One of the top Nepali treks around the 8,000-meter Manaslu. Stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. Despite this, the trek is relatively little-visited. Highly recommended!
Difficulty: 6/10
Date: 26.9. - 17.10. 2026
Guide:
Michal
Group size: 6 - 10 pax
Price: 1 850 Eur
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu & transfer ta hotel
Day 2: Bus Kathmandu to Soti Khola (9 hours)
Day 3: Soti Khola - Doban (1000 m, 8 hours)
Day 4: Doban - Philim (1600 m, 8 hours)
Day 5: Philim - Chumling (2300 m, 6-7 hours)
Day 6: Chumling - Lamagaon (3200 m, 6 hours)
Day 7: Lamagaon - Mu Gompa (3660 m) - Chekumpar (3050 m, 8 hours)
Day 8: Chekumpar - Nyak Phedi (1700 m, 8 hours
Day 9: Nyak Phedi - Ghap (2100 m, 7 hours)
Day 10: Ghap - Lho (3130 m, 4-5 hours)
Day 11: Lho - Samagaon (2540 m, 6 hours)
Day 12: Trek do Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m, 7 hours)
Day 13: Samagaon rest day
Day 14: Samagaon - Dharamsala (4400 m, 5-6 hours)
Day 15: Dharamsala - Larke Pas (5100 m) - Bimtang (3700 m, 10 hours)
Day 16: Bimtang - Dharapani (Ekle Bhatti) (4460 m, 7 hours)
Day 17: Jeep Dharapani – Besisahar
Day 18: Bus Besisahar - Kathmandu
Day 19: Rest, sightseeing
Day 20: Fly from Kathmandu
Note: Individual sections can be adjusted by agreement within the group. We can move considerably faster and leave more time for exploring the sights in the Kathmandu Valley. It’s all a matter of agreement. 🙂
This trek is truly one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas. Its clear advantage is that it is far less frequented than the famous super-treks to Everest or around the Annapurnas. It is both ethnically and scenically very diverse, passing from the romantic villages of the Gorkha people all the way to the border with Buddhist Tibet. Steep valleys with high waterfalls give way to the dusty plains of the forgotten and, until recently, inaccessible Tsum Valley, and to the rocky, sometimes snow-covered Larke Pass, at just over 5,000 m above sea level. From the village of Samagaon, we will take an acclimatization hike to the base camp of the 8,000-meter Manaslu.
The trek begins in the tropical rainforest of the Buddhi Gandaki River Valley at an altitude of about 500 m above sea level, in the valley of Nepal’s Gorkha region. The route gradually ascends through villages and paths above the deep valley of the Budhi Gandaki River. On the Manaslu Circuit trek, the landscape changes practically every day. From tropical rainforest with banana trees and monkeys, we will make our way up to a high Himalayan pass covered with eternal snow. Just like the landscape, the people and their culture will also change along the way.
We start in Hindu villages, which gradually give way to the beautiful colors of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. Near the village of Lokpa, we turn into the ancient Tsum Valley, which stretches toward the border with Tibet through its mountain passes. The valley is very little affected by tourism; just a few years ago, entry for visitors was prohibited. We will visit the cave of the famous Buddhist scholar Milarepa, where he spent years meditating in seclusion. At the end of the valley, we can visit an old Buddhist monastery and enjoy views of the wild, 7,000-meter Ganesh Himal massif.
The trek continues with a return to the Budhi Gandaki River and gradually ascends into the wide valley at the heart of the region - the village of Samagaon - where the strong influence of Tibet and its vibrant Buddhism is unmistakable. Ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries with their unique patina alternate with views of the iconic peak of Manaslu and its seemingly twin summit, the East Pinnacle..
From the village of Samagaon, the center of the entire valley, we will take an approximately 6-hour acclimatization hike to the climbing base camp of Manaslu - incidentally, the 8th highest mountain in the world. Beyond the village of Samdo, we will cross the Larke Pass, just over 5,000 m in elevation, and descend to the village of Dharapani, which marks the starting point of the trek around the neighboring Annapurnas.
The Manaslu trek is not considered difficult and can be managed by an averagely fit hiker. Acclimatization takes place slowly and effectively. Accommodation throughout the trek is in tourist lodges of basic Nepali standard, while in Kathmandu it is in a hotel of European standard. After the trek, we will explore historical Buddhist and Hindu monuments in the Kathmandu Valley and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
The entire trek (departure/arrival) lasts 21 days and will be undertaken in the company of an international UIMLA mountain guide and Slovak Himalayan climber Michal Gabriž. We will also be accompanied by the required local guide. It is possible to hire a local porter, although on the trek we will need only minimal personal equipment. The trekking group is limited to a maximum of 10 people.
After the trek, there is the option to spend a few days relaxing and on safari in the Chitwan.
Manaslu Circuit is not a difficult trek and should be manageable for anyone who moves at least a little and enjoys hiking. Trekking in the Himalayas is not that different in terms of difficulty from hiking in Slovakia. The pace of the trek is slow; acclimatization requires time and does not tolerate rushing. So you don’t need to worry about poor fitness. This trek is also suitable as an introductory trek in Nepal. You also don’t have to worry about mass tourism — our trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 9–10 participants. You can find more about trekking in Nepal in this article.
