Tour overview

Manaslu trek is one of the best and unspoiled trekking routes of Nepal, which is determined by the experts. The trek is not much difficult, it used to with the greatly improved trail through the Budhi Gandaki gorge. It is best as the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trek, the views and remote trek is undoubtedly amazing.
Every year only over 2000 trekkers make their way to complete the trek, it is one of the restricted regions and individual trekkers are not allowed to do this trek, to do this trek the group must have 2 or more members and must hire a registered guide so, this is substantially fewer than trekking the Annapurna, Langtang or Everest region.
The Manaslu trek generally starts from Soti Khola, Arughat after 7 hours’ drive from Kathmandu and ends at Manang, Dharapani the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This trek is generally suitable for all aged groups above 15 years old. There are few Lodges and tea houses on the trail with the basic facilities of food with an extensive menu.

Best Season for Manaslu trek

The best season to trek in Nepal is autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) which is considered by the expertise. There are various in a year in Nepal, the different season offers different experience while trekking to Manaslu region.

Summer/ Monsoon (June to August)

This time the Manaslu region is hot and humid, it will be difficult to trek in the lower altitude during day and night will be cold at high altitude. This is also the season of frequent downpours; the trail will be slippery and muddy and full of leeches. It might be difficult to pass the Larke pass along the steep descending trail.

Winter (December to February)

Early December is possible to trek because the weather will be like the Autumn season however it will be cold at high altitude but the pass will not be blocked and easy to find accommodation. 

January is the coldest month of the year in the Himalayan region, trek is not possible because the pass will be blocked and the trail will be isolated, the local people from the Dharmasal and Samdo will transfer to the low altitude due to the extreme change in weather, the temperature will be -30 during night and morning, so wisely prepare, if you are planning to trek in winter.

February month will not be so cold in the lower region but the trail will be fully covered by the snow and still the pass will be blocked.

Autumn (September to November)

This season is the peak time in the Manaslu region, mostly trekkers choose this month as the best season to explore the trekking area. The weather condition is perfect, nature will come to alive and offers a charming environment, Monsoon rain clears all the dust and the trail will be clean the views will be pristine.

Highlights of Autumn season

  • Mild temperature and stable during day and night
  • Pristine charming nature and the clear trail
  • Clear visibility of the Mountains from every corner
  • No risk of getting lost and injured
  • Easy to pass the Larke La pass

Spring (March to May)

The second-best season after Autumn and ideal season to trek Manaslu region, around 16 degrees’ temperature is mild and warm during the day and around 2 degrees during the night is stable and chilly.

Highlights of Spring season

  • Least chance of rainfall in spring 
  • Easy walk on the finest trail
  • Views of colorful nature
  • Clear views of snowcapped mountains under the crisp’s blue skies

Permits for Manaslu Trek

  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
  • Special Permit
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

Mode of Transportation to getting there and away

  • Local private jeep or Local Bus

Highlights

  • The pristine natural beauty of a lush forest, mountain streams, and surrounded peaks in the Manaslu region
  • Ancient culture like Tibetan, Friendly environment and diverse culture of both Nepalese and Tibetan
  • The most adventurous spot and the highest point of the trek is Larke La Pass, 5106m
  • Views while trekking: 8th highest peak Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Larke Peak, Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II
  • Less crowded trail than Annapurna, Langtang and Everest region
  • Trek through the remote village and wild jungle 
  • Affordable and accessible trek
  • This trek includes all the scenery of Nepal: start the trek from the subtropical, Sotikhola, Arughat to the Trans Himalayan, 5106 meter which is challenging and cold.

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (720m/8-9hours)
Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (900m-6-7 hours)
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1370m-7 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Deng (1804m-7 hours)
Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m-7 hours)
Day 6: Trek to Samagaon (3530m-7 hours)
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Samagaon
Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3875m-4hours)
Day 9: Trek to Dharmasala (4460m-5hours)
Day 10: Trek to Bhimtang via Larke La Pass (3590m-5160m-9hours)
Day 11: Trek to Tilje (2300m-6hours)
Day 12: Trek to Dharapani & Drive to Beshisahar (1860m-7 hours)
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (5-6 hours)

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (720m/8-9hours)

After early morning breakfast, we start our drive towards Sotii Khola along the west high-way. The drive will be scenic and enjoyable passing through the small towns along with the Trishul river valley and beautiful green hill. Following the bumpy road, we will enjoy the starting views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.
Overnight at Soti Khola

Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (900m-6-7 hours)

After early morning breakfast, we will start our trek through the interesting and scenic trail. The landscape views, Budhi Gandaki river, waterfalls, terrace field of rice, and paddies will make our 1st day of trek more exciting.
Our pace will continue through the Khursane village along with the steep and rocky trail and the views of waterfalls from the Cliffside are amazing then we will reach to Lapubesi after up and down cliff walk, we will stop here for lunch.
After lunch, we again continue our trek towards Machha Khoa through the valleys next to the river. We will enjoy the peaceful walk along with a steep trail, beautiful scenery, and a suspension bridge.
Overnight at Machha Khoa

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1370m-7 hours)

After spending the night in Machha Khola, we will start our send day of the trek after early morning breakfast. We trek along the gorge and continues following the river, interesting walk through the narrow and ascending trail and suspension bridge of Tharo Khola will take us to Khorlabesi. We will take a break at Tatopani (Natural hot spring) after a short hike from Khorlabesi through ascending and descending the trail.
From here we will cross the Budhi Gandaki river and ascend the trail via stairs over the ridge to Dovan, we will walk through the several stair trails from Yaru Khola to Tharo Bharyang
And again, cross the suspension bridge from the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki then climb over a ridge to reach the village of Jagat.
Overnight at Jagat

Day 4: Trek to Deng (1804m-7 hours)

After spending the beautiful night at Jagat, we will start our trek after early morning breakfast through the various landscape and rustic village, dense forest up to Deng village.
The trail is ascending to the ridge of Salleri and descending to Sirdibas and upon the arrival at Ghatta Khola the trail will be widening a bit, we continue our trek via upstream and suspension bridge to Philim village, a beautiful Gurung village.
From here, we will follow the north trail from the small village to Ekle Bhatti. We will trek through the descending trail to the grassy slope and west bank of the river, widen valley and bamboo forest to the Deng Khola River, and then reach to Deng village.
Overnight at Deng

Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2630m-7 hours)

Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek where we will pass through the culturally significant section and views of peaks will get to appear. Hike up to Bhi along with ascending trail and Budi Gandaki suspension bridge, quaint village, lush forest, and alpine vegetation and views of peaks is the best feelings.
We will take a break at Prok village which is worthy to spend a few moments by enjoying the stunning view of Siring Himal. From here we will trek through the narrow gorge, Gompas, dense forest and steep climb trail to reach Namrung village.
Overnight at Nmrung Village

Day 6: Trek to Samagaon (3530m-7 hours)

After early morning breakfast, we can explore around the village to enjoy the breathtaking views of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli. We will cross the side valley of Simang Himal and Ganesh Himal via Lihi village through the beautiful stupas, barley terraces, and ascending trail.
We will continue our trek up to Sama village via Sho, Lho and Shyala villages, the Manaslu will get to appear from the Lho village and also there is an old famous Ribung Gompa, Shyala village is the beautiful village surrounded by the stunning Himal Chuli, Peak 29(Ngadi Chuli) and Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks. Beautiful views and peace walk through the scenic trail will lead us to Samagaon.
Overnight at Samagaon

Day 7: Acclimatization day in Samagaon

Today we will skip the trek to rest, relax, and explore the beautiful surrounding of Samagaon.
We can hike up to the Birendra Lake and explore the oldest Pungyen Gompa. Today we can experience the life of Samagaon as well as the remote life of Himalayan people. Here, the residents of Sherpa and Gurung culture and refugees from Tibet.
Let’s enjoy the views of ancient Mani stones and Sherpas women dressed in traditional clothes and ornaments.
Overnight at Samagaon

Day 8: Trek to Samdo (3875m-4hours)

After breakfast in Samagaon, we start our trek to Samdo, which is close to the Tibetan border. The trek is short and easy today, we will follow the wide and slope trail via several Mani walls, Junipers, and birch forest of Kermo Kharka. We continue our pace until we reach to Samdo via the wooden bridge of Budhi Gandaki, steep climb, and stone archway.
Overnight at Samdo

Day 9: Trek to Dharmasala (4460m-5hours)

After breakfast Samdo, we will pass a seasonal Tibetan market known as Larke Bazaar, we will continue our pace to Dharmasala via steep walk, crossing the streams, Salka Khola Valley, and traditional Monasteries. Today the hike is short but the rail is moderate, we will enjoy the sun and views from Dharmasala.
Overnight at Dharmasala

Day 10: Trek to Bhimtang via Larke La Pass (3590m-5160m-9hours)

We will start our trek to the highest point of the trek, early in the morning before sunrise, today the trail is challenging and tough, we will get to encounter several rustic villages, a beautiful glacier lake, beautiful valleys, and snowcapped peaks.
After a short ascending hike, we will reach the north side of the Larkya Glacier which offers stunning views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The trail will become steeper in the last section of the pass after crossing the moraines of the glacier. The views are breathtaking, let's explore the close-up views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Massive Annapuran II. We will finish the Manaslu trail with a rewarding walk through the descent steep in the early evening with mount Manaslu getting far in the distance.
Overnight at Bhimtang

Day 11: Trek to Tilje (2300m-6hours)

We will start our trek after breakfast, we will follow the descending trail and cross the high pasture followed by Enbridge over the Dudh Khola.
We will continue the trek through the rhododendron forest and narrow valley until we reach Karcher, which is the highest cultivated land of the Manang valley. We will continue our pace along the riverbank, Gho village, and steep climb over a ridge until we get to Tilje.
Overnight at Tilje

Day 12: Trek to Dharapani & Drive to Beshisahar (1860m-6 hours-17 km)

Today is the last day of our trek, we will start our trek after early morning breakfast.
The descending hike towards Dharapani is easy and short, we will trek through several villages and cross the forest of rhododendron and get a fantastic view of the Marshyangdi valley. We will take a jeep from Dharapani.
Overnight at Beshisahar

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu (5-6 hours)

After early morning breakfast, we will take a bus from Beshisahar, in mid-day, we will reach Kathmandu, enjoy your moment at Kathmandu.
Overnight at Kathmandu