Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nepal · 14 Days · Strenuous
Restricted Area Trek From US $1,770 Mantra Adventure
Trip at a Glance
Destination
Nepal
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Difficulty
Strenuous
Activity
Trekking
Transport
Drive + Car
Group Size
Max 16 People
Accommodation
Tea House / Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max Altitude
5,106m / Larkya La
Overview
Circuit the world's 8th-highest mountain (8,163m) over the dramatic Larkya La — restricted and pristine.
Trip Highlights
- Maximum altitude: 5,106m / Larkya La
- Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Expert English-speaking certified guide
- All meals during the trekking
- All permits and TIMS card arranged
- Airport transfers included
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag provided
Package Pricing (Per Person)
| Package | Includes | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quality accommodation & core services | US $1,500 |
| Comfort Recommended | Boutique hotels, private guides | US $1,770 |
| Luxury | Ultra-luxury, full butler service | US $2,180 |
Group Discount Pricing
| Group Size | Standard | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pax | US $1,500 | US $1,770 | US $2,180 |
| 2 - 3 Pax | US $1,350 | US $1,590 | US $1,960 |
| 4 - 7 Pax | US $1,240 | US $1,470 | US $1,810 |
| 8 - 13 Pax | US $1,140 | US $1,350 | US $1,660 |
| 14+ Pax | US $1,050 | US $1,240 | US $1,530 |
All prices are per person. Larger groups receive progressive discounts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
📍 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your Mantra Adventure guide. The Manaslu Circuit is Nepal's most spectacular restricted-area trek — a complete circuit of the world's eighth-highest mountain (8,163m) through remote Tibetan-influenced villages and over the dramatic Larkya La pass (5,106m). Special permits required; all arranged by Mantra Adventure. Welcome dinner. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869m)
📍 Machha Khola
7–8 hour drive through the mid-hills to Machha Khola on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River — the trailhead for the Manaslu Circuit. The river, which you will follow for most of the trek, is turquoise and powerful. Meals: All included.
Day 3
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
📍 Jagat
Trek north up the Budhi Gandaki gorge — one of Nepal's most dramatic river gorges, cutting between sheer forested walls. The trail crosses the river multiple times on suspension bridges. Jagat marks the entry point to the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area. Permits checked here. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 4
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
📍 Deng
Continue through the gorge as it deepens and the subtropical vegetation begins to thin. Small farming villages cling to the steep banks. Deng sits at a widening of the valley with a Tibetan Buddhist monastery above the village. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 5
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
📍 Namrung
The valley character changes dramatically as you ascend into the Tibetan Buddhist zone — prayer flags, mani walls, flat-roofed stone houses and the increasing presence of Tibetan cultural motifs replace the Hindu influences of the lower valley. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 6
Day 6: Namrung to Sama Gaun (3,519m)
📍 Sama Gaun
Trek to Sama Gaun — the largest village in the upper Budhi Gandaki valley — with stunning close-up views of Manaslu's north face beginning to emerge. The village has an important monastery and a community that maintains strong Tibetan cultural traditions. Walking time: 6 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 7
Day 7: Acclimatisation — Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp Hike
📍 Sama Gaun
Rest day with acclimatisation hike to either Pungyen Gompa (a beautiful monastery above the village with glacier views) or towards Manaslu Base Camp for a closer perspective on the world's eighth-highest mountain. Walking time: 4–5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 8
Day 8: Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,875m)
📍 Samdo
Short trek to Samdo — a small village at the base of the Larkya La approach, close to the Tibetan border. The high-altitude landscape is stark and beautiful, with glaciers visible in all directions. Walking time: 4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 9
Day 9: Samdo to Dharmasala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
📍 Dharmasala
Ascend to the final camp before the Larkya La pass at Dharmasala — a simple teahouse at 4,460 metres. Rest and prepare for the demanding pass crossing tomorrow. Walking time: 4 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 10
Day 10: Cross Larkya La (5,106m) to Bimthang (3,590m)
📍 Bimthang
The great day of the circuit. Pre-dawn start for the ascent to Larkya La — a high, wind-scoured pass at 5,106 metres with extraordinary views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II from the summit. The long descent to Bimthang through yak pastures and then forest is deeply satisfying. Walking time: 8–9 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 11
Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
📍 Tilije
Descend through birch and rhododendron forest, leaving the high-altitude world behind. The valley floor widens and the climate warms. Tilije, with apple orchards and a traditional Gurung market, marks the transition to the lower circuit. Walking time: 5 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 12
Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani, Drive to Besisahar
📍 Besisahar
Final trekking day to Dharapani where the circuit ends and the Annapurna Circuit trail begins. Drive back to Besisahar. Walking time: 2–3 hours. Meals: All included.
Day 13
Day 13: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu
📍 Kathmandu
4–5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner. Overnight: Kathmandu hotel. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 14
Day 14: Final Departure
📍 Kathmandu
Airport transfer for your international departure. The Manaslu Circuit — one of Nepal's last great wilderness treks — has given you an experience of raw Himalayan grandeur matched by very few routes on earth. Meals: Breakfast.
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Domestic transport per itinerary
- All accommodation during the trip
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking certified guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers, max 15kg)
- All trekking permits and national park fees
- TIMS card
- Mantra Adventure duffel bag
- First aid kit
✗ Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal visa (USD 30-100 on arrival)
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available on request)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot showers, personal items
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Travel Tips & Useful Information
➤ What is the best season for this trip?
The best seasons are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Spring brings rhododendron blooms and stable weather; Autumn offers crystal-clear post-monsoon visibility. Nepal trips in these windows deliver optimal mountain views.
➤ How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
This trip is rated Strenuous. Requires good fitness and ideally prior high-altitude or multi-day trekking experience. Begin cardio and hiking training 3 months before departure.
➤ Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities get Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport for USD 30 (30 days). Indian nationals do not require a visa.
➤ What permits are required?
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30) + TIMS card. Arranged by Mantra Adventure. No extra hassle for you.
➤ What is included in the price?
Included: Airport transfers; domestic flights/transport per itinerary; all trek accommodation; all meals during trek; English-speaking guide; porters (1 per 2 trekkers); all trekking permits; Mantra Adventure duffel bag. Not included: International flights; Nepal visa; personal travel insurance (mandatory); personal gear; tips.
➤ What fitness level is required?
For Manaslu Circuit Trek (Strenuous): Cardiovascular fitness built over 3-4 months including hill walks with a pack. Prior trekking experience strongly recommended.
➤ Is altitude sickness a concern?
Maximum altitude is 5,106m / Larkya La. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500m. Our itinerary includes acclimatisation days and our guides carry supplemental oxygen. Diamox can be taken as prophylaxis — consult your doctor. Emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory.