Destination
Nepal
Nepal
Duration
17 Days
17 Days
Region
Manaslu Region
Manaslu Region
Max Altitude
5,160m
5,160m
Start / End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Meals
All Meals During Trek
All Meals During Trek
Group Size
2–10 (Solo possible)
2–10 (Solo possible)
Nature
Tea House Lodge Trek
Tea House Lodge Trek
Activity
5–7 hrs daily
5–7 hrs daily
Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Grade
Challenging
Challenging
Transportation
Private Car + Shared Jeep
Private Car + Shared Jeep
Overview
The 17-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most remarkable off-the-beaten-path journeys. Walking through pristine landscapes, you will circumnavigate the breathtaking Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)—the eighth highest mountain on Earth. The adventure begins in low, lush valleys and follows the Budhi Gandaki river gorge upwards. As the altitude changes, the trail brings you into a distinct, authentic high-alpine world filled with profound Tibetan-Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, diverse wildlife, and unparalleled panoramic views.
Outline Itinerary
| Day | Start Place → Destination | Overnight Stay | Altitude | Walking Duration | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu Arrival → Hotel | Kathmandu | 1,350m | - | - |
| 2 | Kathmandu Sightseeing & Prep | Kathmandu | 1,350m | - | - |
| 3 | Kathmandu → Soti Khola (Drive) | Soti Khola | 700m | Drive 7–9 hrs | 140 km |
| 4 | Soti Khola → Khorlabesi | Khorlabesi | 970m | Trek 6–7 hrs | 14 km |
| 5 | Khorlabesi → Jagat | Jagat | 1,340m | Trek 6–7 hrs | 15 km |
| 6 | Jagat → Deng | Deng | 1,860m | Trek 6–7 hrs | 19 km |
| 7 | Deng → Namrung | Namrung | 2,630m | Trek 6–7 hrs | 18 km |
| 8 | Namrung → Lhagaon | Lhagaon | 3,180m | Trek 5–6 hrs | 17 km |
| 9 | Acclimatization Day | Lhagaon | 3,180m | Rest / 2–3 hr Hike | Light |
| 10 | Lhagaon → Samagaon | Samagaon | 3,530m | Trek 5–6 hrs | 17 km |
| 11 | Samagaon → Samdo | Samdo | 3,880m | Trek 3–4 hrs | 8 km |
| 12 | Samdo → Dharmashala | Dharmashala | 4,460m | Trek 3–4 hrs | 6 km |
| 13 | Dharmashala → Bimthang (via Larke La) | Bimthang | 3,720m | Trek 8–10 hrs | 22 km |
| 14 | Bimthang → Tilije | Tilije | 2,300m | Trek 6–7 hrs | 26 km |
| 15 | Tilije → Dharapani → Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,350m | 2 hr walk + 8 hr drive | 190 km |
| 16 | Kathmandu Rest Day | Kathmandu | 1,350m | - | - |
| 17 | Kathmandu → Airport Drop | - | - | - | - |
Detailed Itinerary
| Day | Program Details | Stay / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Private transfer to hotel. | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu Sightseeing (Boudhanath, Swayambhunath). Trek briefings and permits. | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 3 | Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola through typical Nepalese countryside. | Lodge • 7-9 hrs |
| Day 4 | Trek along Budhi Gandaki river canyon. Cross scenic suspension bridges. | Lodge • 6-7 hrs |
| Day 5 | Pass natural hot springs at Tatopani. Enter Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. | Lodge • 6-7 hrs |
| Day 6 | Climb through stone-paved paths past Gurung and Magar cultural settlements. | Lodge • 6-7 hrs |
| Day 7 | Enter Tibetan-influenced villages. First glimpses of high peaks at Namrung. | Lodge • 6-7 hrs |
| Day 8 | Trek through pine forests to the historic village of Lhagaon (Lho). | Lodge • 5-6 hrs |
| Day 9 | Acclimatization in Lhagaon. Morning hike to monastery for Mt. Manaslu views. | Lodge • 2-3 hrs |
| Day 10 | Trek to Samagaon, the largest cultural village in the Nubri valley. | Lodge • 5-6 hrs |
| Day 11 | Short trek close to the Tibetan plateau's edge reaching Samdo settlement. | Lodge • 3-4 hrs |
| Day 12 | Gradual climb to Dharmashala (Larke Base Camp) to prepare for the pass. | High Camp Lodge |
| Day 13 | Cross Larke La Pass (5,160m) at dawn. Descend to the alpine valley of Bimthang. | Lodge • 8-10 hrs |
| Day 14 | Easy downhill walk through rhododendron and pine forests to Tilije. | Lodge • 6-7 hrs |
| Day 15 | Hike to Dharapani, then drive back to Kathmandu via scenic hills. | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 16 | Leisure day in Kathmandu for shopping, massage, or extra sightseeing. | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 17 | Private airport transfer for departure. Trip ends. | - |
Equipment Checklist
Proper gear ensures safety and comfort in the extreme weather of the Himalayas. Pack intelligently without carrying extra weight.
| Category | Items | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Main Trekking Items | 4-Season Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Duffel Bag, Daypack (25-35L), Windbreaker jacket, Raincoat | Duffel bag will be carried by the porters; keep essential items in the daypack |
| Head, Face & Eyes | Warm woolen hat, Sun hat, UV Sunglasses, Buff/Neck warmer, Sunscreen (SPF 50+), Headlamp with spare batteries | Protection against high-altitude UV rays and intense wind conditions |
| Hand Wear | Lightweight inner gloves, Heavy windproof/insulated gloves | Essential for cold mornings and Larke La Pass day |
| Upper Body Wear | Long-sleeved base layers, Moisture-wicking T-shirts, Fleece jacket, Woolen sweater, Outer shell jacket | Focus on a breathable layering system for variable temperatures |
| Lower Body Wear | Thermal trousers, Trekking trousers, Waterproof pants, Comfortable evening track pants | Ensure maximum movement comfort and nighttime warmth |
| Footwear | Sturdy waterproof trekking boots, Camp shoes/sandals, Woolen trekking socks, Spare inner liner socks | Properly broken-in hiking boots prevent blisters and ankle twists |
| First Aid & Meds | Band-Aids, Blister tape, Diamox (for AMS), Water purifiers, Pain relievers, Personal medications | Our guides carry a standard first aid kit; personal meds are recommended |
| Essentials & Extras | Valid Passport, Passport photos, Reusable Water bottle/Bladder, Basic toiletries, Power bank, Trekking poles | Important items for smooth documentation and functional ease |
Important Advice
- Keep your duffel bag within the standard porter weight limit (12-15 kg maximum per guest).
- Break in your new boots before the trek to avoid debilitating blisters.
- Layering clothing is highly effective for transitioning between sub-tropical lowlands and high-altitude alpine zones.
- Most personal items and basic gear can be bought or rented conveniently in Kathmandu.
Be well-prepared for a rewarding and stress-free journey.
Package Includes & Excludes
✅ Includes
- All private airport pickups and drop transfers in Kathmandu
- Standard hotel stays in Kathmandu (Bed & Breakfast plan)
- Full board teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- Delicious vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner while trekking
- Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) + MCAP and ACAP conservation permits
- All required ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Support porters (1 porter service shared between 2 trekkers)
- Guide and porter salaries, meals, accommodation, and insurance
- Company duffel bags, trekking poles, and first aid kits (if required)
- All applicable Nepalese government service taxes and fees
- Comprehensive emergency helicopter rescue arrangement support
❌ Excludes
- International flight ticket fares and Nepal tourist visa fees
- Lunch and dinner meals while staying in Kathmandu
- Mandatory comprehensive travel and high-altitude evacuation insurance
- Personal gear, clothing, and equipment not specified
- Personal expenses: Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers
- Mineral water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
- Snacks, desserts, energy bars, and extra food requests
- Extra overnight hotel stays due to weather delays or changes in itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for trekking guides, porters, and drivers
Trekking Map
Book Now / Enquiry
Good To Know
Best Season: High seasons run from March to May and September to November, featuring exceptional visibility and stable weather.
Permit Requirements: The Manaslu circuit falls within a restricted zone; a minimum of two trekkers traveling with a licensed guide is legally required.
Trek Grade: This is a challenging trek. We highly recommend consistent cardiovascular training prior to your arrival.
Accommodation: Tea houses along the route offer simple rooms with common bathrooms in some villages. Quality improves in the lower valley areas.
Safety Guidelines: Our itineraries are explicitly configured with built-in acclimatization stops. We check oxygen levels daily to ensure overall well-being.
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