Manaslu Circuit Trek | Gourmet Tour

Manaslu Circuit Trek | Gourmet Tour

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Tour Overview

Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a gourmet adventure through the breathtaking Himalayas of Nepal. This unique trekking experience combines the thrill of high-altitude hiking with the luxury of gourmet meals prepared with superfoods to enhance nourishment and acclimatization. Led by an expert trek leader, you'll explore less crowded trails and stay in secluded lodges, ensuring a private and intimate journey. The trek includes full board meals, domestic transportation, entrance fees, and a complimentary one-hour massage from a marginalized community, promoting diversity and inclusion. Enjoy the stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and the comfort of a boutique hotel in Kathmandu, with free Wi-Fi and hot drinks accompanying every meal. This trek is perfect for active adventurers, couples, and small groups seeking a culturally rich and physically rewarding experience in the majestic Himalayas. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Experience the Himalayas in style on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  • Trek through the stunning landscapes of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

  • Explore the culturally rich village of Namrung with its lush forests and alpine vegetation.

  • Witness breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli.

  • Cross the challenging Larkya La Pass with its spectacular mountain vistas.

  • Visit the serene Birendra Lake and the ancient Pungyen Gompa monastery.

  • Discover the traditional Tibetan market at Larke Bazaar.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Kathmandu

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner, Welome

Arrive in Kathmandu to be received by your trek leader and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Drive To Macha Khola. 900 Meters. Driving Time 8-9 Hours.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin driving west on the main Kathmandu to Pokhara highway towards the village of Macha Khola. We turn off toward the hilltop village at Dhading. The drive passes through rural communities, green terraces, lush hillsides, and small towns. The road eventually becomes a bumpy, dirt track. The southern face of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal can be seen when visibility is good.
You will arrive at Macha Khola in the late afternoon or early evening.
Transport: Private jeep

Day 3 : Trek To Jagat. 1370 Meters. 6-7 Hours Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day begins by following a gorge and going upstream of the river on a narrow trail. The track is a combination of gentle up and down until the Tharo Khola crossing near Khorlabesi. We arrive at a small hot spring (Tatopani) after more ascends and descends.

We have another ridge to climb before crossing the Budi Gandaki on a bridge. A climb on a staircase follows on a hill to Doban. We reach Yaru Khola after crossing another bridge. We have stone stairs to climb up and down to Tharo Bhanjyang. We will be able to see Gurung villages amidst forests high above. Langgur monkeys also roam in this vicinity.

We cross the Budi Gandaki river, climb yet another ridge while hiking along the river before a final climb to the village of Jagat.

Day 4 : Trek To Deng. 1804 Meters. 6-7 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We shortened the day by camping at Dharamshala instead of toiling all the way to Meta. We cross the Marshyangdi river and enter the Nar & Phu valleys as we follow the Nar River. The villages/towns on the nearby Annapurna Circuit are relatively well-developed compared to the villages in these valleys. However, it is only a matter of time before they are constructed more lodges to cater to the increasing trekkers.

We pass through some lovely forests, small cave shelters, and resting places for pilgrims/travellers. The trail passes under a wide waterfall as we emerge from a narrow canyon. The forest becomes sparse from this point, and the vista widens. Dharamshala is a relatively small place with a concrete shelter, which our cooking team will use as the kitchen and the other end of the building as a dining room.

Day 5 : Trek To Namrung Village. 2670 Meter. 6-7 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start the day in a culturally significant section of the trek. We cross the Budi Gandaki river, where another crossing of a bridge is involved with an ascend until it joins Bhi’s trail. We head westward up the valley. We pass through a combination of lush forests, alpine vegetation, and charming villages that belong to the ethnic groups of the Manaslu region. Some notable peaks begin to appear in the distance.
We will take the trail through Prok village. It has a beautiful vantage point for the view of the snowcapped Sringi Himal. We can take a break here before continuing. We cross the Budi Gandaki several times today, hiking past several Monasteries along the way. We take the trail that goes upstream through a dense forest to a narrow gorge. We continue until the forest becomes less dense. This is a terrific way to hike in the Manaslu Conservation Area. We have a final steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung.

Day 6 : Trek To Samagaon. 3530 Meters. 6-7 Hours Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We get good views of Mount Sringi, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. We begin by climbing steadily, passing through forests until the lovely Lihi village with its numerous stupas and barley fields. We descend and cross to the side valley of Simnang Himal while Ganesh Himal towers close by.

We trek past the villages of Sho, Lho, and Shyala before we reach Samagaon. Manaslu is visible from the village of Lho. We can also explore Ribung Monastery if time allows. We will be surrounded by the high peaks of Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) to the left while Mount Manaslu and massive glaciers are straight ahead. Several snowcapped mountains stand to our right, while Ganesh Himal can be seen at the east. We spend two nights at Samagaon.

Day 7 : Exploration And Acclimatisation Day At Samagaon

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We can sleep in; have a leisurely breakfast as you don’t have to pack your bags. Mount Manaslu towers right above Samagaon. We can take a hike to Birendra Lake for our acclimatization. There are numerous prayer stones with Buddhist inscriptions throughout the village. We can hike up to a little hill near the Sama village. There is an old monastery—Pungyen Gompa—a monastery with great views of the glacier.

Day 8 : Trek To Samdo. 3875 Meters. 4 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We descend to cross the Budi Gandaki river over a side stream. We will pass several prayer walls, and the valley begins to become wider. The view of the mountains. Our hike passes by a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar. We descend to the Budi Gandaki River, cross the bridge and begin ascending. We cross two streams opposite the Larkya Glacier. We contour around the Salka Valley and have a final climb to Dharamshala, having passed by many traditional monasteries. Dharamshala is also known as Larke Phedi. The short hike leaves us time for acclimatization and to relax in the afternoon.
The views are spectacular on this route, and we get quite close to the border with Tibet. There is a stone archway close to the village of Samdo.

Day 9 : Trek To Dharamshala. 4460 Meters. 4 -5 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our hike passes by a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar. We descend to the Budi Gandaki River, cross the bridge and begin ascending. We cross two streams opposite the Larkya Glacier. We contour around the Salka Valley and have a final climb to Dharamshala, having passed by many traditional monasteries. Dharamshala is also known as Larke Phedi. The short hike leaves us time for acclimatization and to relax in the afternoon.

Day 10 : Trek To Bhimtang Via Larkya La Pass 5160 Meters. 4500 Meters. 9-10 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the longest and most challenging day of the entire trek. We start early at predawn, have a heavy breakfast, collet our packed lunch before heading out to cross Larke La pass. Your trek leader will set a comfortable pace, so you can enjoy the magnificent surroundings of the glacier, the changing fauna, and some incredible snowcapped mountains.

We will reach the north side of the Larkya glacier with wonderful views of Mount Cho Danda and Larke peak. We will across glacial moraines ascending gradually—the gradient increases in the last section of the pass. Outstanding views of Mount Himlung, Cheo Himal, and the gigantic Annapurna II awaits us. We finish this rewarding day by walking into low misty pastures in the late afternoon, with Mount Manaslu towering in the distance.

Day 11 : Trek To Gho. 2660 Meters. 5-6 Hours.

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will wake up to a beautiful little valley with a 360-degree view of Himalayan Peaks. If it is sunny, our team will serve you breakfast on the lodge’s grounds we spent the previous night. You can have your breakfast with great views. We reach a small ridge shortly after we start trekking with the breathtaking views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. We keep descending on the trail, cross a high pasture, and cross the Dudh Khola (Milk River).

We walk through rhododendron and pine forest, following the trail through a narrow valley until we reach Karche, the valley’s highest cultivated land. The trail takes us through lush fields before doing a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the hill in a huge arc down to the river bank. A short distance away is the village of Gho, where we stay the night.

Day 12 : Drive To Dharapani. 5-6 Hours.

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue our descent to the next village of Tilije. We continue hiking along the Dudh Khola River on the stone-paved trail on to the village of Thonje. We will stop at the police check post and continue on to Dharapani where we exit the Manaslu Conservation Area and enter the Annapurna Conservation area. We stop at Dharapani for the night.

Day 13 : Drive Back To Kathmandu. 5 Hours.

