The adventure begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, a small village located at the start of the Manaslu Circuit. The scenic drive follows the Prithvi Highway, with stunning views of the Trishuli River, terraced landscapes, and lush hillsides, before turning off to the more remote roads leading into the Manaslu region. The route passes through small towns like Arughat, where the real trekking adventure begins. The drive is long but offers spectacular landscapes that give you a glimpse of the beauty and serenity that await in the Manaslu region.
Overnight: Machha Khola
Today’s trek takes you from Machha Khola to Jagat, a small but vibrant village in the Gorkha district. The trail passes through dense forests, terraced fields, and traditional stone-built villages, providing a rich cultural experience. You’ll also cross multiple suspension bridges over the Budi Gandaki River, experiencing dramatic river gorges along the way. The steady ascent to Jagat introduces you to the charm of the region’s remote rural life, with glimpses of the surrounding hills and mountains beginning to emerge as you approach Jagat.
Overnight: Jagat
Leaving Jagat, the trek takes you through dense forests of rhododendron and oak, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small villages like Sirdibas and Philim. The landscape becomes more rugged as you head deeper into the Manaslu region. You’ll notice the traditional Tibetan culture of the villages, with prayer flags, mani walls, and Buddhist stupas dotting the trail. The day's trek is moderate, with some steep ascents and descents, but the reward is the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning waterfalls that cascade along the way. You’ll reach Deng, a small village where you’ll spend the night.
The trek from Deng to Namrung introduces you to higher altitudes and a more rugged terrain. As you ascend, the trail passes through forests, villages, and several mani walls, and you’ll start to see dramatic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The route takes you through Lihi, where you can get your first glimpses of Manaslu itself, before reaching Namrung, a village that offers spectacular mountain vistas and a chance to interact with the local Tibetan-influenced communities. The trek is moderate in difficulty, and the views of the surrounding peaks continue to impress.
Overnight: Namrung
Today’s trek takes you further up into the Manaslu region, heading toward the village of Samagaun, which lies at the foot of the majestic Manaslu Mountain. The trail becomes more alpine as you ascend, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. As you pass through Shyala Village, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with barren alpine terrain and Tibetan Buddhist shrines along the way. Samagaun is a peaceful settlement that offers panoramic views of the mountains and a deep sense of Tibetan culture, making it a perfect place to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes.
Overnight: Samagaun
This is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the higher altitudes of the trek. You can either take a side trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4,450m) or visit the Pungyen Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery. Both options provide incredible views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and the surrounding peaks. While you take a break from the trekking, this day also gives you the chance to explore the village, interact with locals, and learn more about their culture and traditions. Proper acclimatization is crucial, and this rest day helps ensure a safe ascent to higher altitudes.
Overnight: Samagaun
After a restful acclimatization day, the trek continues with a short ascent to Samdo, a remote Tibetan village. The walk today is relatively easy and short, allowing you to adjust to the higher altitude. As you make your way to Samdo, you’ll pass through wide open valleys and barren landscapes, with incredible views of Larkya La and surrounding peaks. Samdo offers a peaceful, isolated atmosphere, and it’s a perfect place to rest before tackling the final ascent over the Larkya La Pass.
Overnight: Samdo
From Samdo, the trek gradually ascends to Dharmashala, which lies just below the Larkya La Pass. This section of the trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. The trail takes you through barren high-altitude landscapes, preparing you for the challenging Larkya La Pass crossing tomorrow. Dharmashala is a small, basic resting place, but it offers magnificent views and an opportunity to rest before the long, strenuous trek to the pass.
Overnight: Dharmashala
Today is the most challenging day of the trek, as you cross the famous Larkya La Pass at an elevation of 5,160 meters. The pass offers panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the region, including Himalchuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. The ascent to the pass is tough, but the reward is well worth it. After crossing the pass, the trail descends steeply to Bimthang, a beautiful alpine meadow where you can rest and recover after the long day. The descent offers stunning views of the mountains and the alpine meadows that surround Bimthang.
Overnight: Bimthang
The trek from Bimthang to Tilije takes you through lush rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages. The trail descends into the lower valleys, where you’ll pass through terraced fields, rushing rivers, and vibrant forests. The cultural aspect of the trek becomes more pronounced as you move through villages where you can interact with locals and experience their hospitality. Tilije is a charming village and a great place to relax after crossing the Larkya La Pass.
Overnight: Tilije
The last day of trekking involves a short descent to Dharapani, from where you will catch a scenic drive to Besisahar, the starting point of the trek. The drive is a pleasant journey through picturesque villages and hills, marking the end of the trek. Upon arrival in Besisahar, you can rest and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Overnight: Besisahar
The final day involves a drive back to Kathmandu. The scenic journey takes you through rural Nepal, offering one last chance to enjoy the countryside before returning to the city. After approximately 6-7 hours of driving, you will arrive in Kathmandu, where your Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek organized by Himalayan Forever Treks will conclude, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.
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The Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek is a budget-friendly trekking option that allows you to experience the beauty and culture of the Manaslu Region while keeping your expenses low. This trek offers an incredible journey through remote Himalayan landscapes, picturesque villages, ancient monasteries, and unparalleled views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world. Despite being more affordable, the trek doesn’t compromise on the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. You will travel through traditional villages, interact with the local Tamang and Gurung communities, and enjoy the incredible diversity of Nepal's landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows and high-altitude deserts. The Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek is ideal for those looking for an adventure that combines physical challenge with cultural immersion while maintaining a reasonable budget.
At Himalayan Forever Treks, we’ve designed this budget trek to provide an unforgettable experience without unnecessary frills, ensuring that your funds are well-spent on the experience itself, rather than on expensive services. We focus on offering affordable teahouse accommodations, local meals, and minimal logistical expenses while still delivering excellent service through our expert guides and porters.
The Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek typically takes about 10 to 13 days, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs. The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the starting point, and continues through a series of villages like Arughat, Dharapani, and Samagaon. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), which offers awe-inspiring views of the Manaslu range, Himalchuli, and other neighboring peaks. After the pass, the trail descends through more villages and finally reaches the end point at Besisahar. The itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization days to help trekkers adjust to the altitude, ensuring that your budget trek is both manageable and safe.
At Himalayan Forever Treks, we offer a flexible itinerary, so if you want to shorten or extend your trek based on your fitness level or available time, we can customize it to suit your needs.
The Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek package includes essential services like trekking permits, accommodation, a local guide, and a porter. While we keep the package affordable, we ensure that you receive excellent value for your money. Specifically, the cost covers:
1. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP), both of which are required for trekking in this region.
2. Accommodation in simple teahouses or lodges along the route.
3.Meals: You’ll be provided with daily meals, typically consisting of simple, locally prepared Nepali food like dal bhat, momos, and soups.
4.Guide and Porter:A licensed guide will accompany you throughout the trek to ensure your safety, provide cultural insights, and help with any logistical challenges. A porter will carry your main trekking bag, allowing you to trek more comfortably with just a light day pack.
The package does not include international flights, personal gear, travel insurance, or other optional activities like sightseeing in Kathmandu or additional accommodations at the start or end of the trek. However, Himalayan Forever Treks can arrange all additional services upon request.
Yes, a guide and porter are essential for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and they are included in the budget package offered by Himalayan Forever Treks. A licensed guide will ensure that you navigate the trail safely, provide insights into the local culture and geography, and handle any emergencies that might arise. The guide is also essential for communication with local communities, many of which speak limited English. A porter, who will carry your main backpack (typically up to 15 kg), makes the trek easier and more comfortable, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about carrying heavy loads.
We highly recommend hiring a guide and porter, especially for a remote trek like the Manaslu Circuit, where trails can be challenging, and navigation is more difficult. The extra cost for these services is minimal, and it significantly enhances the overall trekking experience.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek is in teahouses and basic lodges, which provide a comfortable and affordable place to rest each night. These teahouses offer basic facilities such as shared rooms, simple beds with blankets, and a communal dining area where you can enjoy home-cooked meals. While the amenities are basic, the warm hospitality from the local families and the cozy atmosphere make for a memorable stay. The rooms are typically shared with fellow trekkers, and private rooms are available at an extra cost.
As you gain altitude, the teahouses become more basic, but the views and the remote environment more than make up for it. While teahouses provide standard facilities, some may have limited hot water or electricity, so it’s important to prepare accordingly. At Himalayan Forever Treks, we ensure that the teahouses we select for you are clean, safe, and provide everything you need to have a comfortable stay.
The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally clear, and the temperature is moderate, making it perfect for trekking. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn provides crisp air and stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. These seasons are also the most popular for trekkers in Nepal, ensuring that teahouses and trails are adequately prepared for visitors.
Trekking during the summer monsoon (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rainfall, which can make trails slippery and challenging. Likewise, the winter months (December to February) can be harsh with snow, particularly at higher altitudes, making trekking difficult, though some trekkers still opt for winter to enjoy fewer crowds.
The trek begins with a 6-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The road journey takes you through the scenic Arughat and offers views of the beautiful Budi Gandaki River and surrounding countryside. While the road conditions may not be ideal in some areas, the drive offers an opportunity to witness rural Nepal. Once you reach Soti Khola, the trek officially begins, and you’ll continue on foot from village to village, gradually gaining altitude.
At Himalayan Forever Treks, we handle all transportation logistics for you, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey from Kathmandu to the trek starting point and back. We arrange private or shared transport, depending on your preferences, and ensure that everything is taken care of, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for trekking in Nepal, including the Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek. Your insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, medical evacuation, trip cancellations, and emergency services. In remote regions like Manaslu, medical facilities are limited, and an evacuation may be necessary in case of serious health issues or injury.
At Himalayan Forever Treks, we advise all trekkers to obtain comprehensive insurance before embarking on any trek in Nepal. This will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you are financially protected in the event of an unforeseen situation.
Booking the Manaslu Circuit Budget Trek with Himalayan Forever Treks is easy and straightforward. You can get in touch with us through our website, email, or phone to discuss your preferred trekking dates and any specific needs you may have. Once we have your details, we will provide a customized itinerary and pricing for your trek. After confirming your booking, we will take care of all the logistics, including permits, transportation, accommodation, and hiring of your guide and porter.
Our team is committed to providing you with an exceptional, hassle-free trekking experience, ensuring that your budget trek to the Manaslu Circuit is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
If you’re ready to wxplore on a breathtaking adventure through the Manaslu Circuit, contact Himalayan Forever Treks today to book your budget trek and start planning your unforgettable Himalayan journey!
