Manaslu Circuit: 9-Day Guided Trek with Accommodations

A 9-day trek around Mount Manaslu offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty in Nepal’s western region. For $1,499 per person, you’ll explore traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages, cross the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, and indulge in some of the most stunning mountain vistas Nepal has to offer. Led by expert guides from Alpine Club of Himalaya, this trek is designed to be a rewarding yet accessible challenge for those with a decent level of fitness.

What we truly appreciate about this experience is the sense of authentic Nepalese culture you’ll encounter in the less crowded Manaslu region—a refreshing change from the busy Everest or Annapurna circuits. Plus, the inclusion of support such as a porter and full logistical planning, including permits and local accommodations, makes it a hassle-free journey. The scenic diversity, from lush forests to arid high passes, keeps every day exciting.

On the flip side, one thing to consider is the moderate difficulty level. This trek demands stamina, especially as you ascend to the Larkya La Pass, so it’s best suited for travelers with some trekking experience. Also, the long travel days—particularly the over 8-hour drive back to Kathmandu—might test your patience.

This trek suits those wanting an immersive Himalayan experience away from crowds, with the comfort of guided support. If you’re looking for a challenging but manageable adventure that offers cultural insight and unforgettable mountain scenery, this trip hits the spot.

Key Points

• Authentic cultural encounters in Gurung and Tibetan villages
• Spectacular mountain views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna
• Crossing the Larkya La Pass at over 5,100 meters is a highlight
• Supported by experienced guides and porters, ensuring a smooth journey
• Eco-conscious practices help preserve the pristine environment
• Long travel days require patience but are part of the adventure

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Manaslu Circuit: A Deep Dive into the 9-Day Trek

The Journey Begins: Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Your adventure kicks off with a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. This scenic ride offers glimpses of Nepal’s rural landscape and sets the tone for the varied terrain ahead. The initial trek from Machha Khola to Jagat is relatively moderate, about 6-7 hours, passing through verdant forests and small villages. It’s a good warm-up, but don’t expect luxury—this is rustic trekking at its best.

Crossing into Remote Villages

The route then takes you to Deng, a small settlement at 1860 meters. Here, the landscape begins to change—from lush landscapes to more rugged, rocky terrain. The next day, you’ll trek from Deng to Namrung, a key cultural hub that offers a window into local Tibetan-influenced architecture and lifestyle. The walk is around 5-6 hours, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery and observe traditional ways of life.

Climbing Higher: Samagaon and Near the Snow

From Namrung, your path leads to Samagaon at 3530 meters, a picturesque village with views of snow-capped peaks. This stretch takes about 6-7 hours of walking. It’s here that the air starts to thin, and you’ll likely begin to feel the effects of altitude. The support team, including guides and porters, play a crucial role in managing this transition.

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Approaching the Ultimate Challenge: The Larkya La

The next day, you’ll trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala, a high-altitude lodge at 4460 meters, in just a few hours—allowing some recovery time before the big crossing. The highlight (or challenge) of this trek is the ascent over the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. Reaching the top is an achievement, with panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks providing a reward for your effort. The descent from the pass to Bimtang, at 3720 meters, takes about 8-9 hours—including the challenging climb and descent—it’s a long day, but the scenery and accomplishment make it worthwhile.

Descent and Return to Kathmandu

The final days bring you down through lush forests and terraced fields, ending at Dharapani. The last trekking day involves a 6-7 hour walk to Dharapani, then an 8-9 hour drive back to Kathmandu. The long return journey gives you time to reflect on your adventure and admire the ever-changing landscape.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes all necessary permits (ACAP, MCAP, and Manaslu Restricted Area Permit), which are crucial for a smooth experience. Food, accommodation in teahouses, and support staff are also covered. You’ll stay in basic but cozy lodges, typical of Himalayan trekking.

Not included are international flights, Kathmandu accommodations, extra activities, and personal expenses like beverages. We recommend budgeting extra for these, especially if you plan to explore Kathmandu or Pokhara before or after the trek.

Transportation and Support

Transport arrangements are thoughtfully organized—private vehicles for airport transfers, shared jeeps between Kathmandu and Machha Khola, and local buses for the return. The inclusion of a full-body massage in Kathmandu is a nice finishing touch, helping you recover after the trek’s physical demand.

The Guidance and Support

Having an experienced English-speaking guide and one porter for every two trekkers makes a huge difference. The guides are not only navigators but also cultural liaisons, explaining local customs and ensuring safety, including twice-daily oximeter checks for AMS symptoms. An assistant guide for larger groups adds extra security and personalized attention.

Eco-Friendly Practices and Responsible Travel

The tour emphasizes eco-friendly trekking practices, such as proper waste disposal and respecting local villages. This approach helps keep the region pristine, so future trekkers can enjoy the same breathtaking scenery.

The Value of This Trek

When considering the $1,499 price tag, think about what you’re getting: a well-supported adventure that covers permits, accommodations, food, transportation, and even some wellness perks like massage. The guided aspect ensures safety, cultural insights, and logistical convenience—especially important in remote areas.

Compared to independent trekking, organized tours like this save you time and stress, while offering local expertise you’ll appreciate, especially in high-altitude environments. The inclusion of a support staff and permits reduces the typical headache of planning a Himalayan trek.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trek suits adventure travelers with some trekking experience and a good level of fitness, given the altitude and long days. It’s perfect for those who want authentic cultural interactions in less crowded parts of Nepal, away from the busier Everest or Annapurna circuits. If you’re looking for stunning mountain vistas combined with cultural discovery, this journey will meet your expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Manaslu Circuit offers an adventurous, authentic, and scenic trek in Nepal’s western Himalayas. The combination of breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and supported logistics makes it ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful Himalayan experience without the crowds. While it demands some stamina, the payoff—a view of the eighth-highest mountain in the world—proves it’s well worth the effort.

This trek is best suited for those who want a moderately challenging adventure with the assurance of professional guides and support. If you’re eager to see unspoiled mountain landscapes, enjoy local culture, and challenge yourself physically, the Manaslu Circuit will reward you with unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the trek?
The trek lasts for 9 days, covering around 130 kilometers and including several high-altitude passes.

Are meals included?
Yes, full board meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are provided at local lodges along the route.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private vehicles, shared jeeps, and public buses are included to facilitate transport between Kathmandu and trekking start/end points.

Do I need special permits?
Yes, the package includes all necessary permits: ACAP, MCAP, and the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit.

What is the difficulty level?
It’s considered moderately challenging, requiring good stamina and acclimatization, especially at higher elevations.

Are guides and porters included?
Yes, you’ll have an experienced guide, a porter for every two trekkers, and support staff for a safe and comfortable experience.

What about accommodation?
Accommodation is in teahouses and lodges, offering basic but comfortable facilities typical of Himalayan trekking.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the package follows a set itinerary, you might be able to discuss flexible options with your tour provider—it’s best to confirm in advance.

To sum it up, the Manaslu Circuit offers a genuine Himalayan adventure with stunning vistas, cultural richness, and supportive logistics. It’s suited for travelers seeking a balance of challenge and comfort, all while experiencing Nepal’s less-traveled but equally breathtaking side. Whether you’re after mountain panoramas, authentic village life, or a sense of achievement crossing the Larkya La Pass, this trek makes for an unforgettable journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: