Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, which will take around 9 hours. The drive offers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Nepal, as we pass through the bustling streets of Kathmandu, rural villages, terraced fields, and the winding roads along the Trishuli River. The road can be bumpy, but the journey is filled with picturesque views of the mountains and the river. Upon arrival at Maccha Khola, a small village along the Budhi Gandaki River, we will settle into a local guesthouse for the night.
After breakfast, we start our trek, following the trail alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. The path gradually ascends through lush forests, past small villages, and across several suspension bridges. The trek offers an excellent opportunity to experience rural Nepali life and the local culture. After around 6 hours of walking, we reach Jagat, a small, peaceful village known for its beautiful stone-paved streets and terraced landscapes. We will rest overnight in a local teahouse.
Today, we continue our trek towards Deng, located at 1,804 meters. The trail is a mix of gentle ascents and descents as we move through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing through more villages and terraced fields. As we trek through rhododendron forests and past rocky outcrops, the views become increasingly dramatic. After around 6 hours, we will arrive in Deng, a small settlement nestled among the hills. We will spend the night in a local lodge here.
Today, we trek from Deng to Namrung, located at an altitude of 2,630 meters. The trail takes us through remote mountain villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Along the way, we’ll be able to see the towering peaks of Manaslu and surrounding mountains as they start to come into view. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, we’ll reach Namrung, a Tibetan-influenced village with spectacular mountain views. We will rest overnight in a local teahouse.
After breakfast, we embark on a shorter but scenic trek to Lho, situated at 2,957 meters. The trail takes us through the forests of fir, birch, and rhododendron, and we start getting clearer views of the Manaslu range, including Mount Manaslu itself. After around 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive in Lho, a village with traditional stone houses and a beautiful monastery. The views of Manaslu from here are incredible, making it a great place for photographs and relaxation.
Today's trek takes us to Sama Gaun, located at 3,530 meters. The trail takes us through scenic landscapes, with expansive views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks. As we approach Sama Gaun, we will begin to feel the true remoteness of this region. Sama Gaun is the gateway to Manaslu Base Camp, and it offers stunning views of Manaslu and its surrounding peaks. After a 4-hour trek, we will settle in a teahouse for the night and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
To aid our acclimatization to the higher altitude, we take a day trip to either Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. Both destinations offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. The hike to Manaslu Base Camp is about 7 hours round-trip and offers breathtaking views of the massive Manaslu Glacier and the peaks surrounding it. Alternatively, we can take a hike to Pungyen Gompa, a Buddhist monastery with stunning views of Manaslu. After our day trip, we return to Sama Gaun for a well-earned rest.
Today, we take a short but steady trek to Samdo, located at 3,865 meters. The trail is relatively easy, taking around 3 hours to complete. As we trek, we pass through alpine meadows, yak pastures, and traditional Tibetan-style houses. The mountain views continue to captivate us, and we get our first glimpse of the Larkya Pass, which we will cross later in the trek. Upon reaching Samdo, we settle into a local lodge for the night.
Today, we trek from Samdo to Dharmasala, located at 4,460 meters. The trail ascends gradually through a barren, high-altitude landscape, offering incredible views of the snow-covered peaks. After about 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive at Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, which is the base camp for those attempting to cross Larkya Pass. We will rest here and prepare for the challenging day ahead.
Today is the most demanding day of the trek as we cross Larkya Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,160 meters. The trail is steep and challenging, and the altitude will make it a physically demanding day. However, the views from the top are absolutely spectacular, with panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. After crossing the pass, we descend to Bimthang, a beautiful village located at 3,590 meters. The total trek for the day takes around 10 hours, and we will enjoy a well-deserved rest in Bimthang.
After crossing the Larkya Pass, we begin our descent back toward lower altitudes. The trail takes us through forests, fields, and villages as we make our way to Dharapani, located at 1,970 meters. This trek takes about 7 hours, and as we descend, the temperature becomes more comfortable, and we pass through more inhabited areas. We will stay overnight in Dharapani.
On our final day of the trek, we will take a long but scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes about 10 hours, and along the way, we will pass through picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and terraced fields. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
The Manaslu Budget Trek is a budget-friendly trekking experience in Nepal that offers trekkers the opportunity to explore the majestic Manaslu region, home to the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters). This trek takes you through remote villages, traditional Tibetan-influenced culture, and breathtaking landscapes, all while staying within a manageable budget. The trail follows the classic Manaslu Circuit, which includes walking through lush forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and high-altitude passes, such as the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). With Explore Holiday Treks, this trek is designed to be affordable without compromising the experience, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious trekkers who still want to enjoy the beauty of Nepal's Himalayas.
