Manaslu Circuit Trek 9 days, Manaslu Trek Departure

The shortest trekking around Manaslu Trek 9 days is doable if you are physically fit with strong stamina. You are required to walk for 7 to 8 hours each day to complete Manaslu Circuit Trek in 9 days. Manaslu Helicopter Trek is a short hike upto Samagaun and Manaslu Base Camp and from there we helicopter return flight to Kathmandu. Like other treks, 9-day Manaslu Trek begins from Soti Khola after a day bus drive from Kathmandu. You will then trek to Samagaun, following up the Budhi Gandaki river. Once exploring Pungen Gomba, Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp, you will return by helicopter flight to Kathmandu and also possible to continue trek towards Larkya La Pass. Manaslu Trek 9 days itinerary is designed for the first time trekkers who have a good physical fitness level with sounds health. Please email us at missionecotreknepal@gmail.com and call or leave message on WhatsApp at +977 9851023742 for 9 days Manaslu Circuit Trek price and departure in 2024, 2025.

Trek Facts

Trip Name: Manaslu Helicopter Trek

Trip Duration: 9 Days

Trip Difficulty: Challenging

Trip Season: Sep to Dec,March to June

Trip Altitude: 700m- 5160m

Trip Cost: USD 4780-USD 5290

Group Size: 2 - 12 people

Trip Package: Teahouse Trek

Mode of Transfer: Bus/Jeep Sharing

Start/End of Trip: Kathmandu/Kathmandu

8 nights 9 days Manaslu Base Camp Helicopter Trek Cost, Itinerary, Dates.

Manaslu Helicopter Trek of 9 days takes up to Samagaun and Manaslu Base Camp through Budhi Gandaki valley.Mount Manaslu is one of the eight highest mountains in the world.The trek is mix of nature, culture and a personal sense of achievement as well as warm Nepalese hospitality from people of the Manaslu region. Manaslu Base Camp Trek 9 days itinerary is designed for trek beginners who are in good health with average physical fitness.To experience beauty of Manaslu Conservation Area and simultaneously breath-taking vistas of Mount Manaslu, this is the best trek in Manaslu region.

Manaslu Base Camp Trek Difficulty
The paths are mostly in good condition. No technical skills are required so the act of walking is pretty straightforward. The physical effort required, it clearly helps to be as fit as possible. Saying that, you don’t have to be an athlete, far from it. People of all ages and levels of fitness complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The key point to remember is to hike at your own pace.Over the course of the trek, you ascend in altitude from 700 m to 5106 m. Much of the route, particularly in the early days, involves plenty of up and down–descending to cross the river, ascending again, then repeating the process further along the trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
You need three permits-ACAP, MCAP and Manaslu restricted area permit trekking to Manaslu Circuit. We will take care of your trek permit on your behalf once you book Manaslu Trek with us-The Mission Eco Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.The Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t possible to hike independently. You must hike with guide and there must be at least two people in your group as well as the guide.

Manaslu Trek Accommodation
Accommodation is in guesthouses often called tea houses along the way.Rooms generally are more basic than on the Annapurna Circuit trek.Rooms have two single beds and usually a small window. Pillows and blankets are always provided but a sleeping bag is a must (don’t expect the blankets to be particularly fresh or clean). Think of the blanket as supplementary to your sleeping bag when it gets cold. You also have access to hot shower for an extra cost.

Toilets-There are most often shared toilet facilities rather than en-suite bathrooms on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These can be inside the main building or in an outhouse. It can be a western style toilet or a squat. Things tend to become more basic in places at higher altitude. You’ll need to have your own toilet paper, and soap isn’t always provided so make sure you have hand sanitizer too. Generally speaking, used toilet paper goes in a bin (read battered old metal can or such like) next to the toilet. You flush the squat toilet by scooping water out of the nearby bucket with whatever receptacle is provided.

Dining Room-There’s always a dining room where meals are served, and it’s a good place to get to know your fellow trekkers. The higher you go, there will usually be a fire in the dining room around dinner time, although this is by no means guaranteed.