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We take a local jeep to Besishar in a non-black topped road. We change vehicles at Besisahar, and the rest of the drive is on an asphalt road all the way to Kathmandu.


Day 14 : International Departure

Location: International Arrival Terminal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our representative will bring to the airport 3 hours before your flight time.

What's Included

  • Meals – Full Board

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided while on the trek.

  • Entrance Fees

    All entrance fees and permits are included.

  • All Domestic Transportation

    All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    All airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.

  • Local Taxes

    All local taxes are included.

  • Fully Guided

    An expert trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Drinks with Meals

    Hot drinks with every meal and filtered, alkalized drinking water are included.

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

    Free Wi-Fi is available at the hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Complimentary Trekkers' Massage

    A complimentary one-hour Trekkers' massage is provided after the trek, performed by masseuses from a marginalized community.

What's Not Included

  • Meals – Half Board

    Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Suggested tipping and gratuities are 10% of the tour cost.

  • Drinks with Meals

    Bottled and alcoholic drinks are not included.

  • International Travel

    International airfare is not included.

  • Country Entry Visas

    Nepal tourist visa fee is not included.

Booking Notes

Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions.


We will be in contact to confirm your tour start & end time

FAQ


Am I too young or old?

Most of our clients, from 3 years old to some in their 70s have done and completed their treks with almost no exercise or training.

Do I need a Visa?

A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

Outside of Nepal, A visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. For more information go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

What should I bring on a Trek?

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip. Please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will be able to offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

See our Travel Info Page for additional answers to common questions.


Useful links


Arrival at Kathmandu Airport

Am I too old to go trekking

Food on Trekking Holidays

What to bring on the trek

Typical Trekking day

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all domestic transportation included, featuring private jeep transfers and airport pickups. Enjoy a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola and back, with local jeep rides on non-black topped roads.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a boutique hotel in Kathmandu, with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included. During the trek, accommodations are in less busy lodges, ensuring a private and peaceful experience.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of meals are provided during the trek?

    During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals, which include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In Kathmandu, only breakfast is provided.

  • Are there any special dietary considerations during the trek?

    The meals during the trek are prepared with superfoods as ingredients to provide the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the trek?

    In Kathmandu, you will stay in a boutique hotel. During the trek, accommodations are in less busy lodges to maintain a private social bubble.

  • Is there any special activity included after the trek?

    Yes, after the trek, you will receive a complimentary one-hour Trekkers' massage from masseuses from a marginalized community as part of the tour's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative.

  • What is the role of the trek leader during the tour?

    The expert trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring your safety and enhancing your trekking experience.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included. You will be met and picked up from Kathmandu domestic airport, and all airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, the tour price does not include lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, tipping and gratuities, bottled and alcoholic drinks, international airfare, and Nepal tourist visa fees.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Chris Dowding  

Manaslu circuit trek

26-Mar-2021

I trekked the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal with 2 friends. Responsible Adventures organised everything for us: food, accommodation, permits, water, guides, and porters to carry about 60% of our gear. Our job was to do the walking! I am reasonably fit, but am no athlete or mountaineer, and the Manaslu circuit is advisedly one of the more challenging in Nepal. Responsible Adventures made it really do-able for me to trek this circuit, and they looked after our health all the way! ...more ...less

Will Watson  

Awesome company

26-Mar-2021

I have recently returned home after spending a month in the country of Nepal. I visited Kathmandu 42 years ago and have wanted to return for quite some time...When the opportunity to go finally was available I jumped at the chance! During the month i visited the lower region of Mustang with Raj, the owner of Responsible Adventures.. it was an experience I will never forget...First, Raj is a tremendous host and guide, knowledgeable and experienced, he talked about the history and peoples who live there with great understanding and empathy...He was interested in what I wanted to see and do and planned each day accordingly...he even arranged a meeting at one of the many monasteries with a reincarnated lama who gave us a blessing and spent an hour with us talking about his history and the monastery he lives in...Raj is a friendly man who is easy to spend time with and you can feel his interest in wanting to make each adventure a special one.....I would like to heartily recommend Raj, and it would be pleasure to see more of Nepal with hime again....Absolutely five star review, would give more if I could!!! ...more ...less

Pauline H.  

