Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days

Manaslu Circuit 15 Days Trek or better known as Manaslu Base Camp Trek is a comparatively challenging High-Pass Trek. It is a hike which circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8163 m / 26781 ft). For those unaware, Mount Manaslu is eighth highest peak in the world. The trip also features Larkya La Pass (5106 m / 16752 ft), one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is located in between Dharmashala and Bimthang, and is the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Conservation Area

Established in 1998, Manaslu Conservation Area is one of the protected regions of Nepal. Moreover, it covers 1663 km2 in the Mansiri Himal range of the Himalayas in the Gorkha District. The area comprises mountains, glaciers, and watercourses. In elevation, the area ranges from 1400 m to 8156 m, the highest point being the peak of Mt. Manaslu.

The region is home to 33 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr. There are over 110 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 1500–2000 species of flowering plants. At least four species of frogs are present: Amolops formosus, Nanorana liebigii, Ombrana sikimensis, and Duttaphrynus himalayanus.

Manaslu Trek in brief

In brief, the trip begins by passing via many of the restricted areas with a special permit issued. Moreover, it allows you to explore ethnic Hindu and Buddhist culture through a diverse range of flora and fauna. Not to mention, the circuit passes into two conservation areas viz. Manaslu Conservation Area & Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail therefore passes via many raging rivers, precarious bridges with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. In contrast to previous times, the trip is now considered to have been much easier than it used to be with greatly improved trails along the Budi Gandaki river gorge as well.

Kathmandu Day Tour

The package also takes you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley, get an insight into UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Kathmandu Durbar Square to witness the living goddess Kumari as well.

Note: The trip requires a minimum of two or more members to have been registered with trekking guides accompanying the group in order to obtain the special permit slip.

Trek Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Additional information on Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Booking Your Manaslu Circuit Trek:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Manaslu region for 2024 and 2025. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1444 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Arrival and Departure via International Flights:

For your 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 15. However having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Packing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival Information:

Once you’ve booked your flight tickets, please share the details with us. Our airport representatives will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can arrange accommodation for extra nights and add-on tours as well for additional cost and provide complimentary airport pickup.

Trek Starting and Ending Days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 4 to Day 13. As Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a special permit to travel to the restricted areas of Nepal, we must obtain one for you as well. It takes a day to do the same, so Day 2 after your arrival consists of a full Day Kathmandu Day Tour included in your pay.

You’ll therefore take a long scenic drive to Machha Khola via Soti Khola, a small settlement and the start point of your trek on Day 3. The trek commences on Day 4 and ends on Day 13. Expect to spend 11 nights and 10 days completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Soti Khola and end at Dharapani with overnight stays in places like Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrug, Sama Gaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, Bimthang and Dharapani.

Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route. Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin / double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are Guest Houses & Teahouses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. But if you plan to leave for your trek in the early morning, you have an option to receive a packaged breakfast as well. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.

Drinking Water on the Trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to one of the most rural areas of Nepal and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for Extras and Tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 250 to 300 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside 200-250 USD for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Baggage and Weight Limit:

As mentioned above, the total weight a porter can carry is a maximum of 25 kgs. If you are a solo traveler, you can utilize it to the max. Else, two travelers are provided with one porter. So each one of you can load a maximum of 12.5 kgs to your porter. Please ensure you carry-on your items to stay within the weight limit. Additionally, you also have an option to carry some of your goods in your backpack as well. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Note: Both your guide and porter are insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek:

1. Trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m)

2. One Full Day Kathmandu Day Tour

3. A Scenic Bus Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

4. Trek into one of the restricted areas of Nepal

5. Explore remote valleys and traditional cultures

6. Experience Tibetan lifestyle

7. Trail via Lakya La High Pass (5106 m)

8. Thrilling jeep drive from Dharapani to Besisahar