Manaslu Circuit Trek: An Epic Journey Around the World’s Eighth-Highest Peak

Nepal, home to the Himalayas, offers some of the most scenic and adventurous trekking routes in the world. While trails like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit have long captured the attention of trekkers, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has emerged as an exciting alternative, combining raw natural beauty with cultural depth and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find on more popular trails. Named after Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters, the trek takes you through remote villages, along river valleys, and across challenging high mountain passes. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Manaslu Circuit is a true hidden gem.

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14 to 18-day journey around the majestic Mount Manaslu, located in the Gorkha District of Nepal. The route circles Mount Manaslu, beginning in the subtropical lowlands, passing through culturally rich villages, and culminating in a dramatic crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), one of the highest trekking passes in Nepal. The trek offers unparalleled diversity, with its constantly changing landscapes, from lush forests and terraced farmlands to alpine meadows and barren high-altitude deserts.

Unlike other popular treks, the Manaslu Circuit sees far fewer visitors, giving trekkers a more peaceful experience. This sense of isolation, coupled with the sheer beauty of the landscape, makes the trek one of the most rewarding in Nepal. Additionally, trekkers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tibetan-influenced culture, as many villages along the route have strong ties to Tibet.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Though itineraries may vary slightly based on personal preferences or weather conditions, a standard 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek typically follows this outline:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700 meters)

The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, a small village located at the edge of the trekking region. The journey takes you through lush hills, terraced fields, and views of the roaring rivers, setting the stage for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870 meters)

On the first day of trekking, the trail leads through dense forests, alongside waterfalls, and along the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges before reaching Machha Khola, a quaint village nestled in the river valley.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 meters)

The trek becomes more challenging as you ascend through narrow gorges and rugged terrain. As you continue, you’ll pass through Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs, and continue upward to the village of Jagat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860 meters)

The landscape begins to change as you climb higher, passing terraced fields and entering more remote regions. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, offering great views of the Budhi Gandaki River, before arriving at Deng, a small settlement surrounded by mountains.

Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630 meters)

The trek continues through thick forests and bamboo groves. Along the way, you’ll begin to notice Tibetan Buddhist influences, with mani walls (stone walls inscribed with prayers) and chortens (stupas) dotting the trail. Namrung, the village for the night, offers spectacular views of Mount Ganesh.

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaun (3,530 meters)

As you ascend higher, the landscape becomes more barren and the peaks of Manaslu and Himalchuli dominate the skyline. The village of Samagaun is one of the largest in the region and provides a perfect place to rest and acclimatize.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

This rest day is crucial for adjusting to the higher altitudes. Many trekkers take a short hike to Pungyen Gompa, a beautiful monastery nestled in the hills, or visit the base of Manaslu Glacier for stunning views of the mountain.

Day 8: Samagaun to Samdo (3,860 meters)

Leaving Samagaun, you’ll pass through barren landscapes as the trail gradually climbs toward Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village near the border with Tibet. This day offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and an opportunity to explore the unique Tibetan-influenced culture.

Day 9: Samdo to Dharmashala (4,460 meters)

A shorter but steeper hike brings you to Dharmashala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the final stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. This high-altitude settlement offers basic lodging and a chance to rest before the challenging day ahead.

Day 10: Dharmashala to Bimtang (3,720 meters) via Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters)

The most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek begins early as you ascend toward the Larkya La Pass. The climb is steep and long, but the views from the pass are worth every step. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. After crossing the pass, the trail descends steeply to Bimtang, a beautiful village surrounded by towering peaks.

Day 11: Bimtang to Tilije (2,300 meters)

The trail descends rapidly through rhododendron forests, offering some of the most vibrant scenery of the trek. You’ll cross rivers and meadows before arriving in Tilije, a village with a mix of Tibetan and Gurung cultures.

Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani (1,860 meters)

The trail continues its descent toward Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. This is the last night of the trek, and it’s a great place to reflect on the journey.

Day 13: Dharapani to Besisahar and drive to Kathmandu

From Dharapani, a jeep will take you to Besisahar, where you’ll transfer to a bus or private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu, marking the end of the trek.

Key Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Dramatic Mountain Views: The Manaslu Circuit offers some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in Nepal. The trek provides up-close views of Mount Manaslu, as well as panoramic views of other high peaks, including Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters).

Larkya La Pass: The crossing of the Larkya La Pass is one of the highlights of the trek. At 5,106 meters, it’s a challenging but exhilarating experience that rewards trekkers with 360-degree views of snow-covered peaks.

Cultural Immersion: The trek takes you through remote villages that are culturally rich and unique. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo offer a glimpse into the Tibetan Buddhist way of life, with their traditional architecture, prayer wheels, and monasteries. You’ll encounter Tibetan refugees, ancient Buddhist gompas, and locals practicing age-old customs that have been passed down through generations.

Less Crowded: Unlike the bustling trails of the Everest and Annapurna regions, the Manaslu Circuit is much quieter, offering a more serene trekking experience. This makes it ideal for those seeking a more peaceful and introspective journey.

Diverse Landscapes: One of the unique aspects of the Manaslu Circuit is the diversity of its landscapes. You’ll trek through tropical forests, cross roaring rivers on suspension bridges, pass through high alpine meadows, and walk across desolate high-altitude plains. Every day offers new scenery, keeping the journey exciting and fresh.

Trekking Permits and Costs

Trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area requires a special restricted area permit due to its proximity to the Tibetan border. You’ll also need a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Importantly, the trek must be completed with a registered guide, and solo trekking is not allowed.

The total cost of the Manaslu circuit trek typically ranges between $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the services you choose. This includes permits, guide and porter fees, transportation, accommodation, and meals.

Difficulty Level and Fitness Requirements

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately difficult to challenging. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, long days of walking (typically 6 to 8 hours per day), and high altitudes. Proper acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness, especially when crossing the Larkya La Pass. While the trek is demanding, it is achievable for those with prior trekking experience and a good level of fitness. Training beforehand with long hikes, cardiovascular exercises, and strength training is recommended.

Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit

The best seasons for trekking the Manaslu Circuit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These months offer the most stable weather and clear skies, ideal for enjoying the mountain views. While trekking in the monsoon season (June-August) is possible, the trails can be slippery, and views may be obstructed by clouds. Similarly, winter (December-February) treks are more challenging due to heavy snow and colder temperatures, particularly at high altitudes.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a true adventure for those seeking an authentic Himalayan experience, far from the crowds of more popular trekking routes. It combines the thrill of high-altitude trekking with the opportunity to immerse yourself in rich Tibetan culture, all set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or someone looking to challenge yourself, the Manaslu Circuit offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories of Nepal’s majestic landscapes and welcoming people.