Manaslu & ABC Trek

Manaslu & ABC Trek

  •   Nepal
  •   Trekking
  •   Moderate to Challenging (Larkya La at 5,160m)
  •   Days
  •   5,160m

Manaslu & ABC Trek
  • Manaslu & ABC Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek (ABC Trekking) is a fantastic alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, offering stunning mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and fewer crowds. Below is a detailed 12-day itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which includes the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) extension for those who want to combine both treks. Manaslu Circuit with ABC Trekking – 12-Day Itinerary  The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, followed by a journey through lush river valleys, waterfalls, and suspension bridges to Machha Khola and Jagat, where you enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. Over the next few days, you’ll trek through Tibetan-influenced villages (Deng, Namrung) before reaching Samagaon, the gateway to Manaslu Base Camp. An acclimatization day here includes a hike to Birendra Tal, a stunning glacial lake, or a visit to Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery.

From Samagaon, the trail ascends to Samdo, near the Tibetan border, then to Dharamsala (4,460m), the last stop before crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160m)—a highlight with panoramic Himalayan views. After descending to Bimthang, you’ll trek through rhododendron forests to Tilije before driving to Besi Sahar and Pokhara, marking the end of an epic adventure combining Manaslu’s rugged beauty with the Annapurna region’s iconic landscapes.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek (ABC Trekking) is a fantastic alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, The Manaslu ABC Trek is a hidden gem for trekkers seeking adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery without the crowds. Whether crossing Larkya La or standing beneath Annapurna’s towering peaks, this journey is unforgettable.

Trip Facts

  • Activities

    Trekking

  • Starting Price

    USD$ 1250/ PP

  • Accommodation

    Tea House / Lodge

  • Max. Altitude

    5,160m

  • Best Season

    Autumn

  • Trip Hours/Day

    5 - 6 Hours

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate to Challenging (Larkya La at 5,160m)

  • Group Size

    2 - 10

Highlights & Attractions

  • Larkya La Pass (5,160m) One of Nepal’s most scenic high passes, offering 360° views of Manaslu (8,163m), Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
  • Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) A sacred amphitheater surrounded by Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.
  • Cultural Diversity (Tibetan & Gurung Villages) Samagaon & Samdo – Tibetan-influenced villages with ancient Buddhist monasteries.
  • Stunning Landscapes From subtropical forests to alpine meadows & glacial valleys. Birendra Tal (Glacial Lake) near Samagaon. Hot springs at Tato Pani
  • Less Crowded Than Everest or Annapurna Circuit Manaslu remains off-the-beaten-path, offering solitude & pristine nature.
  • Trip Itinerary
  • Include & Excludes
  • Trip Notes
  • Reviews

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)
    Duration: 7-8 hours by jeep/bus, Highlights: Scenic drive along the Trishuli River, rural landscapes Overnight: Soti Khola
  • Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)
    Duration: 5-6 hours Highlights: Waterfalls, suspension bridges, subtropical forests Overnight: Machha Khola
  • Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
    Duration: 6-7 hours Highlights: Enter Manaslu Conservation Area, Gurung villages Overnight: Jagat
  • Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
    Duration: 6-7 hours Highlights: Buddhist prayer flags, views of Shringi Himal Overnight: Deng
  • Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
    Duration: 6-7 hours Highlights: Lush forests, Tibetan-influenced culture Overnight: Namrung
  • Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
    Duration: 6-7 hours Highlights: First views of Manaslu (8,163m), Pungyen Gompa Overnight: Samagaon
  • Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
    Activities: Hike to Birendra Tal or Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) Overnight: Samagaon
  • Day 8: : Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)
    Duration: 4-5 hours Highlights: Close-up views of Manaslu, Tibetan border influence Overnight: Samdo
  • Day 9: : Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)
    Duration: 4-5 hours Highlights: High-altitude landscapes, Larkya La preparation Overnight: Dharamsala
  • Day 10: : Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) & Trek to Bimthang (3,720m)
    Duration: 8-9 hours Highlights: Stunning Himalayan views, glacier crossings Overnight: Bimthang
  • Day 11:: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
    Duration: 5-6 hours Highlights: Descend through rhododendron forests Overnight: Tilije
  • Day 12:: Drive from Tilije to Besi Sahar & Transfer to Pokhara
    Duration: 7-8 hours Highlights: End of Manaslu Circuit, scenic drive to Pokhara
  • Day 13 to 19: Extension to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
    Extension to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) If you want to combine Manaslu with ABC, you can extend the trek by 5-6 days from Bimthang or Tilije: Tilije to Dharapani to Chame to Pisang to Manang (Join Annapurna Circuit) Manang to Thorong La Pass to Muktinath to Jomsom Jomsom to Tatopani to Ghorepani to Tadapani to ABC Trek Back to Sinwa, Trek to Phedi and Drive back to Pokhara

Package Includes

  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  • Full Board on Trek: 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • First Aid Kit (oxygen meter, basic medications)
  • Porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers, max 15kg/porter)
  • Experienced Trek Guide (licensed, English-speaking)

Package Excludes

  • Nepal Visa ($30-50 depending on duration)
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory; must cover altitude up to 3,000m + evacuation)
  • Early Termination: Extra transport/hotel if leaving trek early
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing (entrance fees for UNESCO sites ~$20-30)

Trip Notes

Permits Required for Manaslu Trek

  1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

  2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

  3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) (if extending to ABC)

Reviews

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