Trekking Duration: Approximately 45 days round-trip, including bus travel from Kathmandu to Gorkha, trekking to base camp via Macha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Ghap, Sho, Pungen Gompa, and Sama Gaon, and returning via a similar route.
Permits: Requires a Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, arranged through a licensed trekking agency.
Best Time: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for stable weather and clear views.
Altitude Considerations: Base camp is at ~4,800 meters, with the peak at 8,163 meters. Acclimatization days (e.g., at Sama Gaon) are critical to prevent altitude sickness.
Access: Starts with a bus from Kathmandu to Gorkha, followed by a multi-day trek. The return follows a similar path, ending with a bus back to Kathmandu.
Tips: Hire experienced guides and porters, prepare for rugged terrain, and pack for variable weather. Combine with visits to nearby cultural sites like monasteries in Sama Gaon for a richer experience.
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Hotel, Tea House, Tent
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Car, Jeep, Flight
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All meals during the trek
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2-15
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8,163 M
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Autumn & Spring
Overview
Manaslu (also known as Kutang) is the eighth highest mountain in the world. It is located forty miles east of Annapurna and dominates the Gurkha massif. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions, and it culminates in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape and is a dominant feature when seen from afar. This mountain was previously known as Kutan l. ‘tang’ being the Tibetan word for flat place, thereby describing the mountain’s general summit. The name was later changed to Manaslu, which is derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa and can be roughly translated as Mountain of the Spirit.
The first ascent of this peak was in 1956 by T. Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu (Japanese expedition). The peak was not climbed again until 1971 when a Japanese team made the second ascent. It was not until 1997 that Charlie Mace made the first American ascent. There are a half dozen established routes on the mountain today, the south face being arguably the toughest in climbing history.
All routes to the base camp of Manaslu begin in Kathmandu. Expedition Time: Approximate time 45 days. Bus from Kathmandu to Gorkha. Trek through the forest to Macha Khola. Trek along riverbanks of Budhi Gandaki to Jagat. Continue along the river to Deng. Continue along the river to Ghap, a Buddhist village. Continue along the river to Sho. Trek to Pungen Gompa. Rest day. Trek to Sama Gaon. Trek to Manaslu base. Rest in Manaslu base.
Trek Out: Trek down to Samagaon. Trek down to Nyak. Trek down to Jagat. Trek down to Macha Khola. Trek down to Arughat. Trek down to Gorkha. Bus to Kathmandu.
Highlights
- Spectacular Scenery: The trek to Manaslu Base Camp winds through the diverse landscapes of the Manaslu Conservation Area, featuring lush forests, raging Budhi Gandaki River gorges, terraced fields, and dramatic Himalayan vistas. The towering presence of Manaslu against glaciers and ridges is a visual highlight.
- Cultural Immersion: The route passes through traditional villages like Jagat, Deng, Ghap (a Buddhist village), and Sama Gaon, where trekkers encounter Gurung and Tibetan-influenced cultures. Ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens dot the trail, offering a glimpse into Himalayan Buddhist heritage.
- Challenging Trekking Route: The journey to Manaslu Base Camp (around 4,800 meters) involves trekking through varied terrain, from subtropical forests at Macha Khola to alpine meadows near Pungen Gompa. Highlights include crossing suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and ascending to high-altitude villages like Sho and Sama Gaon.
- Mountaineering Legacy: Manaslu’s climbing history, from its first ascent in 1956 to its notorious south face, draws adventurers. With six established routes, it offers diverse challenges, blending technical climbing with high-altitude endurance, set against a backdrop of glaciers and steep ridges.
- Remote and Pristine Experience: Unlike more crowded routes like Everest or Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit remains relatively less commercialized, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature. The trek to and from base camp, via villages like Nyak and Arughat, immerses travelers in untouched Himalayan wilderness.
- Trek through lush forests and over iconic suspension bridges framed by rhododendrons.
