Manaslu Circuit Trek

Renowned as one of Nepal's finest treks, the Manaslu Circuit Trek winds through the pristine landscapes of the Manaslu Conservation Area, offering awe-inspiring views of the world's eighth-highest peak.

For those who have already experienced the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit Trek presents an excellent alternative. Spanning 13 days from Soti Khola to Beshi Sahar, this trek can be extended to 22 days with a detour to the enchanting Tsum Valley.

Surrounded by the majestic Annapurna range to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, the trek showcases the graceful presence of towering 8,000-meter peaks, it is one of the underrated trekking destinations with a lot more to explore and experience.

Unlike the bustling trails of Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a quieter experience with fewer fellow trekkers. Remote and physically demanding, yet culturally enriching and scenically uplifting, it traverses diverse terrain.

The journey begins in steamy lowlands adorned with rice and millet terraces, leading through the dramatic gorges of the Budi Gandaki River, where turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls captivate the senses. Suspension bridges along the route, renowned for their length and height, present thrilling crossings, often challenging trekkers with seasonal monsoon impacts.

Initially opened to a maximum of 400 trekkers in 1992, the trek retains an air of exploration and discovery, akin to pioneering expeditions of the past. Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a visual feast from start to finish, providing a glimpse into trekking as it was in the 1980s—but with the prerequisite of being in top physical condition.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (Maccha Khola – 930 m / 3,051 ft -9 hrs)

Day 2: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat (Jagat – 1,340 m /4,396 ft – 6 hrs)

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (Deng – 1,804 m / 5,918 ft – 6 hrs)

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung (Namrung – 2,630 m / 8,628 ft – 6 hrs)

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Lho (Lho – 2,957 m / 9,701 ft – 4 hrs)

Day 6: Lho to Sama Gaun (Sama Gaun – 3.530 m / 11,581 ft – 4 hrs)

Day 7: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)

Sama Gaun – 4,400m / 14,435 ft – 7 hrs

Day 8: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (Samdo – 3,865 m / 12,680 ft – 3 hrs)

Day 9: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border) Samdo – 5,000 m / 16,404 ft – 8 hrs

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (Dharmasala – 4,460 m / 14,632 ft – 4 hrs)

Day 11: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass (Bimthang – 3,590 m / 11,778 ft – 10 hrs)

Day 12: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (Dharapani – 1,970 m / 6.463 ft – 7 hrs)

Day 13: Trek from Dharapani to Kathmandu (Drive) Kathmandu – 1,300 m / 4,265 ft – 10 hrs

The optimal time for trekking in Manaslu is during spring (March, April, or May) before the monsoon season begins. This period features dry trails, stable weather conditions, excellent visibility, and long daylight hours ideal for trekking.

Similarly, autumn (September, October, and November) is also highly recommended for the Manaslu trek, following the monsoon season. During this time, the weather stabilizes with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, magnificent mountain vistas, and minimal snowfall, creating perfect trekking conditions.