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The Manaslu Circuit is one of the most varied ways to explore Nepal. It has it all – from evergreen jungles teeming with monkeys to the most breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks. The natural beauty of the trek around Manaslu is richly enhanced by a subtle touch of the distinctive culture of the local people – the Gurungs, Tamang and Tibetans – as the trek is relatively new and not yet as popular as trekking around Annapurna and to Everest Base Camp.
A gradual acclimatisation will give your body plenty of time to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the Larki La pass (5,160 m) – and for some, this will be their first time at 5,000 metres above sea level!
During the trek, we will have the chance to fully enjoy the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, led by Manaslu (8,170 m), the ‘Mountain of the Spirit’ – as the Nepalese believe.
The spirit we shall draw from the snow-capped peaks and ancient monasteries of Tibet...
The trek around Manaslu is a journey you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the consultant has given the approval to buy the ticket, you are free to buy. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The experienced teamleader of KULUAR will accompany the group during the whole trip, they will make your trip as unforgettable and safe as possible! They have been to Nepal many times and know it in detail.
We have a list of verified lodges and try to book only the best. Where possible, with in-room amenities.
In Kathmandu, we stay in a good hotel, understanding that you will want maximum comfort after trekking.
A teamleader or our Nepali partner will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. The guide will tell you and show you where to change money, buy souvenirs and equipment, what and where to eat...
The program of the trek was improved several times, we tried to make it maximally sated and comfortable. That's why we have all trips by customized transfers.
The consultant who will consult you before the trip was in Nepal herself and will tell you the details from personal experience!
Over 25000 members have already traveled with Kuluar and 97.8% have been satisfied. We are sure you will be too!
Our journey begins in Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu. You’ll need to arrive by 9 am or the day before. This is very important, as the trek around Manaslu requires a special permit, which takes a whole day to process and can only be obtained with your original passport. Our Nepalese partners will handle the paperwork, whilst we can rest after the flight, buy any necessary equipment, settle in Thamel or go on a sightseeing tour. In the evening, there will be a group dinner and a briefing from the Kuluar team leader about the upcoming trek around Manaslu and its features.
There are two ways to get from dusty Kathmandu to the beautiful Himalayas: by land or by air. You need to drive to the Manaslu trek route – and that’s an adventure in itself. The journey by private transport will take the whole day (around 8–10 hours, including stops for breakfast and lunch). Along the way, we’ll be accompanied by Nepal’s unique landscapes – we’ll see how Nepalese people live in places completely off the tourist trail. It really broadens your horizons and makes you realise just how wonderful things actually are for us!
At last, we’re off on foot! We start in the jungle area, where you might spot large langur monkeys. It’s hot here, the birds are singing, and the greenery is in full bloom. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through Khorla Besi and the Tatopani hot springs – the first natural temptation to stop.
Passing through Dovan and Thulo Dhunge, we arrive at Jagat – a neat little village with cobbled streets. This is where the Manaslu Restricted Area begins: we register at the checkpoint, get the first stamp in our permits, and feel that we have truly entered the national park.
A dirt track leads to Jagat, which can be travelled by jeep (or not) – depending on the conditions and the season. If the group wishes, a jeep can be hired for part or all of the route, thereby shortening the day’s walk. This transfer is not included in the price and is payable separately.
Duration: 7–8 hours, distance: 22 km, ascent: 1,770 m, descent: 770 m
This is perhaps the longest and most gruelling day’s walk on the route – but you’ll soon realise why: the path winds its way up and down through bamboo thickets and over suspension bridges spanning the gorge. The landscape is constantly changing.
Deng is the first settlement with a distinctly Tibetan feel. Mani walls, chortens, and the sense that civilisation has been left far behind. A well-deserved rest after a hard day.
Hiking time: 8–9 hours, distance: 20 km, ascent: 1,700 m, descent: 1,100 m
Today’s route climbs almost continuously. First, we head up through Ghap – a small village with prayer walls and chortens. Then we continue through the woods and along the river to Namrung.
As we gain altitude, the landscape changes: there is less tropical greenery and more rock and prayer flags. This is where the great Himalayan peaks first come into view – Sringi Himal (7,187 m) rises out of the clouds and immediately gives a sense of the scale of what lies ahead.
Duration: 6–8 hours, distance: 18 km, ascent: 1,500 m, descent: 770 m
A short day, but one of the most beautiful on the route. Passing through Lihi and Sho, we approach Lho – and here we are rewarded with the very sight that made the whole journey worthwhile.
Manáslu (8,163 m) fills the entire sky above you. Not somewhere in the distance – but right here, immense and real. We climb up to the monastery on the hill – from there you can see Manáslu, the icefall, and the whole valley below. Weather permitting, we’ll stay until sunset.
Duration: approx. 5–6 hours, distance: 9.5 km, ascent: 700 m, descent: 120 m
We’re heading to a village codenamed ‘Samogon’. This is where the participants of the Manaslu climb are spending a few days resting before their final push to the summit. And we’ll be taking a break too.
The route through Shyala is pure delight: rhododendrons, constant views of the Manaslu massif, Tibetan villages. We’re taking it slow and enjoying ourselves – tomorrow’s a rest day, so there’s no need to rush.
Duration: 3–4 hours, distance: 7.5 km, ascent: 550 m, descent: 200 m
A rest day on the trail is never a proper rest. The plan: gain some altitude, enjoy the views, and head back down for the night. Your body adapts without you even noticing.
There are two options. The first is a walk to Pungyen Gompa (~3,980 m): an ancient monastery perched on a cliff with incredible views of the icefall and the north face of Manaslu. The second is an ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m): steep and gruelling, but it gives you a unique sense of getting closer to the summit. It’s up to you – both options are well worth it.
A short but symbolic day. Just beyond Samdo lies the Tibetan border. That is why trade caravans have gathered here since time immemorial, and a special atmosphere has been preserved: yaks in the streets, salty tea in the lodges, and prayer wheels spinning in the wind.
We recommend taking a walk towards the border upon arrival – just a few hundred metres further up, and a view of the Tibetan plateau opens up. It is unlike anything you have seen before.
Duration: 4–5 hours, distance: 8.5 km, ascent: 400 m, descent: 40 m
Our first real high-altitude day. We leave the forests behind us – ahead lie only rocks, ice and the sky. Dharamsala is a small stopover between civilisation and the pass: a few lodges where it’s always freezing at night.
We’ll be arriving fairly early. The rest of the day will be spent resting, preparing our kit and getting an early night. We’ll be up at 4 or 5 in the morning. Tomorrow is the crucial day of the entire trek around Manaslu.
Duration: 4–5 hours, distance: 6.5 km, ascent: 640 m, descent: 40 m
The most important day of the Manaslu trek! We wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning, have a quick breakfast and set off while it’s still dark. The climb up to the pass is long and steady: we breathe properly, take our time, and tell ourselves that our legs will never make it up these mountains again… but we keep going.
At Larkya La (5,160 m) – our moment of triumph. All around us are Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Kangguru and the majestic Annapurna II (7,937 m). Standing on the pass, you realise that there are few things better than this.
The descent takes us along a rocky ridge beside the moraine, through the glacial valley and down into Bimthang. My legs are shaking, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
Duration: 9–11 hours, distance: 16 km, ascent: 720 m, descent: 1,440 m
The hardest part is behind us – and you can feel it with every step. We make our way down through the rhododendron forests; the warmth and fresh air return. We don’t forget to look back, where they wave to us: Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung – we bid farewell to the mountains.
Tilije is the last stopover on the route. In the evening, there’s time to reflect, look through photos and finally order a coffee, rather than just tea.
Duration: 5–6 hours, distance: 18.5 km, ascent: 200 m, descent: 1,700 m
We set off in our jeeps early in the morning and begin the long journey home. Via Dharapani, Besisahar and on along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu – a 10–12-hour drive. But this is no longer a trek; it is a triumphant return.
On the way, we stop for lunch, take in the views of the Marsyangdi Valley and gradually return to civilisation. We arrive at the hotel in the evening. After two weeks in the mountains, a hot shower and a clean bed are pure bliss.
A farewell dinner with the team – at one of our favourite restaurants in Kathmandu.
We recommend booking flights departing after 9 pm – that way, you’ll have time to take your time exploring Kathmandu’s main attractions: the monkey temple of Swayambhunath, the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, and the great stupa of Bodnath. Perhaps you haven’t been there yet, or you’d like to visit them again.
See you next time in the mountains, friends!
A consultant will advise you on equipment, help you find the best flight, share information on hotels and excursions. You make your own payments and purchases. If you want the consultant to buy the ticket for you, it's possible, but for extra money, because it's a big responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee.
Depending on weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
Visas for 15 days stay in Nepal are taken directly at the border. The cost of the visa is $30. Here you can find detailed instructions on visa application >>. To get a visa, you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
To participate in the hike, you must be free of diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list is here.
After the trek around Manaslu, we recommend the following routes:
You should buy tickets beforehand, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek. The most comfortable way to fly is with AirArabia and FlyDubai, you should buy tickets on their websites. Please note that luggage is not included in the price and you will need to order an extra 20 kg at the time of purchase, or take a package including 1 piece of luggage. When you check in at the airport, you may be asked to show your card with which you paid for your tickets – don't forget it! The flight both ways costs from $500-700.
To participate in the program you need a good insurance which is valid up to 6000 m altitude, covers mountain tourism and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some members thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar Hikers”
Mobile, 3g – The national operator Ncell works the first 1-2 days. Then the connection appears only in Besihara.
There is Wi-Fi in the lodges, in some places not bad.
Electricity – there is sometimes charging in a room or in the kitchen. There will be none for a few days in the area of the pass.
In Kathmandu, we will stay at the Hotel Arts 4*. Standard accommodation in 2-bed rooms.
During the trek, we live in lodges, which are tourist shelters with public showers and toilets (sometimes in the room). Food we order in the same lodge where we live. Rooms are very simple, small, for 2-3 people, not heated. Of furniture, there are often only beds. Beds are made with linens, but it is recommended to take your sleeping bag and sleep in it. Upon request, you can ask the hosts for a blanket. Electricity is available in almost all the lodges, but in the rooms there are rarely outlets.
To better understand the living conditions, we highly recommend watching some examples of lodges from our treks. Click on the name: a nice lodge in Namche Bazar with a shower in the room, a basic lodge in Dole – no shower and with ice in the washbasin, cool rooms at the Eco Resort in Gokyo, a standard lodge in Chukung, a mug of tea after a night in a room in Gorak Shep. Even if you sleep in other localities, the lodges will be about the same level.
The menu in all the lodges is extremely varied (different types of eggs, pasta, soups, potatoes, pizza, rice). An interesting feature is that the same dishes in different lodges can be cooked differently and taste completely different! Food prices increase proportionally with altitude. On average, it will take $15-$25 per day to get a decent meal.
For an example, we recommend looking at some of the most expensive prices on the trek in Gokyo Village, and here's a folder with photos of menus and food from other lodges on the trek to Everest. On the trek to Annapurna, the prices are cheaper, but the procedure is similar.
Let's just say that some people really like Nepalese food, but there are those who "don't" like it. Meat on the trek is usually scarce, you can take some bacon and a sausage stick with you.
Porters are people who carry your things for money. Maximum weight of one porter is 24 kg. The cost of this service is about $20 per day, but you can take one porter for two – it will be two times cheaper! It is not customary to feel sorry for porters, no matter how much they might carry. Nor is it customary to invite them to your table. Porters have their own room in the lodges, where they eat and sleep with their friends. The best thanks on your part would be a tip equal to the porter's daily wage. So prepare an extra $20-30 to tip the porter and the Nepali guide. For more details about the porter's work, you can read our article "Porter on the trek – to take or not to take".
As in other regions of Nepal, there are two seasons for trekking in the Himalayas, spring (mid-March to late May) and fall (mid-October to mid-December). If you go in early spring, you should be prepared for the fact that there is still a lot of snow on the pass and the approaches to the lakes, and the lakes themselves are hidden under the ice. Closer to the middle of April the first lakes will melt, the snow on the trail will remain only on the approach to the base camp. A big plus during this period is the blooming rhododendron forests, which against the background of snow-white mountains create incredible contrasting pictures. In the afternoon in spring the sky is often covered with clouds and at about 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon it may rain or snow. But by this time we usually arrive at the boat house. Also, spring is the active season for climbers of Everest and Lhotse, so the sections of the classic trail will be oooh-full of people and cargo animals. But there is an upside to this - April and May are the base camp full of life, with lots of tents and would-be climbers. Autumn is warmer, there are hardly any clouds, the snow is already melted everywhere, and the lakes catch the eye with the bright blue color of the water.
