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
Itinerary
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
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided while on the trek.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees and permits are included.
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All Domestic Transportation
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.
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Local Taxes
All local taxes are included.
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Fully Guided
An expert trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Drinks with Meals
Hot drinks with every meal and filtered, alkalized drinking water are included.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Free Wi-Fi is available at the hotel in Kathmandu.
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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
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Meals – Half Board
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Suggested tipping and gratuities are 10% of the tour cost.
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Drinks with Meals
Bottled and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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International Travel
International airfare is not included.
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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.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
Tour code:
134415
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
3-70
Special diets catered:
Jain, Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians, Halal, Gluten intolerant
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Private Available:
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