Manaslu Circuit Trek, 13 Day Itinerary

Notes to Remember for Manaslu Trek

• Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle.
• Transportation during the trek by public vehicle; private transport is available for an additional fee.
• Tipping for guides and porters is generally around 10%.
• Package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner; snacks and drinks are not included.
• Additional fees may apply for hot showers and Wi-Fi.
• Travel insurance is necessary for your safety.
• Follow the guides’ instructions for safety.
• Drones are prohibited without government permission.
• Solo travellers must share rooms with other trekkers.
• Carry Nepali currency; no ATMs on the trek route.
• Inform guides about any medications or allergies.
• Himalayan Masters is not responsible for incidents involving fights, theft, or felonies.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit trek is around 180 kms. The new road construction around Manaslu has made the trek longer, adding 5 to 10 kilometres to the trip. You will walk 6 to 8 hours daily, covering about 18 to 19 km.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869 m/ 2851 ft.): 160 km / 100 miles

Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m/ 4396 ft.): 20 km / 12.4 miles

Day 3: Jagat to Deng (1860 m/ 6102 ft.): 22 km / 13.6 miles

Day 4: Deng to Namrung (2630 m/ 8628 ft.): 19 km / 13.4 miles

Day 5: Namrung to Shyala (3500 m/ 11483 ft.): 16.5 km / 11.8 miles

Day 6: Shyala to Samagaon (3530 m/ 11581 ft.) via Pungyen Monastery: 17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 7: Samagaon with side-trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m/ 15748 ft.): 13.2 km / 8.2 miles (round trip)

Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (3875 m/ 12713 ft.): 9.1 km / 5.7 miles

Day 9: Rest day at Samdo (3875 m/ 12713 ft.): 19.5 km / 12.1 miles (round trip)

Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (4460 m/ 14633 ft.): 6.1 km / 3.8 miles

Day 11: Dharmasala to Bhimtang (3590 m/ 11778 ft.) via Larkya La Pass (5,106 m): 16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 12: Bhimtang to Tilje (2300 m/ 7546 ft.): 20 km / 12.4 miles

Day 13: Drive Tilje to Kathmandu (1400 m/ 4593 ft.): 200 km / 124 miles

Manaslu Circuit Trek Elevation and Altitude

Altitude sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is at a high altitude and has high sickness. Its elevation is 5106 meters, and Larkya La Pass, the major highlight, is located at a high altitude.

People are prone to altitude sickness over 3000 meters. Altitude sickness can even lead to the death of a person, so one should take it very seriously. Drink enough water because hydration is the key to getting over altitude sickness.

If you get any symptoms of altitude sickness on the Manaslu circuit trek, please take Diamox or Acetazolamide. But you must drink at least 4 litres of water after taking medicine. You can also reduce the effect with hot garlic soup or ginger soup.

If the condition worsens, you should abort your trek and not ascend higher because it can create more risk. You can take the trekker to the nearest health post for medications.

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and health

We have already mentioned the difficulty of the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal. So, you will need to have a good fitness level. You will cover the 177 km distance, meaning you will walk 6-7 hours daily.

A trekker must be prepared to walk on rough surfaces, ascend, and descend well. You must have good stamina for the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal. Practice cardio and cycling before the Manaslu Trek for stamina and strong legs.

Regarding medical issues, it is recommended that people with critical medical situations avoid the trek. Also, people with pressure problems must care for their bodies, as this can be a problem at high altitudes. Your health is the most important aspect of your life, so ensure you take proper care of it.

Manaslu Trek Weather and Temperature

March, April, and May mark the spring season in Nepal. March begins at -6 degrees Celsius at night but rises to 6–12 degrees in the late afternoon. The mountains are pretty warm at the end of May, even at night. Autumn is a time of celebration and fun.

After the post-monsoon, the weather in September, October and November is relatively stable and dry. Days are pretty warm, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees in the Manaslu region. These are the best seasons for Manaslu treks in Nepal.

Rain starts to fall in the second week of June and lasts almost a month. As December approaches, the high mountains’ temperature drops to -8 degrees Celsius. But snowfall begins after mid-January and lasts until mid-December. At this time, the nighttime temperature is almost -10 to -6 degrees, even if the temperature reaches zero.

Thankfully, the Manaslu trek is open for hiking at any time of the year. Sadly, the winter trek is challenging as the tea houses in the upper sections of the hike are closed.

However, if you don’t want to miss the best mountain views covered in a thick white blanket, you can arrange the tour even in the winter. Also, the monsoon is considered a low season due to its slippery path and leaches. But since it’s the best time to visit, you can head for the trek with proper preparation.