The track starts in the tropics. It's going to be hot in here, we're walking in shorts and t-shirts. As the altitude increases, it will gradually get colder. At 3500-4000 m frosts are possible at night, dress warmer. Temperatures fluctuate from +30 at the bottom to -5 at the pass.
The currency of the country is the Nepalese rupee. The exchange rate is approximately 100 rupees to 1 dollar. You can exchange at the hotel reception or at the exchange office, with which we have long had an agreement for a more favorable rate. The teamleader will take you to the right place. It's noteworthy that Nepalis are very careless about paper money - so don't be surprised if you get a bundle of rupees punctured with a stapler - it's quite normal. All expenses en route are in rupees only. Exchange about $500 for them before the trek. Bank cards are only accepted at some points in Kathmandu, so be sure to take cash. Also, there are big restrictions on ATM cash withdrawals and fees are racked up.
You should buy souvenirs at the stalls in Thamel (the tourist district of Kathmandu), not at the sights. Always haggle with Nepalis; sometimes the price can be discounted several times over.
If you want to see the real Nepal, clean sincere mountains, original high-mountain villages, without crowds of tourists on the trail and any connection on the route, the track around Manaslu is for you. This route will give you the opportunity to fully feel the beauty of the Himalayan mountains, to see their diversity and grandeur. The route is for those who agree to endure a week without the Internet for the sake of the most beautiful wild landscapes of Nepal.
In terms of difficulty, the track is between ABC and EBC. Before Samagaon, the height up to 3500 m is practically not felt, but the elevation changes along the steep gorges make themselves felt. The Larkya-La pass itself is technically very simple and smooth, although it seems that the ascent to it is endless.
Thanks to the fact that we sleep and eat in lodges, the backpacks along the route will be relatively light. Besides there is always a possibility to rent a porter, and we recommend to all the participants. He will carry the main part of your luggage (up to 12 kg), and you will have small rucksack with warm jacket, water, documents and money. The trek around Manaslu is not the easiest. It is desirable to have previous trekking experience or good physical fitness. The best preparation for the trek is running (about 6-8 km 2-3 times a week), squats, cardio exercises, which will not only increase your stamina, but also train your legs for the daily treks. The better your fitness, the easier you'll tolerate altitude, acclimatize, and enjoy the trek and the scenery around you more.
Tips for physical preparation for the hike here>>.
Everyone probably knows that Nepal is famous for extremely cheap travel gear. Well, it really is! You can buy a flicer for $5, a down jacket from $30, trekking poles from $10. But you have to understand that despite the tag - it's not branded equipment, but made somewhere in the local basements. There are stores with the original, but prices are the same as ours. In general, do not necessarily carry a whole pile of equipment from home, most you can buy cheap already on the spot. Tourist stores simply unreal number. Read more about equipment in a separate article =>>.
Minimum group for this program: 5 participants. We have calculated the cost for a smaller number of participants, but have increased it slightly. So as not to fall into the red ourselves.
So we can confirm the date earlier, and you will have the opportunity to buy tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | 1350$ |
| 4 | 1400$ |
| 3 | 1500$ |
Total mandatory expenses that are not included will be $500-600 + flight to Nepal ($1000). It is desirable to have about $500 to spare.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: It is highly desirable to take a porter on this trek. The cost for the entire trip is $140 for 12 kg weight. Additional tips of $30 or more per participant.
If the amount of prepayment is too much for you at the moment, but you still want to book a place, write to the consultant and he will break it down into comfortable parts.
👉 Check out: payment methods and refund conditions in case of cancellation or departure from the route
Dear friends! We kindly ask you to choose dollar banknotes issued in 2009 or newer. Banknotes of the 90s are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes have problems with payments with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and happy new dollars :)
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance