The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a transcendent trekking journey into Nepal's heartlands, a less-traveled trail that promises a unique and awe-inspiring adventure.
Unlike its more famous counterparts, this trek encapsulates the raw essence of the Himalayas, offering a unique blend of natural grandeur, cultural immersion, and remote solitude. With each step along its winding paths, you'll unearth hidden valleys, encounter ancient traditions, and connect with the majestic Manaslu mountain.
You will trek to Manaslu Base Camp and go even higher to Larke Pass with its glaciers and moraines. Of course, the magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu and other infamous peaks always accompany the rugged trail.
On this trek, you will hike through valleys, cross river bridges, and pass Mani walls and Chhortens. Additionally, you will leave footprints on one of the most challenging trekking routes in the world.
While less widely known than its counterpart - the Everest Base Camp Trek, this trekking trail is equally rewarding. On top of it, this trek arguably gives you a better look into the rural Nepali lifestyle.
But for the most part, the challenge is what attracts trekkers from all over the world to the Manaslu region. If you’re one of them - adventurous and limitless - you will love the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal Highlights
Mount Manaslu, the world’s 8th-highest peak.
An intimate look into Nepali-Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
Trek to the heartland of Manaslu and its base camp.
Larke Pass, the highest point of the trek.
Trekking trail that traverses through beautiful villages, valleys, and suspension bridges.
Spectacular views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II, Peak 29, Lamjung Himal, Siringi, Simnang, Kang Gurum, etc.
Birch, juniper, and rhododendron forests accompany the trekking trail.
Opportunity to spot Himalayan flora and fauna - colorful birds, white-faced monkeys, Himalayan yaks, tahrs, etc.
Mount Manaslu
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
The following is an itinerary map of Manaslu Circuit Trekking. The numbering represents the days in our standard itinerary.
Meanwhile, the dotted lines are optional itinerary activities that you can pursue during acclimatization days or at the end of the trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost starts from 900 USD per person for 14 day all-inclusive itinerary.
Nepal’s regulations prohibit trekkers from doing this restricted-area trek independently. You must hire a licensed trekking agency like Sublime Trails. Scheduled dates are displayed on this page. You can also book a private trip at the same cost, allowing you to have a suitable start date or customize the trip.
With Sublime Trails, the booking cost includes accommodation, food, permit fees, and transport. This cost also includes hiring a guide and porter. Also, note that Sublime Trails makes all permits and paperwork arrangements with the government and the tax department. This allows us to offer the best trek for you.
However, the inclusive package rate does not include soft and alcoholic drinks, hot showers, or the cost of charging your electronics. For more info, refer to this page's includes and excludes section.
Day 1:Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)Altitude: 700m/2296ft, Duration: 7 hrs
Day 2:Soti Khola to Maccha KholaAltitude: 930m/3051ft, Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Day 3:Maccha Khola to JagatAltitude: 1340m/4396ft, Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Day 4:Jagat to PewaAltitude: 1804m/5918ft, Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Day 5:Pewa to NamrungAltitude: 2630m/8628ft, Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Day 6:Namrung to LhoAltitude: 2957m/9701ft, Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Day 7:Lho to Sama GaunAltitude: 3530m/11581 ft, Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 8:Acclimatization Day in Samagaun (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)Altitude: 4400m/14435ft, Duration: 7 hours
Day 9:Sama Gaun to SamdoAltitude: 3865m/12680 ft, Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 10:Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)Altitude: 5000m/16404 ft, Duration: 8 hours
Day 11:Samdo to DharmasalaAltitude: 4460m/14632 ft, Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Day 12:Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La PassAltitude: 5135m/16847ft, Duration: 10 hours
Day 13:Bimthang to DharapaniAltitude: 1970m/6463 ft, Duration: 7 hours
Day 14:Drive from Dharapani to KathmanduAltitude: 1400m/4,600 ft, Duration: 9 hours
Day 1:Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)
Max Altitude700m/2296ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
You'll embark on a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. If you choose to travel by local bus, you’ll first take a bus to Dhading or Malekhu along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. You’ll then take another bus or jeep to reach Soti Khola. You can also choose to go by private vehicle, in which case the ride becomes a lot more convenient.
