Trekking Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit in Nepal

  • Last Updated on Feb 7, 2024

Manaslu is a popular for teahouse trek in Nepal. It offers a unique cultural and natural experience. Manslu typically takes about 14 to 16 days to complete, and the itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time constraints.

Table of Contents

Highlights

  • Walk through the forests of rhododendron, oak, hemlock, and pines.
  • Grand view of mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8163m/26774ft), Machhapuchhre (6997m/22950ft), Gangapurna (7455m/24457ft), Annapurna I (8091m/26545ft), Annapurna South (7219m/23693ft), and Annapurna III (7555m/24350ft).
  • Pass through the rough and off-beaten terrain.
  • Crossing Larkya La Pass (5153m/16901ft).
  • Beautiful combination of culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Nepalese and Tibetan people, and exalted Budhi Gandaki River Valley.

Route

Manaslu circuit trek route map is the pictorial representation of the path that you follow to reach the region of Manaslu and return to the starting point, which makes the travel easier.

Manaslu Circuit Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) by Jeep or bus (8-9 hours)
  • Day 3: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m) (6-7 hours)
  • Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m) (6-7 hours)
  • Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1804m) (6-7 hours)
  • Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2630m) (6-7 hours)
  • Day 7: Namrung to Samagaon (3530m) (6-7 hours)
  • Day 8: Rest day in Samagaon (acclimatization day)
  • Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3860m) (4-5 hours)
  • Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460m) (4-5 hours)
  • Day 11: Dharamsala to Bimthang (3720m) via Larkya La Pass (5160m) (8-9 hours)
  • Day 12: Bimthang to Tilije (2300m) (5-6 hours)
  • Day 13: Tilije to Dharapani (1860m) (5-6 hours)
  • Day 14: Dharapani to Besishahar (760m) (6-7 hours) and drive back to Kathmandu by Jeep or bus
  • Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu

Cost

For going on the trek at a certain place, it is very necessary to estimate the cost rates to carry for own convenience and superiority. Here are represented the possible costs for specific categories for Manaslu Circuit trek.

Expenses categoryCost
Transportation

 Local Bus - $10 US Per Person (from Kathmandu to Soti Khola)

Private Jeeps - $250 to $300 Per Jeep (6,7 Seated) Jeep Type- Scorpio, Landcruiser etc. (from Kathmandu to Soti Khola)

Sharing Jeeps - $ 20 for Tourists and $ 20 for Nepalese (from Dharapani to Besishahar)

Local Bus - $ 10 Per Person  ( Besishahar to Kathmandu)

Trekking permits

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit - $70 US per week + $10 US per extra day for months September, October, and November

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit - $20 US + Gov Tax 13% Per Person

Annapurna Conservation area Permit - $20 US + Gov Tax 13% Per Person

Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit - $35 US Per Person Per Week

Guides and portersFor hiring professional guide $ 25 US to 35 US Per Day & Porter $ 20 to $ 25 Per Day
Accommodation in tea housesTwin sharing room costing from $6 US to $9 US Per Night
Food and Drinks

A meal at higher altitude - $5 US per meal (i.e. $15US to $20US on daily basis)

A cup of tea and coffee – $1.5 US to $4 US and $2 US to $4 US

Beer – $2 US to $5 US

Bottle of water or soda – $0.5 US to $4 US

Other MiscellaneousIt includes all other costs that you prefer for shopping, roaming, and extra sight-seeing. It also includes the cost for donations and guides’ / porters’ tips

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-ups and drop-offs
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)
  • Trekking map and compass
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
  • Manaslu Special Restricted Area Permit (at least 2 people needed)
  • Complete information about the trek
  • All necessary ground transportation
  • Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Experienced and license holding guides and porters
  • First aid kit with all necessary equipment
  • All nights in lodges/teahouse during the trek
  • All kinds of accommodations during the trek
  • All necessary trekking gears (on hire in case of need)

Cost Excludes

  •  Nepal entry VISA fee
  • Your travel insurance
  • All kinds of hot and alcoholic drinks (tea, coffee, alcohol, and many more)
  • WIFI, electronic battery, and hot shower charges during trekking
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Gratitude and tips to guides, drivers, and porters

Distance

The starting elevation of Manaslu circuit trek is 941m (3,087ft) and the final elevation is 5213m (17,103ft) at the Larkya La Pass. Kathmandu to Arughat: 126.5km (5hrs 14min)

