A complete Guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek - Highlights, Cost & Itinerary

Manaslu Circuit Trek Introduction:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging and popular off-beaten treks in Nepal. The trek is mainly renowned for the spectacular glimpse of numerous snow-capped peaks including the 8^th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft). Besides that, the trek offers pristine nature, biological diversity, traditional culture, untrodden trails, panoramic landscape, and unsurpassed beauty in the naturally blessed region. One can experience the sensational excitement while trekking in the exotic Manaslu region. The trek has many more things to offer to the keen and adventurous trekkers. If you want to experience the quiet trekking trails, unravished natural beauty, and ecological harmony, must try the Manaslu Trek once in a lifetime.

History of Manaslu Trekking in Nepal:

Manaslu region is one of the least visited destinations in the Himalayas. Regarding the history of trekking in the Manaslu region, more than 300 tourists visited this region in the year 1995. Although Mt. Manaslu was first climbed by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu in 1956, trekking in the Manaslu region was restricted by the Government of Nepal until 1990 due to some security issues. The restriction somehow helped to preserve the ecological balance and intact natural resources in this region. When the tea houses were started to be built in 2010 for the better accommodation and hospitality, the Manaslu trek started to gain so much popularity. In the year 2015, when the massive earthquake hit Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route was severely affected and remained closed for many months. In that year, the region managed to welcome 2,288 tourists. According to the survey, the number of trekkers in the Manaslu region is increasing rapidly. And, after the year 2017-2018, the region welcomes more than 7,000 trekkers every year.

Highlights of Manaslu Trekking:

Scenic drive: Unlike the Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu Trek begins with a 4 wheeler drive from Kathmandu to Aaru-Ghat and Soti Khola. The scenic drive through the remote trails offers exotic scenery and bumpy experience. Fasten the seat belts and feel the rustic earthy smell in the Manaslu region. Quiet and Hassle-free trek: There will be limited trekkers on the trails as the Manaslu Region Trek is comparatively less popular than EBC Trek and ABC Trek. Also, the trails are recently opened and some areas are still restricted for trekking. It will always be a hassle-free and melodious trek in the Manaslu region. Perfect glimpse of Mt. Manaslu and other peaks: The trek is most remembered for the stupendous view of the world’s 8^th highest peak, Mt. Manaslu, also known as the killer mountain. From the highest point of the trek, Larkya La (5,160/16,928ft), Mt. Manaslu and other stunning mountains look awe-inspiring. Wild, scenic, and remote trails: Most of the trails in the Manaslu region are untrodden yet. The trekkers can explore the new trekking trails and may encounter several floras and faunas on the trail while tracing the Manaslu Conservation Area. Pristine natural beauty: The Manaslu Trek offers the golden opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the untouched region. There is nothing like trekking in this restricted region and explore the unspoiled natural beauty. Economical: The Manaslu Short Trek is economical and affordable. In the package price, there will be the facilities of 3 times meals a day, well-accommodated lodges, permit cards, guides-porters, transportation during the entire trekking period, trekking equipment, etc. The Manaslu trek is cheaper than EBC and ABC Trek. Experience mix culture: It is believed that most of the people in the highlands are the Tibetan descendants who immigrated to this region during 1600.  So while trekking in this region, we can experience the traditional lifestyle and Tibetan influence. The people in this region follow the mix of Tibetan Buddhism and Nepalese Buddhism.

Best Manaslu Region Treks and their Itineraries:

Although the Manaslu Region is recently opened for trekking, the popularity of Manaslu Trek has been elevated year in year out. The trek is appropriate for the trekkers of all age groups, females, beginners, veterans, backpackers, and budget travelers who prefer comparatively moderate, cheaper, and fresh trek. To offer the delightful experience of trekking in the Manaslu region, MMT has customized the best Manaslu Region Trek. Here is the list of top 4 Manaslu Region Trek with itinerary:

1. Short Manaslu Circuit Trek: The 14 days short Manaslu Circuit Trek is finely tailored by MMT for the limited time trekkers. The trek offers the biological diversity, cultural confluence, and serene landscape of the Manaslu region. More important, Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16, 928ft), the highest and the most adventurous pass of the Himalayan trail are renowned for the spectacular view of numerous snow-capped peaks including the mighty Mt. Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft). With AMS friendly itinerary, the trek can be successfully accomplished by the trekkers with average fitness and no prior experience.

