The Himalayas is home to the world’s best-known mountains and is considered the destination for high-altitude trekking. And understandably so. Everest, Annapurna, Lhotse, Cho Oyu. The legendary Annapurna Circuit. The Everest Base Camp. The glorious trekking trails of the Khumbu region. The home of iconic mountains and bucket list treks.
With such a mecca of adventures to choose from, it leaves a whole host of world-class trekking opportunities yet to be discovered. The Manaslu Circuit is the perfect example. Arguably one of the greatest trekking experiences, the Manaslu Circuit is an underappreciated classic that is so often overlooked. It is a fascinating Himalayan trail and a perfect adventure for experiencing some of Nepal’s finest vistas. A breath-taking journey around the Earth’s eighth-largest mountain and an opportunity to enjoy empty trails and immerse yourself in sublimely peaceful and unbelievably beautiful landscapes.
What can you expect from the Manaslu Circuit?
Standing at 8,163 metres, Manaslu is the focal point around which the trekking route unfolds. But it is by no means the only attraction. The Manaslu Circuit is beloved by trekkers for its diversity, with the traditional route beginning in a lush, subtropical landscape that gives way to pine forests and higher-altitude pastures. It encompasses fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, and steep-sided gorges. Gradually, the Buddhist influence becomes more pronounced, the vegetation falls away and the terrain grows increasingly rocky and austere as you reach the higher passes.
But it is not all extreme natural beauty. Trekkers also pass ancient monasteries, stop over in idyllic mountain villages and cross nerve-jangling swing bridges. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, prayer stones are stacked into mani walls along the trailside, and cosy teahouses provide welcome shelter and a chance to rest and recover at the end of the day. As the trail follows a long-established salt trading route, merchants and monks use it more regularly than visitors and these encounters offer a unique insight into the realities of life in this part of the Himalayas.
How challenging is the Manaslu Circuit?
The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek, with long days, difficult terrain and the pressures associated with exerting yourself at high altitudes. At the same time, it is perfectly achievable for those in good physical condition and with the right training.
We gave the 360 Manaslu Circuit expedition a P3 physical and a T2 technical rating. Accordingly, you can expect eight-hour days in steep terrain carrying a pack weighing 6 to 10kg, with the occasional extra-long day thrown in for good measure. Technically, no previous climbing or trekking experience is necessary. There will be nothing more challenging than some light scrambling.
If you want more information on how we assess our expeditions, check out our Grading System page.
When to go
For the Manaslu Circuit, there are two main trekking windows. The first runs from late March to early June. During this period, the daytime temperatures are at their highest and there tends to be less cloud cover and better visibility. The second window runs from late September through to December. In this stretch, daytime temperatures are generally cooler and the skies are still clear.
As the Manaslu Circuit covers such diverse terrain – it ascends from a relatively low altitude up to 5,160 metres at Larkya La – the conditions vary enormously. While temperatures at lower altitudes can rise above 20℃, they can also drop below freezing at higher elevations. Consequently, you need to prepare for every weather eventuality.
What to take
Mountain clothing can be expensive and the thought of having to shell out for a lot of new gear puts some trekkers off. So we encourage 360 trek participants to pursue a beg, steal and borrow approach. Ask friends and fellow hikers if they have any gear they can lend to you for the trip and look to reduce costs as much as possible. While your clothing needs to function well in the conditions you will face, it does not need to come from the most premium and prestigious outdoor brands. There is a lot of affordable gear out there that gets the job done.
While we don’t recommend waiting to purchase your entire wardrobe there, Kathmandu is a great place to pick up any clothing you can’t get hold of before departure. Prices are generally low and our guides are more than happy to advise you where to shop. They can help you distinguish the imitation clothing from the real deal and ensure you are adequately prepared.
At lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are the best option. As we go higher, you will want to introduce more layers. Particularly on colder mornings, when we first leave the teahouse. Waterproofs are essential and you should keep them close to hand, as afternoon rain storms are not uncommon at lower elevations. Sun protection is equally important – hats, sunglasses and sun cream are a must. We weren’t joking when we said you need to prepare for every eventuality!
Food and accommodation
Teahouses are the primary form of accommodation in the mountains. At lower altitudes, the teahouses are typically better equipped. Many will have shower facilities and electricity. The higher you go, the more basic they become, with standpipes replacing showers and electricity disappearing. The quality of teahouses varies considerably, so it pays to do your research and find accommodation that meets your minimum standards. On the 360 Manaslu Circuit expedition, we stay at tried, tested and trusted teahouses, so you are ensured high-quality accommodation every step of the way.
Despite the effort required to bring ingredients up the trails, teahouse menus are surprisingly comprehensive. As the trekking crowd is the primary clientele, meals are carbohydrate-heavy and perfect for replenishing those energy stores after a long day. Pasta, rice dishes, spring rolls and pizzas are staples. As with the facilities, food tends to get more basic the higher you go. But at no point on the trek will you struggle to find a hearty, fuelling meal.
Itinerary
To give you an insight into what you can expect from a Manaslu Circuit trek, here’s the itinerary for our own 360 trek. We refined and perfected it over numerous expeditions and designed it to provide a physical challenge while allowing plenty of time to experience and appreciate Nepal’s staggering natural landscapes.
Day One – Departure
The adventure begins! Departing from London Heathrow, you will take an overnight flight to the bustling Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.
Day Two – Kathmandu
Arriving at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport, you will be met by members of the 360 team and transfer to your city-centre hotel. Spend the day settling in and relaxing after the flight or exploring the city – it’s up to you! In the evening, your 360 team leader will deliver a comprehensive expedition brief.
Day Three – Transfer to Soti Khola
Today, we set off early and transfer to the small village of Soti Khola, where the Manaslu Circuit begins. It is a long drive on a combination of paved and rough roads. But the views, shared excitement and destination ensure an enjoyable day.
Day Four – First day of trekking
The first trekking day takes us through the spectacular Sal forests, past the Budhi Gandaki’s rolling rapids, tropical waterfalls and rice paddies, and over ridgelines, rocky trails and suspension bridges. It’s an unbelievable start to the trek. In the evening, we rest, relax and overnight in the village of Maccha Khola.
Day Five – From Maccha Khola to Jagat
Rejoining the trail, we follow the Budhi Gandaki up through gorgeous gorges to its confluence with the Yara Khola. Climbing ridges and crossing bridges, we make our way to Jagat, a Gurung village where Buddhist influences are increasingly evident.
Day Six – Ascending the valleys to Deng
With the Budhi Gandaki as our guide, we pass through millet and corn fields and the valley opens up. After visiting the relatively large village of Philim, we follow the trail, encountering carved prayer stones and Mani walls as we do and staying high above the river. Striking views of the Shar Khola and Tsum Valley give way to bamboo forests, before we sight the village of Deng, our overnight stopover perched on the steep sides of the valleys.
Day Seven – To Namrung
Breaking 2,000 metres for the first time, we wind our way west, up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Dense forests, gompas and panoramic views culminate in a remarkable river crossing above a thundering waterfall. Then it’s a pleasant walk and one final steep climb to our stopover in Namrung.
Day Eight – Exploring higher altitudes
Namrung village offers excellent views of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli. After passing through forests and the village of Lihi, the trail descends into the Simnang Himal valley, where we find the Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages. Lho gives us the best view of Manaslu so far and also provides us with the opportunity to visit Ribung Gompa. We end the day in Samagaon.
Day Nine – Rest day
After several days of demanding trekking, we rest, recover and acclimatise. You will spend the day in Samagaon, at 3,530 metres and can do as much or as little as you like. Pungyen Gompa, an old monastery with excellent views of the glacier and a fascinating history, sits atop a hill nearby and is a great destination for those who want to stretch their legs.
Day Ten – Passing Manaslu Base Camp
The trekking resumes and we descend back down to the Budhi Gandaki River before passing the trail that leads up to the Manaslu Base Camp and joining the Larkya La trail – an easy shelf trail that runs alongside the river and passes the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. After climbing onto a promontory squeezed between two river forks, we reach Samdo.
Day Eleven – The high point
An early start means we can fit a lot into this truly memorable day. Walking up and around the Salka Khola valley, with the Larkya looking over us, we reach the Dharmshala shelter, also known as Larke Phedi. Then it is on to the valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers and unforgettable views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.
Ascending further up the glacial moraine to Larkya La Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the magnificent Annapurna II come into view. We round out this long day with a gorgeous walk into the low pastures. With the evening mist starting to settle and Manaslu looming overhead, it is quite an experience.
Day Twelve – Final full day of trekking
Having overnighted in Bimthang, we wake to incredible views and the sun rising over the mountains. Crossing the high pastures of Sangure Kharka, we cross the Dudh Khola and down into a colourful rhododendron forest, moving down the narrow valley until we reach Karche. Following sweeping trails down to the river bank, we pass several villages before arriving at Dharapani, joining the Annapurna Circuit and concluding our trek.
Day Thirteen – Travelling back to Kathmandu
Leaving Dharapani, we drive through dramatic mountain landscapes, enjoying the staggered terraces, precariously positioned villages and Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers as we head back to Kathmandu. Back at our hotel, you can relax and reflect or dive back into the city’s teeming streets before regrouping for a celebratory meal in the evening.
Day Fourteen – Returning home
The exact details for return flights depend on availability and cost. But we strive to provide you with options and book the most appropriate flight. The morning flight gets you back to the UK on the same day, while the overnight flight arrives the following day.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek with 360 Expeditions
At 360 Expeditions, our mountain expertise and extensive experience on the Manaslu Circuit ensure we can deliver the perfect trek. From our incredible guides and local sherpa team to our carefully selected accommodation and itinerary pacing, we have honed and refined every aspect of this incredible adventure. For more information, head to the 360 Manaslu Circuit expedition page or reach out to our experienced team.
