The Manaslu Trek is a breathtaking journey around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, located in Nepal. This route offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making it one of Nepal’s most scenic and rewarding treks. The trail winds through lush subtropical jungles, dense pine and rhododendron forests, and up into alpine meadows and glacial valleys, showcasing diverse ecosystems along the way. Trekkers are treated to stunning close-up views of snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and parts of the Annapurna range.
One of the trek’s highlights is the Larkya La Pass, a challenging high-altitude pass at 5,160 meters (16,930 feet). Crossing this pass is both demanding and exhilarating, rewarding trekkers with panoramic mountain vistas and a profound sense of accomplishment. The route also passes through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, where travelers can experience the unique blend of Nepali and Tibetan culture. The monasteries, prayer flags, and stone mani walls along the trail give insight into the Buddhist way of life in this remote region.
The Manaslu region, once a restricted area, has only recently opened to trekkers, which has helped preserve its natural and cultural heritage. This trek is still less crowded than other popular routes like the Everest or Annapurna circuits, offering a sense of solitude and authenticity. While it requires good fitness and some prior trekking experience due to the high altitude and rugged trails, the rewards are immense for those looking to experience Nepal’s untouched beauty and rich traditions.
Trekkers need to secure specific permits, including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, as well as permits for the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Areas. The best times to embark on the Manaslu Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is stable, and the skies are clear. Spanning about two weeks, the Manaslu Trek promises an unforgettable adventure that balances physical challenge with the serenity of the Himalayas and a deep cultural connection to the mountain communities.
Duration: 7-8 hours
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, typically taking around 7-8 hours via Arughat. The road winds through Nepal’s hilly countryside, offering beautiful views of lush green hills, terraced fields, rivers, and small villages. This initial drive provides a good introduction to Nepal’s rural landscape and cultural diversity. After reaching Soti Khola, trekkers can rest and prepare for the trek’s first walking day.
Duration: 6-7 hours
This first trekking day takes you from Soti Khola to Machha Khola. The trail initially follows the Budi Gandaki River, with plenty of forested sections and waterfalls along the way. You’ll cross several streams and enjoy views of terraced fields and scattered villages. The path becomes narrower in some places, hugging the river and requiring careful footing on rocky paths. The day ends in Machha Khola, a small riverside village, where trekkers can rest and enjoy a warm meal.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Continuing along the Budi Gandaki River, the trail passes through dense forests and rural villages with rice terraces and banana groves. This day’s walk features a mix of flat and gently inclined paths, with some rocky and uphill sections as you gain elevation. You’ll cross suspension bridges, including one over the river at Tatopani, where there are natural hot springs to relax in. The day’s destination, Jagat, is a beautifully quaint village with a checkpost for trekking permits.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Today’s trek introduces more cultural elements, as you pass through a series of Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages. The trail involves several ups and downs, with steps carved into the hillside and views of the surrounding forested slopes. You’ll cross a few suspension bridges over the river, passing lush bamboo and rhododendron forests. Deng, a small village with Tibetan influences, marks the start of the more remote sections of the trek, and the landscape grows increasingly dramatic.
Duration: 6-7 hours
The trail begins to reveal more of the Himalayas, with views of Ganesh Himal in the distance. You’ll trek through deep forests of pine and oak, with occasional villages breaking up the rugged landscape. Passing through Buddhist villages, mani walls, and chortens gives a deeper sense of the Tibetan influence in the area. Namrung, a large village and popular stop for trekkers, has a few tea houses and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Duration: 6-7 hours
Climbing higher, you’ll pass through villages like Lihi and Lho, where trekkers can see views of Manaslu for the first time. This day brings more exposure to Tibetan Buddhist culture, with many monasteries, mani walls, and prayer wheels along the trail. The ascent takes you through alpine landscapes with terraced fields and impressive mountain vistas. Arriving in Samagaun, one of the largest villages on the route, trekkers can explore the beautiful surroundings and acclimate.
An acclimatization day in Samagaun allows trekkers to adjust to the higher altitude. Many choose to hike up to the Pungyen Gompa or the Manaslu Base Camp for panoramic views of the mountains. Exploring Samagaun is also rewarding, with its traditional Tibetan culture and architecture, as well as a chance to rest before tackling higher altitudes.
Duration: 3-4 hours
A shorter trek day, Samagaun to Samdo, provides a gentler ascent to help acclimatize. The trail is scenic, passing through yak pastures and open fields with stunning mountain views on both sides. Samdo, a small Tibetan village, sits close to the Tibetan border and offers a glimpse into traditional life at high altitudes. Trekkers often feel the mountain’s solitude here, as Samdo is the last village before crossing Larkya La Pass.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Another short but steep ascent leads to Dharamsala (also known as High Camp), the staging point for the next day’s pass crossing. The trail is rocky, and the air is thinner, requiring a steady pace. Dharamsala has a few basic lodges and tents where trekkers can rest. It’s essential to get a good night’s sleep here, as the next day will be the most challenging.
Duration: 8-10 hours
This is the trek’s most challenging day, beginning early to cross Larkya La Pass. The ascent is steep and can be slippery with snow, but the panoramic views from the pass are unforgettable. From the top, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular vistas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and other peaks. The descent to Bhimtang is long and requires careful footing, but arriving in Bhimtang brings a sense of accomplishment.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Descending from the mountains, the trail leads through rhododendron forests and pastures, eventually re-entering a more temperate zone with warmer temperatures. The trail here is scenic and less demanding, with beautiful streams, waterfalls, and views of the surrounding hills. Tilije is a charming village, and by now, trekkers feel closer to civilization.
Duration: 5-6 hours of trekking and 3-4 hours of driving
The final day of trekking takes you from Tilije to Dharapani, where the Manaslu circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit trail. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and walk through scenic terraced fields. From Dharapani, take a jeep to Besisahar, marking the end of the trek.
From Besisahar, a drive back to Kathmandu (6-8 hours) concludes the adventure. Trekkers can enjoy a relaxing evening in Kathmandu, celebrating the successful completion of the Manaslu Trek and reminiscing about the breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters along the way.
Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.
Not included in the Everest Three Pass Trek by Alpine Paradise Treks and Expedition:
The best seasons for the Manaslu Trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these times, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Winter (December to February) can be very cold and snowy, especially at high altitudes, making the trek more challenging. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, leeches, and potential landslides, so it’s less ideal.
The Manaslu Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. Trekkers face varying terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and high altitudes. Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is one of the most demanding sections. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is recommended, and a good level of physical fitness is essential.
Yes, the Manaslu Trek requires three permits:
Yes, acclimatization is very important on the Manaslu Trek due to the high altitudes reached. Most itineraries include rest days in Samagaun and sometimes Samdo, allowing your body to adapt and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
The trek typically takes 14-18 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization needs. This duration includes travel days to and from Kathmandu, acclimatization days, and additional time for potential delays.
Accommodation along the trail is basic, with tea houses providing simple meals and sleeping arrangements. While comfortable, the facilities may lack amenities like hot showers and Wi-Fi at higher altitudes. Rooms are usually twin-sharing, with a common dining area where trekkers can relax and eat.
No, solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu region due to its restricted area status. You must trek with a licensed guide, and it’s recommended to join a group or hire a local porter for added safety and support.
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