We’ll pass through rural villages and green hillsides as the road mutates into a bumpy dirt path. You’ll get views of the southern dial of Mt. Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal. After a 7-hour drive, you’ll reach Soti Khola just in time for a much-needed break from traveling and dinner.
Gateway to the Manaslu region, Soti Khola is a village settlement with semi-urban housing. The settlement is encapsulated by green hills and Soti Khola (river).
Day 2:Soti Khola to Maccha Khola
Max Altitude930m/3051ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
Trekking begins after a nourishing breakfast. The trail traverses through muddy pathways, suspension bridges, colossal waterfalls, and small creeks. You’ll leave your footprints through the mystic Sal forests and the cross-bridge over the rushing Budhi Gandaki River.
You’ll witness steeper cliffs in the backdrop as you trek through beautifully crafted stone steps. The trekking trail to Maccha Khola isn’t too lonely - you’ll still see villages (Khursani Village and Lububesi, a Gurung settlement) and the locals busy with their daily chores. The settlement of Machha Khola is similar to Soti Khola but with a more rural setting.
Day 3:Maccha Khola to Jagat
Max Altitude1340m/4396ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
At daybreak, you’re already set to start your trek along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. You might occasionally share the stone steps with mules. The natural hot spring at Tatopani is a good place to take a break.
After a relaxing dip in the hot spring, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and follow the trail that leads to Dobhan. In Nepali, Dobhan means confluence, and sure enough, the place is marked by the confluence of Shari Khola (river) and Sharpu Khola.
The trail throughout the day is fairly undulating, however, the final part is a steep three-hour climb. Before finally resting at Jagat, a quick visit to a check post will ensure you have the right paperwork. From this day onward, we’ll be trekking into the restricted region.
The houses in Jagat are made of stone and have a more rural look. Tourism, service, agriculture, and animal husbandry are the primary occupations. People raise mules, sheep, and Himalayan goats.
Day 4:Jagat to Pewa
Max Altitude1804m/5918ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
Jagat is a Buddhist stronghold with several gompas (Buddhist temples) and prayer flags. You’ll first head to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal permits are checked at Phillim.
We’ll cross the Siyar Khola bridge before the junction in the trail. This trek heads to Pewa but the trail on the right goes into the Tsum Valley. You can extend your trek by going into the Tsum Valley, but this is something you need to arrange before heading out of Kathmandu.
We finally reach Pewa, a small settlement with fewer teahouses. One of them will be waiting for you with warm hospitality, delicious food, and a cozy bed.
Day 5:Pewa to Namrung
Max Altitude2630m/8628ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
After breakfast, the trail takes us through bamboo forests to a suspension bridge and a steep hike. The valley widens as you tread your way to the Ghatta Khola River.
You’ll reach Deng, a place popular among some tourists as a stop for the day. But we will go further and cross a suspension bridge to Bihi Phedi.
If you’re fateful, you will also get glimpses of the langur monkeys that roam the area. The trekking trail is embellished with lush green forests and alpine vegetation with mountain views visible in the backdrop. Specifically, the Prok Village serves as a viewpoint for the (Mt.) Siringi Himal.
You’ll follow a zigzag trail and one last steep trek to reach Namrung village where we’ll stay the night.
Day 6:Namrung to Lho
Max Altitude2957m/9701ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
This is one of the most significant days of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You’ll trek along the stone mani walls after breakfast to the beautiful Lihi village. This day will showcase a different personality of the Manaslu area, with locals dressing in Tibetan clothes called chubas.
You’ll cross a stream that originates from the Lindanda glacier and reach Sho, a settlement that features elaborate views of the (Mt.) Simnang Himal.
Lho is a distinct settlement with prayer flags, Tibetan-style painted gate arches, mani walls, chortens, and stupas. There’s a large Gompa where children get primary education and are taught under Buddhist philosophies.
The overall trekking trail today is energizing with glimpses of Peak 29, Mt. Manaslu, and the Twin Fistail Peaks. However, you’ll be gaining significant altitude on this day, and some trekkers start to get their first symptoms of altitude sickness. Always be mindful to keep your guide informed of any difficulties.
Day 7:Lho to Sama Gaun
Max Altitude3530m/11581 ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
You’ll get a more accessible and picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu today, along with views of (Mt.) Himal Chuli. The first part of the trek comprises an easy hike through pine and rhododendron vegetation to Shyla. Shyla is a settlement distinct by its farming fields and numerous wooden resting stops.
We’ll then cross the Numla Khola (river) over a suspension bridge. This is followed by a 1-hour trek to Sama Gaun with delightful mountain views on the trail. As you reach the valley, the mountain view fades away and is replaced by soothing views of yak pastures and village settlements.
Sama Gaun is inhabited by the Nubri people, descendants of Tibetan migrants who arrived here almost 500 years ago. It is also the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp. The village has a large Gompa, numerous small shops, a health post, and a helipad. You’ll also get access to electricity and wifi, which is always good.
We’ll stay overnight at a teahouse in Sama Gaun.
Day 8:Acclimatization Day in Samagaun (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
Max Altitude4400m/14435ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
You’ve already gained significant altitude throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trek, so this day is crucial to let the body acclimatize and prepare for the upcoming journey. You can sleep in and relax throughout the day, enjoying the flavorful breakfast, lunch, and dinner of your lodge.
If you still have the energy for more adventure, you can either take a detour to the Pungyen Gompa or hike to Manaslu Base Camp - it’s not like you must sit idle on acclimatization days. However, note that either of these destinations takes almost a day to reach and return, so you’ll have to choose between the two.
Located at a 2.5 hrs hike to the south of Sama Gaun, Pungyen Gompa offers splendid views of the glacier and Mt. Manaslu. You may also see Himalayan Tahrs and Yaks grazing in the pasturelands.
Meanwhile, the Manaslu Base Camp is to the north of Sama Gaun, past Birendra Tal. You’ll slowly proceed to the north of Manaslu Glacier to reach base camp. If you’re too exhausted on the trail, you can return from Birendra Tal.
Day 9:Sama Gaun to Samdo
Max Altitude3865m/12680 ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
The trekking trail today passes through mani walls, extensive yak pastures, and beautiful forests of birch and juniper until Kermo Kharka. After breakfast, we’ll descend to the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll then leave the treeline behind to ascend to a ridge across a wooden bridge of the Budhi Gandaki River.
The trail also introduces you to Kani, a beautiful village dedicated to yak herding.
Arriving in Samdo on time for lunch, it is possible to explore Samdo Peak in the afternoon. Samdo is a small village with Tibetan influence, as the inhabitants are believed to be descendants of Tibetan immigrants.
Samdo is the convergence of 3 valleys and is a day’s walk from Tibet. You might see traders with Chinese and Tibetan goods on the trail.
Day 10:Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
Max Altitude5000m/16404 ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
This is another day in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal itinerary for acclimatization. But you’ve known by now that acclimatization doesn’t mean sitting idle. We can hike to the Tibetan border to see Tibet and the Samdo Glacier in Nepal.
Day 11:Samdo to Dharmasala
Max Altitude4460m/14632 ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
The trekking trail first passes through icy streams and then to drier barren lands. You’ll get to visit Larke Bazaar, a seasonal Tibetan market set up by local traders. You’ll be crossing two streams as you lay eyes on the Larkya Glacier.
Expect to pass through monasteries and mani walls on the journey. We’ll trek to Salka Khola and ascend towards Dharmasala.
Day 12:Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass
Max Altitude5135m/16847ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
The trek today is on challenging terrain, requiring us to make an early headstart. You’ll trek through valleys and villages along trails marked by prayer flags and carefully descend to the four frozen lakes.
You’ll reach the north side of the Larkya Glacier which also features stunning views of Cho Danda (hill) and Larkya Peak. The terrain is progressively steep en route to Larkya La Pass as you make your way across glacial moraines.
Coming down the other side of the pass there are views of icefalls and mountains as well as Pongkar Tal (lake). A great glacial cirque is also seen from here. We’ll cross the moraines and descend to gentler meadows via a steep gully. The widening valley, mani walls, and sight of human settlements signal the arrival of Bimthang.
The overall trekking trail is embellished with spectacular views of peaks like Himling Himal (Mt.), Cheo Himal, Bouddha Himal, Kang Guru, the great Annapurna II, and the mighty Mt. Manaslu itself.
Day 13:Bimthang to Dharapani
Max Altitude1970m/6463 ft
AccommodationTea House
MealsBLD
The 13th day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary starts with a downhill hike through lush green forests till we cross the Dudh Khola (river). We’ll have lunch in Karche village. You’ll start to see signs of agriculture and tilled fields as Karche is a cultivated area at the top of the Budhi Gandaki valley.