The Manaslu Budget Trek typically takes between 12 to 15 days, depending on your pace and the exact itinerary. The trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat(Mache Khola), where the trek begins on foot. Along the way, you’ll experience diverse landscapes, cultural villages, and high-altitude regions, before reaching the highest point of the trek, Larkya La Pass. The trek concludes either in Besisahar or back in Kathmandu, with a scenic drive concluding the journey. Acclimatization days are included in the itinerary to ensure that you adjust properly to the high altitudes.
The Manaslu Budget Trek package includes the basic essentials needed for a safe and enjoyable trek. These typically include:
Permits: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Restricted Area Permit (RAP), and Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card.
Accommodation:Simple but comfortable teahouses and lodges along the trekking route.
Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Kathmandu to the trek’s starting point (Soti Khola or Arughat) and back to Kathmandu.
A licensed guide and porter to ensure safety, manage the logistics, and carry your main luggage.
This budget package ensures that all necessary services are covered, while personal expenses (such as snacks, drinks, and extra services) are not included.
The Manaslu Budget Trek is considered moderately challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. While the trek is not as strenuous as some of Nepal’s more difficult treks, it still involves long days of walking, steep ascents, and high-altitude challenges. The highest point, Larkya La Pass, sits at 5,160 meters, so proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Trekkers should be in good health and ideally have prior trekking experience or regular physical activity to handle the demands of the trek. That being said, the trek can be completed by most trekkers with proper training and preparation.
The best time to go on the Manaslu Budget Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer the most favorable weather, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and the best visibility of the surrounding mountain peaks. The trails are generally dry, making for a more comfortable trekking experience. Winter (December to February) can be too cold, especially at higher altitudes, and snow can block some of the trails. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which makes trekking conditions difficult and less enjoyable due to slippery trails and potential flooding.
For the Manaslu Budget Trek, you will need the following three permits:
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is required to enter the Manaslu region and helps conserve the area’s natural beauty.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): As Manaslu is a restricted region, this permit is mandatory and allows trekkers to enter the area.
Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card: This card ensures your safety and registration with the authorities.
Explore Holiday Treks will handle the paperwork and obtain all the necessary permits for you as part of the trek package, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Yes, a guide and porter are mandatory for the Manaslu Budget Trek. A licensed guide will assist you in navigating the challenging trail, provide important safety information, and offer cultural insights into the local communities. A porter will carry your main backpack, allowing you to trek with a lighter load and focus on enjoying the journey. Having a guide and porter also ensures that your trek is safer, and you are supported throughout the entire journey. Explore Holiday Treks provides experienced, friendly, and professional guides and porters who are well-trained and knowledgeable about the region.
The trek begins with a 6-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat(Mache Khola), the typical starting points for the trek. This drive is included in the package, and Explore Holiday Treks will arrange all necessary transportation. The drive provides a scenic introduction to rural Nepal, passing through terraced fields, rivers, and small villages, giving you a taste of the landscape before you start your trek.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Budget Trek is in basic teahouses and lodges. These are simple, family-run establishments offering twin-sharing rooms, which are comfortable enough for trekkers. The facilities are basic, but sufficient to rest after long days of trekking. You will also have access to communal dining areas where you can enjoy hearty meals. While the teahouses offer a warm, welcoming environment, the accommodation is modest and suited for budget-conscious travelers.
When packing for the Manaslu Budget Trek, it is important to prepare for both high-altitude conditions and changing weather. Key items to pack include:
1. Trekking boots with good ankle support.
2. Layered clothing (light layers for lower altitudes and warmer layers for higher altitudes).
3. Waterproof jacket and pants for rain or snow.
4. A good-quality sleeping bag rated for cold weather.
5. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.
6. Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
7. Trekking poles for stability, especially in rough terrain.
8. Personal medications and a first-aid kit.
9. Water purification tablets or a water filter.
Explore Holiday Treks will provide you with a detailed packing list to make sure you have everything you need for a successful trek.
The Manaslu Budget Trek is generally safe, especially when organized through a reputable agency like Explore Holiday Treks. We ensure that your trek is well-planned, with proper acclimatization, expert guides, and a clear understanding of the terrain. Our guides are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management, ensuring that you are safe throughout your journey. The trek does pass through remote regions, so trekking with an experienced guide is essential for both safety and logistical support.
Yes, you can extend your trek or add other activities. If you have more time, we can customize your itinerary to include additional treks like the Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, or other nearby regions. You can also add a cultural tour of Kathmandu or explore other parts of Nepal, such as Chitwan National Park or Pokhara. Explore Holiday Treks offers personalized options to make your trip even more special.
