The Manaslu Circuit trek is a renowned and exhilarating trekking route located in the Manaslu region of Nepal, offering adventurers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and challenging terrain. Spanning approximately 177 kilometers, the trek circumnavigates Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world, and ventures through diverse landscapes ranging from lush green forests to rugged terrains. The journey typically begins in the town of Soti Khola and follows the Budi Gandaki River valley, passing through traditional Nepalese villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups such as the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Sherpas. Trekkers encounter ancient Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens, adding a cultural dimension to the trek. As the trail ascends, it leads trekkers through alpine meadows, pristine glacial lakes, and high mountain passes like the Larkya La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,930 feet). The panoramic views from the pass, including vistas of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and other surrounding peaks, are breathtaking and reward trekkers for their efforts. Throughout the journey, trekkers experience the warm hospitality of the locals, who offer simple yet comfortable teahouses for accommodation and traditional Nepalese cuisine to replenish energy. The Manaslu Circuit trek is considered a challenging yet rewarding adventure, attracting those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience away from the crowds of more popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. It offers a chance to immerse oneself in nature, connect with local communities, and witness the grandeur of the Himalayas in a relatively untouched setting.
Nepal is a Himalayan Kingdom, famous for being home of 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world. It is home of the Gurkha soldiers, as well. Few know that about one third of all the land in Nepal is part of the Ganges River basin, where tropic conditions dominate everyday life.
With our 2025 trip to Nepal, we visit the Manaslu Circuit.
Each day we will hike between 4 and 10 hours, stopping intermittently for food and refreshments along the way. We start each morning right after sunrise and finish our trekking early afternoon, to optimize time for resting and recovery.