We’ll press forward through more mani walls to Thonje village and then to Dharapani. Our final night on the trek is spent in Dharapani.
Day 14:Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
Max Altitude1400m/4,600 ft
MealsBreakfast and Lunch
Today, we’ll take a 3-hour jeep drive from Dharapani to Besi Sahar for 3 hours. It then takes around five hours to drive from Beshi Sahar to Kathmandu. It’s finally time to celebrate after having completed this exhilarating trek.
Tea house accommodation along the way for 13 Nights
Local Sharing bus transport from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Sharing a Bus from Dharapani to Kathmandu
Well-experienced trekking guide
MCAP Permit, Acap Permit, and Tims card fee
Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and the Tax department
All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
First Aid service in case of minor injuries
Optional Add-Ons: USD 220 For one porter Sharing between two people. Porter can Carry upto 25Kg.
Cost Excludes
Any meal and accommodation in Kathmandu
Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
Nepal entry visa fee
Tipping for the Sublime crew
Manaslu Circuit Trek 2023-2024 Booking Dates
We organize numerous Manaslu Circuit Treks every year. You can browse through our pre-scheduled trekking dates below.
The region from Jagat to Dharapani has been declared a restricted region. As such, there are special requirements when you trek to the region. Specifically, there are three permits needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek: the MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP.
Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) are also not allowed to trek in restricted areas. You must appoint an authorized trekking agency with a licensed guide. If you trek with Sublime Trails, we will process and apply for all your permits so you don’t have to worry about them.
Note: Although the permit fees below are mentioned in USD, they are payable in Nepalese rupees, preferably in cash.
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is required from Jagat until you reach Sama Gaun. The permit is valid for 7 days, with extra fees for each additional day between Jagat and Dharapani.
September - November: US $100 for 7 days, additional $15 per day per person for an extended stay.
December - August: US $75 for 7 days, additional $10 per day per person for an extended stay.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
The Manaslu Conservation Area starts from Philim. The cost for this permit is a flat US $30. Furthermore, this permit has no expiry date hence there are no additional fees for extended stays.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
You need this permit for the second half of the trek. This permit is required during your trek from Dharapani to Besi Sahar since it falls in the Annapurna Circuit. Like the MCAP permit, the ACAP permit costs a flat US $30 and has no expiry date.
For more info on the permits and the documents required, refer to our blog post on Manaslu and Tsum Valley trekking permits.
How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is a moderately challenging trek. Some advise that only trekkers who have prior experience trekking to 4,000m+ altitudes take on this challenge.
However, it’s not like the region is totally unwelcoming to first-timers. With good planning and advice, you can finish this journey successfully.
Nevertheless, you should know that the journey requires long hours of trekking through challenging terrain. The total trail length is 177 km, and you’ll reach the highest altitude of 5,106 m at Larke Pass.
Trekking days can stretch to as long as 9 hours of (breaks included) treading through forests, uneven terrain, and sloppy/icy pathways.
Because this region is thankfully still in its natural state and not commercialized like the Everest Region, one drawback is the comparable unavailability of services. You will stay at modest teahouses and savor Nepali and Tibetan-styled foods.
The staple trekker’s diet generally includes the classic Nepalese Dat Bhat (Rich, Pulses, and Curry) and Tibetan noodles.
Additionally, weather and altitude add to the Manaslu Trekking challenge like in all high-altitude trek routes. You should be careful of altitude sickness and prepare to combat the mountain cold, especially during mornings and nights.
Cliff-faced bridge on the way to Jagat
Depending on the season, time of day, and exact location, the temperature can range from -6°C to 22°C.
Difficulty Overview
Trip Difficulty Grade
Moderately Challenging
Trail Length
177 km (110 miles)
Terrain
Rugged, Off-the-Beaten-Path, Sloppy and icy at some places
Altitude Range
700m to 5135m
Temperature Range
-6°C to 22°C
Daily Trekking Time
4 to 9 hours
Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation
On the Manaslu Circuit trail, you will sleep in modest guesthouses, also called teahouses. These are mostly operated by the locals themselves.
