+977 9843138264 (whatsapp/Viber)

Find your perfect trip

Manaslu Circuit Upper Route

Duration 16 days
Max-Altitude 5213m
Transportation Car/Bus/Jeep
Trip Grade Difficult
Accommodation 3 star Category hotel in Kathmandu and tea houses during trek
Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
Best Season Autumn/spring fair weather in Nepal
Communication 9843138264
Group Size 2+
Trip Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu

The Upper Manaslu Circuit trekking Path  starts from Barpak, a breathtakingly beautiful village set high on a slope with breathtaking views of the Buddha Himal range and verdant terraced crops. Barpak was completely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake that struck it near its epicenter, but because to the people’s tenacity and spirit, the town has been mostly rebuilt to resemble it before.

Manaslu Circuit Trek  is the ultimate off-the-beaten trekking path of Nepal in the Manaslu region. It takes you to the higher Himalayas at the border between Nepal and Tibet. Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure for well-versed trekkers around the world. Trekking this route you will have an opportunity to explore the Manaslu region.

The Manaslu region offers one of the most remote and untouched trekking experiences in Nepal, making it a true adventure for those seeking a more challenging and authentic journey. Known for its dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and stunning views of the Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit is becoming increasingly popular among trekkers, especially those looking for an alternative to the Annapurna region.

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Barpak by bus (1915m/6283ft).7 – 9 hrs/181 Km.

Day 02: Barpak to Laprak (2100m/6890ft). 5 – 6hr 8Km 

Day  03: Laprak to Khorlabensi  (970m/3182ft).5 – 7 hrs/12Km. 

Day  04: Khorlabensi to Jagat (1340m/4396ft.) 5 – 7 hrs/13Km.

Day  05: Jagat to Deng (1860m/6102ft.) 6 – 8 hrs/20Km.

Day  06: Deng to Prok (2397m/7864ft.) 4 – 5hrs/9 Km.

Day  07: Hike Prok to Kal Tal (3574m/11726ft) then back to Prok for overnight(2397m/7864ft.) 8 – 9 hrs.

Day  08: Prok to Lho (3180m/10433ft) 6 – 7 hrs/18Km. 

Day   09: Lho to Samagaun (3520m/11549ft.) 3 – 4 hrs/10Km. 

Day   10: Acclimatization day. 

Day   11: Samagaun to Samdo (3860m/12664ft.) 3 – 5 hrs/8Km.

Day   12: One of an impressive day hike to open Tibet border Rui La (4998m/16398ft) and back to Samdo(3860m/12664ft). 6 – 8 hrs.

Day   13: Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m/14633ft). 3 – 5 hrs/6Km.

Day  14: Dharmasala to Larkya La (5106m/16752ft to Bhimthang (3590m/11778ft) 7 – 9 hrs/22Km.

Day  15:  Bimtang to Dharapani(1,970 m / 6.463 ft): 6 – 8 hour

Day  16: Back to Kathmandu from Dharapani ( 8 – 10hr)

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Barpak by bus (1915m/6283ft). 7 – 9 hrs/181Km.
We begin our trek to the Manaslu region by taking a bus to Barpak, a town that is picturesquely situated amidst terraced fields. Tragically, Barpak was located near the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake that devastated Nepal. The neighborhood has been gradually restored by the stoic people, and it now has an exciting new environment.

Day 02: Barpak to Laprak – (2100m/6890ft). 5 – 6hrs/8Km 
Our journey starts with an intense climb up innumerable stone steps that slice through the encroaching jungle on both sides. This ascent takes us through a series of tranquil villages perched atop hillsides, offering views of the Buddha and Ganesh Himals in the distance. Our trip into the highlands, which serves as a diversion from the usual path along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki, is a tranquil one that leaves us feeling completely alone save from the occasional friendly encounter with the locals.

Day 03: Laprak to Khorlabensi (970m/3182ft). 5 – 7 hrs/12Km. 
Starting off with a gradual slope, the trail to Khorla Besi leads to a suspension bridge and a walkway that leads to the settlement of Singla, which offers breathtaking views of the neighboring mountain ranges. Following lunch, the track descends once more until it meets the Budhi Gandaki River, where it rejoins the main road that passes through Manaslu.

Day 04: Khorlabensi to Jagat (1340m/4396ft.) 5 – 7 hrs/13Km. 
We follow the path that leads to Tatopani and its well-known hot springs, guided once more by our old buddy the Budhi Gandaki. After that, we climb to Dovan and, at last, Jagat, which marks the entrance to the Manaslu conservation area.

Day 05: Jagat to Deng (1860m/6102ft.) 6 – 8 hrs/20Km.
We start the day with a walk through a sequence of little hamlets and subtropical rainforests. We cross a couple of suspension bridges en route, the last of which takes us into the village of Philim, which is beautifully situated amidst terraced fields overlooking the river. We continue on the track until we reach the intersection of Tsum Valley and Larkya La, where we turn left to go in the direction of Deng.

