As a fairly new Trekking circuit, Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT) is still relatively new to other popular trekking routes like Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Manaslu (8163m) is the 8th highest mountain in the world. Along with this high mountain, it has several other high peaks like Himalchuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli (7871m), and Ganesh Himal (7422m) at its flank. The crowds are still thin compared to EBC and ABC. The trekking permit was only given in 1992 by the government of Nepal, keeping in view the sensitivity of the area because, before that, Manaslu region had been a restricted area.
There was a Khampa rebellion against the Chinese occupation of Tibet in the sixties and seventies based in the Mustang areas of Nepal as Dalai Lama had moved to India from Tibet in the late fifties. The Khampa guerillas who were originally from Tibet had crossed to Nepal and raised their guerilla warfare from Nepal creating diplomatic problems with China, who had controlled Tibet at that time. In the fifties, India still had some of their soldiers on the Nepal-China border and was supporting Tibetan resistance too. The movement was also supported by the CIA and the American Government. As the Tibetan rebellion was slowly crushed by the Chinese government, some of the Tibetan Soldiers called Khampas in Tibetan language moved their base outside Tibet. Nepal being the neighbor of Tibet and having an open border in the north was the natural hiding place for them. Many made their base in Nilgiri Mountain Range in Nepal which numbered around 9000 soldiers. Due to the sensitivity of the diplomatic relationship with China at that time, Nepal had to take this matter seriously as it was interfering in the internal affairs of China. So finally in 1974, Nepal asked the Khampa soldiers to surrender peacefully and disarm themselves. They agreed initially but when they started resisting, the Nepal army took matters into their hand and decided to forcefully capture them. The head of the Khampa movement, Gey Wangdi, was finally killed in an ambush in Doti of Nepal in 1974. Since then the area in the Nilgiri Himal in the Ananapurna Conservation Area and the Manaslu region had been a restricted zone for many years. Only after the restoration of the democracy after pro-democracy movement in 1990 in Nepal, had Nepal finally opened the area for the tourism industry by the government of Nepal.
Since then, there has been no looking back for this beautiful and peaceful place. The Manaslu Circuit Trek soon gained prominence because of the void that was created for more than thirty years due to the restriction of the area, which was necessary at that time. Since the Khampa movement has long been dead and the dangers of political instability in the border area not possible, it is now open to tourists who are willing to travel to this virgin Himalayan land and explore it. Though all the Himalayan areas along with the foothills of Nepal are equally enchanting as the Manaslu area, the place has attracted the attention of trekking agencies in recent days. Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most in-demand trekking routes in Nepal. The place is a gem in the trekking circle because of Mount Manaslu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights:
- Drive along the scenic Trishuli River for 4 hours on the second day of your trek to Macchakhola
- Pass through Gurung and Magar villages in the initial days of the trek
- A Natural Hot Spring on the way
- Trekking through the region which had been a restricted area until 1992
- The environment still untouched by modernity
- Quaint and sleepy villages like in a fairy tale
- Trekking along Budi Gandaki, one of the most tributaries of Narayani River
- Prayer flags, Mani walls, chortens (religious stone monuments), and aritistic village gates along the way
- Simple and down-to-earth people far away from the city area
- Beautiful rice, maize, and millet farms
- One of the most beautiful villages with Mt Manaslu as the backdrop
- One of the highest Tibetan Refugee Camp in Nepal at Samdo
- One of the highest Mountain Pass at Larkey La Pass
- Visit Tibetan Border
- Visit Birendra Tal, a beautiful lake, or trek to Manaslu Base camp
- Visit Pungyen Gompa at the base of Mt. Manaslu
- One of the highest mountains chiefly Mt Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadichuli, and Ganesh Himal, giving you company during the trek
Brief Itinerary
15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal
- Day 1. Arrive in Kathmandu
- Day 2. Drive to Macchakhola from Kathmandu
- Day 3. Trek from Macchakhola to Jagat
- Day 4. Trek from Jagat to Deng
- Day 5. Trek from Deng to Namrung
- Day 6. Trek from Namrung to Lho
- Day 7. Trek from Lho to Samagaun
- Day 8. Acclimatization day
- Day 9. Trek from Samagaun to Samdo
- Day 10. Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala
- Day 11. Trek from Dharmasala to Larke pass and to Bhimtang
- Day 12. Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani
- Day 13. Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
- Day 14. Kathmandu Valley Tour
- Day 15. Departure
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1. Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m):
You will arrive in Kathmandu for your 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT). We will brief you on the trekking in our office if you arrive early in the day or we can have a brief meet-up in your hotel room if you arrived late in the evening. But first, we will transfer you to your Hotel for the night’s stay as you will be starting early the next day for a long drive to Macchakhola.
Day 2. Drive from Kathmandu to Macchakhola (930m):
You will drive along the Trisuli River for four hours to Dhading Besi. From here you will be diverting to a dirt road along Soti Khola to reach Macchakhola after five hours of driving. You will be on a four-wheel drive and on a private vehicle which will make the trip easier to negotiate. There are public vehicles too but they tend to stop at most bus stops to pick up more passengers making the trip take longer.
Day 3. Trek from Macchakhola to Jagat (1340m):
The trek starts from Macchakhola to Jagat because until now you have just been driving. The trail passes along Gurung and Magar villages with farms and the typical houses that represent most mid-hill settlements in Nepal. After going for an hour we will reach Khorlabesi (970m) and along the way, you will also witness a Natural Hot Spring. You can take a dip to experience the warm, therapeutic feel of the spring. Many locals visit these places as it is believed to have a medicinal cure for many ailments. Then trekking a couple of hours further we will reach Dovan (1070m) to have lunch. The trek also follows Budi Gandaki River and after trekking for two hours along some easy trails you will reach Jagat. Here you will see an office for Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and get the pass to enter the conservation area. You are now officially in the protected area, so be extra careful. The project has had a big impact on the conservation of this beautiful land filled with cultural and natural significant places.
Day 4. Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m):
Today will be for reaching Deng by the evening which takes seven hours of trekking. With the mountains slowly becoming visible, our first sight of a Himalayan peak is Shringi Himal (7157m). Of course, there are several other peaks in the area but not visible from the trail just yet because of the deep gorges and low-lying trails. Today we will be crossing several small streams and suspension bridges, crossing places like Salleri, Dudh Pokhari Khola, Ghatte Khola and Chisapani to reach Philim. Here again, we will be passing through a second MCAP checkpoint. The trail is also notable for rice and millet fields at the beginning of the trek and after passing through rhododendrons and bamboo forests we will reach Eklibhatti. Still crossing through deep valleys and soaring walls of mountains we will reach Nyak where Tsume Valley trek and Larkey La trek will finally make a diversion. After ascending still further to Pewa, we will reach Deng Valley.
Day 5. Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m):
Today is a long day for trekking as we will walk for almost eight hours but not before following some steep climbs to reach Rana Village and then to Bhihi Phedi. The landscape is slowly turning more Tibetan as we see mani walls, prayer flags, and monasteries along the way. We will cross some beautiful pine, oak, and rhododendron forests. Passing through Budh Gandaki River we will reach Namrung and rest there for the night.
Day 6. Trek from Namrung to Lho (2947m):
For the first time on the trail, you will see the twin peaks of Manaslu as you trek from Namrung to Lho Gaon. With occasional views of other peaks like Ganesh Himal, the trail which is characterized by steep climbs will pass through several villages, notably Banjam, Lihi, Lamagaun, and Sho village from which a trail will eventually head to Lho Gaun.
Day 7. Lho to Samagaun (3530m):
The trek being increasingly alpine, we will be crossing grassy pastures with many welcoming gates on the way. Also, you will see more of the prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens (small stone monuments dedicated to Buddha) on the way. The total hours of the trail today is four hours and after climbing some steep uphill we will land in Samagaun. The place is where we will get to see practically most peaks on MCT like Simnang Himal (6158m), Ngadi Chuli (7613m), Naike Peak (6211m), and of course Manaslu itself.
Day 8. Acclimatization day with several options to visit Birendra Lake (3691m) and Pungyen Gompa (4200m) or trek to Manaslu Base Camp (MBC) 4400m:
The day will be marked as an acclimatization day. You can use this day either to trek to Birendra Lake named after a former late King of Nepal and Pungyen Gompa which lies just below Manaslu taking four hours or you can go for an MBC trek which is around eight hours to get there and back.
Day 9. Samagaun to Samdo (3865m):
Now we head to Samdo which also has a Tibetan Refugee Camp. The place is quite chilly at night and the climate is just grassy pastures fit for animal husbandry. One can also visit the Tibetan border after walking for 10 kilometers and back again during the daytime.
Day 10. Samdo to Dharmashala (4460m):
Today we will be heading to Dharmashala which is the highest place we will be staying overnight during MCT. To get there we will first cross Larkey khola and Larkey Glacier. The place is also known as Larkey Phedi and some lodges cater to lodging and food there.
Day 11. Dharmashala to Bhimthang (3590m) through Larkey La Pass (5106m):
Today is the most important day as you will cross Larkey La Pass which is one of the longest and highest passes in Nepal. Unlike other passes, this is an easy pass but you still need to be mindful of the snow, ice, and altitude. After you cross the pass you will be descending towards Bhimthang. Today’s trek will be long and hard and will take ten hours to make it to Bhimthang.
Day 12. Bhimthang to Dharapani (1970m):
Today too you will be descending and the trek will be relatively easy because of downhill but the trek is the longest. It will cover 25 km of walking and after walking for seven hours we will reach Dharapani but will drive to Besisahar for the overnight stay.
Day 13. Drive back to Kathmandu (1400m):
Today will be your second last day of the trek as you will be heading back to your country tomorrow. So after breakfast, we will take an SUV to Kathmandu and after driving for eight hours will reach Kathmandu in the evening.
Day 14. Kathmandu Valley Tour:
This is the trip’s penultimate day and you will be taking a tour of Kathmandu Valley. This should be one of the best parts of the trip as Kathmandu Valley has seven world Heritage sites, namely– Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhu, Bauddha, Pashupati and Chaungu Narayan. You will be visiting almost all site this day.
Day 15. Departure:
Today will be your final day in Nepal as you will be heading back to your country. We will transport you to the airport from your hotel for the final goodbye.
FAQs Regarding Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT)
- Why choose MCT over other treks?
This route had been opened only since 1992, so it is still not very crowded. It has all the elements found in a classic trekking route like beautiful villages with beautiful mountain peaks, challenging trails sometimes easy to negotiate and at other times needing extra push, and last but not least, a clean environment with just about no pollution. The trek is right for just about any age group.
- Is MCT difficult?
No, definitely not because, if you plan your trek with good advice from professionals, there will not be any problem. That is why we have a good managing team to assist you during the trek. Our guides and porters are the best in the business. They know exactly when and how to tackle any problem when it arises, which is not often. We do have medical teams and evacuation teams ready to spring into action during emergencies.
- How much does it cost for MCT?
The cost for MCT is one of the cheapest among all trekking agencies. It costs just $1800 for a single person and a discount for people coming in groups for the same trip. Our trekking company has had so much experience and was able to bring down the cost of organizing long and short-distance trekking because we know every step of the business. We do have some customized trekking plans which can be done with a little change of price accordingly. There is also a private tour if you are looking for a personalized tour.
- Is MCT safe?
Yes, MCT is one of the safest trekking routes in the trekking circle. Besides we have medical professionals all ready if there is any emergency. We also provide helicopter evacuation service if the situation gets critical. All our clients are covered by travel insurance and health insurance during the time of the trek. We do provide medicines and have a first-aid kit ready during the trek, so you do not need to worry too much. MCT is one of the safest trekking routes out there with easy trails and a well-planned itinerary to make it easy. We have an acclimatization day for trekkers to take so that they will not fall victim to Altitude sickness. Our vehicles on the road at private and our drivers are some of the best-qualified ones out there driving to and from the destination.
- Can anyone go for MCT?
Why not, as there is a saying—where there is a will there is a way. So if you are very interested in taking this trek, please do so because age is just a number. If you do strength training in the local gym and do some walking and jogging before joining the trek, there should not be any problem for anyone. We have also served many seniors who have gone on to finish MCT despite their age. If there are any underlying health issues we have qualified doctors to give you suggestions regarding your eligibility for the trip. Even young teens with their parents have joined MCT. Besides, we are there 24/7 to assist you.
The Clothes And Gear Essential During The Trek
General Clothes And Gear
- Heavy-duty sleeping bag for keeping you warm but if you do not have one you can rent it from a shop in Kathmandu
- Sleeping bag liner for extra comfort
- Warm waterproof winter jacket during rain and snow which can also be rented if you do not have one
- Bags to carry your essentials like extra clothes with rain cover which can be rented too if you do not have one
For Upper Body:
- Baseball cap or a sun hat to shield you from sun
- Sunglass for eye comfort
- Neck gaiter or a warm muffler to protect you from chilly winds
- Warm knitted woolen cap during morning and evening
- Headlamp to help you see through dark light and fog
For Mid-Body:
- Warm cotton T-shirt or vest that observes your sweat during the trek
- Half or full shirt or similar garments to wear after undergarments
- Jacket or pullover for extra warmth
- Waterproof or windproof jacket
For Lower body:
- Light or heavy trousers to wear under the main trousers according to the season
- Hiking pants or half pants for trekking during the day
- Informal garments to wear inside the hotels and guest houses during stopovers
- Waterproof and windproof shell
For Hands:
- Woolen gloves to keep your warm
- Insulated gloves to wear outside the main gloves for extra safety from the wind
For Feet:
- Pairs of woolen socks
- Heavy-duty socks for more warmth
- Strong and durable trekking or hiking boots
- Ice cleats or micro spikes to walk on ice in high altitude
- Casual shoes for your stopover in the guest house or teahouses.
- Gaiters for snow to protect trekking footwear
Booking Process For Manaslu Circuit Trek By Discover Altitude Treks
To book the Manaslu Circuit Trek through Discover Altitude Treks , begin by contacting them via email at hellodiscoveraltitude@gmai.com to discuss your preferred dates, group size, and specific needs. They will provide a detailed itinerary covering the Manaslu trek’s duration, highlights, cost, and inclusions such as a guide, porter, meals, accommodation, and transportation.
The team will assist in obtaining the necessary permits, including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), and TIMS card. Prior to the trek, you will receive a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with essential information on packing, fitness preparation, and altitude acclimatization. The agency will finalize all logistical arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, and permits, to ensure everything is in place for your journey. Upon arrival in Nepal, the team will ensure that all aspects of the trek are organized, providing you with a smooth and unforgettable experience on the Manaslu Circuit tour.
