COUNTRIES VISITED: Nepal
TRIP CODE: MNC
DURATION: 18 Days
TRIP TYPE: Trekking
TRIP LEADER: Local Leader
TRIP GRADE: Strenuous
GROUP SIZE: 2 - 10 people
TRIP STYLE: Tea House
NEXT DEPARTURE: 11 Oct 2025
REVIEWS: 5 Stars Based On 11 Reviews
TREES PLANTED: 5 Trees Planted for each Booking
Manaslu Circuit is one of the classic treks in Nepal around an 8,000m peak called Mount Manaslu.
While trekking in Nepal around Manaslu you see the spectacular landscape of the Himalayas. The view from Larkya La is superb of Himal Chuli, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal mountains and the Annapurna region including Annapurna 2.
Mount Manaslu is the world’s eighth-highest mountain in the world at an elevation of 8,156m. A Japanese and Nepalese team climbed to the summit for the first time in 1956.
There are many options for trekking in Nepal and in practice for many people, the Manaslu Circuit is one of the best treks with incredible Himalayan views. We walk through traditional villages with a range of ethnic groups. There is now a network of tea house lodges and is no longer a full camping trek. As the lodges are more basic than the Everest Base Camp trek or Annapurna Base Camp we also bring tents as a backup in case. The Manaslu region is a restricted area and we will obtain the trek permits for your visit.
The Manaslu trek starts at Machha Khola village further up the valley from the town of Arughat. The trekking trail passes through bamboo forests in the narrow Buri or Budi Gandaki gorge. After Lho village we enter the Nupri region inhabited by Tibetan immigrants. You see colourful Buddhist prayer flags, mani walls, and monasteries.
We spend two nights at Samagaon and Samdo villages for essential acclimatisation. From Samagaon you can walk towards Manaslu Base Camp. From Samdo there is an attractive path to follow toward Tibet where there are often blue sheep.
After Samdo village we start the approach towards the Larkya La pass at an altitude of 5,213m. The pass day is challenging and hard work although no previous mountaineering experience is required.
To combine a visit to Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, take a look at our longer Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek. Manaslu hike has similar scenery and landscape to Half Annapurna Circuit in the Annapurna region further to the West.
Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is in itself an unforgettable experience. The Himalayan peaks are only a short distance north of the capital of Nepal as seen from the plane. After customs at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will pass into the passenger pick-up area outside. You will see a Mountain Company signboard. Our representative will be waiting to welcome you to Nepal.
After transferring to your hotel we will give you a full trek briefing. The rest of the day will be yours to explore Kathmandu and to make final preparations for the trek. You will hear the Nepalese word for hello ‘Namaste’, you will never forget that word after this holiday.
This is a one day guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. We visit three out of the seven World Heritage Sites. You start off by visiting Patan Durbar Square. Afterward, you drive to the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath. The last stop of the day at the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath. The tour is likely to finish around 4 pm and the rest of the day is free to further explore Kathmandu.
Three major towns in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Each place has great artistic and architectural traditions. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second-largest separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati river. Bhaktapur, the third-largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley. Its relative isolation reflected in its slower pace and more medieval atmosphere. In Kathmandu, there is a bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets. While the city has expanded it is possible to see traditional buildings and temples.
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by private vehicle. It is a scenic drive with occasional glimpses of mountain peaks. After exiting the Kathmandu valley we drive along the Pokhara road. We turn off to head North following Buri Gandaki to Arughat Bazaar. Along the way, we see traditional villages surrounded by rice paddies.
After the busy market town of Dhading Besi, the road is no longer hard-topped. It is likely to be quite dusty on the bus so it is a good idea to bring a buff or scarf along with you. The road extends beyond Arughat so these days we continue the drive further up the valley to Machha Khola. This village is a better trailhead than Arughat as it saves two days walking along the dusty road. For the first night of the Manaslu Circuit trek, we have an overnight stay in one of the tea houses at Machha Khola.
Today we start the journey into the mountains. Our route heads North following the Buri Gandaki river, sometimes called Budhi Gandaki. We walk through terraced fields and a forest path often lined with troops of monkeys. The path follows the Buri Gandaki river climbing up and down ridges. We pass through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani. After crossing the bridge over to the east bank of Buri Gandaki we hike through the forest to Dobhan. Further along, we cross the bridge over the Yaru Khola river. Shortly after we cross another suspension bridge over Buri Gandaki to Jagat village. We enter inside the Manaslu Conservation Area where we have to show our trekking permits at the police check post.
Hiking during the months of both April and early October will be very hot and humid. Temperatures are often more than 30 Degrees Celsius for the first two days of the trek. These dates are the optimal conditions for crossing the high pass. Please be aware of the hot start to the trek. It is important to bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat and apply sun cream.
After Jagat we cross a bridge over Dudh Pokhari khola. We walk through the villages of Salleri and Sirdibas. We descend to cross the bridge over Buri Gandaki to the larger village of Philim. We continue onwards to stay at Deng and enter this village through a Buddhist stone arch known as a kani.
A short distance out of Deng, we cross back over the Buri Gandaki onto what is now its north bank near Rana. From the suspension bridge, the path climbs a little before heading west on level ground. Shortly after we pass a large waterfall. Once over a wooden bridge, we contour up and out of the canyon. We climb high above the river before dropping into the Shringi Khola valley. After the suspension bridge over the Shringi Khola, there is a steep climb. The trail traverses along the Buri Gandaki as it flows between vertical walls of rock.
After a few more ups and downs through a pine forest, we turn a corner and arrive at Ghap. We enter through an intricate Kani with well-preserved paintings and an elegant mani wall. The mani stones are beautifully engraved in the Tibetan language. After leaving Ghap, you pass more mani walls on the southern side of the river. We walk through a forest and climb above the river. We pass a waterfall and continue through bamboo, fir, and rhododendron forests. The trail climbs and finally, we enter Namrung through another stone archway.
Today is a shorter day of hiking as we need to limit our increase in altitude to have time for acclimatisation. Not long after leaving Namrung, we arrive at Banjam with its wide fields. After Banjam we walk steeply up to the next village of Lihi. There is a fine view of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal.
After a further hour, we arrive at Sho and then followed by another hour to Lho. Along the way, we walk through juniper and birch forests. From Lho village, there are views of Mount Manaslu and the Kutang Himal. In the afternoon it is worth visiting Ribang Gompa overlooking the village.
After leaving Lho the next village is Shyala. This place is on a plateau then after you cross a bridge over Numla khola. After crossing a boulder field, the path emerges onto the fields near Samagaon village. We walk through the extensive pastures of Samagoan with yaks grazing nearby. There is a lot to explore here, it is a little piece of Tibet with many gompas in a traditional Tibetan village. In the afternoon you can walk up to Phung Gyen Monastery located on a ridge above the village.
We spend two nights at Samagaon to help acclimatisation to the high altitude. It is essential to spend time acclimatising to prevent altitude sickness. There are several options for good day walks. One of them is to walk towards Manaslu Base Camp with views of Manaslu and Peak 29. It is well worth walking around the village to observe the Tibetan culture and to meet some of the local villagers. There are numerous chortens and mani walls in Samagaon village.
We follow the Buri Gandaki valley northwards to a bridge over a side stream. We pass several mani walls on the way towards Samdo. The valley widens with juniper and birch forest. After passing the stone huts at Kermo Kharka, we descend off a shelf to cross a wooden bridge. We climb up between a fork in the river to a promontory. From this vantage point, one can see the kani marking the entrance to Samdo. Like Samagoan, Samdo is also one of the Tibetan style villages of the Manaslu region of Nepal.
We spend two nights at Samdo to help acclimatisation before ascending to Larkya La. There is a good day walk towards Gya La which is a trading pass on the Tibetan border. There are blue sheep in this area so look out for these on the grassy slopes.