All guest houses provide a pillow and a blanket but you should pack a sleeping bag nonetheless. Generally, each room has two single beds and rooms will have to be shared. The bathroom is shared, and you’ll rarely find attached bathrooms per room. Expect to find Western-style toilets or squat toilets as you move up in altitude.
Although not guaranteed, these teahouses will mostly have a firewood-heated dining room, allowing you to rub shoulders with fellow travelers.
While teahouses at the start of the trek might offer hot shower facilities, do not expect the same service as you go up the trail. Fuel is transported through mules in the Manaslu region, and a hot shower is the least important of its utility. You’ll be using wet wipes throughout most of the teahouse stays and be able to have a hot shower only at Dharapani.
Food and Drinks
In all honesty, food options are limited in the Manaslu region trekking compared to other trekking trails in Nepal. But if you find solace in savoring Nepalese and Tibetan tastes, this shouldn’t be a problem.
However, you do get pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and other Western cuisines on the menu at some establishments.
Breakfast Options
Tibetan bread, buckwheat bread, chapatis, porridge, omelets, eggs, pancakes, etc.
Lunch/ Dinner Options
Nepalese Dal Bhat (with rice, lentils, spinach, curry, pickles, etc.), various rice dishes, momo dumplings, noodles, Tibetan dishes, pizza, sandwiches, etc.
Snacks
Biscuits, noodles, chocolate bars, and everything else that you manage to buy in Kathmandu (you don’t get many choices on the trail.)
Drinks
Hot chocolate, tea (black, lemon, masala, milk, ginger honey) and coffee, etc.
Telephone, Internet, Charging, and WiFi During the Trek
Internet and WiFi
More and more guesthouses provide WiFi services during the trek, and it costs around NPR 300 to 500.
Although the internet connection at Sama Gaun is good, don’t expect the same speed and connection at other places.
SIM Cards
You will get free WiFi services at pubs, cafes, or restaurants in Kathmandu. You can also buy a 4G SIM card at the airport in Kathmandu or one of the many vendors in Kathmandu.
However, connectivity can be poor around the trekking trail.
Charging
This is a 14-day long trek so charging your gadgets is a necessity. The tea houses along the trek demand a small fee to charge your gadgets, depending on the device you want to charge. If you have cameras or other gadgets, having multiple batteries and a power bank always helps.
Trip Essential Information
Tourist Visa Information
Trekkers willing to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days require a tourist visa. Foreign citizens in Nepal get tourist visas upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
If you want to avoid the visa queue during peak travel seasons, you can also get a visa from the Nepalese Diplomatic Mission in your country.
At the airport, you’ll have to fill in the arrival card and the tourist visa form. The tourist visa form can also be filled out online before your arrival. Just make sure you have a flight to Nepal within 15 days of filling out this form online (or you’ll have to refill it at TIA.)
Nepal grants tourist visas valid for 15, 30, or 90 days. Here’s the up-to-date visa fee for 2023-2024:
15 Days - 30 USD
30 Days - 50 USD
90 Days - 125 USD
The visa fees center at TIA accepts various payment methods. However, the Department of Immigration website recommends travelers bring cash to stay safe.
Packing List
This trip is perfect for those who want to witness the grandeur of the Manaslu region with fewer distractions. Apart from semi-urban settlements (at the start of the trek) and rural settlements during the rest of the trek, this trekking trail doesn’t have too many hindrances of modernization.
However, this also means that you’ll have to carefully consider all personal requirements beforehand. Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, for example, this trekking trail doesn’t have a stop like Namche Bazaar which gives you a second chance to buy essential amenities and gear. Read our ultimate packing guide to make sure you include the right things on your packing list.
Note that Sublime Trails provides one porter for every two trekkers. A porter shared between two trekkers will carry 20-25 kgs of baggage.
This means that a single trekker can look forward to having him carry 10-12 kgs of personal baggage. Any baggage beyond that will have to be carried by trekkers themselves.
Like the rest of Nepal, this region experiences four seasons: spring, autumn, summer, and winter.
In Nepal, spring is in March, April, and May, and summer is in June, July, and August. Autumn is in September, October, and November, while winter is in December, January, and February.
Spring and autumn feature clear mountain views and beautiful rhododendron blooms along the trail. Furthermore, they are also the safest time for the trek as there are little to no chances of avalanches or landslides along the path.
