Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a thrilling adventure around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This 10-day trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, including river valleys, forests, and high mountain passes, while offering a unique cultural experience in remote villages.

Starting from Kathmandu, the journey begins with a scenic drive to Soti Khola. From there, the trek gradually climbs through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, following the Budhi Gandaki River. As you ascend higher, the scenery changes to more rugged terrain, and you'll pass through villages influenced by Tibetan culture, such as Samagaon and Samdo.

One of the main challenges and highlights of the trek is crossing the Larke La Pass (5,160m), which offers stunning panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. After the pass, the trail descends through beautiful alpine landscapes to Bimtang and finally ends at Dharapani, where you drive back to Kathmandu.

This trek combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a challenging yet rewarding high-altitude adventure, perfect for those seeking a less crowded alternative to popular treks like the Annapurna or Everest regions.

The 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey through some of the most stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences in the Himalayas. From the lush valleys and charming villages to the breathtaking views of towering peaks, this trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.

Traversing remote trails, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, witness Tibetan influences, and explore ancient monasteries. Challenging climbs, including the ascent to Larkya La Pass, reward trekkers with unparalleled panoramic views of the majestic mountains.

As you conclude your trek, you'll carry home not only unforgettable memories but also a sense of accomplishment and connection to the majestic environment and the warm hospitality of the local communities. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, the Manaslu Circuit promises an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

Today, we take a local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, passing through Dhading Beshi and Arughat on a rough, bumpy road. In the afternoon, we trek through the woods along the Budhi Gandaki River, with occasional views of the river below. We’ll stay overnight at a guesthouse in Machha Khola.

Day 2 : Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1340m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today, we cross the Machha Khola River and pass Khorlabesi (920m) to reach Tatopani, known for its hot springs. The trail continues through a forest to the Dovan Khola and into the Budhi Gandaki Valley, with changing vegetation as we ascend. We end the day at Jagat Village for an overnight stay at a guesthouse.

Day 3 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We trek through the valley to Sirdibas, enjoying stunning views of Shringi Himal. After crossing a suspension bridge, we ascend to Philim, passing waterfalls. We continue through Ekle Bhatti and Pewa Village before reaching Deng Village for an overnight stay.

Day 4 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

we start with a steep climb before descending to the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes us through the valley and small villages. As we approach Namrung, we’ll see Mani stones, indicating we’re in Tibetan Buddhist territory. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short 2-hour detour to Prok village before continuing to Namrung, where we’ll stay overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 5 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon, (3,530m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

We step back in time as we walk through Lho Village, surrounded by Mani stone walls and little modern development. From Lho, we can see the snow-capped Ngadi Chuli (7871m, also known as Peak 29). We’ll take a short detour to the Pungen Glacier for amazing views of Mt. Manaslu before staying overnight at a guesthouse in Samagaun.

Day 6 : Acclimatization at Samagaon (3,530m)

You have the option to explore Pungyen Monastery or take a hike toward Manaslu Base Camp. If you choose to visit Pungyen Monastery, you’ll discover a serene and spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by stunning mountain views. The monastery, perched on a hillside, offers a glimpse into the local culture and Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 7 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m) Duration 4-5 hours.

This morning, we cross several rivers on our way to Larkya Bazaar, a trading village for those coming from Tibet. We then climb a steep trail to Dharamsala, where we'll stay overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 8 : Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) Duration: 8-9 hours.

We have a challenging day ahead as we trek from Larkya La Pass (5106m/17,121 ft) to Bhimthang. First, we climb to Cho Chanda and then tackle the steep, snowy pass. The views of surrounding peaks, including Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m), and Annapurna II (7937m), are incredible from this high point. After taking in the sights, we descend a steep trail and cross moraines until we reach Bhimthang Village, where we’ll stay overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 9 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,900m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today, we descend from high pastures and cross the Dudh Khola River on a suspension bridge. The trail takes us through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours, we arrive at Dharapani in the Annapurna region, a common starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trek. If you wish to extend your trek, we can continue along the Annapurna trail. We’ll stay overnight at a guesthouse in Dharapani.