However, one thing that should not be questioned is the relative instability of the weather and temperatures. Since the Manaslu region is higher than the sea level, the weather is not constant and keeps changing. You need to ensure that your clothes are packed depending on the weather of the place you are going to.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best times to visit the Manaslu Circuit are spring and autumn. Hence, when planning a trek in this part of Nepal, one should choose Spring, Autumn, and from mid-June to the Beginning of January.

The weather also changes and becomes warmer in spring. The temperature and weather during this season are the best. You will be surrounded by rhododendron forests all over the path of Manaslu.

Another good time to visit Manaslu Circuit Trek is the autumn season: September, October, and November. The festival begins in Nepal this season. The routes have also started to lose their leaves and grow new ones, making them more beautiful. The temperature and climate are also lovely and warm. From October, the temperature starts getting more relaxed.

Manaslu Death Rate

You may have heard about Manaslu, the Killer Mountain of the world. The mortality rate on Manaslu Mountain is 60%.

Communication on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Satisfactory communication service is available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The teahouses on the route have telephone service, which you can use to connect with friends, family, and loved ones. You will need to pay an extra charge for the telephone service.

You can also use a mobile cellular connection, as you can find good enough NTC network coverage. There is also a Wi-Fi network, which might be the best option for you.

As you move to higher altitudes, network coverage may be weaker or absent at certain places.

Remember to buy a Nepali SIM card in Kathmandu or anywhere else. The documents for buying Nepali SIM cards are just two passport-size photos and a copy of your passport.

Group Size for the Manaslu Circuit Nepal

With Himalayan Masters, you can customize your trek to your needs. We have a provision of making a group of 7 trekkers in joining. For the group of 6/7 trekkers for Manaslu Circuit, we provide you two guides.

But if you have a larger group than that, then you must contact us for the booking procedure. We do not have limitations on the larger group size of the trekkers. We can customize it to any size of the group. We assure you that we provide the best logistics and services, even in larger groups.

However, if you would like to have a customized private trek, you can contact us. We will plan the trek for you accordingly. 

Further, trekking in a group can be a fun experience if you are a social person. You can sit with your fellow trekkers in the evening and discuss the day’s experience over coffee or tea. In a group, you will never feel alone.

Tipping Culture in Nepal

Tipping is not mandatory on the trek. It depends on the trekker whether to tip. But we suggest tipping the guides and porters since they are your best companions on the trek.

They work very hard to make your trek successful. Prominent tipping can also be done based on the work and performance of the guide and porter. But at least a minor tip can be given to fellow guides and porters for all the hard work they have done for you on the Manaslu Trek.

Local Dress of Manaslu Trek

Nepal is a multicultural country with several casts and cultures. Therefore, whenever you are trekking in Nepal, you need to respect their culture. The culture of local people and their cultural dresses are the major attractions in Nepal.

When trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal, you can see a different kind of wardrobe compared to city dressing culture. People in the Himalayan region of Nepal usually wear long, thick, and warm clothes.

Bakhu (a warm traditional wool dress) and Docha (woollen boots) are the main dresses in Nepal’s Manaslu and other Himalayan regions. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothes, as you might catch a cold or insect bite.

Furthermore, there is a tradition of opening shoes outside when entering someone’s house. You might not need to do so in lodges or some teahouses. Please respect local culture and their dress.

How much cash should I carry on the trek?

Your trip package includes meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), transportation, guide and porter costs, and permits. So, just for additional expenses like tips, snacks, additional services in teahouses, drinks, etc., you can carry about $200 to $300.

Extending the Manaslu Circuit Trek

A standard 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary can be extended by a week if you add the Tsum Valley trek. The new route to the traditional Tsum Valley has attracted numerous trekkers during the peak trekking season.xa

Extending your stay in Nepal

Nepal has several beautiful places to visit. If you need more time, visiting the Kathmandu Valley or Pokhara could be the best option.

In Kathmandu, you can visit a few cultural heritage sites listed in the UNESCO heritage sites. Additionally, you can see a few unique places in Kathmandu, like Swoyambhu, Pashupatinath, a short hike to Jamacho, Bishnudwar, Baghdwar, Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, and many more.

Likewise, if you are in Pokhara, visiting Fewa Laka, Begnas Lake, Sarangkot, the World Peace Pagoda, etc., could be the best way to relax after a long trek.

If you have enough time to spend in Nepal, visit other beautiful places. For instance, you can visit Lumbini, Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Bandipur, Dharan, Gorkha, etc.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Trek

On the trek, we will stay in the tea houses in Manaslu, which the local families own. The lodge has a central dining area with a big stove for heating the room. The rooms mostly have two or three beds. They provide mattresses, a small blanket, and pillows. You might need to use sleeping bags for the night.

