Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a unique opportunity to explore remote villages, experience the local culture, and witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The trek typically takes around 14 to 18 days and covers a distance of approximately 177 kilometers. The starting point of the trek is usually the town of Sotikhola, and the trail takes you through lush forests, high mountain passes, and beautiful alpine landscapes. Highlights of the trek include crossing the Larkya La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5135 meters and offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
This trek is a restricted area trek, which means that trekkers need to obtain a special permit to enter the region. Additionally, trekkers are required to be in the good physical condition and have prior experience in high-altitude trekking. Overall, it is an unforgettable adventure that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, making it a must-do for anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding trek in Nepal. The trek takes you through a diverse range of landscapes including lush green forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude desert regions.
Trip Highlight
- Takes through a diverse range of landscapes including lush green forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude desert regions
- Trek takes through traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages
- An unforgettable adventure that combines challenging trekking with cultural immersion and stunning mountain scenery
- Panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Ganesh Himal
- Crossing several high mountain passes including Larkya La Pass
- Wildlife sightings in the Manaslu Conservation Area home to a wide range of flora and fauna including snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, and red panda
Which is better the Manaslu circuit or the Annapurna circuit?
Both Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit are great treks in Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and rich cultural experiences.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging trek that takes you to the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit and offers a more authentic and less commercialized experience. However, the trail can be more challenging with high-altitude passes, and the infrastructure is not as well-developed as the Annapurna Circuit.
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a classic trek that takes you around the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna I, and offers a diverse range of landscapes and cultures. It is a well-trodden route with established infrastructure, making it more accessible and comfortable for the Manaslu Circuit. However, it can be crowded during peak season and may lack the feeling of being off the beaten track.
In summary, the choice between the two depends on your personal preference, fitness level, and experience. If you’re looking for a challenging, remote trek with fewer crowds and a more authentic experience, the Manaslu Circuit may be the better choice. If you prefer a more comfortable trek with a wide range of landscapes and cultures and don’t mind crowds, then the Annapurna Circuit may be the way.
Are single trekkers is possible to trek in the Manaslu Circuit trek?
No, it is not possible to trek solo in the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The government of Nepal requires all trekkers to obtain a permit to trek in the Manaslu region, and this permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency. Therefore, solo trekkers need to either hire a guide or join a trekking group organized by a registered agency.
The Manaslu circuit trek is a challenging trek that takes around 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on the route and pace of the trekker. It involves crossing the Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5160 meters. Therefore, it is recommended that solo trekkers have previous trekking experience and are physically fit to undertake this trek.
Overall, while it is possible for solo trekkers to do the Manaslu Circuit trek, it is important to be well-prepared and to follow all necessary safety precautions, including hiring a licensed guide or joining a registered trekking agency.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
In Nepal, this trek is a popular trekking route in the Manaslu region that takes you around the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt Manaslu. To trek in this area, you need to obtain several permits.
1) Manaslu restricted permit: As the Manaslu region is a restricted area, you need to obtain a Manaslu restricted permit. The permit is issued by the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu, and you must be part of a group of at least two trekkers to obtain it. The cost of this permit varies depending on the season, with higher prices during peak trekking seasons.
2) Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (MCAP and ACAP): Since the Manaslu circuit trek starts and ends in the ACA, you need to obtain both MCAP and ACAP. This permit is issued by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and you can obtain it in Kathmandu Valley.
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
The team of Blue Sheep Trek will be there for you to pick up and welcome you. From the airport, you will take you through Thamel and you will take some rest at the hotel. At the hotel, there will be a guide with a brief description of the trek.
Day 02: Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a fantastic destination for sightseeing, with its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. Today, we will spend who day in the Kathmandu Valley. This day is not only for exploring Kathmandu but also to prepare for the special trekking permit. It is because the Manaslu circuit trek is a restricted trekking area where we need a special trekking permit.