Day 10 : Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani Duration: 8-9 hours.

Today is our last day on the Manaslu Circuit trek. We’ll take a local jeep across the river to Besisahar, then catch a bus back to Kathmandu, where you’ll be taken back to your hotels.

What is included?

Airport pickup and dropoff, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
Pre-meeting before the trek.
All transportation: Kathmandu- Machhakhola by bus, and Dharapani to besisahar -Kathmandu by bus.
1 professional, licensed, experienced and knowledgable trekking guide.
Porter for carrying luggage
Food during the trek (full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and with tea/coffee and seasonal fresh fruits).
Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
Manaslu Restricted Area speical permit.
Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) entrance permit fee.
In the worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
First aid medical kit, oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
Unique Adventure sleeping bag and down jacket, duffel bag, area trekking map.
All applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
All organizational requirements.

What is not included?

Nepal visa.
Your international flight to and from Nepal.
Travel insurance (for helicopter evacuation if needed whilst trekking).
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc.
Bar and beverage bills.
Meals in Kathmandu.
Tips for guide, porters, and drivers.

Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.

We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…

At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit.

We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.

A small business with big ideals…

We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible.

This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…

We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant…

We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…

We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’. You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.

Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…

Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected.

Trips to match your time frames…

We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture.

You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…

Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!

We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.

This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart…

Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…

Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.

We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal.

Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip through ‘Unique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.

We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…

We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.

Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family…

One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal.

This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude.

Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal…

Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…

Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.

‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com

We give you Mountain Yoga

The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.

We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems.

Our Success Ratio…

We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith.

Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.

Good wind/rain jacket
Warm fleece jacket or jersey
Good boots, either light-weight trekking boots or light full leather boots
Good -20 sleeping bag (which can be rented or bought in Kathmandu)
A comfortable day pack, preferably with a waistband.
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Sun hat or scarf
light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
T-shirts
Underwear
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottom
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Manaslu Circuit Trek and other necessary equipment:

Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
Basic First Aid Kit (We also provide comprehensive first aid medical kit and oxygen meter)
Large plastic bags for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
Water bottles (2 bottles recommended)
Toiletries
Small wash towel

1. How challenging is the Manaslu Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging adventure that takes you through diverse landscapes. You'll encounter steep ascents, descents, and rugged trails. The remoteness of the region adds to the allure but also demands physical fitness and mental resilience.

2. What is the typical duration of the Manaslu Trek?

The standard itinerary spans around 16 days, including arrival and departure. However, some variations exist. You'll trek through lush forests, cross suspension bridges, and marvel at snow-capped peaks. Each day brings new vistas and experiences.

3. Which point is the highest on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The highlight of the trek is the Larkya La pass, standing tall at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). As you traverse this high-altitude pass, you'll witness breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas.

4. Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek feasible?

Absolutely! With proper preparation, a reliable guide, and a supportive crew, you can conquer the Manaslu Circuit. The sense of achievement and the cultural interactions with local communities make it worthwhile.

5. When is the best time to undertake the Manaslu Trek?

The two optimal seasons are:

i. Autumn (October to November): Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and vibrant foliage.

ii. Spring (April to May): Blooming rhododendrons, warmer weather, and excellent visibility.

6. Are permits required for the Manaslu Trek?

Yes, you'll need permits:

i. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit

ii. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

iii. TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card: Mandatory for all trekkers.

7. What is the accommodation like during the trek?

Accommodations vary from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges. Expect shared rooms, simple meals, and cozy blankets. Booking in advance is advisable during peak seasons.

8. How do I prepare for the high altitudes?

Gradual acclimatization is crucial. Stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and listen to your body. Consult a doctor if you have any health concerns.

9. What cultural experiences can I expect?

The Manaslu region is rich in culture. You'll encounter Tibetan-influenced villages, monasteries, prayer flags, and warm hospitality from locals.