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Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days

16 Days • Moderate • Best season: Autumn/Spring
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days is a challenging yet rewarding adventure in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas. This trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and a chance to explore remote villages, rich culture, and diverse landscapes along the circuit. Ideal for trekkers seeking a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience, this journey is a true adventure for both mind and spirit.

Starting from Soti Khola, the trail passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages inhabited by ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Tibetan, and Bhote communities. Trekkers experience authentic Himalayan culture, visiting monasteries, local markets, and interacting with villagers who preserve centuries-old traditions.

One of the major highlights of the trek is the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), which provides panoramic views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Himlung, and Cheo Himal. Along the route, trekkers encounter glacial rivers, dense forests, and high-altitude landscapes, transitioning from subtropical valleys to alpine terrain, showcasing the incredible geographical diversity of the region.

Accommodation is in tea houses and lodges, offering basic yet comfortable rooms and locally prepared meals. Experienced trekking guides and porters ensure safety, assist with navigation, and share insights into local traditions, wildlife, and Himalayan ecosystems. Daily trekking ranges from 5–8 hours, providing ample time for photography, rest, and cultural exploration.

Over 16 days, trekkers experience remote trails, pristine landscapes, and the thrill of high-altitude trekking, with less crowded routes compared to other popular trekking destinations in Nepal. By the end of the trek, travelers return to Arughat or Besisahar, carrying unforgettable memories of towering Himalayan peaks, serene villages, and the unique culture of the Manaslu region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days

Trekking & Hiking Adventure

Region Manaslu Region
Duration 16 Days
Grade Moderate
Meal D/ B / L
Group Size 1-30
Accomodation Hotel/Lodge
Best Season Autumn/Spring
Start/End Kathmandu
Max Altitude 5160
Activity Trekking
Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu
Elevation 1400 m

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, travelers are warmly welcomed by their guide and driver. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city, where you can rest, refresh, and recover from your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, the main tourist hub, or enjoy a traditional Nepali meal at a local restaurant.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating city that blends ancient culture with modern life. You’ll notice the bustling markets, colorful temples, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and historic architecture as you walk through its streets. This day is primarily for adjusting to the city’s rhythm, resting, and preparing for your upcoming trekking adventure or sightseeing tour. Your guide will also provide a briefing on the trek ahead, including tips on packing, acclimatization, and local customs. Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, offering a convenient base to begin your Nepal journey.

Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
Elevation 1400 m

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is dedicated to preparing for your upcoming trek and optional Kathmandu sightseeing. Your guide will assist you with checking trekking gear, reviewing your itinerary, discussing acclimatization tips, and answering any last-minute questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

For sightseeing, Kathmandu offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the vibrant streets of Thamel. These visits provide a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage, spirituality, and local life, allowing travelers to connect with the country before setting off on the trek.

Note: You can choose to enjoy Kathmandu sightseeing either before your trek or after it concludes. Please note that only one day of sightseeing is included in your package. If you wish to explore the city on both days, additional costs may apply. This allows you to experience the highlights while keeping your trek schedule comfortable and focused.

Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, giving you a chance to rest, enjoy city views, and finalize preparations for the adventure ahead.

Accomodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
Ups ↑ 640 m
Down ↓ 000 m
Elevation 1400 m
Distance ⟺ 140 km

After breakfast, you depart from Kathmandu on a scenic journey to the starting point of your trek, Machha Khola. The road winds through river valleys, terraced fields, and small towns, offering glimpses of Nepalese rural life along the way. You’ll pass local villages where farmers work in the fields, wooden and metal bridges over rivers, and the lush green hillsides of the mid-hill region. The road follows the Budhi Gandaki River for long stretches, providing continuous river views and occasional rapids, while small forests of pine and sal trees line the slopes.

As you approach Machha Khola, the landscape becomes more rugged, signaling the transition from road to trail. The village sits peacefully along the banks of the river, surrounded by dense forests and steep hills, making it the perfect launch point for your trekking adventure. The lodge here provides a warm meal and comfortable rest, with the soothing sound of the river and forested slopes around you. Many trekkers take a brief walk along the riverbanks in the evening to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and catch glimpses of the nearby peaks, preparing mentally and physically for the trek ahead.

Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 4 — Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat
Ups ↑ 540 m
Down ↓ 000 m
Elevation 1300 m
Distance ⟺ 9 km

Leaving Machha Khola in the morning, the trail immediately starts following the Budhi Gandaki River, one of the most scenic rivers in the Gandaki region of Nepal. The path is well-trodden and moderately steep, lined with lush forests of bamboo, pine, and rhododendron, giving a true Himalayan trekking experience. Early in the trek, you’ll cross wooden suspension bridges over glacial streams, the sound of rushing water creating a refreshing background as you ascend. Small villages dot the trail, and you can observe local farmers tending terraced fields and yak grazing, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local Magar and Gurung communities.

About midway, the trail opens into picturesque viewpoints over deep valleys and surrounding ridges, where mountain vistas start to reveal the distant Annapurna and Langtang ranges. Passing through dense forests and small streams, you’ll notice the trail weaving past local tea houses, perfect spots to rest and enjoy traditional Nepali snacks like dal bhat or momo. Reaching Jagat (1,300m) in the afternoon feels like a rewarding achievement—the village lies at the confluence of rivers, surrounded by green hills and forested ridges, offering trekkers a serene place to stay for the night. The lodges in Jagat provide comfortable rooms, warm meals, and a chance to interact with local families, giving a cultural flavor to your Langtang trek experience.

Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 5 — Trek from Jagat to Deng
Ups ↑ 560 m
Down ↓ 000 m
Elevation 1860 m
Distance ⟺ 10 km

Leaving Jagat in the morning, the trail quickly ascends through terraced fields and small villages, giving a first-hand view of the traditional rural life of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. The path follows the Langtang River valley, offering constant river views and opportunities to see waterfalls cascading down forested cliffs. Early in the trek, you’ll cross wooden suspension bridges, which add both thrill and scenic photo opportunities. The trail winds through mixed forests of pine, bamboo, and rhododendron, and in spring, the rhododendron blooms add vibrant reds and pinks along the path, making it a colorful trekking experience.

Midway, the trek opens into panoramic views of the Langtang Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal, which appear more prominently as you gain altitude. Along the way, small tea houses and lodges provide opportunities for hot drinks, local snacks, and rest. Trekking through traditional villages, you can witness stone mani walls, prayer flags, and small Buddhist monasteries, which highlight the rich culture of the Langtang region. By the afternoon, you reach Deng (1,860m), a picturesque village surrounded by green hills and terraced fields, offering comfortable lodge accommodations with warm meals and a chance to rest for the night. The serene riverside views and forested surroundings make Deng an ideal stop, preparing trekkers for the higher altitudes ahead.

Accomodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Day 6 — Trek from Deng to Namrung
Ups ↑ 770 m
Down ↓ 000 m
Elevation 2630 m
Distance ⟺ 10 km

After breakfast at Deng, the trek begins with a gradual ascent through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, giving trekkers the feeling of entering a higher Himalayan landscape. The trail follows small streams and occasionally crosses wooden suspension bridges, where you can pause to admire the rushing waters and surrounding hills. Along the path, traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages appear, and trekkers can see terraced fields, prayer flags, and mani walls, reflecting the strong Buddhist culture of the Langtang region. The morning hike provides opportunities to photograph cascading waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs, and the dense green forest, creating a serene and immersive trekking experience.

As you climb higher, the trail opens into spectacular panoramic views of the Langtang Himalayan peaks, including Langtang Lirung towering above the valley. You’ll notice the landscape gradually transitioning from dense forests to alpine meadows and rocky ridges, signaling the approach to Namrung village. Tea houses along the way offer a chance for hot drinks, snacks, and rest, allowing trekkers to acclimatize gradually to higher altitudes. By afternoon, you reach Namrung (2,630m), a peaceful village perched on the hillside with breathtaking views of the Langtang valley and surrounding peaks. Lodges here provide warm meals and comfortable rooms, making it an ideal stop to rest and prepare for the higher-altitude trekking ahead.

Accomodation: