Manaslu Circuit Trek

Detailed Itinerary: Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,360 m / 4,462 ft)

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you at the airport with a private vehicle and transfer you to your hotel. Later, we will conduct a pre-trek briefing to review your itinerary, check gear, and answer any final questions. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine accompanied by a live traditional cultural dance.

• Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
• Services Included: Airport pickup, hotel accommodation, and breakfast

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour (1,360 m / 4,462 ft)

Discover the cultural rich heart of the capital on a guided sightseeing tour. Highlights include the sacred Boudhanath Stupa—one of the largest stupas in the world—and the revered Pashupatinath Temple along the banks of the holy Bagmati River. In the early afternoon, return to your hotel to relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel for last-minute shopping.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Services Included: Hotel accommodation, breakfast, and professional tour guide.

Day 03: Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft)

• Drive Duration: Approx. 7–8 hours Leave Kathmandu early in the morning for a scenic drive heading west along the Prithvi Highway before turning north toward the Budhi Gandaki River valley. Passing through lush hills and rural villages, we eventually arrive at the village of Jagat to begin our stay in the region.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Private/local drive, local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 6 hours Descending down stone steps to the river, we climb a terraced hill toward Saguleri, offering breathtaking distant views of Singri Himal (7,187 m / 23,579 ft). The trail continues through dramatic river gorges and crosses tributaries beneath towering rock faces. After a final climb over a steep spur, we arrive at the village of Deng.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 05: Trek from Deng to Ghap (2,160 m / 7,086 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 5–6 hours As we press further upstream, the steep, dramatic valley reveals small settlements like Lama village. Along the trail, you will begin seeing intricately carved Mani walls and prayer stones—marking your entry into high-country Buddhist cultural zones. We conclude the day’s trek at Ghap village, situated right beside the river.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 06: Trek from Ghap to Lho Village (3,180 m / 10,433 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 6 hours gaining elevation into alpine territory, we cross the Budhi Gandaki River several times to reach Namrung, where restricted region permits are inspected. Above Namrung, the valley opens into expansive pastures. Passing through Sho (3,000 m / 9,842 ft), we catch our first spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu. We overnight in Lho, a prominent village home to an ancient monastery, chortens, and decorated Mani walls.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 07: Trek from Lho Village to Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours following the riverbank with clear views of Peak 29 ahead, the trail leads gently up to Samagaon, the main village of the upper Manaslu region. Just beyond the main settlement sits Sama Gompa, an ancient monastery located near the Tibetan border region.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 08: Acclimatization and Exploration Day in Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 5 hours, to safely adapt to the high altitude, we spend an entire day resting and exploring around Samagaon. You can hike up to Birendra Lake, visit the local monastery, or simply rest while taking in stunning mountain vistas.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 09: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860 m / 12,664 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 3–4 hours the thundering Budhi Gandaki narrows into a gentle stream as we approach its upper reaches. Surrounded by magnificent peaks on all sides, we cross to the eastern bank of the river and arrive at Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the high pass.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m / 14,632 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours Leaving Samdo, we cross the stream originating from Gya La (a pass to Tibet) and pass the historic ruins of Larkya Bazaar. Continuing upwards alongside the Larkya Glacier, we reach Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi), a purpose-built high lodge setting us up for the pass crossing the following morning.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 11: Cross the Larke-La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft) to Bhimthang (3,590 m / 11,778 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 8–9 hours an early start takes us along the moraine of the Larkya Glacier before steep ascents lead to the summit of Larke-La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft). The pass commands sweeping panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After taking in the views, a steep descent down snow and scree slopes brings us into the ablation valley of Bhimthang.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 12: Trek from Bhimthang to Tilije (2,300 m / 7,545 ft)

• Trek Duration: Approx. 5–6 hours Descending from the high valley of Bhimthang, we cross the Dudh Khola and enter rich rhododendron and pine forests. The trail lowers into agricultural lands and charming mountain hamlets, ending today’s hike at the pleasant village of Tilije.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Services Included: Local lodge accommodation, guide, and porter services

Day 13: Scenic Drive / Return to Kathmandu (1,360 m / 4,462 ft)

• Drive Duration: Approx. 7–8 hours Today we rejoin the main road network and take a scenic return drive along the river valleys back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend a relaxing evening enjoying a celebratory farewell meal.
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Services Included: Private/tourist transport, hotel accommodation, and breakfast

Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Our office support team will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight home.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Services Included: Hotel checkout and airport transfer

Cost Includes

• Transfers: All airport transfers (pickup and drop-off) via private vehicle.
• Accommodation:
  • 3 nights in a 2–3 star standard hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • 11 nights/12 days  in local lodges/teahouses during the trek (twin-sharing basis).
• Meals: All 3 meals per day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) along with a hot cup of tea/coffee with each meal.
• Sightseeing: Full-day guided Kathmandu city tour with a professional guide and private transportation.
• Transportation: All necessary ground transportation (Kathmandu to Jagat to Kathmandu by bus/local drive). ( Private Drive $ 250 extra)
• Trekking Staff:
  • Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide (and assistant guide for larger groups).
  • Reliable porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
  • Full coverage for staff salaries, insurance, equipment, food, and lodging.
• Trekking Gear & Equipment: Complimentary use of a down jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag, and route map (down jacket and sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion).
• Permits & Official Paperwork: All necessary permits including MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit), ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), Restricted Area Permit, and TIMS card.
• Safety & Support: Comprehensive medical first aid kit carried by the guide.
• Certificates & Taxes: Official trip completion certificate issued by A One Nepal Trek and all government and local taxes.

 Cost Excludes

• City Meals: Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel, medical, and high-altitude emergency helicopter rescue insurance (mandatory for the trek).
• Personal Expenses: Drinks (pot of tea, bottled or boiled water, soft/bar drinks), hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, and extra porters.
• Tips & Donations: Gratuities for trekking guides, porters, and local drivers, as well as voluntary local donations.
• Additional Activities: Expenses incurred due to itinerary extensions or additional sightseeing beyond the agreed program.

Fixed Departure

Route Map

Altitude Graph

Useful Trekking Information & Guidelines

Trek Highlights

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, making it one of Nepal’s premier adventure routes.
• Accommodation: Local teahouses and lodges offering an authentic experience in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
• Cultural Experience: Rich multi-ethnic culture comprising Buddhist, Hindu, and ethnic mountain communities.
• Scenery: Towering Himalayan peaks, vibrant rhododendron and pine forests, diverse wildlife, and the spectacular Larke-La Pass (5,106m / 16,820ft).

Safety, Health, & Facilities

• Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. Our teams consist of licensed, highly trained, and experienced guides equipped with comprehensive first aid kits.
• Medical Facilities: Health posts are accessible every two days along the trail, with major hospital facilities reachable within 5 hours if needed.
• Emergency Preparedness: In case of emergency, rapid evacuation can be coordinated via ground transport, horse ride, or helicopter rescue.
• Daily Treking Pace: Expect an average of 5–6 hours of walking per day carrying a lightweight daypack (2–5 kg).

Personal Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all clients joining the trek.

• Coverage Requirements: Must include high-altitude medical treatment, air ambulance, and emergency helicopter rescue up to 5,500 meters.
• Note: Insurance must be purchased in your home country prior to arrival; A One Nepal Trek does not sell insurance policies directly.

Teahouses & Local Accommodation

• Standard accommodations throughout the trek are clean, hygienic local teahouses or homestays on a twin-sharing basis.
• Room rates and standard menu pricing along the circuit are regulated by local region management committees.
• Dharamshala provide sharing room/Tent with more than 2 person as per busy season.

Meals & Drinking Water

• Cuisine: Menus feature traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, Tibetan delicacies, and standard international dishes (Continental, Italian, and Indian) prepared by trained cooks.
• Drinking Water: Bottled water is available for purchase at settlements. To reduce plastic pollution, we strongly encourage using purified local water, boiled water, or water treatment tablets/filters.

Recommended Packing List

• Clothing: Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, down jacket, thermal layers, warm trekking trousers, light T-shirts, round sun hat, and warm gloves.
• Footwear: Broken-in waterproof trekking boots and comfortable slippers/sandals for evening teahouse relaxation.
• Gear & Accessories: Raincoat/pack cover, UV sunglasses, sunblock lotion, trekking poles, personal sleeping bag (provided upon request if needed), and personal prescription medications.

Environmental Responsibility

• The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), home to sensitive alpine ecosystems and protected wildlife.
• We operate under a strict “Zero Impact” policy, working alongside organizations like KEEP to preserve local environments and respect traditional mountain culture.

Best Trekking Seasons

• Autumn (September to November): Crisp, clear skies and optimal mountain views.
• Spring (March to May): Warm days and blooming rhododendron forests.

Trekking Permits & Fees

Because Manaslu is a restricted trekking region bordering Tibet, trekkers must travel in groups of at least two people accompanied by a licensed guide from a registered agency.

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP):
  • Autumn (Sep – Nov): USD $100 for the first 7 days, plus USD $15 per additional day.
  • Winter/Spring/Summer (Dec – Aug): USD $75 for the first 7 days, plus USD $10 per additional day.
• Conservation Permits:
  • MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 per person.
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 per person.
• TIMS Card: Included through your booking agency.
• Tsum Valley Permit (Optional Side Trip):
  • Sep – Nov: USD $40 for the first 8 days.
  • Dec – Aug: USD $30 for the first 8 days.

Hotels in Kathmandu

• Standard packages include 2 to 3-star quality hotels with breakfast.
• Upgrades Available: Luxury 4-star and 5-star options (e.g., Hyatt Regency, Hotel Yak & Yeti, The Malla Hotel) can be arranged upon request.

Booking Policy & Guidelines

1. Advance Reservation: Confirm your trip at least 2 to 3 months prior to arrival by submitting a copy of a passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
2. Deposit: A 35% advance deposit via bank wire transfer is required to confirm your booking and secure required government permits.
3. Group Leader Discount: Group leaders or travel agents receive complimentary service charges for groups larger than 12 paying travelers (excludes taxes, flights, and entrance fees).
4. Final Confirmation: Send us your international flight details and digital passport-sized photos so A One Nepal Trek can process your TIMS cards and conservation permits prior to arrival.