Standard Manaslu Circuit Trek
Not yet rated
Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek (15 Days) – Embark on the awe-inspiring Manaslu Circuit Trek, a stunning journey that circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth highest peak. Starting from the lush lower hills adorned with terraced fields, the trail gradually climbs through dense alpine forests and authentic Tibetan-influenced villages near the Tibetan border.
Often touted as the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu offers a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and unsurpassed Himalayan beauty without the heavy crowds. The ultimate climax is crossing the formidable Larke Pass (5,106m), rewarding you with dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding icefalls and towering peaks including Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II.
This package includes local bus transport from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, sharing jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, tourist bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu, 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on B&B basis, all tea house accommodation on the trek, full board meals during trekking with tea or coffee, a licensed English-speaking guide with all expenses covered, first aid kit, trekking map, trekking T-shirt, all required permits (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP), and all government taxes. Best seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
Key Facts
Book Now
Itinerary
Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu
Stops in a Day
Description
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,400m):
Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the adventure.
Meals: None.
Kathmandu - Machha Khola
Stops in a Day
Description
Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m) – 8 to 9 Hours by Local Bus:
A scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, transitioning to a rougher road following the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Machha Khola. Distance: 160km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Machha Khola - Jagat
Stops in a Day
Description
Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m) – 6 to 7 Hours Trek:
Trek through beautiful landscapes, crossing suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki. Pass the hot springs at Tatopani and climb over a ridge to Jagat. Distance: 22km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Jagat - Deng
Stops in a Day
Description
Jagat to Deng (1,800m) – 6 to 7 Hours Trek:
Enter the restricted region. Walk past terraced fields, beautiful waterfalls, and culturally rich Gurung villages before reaching the small settlement of Deng. Distance: 20km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Deng - Namrung
Stops in a Day
Description
Deng to Namrung (2,630m) – 6 to 7 Hours Trek:
The trail ascends through dense forests with dramatic river gorges. Notice the strong Tibetan influence as you approach Namrung village.
Distance: 19km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Namrung - Samagaun
Stops in a Day
Description
Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,530m) – 6 to 7 Hours Trek:
Enjoy close-up views of Mt. Manaslu. The trail widens as you pass barley fields and reach the principal village of the region, Sama Gaon.
Distance: 17km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Acclimatization in Sama Gaon
Stops in a Day
Description
Acclimatisation Day in Sama Gaon (3,530m) – 3 to 4 Hours:
Rest day for acclimatisation. Explore the local culture, hike up to Pungyen Gompa, or visit the stunning Birendra Lake.
Overnight at a tea house.
Samagaun - Samdo
Stops in a Day
Description
Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,860m) – 4 Hours Trek:
A shorter day of trekking. The trail follows the river and offers magnificent views of the Manaslu glacier before arriving at the traditional village of Samdo.
Distance: 8km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Samdo - Dharamsala
Stops in a Day
Description
Samdo to Dharmashala / Larke Phedi (4,460m) – 4 Hours Trek:
Cross streams and navigate the rugged terrain up to Dharmashala (Larke Phedi), the base camp for crossing the pass.
Distance: 8km. Overnight at a tea house (dormitory style possible due to remoteness).
Dharamsala - Bhimtang
Stops in a Day
Description
Dharmashala to Bhimtang via Larke Pass (5,106m) – 8 to 10 Hours Trek:
An early start for the challenging and rewarding ascent over Larke Pass (5,106m). The descent into Bhimtang is steep but offers stunning glacial panoramas of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. Distance: 24km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Bhimtang - Tiliche
Stops in a Day
Description
Bhimtang to Tiliche (2,300m) – 5 to 6 Hours Trek:
Descend rapidly through pristine rhododendron and pine forests, enjoying warmer climates as you reach the Gurung village of Tiliche.
Distance: 16km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Tiliche - Dharapani
Stops in a Day
Description
Tilije to Dharapani (1,860m) – 3 to 4 Hours Trek:
A short downhill trek to merge with the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani. Celebrate the successful completion of the trekking portion.
Distance: 8km.
Overnight at a tea house.
Dharapani - Besisahar
Stops in a Day
Description
Dharapani to Besisahar (760m) – 5 to 6 Hours by Sharing Jeep:
Embark on a rugged off-road drive along the Marsyangdi river valley to Besisahar.
Distance: 45km.
Overnight at a hotel.
Besisahar - Kathmandu
Stops in a Day
Description
Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 6 to 7 Hours by Tourist Bus:
A comfortable scenic drive back to the capital. Transfer to your 3-star hotel. Rest or enjoy last-minute souvenir shopping.
Distance: 175km.
Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
Kathmandu - Tribhuvan International Airport
Stops in a Day
Description
Final Departure – Kathmandu: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Wonder Himalaya wishes you a safe flight!
Things Included
Support Team
- A professional English-speaking guide including all his/her expenses — salary, food, accommodation, and insurance
- 24/7 emergency support and coordination, including assistance in arranging helicopter evacuation
Permits
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permit
Pickup and Drop Service
- Airport pickup on arrival in Kathmandu (Day 1)
- Airport drop on departure day (Day 15)
Travel Insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance is not included — all trekkers must arrange their own travel and medical insurance including helicopter evacuation coverage before departure
Accommodation
- 2 nights in Kathmandu at a 3-star category hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis (Days 1 and 14)
- All mountain accommodation at tea houses during trekking nights (Days 2–13)
Transport
- Local bus: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (Day 2)
- Sharing jeep: Dharapani to Besisahar (Day 13)
Food
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) with tea or coffee from the menu during all trekking days
- Bed and Breakfast basis during 2 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu (Days 1 and 14)
Additional Perks
- First Aid Kit provided and carried by the guide throughout the trek
- Trekking map of the Manaslu region provided
Things Excluded
- Things not mentioned in the included section
- Nepal Visa Fees
- International Flight Fare
- Tips to the Guide and Porter
- Drinks and Beverages (bottled water, alcohol, sodas)
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Helicopter evacuation fees
- Any other personal expenses (hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi on trek)
Things To Pack
Clothing and Backpack
- Sun Hat and Warm Beanie
- UV Protection Sunglasses
Footwear
- Sturdy, broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support — essential for the Larke Pass crossing
- Lightweight sandals or flip flops for tea house evenings
Toiletries and Personal Items
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
- Quick-dry Trekking Towel
Gadgets and Extras
- Headlamp with Extra Batteries — essential for early morning Larke Pass crossing
- Camera or smartphone with extra memory cards
Optional but Useful
- Quality Sleeping Bag (-15°C rating) — highly recommended for high altitude nights
- Comfortable Daypack (30–40L)
What Not to Carry
- Hard-shell suitcases — use a soft duffel bag for porter carries
- Excessive valuables or jewelry — leave at your Kathmandu hotel