Day 03: Drive toward Sotikhola (930m / 6 to 7hrs)
Start by driving towards the west of Kathmandu and take the Prithvi Highway. Follow the Prithvi Highway for approximately 110 kilometers until reaching the town of Malekhu. From Malekhu, take a right turn toward Gorkha and continue driving for another 42 kilometers until you reach Gorkha Bazaar. From Gorkha Bazaar, take a left turn and drive for approximately 20 kilometers until you reach Arughat Bazaar. And from here, take a right turn and drive for another 18 kilometers to reach Sotikhola and spend overnight here.
Day 04: Sotikhola to Machha Khola (1340m / 6 to 7hrs)
On the trek from Sotikhola to Machha Khola, the trail passes through beautiful forests, small villages, and stunning river valleys. The trek begins after following the Budhi Gandaki River toward Machha Khola. The trail initially goes through some small settlements and then climbs up through a lush forest. After crossing a few suspension bridges, you will reach the villages of Lapubesi. From here, the trail becomes steeper and takes you through some rocky terrain. After a few hours of trekking from Lapubesi, you will arrive at the villages of Machha Khola, located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River.
Day 05: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m / 6 to 7hrs)
From Machha Khola, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through small villages and terraced farmlands. You will cross several suspension bridges and encounter some steep uphill and downhill sections. The trekking trail from Machha Khola to Jagat is part of the Manaslu Circuit trek which is a popular trekking destination. The trail is scenic, with stunning views of the mountains, forests, and rivers.
Day 06: Jagat to Philim (1600m / 6hrs)
Start the trek from Jagat, which is a small village located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. Follow the trail goes uphill through a forested area and crosses a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Continue trekking through small villages and farms until you reach the village of Philim. And Philim is located at an altitude of 1570 meters above sea level.
Day 07: Philim to Deng (1804m / 6 to 7hrs)
The trail begins from Philim, a beautiful village in the Gorkha District. From Philim, you will walk through a beautiful forest of pine, oak, and rhododendron trees and cross several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. As you climb higher, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, but the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains are.
Day 08: Deng to Namrung (2630m / 6 to 7hrs)
The route from Deng to Namrung is part of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful villages, dense forests, and stunning mountain scenery. The trail passes through several small villages and forests, and you will encounter some steep ascents and descents along the way. As you trek from Deng to Namrung, you will gradually gain elevation and begin to see more impressive mountain views.
Day 09: Namrung to Samagaon (3530m / 6 to 7hrs)
The trail from Namrung to Samagaon is well-marked and follows the Budhi Gandaki River. You will pass through several small villages and cross several suspension bridges. The trail is a mix of uphill and downhill sections, so be prepared for some steep climbs and descents. The scenery along the way is stunning, with snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and beautiful waterfalls.
Day 10: Rest day in Samagaon
On the 10th day of the trekking of Manaslu circuit trek, we will take a rest in Samagaon. On this leisurely day, we will walk around the villages and get to know the local people. We also get a chance to explore or hike up Birendra Lake which is located about 3 hours from Samagaon. This beautiful village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests and spends overnight at Samagaon.
Day 11: Samagaon to Samdo (3860m / 4 to 5hrs)
With a gentle uphill climb through lush forests along the Budhi Gandaki River. As you ascend, you will able to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountain including Manaslu. After about 2 to 3 hours of trekking, you will reach the villages of Kermo Kharka, where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments. From here, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you climb toward the village of Samdo.
Day 12: Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m / 4 to 5hrs)
As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. You will have to cross several streams and rocky terrain. After several hours of walking from Samdo, we will reach Larkya Phedi. From Larkya Phedi, the trail becomes even steeper and more challenging, as you climb up toward Dharamsala. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountain and the glacier from Dharamsala and going to spend overnight in Dharamsala.
Day 13: Hike up Larkya La (5160m) and trek to Bimthang (3720m / 9hrs)
Very early in the morning, trekkers need to move toward Larkya La Pass. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful mountain villages, dense forests, and rocky terrain; all while enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas. Once you reach the top of Larkya La Pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The descent from the pass is challenging, but it is well worth the effort. After hiking up Larkya La Pass, we will trek toward Bimthang. The route takes you through picturesque villages, lush forests, and mesmerizing views of the mountain before reaching Bimthang.