3rd trek with Responsible Aventures

26-Mar-2021

Absolutely the best, this is my 3rd trek with Raj and his team. Everything included in the price, they even have there own chef. Would recommend Raj and his team 100%. Just planning next years trek

Kay Thompson  

Great vacation

26-Mar-2021

Everything was well organized from the time we arrived at the airport in Kathmandu to when we were dropped back off 9 days later. We gave them an idea of what we liked to see and do, and they created a perfect itinerary for us. Due to weather, our internal flight to Pokhara was cancelled, but Raj was able to quickly arrange a private driver so that we only missed 1 day, instead of possibly 2 days trekking. I also have a gluten intolerance, and they made sure I had alternative things to eat when it was a gluten meal. The morning health tea delivered to our room was tasty, and so was the fresh ground organic coffee every breakfast! We would definitely recommend Raj and Responsible Adventures! I am also talking with my school staff about a possible school trip to Nepal. ...more ...less

Zakaria Zainal, Singapore  

Experience of a lifetime

28-Jun-2018

"It has been five years since we trekked Manaslu in Nepal, but every once in a while I think about this experience of a lifetime. And to have such an experience, you need to have the best with you. Look no further than Raj and his team. People often assume that trekking in Nepal is akin to climbing a mountain but it isn't — everyone can do it. From his detailed pre-trip briefing, he always gives you the advice you need to hear — to handle the sometimes challenging terrain of trekking. He will never try to oversell a product or an idea if you don't need it. Raj and his team ensure that your needs are well taken care of. From finding suitable lodging and food during the trek to good coffee for your mornings, you can always rely on his team to look out for you. Though the walking journey can be long, his calming presence and sharing of life in the remote parts of Nepal leave you wanting more." ...more ...less

Salimah  

Annapurna base camp

26-Mar-2021

There were many trekking companies that I can choose from, but I was glad to have chosen Responsible Adventures as my trekking guide to Annapurna base camp. I surfed the Internet and was convinced that this company was reliable. I enjoyed the company of the guide, Raj and his potters. The potters made life easier by carrying my stuff. Raj was very knowledgeable, and he looked after me very well throughout the journey. He also shared many interesting stories and his personal experience about the place. They were a fun bunch of people, creating a relaxed atmosphere but at the same time, motivating me. I also like to thank the company for accommodating my special request for my meal. Raj made sure that they my meals are catered for. I managed to keep up with the daily timing of the trekking and thanks to Raj for his supportive and encouraging words to keep me going. It has been a pleasant experience to trek to the Annapurna Base camp with Responsible Adventures team. ...more ...less

Sarah Wright  

A great trip to Nepal

26-Mar-2021

Raj arranged a fantastic trip for us looking after every detail including providing meals on trek tailored to our needs. I have known Raj for many years, he is reliable, friendly, well established in travel industry, he speaks excellent English and is a mine of information, I highly recommend both him and his team. ...more ...less

England
Hailey VS  

EBC trek

26-Mar-2021

The whole experience was amazing. Everything went through without issue. All of our interactions with the company were super convenient and I felt very prepared with all the information provided beforehand. Chandra was our guide. He was very helpful and attentive to all of us! He was also very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. Our porters were Sundar and Hasta. They were also very kind and lovely. The hotels we stayed at were very clean! The entire experience was super wonderful. I would do it all over again. I would also recommend going through Responsible Adventures to anyone who would like to trek to base camp. ...more ...less

Anita G.  

The best there is!

26-Mar-2021

For my third time travelled to Nepal, I met Raj and Responsible Adventures. Perfect match to discover the real Nepal ! Choose him for your trek/trip/travel ;)

Paul Henson  

Fantastic trip to Nepal

26-Mar-2021

I travel to Nepal every year and have used other companies in the past, but Responsible Adventures outshines them all, a truly professional company and Raj and his team take care of every detail for a truly memorable experience 10 out of 10.

Read all 69 reviews

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Manaslu Circuit Trek | Gourmet Tour

14 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu International Airport

Visiting: Kathmandu, Nepal, International Arrival Terminal

Tour operator:

Responsible Adventures

Tour code:

134415

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

3-70

Special diets catered:

Jain, Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians, Halal, Gluten intolerant

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour