Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal's most beautiful and pristine trekking routes, winding through the heart of the wild Himalayas around the world's eighth highest mountain, Manaslu (8163m). Over 16 days you'll witness breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, isolated valleys and roaring waterfalls. The route passes through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, ancient monasteries and mani walls adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. The highlight of the trek is crossing Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters — a rewarding high-altitude crossing with panoramic views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan giants. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Himalayas and take part in the fight against cancer!
Trip details
- Country: Nepal
- Summit elevation: 5106m
- Duration: 16 days
- Price: from $2250
- Success rate: 91%
- Recommended seasons: April-May, September-October
Highlights
- Larkya La Pass 5106m
- Ancient Tibetan villages
- Buddhist monasteries
- Manaslu 8163m views
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!
Before landing in Kathmandu, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the plane. After landing, we transfer to Hotel Barahi in Kathmandu, passing through scenic rural and mountain landscapes. Once checked in, rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Day 2: Gear check and orientation in Kathmandu
On our second day in Kathmandu we prepare for the trek. In the morning we meet the local guides for a briefing, equipment check and packing. We pick up any last-minute gear and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city before the journey begins.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Day 3: Jeep drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (920m)
Our journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu through lush green hills and agricultural terraces. The road follows the Trishuli River, offering magical views of traditional villages, rushing rivers and mountain scenery. The final stretch takes us along a rugged mountain track to Machha Khola, our overnight stop.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola
Day 4: Machha Khola - Jagat (1400m)
Leaving Machha Khola we walk along the Budhi Gandaki River through traditional mountain villages and stop at Tatopani to rest at natural hot springs. The trail crosses suspension bridges with dramatic views of cliffs and rushing rivers. The day ends at Jagat, a beautiful village marking the official entry gate to the Manaslu Restricted Area.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat
Day 5: Jagat - Deng (1830m)
From Jagat, a gentle climb leads to Salleri and then down to Sirdibas, where the valley opens up with a stunning river view. The trail is decorated with colourful prayer flags and small monasteries. We pass through Philim - the largest village in the area and an important checkpoint - experiencing daily life among the local Gurung people. After lunch in Chhisapani we continue to Deng through small villages, millet fields and bamboo forests.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Deng
Day 6: Deng - Namrung (2660m)
We climb from Deng toward Bhi Phedi, a beautiful village overlooking the Budhi Gandaki River, high peaks and traditional monasteries. The trail continues through forests to Ghap, passing through an area affected by an earthquake where wild monkeys are sometimes spotted. After a short break in Ghap, about two more hours of walking brings us to Namrung, a village surrounded by magnificent peaks, dense forests and Buddhist monasteries.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namrung
Day 7: Namrung - Lho (3180m)
We leave Namrung and gradually ascend through forests and valleys toward higher villages. We pass through Shyala, a peaceful village with a monastery, stupa, prayer wall and small community centre offering stunning views of Manaslu, Himchuli and Ngadi Chuli. We continue through dense forests to Lho, arriving in the evening for a restful night in a calm local atmosphere.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lho
Day 8: Lho - Samagaon (3530m)
The trail winds through green forests and open slopes, with a stop at a small village offering monasteries and spectacular viewpoints over Manaslu and Himchuli. After a rest we continue with a gentle descent to Samagaon, the largest and most important village in the Manaslu region, serving as a cultural hub with traditional Tibetan-style homes and monasteries surrounded by Himalayan peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon
Day 9: Samagaon - Manaslu Base Camp (4800m) - Samagaon
A full-day excursion to the base camp of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world. The route involves a gradual climb to approximately 4800 m with breathtaking and unforgettable views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After reaching base camp we descend safely back to Samagaon for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samagaon
Day 10: Samagaon - Samdo (3860m)
After breakfast we descend from Samagaon toward the Budhi Gandaki River and cross a tributary via a suspension bridge. Along the way we pass mani walls and colourful prayer flags. As we approach Samdo the trail passes through small traditional Tibetan-Buddhist settlements preserving the unique local culture. On arrival, a short optional hike to a viewpoint reveals the valley, the Manaslu range and the path toward Larkya La Pass.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo
Day 11: Acclimatization day in Samdo (3860m)
After breakfast we set out for a relaxed acclimatization hike. The trail climbs gradually toward the Tibetan border with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, wild valleys and Siacche Glacier. We spend a short time at the border taking in the sweeping scenery before descending calmly back to Samdo, enjoying the crisp mountain air throughout.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo
Day 12: Samdo - Dharamsala (4460m)
We set off from Samdo, a quiet village reflecting its Tibetan cultural heritage. The trail climbs gradually through varied terrain, crossing a glacial stream at high altitude before entering a dramatic landscape of rocky, arid slopes typical of the high Himalayas. We aim to reach Dharamsala by midday, leaving the afternoon for full rest and optimal acclimatization ahead of tomorrow's summit day.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharamsala
Day 13: Dharamsala - Larkya La Pass (5106m) - Bimtang (3590m)
The highlight of the trek! We start very early to ensure safe conditions for crossing Larkya La Pass, one of the highest and most renowned mountain passes in Nepal. The climb rewards us with extraordinary panoramic views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. At the pass (5106 m) we celebrate the achievement beside fluttering Buddhist prayer flags. The descent to Bimtang requires careful navigation on steep and sometimes icy terrain; upon reaching the peaceful valley surrounded by towering peaks we rest and recover.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bimtang
Day 14: Bimtang - Dharapani (1860m)
We begin the descent from Bimtang, cross a suspension bridge over the Ponkar River and pass through dense forests of rhododendron (spectacular in bloom during spring). We stop for lunch at the village of Karche on the banks of the Dudh Khola River. Continuing to the picturesque village of Goa, the valley broadens to reveal fertile farmland and terraces. Reaching Dharapani marks the official end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharapani
Day 15: Jeep drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
After an early breakfast we take a jeep for roughly 3 hours to Besisahar, passing through green forests, terraced fields and charming villages - a final glimpse of Himalayan rural life. From Besisahar we continue another 6–7 hours to Kathmandu. In the evening enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner with cultural dance performances.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Day 16: Flight back home!
After a final breakfast at the hotel we pack up, check out and transfer to Kathmandu airport for our flight home. On board we swap stories and memories from an extraordinary journey - full of photos and tales to share for years to come.
What's included
- Gift kit - cap, dry-fit shirt and 100L duffel bag!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to Kathmandu airport to hotel
- Dinners at a restaurant before and after the trek
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, single room, on B&B basis
- Internal jeep transfers
- Teahouse accommodation in shared rooms throughout the trek
- All entry permits for the trek and the Manaslu Conservation Area
- 3 meals per day from menu throughout the trek
- 2 liters of hot water a day
- Shower and attached toilet during the trek, as available on the route
- Professional local English-speaking guides
- Porters for personal gear (up to 15 kg per person)
- First aid kit carried by the guides
- Pulse oximeter (one per group)
- Satellite device
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Kathmandu
- Personal gear - clothing and footwear
- Tips for guides and porters - $250 per person
- Nepal visa fees - $50 per person
- Vaccinations and medical advice at a travel clinic
- Internet, laundry, alcohol, extra meals etc. at teahouses
- A fourth hotel night in Kathmandu (if needed)
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Single room at teahouses during trek - $20/night
Good to know
- The Manaslu Circuit passes through a Restricted Area - a special permit is included in the package. Access without official authorisation is not permitted.
- TIMS card and Manaslu National Park permit are also included - no independent arrangements needed.
- Lukla flights can be cancelled due to weather - on the first day we recommend not scheduling tight onward flights. A buffer day is built into the plan.
- Larkya La Pass (5106m) is the longest and hardest day - departure before dawn at 03:00-04:00.
- Medical clearance required - including fitness for 5000m altitude and 16 consecutive trekking days.
- Trek runs in groups of up to 10 with experienced guides.
- Safety before summit - always committed to safety above everything.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is prior experience required?
For most of our routes no prior climbing experience is needed. What it takes is good fitness, an open mind and the will to reach the summit - and the preparation we do together before departure does the rest.
What is the group size?
Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants, to keep personal guidance, a warm touch and a high-quality experience throughout the journey.
Is a single room available?
Yes, a single room can be requested for an additional fee. Please note it on the registration form so we can secure the room for you.
What happens if I need to descend early?
Participant safety comes first. If you need to descend early for any reason, the guide accompanies you back safely. Note that any extra costs arising from an early descent are the traveller's responsibility.
What is included in the price?
The price includes everything listed in the "What's Included" section on the page. International flights and travel insurance are not included, and a full gear list is sent to every registrant after registration.