Day 14: Bimthang to Gho (2515m / 5 to 6hrs)
The route takes through some of the remote and picturesque areas of the country. You will pass through several small villages, cross suspension bridges, over roaring rivers, and hike through lush forests and rugged mountain terrain. Along the way, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Day 15: Gho to Dharapani (1940m /5hrs)
Follow the trail from Gho to Dharapani, which passes through beautiful villages, lush forests, and small streams. Along the way, the trail offers stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains and the local culture. You will be trekking through lush forests, crossing several suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River, and passing through small traditional villages, such as Tal and Bagarchhap. Along the way to Dharapani, we get a chance to see mesmerizing views of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges.
Day 16: Dharapani to Beshisahar and drive to Kathmandu
The trail passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and traditional Nepalese villages, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. After reaching in Beshisahar, we will take a local bus to move toward Kathmandu Valley. Along the way, you will come across several spots where you can stop and take a break. Some popular stops include the Trishuli River, Malekhu, and Mugling. After a journey of around 200 kilometers, you will reach Kathmandu. After reach in Kathmandu, you will take toward Hotel in Thamel Bazaar. In the evening time, you can walk around Thamel Bazaar.
Day 17: Final departure
Our team and the guide who is with you on your trekking journey will be at the international airport to see you off. We will say our goodbye and hope that you will give us an opportunity to trek with you all over Nepal.
Route Map
Manual Note :
Trip Reviews
Name: John
JohnAnnapurna Base Camp Trek with Sukman
“The Annapurna Base Camp trek was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The scenery was breathtaking and the people were incredibly friendly. It was a challenging trek, but well worth the effort.”
Name: Sarah
CanadaABC trek with Bluesheep trek
“I absolutely loved the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The scenery was incredible, from lush forests to towering snow-capped peaks. The highlight was definitely reaching base camp and seeing Annapurna South up close.”
Name: Mike
AustraliaAnnapurna Trek with Sukman
“The Annapurna Base Camp trek was an amazing experience. The trail was well-maintained and easy to follow, and the tea houses along the way were cozy and welcoming. The view from base camp was unbelievable – I felt like I was on top of the world!”
Name: Cecelia Muller
USAAnnapurna Circuit, March 2023
I did the Annapurna Circuit this past March and it’s probably the best thing I have done and will ever do in my life. Don’t get me wrong, it was definitely challenging – as someone who loves her hot showers – but Sukman made the whole process such a breeze. He found our group teahouses and called ahead of time to reserve our slots. He also made sure we went at a reasonable pace and doled out lunch and tea breaks as the group needed it. At higher elevations, he was even more careful to pay attention to the elevation we gained each day and each person’s symptoms (or more hopefully, lack thereof) to avoid altitude sickness.
Name: Patrick Wasil
USAAnnapurna Circuit Trek
I hiked the Annapurna Circuit in March 2023. Sukman went above and beyond to make sure that everything went smoothly. The hike itself certainly was challenging, but Sukman made it as easy as possible. He has extensive knowledge of the trail, towns, and tea houses along the way. He called ahead to reserve rooms for us in the best tea houses because they can get crowded depending on the season. He curated tea and meal breaks as well. I particularly liked how closely he monitored the health and status of everyone in our group keeping an eye out for any symptoms of altitude sickness and adjusting the hike accordingly. Overall, Sukman was a fantastic guide on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and I will definitely utilize his services again on my next trip to Nepal!
Name: Uli
GermanyUpper Mustang
I trekked with Shukman from Blue Sheep Trek for 10 days in Upper Mustang. Shukman is a very nice guide. He has a good feeling what his customers need. I recommend trekking with Blue Sheep Trek. Upper Mustang is a incredible beautiful place. Thank you Shukman!
Name: Anouk
We’ve had a lovely time in the Kanchenjunga area! The trek was beautiful and challenging, but our guide Sukman made sure that everything was fixed and taken care of, so we could enjoy every moment of it!