Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is often called "The Hidden Gem of Nepal" for good reason. This 16-day journey takes you around Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world, through one of the most spectacular and least-traveled trekking routes in the Himalayas.
What Makes Manaslu Circuit Special
This trek offers everything serious trekkers dream of: dramatic mountain scenery, authentic cultural experiences, physical challenge, and most importantly—solitude. While Everest Base Camp sees thousands of trekkers annually, Manaslu remains pristine and uncrowded thanks to restricted permits and its remote location.
The trail takes you through the Budhi Gandaki valley, past terraced fields and subtropical forests, gradually ascending into alpine terrain. You'll trek through traditional villages where the culture is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist influences. The higher you climb, the more Tibetan the culture becomes, with whitewashed houses, colorful prayer flags, and ancient monasteries.
Who This Trek Is For
Manaslu Circuit is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking adventure beyond the well-worn paths. You should have previous multi-day trekking experience, good physical fitness, and an adventurous spirit. This isn't a trek for first-timers—it's for those who've already trekked in Nepal and want to discover something more remote and challenging.
The trail can be rugged, teahouses are more basic than Everest or Annapurna routes, and you'll need to be comfortable with simpler amenities. But these "challenges" are exactly what make Manaslu so special—you're experiencing Nepal as it was decades ago.
Cultural Highlights
The Manaslu region is home to ethnic Nubri and Tsum people with strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage. You'll visit ancient monasteries, spin prayer wheels, and witness daily rituals that have continued for centuries. The locals are incredibly welcoming, often inviting trekkers to share butter tea or observe religious ceremonies.
When to Trek
The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when skies are clearest and the weather is most stable. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers crystal-clear mountain views after the monsoon.
"I have stood at Kala Patthar more than 50 times. Every single time, when the first light touches the South Face and the summit turns gold, I feel it the same way I did the first time. That moment is why I do this work."
15 days Altitude Chart
Hover over any point to see the day's details.
Full Itinerary
Early morning drive from Kathmandu through scenic countryside, passing terraced farmlands, river valleys, and small towns. The journey offers glimpses of rural Nepali life. Arrive at Soti Khola, a small settlement on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki river, where your trek begins tomorrow.
Begin trekking along the Budhi Gandaki river through subtropical forests. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through small Gurung villages. The trail undulates with some steep sections. The landscape is lush with waterfalls cascading down steep hillsides.
Continue upstream through increasingly dramatic gorges. Cross more suspension bridges and trek through terraced fields. Pass through Tatopani where hot springs offer a relaxing soak. The trail becomes more rugged as you enter the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.
Trek through mixed forests of rhododendron and oak. Pass through several villages including Philim, one of the largest Gurung settlements in the area. The landscape begins to change as you gain altitude, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks ahead.
The valley widens as you trek through forests and cross several bridges. Pass through Ghap village where you'll see your first Tibetan-style houses with flat roofs. The culture becomes noticeably more Tibetan Buddhist from here. Arrive at Namrung, a beautiful village with magnificent views of Manaslu.
Trek through picturesque villages with spectacular mountain views. Pass through Lihi and Lho villages, both offering stunning views of Manaslu's north face. Visit Ribung Gompa near Lho. Continue to Shyala before reaching Samagaon, a large Tibetan village with impressive views of Manaslu.
Rest day for altitude adjustment. Options include hiking to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for incredible close-up views, visiting the ancient Pungyen Gompa monastery, or exploring the village and glacial Birendra Lake. Light activity helps acclimatization. Attend a evening blessing ceremony at the monastery if interested.
Included & Excluded — No Surprises
✓ Included
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (3-star hotel, twin-sharing, breakfast included)
- 13 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses during trek (twin-sharing)
- All meals during trekking days (breakfast, lunch, dinner) Tea/coffee with all meals on trek
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- Farewell celebration dinner in Kathmandu
- Private vehicle: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (trek start)
- Private vehicle: Syange to Kathmandu (trek end)
- Airport pickup and drop-off (private vehicle)
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide (government licensed)
- Assistant guide for groups of 8+ trekkers
- Porter service (1 porter for 2 trekkers, carries up to 20kg)
- All staff salaries, meals, accommodation, and insurance
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)
- All government taxes and official expenses
- Company duffel bag for porter (yours to keep)
- Sleeping bag (if requested in advance)
- Down jacket (if requested in advance)
- First aid kit (comprehensive, guide carries)
- Oximeter for altitude monitoring
- Oxygen cylinder (for emergencies at high camps)
- Achievement certificate
- Pre-departure briefing in Kathmandu
- 24/7 emergency support
- Complimentary gear storage in Kathmandu during trek
✕ Not Included
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30-50 USD, payable on arrival)
- Travel insurance (mandatory—must include helicopter evacuation coverage)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinners included)
- Personal trekking gear (boots, clothes, backpack, etc.)
- Extra drinks on trek (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water, extra tea/coffee)
- Hot shower charges on trek ($3-5 per shower where available)
- Battery charging fees on trek ($2-5 per device)
- WiFi costs on trek ($5-10 per day at select teahouses)
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, souvenirs)
- Tips for guide, assistant guide, and porter (customary but not mandatory)
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs (covered by your insurance)
- Additional porter if you exceed 10-13kg duffel weight
- Extra nights in Kathmandu if arriving early or staying longer
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (landslides, weather delays, political strikes, natural disasters)
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in "What's Included" section
Full Price Breakdown
No hidden costs. No surprise fees. What you see is what you pay.
Verified Reviews
The most transformative two weeks of my life. Bishesh's knowledge of the trail, the culture, and — crucially — altitude medicine gave me total confidence the entire way. The Guide's Tips he shares every morning turned the trek from a physical challenge into a genuine education. I already want to go back for Annapurna Circuit.
The transparent pricing is what made me book — I knew exactly what I was paying for. No surprises, no upsells on the trail. The sunrise from Kala Patthar was one of those moments where you understand why people travel. Bishesh has done this 50+ times and it shows in how calm and prepared he is.
I was nervous about altitude sickness. Bishesh monitored our oxygen levels every morning and evening with his pulse oximeter and adjusted the pace accordingly. Never felt rushed. His insider tips in the itinerary — the hidden viewpoints, the puja ceremony timing — made this a completely different experience from my friend who did EBC with another company.
Practical Information
Fitness Requirements
You do not need to be an athlete but you must be comfortable walking 5–7 hours daily on uneven terrain. Recommended prep: 3 months of regular hiking with elevation gain, or daily 1-hour walks with a loaded pack. No technical climbing required.
Best Seasons
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Best visibility, stable weather, busiest
- Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendrons in bloom, good views
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but clear, very few trekkers
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Not recommended for EBC
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry: $30 USD
- TIMS Card (trekking permit): $20 USD
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural: $10 USD
- All permits arranged and paid by IamInNepal — included in price
Essential Gear
- Down sleeping bag (rated -15°C)
- Down jacket and fleece layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking poles (essential for descent)
- Waterproof boots (already broken in)
- Sunglasses (glacier-grade UV400)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Manaslu is a restricted area requiring a special permit that can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency. You must trek with a licensed guide and in a group of at least 2 people. This regulation protects both trekkers and the environment.
Manaslu is similar difficulty but more remote with fewer trekkers. EBC reaches 5,364m vs Manaslu's 5,160m pass. Manaslu offers more authentic cultural experience and pristine nature. Trail is rougher, teahouses more basic, but the solitude and untouched beauty make it special. EBC is more developed with better infrastructure.
Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms early. We carry oxygen and first aid equipment. If symptoms are mild, we rest at current altitude. If moderate to severe, immediate descent is required. Helicopter evacuation can be arranged within hours (covered by your insurance). Prevention through proper acclimatization is key.
Sporadic coverage from Ncell and NTC throughout the trek, but it's unreliable. WiFi available at some teahouses for $5-10/day but very slow. Our guide carries a satellite phone for emergencies. Plan on limited communication during the trek.
Yes, most teahouses have charging stations for $2-5 per device (cost increases with altitude). Higher elevations use solar power, so charging depends on weather and daylight. Bring a high-capacity power bank (20,000mAh recommended). Conserve battery by using airplane mode.
Teahouses have basic toilets (mix of squat and western style). They're clean but shared. Hot showers available at lower elevations for $3-5, but rare above 3,500m due to cold and water scarcity. Most trekkers use wet wipes above 3,000m. In Kathmandu hotels, you'll have hot showers with private bathrooms.
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. General guideline: $150-200 for guide, $100-150 for assistant guide, $80-100 per porter for the full 16-day trek. Adjust based on service quality and group size. Pool tips from group members and present together at trek end.