What is a tea house like?

What do you imagine a house in the most challenging mountain terrain looks like? The tea house in Manaslu looks like a small hut, mostly made of wood or mud. Every tea house has a central dining area with a big wood burner. The fire is supposed to keep the room warm while you rest after a long day.

Then, there will be two or three single beds with a thin mattress and blanket. Bedsheets might not always be very clean (it’s safe to carry your bedsheets), and blankets are not warm enough (that’s why we recommend sleeping bags). 

Let’s discuss the most important topic here: bathrooms. Still called toilets in Nepal, there might be Western or Indian pan restrooms that are provided for basic sharing. There are hot showers in almost all hotels in Manaslu, but you must pay extra for them. 

We often discuss electricity or charging in the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The rooms in tea houses don’t have plugs for charging, and you must leave your mobile or camera in reception. They assess your devices for a couple of extra bugs. 

Electricity on The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Yes, you can find electricity along the Manaslu Circuit Trek. But always do not rely on the trail’s electricity. Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in a remote area of Nepal, the higher altitudes on the trek may not have access to the internet. Solar energy might be an alternative in places where there is no electricity.

Dharmasala does not have any electricity facility on the trek. But you must pay extra for electricity services like hot showers and charging and heating services. It can cost Rs.300- Rs.700 depending on the location and altitude of the teahouses.

Food in Manaslu Circuit trekking 

Regarding the food in Manaslu, you can have any meal of your choice while you stay in Kathmandu. We only provide you with breakfast (along with a welcome or farewell dinner), so you can choose to eat whatever and wherever you want. During the trek, all three meals of the day are included; the dinner for your stay in Kathmandu is not included.

Breakfast Options: 

Oats, Pancakes, Honey, Bread, Eggs (boiled, scrambled, omelettes), Muesli, Toast, Hot drinks (tea, coffee), Porridge (apple, oatmeal, honey), Tibetan bread, Cornflakes with hot milk

Lunch Options: 

Dal Bhat (traditional rice and lentil dish), Fried noodles (veg or egg), Chowmein, Tenthuk (Tibetan noodle soup), Thukpa (noodle soup), Pasta (mixed macaroni, cheese-fried), Sandwiches (with grilled tomato or cheese), Momos (dumplings, chicken or cheese), Pizza (veg, chicken, mushroom), Fried potatoes (finger chips, boiled).

Dinner Options:

Dal Bhat (with unlimited refills), Fried rice, Chow mein, Thukpa, Pasta (various styles), Momos, Pizza, Soup (mixed, vegetable, garlic), Salad, Meat or curry.

Culture and Festivals of the Manaslu Region

The Manaslu area is probably Nepal’s most culturally diverse section. In the lower chamber, we can witness village settlements with Chettri, Brahmin, and Newar people, whose lives are guided by Hindu values.

Then, as we shift to the upper section, we witness the Tibeto-Burmans and Mongoloids, who mainly belong to the Rai, Magar, Gurung, and Tamang castes. 

Their culture includes beautiful monasteries, mani walls, rotating wheels, and prayer flags. In places like Mu gumba, Gumba Lungdung, and Rachen gumba, you can see many nuns, especially younger ones, practising the ancient art of meditation and medicine. 

People also celebrate different festivals that bind them in a commonplace. Lhosar and Bouddha Jayanti are celebrated with much joy. Explore the unique clothing of Manaslu and be a part of their festivals. 

People in Manaslu TSUM Valley

If you combine the Manaslu Circuit trek with the TSUM Valley trek, you get to meet the Tsumbas, the Tsum Valley residents. Tsum Valley has a total population of 2,700, mostly farmers.

These people who claim to have met ’Yeti’ are of Tibetan origin and have a unique dialect called Tsumke or Tsumba. Although it might sound bizarre, the Tibetans in TSum Valley still follow the polyandry system.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

You will need these permits: Manaslu conservation area permits (MCAP), Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and Trekkers Information Management Systems Card (TIMS) are the three types of permits for trekking in Manaslu. You need these four licenses to accomplish the Manaslu Trek.

Why is a Restricted Area Permit required for Manaslu trekking?

A restricted Area Permit is needed for trekking in the Manaslu region, mainly to control and observe the growth of tourism in the area. The Manaslu Circuit Trek falls under the Manaslu Conservation area.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves passing through areas to avoid destroying the local social structure, agriculture, flora, and fauna. Restricted area permits effectively control the number of people allowed to attempt the trek in a given time, avoiding the degradation of natural and ancient soils.

