Manaslu circuit trek
1 390,00 €
Through the valleys and plateaus, we leave for 13 days of walking in the heart of the Samapa country, at the foot of Manaslu (8163m): Off the beaten track in a still very wild Himalaya which gives the impression of being in Nepal from 20 years ago. Much less crowded than the Annapurna tour or the Everest base camp trek, we will enjoy panoramas that are just as impressive but even more varied, the impression of passing through the four seasons, from tropical forests to snow-capped peaks at 7000 and 8000 which surround us passing through the gorges and arid steppes, from cows to yaks to monkeys. We will walk facing Manaslu, which we will see appear and disappear throughout our stay, until reaching the Larkya La pass, at 5106m, the highest altitude of this circuit.
This crossing of the different Himalayan levels will dazzle us with its unique landscapes but also capsize our hearts thanks to the meetings with families of different ethnic groups during our crossings of villages inhabited by Gurung, Tibetans, or even Manangi Tibetans. A beautiful approach to the Nepalese Himalayas, in the secrecy of remote valleys.
- Nepal Country
- Hiking and trekking Thématique
- Difficult Difficulté
- 14 days Duration
- 9 days Hiking days
- 5 160 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Hôtel, Lodge Hébergement
- Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
Scheduled departures
- 7 Mar. 20 Mar. 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
- 21 Mar. 3 Apr. 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
- 11 Apr. 24 Apr. 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
- 25 Apr. 8 May 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
- 10 Oct. 23 Oct. 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
- 17 Oct. 30 Oct. 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
- 31 Oct. 13 Nov. 2027 Planned 1 390 € per person
Itinerary
Pick-up at the airport, transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Meal self
Sightseeing to the gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, a 12th-century Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva, then visit Boudhanath, a large Buddhist stupa. Walk and kora around the stupa. After lunch, visit Bhaktapur, a superb medieval Newari town, one of the valley’s gems. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals self
Transfer by private vehicle from Kathmandu to Khorlabhesi, where we’ll meet our porters and continue to Jagat.
Transportation: 9-10 hours by private jeep.
Today’s journey takes us through regions traditionally inhabited by the Gurung and Tibetan communities. As we progress, the gorge begins to widen, offering breathtaking views and allowing the sunlight to pour into the valley. We make a short stop to check in at the Eklebhatti checkpoint, then continue our trek through Nyak Phedi till Pewa.
Walk through sunlit gorges, passing through stone villages that have remained untouched, until we reach the Ghapsya village.
With luck, we encounter many pilgrims, some coming from Tibet following the famous salt route. After passing through numerous villages—some home to monasteries—we gradually ascend, ending with a steep climb that leads us to the large village of Lhö Gaon. The closer we get to the village, the more the view opens up, eventually revealing Mount Manaslu, where we’ll witness a stunning sunset and enjoy the soft morning light upon waking the next day. Depending on the weather and our arrival time, we may have the opportunity to take an evening walk to the monastic school located on a hill just outside the village.
Excursion day and first acclimatization hike to Pungyen Gompa — generally uninhabited — with the possibility, depending on fitness, to continue higher up to the glacier bearing the same name. We return to spend the night in Shyala Gaon.
Trek with views of Manaslu, through traditional stone villages and the first panoramas of high-altitude steppes. Check in at the lodge in Samagaon, we’ll have the chance to take a gentle walk to the stunning Birendra Lake — a sky-blue alpine lake surrounded by numerous cairns. There, you’ll have the opportunity to overlook the valley, Acclimatization in the peaceful break at the lake, located at 3,900 meters.
A gradual ascent to Samdo. If weather and energy levels allow, we can take an acclimatization walk of 1 to 2 hours up to 4,000 meters, near the mountains.
We may have the chance to witness an informal trade market between Tibetan traders and local villagers. The trail ascends gradually through a glacial valley, leading us toward the base of the Larkya Glacier. The final hour of the hike is steeper, ending at the high-altitude settlement of Dharmasala. A lodge in the dharmasala is so basic and often needs to be shared with others.
We set off at 4 a.m. under a starry sky, guided by our headlamps. As we ascend, the sunrise gradually lights up the surrounding peaks. The trail leads us to the Larkya Pass, where the views from the summit are breathtaking. From there, we begin a long and steep descent along dry, dusty paths that eventually bring us to Bhimtang, where we’ll spend the night.
We descend through forested trails toward the river, pass by Tiliche village, inhabited by Tibetan Manangis. The descent continues to Dharapani, a key junction where the trail meets the Annapurna Circuit. We’ll spend the night in Dharapani.
3 hours by local reserve jeep (35 km) till Besisahar, then a private vehicle to return to Kathmandu from Besisahar (175 km).
3+6 hours drive ; Self meal
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.
Practical Info
– Walking times are approximate as they depend on the group, photos, and stops. Elevation changes are also general indications and not GPS readings. – Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
What is included
- All transfers by private vehicle as per itinerary, including jeep/minibus to Jagat via Arughat
- Transfer from Dharapani to Besisahar by local jeep(s)
- 3 nights at the Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar in Kathmandu (bed and breakfast)
- Full board trek in lodges
- English speaking guide for trekking
- Trekking team: assistant (minimum 4), porters (depending on group size) for the entire trek
- Luggage transfer (up to 12 kg/person) during the trek
- 8-day Manaslu trekking permit
- MCAP and ACAP trekking permits
- 1 full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with vehicle and culture guide.
- Staff insurance
What is not included
- Meals in Kathmandu, excluding breakfast
- Nepal visa (30$ + photo).
- Entrance fees for the sites of Kathmandu visit
- International flights
- Repatriation insurance + rescue and repatriation
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, sleeping bag, hot shower during the trek, etc.
- Supplement per single room for 3 nights in a hotel: 88$
FAQ
Day after day, Manaslu, a majestic summit rising to 8,163 metres, reveals itself in all its grandeur. Sometimes glimpsed around a valley bend, sometimes appearing behind a pass, it accompanies trekkers like a silent, powerful presence. This “mountain of the spirit”, sacred to local people, is the common thread of the itinerary. This Manaslu circuit trek offers multiple perspectives on this legendary giant, often with no other sound than the wind or the bells hanging from Tibetan stupas. Watching Manaslu change throughout the trek is a rare sensory experience, between fascination and humility.
The Manaslu circuit crosses areas that have remained away from mass tourism, preserving authentic landscapes and encounters. Here there are no long lines of hikers or standardised lodges: you walk through a raw Himalaya, between forests, deep gorges and isolated villages. This trek is ideal for lovers of wild nature and untouched spaces. Far from the crowds of the Annapurna circuit or Everest Base Camp, Manaslu offers precious solitude, strengthening your bond with the mountain and the local culture.
With many days of walking, this Manaslu circuit is a true long-distance immersion in the Himalayan range. From Barpak to the Larkya La pass (5,106 m), the route alternates gradual climbs, windswept plateaus and descents into green valleys. Each stage is carefully planned to ensure good acclimatisation and balanced progress, letting you fully enjoy the spectacular scenery and changing atmospheres. This trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a physical challenge and a complete digital detox.
Along the route, you pass through villages inhabited by different Himalayan peoples: Gurungs, Samapas and Manangis. Each has its own customs, architecture, traditional dress and relationship with the sacred. These human encounters make the trek as strong a cultural experience as a physical one. Stone houses, prayer wheels, colourful monasteries and above all the smiles of the inhabitants punctuate the days. Far from being mere scenery, these peoples embody the soul of Manaslu and reinforce the feeling of authentic immersion in an ancestral Nepal.
