Manaslu Circuit trek
A wilder, quieter and more remote trek to see Himalayan giants

Destinations
Nepal
Activity
Active, Hiking & Trekking, Backpacking
Tour Type
Small group tour
Physical Level
Strenuous
Season
September - May
Good to know
- Operated by Snow Cat Travel, part of Rural Heritage, the highly recommended Nepal adventure travel specialists.
- Max 8 people with guest to guide ratio 1:4 for safety and risk management.
- All camping and safety equipment provided (satellite phone, maps, GPS, and medical kit).
- Fully qualified expert mountaineering guides.
- 24/7 support.
A quieter trek of an 8000m peak, the Manaslu is the more discerning choice to the Annapurna Circuit. This tour involves some of the best mountain walking in the world. This customisable trek involves tough days, but with stupendous views of Himalayan peaks as well as opportunities to experience villages with unspoiled Tibetan culture.
Tour itinerary
What you'll see and do
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you’ll be met and receive a private transfer to the Hotel. Get a briefing and enjoy dinner in the city. A special permit ($500 USD) is required for this trek, so it’s required to present hard copies of your passport by 10:00hrs to the permit issuing office. The office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, closed Saturday/public holidays. This requires extra days in Kathmandu.
Where you'll stay
Day 2
Drive to Soti Khola

It's a full days drive today as a private vehicle takes you from Kathmandu along the main highway to then turn toward the mountains on a road that follows the Burhi Gandakhi Valley. At some stage (usually around Arghat) you’ll take a locally chartered jeep in order to reach Soti Khola.
Day 3
Trek to Machha Khola

The climate remains sub-tropical and the altitude remains low as you begin the circuit of Manaslu by essentially following the river to the Machha Khola (930m). Although still low, there is both uphill and downhill walking, but nothing like what will come later in the journey. Approx. 7hrs walking.
Day 4
Trek to Doban

You’ll cross over the Machha Khola River and up to Tatopani, across a suspension bridge to the other side of the valley and through forests to Doban (1070m). Around 5hrs walking.
Day 5
Walk to Philim

It's a steep (but relatively short) climb up to Louri and then just over an hour’s walk to Jagat (1410m). Trekking permits having been checked, a stone-stepped trail descends to the river followed by an ascent through terraced fields to Saguleri and a further climb to Philim. Around 6hrs walking.
Day 6
Trek to Deng

Beyond Chisopani the trail follows the hillside and you’ll see pine forests. The train cuts into the walls of a gorge and then goes up and along to Deng (1860m). Walking time approx 5hrs.
Day 7
Walk to Namrung

The valley you're ascending is quite steep-sided and the first signs of the Buddhist influence begin to appear. There are several river crossings (by bridge) today and after around 6-7hrs of fairly tough trekking you reach Namrung (2540m)
Day 8
Trek to Lho

Today is not as long of a day, as you'll be going over 3000m. Heading deeper, as the valley opens out there's a steep climb to Lihi (2925m) and the villages become more Tibetan influenced. Manaslu will be visible today, and the twin peaks will be evident. Your walk to today’s destination of Lho (3150m) will likely take around 4-5hrs of walking.
Day 9
Trek to Samdo

Today the trek leads up through pine forests followed by some downhill walking, then a gradual ascent to reach Sama Gaon (3520m). As you follow the Burhi Gandaki, the scenery starts to become particularly impressive. Samdo (3690m) is today’s destination and requires around 6-7hrs of challenging walking. The village was established by Tibetan refugees and Tibet is a days walk away.
Day 10
Acclimatisation Day

It's a good idea to help your acclimatisation by walking to a higher altitude today and then back down to Samdo for the night. You can climb up to the ridge behind Somdu to do this. It is a stiff, steep ascent but does provide some excellent vistas.
Day 11
Trek to Larkya Phedi

Heading towards the Larkya Glacier, today is primarily all uphill as you trek to Larkya Phedi, which is also confusingly known as Dharamsala and Duwang. Altitude is approximately 4460m. The lodge here is particularly basic. Although it’s only about 6km from Somdu to here, the higher altitude means progress is slow. Approximately 3-5hrs walking.
Day 12
Larkya La Crossing to Bimthang

This is the hardest/longest day of walking, as well as the highest point. The Larkya La crossing takes 8-10hrs, conditions permitting. After a steep climb leaving Larkya Phedi, you walk steadily upwards 5hrs. Prayer flags line the pass and the temperature is usually quite cold. Enjoy the views, then begin the steep descent down scree on your way to Bimthang (3590m).
Day 13
Down to Dharapani