After breakfast, we leave Samdo and start the ascent to the Larkya pass. We descend through fields to an old mani wall and stone arch. After dropping down to the river we cross over on a wooden bridge. This place shows up on maps as the mythical Larka Bazaar. This used to be a flourishing market, but nothing remains there.
Another mani wall marks the beginning of the ascent to the pass. We walk up through the tundra and juniper. We can see the Larkya Glacier coming down from Manaslu. We stay on the ridge to the right to find a trail that crosses over the top of two ravines. The path becomes steeper and ascends up the side of a gorge to a viewpoint at the edge of a gorge at 4,000m. Near Larkya Glacier, we reach Larkya Phedi, where there is a small lodge nestled on the grassy lateral moraine. This is very basic accommodation built for trekkers crossing the Larkya La.
After an early morning start, we follow the trail up a long gentle climb across the moraine. Today you should walk slowly as this is the most efficient way of trekking at a high altitude. We descend a short way to a lake. Then the path becomes indistinct as it crosses to the south of steep grassy slopes. The trail stays on the moraine to a ridge marked by two cairns. From here we can see the prayer flags marking the Larkya La pass. We descend to four frozen lakes and then make the final climb on a steep rocky trail to the pass.
Soon after we arrive at the Larkya La pass at 5,213m and this is the high point of the Manaslu Circuit trek. The view of the Himalayas is superb with snow-capped mountains in all directions. Take some time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the high mountains of the Himalayas. The prominent Larkya peak can be seen from the pass as well as the Annapurna range and Mount Manaslu. The mountain views include Himlung Himal (7,125m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,939m).
The conditions for crossing the pass vary depending on the time of year. We include micro crampons, gaiters, and walking poles in our kit list. You will need to use this equipment if the pass is icy and slippery.
The steep descent from the pass follows switchbacks sometimes on snow and other times of year on loose rocks. Lower down we descend a slope on loose gravel to a grassy moraine at 4,450m. The trail now becomes easier to follow and reaches a small meadow and spring at 4,080m. The valley becomes wider and we enter grassy meadows. We pass a mani wall and then enter the cluster of lodges at Bimthang at an altitude of 3,590m.
From Bimthang we descend to a glacial stream and these are the headwaters of the Dudh Khola river. We cross a bridge and descend into pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk at 3,430m. The path improves as it descends to a fork in the river and then follows the river at 3,030m. Soon after we reach the fenced fields of Karche. We cross a landslide before making a steep climb to a ridge decorated with prayer flags. We make a descent to the river bank at Gho. We continue through fields and intermittent stands of rhododendron and oak. We arrive at the large Gurung village of Tilje in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
As the road now extends to Tilje, we start our drive from this village. It will be a bumpy ride but we feel that it is a better option rather than walking on a dusty road with passing vehicles. It is scenic as we see the steep walls of the Marsyangdi Valley and finally, the houses of Dharapani appear in the distance. We pass through Thonje and Dharapani lies across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river.
After Dharapani we are now on the popular Annapurna Circuit and we continue the drive to Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, we switch vehicles to our private bus sent from Kathmandu to collect you. From here, we drive on a black-topped road down to the main Pokhara to Kathmandu highway. Then we drive up to the traditional Newari town of Bandipur where we stay the night in a hotel. We stay at The Old Inn in Bandipur, this is a lovely hotel in a traditional house in the main square of Bandipur.
Bandipur is a small town located on a ridge above the Kathmandu to Pokhara road and has superb views of the Himalayan peaks to the north (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal). Bandipur has been considerately developed for tourists whereby some of the old houses have been carefully converted to hotels and there are thankfully few concrete buildings like elsewhere in Nepal. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu the small town of Bandipur is a very peaceful place as vehicles are not allowed into the main square.
Today we drive back to Kathmandu on the main highway from Pokhara.
