Manaslu Circuit Trek [Premium]
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best high-altitude treks in Nepal, circling Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest peak. This 14-day adventure offers breathtaking Himalayan views, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. The trek passes through remote Tibetan-style villages and the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to endangered wildlife like the snow leopard and Himalayan tahr.
The flora along the trek ranges from dense rhododendrons and pine forests at lower altitudes to barren, rugged landscapes at higher elevations. The highlight of the trek is crossing the challenging Larkya Pass (5,135m), which offers panoramic views of Himalayan giants like Himlung Himal and Annapurna II.
Who Can Do This Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit is suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness levels, especially those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Prior experience in high-altitude trekking is recommended due to the challenging terrain and remote nature of the trek. It’s a great choice for adventurers seeking fewer crowds compared to the more popular Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks.
Why It's One of the Most Beautiful Treks in Nepal
What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek so special is its diverse and dramatic landscapes. From subtropical jungles to snow-covered passes, this trek offers a wide variety of scenery. The quiet trails, combined with stunning views of the Himalayas, make it one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal. The trek's remoteness ensures a more intimate connection with nature and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
This trek offers an immersive experience, with highlights like the Manaslu Base Camp and crossing the majestic Larkya Pass, making it a must-do for seasoned trekkers.
Location
Highlights
- Trke to the challenging Larkya Pass (5,135m) for breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Explore remote Tibetan-influenced villages and ancient monasteries.
- Trek through the biodiverse Manaslu Conservation Area, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard.
- Experience dramatic landscape changes, from lush forests to rugged, alpine terrain.
- Enjoy a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path adventure with fewer crowds than Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit.
Itinerary
Mardi Himal Trek itinerary in brief:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to hotel
- Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive from Pokhara to Kande & Trek to Pitham Deurali (2,100 M)
- Day 03: Trek from Deurali to Low Camp (2,520m)
- Day 04: Trek from Low Camp to Badal Danda (2,970 M)
- Day 05: Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp (3,540m)
- Day 06: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & trek back to Badal Danda
- Day 07: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding village (1,750 M)& drive back to Pokhara (823m)
- Day 08: Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara
- Day 09: Final Departure
Mardi Himal Trek Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Altitude: 1,400 meters
Arrive in Kathmandu and be transferred to your hotel. This day allows for acclimatization. Explore Thamel's vibrant streets and local delights.
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Drive from Pokhara to Kande & Trek to Pitham Deurali
- Altitude: Kande (1,770 meters), Pitham Deurali (2,100 meters)
- Trek Distance: Approximately 6 km
- Duration: 3-4 hours trek
Take a morning flight to Pokhara for stunning Himalayan views. Drive to Kande, initiating a trek to Pitham Deurali with breathtaking landscapes.
Day 03: Trek from Deurali to Low Camp
- Altitude: Low Camp (2,520 meters)
- Trek Distance: About 8 km
- Duration: 4-5 hours trek
Ascend through rhododendron forests to Low Camp, offering panoramic views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.
Day 04: Trek from Low Camp to Badal Danda
- Altitude: Badal Danda (2,970 meters)
- Trek Distance: Approximately 7 km
- Duration: 4-5 hours trek
Continue through rhododendron and oak forests to 'Cloud Hill' at Badal Danda, providing a perfect vantage for sunset views.
Day 05: Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp
- Altitude: High Camp (3,540 meters)
- Trek Distance: About 6 km
- Duration: 4-5 hours trek
Journey to High Camp, an alpine setting with stunning views of Annapurna and Machapuchare, serving as a base for the Mardi Himal Base Camp excursion.
Day 06: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and trek back to Badal Danda
- Altitude: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters)
- Trek Distance: Approximately 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 7-8 hours trek
Embark on an exhilarating journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp, offering awe-inspiring views. Return to Badal Danda for rest.
Day 07: Trek from Badal Danda to Siding Village and drive Back to Pokhara
- Altitude: Siding Village (1,750 meters), Pokhara (823 meters)
- Trek Distance: About 12 km
- Duration: 6-7 hours trek, drive to Pokhara
Descend through villages to Siding, experiencing local culture. Drive back to Pokhara, known for serene lakes and mountain views.
Day 08: Fly Back to Kathmandu from Pokhara
Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu. Explore Thamel or indulge in last-minute shopping. Reflect on Mardi Himal Trek memories.
Day 09: Final Departure
Bid farewell to Nepal, departing for your onward journey. Cherish memories of Mardi Himal Trek, an adventure of stunning landscapes and cultural discoveries.
Trek Insurance:
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of risks. While adventure is fun and can be extremely thrilling, nature can be unpredictable, and to help secure you during your trek, it is of utmost importance that you are covered with insurance.
We've gone a step ahead and made sure that you don't have to worry about scouting for the best insurance option out there. When you trek with us, your insurance comes as a part of your inclusions.
Risk and Liability:
We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Transport in a private vehicle from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu
- 03 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu at a 4-star category hotel with breakfast on twin sharing basis
- 12 Nights of accommodation at premium teahouses during the trek on twin sharing basis
- Accommodation with attached bathrooms wherever available during the trek
- Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) a day during the trekking period (open menu to choose any one item per meal from the menu)
- Three times regular tea or coffee in a day during the trekking period
- 2 litres of mineral water or hot water during the trekking period
- 13 days of trekking with an experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide and assistant trek guide
- 1 porter for every 2 persons’ luggage (max 10-12 kgs per head allowed)
- Insurance, meals, transportation daily salary of guide & porter
- Permit Fees: ACAP/MCAP, Restricted area Permit for Manaslu Region
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Fee
- 3 litres oxygen cylinder with mask regulator for emergency (additional charge if used)
- Pokhara sightseeing in a van and with a guide
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- All government, local taxes and service charges
- TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
- 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
- 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
- 35% discount coupon on BMore products
- Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt
- Expedition grade duffle bag
- TrekNomads goodies
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Nepal Visa fee
- Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any personal expense
- Personal Adventure Insurance
- Excess baggage charge(s), if it exceeds 15kg
- Insurance Fee
- Any type of soft drinks
- Boiled hot water, shower, etc, during the trek
- Extra meals apart from inclusions
- Tips to porters and guides (calculated per person at 10$ per day per person)
- Any other activity such as Bungee Jumping/River Rafting
- Helicopter fares
- Extra days at the hotel in Kathmandu apart from the schedule
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
- Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
- Unused days on the trek route, if returned early and breaking the itinerary for personal, medical or any other reasons, will not be refunded or adjusted
Treknical Details
Altitude Map:
- Kathmandu: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
- Soti Khola: 730 m (2,395 ft)
- Machha Khola: 9,30 m (3,051 ft)
- Jagat: 1,340 m (4,396 ft)
- Philim: 1,560 m (5,118 ft)
- Deng: 1,860 m (6,102 ft)
- Namrung: 2,660 m (8,727 ft)
- Sama Gaon: 3,530 m (11,549 ft)
- Samdo: 3,865 m (12,680 ft)
- Dharmashala: 4,460 m (14,632 ft)
- Larkya Pass: 5,135 m (16,847 ft)
- Bimtang: 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
- Dharapani: 1,970 m (6,463 ft)
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Moderate to Difficult
- Trek Distance: Approximately 177 km (110 miles)
- Assembling Point: Kathmandu
- Trek Duration: 85+ hours
- Average Temperature: 20°C to -10°C
- Best Months to trek: March,April, May, September,October, November
Trek Gradient
Moderate, Difficult
FAQ's
Manaslu Circuit Trek Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the total distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The total trekking distance is around 177 km (110 miles), covering a variety of landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine terrain, making it one of the most challenging treks in Nepal.
2. How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
This trek is considered moderate to difficult, especially due to high altitudes and the remote nature of the route, making it ideal for experienced trekkers with a good fitness level.
3. What is the highest point on this trek?
The trek’s highest point is Larkya Pass (5,135m), a stunning vantage point offering panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and more.
4. What is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best time for the trek is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), providing clear skies, stable weather, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
5. What kind of accommodation is available on the trek?
Accommodation is available in local tea houses or lodges, offering basic amenities, meals, and sometimes hot showers, creating a comfortable yet rustic trekking experience.
6. Can I trek Manaslu Circuit solo?
No, solo trekking is not permitted on the Manaslu Circuit as it falls within a restricted area. Trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and obtain the required permits.
7. What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Three permits are needed:
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
8. How many hours will I trek each day?
Expect to trek for about 6-7 hours daily, depending on the altitude and terrain. Some days may be shorter or longer depending on acclimatization and the trail.
9. What should I pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Pack essential trekking gear, including warm clothing, a down jacket, trekking poles, sturdy boots, a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and personal toiletries. TrekNomads will provide a detailed list upon registration.
10. What type of food is available during the trek?
The tea houses serve simple, nutritious meals such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), soups, noodles, and vegetables. Non-vegetarian options may be available at some places. Trekkers can choose meals from an open menu during their stay.
11. Is drinking water provided during the trek?
Yes, TrekNomads provides 2L of mineral water or hot water per trekker every day during the trekking period. You may also use a water purification system for tap or stream water to minimize plastic waste.
12. What is the altitude profile of this trek?
The trek starts at Soti Khola (730m) and reaches a maximum altitude of Larkya Pass (5,135m), offering breathtaking views of the Manaslu Range and other surrounding peaks.
13. Can I charge my electronic devices during the trek?
Yes, most tea houses provide charging facilities, but there may be a small fee. We recommend carrying a portable power bank for higher altitudes.
14. Is there internet or phone signal during the trek?
Wi-Fi is available in some tea houses, but it can be slow and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. Nepal Telecom and Ncell SIM cards offer patchy coverage.
15. Do I need travel insurance for this trek?
Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. TrekNomads includes insurance in the package.
16. What are the typical temperatures during the trek?
- Minimum temperature: Can drop to -6°C to -10°C (21°F to 14°F) near Larkya Pass.
- Maximum temperature: Around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in lower regions during the day.
17. What kind of fitness is required for this trek?
A high level of fitness is necessary due to the challenging terrain and altitude. Prior trekking experience at high altitudes is highly recommended.
18. Are there rest days during the trek?
Yes, Day 9 is an acclimatization day at Sama Gaon (3,530m). You can rest or take optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Punggen Gompa to aid acclimatization.
19. Is altitude sickness a concern?
Yes, altitude sickness can be a risk above 3,000m. It’s essential to acclimatize properly, maintain a slow pace, and stay hydrated. TrekNomads guides are trained to monitor for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms.
20. What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek unique?
This trek offers a serene, off-the-beaten-path adventure with fewer crowds, incredible Himalayan views, and the opportunity to explore Tibetan-influenced villages while crossing the stunning Larkya Pass.
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks, International Treks