You’ll drop into Burdin Khola Valley, followed by some uphill. Then it’s downhill again and into woodlands, then an ascent to the Karche La. Below lies the Marsyangdi Valley and your exit route. A lot more downhill will make your knees ache, but after approximately 8hrs you reach Dharapani (1963m). Now, you've joined the Annapurna Circuit.
Day 14
Dharapani to Kathmandu

Using locally chartered 4x4 vehicle(s) you'll travel to Besisahar via a bumpy/dusty road, and from Besisahar the road is tarmac. It’s a long day, so this journey can be broken up with a stay at The Old Inn at Bandipur. However, it’s probably necessary to add some additional contingency days, in case of delays/difficulties.
Where you'll stay
Day 15
Depart Nepal

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Upcoming departures
Departing | Returning | ||
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More dates available | Enquire |
Looking for a different date?
Not sure when you're travelling yet? Looking for a different date? Contact Snow Cat Travel for more information.
EnquireGood to know
- Operated by Snow Cat Travel, part of Rural Heritage, the highly recommended Nepal adventure travel specialists.
- Max 8 people with guest to guide ratio 1:4 for safety and risk management.
- All camping and safety equipment provided (satellite phone, maps, GPS, and medical kit).
- Fully qualified expert mountaineering guides.
- 24/7 support.
Where to stay
Sample accommodation suggested by our Nepal experts.
Many of our treks feature accommodation in trekking lodges, historically called "teahouses" in Nepal. About 85% of people who go trekking in Nepal are undertaking a teahouse trek. These are usually independent, family owned affairs. They are usually very small, simple and basic.
If you’ve never been teahouse trekking in Nepal before or even “hut to hut” trekking in the European Alps, the teahouse lifestyle may well be new to you. The teahouses are often remote and isolated, with absolutely everything carried in and carried out, or sourced locally.
Usually all meals are included on your trek. Although meals provided by the teahouses will vary, it is always plentiful in quantity.
Lodging on night 1 and 14 is at the 3* KGH Hotel in Kathmandu.
Tour inclusions
Get in touch now for more details
Accommodation |
12 nights in teahouses (trekking lodges). Lodging on night 1 and 14 is at the 3* KGH Hotel in Kathmandu. |
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Guided excursions |
All guides are english-speaking, professionals and fully licensed. |
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All meals |
Meals in teahouses (trekking lodges) are usually taken in a communal dining area, rather like most Alpine Huts. What’s “on the menu” can depend upon factors like, what is available locally, how remote the teahouse is and even how busy the teahouse is. With limited cooking facilities, a busy teahouse may provide a set menu in order to be able to feed everyone adequately. Please note teahouses may not be able to provide dietary requirements beyond vegetarian options. While meals are included refreshments and snacks aren't, so budget accordingly. For a general idea of the food provided, please see the below guide: Breakfast Lunch Dinner |
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Ground transfers |
Includes all airport and land transfers and any internal flights in the itinerary. |
Reviews
What people are saying about Snow Cat Travel
Eileen H, UK
03/07/2019
I waited 50 years to visit Upper Mustang Nepal and now thanks to Snow Cat Travel the dream has been realised. The journey was above expectation I will never find another one to equal the experience. As we travelled it was like peeling an onion each layer had a new adventure. The highlight was Lo Gekar gompa when I saw it tears came to my eyes. Mark took great care in planning the journey taking into account altitude, ages and any health issues. It paid off I never even got a headache even at 14000 feet at Lo Manthang. Thank you Mark I will always be grateful to you for arranging my Mustang Experience.
Paul Stiles - author, Lonely Planet Guidebook to Nepal (2018)
26/02/2021
I am one of the authors of the forthcoming Lonely Planet guidebook to Nepal. Snow Cat handled the very complicated logistics of my recent month-long research trip to the country. They did so brilliantly. I would not hesitate to use them again and would advise anyone else to make them their first call.
Mike L, UK
17/04/2019
We had very specific requirements for our trip to Nepal. We wanted to see wildlife including lots of birds, to see something of how people live in the rural parts of the country and of course to see the Himalayas. The trip that Mark put together ensured that all this was achieved, including about 240 bird species. This was due both to the itinerary and the superb guides that Mark found for us. This made it very special as it was probably not typical of the usual holiday to Nepal. Nothing was too much trouble in making the arrangements and the team in Nepal were also excellent. If you want a tailor-made trip to Nepal with some ideas of you want then Snowcat is the organisation that will ensure that you will have a wonderful holiday. Even if you want to see Nepal with no specific ideas then Mark has an excellent knowledge of the country and where you can go. I cannot recommend Snowcat too highly.
Chris D, UK
11/04/2019
My friends and I have now been back from our amazing Nepalese trip for just over two weeks and we are still reminiscing virtually every day. Thanks again for your help with organising an extremely memorable holiday!
Days
15
From only
$1,645 pp
