| Trip code | |
| Package name | Manaslu Round Trekking |
| Duration | 15 |
| Max. elevation | 5106 m |
| Level | |
| Transportation | All ground transportation as per itinerary |
| Accomodation | Hotel in Kathmandu and Lodge / Tea House during trek |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 1,599 per person |
Experience the pristine and untouched beauty of the Himalayas with the Manaslu Round Trek, a breathtaking journey around the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Unlike the more popular trekking circuits in Nepal, this route is remote, less crowded, and offers a deep cultural immersion into the life of the local Gurung, Tibetan, and other ethnic communities residing along the Manaslu region. Trekkers are treated to spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, rhododendron forests, and glacial rivers.
The trek begins in Kathmandu, where trekkers prepare for the journey with briefings and permit arrangements provided by Mission Nepal Holidays, a trusted and experienced trekking company. After traveling from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, trekkers gradually ascend through scenic villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo, before reaching the high passes that offer panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The route not only tests your endurance but also rewards you with the serenity of isolated landscapes and authentic Himalayan hospitality.
Highlights of Manaslu Round Trekking:
This trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, photographers, and cultural explorers seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience, combined with professional guidance and support from Mission Nepal Holidays.
The Manaslu Circuit trek can be undertaken in two primary seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These periods are preferred because the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and the Himalayan vistas are at their most spectacular.
Spring (March-May):
Autumn (September-November):
Avoid the Monsoon (June-August) due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and leeches in lower regions. Winter (December-February) is suitable for experienced trekkers seeking solitude but expect extremely cold temperatures and snow on high passes.
Short list for the best trekking season:
Choosing the right season ensures safety, comfort, and maximum scenic beauty for the Manaslu Circuit trek.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderate to strenuous due to its long walking days, steep ascents, and high-altitude passes like Larkya La (5,160m). Trekkers need reasonable physical fitness and prior trekking experience is recommended, especially for acclimatization and endurance.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Transportation for the trek:
Despite the challenges, proper preparation, physical training, and a professional guide ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Manaslu Round Trekking offers a mix of teahouse lodges and local homestays, providing basic yet comfortable facilities. Most teahouses have simple rooms with beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Hot showers may be available in larger villages, while electricity is often limited to charging stations in major stops.
Meals and Cuisine:
Tips:
Short list:
Mission Nepal Holidays ensures that trekkers have quality food, comfortable accommodations, and assistance with meal choices suitable for high-altitude trekking.
Manaslu is a restricted region, requiring special permits for all trekkers. A licensed trekking guide is mandatory for the trek. Mission Nepal Holidays assists in obtaining all necessary permits to ensure a smooth journey.
Permits Required:
Permit Highlights:
Without proper permits, entry into the region is strictly prohibited, and guides play a key role in compliance with local regulations.
Choosing Manaslu Round Trekking with Mission Nepal Holidays guarantees an authentic, safe, and unforgettable Himalayan adventure. This trek stands out for its off-the-beaten-path appeal, offering solitude, cultural immersion, and unspoiled natural beauty.
Reasons to choose this trek:
With personalized itineraries, permit arrangements, porter support, and cultural insights, Mission Nepal Holidays ensures that every trekker enjoys a safe, organized, and life-changing adventure in the Manaslu region.
Today, following breakfast, we start a guided tour of some of the most important historical and spiritual monuments in Kathmandu, many of which are also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the famous Swayambhunath “Monkey Temple,” the sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the historic Durbar Square in Kathmandu, and the Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is also home to one of the largest stupas in the world. At lunch, we meet up with the other participants and discuss our trip plans at the Kantipur Holidays office, where we also check our gear with our trekking guide.
Early in the morning, we will depart from Kathmandu and travel on paved road to Dhading Bensi, the district seat of Dhading. The road is hard and uneven after Dhading Bensi, and it will take you another three to four hours to get to Arughat. One of the area’s main towns, Arughat is where the Manaslu circuit trek begins.
You will drive for around an hour more after Arughat to Soti Khola. After driving past Soti Khola, we’ll bridge the Budi Gandaki River and go through quaint villages, terraced farms, and lush forests. When we finally get at Machha Khola, we spend the night at a nearby resort.
We will cross the Tharo Khola and travel a narrow path with a few little climbs and descents to get to Khorlabesi on today’s walking track. We will eventually reach Tatopani, where we can take use of a tiny hot spring, after a few more ups and downs. From there, we will ascend over a second hill and cross a suspension bridge to cross the Budhi Gandaki. Next, we’ll traverse a landslide, ascend a skillfully designed staircase, and cross a ridge to reach Dobhan.
We will then cross the Yaru Khola suspension bridge and up a flight of stone stairs. From there, we will descend to the river and ascend further stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. We will stroll beside the river and ascend to the settlement of Jagat after crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki. The breathtaking surroundings and natural hot spring make the tough trekking day worthwhile.
The hike today will begin with a climb up a steep ridge to Salleri, followed by a descent to Sirdibas. Our ascent towards Ghatta Khola will cause the valley to somewhat expand. We’ll continue trekking upstream until we get to Philim, a sizable Gurung village, where there is a lengthy suspension bridge. The trail heads north just above the lowest dwelling in the settlement and follows a pretty flat path across millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The path will then plunge into a precipitous, deserted ravine.
After crossing the Budhi Gandaki and descending to the grassy land slopes, we will hike for a bit along the west bank before crossing to the east side and back again. The valley will open out as we proceed down the trail, and we’ll pass through bamboo trees before arriving at Deng Khola. We’ll reach the little settlement of Deng after crossing the Khola. We will get to see beautiful scenery and get a taste of the local way of life in the Gurung village of Philim on this walk.