Meanwhile, summer experiences plenty of rain, especially in the lower parts of the region, and hence the trail can be muddy and slippery. There are also greater chances of the trail being obstructed because of occasional landslides. On the flip side, summer gives birth to otherwise nonexistent streams and further embellishes the gushing rivers along the way.
Finally, winter is snow-time in the Manaslu region and the peaks seem even more beautiful with more layers of white. Unlike summer, winter offers clear skies on most days. The challenge, however, is biting cold.
Sublime Trails, the Most Reliable Manaslu Circuit Trekking Company in Nepal
Sublime Trails is an experienced Manaslu Circuit Trekking Company in Nepal.
We have more than a decade of track record successfully operating treks in the Manaslu region. We only employ certified guides who have been to the region multiple times.
Sublime Trails takes utmost care of trekkers who choose us to be their travel partners. Our guides report back to management at the end of every trekking day, so the entire company is aware of your health conditions and the state of the trek.
What’s more, we are transparent with pricing and booking policies, and all our staff is encouraged to go beyond their way to ensure the best trek for you.
We are a sustainable trekking company in Nepal. We minimize carbon emissions and support the environment and local community during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
FAQs
1. How high will I go on the trek?
The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larke Pass, which sits at an altitude of 5,106 m.
2. How much cash should I take for the trek?
We recommend carrying the Nepalese equivalent of $200 to $300 US in cash for personal expenses on the trek.
3. Is previous experience a must for this trek?
Yes and no. The off-the-beaten-path Manaslu Region weather conditions, altitude, and terrain certainly make this a challenging trek. It is wise to have prior high-altitude trekking experience.
On the same note, we have seen first-timers complete the trek without issues. Perhaps self-assessment and consultation with us will give you your answer.
4. Where to start the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Trekkers start the Manaslu Circuit Trek from either Soti Khola or Maccha Khola. Soti Khola is lower than Maccha Khola, meaning you’ll either trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola on your first day or directly take a bus to Maccha Khola.
Starting your trek from Soti Khola spaces the trek and makes you better accustomed to what’s there to come. You’ll also get a closer look into Soti Khola, a beautiful settlement in its own right. Meanwhile, starting directly from Maccha Khola reduces the number of days required and also avoids the muddy trekking trail from Soti Khola.
With Sublime Trails, you can customize the trip and choose between either of the starting points.
5. How is drinking water managed on the trail?
While teahouses on the Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days provide water during stays, you’ll have to carry your water on the trail. You can refill your bottle or Camel Bak at lunch stops and communal water taps. Clean water from streams can also be your last resort. Just remember to use water purification methods no matter where you source your water from, as traveler’s diarrhea is common in the mountains.
6. How do I choose my Manaslu Circuit Trek guide?
Sublime Trails employs certified and experienced Manaslu Circuit Trek guides. If you’re looking for a trekking guide (compulsory in the Manaslu region), we suggest you do it via a trekking operator (or better yet, with us!) because the guides have a proven track record of accountability and knowledge of the region.
Had a great time hiking the Manaslu circuit trek. The weather during our trip was not ideal so the conditions were challenging but our guide, Ajit, had us feel super safe and comfortable at all times. Ajit made sure we had accommodation even with last-minute changes to the itinerary due to the weather. Will definitely use sublime again when I come back!
Jenny SuttonNovember 15, 2017
The experience- I would never forget
The itinerary that Sublime Trails, namely Ram and his team of Porters provided were all that I ever wanted to explore in - trekking on the snowy mountain, homestay on the mountain, visiting Buddhist monasteries, learning the living culture of a Nepal! Being an amateur and a really slow trekker, it was raining and dark on the snowy mountain, I was in awe of appreciation when I saw the Porters walked on the edge of the cold mountain for my best safety!! Every day was ended with a hot bath and a warm dinner in a cozy dining hall...very warm hospitality from the Nepalese indeed! Most of the meals were meat-less, But! Not to worry for meat lovers like me as the resourceful Ram would have a way with all your needs, definitely. We couldn't have completed the 14 days Manaslu trek of the mountain beyond mountain with great Himalayan views without Ram and his Porters, providing 101% of their expertise, patience, commitment and their singing of the Nepalese songs! Thanks, Sublime Trails Team!