Today is a free day to relax in Kathmandu after the trek. You can do some independent sightseeing around the city. You can enjoy spending time at restaurants and cafes. The reason for having an extra day as a buffer is in case of any delays or cancellations driving back from Dharapani. This helps to minimise the risk of missing your international flight back home.
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home. End of trip.
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Oct 2025 to 28 Oct 2025 | Local Leader | US$2,850pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 25 Oct 2025 to 11 Nov 2025 | Local Leader | US$2,850pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 15 Nov 2025 to 02 Dec 2025 | Local Leader | US$2,850pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Apr 2026 to 21 Apr 2026 | Local Leader | US$2,895pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 18 Apr 2026 to 05 May 2026 | Local Leader | US$2,895pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 02 May 2026 to 19 May 2026 | Local Leader | US$2,895pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 10 Oct 2026 to 27 Oct 2026 | Local Leader | US$2,895pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 24 Oct 2026 to 10 Nov 2026 | Local Leader | US$2,895pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 14 Nov 2026 to 01 Dec 2026 | Local Leader | US$2,895pp | Room: US$250pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| Dates | Trip Leader | Price | Single Supplement: Room/Tent | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Apr 2027 to 20 Apr 2027 | Local Leader | US$2,950pp | Room: US$275pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 17 Apr 2027 to 04 May 2027 | Local Leader | US$2,950pp | Room: US$275pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
| 01 May 2027 to 18 May 2027 | Local Leader | US$2,950pp | Room: US$275pp Tent: NA | 2 Left to Guarantee |
While on a teahouse lodge trek in Nepal, there are twin share rooms with common bathroom and a heated communal dining room. We regularly inspect and select the best lodges in each location.
We have used Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu for our groups since it was rebuilt in 2017. Since then we have received positive feedback on their service and location. This is our first choice hotel for trekking groups in Kathmandu. Rooms are well appointed with a reliable supply of hot water for use in the shower. The windows have double glazing so it keeps the rooms very quiet. They serve an excellent breakfast buffet from 7am to 10am. A sundowner on their rooftop bar and restaurant called Foreign Affairs is a must do!
We provide a comfortable experience on our teahouse lodge-style treks. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy trekking in Nepal. The lodges provide your meals in a communal dining room. You will sleep in private rooms with a shared bathroom. There is a range of standards and service in teahouse lodges depending on location. i.e. lodges at higher altitudes and places with fewer trekkers tend to have more basic facilities.
The day starts with getting up in your room shared with another trekker in our group. Before heading for breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your main bag (this could be a duffel, kit bag, or rucsac). You would have given your breakfast orders to the guide to pass onto the kitchen last night. At the designated time the group will assemble in the dining room to eat breakfast. Breakfast includes cereal, porridge, or rice pudding and an egg dish with bread or toast plus two cups of hot drinks such as tea, coffee, or lemon ginger honey.
While the group is having breakfast the porters arrange their loads and set off in the cool of the morning. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start walking. The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the lodge for tonight. Enjoy the scenery, take photos, and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a teahouse lodge by the side of the trail. This includes one dish such as fried rice, dal bhat, momos, or pasta plus two cups of hot drinks.
After lunch, we continue the walk and on most days we arrive at the lodge around mid-afternoon. On arrival, you will get a hot drink and biscuits. For dinner, you get a two-course dinner (soup and main meal). The menus are quite standard with a range of dishes such as dal bhat, momos, and the famous Sherpa stew. Dal bhat is a Nepalese dish of rice and lentils with vegetable curry. It is also possible to order spaghetti and pasta; pizzas; vegetable burgers and chips and fried rice. We also provide up to two cups of hot drinks per meal.
After supper, the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterward, people might stay in the dining room chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day, most people head to their rooms quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar to today!
You can read more about Teahouse Trekking in Nepal on our Blog. This article explains the facilities available at a teahouse lodge. It also describes the advantages and disadvantages of camping-style treks. Plus the amount to budget for extra costs. We also touch upon what to pack for a teahouse trek, safety, and security plus responsible use of the lodge.
We include all meals at the teahouse lodges (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner) while on the trek. Importantly, we clearly define what dishes and drinks we provide so there is no confusion in terms of what is allowed. Given the amount of food and drinks we include, there should be no need to spend any extra money on additional food. However, some people will pay for extra treats along the way such as to get cake and a coffee at the bakeries and cafes!
If you are comparing our prices with other operators you should be careful to compare apples with apples. These days many operators do not include meals in their packages when staying at the teahouse lodges. The food at the lodges is expensive and will cost an average of £25 (US$35) per person per day. If you are paying for the meals directly to the lodges you would need to carry a lot of cash including the tip money too. Having this amount of money with you will be a security risk and for peace of mind, it is better to pay for the meals to us when booking the trip. Also, it will be difficult to know in advance how much cash to bring with you on the trek (there are no ATMs when on trek). Furthermore, in practice, it will be complicated and time-consuming for you and the guides to work out individual bills after checking out each day from the lodge.
With our meal plan, you can select your dishes from the menu at the lodge. In our package, we include the cost of your breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. Breakfast includes cereal, porridge, or rice pudding and an egg dish with bread or toast. Lunch includes one dish such as fried rice, dal bhat, momos, or pasta. For afternoon tea, you get a hot drink plus biscuits. Dinner is two courses including soup and the main dish chosen by you from the menu. You are allowed two cups of hot drinks per meal so this means a total of seven cups per day.
We cater to a variety of dietary requirements. There are always meals that are suitable for vegetarians. During booking, we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.
We bring a Thuraya satellite phone for logistical, safety and personal use. Personal calls charged at £4 (US$5 or €4.50) per minute and £2 (US$3 €4.50) to send and receive SMS text.
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The group leader will check your gear in Kathmandu before departure for the trek.
As a reminder, the weather on this trek will vary from season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek, you will experience warm conditions with temperatures up to 25 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperatures in Larkya Phedi at an altitude of 4,460m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -12 Celsius.
You should bring a rucsac or backpack for gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit and snacks. The weight limit is 5kg. A porter will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag. The weight limit for your duffel bag is 15kg. Please mark your bag on the outside for easy identification.
Print the kit list and tick items off as you pack them then weigh your kit bag before you come on trek.
Footwear
For crossing the passes
Clothing
Head and Gloves
Personal equipment
Travelling
We provide a comprehensive group first aid kit. Please bring personal medications and other items you might use such as:
You should be aware trekking in a developing country involves a risk of personal injury or death. You must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions and unpredictable weather. There could be last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of our trips.
We have performed a threat and risk assessment for our Around Manaslu trek. Our trips have a degree of risk. This is part of the attraction of adventure travel and why so many people choose to join this type of holiday. By identifying the hazards we assess the level of risk. We have control measures in place to reduce this happening or to reduce the impact.
Our risk assessment is available to clients on request. We have listed below a summary of the significant risks and hazards identified by us:
This trip visits a remote area. You are away from the usual emergency services and medical facilities. Evacuation for a serious injury requiring hospitalisation could take up to several days. This delay could impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the usual means of evacuation. They are not always available or hindered by poor weather and flying conditions.
Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary has a wide range of temperatures. This depends on the season, altitude and time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m, the nights will be cool around 5 Celsius. During the day temperatures sometimes rise to 20 Celsius. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15 Celsius to -12 Celsius. The conditions of the Manaslu region are very similar to the more popular Annapurna region with Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp treks.
The trekking season in Nepal is from late September to May. October and November is generally recognised as having the best weather. Spring is a popular time of year to trek the Manaslu Circuit with warmer weather than in Autumn. Also, there is the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom.
We have written a blog article When is the best time to go trekking in Nepal Himalaya? This has information about the weather and conditions in Spring and Autumn seasons. It also explains the differences between the trekking regions of Nepal.