Hot Shower-Showers are available over the first few days, but chances for a hot shower dwindle the higher you go. Gas needs to be transported by mules and it’s more important for cooking and heating. It’s sometimes possible to get one for a fee, but you might be standing in a cold room under a spray with very little pressure. Best to be prepared to keep yourself clean with wet wipes and look forward to a hot shower when you reach Dharapani.

Meals on Manaslu Helicopter Trek
Food and drink on the Manaslu Circuit is similar to what you find on Nepal’s other treks, although options are usually more limited than on busier routes like the Annapurna Circuit. Those options become even more limited throughout the trek as altitude increases, while prices go up as the cost of fuel and transporting goods gets higher.

You have to eat dinner and breakfast at your guesthouse you stay. Lunch will generally be at a different place somewhere along the trail unless it’s a short day and you arrive at your destination earlier.Try to order the same as the people you’re trekking with. Your food will usually arrive more quickly and less fuel will be needed to cook it.Think carefully before ordering meat. Refrigeration, storage and kitchen standards mean that eating veggie is the safest option.

Dal Bhat-Dal Bhat is a combination of dal (lentils), veg curry, pickle, rice and vegetables, this staple of the Nepali diet is a great option. It comes with a guaranteed refill of rice and curry, and usually some extra dal too. The vegetable component varies depending on what or if there’s anything growing in the garden (and it pretty much disappears the last few days before the Larke Pass). Dal Bhat is what all guides and porters eat so it’s constantly being prepared, unlike more western style dishes which always have to be made to order. And as the whole cooking process requires less energy, this means that it’s better for the environment too.

Breakfast-Breakfast include porridge, pancakes, omelettes, boiled eggs, and various breads (Tibetan bread, buckwheat bread, chapatis, and so on).

Main Dishes(Lunch/Dinner)-Standard dishes on menus are soups, pasta dishes, various fried rice dishes, momos, a kind of dumpling, pizzas, and of course, Dal Bhat. Some dishes have meat options but this is something to be wary of. Lots of dishes have egg and some tuna from a can.

Drinks-Hot drinks are on the menu at every guesthouse, with an often huge range of options stretching from regular black tea and coffee to Masala tea, lemon ginger honey tea, and hot chocolate.

Manaslu Heli Trek Cost- Manaslu Trek package costs ranges from USD 1500 to USD 1800 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals, permits, and even the hotel stay before and after the trek.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Sotikhola(710m)
Get an early morning bus drive to Soti khola, takes 7/8 hours drive. Soti Khola is the starting point of Manaslu Circuit Trek. Stay overnight at Soti Khola.
Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola(930m, 24km, 7/8 hours trek)
The first stage of the trek follows the narrow, deep Buri Gandaki valley, through dense forests and terraced farmland. Expect hot and humid weather at the early stages of the trek.
Day 3: Macha Khola to Jagat(1,410m, 23 km, 5/6 hours)
Today we experience some of the best aspects of trekking through a deep gorge: suspension bridges, waterfalls and impressive rapids, and we’ll enter the Manaslu Conservation Area in the beautiful paved village of Jagat.
Day 4: Jagat to Deng(1,804 m, 21 km, 5/6 hours)
Today we’ll have more steep ups and downs, and suspension bridges, as we get our first views of high, snow-covered mountains. After crossing several bridges and more spectacular waterfalls we will pass the entrance to Tsum Valley before we enter the area where natives are ethnically Tibetan.
Day 5: Deng to Namrung(2,630 m, 20km, 5/6 hours)
We enter deeper into Tibetan influenced territory, with the first mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks) making their appearance along the trail, while enjoying spectacular views.
Day 6: Namrung to Shyala(3,430 m, 15km, 4/5 hours))
The landscape turns increasingly Alpine as we continue to gain altitude, and we get our first views of Manaslu itself! The village of Lho is lively and has a small gompa (shrine) that’s worth a visit.
Day 7: Syala to Sama Gau via Pungyen Gompa(3,530m, 18km,6/7 hours)
More mani walls and gompas line the trail today, as we continue to see the snowy peak of Manaslu in the distance ahead of us.
Day 8: Sama Gau Manaslu Base Camp and Back(3,860 m, 26 km, 7/8 hours)
We’ll have our first rest day here, to give our body’s time to adjust to the altitude. Explore the village or take a day hike to PungGyen Gompa.
Day 9: Samagaun to Kathmandu
Breakfast and flying back to Kathmandu on Helicopter. The trip ends.

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Option 2:

Alternative Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870 m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

Today we drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola driving through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road deteriorates and is quite rough and bumpy from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon we follow a trail through the woods heading upriver along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and then across the mountains from where we have frequent views down to the river far below. Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola.

Day 2 : Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1340 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we cross the Machha Khola River and pass Khorlabesi (920m) before arriving at Tatopani, famous for its therapeutic hot springs. The trail then passes through a forested area as we make our way to the Dovan Khola (river) and to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As we head higher you will notice a change in the vegetation right up until we arrive at Jagat Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.

Day 3 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we trek through the valley to Sirdibas where there are fantastic views of Shringi Himal. We then cross the suspension bridge followed by a steep ascent to Philim, with waterfalls cascading down from the mountains into the valley. We next arrive at Ekle Bhatti and then Pewa Village as we follow a trail through the valley until we arrive at Deng Village where we will stay overnight.

Day 4 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630 m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we initially have a steep climb and then have to head back down to the Budi Gandaki River. The trail heads through the valley and past several small settlements. As we get nearer to Namrung you will see Mani stones (stones with carved with Tibetan mantras) a reminder that we are venturing into territory occupied by Tibetan Buddhists. In the afternoon we will take a short and interesting detour to Prok village (2 hour round trip) and then follow the trail to Namrung for our overnight stay at a guesthouse.

Day 5 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon, (3,530 m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

We is like stepping back in time today as we walk between the Mani stone walls of Lho Village, a place where there are few signs of modernity. From Lho we can see the snow capped peak of Ngadi Chuli (7871m aka Peak 29). Another short detour takes us up to the Pungen Glacier from where we have stunning close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. We will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Samagaun.

Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460 m) Duration 4-5 hours.

This morning we cross several rivers before coming to Larkya Bazaar, a village that survives as a trading post for traders heading down from Tibet. From here we climb up a steep trail until we come to Dharamsala where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 7 : Trek to Bimtang (3,720 m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) Duration: 8-9 hours.

We have a tough day ahead of us as we take the trail via Larkya La Pass (5106 m/17,121 ft) to Bhimthang. We first have to climb to Cho Chanda and then up to the steep snow covered pass. The views of many surrounding peaks are truly exceptional from this high altitude vantage point. The Himalayan mountains of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are clearly observable from the pass. We then descend a steep trail and trek across moraines until we come to Bhimthang Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.

Day 8 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,900m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we descend from high pasture land and then cross the Dudh Khola (river) on a suspension bridge. Along the trail we head through rhododendron (flowering in spring) and oak forests. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours we come to Dharapani in the Annapurna region. This is also a common gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek. If you are thinking of extending your trek, then we can head along the Annapurna trail. Tonight we stay at a guesthouse in Dharapani.

Day 9 : Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani Duration: 8-9 hours.

This is our final day on the trail of our Manaslu Circuit trek. Across the river, we will take a local jeep to Besisahar and then a bus back to Kathmandu where you will be taken back to your hotels.

Cost Includes

Bus transfer- Kathmandu/Soti Khola.
Twin sharing tea house accommodation during trek.
Samagaun to Kathmandu by helicopter transfer sharing with other people.
Trekking permit-TIMS cards,ACAP, MCAP and Manaslu Valley Restricted Area Permit.
English Speaking guide and all his expenses like salary, meals, accommodation and transfer
3 times meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking
All the goverment taxes and company service charge.

Cost Not Includes

Airport pick up and departure transfer
Hotel accommodation and meals- lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Any kind of drinks – coke, mineral water, hot water, tea, coffee, beer, whisky.
Travel insurance in case of emergency for rescue helicopter and other medication.
Upgrade accommodation like room with private toilet.
Porter for carrying backpack.
Expenses of personal natures like internet, telephone, WiFi, Laundry,hot shower etc
Tips for guide and porter
All the cost not mention on above cost includes.

Manaslu Trek Guide
A guide is required on this trek and the guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manage all of the logistics is great.The Manaslu Circuit Trek does require a guide. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit can be done independently but the rules on the Manaslu Circuit are stricter about having a guide.
Money-Everything is payable in the local currency, Nepalese Rupees (NPR).Take plenty of small denomination notes as change is not readily available on the trail, particularly at higher altitudes. Also beware that ATM have max withdrawal amounts, and your bank may have a max daily withdrawal limit, so you may not be able to withdraw the total amount that you need all in one day. The amount of money you need to take on the Manaslu Circuit Trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or not. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package. If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc.
Manaslu Trek Packing List
We would suggest to take what you need and make your bag as light as possible.You can expect to need more warm clothes in the colder months. Also, crampons may be needed if there’s ice and snow on the pass. On the other hand, if you plan to trek with a porter then this will make choosing what to take a bit easier – just don’t overload your porter of course. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu.
1 Rucksack-60L to 70L
1 Sleeping Bag
1 pair of pants that maybe convert to shorts
1 pair of shorts
1 Warm or thicker pair of hiking pants
1 Long sleeve quick-dry shirt
1 Long-sleeve thermal shirt
2 Short-sleeve t-shirts
1 Thermal long underwear
4 pairs of quick-dry underwear
1 Lightweight down jacket
1 Heavy-duty summit down jacket
1 Beanie
1 Cap
Sunglasses
1 Neck Buff
Gloves
Hiking boots
Microspikes
Head torch
Gaiters
1 pair of warm summit socks
2 pairs of regular socks
Sunscreen
Trekking poles
Water filter
Power bank
Insurance for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Travel insurance is compulsory trekking in Manaslu because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on trails for falls, avalanches, or other mishaps.
Internet, Wifi, Sim cards and staying Charged
If you’re looking to stay connected while trekking the Manaslu Circuit, the options are fairly limited.
Wifi: Wifi is available at some guesthouses in places such as Samagaun, Samdo and Lho. There is however normally a charge for using the internet, and with slow speeds, you may end up wishing you hadn’t bothered. If there’s nothing urgent, our advice would be to wait until you get back from the mountains.Costs anywhere from $4 to $6 to use WiFi at the guesthouses.
Sim Cards
4G sim cards and packages can be bought at the airport, or from numerous vendors in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. They’re great in the city but as soon as you leave the coverage is patchy. We recommend Nepal Telecom and Ncell for 3G/4G coverage. It’s safe to say that in the mountains, neither are really any good.
Electricity: You will have to pay anywhere from $3 at low elevation to $5 to charge your power banks, cameras, and phones. The key is to get a fat power bank. Pay to charge that then charge everything from your power bank.Your power bank lets you charge your phone and camera batteries. Most of the places you stay let you charge your gear for an extra cost.
Best Seasons Trekking Manaslu Circuit
Autumn-The best time to go trekking in Manaslu is from September to November. The weather is generally dry and clear, with warm sunny days and excellent visibility. There’s a lower likelihood of weather related natural disasters at this time of year, making for a much safer trekking environment. Furthermore, given that it’s the best season, it’s also the busiest.
Spring-The spring season from March to May is considered to be the next best option. The weather is generally clear although a little colder, particularly at higher altitudes. Mornings are sunny and flowers are in bloom. There is however a higher chance of rain, or even snow, and melting ice increases the chances of landslides or avalanches.
Summer-June to August is to be avoided. The monsoon is responsible for warm and wet weather, with cloud and mist making visibility extremely poor. You can hardly see a mountain. Leeches are a big problem at this time of year, as is the risk of landslides. As the Manaslu Region was one of the worst affected by the 2015 earthquake, there are many landslide areas – these can be more dangerous in wet weather.
Winter-In the winter, from December to February, temperatures in higher altitudes plunge. Snow and ice make this time of year unsuitable for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Drinking Water
The Manaslu Circuit is physically demanding and drinking plenty of water is a must.Drinking lots of water helps you acclimatize. Please drink at least three liters of water while trekking each day.Use an effective sterilization method to make sure your water is safe to drink.Purification tablets (we always have a few strips of these as a backup) and the Steripen is a perfect means sterilization the drinking water.Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek, the cost ranges from USD 3 to USD 5 per liters.
Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)