The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you’d want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture, and a 17,000-foot (5,100 m) Himalayan pass crossing. Kimkim’s trusted partners in Nepal organize weekly group departures during the spring and fall trekking seasons, as well as private treks that can run on any date from February to June and September through November.
Why trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Top highlights of this trek include:
It is far less crowded than its more well-known peers, Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. The word is getting out about Manaslu, but there are still about 10 times fewer trekkers on the Manaslu Trail
The trek is wild and remote, yet there are teahouses at every stage, so trekkers don’t need to bring tents and food, making it more accessible and affordable than similar treks.
The trailhead is reached over land, avoiding the need for domestic flights.
The first part of the trail follows the Buri Gandaki, a deep, long river gorge, with many suspension bridge crossings
The scenery provides all Nepal has to offer: you’ll trek from the subtropical jungle at lower elevations, through the Himalayan foothills to the high, cold and challenging crossing of the Larkya La above 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.
Getting to the trailhead
The trailhead of the Manaslu Circuit trek is the closest to Kathmandu of the major Nepalese treks. That said, it’s still an adventurous 126 km (80 miles) drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, which takes about 6 hours by jeep (recommended) or 8+ hours by public bus. If road conditions are challenging (which is often the case at the tail end of the monsoon in September) you may have to start walking in Arughat, which adds an extra day.
Required Permits
The Manaslu trek is within a restricted region of Nepal, meaning you’ll need a trekking permit to access this route. Solo trekkers are also not allowed, where a minimum group size of two people is required.