Day 06: Deng to Prok  (2397m/7864ft.) 4 – 5 hrs/9 Km.
We reach Bihi Phedi along an undulating trail and several suspension bridges. From there, a junction diverts us from the main trail and leads to Prok, a picturesque village where we will spend the night in a homestay, a culturally distinctive experience.

Day  07: Hike Prok to Kal Tal (3574m/11726ft) then back to Prok for overnight (2397m/7864ft.) 8/9 hrs.
We hike through dense forests to the stunning Kal Tal (Black Lake), which is tucked away high among the surrounding peaks. We return to Prok and spend another evening with our hosts there after taking some time to enjoy the scenery and eat our packed lunch.

Day  08: Prok to Lho (3180m/10433ft) 6 – 7 hrs/18Km. 
After returning to the main path via the Prok trail, we progressively climb to Namrung and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as the valley spreads out in front of us. As the trail rises above the tree line, the temperate forests gradually give way to the subdued browns and grays of the Himalayan terrain and the brilliant blue skies that are only found at high elevations. The lush greens of the lower valley are replaced by these hues. Our arrival at the charming village of Lho, with its breathtaking view of Manaslu and the monastery of Rebung Gompa perched meditatively on a nearby hill, completes the day’s journey.

Day  09: Lho to Samagaun  (3520m/11549ft.) 3 – 4hrs/10Km. 
We travel from Lho to the equally stunning settlement of Shyala, which offers breathtaking views of Kutang Himal, Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi, Naike, and Pangbuche Himal. From there, we ascend slowly through yak pasturelands to reach Samagaun. There is more than enough time to complete the short hike to Birendra Lake before the end of the day.

Day  10: Acclimatization rest in Samagaon:Hike to either Birendra Lake (3700m/12139ft) or Manaslu Base Camp (4980m/16339ft) or Pungen Gompa (4000m/13123ft) Options can be discussed with your guide depending on your fitness and needs.(3520m/11549ft.)

Day for taking some rest in Samagaon and exploring the village. Samagaon is an amazing village surrounded by fantastic views of snow-capped peaks. For the excellent scenery of Samdo (Pang Phuchuli) with some glaciers and mountains. You can also hike up to Manaslu Base Camp and witness the Lake of Ice called Birendra Kaunda. Return to Samagaon. Overnight in the teahouse.
Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3690m) 3 – 5hrs
Resume the trek early morning following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. Trek passes through a windy valley and desert path to Samdo. The Tibetan border is just 4 km away from Samdo though it’s strictly prohibited to pass the border. Samdo offers you the blissful scenery of Mt. Manaslu and several glaciers and mountains. Overnight in Samdo.
Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12:Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)5,000 m / 16,404 ft  6– 8 hrs
Day 13: Samdo to Larke Phedi (4460m) 3 -5hrs
Trek starts from Samdo through the rocky and zigzag trail to Dharmashala or Larke Phedi. Larke Phedi has a market known as Larke Bazar (market). People bring goods from Tibet to sell them here to local folks. It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Dharmasala, also known as Larke Phedi. Overnight in Larke Phedi.
Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14: Dharmasala to Larkya La (5106m/16752ft to Bhimthang(3590m/11778ft) 7 – 9 hrs/22Km.
Trek starts early morning through ascending steep and icy routes until you reach Larke La Pass. Larke La offers you a panoramic view of Annapurna II (7987m), Manaslu (8156m), and several other mountains and glaciers. You will be descending from Larke La, walking through the rock mass and rockfall toward Bimtang. Bimtang is a wide valley consisting of numerous Mani walls and abundant houses. Overnight in Bimtang.
 Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Day 15: Bimtang to Dharapani(1,970 m / 6.463 ft): 6 – 8 hour
Today, we descend to Dhud Khola. We cross through the forest full of Rhododendron and pine to reach Dharapani, where we put off for a night’s stay. As the last walking day of the Manaslu Circuit, you will have plenty of scenery to enjoy throughout the trail. Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Dharapani.

Day 16: Dharapani to Kathmandu(8 – 10 hour)
Trek starts to descend to Jagat to catch a bus from Besisahar (760m). Besisahar is the headquarters of Lamjung and a large town. A few hours’ drive to reach the Pokhara-Kathmandu highway and continue scenic drive for about 3-4 hours to reach back to Kathmandu. You will be shifted to the hotel. Have some rest time and we will meet you in the evening for dinner to share your experience with some feedback. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Include Meals: Breakfast

Cost Included

  • Pickups and Drops by  Private transportation.
  • Tea houses/Lodge Accommodations including Breakfast /Lunch /Dinner  during the trek
  • Transportation(depend on Number of Group Size)
  • Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure Duffel Bag
  • Legal documents (MCAP permit, Manaslu restricted area permit, TIMS, and ACAP).
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), and  porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Trekking insurance for all support crews and their daily wages, meals, and accommodation
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excluded

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Entrance Fees
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu  in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Our main paramount is to offer a safe and enjoyable trek for your clients. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you need to bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep in mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.

Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

  • Sun hat (We provide you a complimentary sunhat)
  • Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp
  • Neck warmer

Hand

  • Liner gloves
  • Heavier shell gloves

Core Body

  • T-shirts (2)
  • Lightweight expedition thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
  • Synthetic sports bras (for women)

Lower Body – Legs

  • Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
  • Nylon hiking shorts
  • Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
  • Water/windproof trousers
  • Casual pants

Feet

  • Liner socks
  • Heavyweight socks
  • Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
  • Light shoes/sneakers
  • Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)

Other essential important items

  • Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
  • Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of yours)
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
  • Water bottle/bladder
  • Water purification Iodine tablets
  • Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)

Medicines and First Aid Kit

  • Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
  • Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
  • Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
  • Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
  • Anti-infection ointments
  • Band-aids
  • Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 40)

Optional

  • Adjustable trekking poles
  • Favorite snacks (No more than 2 pounds)
  • Paperback books, cards, mp3 player.
  • Binoculars
  • Cameras (Memory cards, chargers, and batteries)
  • Pee bottle for man and pee funnel for woman

Note:  This equipment list is only a guide. You need to bring the listed items, however, you can choose from your preferred brands using your expertise. You can also shop the trekking equipment and clothing at a reasonable price at stores in Thamel, Kathmandu.

1. Can I trek to Manaslu independently?
No, you can’t trek the Manaslu Trek independently or alone. According to the Nepal Government, a minimum of two trekkers are compulsorily required to make a Manaslu  trek permit. You can’t trek alone due to its safety and it is a restricted region.

2. Why Manaslu Trek is restricted?
One major reason behind this restricted region is that Nepal Government especially Nepal Tourism Board and other concerned governing bodies where jointly aim to preserve this place for making it attractive to trekkers from all around the world. Another reason is to ensure security for trekkers while passing open border points – Larkya La Pass, Rui La Pass, and, Tsum Valley which shares the border with Tibet. Hence, Manaslu Circuit Treks is termed a restricted region in Nepal.

3. How difficult is Manaslu Larkey to pass Trek?
To answer this question, you should know your physical fitness level. You should also be able to walk 6-7 hours a day. There is one special day when you have to walk before sunrise to avoid storms at Larkya La. Because the guide has a strict deadline to pass the Larkya La before noon which should be operated according to the itinerary. Similarly, at some point like Larkya La Pass (5160m), there is a step down which makes it a little harder to pass due to the icy path. In that case, you can use crampons on boots to pass the icy path to reach Bimthang. Larkya La Pass is the highest point as well as the longest day in Manaslu Trek. This will make your trekking a lot more physically friendly.

4. If I am alone Can I join with other trekkers for a permit?
Yes, you can join with other trekkers for a special trekking permit. For that, you must be flexible in terms of duration. In peak season, you will easily find another trekker for a permit. Whereas in low season, it’s quite difficult or time-consuming to find other trekkers who are heading to Manaslu for that particular month.

5. How is transportation from Kathmandu to Soti Khola’s start point?
From Kathmandu to Solti Khola’s start point, you will be traveling to the hillside via Prithvi Highway until Malekhu. After that, you will follow the narrow off-road till to Soti Khola. It’s quite a long off-road journey of about 7-8 hours. You have two options to get Soti Khola’s start point. The first option is to take four wheels private jeep, which can accommodate 7 people. Another option is to take a morning local bus from New Buspark, Kathmandu. Expect some crowd, local gossip, too many stops, and an opportunity to make new local friends as well as an adventure while traveling from the local bus.

6. Do we need Travel Insurance ?
Yes, you need travel insurance to overcome unforeseen circumstances such as; Bad weather (Snow, Storm, Landslides, and other natural disasters), Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), food poisoning, and physical accidents.

7. What kind of food is in Manaslu Trek?
Accommodations can be found in Mana Around Manaslu Trek, there are new as well as old teahouses that were built after the earthquake. So, don’t expect to get luxurious accommodations. You will get a room with a comfortable bed and shared a bathroom with a hot shower facility (private expenses). Nowadays, you can also get connected to wifi from teahouses (private expenses). Talking about the food types, you can find the fresh local meal which will be made after your order. Expect to get some healthy foods as well as organic vegetables such as; Nepali Dhal Bhat, MoMo, Macaroni, Noodles, Pizza, and others. Don’t forget to take caution before drinking water. You can refill the safe drinking water (private expenses) from every teahouse situated around Manaslu Circuit Trek.

8. Which is the best season for Manaslu  Trek?
The best seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek are March, April, and May, and the last week in September to mid-December. Peak season is in October. The low season is the monsoon (June to September) due to rain and hazed weather. In December to late February to early March, there is a probable chance of winter snow and the lodge will be closed mainly in Laryka Phedi, Bhimthang.

9. What will be lodging and food like in Manaslu Trek?
With the increase in popularity of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, many new teahouses and lodges have been opened on the trail. So, accommodation is available in tea houses if you follow the standard trail. Although, if you like, we can arrange for accommodation in camps. Lodging and food cost in Manaslu and Tsum Valley is never constant. The rate differs from one tea house to the other and the price is also different according to season. Also, you will find the price of food to be higher with an increase in altitude. It is because mules and yaks are the only means of transport available in these high-altitude areas. The staple food- Dal Bhat is the cheapest in lower altitude areas while potatoes and tsampa (a local food) are cheapest in high altitude areas. It is because rice is not locally grown in these high-altitude areas.

11. What happens If I or my friends get sick while trekking Manaslu Trek?
If you get sick while trekking, you can ask the guide for normal precautions. If that doesn’t help, try to go to a lower altitude for treating altitude sickness. And, if the situation gets worse such as; some sort of physical accident then our guide will help you to evacuate from trekking via a rescue flight.

12. Is there an internet facility in Manaslu Trek?
You will get a better experience of internet browsing at Arughat Bazaar while you can also get internet facility at Samagaon. You can also find satellite Wi-fi in Samdo. However, cell phones from Ncell GSM Network and Nepal Telecom will work only as far as Arkhet which is near Soti Khola. However, if you have a CDMA sim card, your cell phone will work up to Dharmasala. However, if you need to communicate, it can be managed through a V-SAT landline phone.

13. Do I need insurance for Manaslu Trek?
Yes, you need insurance for Manaslu Trek. Your insurance should cover medical evacuation in case you need an emergency rescue. You should read their terms and conditions carefully and know about the highest elevation limit for coverage by insurance. Also, make sure that the insurance provider covers the cost of medical evacuation from Manaslu if necessary so that there will be no complications later.

14. Is Manaslu trekking difficult?
Manaslu received a significant number of tourists only since 2010. Previously, there was no proper trail and camping was the only possible form of accommodation. However, there have been lots of changes since then. These days, tea house trekking is possible in Manaslu. If you have a high level of stamina and will to explore the rich cultural aspects of the highland, Manaslu Trek is not an impossible activity for you. The difficulty of any trek can be calculated based on the average walking hour per day, the maximum altitude that you will reach, the terrain that you will pass through, and the remoteness of the area.
Expect an average walking hour to be between 6hrs to 8hrs a day. You should be prepared to walk for up to 10 to 12 hrs in a day to cross Larkya La Pass. Several days depend on the itinerary that you follow. Trek will be easier if you have enough acclimatization days in your itinerary. Larkya La Pass (5169m) is the highest altitude that you will reach in Manaslu Trek. The trekking trail will be a mix of easy to rough to rocky exposed sections. You need to go through a series of ups and downs and some parts of the trail may be permanently covered in snow. So, this trek is not for people with knee problems.

13. Can I go to Manaslu  Trek with the Kids?
You can go to Manaslu  Trek with kids if your kids are fond of traveling, rejoice in an outdoor  experience, and has previous trekking experience. Climbing Larkya La is the most difficult part of the trek and there is the possibility that your child might suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

14. What is the drinking water facility in the mountain?
Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses, which you can buy at the cost of USD 1 at lower elevations up to USD 4 to higher elevations per liter.

If you are planning to drink normal water during the trek, purifying water with any sort of purification tablet or drop is a must.  You can bring your purifier or can purchase it in Kathmandu.

15. What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend to trekkers?
The temperature rating of the sleeping bags about -10 degrees degrees C (14 Degrees Fahrenheit) are recommended, our guide can provide a liner or extra blanket from the lodge in the mountain if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you

16. Do your guides have trekking guide certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
Yes, they have all received a 45-day training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high-altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project)

17. Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?
In Kathmandu, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash. Please change the currency to local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains

18. I am a Vegetarian, is that a Problem?
No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients eat vegetarian meals to avoid food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non-vegetarian meals at a high altitude is not safe for the stomach.

19. Do I need to bring toilet paper for the trek?
Almost all the guest houses sell toilet paper so you can buy it there. Hand sanitizer and a towel you must bring your own.

Start Date End Date Price in USD Availability Booking Note

Avabillity Options

OPEN: This date is available and open for bookings. Go for it!

GUARANTEED: Guaranteed departure. Seat Available.

LIMITED: Guaranteed departure, Limited seat. You can send booking request for availability.

FULL:This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us if you are interested in traveling on this date.

Ratings & Reviews

Similar Trips