Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek - 17 Days

Manaslu · 17 Days

Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek - 17 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,163m (16,939 ft) at Larke Pass · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

17 Days

Max Altitude

5,163m (16,939 ft)

at Larke Pass

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Lodge + Homestay (single rooms)

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek is a 17-day journey around Nepal's eighth-highest peak - Mount Manaslu (8,163m) - with premium accommodation, expanded side trips, and the legendary Larke Pass crossing as its dramatic finale. This route circles the massif clockwise through both the Kutang and Nubri cultural regions, visiting sacred sites like Serang Gompa, Hinang Gompa and Birendra Taal lake before climbing to the 5,163m pass.

What makes this "luxury"? Single rooms with attached bathrooms where available, premium meals with desserts, French-press coffee, special Nepali snacks, hot showers and Wi-Fi, plus homestay experiences in the largest village in the region - Samagaun. The trek combines true Himalayan adventure with the most comfortable possible experience on a restricted-region trail.

For trekkers who want the Manaslu Circuit experience without sacrificing comfort, this is the definitive package.

Highlights

  • Cross the iconic Larke Pass at 5,163m
  • See Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli and Himlung Himal up close
  • Visit the spiritual Serang Gompa - a hidden monastery accessed via tall hanging bridges
  • Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Pungyen Gompa (4,050m)
  • Visit Birendra Taal - crystal lake reflecting Mount Manaslu
  • Stay in Samagaun, the largest village in Manaslu with ~120 families
  • Witness blue sheep and rare snow leopards in their natural habitat
  • Single-room accommodation with attached bathrooms where available
  • Premium meals with French-press coffee and dessert
  • Cultural immersion across Kutang and Nubri regions
  • Homestay services with local Nubri families

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu (1,355m) to Sotikhola (730m)

⏱ 6-7 hours drive ↔ ~150 km 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Scenic drive following the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers.

Day 2

Sotikhola to Gongong Village (1,000m)

⏱ 3 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hidden trail to homestay at Gongong village.

Day 3

Gongong to Yaruphant (1,300m)

⏱ 1 hr hike + 1 hr drive + 4 hrs hike 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waterfalls and the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge.

Day 4

Yaruphant to Chisopani (1,600m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Manaslu Conservation Area through Gurung villages.

Day 5

Chisopani to Bhi Village (2,000m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hanging waterfalls and narrow gorges in the Kutang region.

Day 6

Bhi Village to Serang Gompa (3,100m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to the spiritual Serang Gompa via dramatic suspension bridges.

Day 7

Serang Gompa to Prok Village (2,397m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wildlife encounters including Himalayan Tahr in diverse landscapes.

Day 8

Prok to Kaal Taal (3,685m) and Return to Prok

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Side trip to pristine Kaal Taal lake with panoramic mountain views.

Day 9

Prok to Hinang Monastery (3,100m)

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Beautiful monastery in the lap of Himal Chuli.

Day 10

Rest Day at Hinang Monastery

⏱ Flexible 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meditate with monks, hike toward Himal Chuli Base Camp and Yak Kharka.

Day 11

Hinang Gompa to Shyala (3,450m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

First close views of Mount Manaslu from Shyo village.

Day 12

Pungyen Gompa (4,050m) or Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) Side Hike

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization side hike with 360-degree mountain views.

Day 13

Shyala to Samagaun (3,530m)

⏱ 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Manaslu's largest village (~120 families) with rich Nubri culture.

Day 14

Samagaun to Samdo (3,900m) via Birendra Taal

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Birendra Taal lake with crystal Manaslu reflection.

Day 15

Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)

⏱ 3-4 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short climb to the high camp at thinning altitude.

Day 16

Dharamsala to Bhimthang (3,600m) via Larke Pass (5,163m)

⏱ 8-9 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pre-dawn start. Cross the legendary Larke Pass, then long descent to Bhimthang. Possible blue sheep and snow leopard sightings.

Day 17

Bhimthang to Besisahar, drive to Kathmandu

⏱ Half-day hike + 7-8 hours drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Forest descent to road, then jeep drive to Kathmandu.

Ready to walk this?

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What's included

Included

  • Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus tea and snacks in hygienic restaurants and hotels
  • Desserts available throughout the trek
  • Single-room accommodation with attached bathrooms for most of the trek
  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu region
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
  • Government taxes and documentation charges
  • Highly experienced and friendly licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance included)
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • Comfortable private jeep transportation before and after the trek
  • Chocolates, energy bars and special Nepali snacks
  • First aid medical kit
  • Hot showers and Wi-Fi where available
  • Homestay services with local families
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Personal expenses, donations

Trek guide

Around Manaslu in Comfort and Style

The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal's most rewarding restricted-region treks, circling the world's eighth-highest peak through Tibetan-Buddhist culture and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. This 17-day luxury package extends the standard circuit with cultural side trips to Serang Gompa and Hinang Gompa, giving you a deeper experience than the typical 14-day version.

Manaslu Region

Locally known as Gang Pungyen, the Manaslu massif is divided into two cultural regions: Lower Manaslu (Kutang) and Upper Manaslu (Nubri). The Kutang region contains roughly seven villages including Deng, Pewa, Rana, Gyayul, Tsak, Kokpa and Ghapshak. Kutang people speak Kukey - a language said to be a blend of words from many different languages. After Ghapshak, the route enters the Nubri region, where the Nubri language is around 70% similar to Tibetan.

The full Manaslu region encompasses about 27 villages and is rich with sacred sites including Serang Gompa, Hinang Gompa, Rinpung and Ghang Phungen Gompa, as well as the famous Guru Rinpoche and Milarepa caves. Wildlife includes Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, snow leopards and a rich variety of birds.

Geography and Mountain Views

The trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163m) clockwise, passing under Gyaji Kung, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29). The Larke Pass (5,163m) is the high point and connects the Manaslu watershed to the Marsyangdi/Annapurna valley. Pristine lakes include Birendra Taal and Kaal Tso.

Larke Pass

The pass crossing day is the trek's biggest challenge. You leave Dharamsala around 3:30-4:00 AM, climb for 4-5 hours to reach the prayer-flag-draped pass, then descend 2 hours to Phedi and another 2 hours to Bhimthang. Total: 8-9 hours of demanding walking at altitude.

Permits

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
  • MCAP and ACAP conservation permits
  • Minimum 2 trekkers with a licensed Nepali guide

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Comfortable temperatures, rhododendron blooms
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, the prime window for Larke Pass

Fitness

Strenuous grade. 4-5 months of cardio and strength training recommended. Comfort with multi-day altitude exposure is important.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -15°C, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trekking trousers, thermal base layers, 5 pairs merino socks, warm beanie, sun hat, buff, gloves

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes, gaiters, microspikes (autumn/spring)

Accessories: 50L daypack, 80L duffel, -15°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses, 2L water capacity, purification tablets, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 6 photos, cash

Medical: Diamox, first-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the standard Manaslu Circuit?
Luxury upgrades include single rooms with attached bathrooms where available, premium meals, hot showers, Wi-Fi and additional side trips like Serang Gompa, Kaal Taal and Hinang Gompa that most operators skip.

Is the Larke Pass technically difficult?
No, it is a non-technical pass. But it is high (5,163m) and the day is long. Microspikes may be needed in early spring or late autumn.

Can altitude sickness force me to turn around?
Yes, in rare cases. Our acclimatization-focused itinerary minimizes this risk. If symptoms appear, we descend immediately - safety is the priority.

How does the Manaslu Circuit compare to Annapurna or Everest?
More remote, less crowded, deeper cultural immersion, comparable difficulty. Many trekkers consider it Nepal's best-kept secret.

Can I skip the Larke Pass?
Yes - you can return via the same approach. But you would miss the dramatic climax.

How crowded are the trails?
Far less than Annapurna or Everest. Restricted-region status keeps numbers low.

What if I get sick mid-trek?
Our guides are first-aid trained. We arrange helicopter evacuation when needed - paid by your insurance.

How cold are the high camps?
Dharamsala can hit -10 to -15°C overnight. Bring a proper -15°C sleeping bag.

Can the trip be extended to include Tsum Valley?
Yes - see our Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit combined 19-day trek.

What is the porter weight limit?
15 kg per trekker in the porter's duffel. Your daypack carries water, snacks, layers and camera.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $2000

per person

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