Check the Outline Itinerary:

• Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,300m/ 4,265ft) to Soti Khola (700/ 2,300ft):
• Day 2: Soti Khola to Dobhan (1,070m/ 3,510ft):
• Day 3: Dobhan to Philim (1,570m/5,150ft):
• Day 4: Philim to Bhiphedi (1,900m/6,234ft):
• Day 5: Bhiphedi to Namrung (2,630m/8,630ft):
• Day 6: Numrung to Lho (3,180m/10, 432ft):
• Day 7: Lho to Sama Gaon (3,520m/11,550ft):
• Day 8: Acclimatization and exploration day at Sama Gaon:
• Day 9: Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft):
• Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkye Phedi) (4,460m/14,631):
• Day 11: Dharmasala – Larkye La Pass (5,160m/ 16,928ft) to Bimtang (3,590m/11,777ft):
• Day 12: Bimtang to Gho (2,515m/8,259ft):
• Day 13: Gho to Tal (1,680m/5,512ft):
• Day 14: Drive from Tal to Besisahar (7,60m/2,500ft) and then final drive to Kathmandu:

2. Manaslu Circuit Trek- 18 days:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous trek in the most majestic Manaslu region. The trek follows the old salt trading route along Buri Gandaki river and traces through rough steep mule track carved on side cliffs, long metal suspension bridges, forests of oak and rhododendron, heavenly ethnic villagers, green lush hills, magnificent glaciers, and dramatic Larkya la(5100m) pass; highest elevation in the trek. It offers an opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness and wonderful natural beauty of this region. Outline itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek:

• Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft)
• Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation
• Day 3: Kathmandu(1,300m/4,265ft) – Arughat (600m/1,970 ft) – Soti Khola (70m/2,300ft): 135km, 8-9 hrs drive.
• Day 4: Soti Khola(700m/2,300ft) – Machha Khola (870m/2,855ft): 13km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 5: Machha Khola(870m/2,855ft) – Dobhan (1,070m/3,510ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 6: Dobhan)1,070/3,510ft) – Philim (1,570m/5,150ft): 13km, 7-8 hrs.
• Day 7: Philim(1,570m/5,150ft) – Deng (1,860m/6,102ft): 10km, 6-7 hrs
• Day 8: Deng(1,860m/6,102ft) – Namrung (2,630m/8,630ft): 15km, 7-8 hrs.
• Day 9: Namrung(2,630m/8,630ft) – Lho (3,180m/10,432ft): 7km, 4-5hrs.
• Day 10: Lho(3,180m/10,432ft) – Sama Gaon (3,520m/11,550ft): 9km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 11: Rest and exploration day
• Day 12: Sama(3,520m/11,550ft) – Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft): 8km, 4-5 hrs.
• Day 13: Samdo(3,860m/12,664ft) – Larkya Phedi/Dharamsala (4,460m/14,631ft): 7km, 4-5 hrs.
• Day 14: Dharamsala(4,460m/14,631ft) – Larkya La (5,160m/16,928ft) – Bimthang (3,590m/11,777ft): 13km, 8-9 hrs.
• Day 15: Bimthang(3,590m/11,777ft) – Gho (2,515m/8,250ft): 13km, 6-7 hrs.
• Day 16: Gho(2,515m/8,250ft) – Dharapani (1,920m/6,300ft): 8km, 3-4 hrs.
• Day 17: Dharapani(1,920m/6,300ft)- Besi Sahar (760m/2,495ft) – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft): 190km 7-8hrs.
• Day 18: Final departure