  • Arughat to Soti Khola: 12.8km (3hrs 11min)
  • Soti Khola to Machha Khola: 14.1km (3hrs 56min)
  • Machha Khola to Jagat: 22.2km (6hrs)
  • Jagat to Deng: 19.9km (7hrs)
  • Deng to Namrung: 19.5km (6hrs)
  • Namrung to Samagaun: 17.7km (5hrs 46min)
  • Samagaun to Samdo: 5.1km
  • Samdo to Dharmashala: 11.7km (5hrs)
  • Dharmashala to Bhimtang: 13km (9hrs)
  • Bhimtang to Dharapani: 14km (10hrs 15min)
  • Dharapani to Kathmandu 118km (2hrs 46min)

Temperature and Climate

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the most decorous treks for which many trekkers spend their time and money. Here is one of the major aspects, Temperature, and climate, according to which timing for the trek to Manaslu region can be estimated and managed.

Months

Temperature and Climate of Manaslu

January

Temperature is pretty cold but the sky is clear

February

Temperature is cold and icy

March

It is neither too warm no too cold

April

Temperature is pretty warm

May

Temperature is hazy, hot and sweaty

June

Temperature starts cooling down with start of Monsoon

July

It is cold and the environment remains wet

August

It is cold and the environment remains wet

September

Monsoon ends but has the chance of potential rain

October

Moderate climate for the trek with no rain

November

Temperature starts cooling down with absolute cold in the higher region

December

Temperature starts cooling down more day by day

According to the survey and the research held for Manaslu trek temperature and climate, the conclusion was held that March to May and September to November are the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The temperature remains magnificent with all lodges and tea houses opened which remains closed in other months because of natural cause such as rainfall, massive cold, and many more. Although it is quite difficult and against your favor, trekking during winter is mostly recommended as the environment provides best views of mountains and landscape. But all these months, March, April, May, September, October, and November are the best time for Manaslu circuit trek and overall Manaslu region trek.

Difficulty

Manaslu circuit trek is considered as quite a tough trek in comparison to other trekking in Nepal. It is rated 6.5 out of 10 on the grade. The landscape is not similar all the time some places are much steep whereas some are relatively plain. It is one of the risk factors as well. To avoid or rectify those possible risks, it is better to have knowledge about things to do as well as things not to do. The most important thing that should be done is taking training and hiking courses to make one-self strong enough to accomplish this trek and hoist hand with chest widen. Summarizing all, it is very necessary to have knowledge of everything about the trek such as trekking gears needed, ways to look a map, trekking difficulties, solutions to some major situations, and many more to make a successful trekking experience for the lifetime.

Backpacking Checklist

Apart from other needs, it is necessary to know about the things that should be taken to the trekking as well. It will assist you in maintaining the beautiful and prosperous trek with all necessary equipment along with us which can be used any time whenever there is need for it. Some of the important gears needed for this trekking experience are trekking boots, water bottles, trekking socks, trekking poles, and many more. For further information about such important gears needed for performing a sound trek, you can check in our Travel Resource category or simply click the link Backpacking Checklist.

Trekking Alone in Manaslu Circuit

Mountain Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain peak in the world located in Gorkha district and lies in the Mansiri Himal; part of the Nepalese Himalayas in the west-central part of Nepal. Manaslu is about 64km east of Annapurna. It is situated at the elevation of 8,163m (26,781ft) above sea level. The Manaslu means "Mountain of Spirit", derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa, refers to "intellect" or "soul".

Manaslu Trekking in a solo can be an exciting adventure dream for all the age group. Exploring Manaslu alone can also be a completely different yet unique experience so you can enjoy your journey freely. But there are many people who tend to trek alone in this beautiful countryside and say that solo trekking in Nepal is safe and nothing can give them more relief than trekking alone in Scenic Mountain Manaslu with pleasure. Manaslu Himal is famous for its snow-covered mountains with the diamond spark on its peak.

The trail starts from the Aarughat and extends to Larkhe La pass, and includes six climatic zones: the tropical and sub-tropical zone, the temperate zone, the sub-alpine zone, the alpine zone, and the arctic zone. Significant peaks such as Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli and Baudha are the major centers of attractions in this trekking route. Endangered species like snow leopards and red pandas; mammals like Asian black bear, horseshoe bat, Tibetan snow cocks and crimson horned pheasants are found in this region. Different ethnic groups who live in the hills are scattered along the trekking route.

Anuja Sharma

Anuja Sharma

Adventure is worthwhile in itself.

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