Manaslu region · Strenuous
Manaslu Circuit Trek
A restricted-area circuit around the eighth-highest peak, quiet even in high season. Small groups, government-licensed guides, and porters paid and insured to IPPG standards.
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. Travellers must carry insurance covering their route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Duration
12 Days
Max altitude
5,106 m
Grade
Strenuous
Best season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group size
2–10 travellers
Accommodation
Teahouse
Day by day
Day 01
Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Eight hours by jeep along the Budhi Gandaki.
870 m
Day 02
Machha Khola to Jagat
Into the gorge, and the restricted-area checkpoint.
1,340 m
Day 03
Jagat to Deng
The valley narrows and the first Tibetan-style villages appear.
1,860 m
Day 04
Deng to Namrung
Leaving the gorge for good, into Nubri country.
2,630 m
Day 05
Namrung to Lho
First clear view of Manaslu itself from the village gompa.
3,180 m
Day 06
Lho to Samagaun
A short day into the largest village on the circuit.
3,530 m
Day 07
Acclimatisation at Samagaun
Day hike to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp.
3,530 m
Day 08
Samagaun to Samdo
Two hours to the last permanent settlement before the pass.
3,875 m
Day 09
Samdo to Dharamsala
A half day to the stone huts below Larkya La.
4,460 m
Day 10
Cross Larkya La to Bimthang
The big day: an eight-hour crossing of the 5,106 m pass.
3,720 m
Day 11
Bimthang to Dharapani
Down through pine forest into the Annapurna trail network.
1,860 m
Day 12
Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu
Jeep to Besisahar, then the highway.
1,400 m
What is included
Included
- Airport transfers and two nights in Kathmandu
- All permits, TIMS card and national park fees
- Licensed English-speaking guide and one porter per two trekkers
- Teahouse accommodation on trek, twin share
- Three meals a day while trekking
- Guide and porter insurance, wages and equipment
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Hot showers, wifi and charging on trek
- Tips for guide and porters
Why trek this with us
Two full acclimatisation days
Built into the schedule, not sold as an extra. It is the single biggest factor in reaching the top.
Guides from the region
Your guide grew up in the valley you are walking through and holds a government licence.
One porter per two trekkers
Insured, weight-limited to 25 kg and equipped by us for altitude.
No hidden costs
Permits, park fees, domestic flights and all meals on trek are in the price you see.
Reviews from this trek
★★★★★
The pacing was the thing. Two acclimatisation days felt slow at the time and meant nobody in our group turned back.
★★★★★
Our guide rerouted a day around a landslide before we even knew about it. Quoted price never moved.
★★★★★
Everything on the included list was genuinely included. No permit surprises at the trailhead.
Frequently asked
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking five to seven hours a day on consecutive days, carrying only a daypack. No technical skill is needed on this route. Most trekkers train by hill walking for two to three months beforehand.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
In critical situations on the trail, your guide arranges evacuation. You must carry travel insurance covering trekking to your route's maximum altitude, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. It must cover trekking to the maximum altitude of your route and include helicopter evacuation and repatriation. We ask for the policy number before departure.
Can I do this trip privately or on my own dates?
Every itinerary can run as a private departure on the dates you choose, usually at a small premium for solo travellers and no premium from two people upwards.
What is the payment schedule?
A 20% deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 30 days before departure, payable by card, bank transfer or in cash in Kathmandu.
