Learning by Experience

Manaslu Circuit Trek


The Manaslu Circuit Trek has seen an ascent in prevalence since 2010 when it authoritatively turned into a "teahouse" trek.


DURATION

11 - 22 Days


DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Strenuous

MAX ALTITUDE

5,318 M

DESCRIPTION

The Manaslu Circuit Trek over the Larky La Pass is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. Following remote trails which are little touched by the modern world and which see relatively few visitors throughout the year, it offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range, with the magnificent Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world almost in the palm of your hand.

DEPARTURE SEASONS

2021

March - May

September - November


We also do custom private trips according to your time and availability.


Trip Overview


The Manaslu Circuit Trek has seen an ascent in prevalence since 2010 when it authoritatively turned into a "teahouse" trek. Preceding that, you needed to camp. Given its dramatic valleys and heavenly mountain views that rival any other trek in Nepal, this trek is at the highest priority on our list. The trek route circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), the eighth most elevated mountain on the world, achieving its most noteworthy point at Larkya Pass which offers unhindered views of Manaslu. Tsum Valley opened for trekking in 2007, is a well known extension to the Manaslu Circuit which extends out toward the east, adding an additional 5 days to your trek. At the head of Tsum Valley lies the Tibetan Buddhist monastery of Mu (partnered with FPMT) where you can spend a night.


  • Day 1: Arrival in Nepal
  • Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation
  • Day 3: Bus or jeep to Arugath, change jeeps to Arkhet (760m)
  • Day 4: Trek to Lapubesi (884m), approx 4hrs
  • Day 5: Trek to Tatopani village (930m), approx. 5/7hrs
  • Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1,410m), approx. 5/8hrs
  • Day 7: Trek to Philim (1,590m), approx 3 hrs
  • Day 8: Trek to Deng (1,800m), approx 4.5 hrs
  • Day 9: Trek to Namrung (2,660m), approx 7/8 hrs
  • Day 10: Trek to Lho (3,180m), approx 4.5hrs
  • Day 11: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m), approx 4hrs
  • Day 12: Rest day with optional day hikes
  • Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3,860m), approx 3hrs
  • Day 14: Trek to Dharmasala (4,480m), approx 3hrs
  • Day 15: Trek to Larky La Pass (5,100m) and descend to Bhimtang (3,720m), approx 9hrs
  • Day 16: Trek to Tilije (2,300m), approx 7hrs
  • Day 17: Trek to Jagat (1,300m), approx 6hrs
  • Day 18: Drive Jagat to Besi Sahar, approx. 3 hrs and continue to Kathmandu approx. 5hrs
  • Note:
    * In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers.
    * In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure.


Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

UPPER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
T-Shirts – walking 2 We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping 1 This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top) 1 Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers 1 Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest 1
Rain jacket 1
Down Jacket 1
LOWER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Underwear Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear 1
Trekking Trousers 2 Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers 1(optional) 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts 1 If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants 1
PACKS & BAGS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Day pack 1 Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack 1 Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner 1 Optional
FOOTWEAR
Equipment Quantity Comments
Hiking boots 1 Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks 3
Flip flops/Camp shoes 1 Lightweight for evening use
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Water bottles 2 One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops 1 Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm 1 With SPF factor
Sunscreen 1 We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent 1
Personal first aid kit 1 To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses 1
Bandana/Buff 1 Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch 1 Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel 1 Lightweight and compact
Wash kit Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer 1 Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat 1
Warm hat 1
Gloves 1
Trekking poles (Optional)
Trekking snacks Good selection available in KTM
Camera With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag
Book/journal
Pack of cards/travel game 1 For evening entertainment
Passport photos Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude Essential – don’t come without it!! J
This is a guideline only



Your trek cost includes:

  • Pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
  • Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
  • 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
  • 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
  • Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
  • Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
  • During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
  • All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
  • Porters
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
  • Rescue assistance
  • Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
  • Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Sightseeing
  • Gratuities
  • Excess baggage on internal flights
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Initiative Outdoors


Similar Expeditions