Manaslu Circuit Trek- 12 Days

The 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable adventure around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters. This trek follows lesser-known routes through pristine Himalayan landscapes, perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a challenging journey combined with rich cultural encounters. The Manaslu Circuit is renowned for its remote trails, breathtaking mountain views, and authentic experiences with local communities.

Starting with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, trekkers gradually ascend along the Budhi Gandaki River. The route passes through traditional villages and terraced fields, showcasing the vibrant rural lifestyle of Nepal. Early sections of the trek feature lush forests and diverse flora, reflecting the unique biodiversity of the region.

As the trek progresses, the scenery transforms into high-altitude Tibetan Buddhist culture. Villages like Ghap, Namrung, and Lho stand out with their ancient monasteries and fluttering prayer flags, giving a glimpse of spiritual traditions preserved for centuries.

Acclimatization days at Samagaon and Samdo are crucial for adjusting to the altitude while immersing yourself in local customs and exploring varied ecosystems ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows. The highlight of the trek is crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, known as one of the longest high passes in the Himalayas. Trekkers usually start early from Dharmasala to avoid strong afternoon winds and enjoy spectacular views of glaciers, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks.

The final stage descends into the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the landscape shifts dramatically, revealing new flora and fauna before the trek concludes at Dharapani. From there, transportation is arranged back to Kathmandu, marking the end of an inspiring journey filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical accomplishment.

Important Note
Travelers are advised to arrive in Kathmandu at least two working days before the trek to allow time for obtaining the necessary Manaslu trekking permit. This permit requires your original passport with a valid Nepal visa (photocopies are not accepted). While the package includes public bus transport to the trailhead, you can opt for a private jeep for a more comfortable and quicker transfer, though the road is rugged.

Online Trek Briefing
After booking, you will receive an email with available times for an online briefing session. This briefing covers essential information such as gear requirements, the detailed daily itinerary, and trekking tips. The session will be scheduled after we receive your necessary documents.

When preparing for the Manaslu Trek, we recommend carrying only essential clothing and gear suited to the weather and your personal needs. Since we assign one porter for every two trekkers, please find a trekking partner and pack your belongings together in a duffle bag with a capacity of at least 60 liters.

Headgear and Sun Protection for Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Wide-brimmed sun hat for strong sunlight protection
  
• Warm beanie for cold weather conditions
  
• Neck gaiter or buff to protect from sun and cold
  
• Lightweight headlamp with adjustable brightness for night trekking
  
• High SPF sunscreen to guard against UV rays at high altitude
  
• Lip balm with sun protection
  
• UV-protection sunglasses
  
• Face wipes for refreshing during the trek
  

Upper Body Clothing for Manaslu Trek

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts (both short and long sleeve options)
  
• Thermal base layer to keep warm in chilly weather
  
• Fleece jacket and insulated down jacket for layering warmth
  
• Lightweight puffy jacket for additional insulation
  
• Waterproof and windproof jacket made from Gore-Tex or similar material
  
• Raincoat for unexpected weather changes
  
• Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt for sun and insect protection
  
• Polypropylene underwear (minimum four pairs)
  

Hand Protection

• Insulated gloves or mittens to shield from cold temperatures
  
• Waterproof gloves for rainy or wet conditions
  

Lower Body Clothing

• Quick-drying trekking pants, convertible or full-length
  
• Insulated pants for colder segments of the trek
  
• Lightweight cotton pants for comfort around camp
  
• Thermal leggings or long underwear for warmth
  
• Two pairs of thermal trekking pants for layering
  

Footwear and Accessories

• Four pairs of thick wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks
  
• Well-broken-in, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and good traction
  
• Sandals for use at camp or river crossings
  
• Gaiters to protect feet and lower legs from mud and debris
  
• Crampons or spikes if trekking during icy conditions
  

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Biodegradable soap bar
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel
  
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
  
• Toilet paper in a Ziplock bag
  
• Feminine hygiene products if needed
  
• Travel-sized shampoo
  
• Nail clippers and a small mirror
  

Backpacks and Bags

• One duffle bag (over 60 liters) shared between two trekkers for porter use
  
• Personal daypack or backpack (20-30 liters capacity) for essentials during daily trekking
  

Additional Trek Equipment for Manaslu

• Collapsible, adjustable trekking poles for stability
  
• Water bottles or hydration bladder with at least 2 liters capacity, insulated for cold weather
  
• Water purification methods such as tablets, filters, or UV purifiers
  
• Sleeping bag rated between -10°C to -15°C for cold nights

Extra Personal Items

• Camera or smartphone with extra memory cards and batteries
  
• Spare batteries or rechargeable power bank
  
• Two-pin charger plug adapter
  
• Basic first aid kit with essentials (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, Diamox for altitude sickness)
  
• Personal medications (inhalers, allergy medicines, etc.)
  
• Passport-size photos and photocopies of passport
  
• Notebook and pen for journaling or notes
  
• Binoculars for scenic viewing
  
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool with scissors, can opener, and other useful functions
  

Equipment Provided by Everest Destiny Trek

If you do not have your own, Everest Destiny Trek can supply a used non-waterproof duffle bag, a down jacket, and a sleeping bag to support your Manaslu Trek journey.

Arrival, Welcome, and Trek Start
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service. Simply send us your flight details, and an Everest Destiny Trek representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name. You will be warmly welcomed with a traditional marigold garland or khada and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. On the day your trek begins, transportation to Maccha Khola—the starting point of the Manaslu trek—is provided by bus. Private jeep transfers are available for an additional fee.

Accommodations
Throughout the Manaslu trek, you will stay in comfortable lodges for 11 nights. Four nights are spent in rooms with private bathrooms located at Machha Khola, Samagaun (2 nights), and Bhimtang. The other seven nights are in standard twin-sharing rooms in lodges at Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Dharapani. Most lodges offer electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi, and hot showers, although some services may require an extra charge. Please note that accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trek is not included in the package, but there are many hotels in Kathmandu catering to all budgets and preferences.

Meals
Meals are an essential part of the Manaslu trekking experience, providing both nourishment and a taste of local culture. The package includes 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners, all served as full-board meals with a main course. Our team will assist trekkers with any dietary needs or preferences to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. Typical meals include traditional Nepalese dishes such as dal bhat tarkari and momos, as well as Western options like burgers and sandwiches.

Luggage and Porter Support
To make your Manaslu trek comfortable and manageable, we recommend packing only essential items. Each porter carries luggage for two trekkers, with a maximum weight of 18 kilograms per porter. It’s best to partner with another trekker and pack your gear together in a duffle bag with a capacity of over 60 liters. If you have extra luggage, you can store it free of charge at your hotel or at the Everest Destiny Trek store while you are trekking.

The Manaslu Trek is generally operated from February to June and then from August to December to ensure the safety and comfort of trekkers.

Spring Season (March to May) is considered the best time for trekking. During this period, the skies are mostly clear, rhododendron forests are in full bloom, and the views of Mt. Manaslu are spectacular. Daytime temperatures typically reach around 24 °C in the lower valleys and about 18 °C at higher elevations. Night temperatures can drop to around -4 °C, especially in the upper regions.

Autumn Season (September to November) is another excellent time to trek the Manaslu Circuit. The weather is generally stable, offering crisp mountain views and comfortable trekking conditions. Temperatures in the lower regions can rise to 25 °C, while in higher altitudes, they hover around 15 °C during the day. Nights are colder, with temperatures dropping to approximately -6 °C.

From December onwards, snowfall increases significantly, especially near Larkya La Pass, making the route challenging and often impassable during winter months.

Each day on the Manaslu Trek promises adventure, discovery, and a close connection with nature. Your morning starts with a hearty breakfast to fuel your body for the day ahead. After breakfast, you will embark on a trek lasting about three to four hours, soaking in the stunning landscapes and local culture along the way.

Midday brings a well-deserved lunch break, where you can recharge before a short rest period of about an hour. The afternoon consists of a shorter trek to your day’s final destination, allowing you to gradually acclimatize while enjoying changing scenery.

Dinner is typically served around 7 pm, offering a chance to relax and share stories from the day. Following dinner, your trek leader will hold a brief meeting to outline the next day’s itinerary and any important information. Afterward, you’re free to unwind by watching movies, playing games, chatting with fellow trekkers, or simply resting for the next day’s adventure.

Farewell Dinner
At the end of your trek, we will host a special farewell dinner in Kathmandu. This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate your achievement, share memorable moments with your trekking group, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Following the dinner, you will receive your trek completion certificate as a token of your accomplishment.

Departure
Our team will arrange your transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a hassle-free journey home. Please provide us with your hotel name, room number, and departure time in advance. We look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for future trekking adventures.

Private Treks
We exclusively organize private treks, ensuring no additional participants are added to your group. This allows greater flexibility with your schedule, route, and services, making your Manaslu trek truly personalized. For groups of twelve or more, we can provide an assistant guide.

Safe Trek Bookings
Everest Destiny Trek is a government-authorized and bonded trekking agency with over ten years of experience. We are proud members of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Book with confidence knowing you are in trusted hands. A 10% deposit confirms your booking, payable via bank transfer, Western Union, or online payment on our website. The balance is due upon arrival in Nepal and can be settled by cash, bank transfer, credit card, Western Union, or Wise. We will email you detailed payment options.

Last-Minute Bookings
While advance booking is recommended, we accommodate last-minute bookings for the Manaslu Circuit trek. A full 100% payment is required 48 hours before departure. We strive to operate treks year-round; however, for last-minute reservations, we cannot guarantee protection from delays caused by weather or lodging availability. For inquiries, contact at +977-9851191802 or email info@everestdestinytreks.com.

Flexible Schedule
If our scheduled departure dates don’t fit your plans, please inform us. We will arrange the trek according to your preferred dates.

Trip Extension
If you have extra days in Nepal, we offer additional options such as sightseeing tours, Chitwan Jungle Safari, or another trek to further enrich your experience.

Our dedicated team of skilled guides and Sherpas, originating from remote Himalayan regions, will accompany you throughout your trek, while our reliable porters take care of your luggage. All our trek leaders are Nepal government-licensed professionals with years of experience and training in wilderness first aid.

We ensure fair compensation, insurance, meals, and accommodation for every team member during the trek. Their safety and well-being are our top priorities because we believe that a happy and well-supported team delivers the best experience for you.

Water
During the Manaslu trek, you can purchase bottled mineral water at local lodges and shops along the route. Alternatively, you may fill your water bottle with boiled water at an additional cost. To reduce plastic waste and protect the environment, we strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle. If needed, we provide water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water. For health reasons, avoid drinking directly from rivers, taps, or wells during the trek.

Communication
For reliable communication throughout your Manaslu trek, we suggest purchasing a local SIM card in Kathmandu before you begin. This allows you to stay connected with family and friends or share updates of your adventure. However, mobile network coverage can be limited or weak at higher elevations along the trekking trail. To ensure your safety and peace of mind, our trek leader stays in regular contact with our clients at least once daily. In addition, our team is always ready to offer emergency assistance if required.

Visa
All foreign nationals except Indian citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. Most visitors can conveniently obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at border immigration checkpoints. To apply for a visa on arrival, you must have a passport valid for at least six months, one passport-sized photo, and the visa fee which depends on your planned stay duration. Currently, the fee for a 30-day visa is approximately USD 50. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website at www.immigration.gov.np.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Manaslu trek. Your insurance policy must cover medical emergencies and evacuation costs, including helicopter rescue at high altitudes up to 5,500 meters. This ensures your safety during any unforeseen incidents.

Currency Exchange
Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are the official currency in Nepal, with the exchange rate roughly 1 USD = 133 NPR. We recommend exchanging your money at authorized exchange centers in Kathmandu’s Thamel area, where you’ll find better rates and reliable service. While ATMs are available in Kathmandu, they may charge withdrawal fees and have limits. It’s best to bring fresh, crisp notes, as worn or damaged currency is often rejected by banks and exchange offices in Nepal.

Extra Expenses
Although most trekking costs are covered in your package, you should budget extra money for additional personal expenses such as hot beverages (tea, coffee), cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, extra meal items, device charging fees, Wi-Fi access, souvenirs, and tipping guides or porters. Also, plan for your expenses during your stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.

At Everest Destiny Trek, we are committed to responsible travel. As stewards of these magnificent mountains, we emphasize sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Our team works hard to preserve the environment, minimize waste, and support local communities. By trekking with us, you actively contribute to conserving these natural treasures.

Tipping in Nepal is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the hard work of guides and porters. Though not compulsory, we recommend tipping at the end of your trek as a group. The tip amount can vary depending on the quality of service, trek duration, and overall cost, reflecting your appreciation for their dedication.