- All needed transfers
- All necessary permits (ACAP, MCAP, Manaslu special permit, Tsum Valey special permit)
- Slovak guide UIMLA (Michal)
- Nepali trekking guide (mandatory)
- Accomodation in Kathmandu in european standard hoteli with breakfast
- Accomodation on trek (lodge / tea house)
- Use of a satellite device in case of necessary treatment of health complications
International flight to Kathmandu
Meals / drinks in Kathmandu (except breakfast)
Meals / drinks during the trek
Shower during the trek
Tips for the staff (local guide)
Use of the satellite device (Thuraya) for private purposes
Insurance (Alpenverein)
Visa to Nepal (50 USD)
When entering Nepal, it is necessary to have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry into the country. Visas are purchased at the airport upon arrival; the procedure only takes a few minutes.
Visa fees:
14-day visa: 30 USD
30-day visa: 50 USD
90-day visa: 125 USD
Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided at the *** Hotel Marshyangdi in the Thamel district. Accommodation during the trek is in tourist guesthouses called lodges (teahouses), usually in double rooms with beds. It is necessary to have your own sleeping bag; at some accommodations, especially at lower altitudes, blankets are available and are generally of satisfactory cleanliness.
In most cases, a shower is available for a small fee; however, do not expect the luxury of a European-style bathroom.
The tour price is generally without airfare; the flight ticket will be invoiced separately according to the current price at the time of purchase. We usually arrange the flights once the minimum number of participants has been reached. It is also possible to arrange your own flight ticket, provided that you are in the agreed destination (Kathmandu) on the specified day.
There is also the option to extend your stay in Nepal as you wish, for example by visiting Chitwan National Park.
The preferred departure airport is usually Vienna, but we can also оперативly find flight options from another departure point if needed.
Airport pickup in Kathmandu is, of course, arranged by us.
If you have specific comfort requirements (business class, a more premium airline, etc.), we are happy to accommodate them.
The transfer to the airport in Vienna is not included in the price. All transfers in Nepal are generally included, from the moment of arrival to the final destination. Transportation within Nepal is arranged by private jeeps and vans. The quality of Nepali roads is not very good, so patience is required. It is also a way to see parts of the country beyond the trekking trails.
Meals during the trek are not included in the price and depend on local availability. The diet mainly consists of rice, potatoes, vegetables, soups, eggs, and various flatbreads. However, it is very tasty. In some places, chicken or yak meat is available. Food prices for tourists have increased significantly in recent years; expect to pay between 3–8 EUR for a hot meal. Daily food and drink expenses can be estimated at around 30 EUR per day. You certainly won’t make a mistake if you bring a few pieces of vacuum-packed sausage or bacon from home to occasionally diversify your meals. Water in Kathmandu or other cities is not drinkable. During the trek, bottled or boiled water is available everywhere, either plain or in the form of various teas. Coca-Cola, Fanta, beer, and similar drinks are also widely available. You can learn more about Nepali food in this blog.
Nepal is generally an exceptionally safe country. Local people are almost without exception friendly and welcoming. The state security forces also usually do not cause any problems; however, it is advisable to follow their instructions if required.
In the case of a necessary evacuation from the trek for medical reasons, commercial helicopters are available. We are able to arrange such an evacuation through insurance, so in this regard trekking in Nepal is relatively safe.
There is also no significant danger from wild animals.
When passing animal caravans of donkeys or yaks, it is important to be cautious and stand on the side of the trail facing the slope. Otherwise, a yak could accidentally push you off the trail into the valley.
During the main trekking seasons – spring and autumn – the weather in Nepal is usually relatively stable. Mornings and late mornings are almost always clear, while in the late afternoon there is a possibility of precipitation, especially in spring. In Kathmandu, temperatures often rise above 30 degrees Celsius.
During the trek, it usually feels warm throughout the day, but after sunset - particularly at higher altitudes - it can cool down dramatically, and nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing.
In Nepal, payments are made in Nepalese rupees. The approximate exchange rate is 1 EUR : 160 NPR. It is almost impossible to pay with euros in Nepal. We recommend bringing cash and exchanging it at currency exchange offices. Another option is to withdraw money from an ATM in Kathmandu, or possibly in Pokhara or Lukla. However, outside these places, you will not find an ATM.
Electrical sockets in Nepal are of various types, but in most cases European plugs can also be used. During the trek, electricity is available almost everywhere; however, in some higher-altitude areas where only solar panels are used, a fee may be charged for charging devices. You certainly won’t make a mistake if you bring a 20,000 mAh power bank with you.
Roaming for EU SIM cards is currently available, but it is not cheap at all. In Kathmandu, it is possible to buy a local SIM card (Ncell, NTC), although in the mountains it will work only very limitedly. Internet access during the trek is available in the form of Wi-Fi in most lodges where we will be staying. The guide will carry a satellite device for emergency situations.
All our treks are led by mountain guides with an international UIMLA license. We will also be accompanied by a mandatory local licensed guide.
Insurance covering evacuation and medical treatment is mandatory for all treks. We recommend OEAV Alpenverein: https://www.alpenverein.sk/ or commercial insurance.
The trek will take place with a minimum of 6 participants, and the maximum number of participants is 10.
For Nepal, it is recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.
We are looking forward!
Mišo & Miro
