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Overview And Highlights
The 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable Himalayan adventure, tracing a dramatic loop around the world’s eighth highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). This off-the-beaten-path journey combines raw wilderness, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and jaw-dropping scenery—from lush river valleys to glacial high passes.
Starting from Soti Khola, this trek follows the roaring Budhi Gandaki River through cascading waterfalls, subtropical forests, and ethnic Gurung and Magar villages. As you gain altitude, the scenery transitions into alpine meadows and yak pastures dotted with mani walls and chortens, culminating in a challenging yet rewarding crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m)—one of the highest and most scenic passes in Nepal.
What sets the Manaslu Circuit apart is its raw remoteness and cultural richness. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo showcase ancient Tibetan-influenced lifestyles untouched by mass tourism. With fewer crowds than the Annapurna or Everest regions, it’s perfect for trekkers seeking solitude, authenticity, and challenge.
This trek requires two permits (Manaslu Restricted and Manaslu Conservation Area), a licensed guide, and must be done in a group of two or more. Annapurna Encounter ensures all logistics, permits, and safety are taken care of—so you can focus on the experience.
Highlights:
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Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via the countryside
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Diverse terrain: terraced fields, dense forests, and high alpine glaciers
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Remote villages: Machha Khola, Philim, Namrung, Samagaun, Samdo
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Cultural exploration: Monasteries, Tibetan culture, and prayer flags
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Acclimatization day at Samagaun with optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake
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Thrilling Larkya La Pass (5,106m) crossing with panoramic Himalayan views
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Descend to lush Marsyangdi Valley and finish in Dharapani
Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Season | Months | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Spring | March–May | Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, best views |
Autumn | September–November | Most stable weather, cultural festivals |
Winter | December–February | Very cold and snowy at high altitudes, not ideal |
Monsoon | June–August | Landslides, leeches, and poor visibility |
What to Pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Clothing:
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Base layers (moisture-wicking)
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Insulated down jacket
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Fleece jacket
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Waterproof shell jacket and pants
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Trekking trousers & shorts
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Thermal underwear
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Gloves (lightweight and insulated)
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Woolen hat and sun hat
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Buff or scarf
Footwear:
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Broken-in trekking boots
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Camp sandals or sneakers
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Woolen and moisture-wicking socks
Accessories:
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Sunglasses (UV protection)
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Headlamp with extra batteries
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Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
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Trekking poles
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Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -15°C)
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Quick-dry towel
Health & Hygiene:
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Sunscreen & lip balm
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Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper
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Personal medications & first aid kit
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Water purification tablets or Steripen
Documents & Essentials:
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Passport & 4 passport-size photos
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Permits (we arrange them)
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Backpack (40–60L) and daypack
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Waterproof covers or dry bags
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Power bank and charging cables
Itinerary Expand All Close All
Begin your journey with a scenic drive through the Trishuli River valley and hilly countryside. You'll pass through towns like Dhading Besi and Arughat before reaching Soti Khola. This small riverside village marks the starting point of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse.
Highlight: Rivers, waterfalls, terraced fields, and rural Nepali life en route.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
730
Start early by crossing a suspension bridge and trekking through sal forests and rocky ridges. The trail undulates past waterfalls, cliffside paths, and rice terraces, leading to Machha Khola, a small riverside settlement.
Highlight: Beautiful Gurung and Magar villages and views of cascading waterfalls.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
900
Cross the Tharo Khola and head upstream to Khorla Besi, a small settlement with a natural hot spring (Tatopani). After a steep climb, descend and cross the Budhi Gandaki again before reaching Doban.
Optional: Stop at Tatopani for a short break at the hot springs.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1070
Walk through bamboo forests and narrow gorges with waterfalls on either side. After crossing Jagat, the entrance to the restricted area, your permits will be checked. Continue through cultivated fields to the well-kept village of Philim.
Highlight: Jagat village—stone-paved streets, mani walls, and a permit checkpoint.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1570
Crossing Ekle Bhatti, the trail narrows as you enter a dramatic gorge. You'll pass waterfalls, pine forests, and cliffside trails before reaching Deng, a small hamlet where the Tibetan influence becomes more visible.
Cultural Insight: Encounter local Buddhist prayer wheels, stupas, and mani walls.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1860
Pass through charming villages like Rana and Bihi Phedi. The forest becomes denser, and the trail winds through mani stones and lush greenery. Ghap is a quiet Buddhist village surrounded by wheat fields.
Wildlife: Look out for langurs and Himalayan tahr in the forests.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
2250
Ascend through rhododendron and fir forests, crossing wooden bridges. Reach Namrung, a culturally rich Tibetan village with panoramic mountain views and intricate stone architecture.
Highlight: Stay at Namrung’s traditional stone lodges and explore ancient stupas.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
2660
Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m) – 5–6 hours
Walk past barley fields and Tibetan villages like Lihi and Sho, known for their stupas and gompas. Enter the alpine zone and arrive in Lho, home to a large monastery and stunning views of Manaslu.
Cultural Insight: Visit Lho Monastery and learn about Buddhist practices.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3180
A shorter day with gradual ascents through Shyala village, offering incredible views of Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu. Samagaun is the largest village in the Nubri Valley.
Highlight: Majestic view of Mt. Manaslu rising directly above Samagaun.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3530
Rest and acclimatize. You can either hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or to the serene Birendra Lake (3,650m) for panoramic glacier views. Another option is to visit Pungyen Gompa, a secluded monastery in a stunning alpine setting.
Optional Side Trip: Manaslu Base Camp hike (7–8 hrs round trip) for experienced trekkers.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3530
Trek through yak pastures and barren landscapes. The trail gradually climbs to Samdo, a traditional Tibetan refugee village near the Tibetan border.
Cultural Insight: Explore the old salt trade route trails and yak shelters.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
3875
A short but high-altitude hike to the base of the Larkya La Pass. Rest early in basic accommodations at Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi).
Tip: Drink plenty of fluids and rest to prepare for the high pass tomorrow.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
4480
Start before sunrise to ascend the rocky trail to Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The descent to Bhimtang is long and rewarding.
Highlight: One of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas on any Nepal trek.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
5106
Descend through lush forests and cross glacial streams. Pass through charming villages like Karche and Tilje, before joining the Annapurna Circuit trail in Dharapani.
Tip: Celebrate with a warm shower and Wi-Fi in Dharapani’s better lodges.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
Elevation
1960
Your trek ends with a scenic drive via Besisahar. Depending on your choice, we’ll transfer you back to either Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Option: You can choose to extend your journey with a Pokhara tour or head back to Kathmandu for departure.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Teahouse
What Is Included ?
✅ Accommodation:
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2 nights in Kathmandu (optional add-on)
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12 nights teahouse accommodation during the trek
✅ Transportation:
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Private jeep Kathmandu to Soti Khola
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Shared/private jeep Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara
✅ Meals:
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3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
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Tea/coffee at mealtimes
✅ Permits:
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Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
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Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
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TIMS card
✅ Staff & Support:
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Government-licensed English-speaking guide
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Guide and porter insurance, salary, meals & accommodation
✅ Equipment & Safety:
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Sleeping bag and duffle bag (return after trek)
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Basic first aid kit and pulse oximeter
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Annapurna Encounter trekking map
What Is Excluded?
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Nepal visa and international airfare
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Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu
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Personal insurance and evacuation
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Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages
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Tips for guide and porter
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Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging at teahouses