3. Tsum Valley Trek:

Situated in the South of Tibet’s Shisha Pangma (8,046m/26,400ft) and along the Tibet border, Tsum valley is one of the most secluded valleys in the Himalayas. Tsum valley trekking has become popular due to the ethnic lifestyle, unravished natural resources, and exquisite scenery. The highlights of the Tsum valley trek include the village of Chhekampar with stone houses and slate roofs, Milarepa’s cave, Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. It also offers the 360° view of the Ganesh Himal range to the west and Manaslu to the east with its surrounding peaks. Here is the outline Itinerary:

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,2645ft)
• Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation
• Day 03: Kathmandu(1,300m/4,265ft) – Arughat (600m/1,970 ft) – Soti Khola (700m/2,300ft):135km, 8-9 hrs drive.
• Day 04: Soti Khola(700m/2,300ft) – Machha Khola (870m/2,855ft): 13km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 05: Machha Khola(870m/2,855ft) – Dobhan (1,070m/3,510ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 06: Dobhan(1,070m/3,510ft) – Philim (1,570m/5,150ft): 13km, 7-8 hrs.
• Day 07: Philim(1,570m/5,150ft) – Chumling (2,886m/9,470ft): 14km, 7-8 hrs.
• Day 08: Chumling(2,886m/9,470ft) – Chhekampar (3,030m/9,940ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 09: Chhekampar(3,010m/9,940ft) – Nile (3,360 m/11,020ft): 9km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 10: Exploration day: Nile(3,360m/11,020ft) – Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,140ft) – Chhekampar (3,030m/9,940ft): 14km, -8 hrs.
• Day 11: Chhekampar(3,030m/9,940ft) – Gumba Lungdang (3,200m/10,500ft): 11km, 6-7 hrs.
• Day 12: Exploration day: Gumba Lungdang(3,200m/10,500ft) – Ganesh Himal BC (4,200m/13,780ft) – return: 10km,7-8 hrs.
• Day 13: Gumba Lungdang(3,200m/10,500ft) – Ripchet (2,470m/8,100ft) – Lokpa (2,240m/7,350ft): 13km, 7-8 hrs.
• Day 14: Lokpa(2,240m/7,350ft) – Sirdibas (1,420m/4,660ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs.
• Day 15: Sirdibas(1,420m/4,660ft) – Khorlabesi (970m/3,182ft): 14km, 7-8 hrs.
• Day 16: Khorlabesi(970m/3,182ft) – Soti Khola (700m/2,300ft): 15km, 6-7 hrs.
• Day 17: Soti Khola(700m/2,300ft) – Arughat(600m/1,970ft) – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft):135km, 8-9hrs.
• Day 18: Final departure

4. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek: One of the longest and most adventurous trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, is the fusion of Manaslu valley Trek and Tsum Valley Trek. The trek traces the trail from Aarughat to the junction of Philim and then traces the trail to Mu Gompa of Tsum Valley. The main highlight of the trek includes the adventurous trail to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp and the perfect glimpse of the Ganesh Himal. Also, the Larkya La Pass offers the panoramic view of snow-capped peaks including the Mt. Manaslu. Opened for trekking only after 2008, the hidden Tsum Valley offers the everlasting experience of trekking.

The outline Itinerary:

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft)
• Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation
• Day 03: Kathmandu(1,300m/4,265ft) – Arughat (600m/1,970ft) - Soti Khola (700m/2,300ft): 135km, 8-9 hrs drive.
• Day 04: Soti Khola(700m/2,300ft) – Machha Khola (870m/2,854ft): 13km, 5-6 hrs
• Day 05: Machha Khola(870m/2,854ft) – Dobhan (1,070m/3,510ft): 10km, 5-6hrs
• Day 06: Dobhan (1070m/3,510ft)– Philim (1,570m/5,150ft): 13km, 7-8 hrs
• Day 07: Philim(1,570m/5,150ft) – Lokpa (2,240m/7,350ft) – Chumling (2,886m/9,470ft):14km, 7-8hrs
• Day 08: Chumling (2,886m/9,470ft)– Chhekampar (3,030m/9,940ft): 10km, 5-6 hrs
• Day 09: Chhekampar(3,030m/9,940ft) – Nile (3,360m/11,020ft): 9km, 5-6hrs
• Day 10: Exploration day: Nile(3,360m/11,020ft) – Mu Gompa (3,700m/12,140ft) – Chhekampar (3,030m/9,940ft): 14km, 8-9hrs
• Day 11: Chhekampar(3,030m/9,940ft) – Gumba Lungdang (3,200m/10,500ft): 11km, 6-7hrs
• Day 12: Gumba Lungdang(3,200m/10,500ft) – Ripchet (2,470m/8,100ft) – Lokpa (2,240m/7,350ft): 13km, 7-8 hrs
• Day 13: Lokpa(2,240m/7,350ft) – ‘New Bridge’ (1,675m/5,500ft) – Bihi Phedi (1,990m/6,530ft): 12km, 7-8hrs
• Day 14: Bihi Phedi(1,990m/6,530ft) – Namrung (2,630m/8,630ft): 12km, 6-7hrs
• Day 15: Namrung(2,630m/8,630ft) – Lho (3,180m/10,430ft): 7km, 4-5hrs
• Day 16: Lho(3,180m/10,432ft) – Sama Gaon (3,520m/11,550ft): 9km, 5-6 hrs
• Day 17: Sama: Rest and exploration day: Birendra Tal / Pungyen Gompa / Manaslu Base Cam
• Day 18: Sama(3,520m/11,550ft) – Samdo (3,860m/12,663ft): 8km, 4-5hrs
• Day 19: Samdo(3,860m/12,663ft) – Larkya Phedi/Dharamsala (4,460m/14,630ft): 7km, 4-5hrs
• Day 20: Dharamsala(4,460m/14,630ft) – Larkya La (5,160m/16,928ft) – Bimthang (3,590m/11,777ft): 13km, 8-9 hrs
• Day 21: Bimthang(3,590m/11,777ft) – Gho (2,515m/8,250ft): 13km, 6-7 hrs
• Day 22: Gho(2,515m/78,250ft) – Dharapani (1,920m/6,300ft): 8km, 3-4 hrs
• Day 23: Dharapani(1,920m/6,300ft)- Besi Sahar (760m/2,495ft) – Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft): 190km 7-8hrs drive
• Day 24: Final departure

Manaslu Trek Cost:

MMT customizes numerous Manaslu Region Trekking packages on the special demand of the keen trekkers. The price of one Manaslu Trekking package ranges from US$ 1395 to US$ 1645 and is different from one trek to another trek as it depends on the group size of trekkers, itineraries, time duration, amenities, number of guides and porters, and extra services. The cost of the treks include one way airway ticket, four wheelers drive from Kathmandu-Aarughat and vice versa, three times meals er day, all accommodation services during entire trek, Permit pass, and guides-porters charge. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most economical treks in Nepal. In comparison to EBC and ABC tea houses prices, the Manaslu tea houses serve qualitative services at the cheaper price.  The trekkers also don't need to book the flight for this trek which also helps to minimize the expenses. We guarantee a reasonable price, economic transparency, and excellent service. Check the exact price and included-excluded services of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

In conclusion:

The Manaslu region is recently permitted for trekking so the trek is perfect for the physically fit trekkers who love solitude in trails. There are still many restricted areas where the individual trekkers are not allowed to trek without government registered guides and permit cards. Till today, there are numerous untrodden and unexplored trekking trails in this region. So, trekking in the hidden valley is really adventurous and pride moment as you can get a chance to be the next Christopher Colombus. For more detail information, please, contact us.