We begin our trek by crossing the Budhi Gandaki and ascending to Rana at an altitude of 1910m. Then, we join a trail from Bhi and head west up the valley of Budhi Gandaki. During our journey, we pass through beautiful forests and mani walls before arriving at Ghap. We opt to take the route via Prok village, which offers breathtaking views of Siringi Himal. We also come across several gompas and cross the Budhi Gandaki several times before reaching Namrung. Along the way, the forest becomes less dense, and the trail becomes smoother after crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge. Finally, we reach Namrung after a steep climb.
A fantastic vantage point to see Siring and Ganesh Himal, as well as a glimpse of Mt. Himal Chuli to the south, is available at Namrung village. We will arrive in the lovely village of Lihi, which has several chortens and barley terraces, after hiking through the wooded areas. Following the trek, Ganesh Himal will always be in view as we descend and across Simnang Himal’s side valley. We will eventually arrive in Sama Village after passing via the villages of Sho, Lho, and Shyala. In addition to the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu from the charming village of Lho, we will get the chance to visit the well-known Ribung Gompa. We shall be fully encircled by towering mountains at Shyala hamlet, with Ganesh Himal standing magnificently at the far end, Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow-covered summits to the right.
To recover and get used to the altitude, we will be spending the day at Samagaon. We are going to get a chance to fully experience the intriguing Sherpa culture today. The astounding sight of innumerable mani stones embellished with Buddhist teachings and images will be presented to us, and we will get to see the Sherpa women in traditional attire and elaborate jewelry. Pungyen Gompa, an old monastery with stunning views of the glacier, is located on a tiny hill close to Sama hamlet. Manaslu is the source of the monastery’s name, and Pungyen, which means bracelet and describes the two peaks well, is the translation. Regretfully, a year after the first futile Japanese attempt to summit Manaslu, the Gompa was demolished. The Japanese were compelled to give up their endeavor after encountering strong opposition when they returned a year later, as the villagers felt that the ascent had enraged the gods. In the end, the Japanese were successful in their ascent in 1959.
The journey today is along the north-turning Budhi Gandaki River to a bridge that spans a side creek. Heading left will take you to the Manaslu Base camp trail. The Larkya la Trail passes multiple mani walls as the valley begins to open up. The simple track passes through the woodlands of juniper and birch at Kermo Kharka as it follows a ledge above the river. The shelf eventually gives way to a hard ascent onto a promontory between two river forks, where we cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a wooden bridge. From there, via a stone arch, we can see a big white kani. We will arrive at Samdo after navigating the kani.
We have another day set aside for adequate acclimatization, and we have two choices for today. Hiking up the valley just behind Samdo village is our highly suggested choice since it will take us to one of the trade passes to Tibet. Good views of Mt. Manaslu and other Himalayan mountains, such as Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and possibly Kang Guru beyond the pass, can be had on this climb. The Lophophorus, Nepal’s national bird, Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin are just a few of the stunning mountain birds that we may see soar high above us as we go past numerous seasonal herding settlements known as doksas.
An alternative would be to travel to the Gya La (the ‘big pass’) north of Samdo, which is a more popular trading route to Tibet. But this hike takes up the entire day and is very lengthy, so it could be exhausting.
Today, we continue our trek along the edge, crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River before beginning our ascent. We will cross two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier before going around the valley of the Salka Khola and climbing up again to reach the stone guest house (4450 m). This is not a lodge but rather a type of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The walk today is relatively short, which allows for ample time for acclimatization and relaxation in the afternoon.
We continue climbing for a short distance until we reach a valley on the northern flank of the Larkya Glaciers, offering us spectacular views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. After that, we traverse the glacier’s moraines while progressively ascending; the gradient only gets higher in the final stretch of the pass. We are treated to breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the enormous Annapurna II as soon as we cross the mountain. It’s a longer drive to Bimtang than normal, but it’s totally worth it to stroll into these low fields under the cover of the dusk mist and see Mt. Manaslu towering overhead.
Enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal while perched on a ridge at Bimthang. We continue our descent by going over a bridge over Dudh Khola and through Sangure Kharka, a high grassland. We pass through a thicket of rhododendron and then continue a track down a narrow valley until we come to Karche, which at 2785 meters is the highest cultivated land in the valley. Following a field crossing, the trail climbs steeply over a hill before descending in a sweeping arc to the river bank at a height of 2580 meters. The village of Gho is nearby, so if we’re feeling exhausted after our travel yesterday, we may relax there. However, Himalayan Glacier recommends staying at Tilije, where better lodges are available.
We climb over a little crest and enjoy the view of a charming village from the stone-paved path. To go to Thonje village, we cross the Dudh Khola bridge, climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, and go past a mani wall. We pass through a police checkpoint at this settlement and reach Dharapani, which is the point when we enter the Annapurna circuit part. After traveling for a while, we arrive at Karte village and cross Marshyangdi Khola on a bridge. We pass through a number of mani walls en route to Tal town, which is situated at the foot of a large waterfall.
Enjoying the captivating vistas of hill and mountain scenery is possible when traveling from Taal to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar. The route usually follows the rivers Trishuli and Marsyangdi, going through beautiful villages with terraced farms on either side of the street. We’ll be taken to our hotel upon arrival in Kathmandu, where we can spend the day shopping if we have any last-minute purchases to make or relax. We’ll get together for a farewell supper in the evening to celebrate the successful conclusion of our journey.
Our adventure comes to an end today. A representative from Mission Nepal would drop us off at the airport around three hours before our departure. On the way back home, we’ll have plenty of time to organize our next vacation to the stunning country of Nepal.