Nepal Tourist Visa information for Manaslu Trek

To get a visa for a Nepal trek or tour, it would be best to have a valid passport and other required documents. The Nepal Visa fees should always be paid in cash; no debit, credit card, or mobile banking can be used.

The charge for Nepal Visa fees is $30 for the first 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for the first 90 days. The people of SAARC countries are not charged visa fees for the first 90 days.

The Nepal visa extension fee for 15 days or less is $35. $ for more extended days than 15 each day, $2 will be charged.

Money exchange | USD to NPR

The dollar rate keeps on changing every day. If you have not carried any Nepali cash, then there’s nothing you need to worry about. You can find several money exchange centres around Kathmandu.

You will find hundreds of money exchange centres in Thamel. They might charge a bit. The International Airport of Kathmandu money exchange might cost you more than the other exchanges.

Please carry Nepali rupees while you are on the trek. Because most of the teahouses and hotels on the trek only accept Nepali currency. So, make sure you are carrying enough money while travelling in Nepal.

Manaslu Trek for Beginners

Many people ask if the Manaslu Circuit trek is for beginners. The answer is yes; a beginner can trek to the Manaslu Circuit area. However, a beginner must also be a regular exerciser or someone who hits the gym daily. You must walk around 15-18 km daily on the Manaslu trek. So, beginners might need some Manaslu Circuit trek tips.

Here are some major tips for the Manaslu Circuit trek for beginners:

1. Take small steps during the trek; a bigger step can consume more energy.
2. Always hydrate yourself with at least 4-5 litres of water daily.
3. Acclimatize properly, as there is no need to rush for the trek.
4. Avoid the intake of alcohol and highly caffeinated drinks.
5. Have a good amount of nutritional foods and carry energy bars.
6. Carry all essential clothes and gear as per the season, but please do not overpack.

How to Prepare for The Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must know some of its major tips and tricks. We will provide you with these tips.

1. Regularly exercise a month ago before trekking to the Manaslu Circuit.
2. Practice ascents and descents like in your home stairs.
3. Breathing exercises are the most important part of keeping your breathing in a rhythm.
4. Eat healthy foods and fruits and avoid eating junk before starting the Manaslu Trek.
5. Consult a healthcare expert for more tips on caring for your body and dealing with altitude sickness on the trail.

What is a day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek actually like?

You know what we are discussing if you have been on any other high-altitude trek in the mountains. If it’s your first time, read carefully. Every trek day will be different, and difficulty adds up as you gain altitude, but a general outline can be made. 

Each day, the Manaslu Circuit trek begins after breakfast in a teahouse around seven to eight in the morning. You need to wake up quite early, freshen up before breakfast is served, and then we will start the walk. Following the trail led by our guide, we enjoyed the view along the route.

When you are tired, signal, and the guide will stop. We cross a couple of kilometres before the guide takes us for lunch. You will spend almost an hour in the hotel here before moving ahead. You might have to take a packed lunch sometimes, but we mostly eat fresh lunch prepared in the tea houses. 

After lunch, we walked for a couple of more hours. You might want juice, chocolates, or snacks in your small bag. Depending on the distance we covered, we reached our destination between three and seven o’clock in the evening. The guide finds you a tea house where you shall crash for the night. Manaslu Circuit Trek beginners must read. 

After the Manaslu Trek

Although a trek to Manaslu will rejuvenate your soul, it might be physically tiresome. When you return to Kathmandu, a long spa session might be the best thing to do. And for the ladies, you might need a facial and a hair care day after that.

Give yourself a day or two to let that muscle relax. Short tours to Kathmandu Valley or Nagarkot might be an excellent finish for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Where can I meet Himalayan masters?

You can contact us via email or WhatsApp provided on the site. We will be available to pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transport you to the hotel anywhere in Kathmandu.

Do note that our package begins from the day we move for the trek to Manaslu, so any accommodation costs before that are not covered. If you are already in Kathmandu, we will pick you up from the hotel. 

The Himalayan Masters believe in flexibility and comfort. We will provide you with the contact details of your client and the driver, just in case you need to ask anything. 

Booking and Payment with Himalayan Masters

To get your trekking permit and start booking with Manaslu, contact Himalayan Masters through their online site, e-mail, or phone to express your interest.

They will give you an elaborate schedule, charges, and other facilities that you will expect on the trek so that you can make the appropriate arrangements. Himalayan Masters will confirm your trekking details, provide the detailed itinerary, and ask for a deposit.

The payment process is usually straightforward, and reliable payment methods such as bank transfer and other secure online payment methods are always available. The Himalayan Masters will provide final details, including your trek date, packing list, required permits, and health concerns.

They will also conduct another briefing before the trek to attend to issues not discussed earlier or to ratify the logistical problems.

On the trek’s starting day, the guide and the Himalayan Masters’ team will be at the start venue. They will guarantee that all necessary provisions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of trekking through some of the most beautiful geography and ethnography the Manaslu Circuit offers.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Packing List

Our expert leader made this complete packing list, so please look at the Manaslu Trek packing list.

Head :

1. Sun hat or scarf (Himalayan masters will provide the trekking caps)
2. Winter hat, insulating hat or wide-brimmed hat
3. Headlights with extra batteries

Face :

1. Sunscreen, lip balm, and lip guard
2. Sunglasses with UV protection
3. Face/body wipes

Hand :

1. Lightweight gloves
2. Heavyweight winter gloves

Body :

1. Hiking shirt
2. Long-sleeved shirt
3. Hooded rain jacket
4. Fleece jacket
5. Lightweight cotton pants
6. T-shirt (lightweight wool)
7. polypropylene underwear
8. Down jacket (-25 is the best at high altitude trekking / is complimentary by Himalayan Masters)
9. Sweater
10. Waterproof jacket and pants
11. Walking trousers

Footwear:

1. Trekking boots (Goretex ones)
2. Thick wool socks (take the extra pain of thick light socks)
3. Flip flops/sandals
4. Crampons

Essential gear:

1. Backpack/daypack (size depends)
2. Thermal bottle
3. Water purification (is complementary to Himalayan Masters)
4. Trekking pole
5. Sleeping bag (-20 is the best for high-altitude trekking / is complimentary by Himalayan Masters)

Others :

1. Hand sanitizer (if needed)
2. Antiseptic cream or spray
3. Personal medicine
4. Toilet papers
5. Wash bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, etc.)
6. Rain cover
7. Waterproof trousers, jacket, and gloves
8. Compass/trekking maps

Customized Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary For 2024/2025

Himalayan Masters customizes the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary for 2024/2025. We customize your itinerary to fit your needs, making it exactly what you want. Himalayan Masters can add or reduce the number of days you need. So please remember us when customizing your Manaslu Trek.

Manaslu Route

The Manaslu Route is one of Nepal’s most emerging and unexplored routes. Many trekkers are thoroughly into the Manaslu Trek Route these days.

Kathmandu → Naubise → Maklekhu → Dhading Besi → Jyamire → Gola Bhanjyang → Aarughat → Soti Khola → Machha Khola → Khorla Besi → Tatopani → Dovan → Thulo Dhunga → Jagat → Salleri → Philim → Chisapani → Deng → Bhee Phedi → Ghap → Namrung → Shoo → Loo → Shyala → Pyungen Gompa → Samagaon → Birendra Lake/ Manaslu Base Camp → Samagaon → Samdo → Tibetan Border → Larkya Bazar → Dharmasala → Larkye La Pass → Larke Phedi → Dovan → Bhimthang → Yak Kharka → Sokhe → Goa → Tilje → Beshisahar → Dhading → Kathmandu

Alternative Treks Around the Manaslu Region

Do you wonder if there are any alternative treks around the Manaslu region? Well, yes, there are. At the same time, the Manaslu Circuit trek remains at the top position for the famous treks around the Manaslu region. But some other treks provide a beautiful experience for you, too.

Some of the famous treks around the Manaslu region are:

• Tsum Valley Trek
• Rupina Lake Trek
• Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Travel Insurance

As you know, travelling or trekking to the mountain area cannot be fully in your hands. Sometimes, some inconvenience can occur and cause huge losses, physically or financially.

So, it would help if you were prepared for these things during the trek. In that case, you must have travel insurance to keep you safe.

Whether it’s a helicopter evacuation or health-related things, your travel insurance will cover all your expenses on the trek for such inconvenience. It can cost you around 1000 USD or even lower or sometimes higher, but it can cover all your expenses just in case.

Please be extra careful when choosing an agency for travel insurance for Manaslu Trek.

Tipping on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Tipping depends on the trekker whether to tip. But we suggest tipping the guides and porters since they are your best companions on the trek.

They work very hard to make your trek successful. Major tipping can also be done based on the work and performance of the guide and porter. But at least a minor tip can be given to fellow guides and porters for all the hard work they have done for you on the Manaslu Trek.

Last-minute booking

We prefer reservations made in advance for any trek, but take last-minute reservations for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Once you have booked with us, our availability for the Manaslu trekking is 100% guaranteed.