TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Stand face-to-face with Manaslu (8,163m) — the world's eighth highest mountain — from Lho village
Hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800m, with sweeping views across the glacier and surrounding peaks
Cross the Larkya La at 5,160m, one of the most dramatic high-altitude passes in Nepal
Trek through one of Nepal's most restricted and least-visited regions, deep in the Budhi Gandaki gorge
Experience authentic Tibetan-influenced culture in remote villages like Samagaon and Samdo
Wildly varied terrain across 13 nights — jungle, gorge, alpine meadow, glacier and high pass all in one circuit
ITINERARY
DAY 1 — Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, collect permits, meet your group and guide, gear check.
DAY 2 — Drive to Machha Khola
Long drive west through the hills via Arughat — your gateway to the circuit.
DAY 3 — Machha Khola to Jagat
First day on the trail, following the Budhi Gandaki river through lush jungle and traditional villages.
DAY 4 — Jagat to Deng
Trek deeper into the gorge as the landscape shifts from subtropical forest to terraced farmland and stone villages.
DAY 5 — Deng to Namrung
The trail climbs steadily as you enter the alpine zone, with the mountains beginning to reveal themselves.
DAY 6 — Namrung to Lho
A short day with a big reward — Lho village sits opposite a jaw-dropping face-on view of Manaslu.
DAY 7 — Lho to Samagaon
Trek up into the high valley, arriving at Samagaon — your base for the next two nights.
DAY 8 — Samagaon acclimatisation
Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for stunning glacier views before returning to sleep low. A genuine highlight of the trip.
DAY 9 — Samagaon to Samdo
A short but important day — a gentle gain to Samdo as your body continues adapting to altitude.
DAY 10 — Samdo to Dharamsala
Trek up to Larkya Base Camp, your high camp for the night. Early to bed — tomorrow is the big one.
DAY 11 — Larkya La crossing to Bhimtang
Cross the Larkya La (5,160m) — the highest point of the trek. A long, spectacular, unforgettable day. Descend to Bhimtang for a well-earned rest.
DAY 12 — Bhimtang to Dharapani
A long descent back to lower altitude, trading snow and ice for rhododendron forest and warm air.
DAY 13 — Dharapani to Besisahar
Drive out of the mountains to Besisahar. Last night on the road, celebrating the end of an incredible journey.
DAY 14 — Transfer to Kathmandu or Pokhara
Trip ends in Besisahar. Transfer to Pokhara (~3–4hr) or Kathmandu (~5–6hr).
GEAR LIST
Required
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trip!)
Backpack (50–80 litres)
Sun hat, sunglasses (UV 400 or glacier rated), sunscreen, SPF lip balm
Warm beanie
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom)
Mid layer fleece or softshell
Trekking pants
Underwear and hiking socks (merino wool recommended)
Headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries)
Personal first aid kit and any medications
Blister prevention kit
Anti-bacterial hand gel
2 x 1 litre water bottles or Camelbak
Water purification tablets
Powerbank (20,000 mAh strongly recommended — several nights have no electricity)
Charging cables
Trekking snacks
Optional
Buff / neck gaiter
Sandals or camp shoes
Eye mask
Earplugs
Camera and accessories
Luggage tags and locks
Provided by boxontour
The following gear is provided at no cost. If you’d prefer to bring your own, feel free to do so!
Puffer jacket
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Crampons
Gloves
A Note on packing
There are no porters on this trip — you will carry everything yourself for 13 days of trekking. Pack light. Aim to keep your pack under 12kg and be ruthless about what you actually need on the trail.
You'll have one night in Kathmandu at the start of the trip and can leave any excess luggage at the hotel before we head out — so feel free to fly in with a bigger bag and strip it back before the trek begins.
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED
13 Nights Accomodation
Trekking Permits
Gear: Gloves, Jacket, Poles, Crampons, Sleeping Bag
Airport Transfer
Ground transportation
All meals on the trek
English Speaking Guide
Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu
NOT INCLUDED
Personal Expenses such as: phone charging, hot showers, wifi, drinks
Tips to guides (expected)
Travel Insurance
Flights
Nepal Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek. We cross a 5,106m high altitude pass, carry our own packs for 13 days and cover significant elevation gain. You don't need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be fit, comfortable with long days on your feet and have some prior hiking experience. If you're unsure whether this trip is right for you, get in touch.
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Yes. We recommend you have completed at least a few multi-day hikes before joining this trip. Experience trekking at altitude is a bonus but not essential.
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You will carry your own pack for the entire trek. We recommend keeping it under 12kg. Key gear including your sleeping bag, puffy jacket, trekking poles, crampons and gloves are all provided, which helps keep the weight down.
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No. This is a carry-your-own-pack trip.
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The Larkya La pass at 5,106m, crossed on Day 11.
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Basic but comfortable. You'll have a bed, blankets and access to simple meals and hot drinks. Showers are available at most stops, though they may be cold at higher elevations. Electricity and charging is generally available but can be unreliable — bring a power bank.
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Teahouse menus are simple and hearty — dal bhat, noodles, pasta, eggs, soups and porridge. More than enough to keep you fuelled on the trail. We recommend eating what's locally available rather than anything too adventurous for your stomach.
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Start training at least 3 months out. Focus on cardiovascular fitness and leg strength — hiking with a loaded pack on hilly terrain is the best preparation. The more time you can spend on your feet before the trip the better.
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Altitude sickness is a real consideration on this trek and something we take seriously. The itinerary is designed with acclimatisation built in, including a rest day in Samagaon and a hike to Manaslu Base Camp before we push higher. We carry a first aid kit and our guides are trained in altitude management. If anyone shows serious symptoms we will descend immediately — no exceptions.
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Yes, and it is mandatory. Your policy must cover high altitude trekking to at least 5,500m and include emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us proof of insurance before the trip departs.
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The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu. We depart for the trailhead on Day 2 and return to Besisahar on Day 13, from where you can transfer to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
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Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Check the current requirements for your passport before travelling.
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Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are available in Kathmandu — we recommend withdrawing enough cash before leaving the city as there are no ATMs on the trek.
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You are responsible for booking your own flights to and from Kathmandu (KTM). We'll share recommended arrival dates once bookings are confirmed.
SECURE YOUR SPOT
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