Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fascinating journey that commences from Soti Khola, a delightful village situated at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki river. As we walk northwards along the spectacular high route, we witness breathtaking mountain views, lush rice paddies, terraced fields adorned with water buffaloes and thatched huts, and sprawling Gurung villages perched on high terraced hilltops covered in Rhododendrons. Our trek takes us to Kutang or lower Nubri, where the ethnically Tibetan inhabitants speak their own dialect, a blend of Tibetan and Gurung, and lead a lifestyle that spans both Nepal and Tibet.

As we ascend higher towards upper Nubri, we encounter purely Tibetan culture and tradition, and share the trails with yak caravans. The trade with Tibet continues here as it has for centuries, and Tibetan villages have been established from the wilderness by Tibetan refugees. The trek provides ample opportunities to witness inspiring mountain panoramas, dominated by the majestic Manaslu peak. We can also take day hikes to Pun Gyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Gaun, and Rui La, a traditional trade route to Tibet at the Nepal-Tibet border, from Samdo Village, which is located in the valley above Samdo, near the border of Tibet. The highlight of the trek is crossing the snow-covered Manaslu Larke Pass to reach Bimtang and the Manang region of the Annapurna circuit.

This fast-paced Manaslu Circuit Trek program is designed for individuals who are fit, strong, and have prior trekking experience in the Alps or Himalayas, and are already acclimatised to high altitude. If you prefer a more leisurely and relaxing trek, we recommend our 18-day around Manaslu trek program that allows for proper acclimatisation and a less rushed trek. Alternatively, you can opt for the Manaslu Trek via Tsum Valley, which requires a minimum of 21 days to complete the trek.