it passes over a big rock and crosses a stream. The rocky trail then weaves it way up and down through large stand of nettles, passes tropical waterfalls and again backs down to the bank of Budhi Gandaki. Some parts of the trail are particularly narrow and suffer from landslides and require extra care especially when mule convoys are around. The trail eventually makes it way down and past a few rice terraces on a steep rocky trail and down then up around to the Gurung village of LabuBesi.

Day 6:LabuBesi to Doban (1000m)B
The path climbs behind a rocky outcrop. The trail makes some minor ups and down. Dropping to the sandy river bed at 860m from LabuBesi and climbing about 110m over a side ridge to bring you to Maccha Khola village (900m). Crossing Tharo Khola reach to Khorlabesi and climbing over a small ridge, make another steep climbing, the route reaches Tatopani (930m), which means ‘hot water’. From the hot spring the trail climbs over another ridge and crosses the Budhi Gandaki and climbs on a wide, well crafted staircase over a ridge to Doban. This place is situated at the confluence of 2 rivers, the Shiar khola and Sarpu khola.

Day 7:Doban to Jagat (1410m)
A ling suspension bridge carries the trail over the Doban Khola. The route stays low at first and then climbs on a rugged rocky trail to Duman. Crossing a 93m long suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola (1330m) and climbing some stone stairs you reach to Tharo Bharyang. Trekking along the river for a while and climbing through small villages, you get to Jagat which is a beautiful flag stone village. There is a good camp site in town and another below the village by the Bhalu Khola.

Day 8:Jagat to Ngyak Bensi (2300m)
Climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri (1440m) where you have excellent views of Sringi Himal. The trail descends to Setibas (1430m) and then the valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to the stone houses of Ghatta Khola. Following the old trail up to Pangsing, climb to Ngyak, one of the few large settlements on this route and home to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project office. From here you can view Mt. Lapuchun (5,950m).

Day 9:Ngyak Beshi to Ghap
The trail descends grassy slopes dotted with tall pine trees. The trek takes us through a heavily forested area in a narrow valley and finally widens, offering a pleasant walk through bamboo forest and a collection of rock as we reach the little settlement of Deng (1800m). A short distance beyond Deng crossing the Budhi Gandaki River, the trail climbs to Rana (1980m). After passing some houses the trail climbs high above the river and drops into the Sringi valley. The trail makes further ups and down through the forest giving us views of the Manaslu Massif before reaching Ghap.

Day 10:Ghap to Namrung (2660m)
Pass a few houses and three streams in a forest of big fir alive with birds including Danphe (national bird of Nepal). The trails make a serious and long climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests crossing the river several times. The trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki twice on wooden bridges above beautiful gorges before entering Namrung through a stone archway. Namrung is a Buddhist village where there are monasteries, a water turbine, hydro electricity power house, Mani walls, chortens and prayer flags which can be seen fluttering in the sky.

Day 11:Namrung to Samagaon (3530m)
You trek over a winding path which moves through the inner Himalayan range enjoying mountain views of Rupina la pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. Climbing through a forest of firs, rhododendrons and oaks the trail enters the closely packed houses of Lihi (2900m) and several Buddhist villages along the way. These areas have been influenced by the Tibetan culture due to its proximity to Tibet, and as a result you will find many monasteries, chortens and mani-walls. Having over one hundred and fifty houses, Samagaon is surprisingly large and bustles with the energy of remote village life. From Samagaon you can see Mt. Manaslu and the Kutang Himal Massif.

Day 12:Rest Day in Samagaon
It is recommended to rest in Samagaon for more than one night for acclimatization enjoying the village and a short trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Punggen Gompa. Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli); Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall.

Day 13:Samagano to Samdo (3860m)
You trek gently uphill all the way to Samdo through a desert path and windy valley. From Kargyu Chholing Gompa the route passes the juniper and birch forest and the stone hut of Kermo Kharka. It climbs gradually towards Samdo, and just before entering the village passes through the point where the Budhi Gandaki actually starts – at the confluence of Larke Khola and the river coming from Samdo Glacier. Samdo is the site of a Tibetan refugee camp and affords you a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of the Tibetan people. This is an excellent view point for Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and several other majestic peals.Stay at local guest house.

Day 14:Samdo to Dharmashala/Larkya Rest house (4480m)
Descend on a wide, gentle trail from Samdo past many fields to a large Mani wall and stone archway. The trail is rocky and zigzags all the way to your destination. The thundering Buri Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. After crossing to the east bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Sumdu. Above the village we cross the stream, which runs down from the Gya La (Pass), the pass to Tibet. We come to the ruins of an abandoned village, known as Larkya Bazaar. The trail rises high above the Larke Khola leading the all the way to Dharmashala where the trail finally meets the river.

Day 15:Dharmashala to Bimtang (3720m)
The trail becomes rocky as it goes along a moraine and reaches a beautiful turquoise lake that reflects the surrounding snowy mountains. The trail becomes somewhat tedious as it climbs on numerous rocky moraines hills surrounded by rocky hills and snowy ridges beyond. This is a more strenuous day as have to cross over the Larkya Pass (5213m). The interesting Larke Pass is followed by a steep tiresome descend down through a slippery trail towards the moraine of Salpudanda glacier. The trail then becomes gradual as it goes along the moraine and parallel to Bimtang glacier towards Bimtang. From here, there are tremendous views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m). Bimtang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses.

Day 16:Bimtang to Tilje (2300m)
The trail drops from Bimtang and crosses a glacial stream, the headwater of Dudh Khola on a wooden bridge. Make a gradual descent through rhododendron and pine forest seeing the north face of Manaslu along the way. You reach the highest cultivated land in this valley of Karche at 2785m and walking down you cross a stream through fig tree and rhododendron forests to reach Tilje. We will make camp in the apple orchards of Tilje.

Day 17:Tilje to Tal (1700m)
Crossing this high pasture, you descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp for the West side of Manaslu. You trek all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marsyangdi River. Another bridge takes you over the Marsyangdi River to Dharapani (1920m), where you join the Annapurna tourist highway and start missing the quiet days in Manaslu where you had Nepal almost all to yourself. It takes half a day to continue on to Tal where the river appears as a lake and make camp next to a waterfall going down the Marsyangdi river trail.

Day 18:Tal  drive back to Kathmandu:
The down part of the trail has road now so we can take a local jeep or bus to Besisahar and from there bus to Kathmandu, we can stay overnight at Besisahar and can drive to Kathmandu also next day.

Day 19:Farewell Departure

Today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your relatives. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. We will drop you to the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and wish for your Safe journey.

What’s included in the Cost:

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle.
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Guided Tour of Kathmandu City with expert tour guide and private vehicle
  • Government license holder experienced, trekking guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid& altitude sickness) and porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance, clothing and medicine.
  • Local transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek by local bus, private jeeps are available on adding the extra cost lest us know before you book the trip.
  • All meals during trekking 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
  • Special Trekking Permit for Manaslu Trek. Manaslu National park permit, Annapurna Conservation permit.
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Adam Travel duffel bag. ( If you need, please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in our pre- meeting at our office)
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
  • Adam Travel Gifts (T shirt for Gents &  Pashmina shawl for Ladies, Trekking certificates)
  • Welcome/Fare well Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
  • All necessary paper works, office Service charge and all Government Taxes

Extra Cost to Consider:

  • Lunch and dinner  in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal entry visa fee, you can get Nepal visa up on arrival in the Airport.
  • International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, camera battery charging.
  • Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
  • Personal trekking gears
  • Tips for tour/ trekking staffs and driver
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.