Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Spectacular scenery and much more variety than the Everest Base Camp trek I did back in 2005. Also much more challenging since you start at 800 m and climb to 5,100m.

I booked the manaslu circuit trek for 14 days from the 20th of December to the 3rd of January, for my friend Jessica and I. I looked at many different options before booking the trek and hiring guides directly but decided on this tour operator because they seemed to have a reliable reputation, with experienced guides. Chattra, the boss seemed very knowledgeable and offered me a good deal on the cost of arranging permits compared with other agencies and didn't try and sell us any extras. He was also understood that we were going to be potentially trekking in cold conditions with snow or ice and so he offered us a choice of two very experienced guides. When we met Chhatra in person he was very efficient and friendly and flexible with our plans. We chose Raj Karki as our guide and we arrange meet him at our hostel. Right from the get go he seemed excited to go on the trek but was honest and told us that it could be difficult and that we might not be able to cross Larkya pass, we had opted to get a local bus over the jeep taxi and although we were his first clients to choose the bus he was very happy to do so and had researched the bus station, times and prices and personally took us there the next morning. From this it was obvious that he was well prepared and did his research as we discovered later in the trek he kept in contact with all the guesthouses along the way and knew which were good and which would be open at this time of year when most places close for the winter. It was immediately clear on meeting Raj that he was sociable and genuinely enjoyed our company he was always fun to chat with and while trekking and in the evenings and would even join us for a regular card game after dinner. Unlike many guides who I have heard just play on there phone or go drinking whenever they get the chance. Once we started trekking it was obvious that he very fit and would adjust his speed to test us to get an idea of our itinerary in the beginning and then would walk slower or faster as we prefered along the route. He said we were much fitter than average and seemed to enjoy pushing more than usual. He also had a lot of knowledge about the route, technical skills and first aid and even when we got food poisoning during the route he could recommend which foods to eat or to avoid. So although we never had any injuries we knew we were in good hands if we did. Raj never pushed us to make decisions alnong the route and instead gave us all the information on difficulty, practicality etc and left the decision you to us. Indeed as once we reached the village of lgo we had snowfall all night and later said he had thought we probably wouldn't be able to cross the pass but he was happy take us as far as we liked to try. In the end we made it all the way to dharmasala before we decide to turn back at this point we had to open the trail through the snow ourselves which was really tough work but he never complained and always saw to our needs. He seemed to really enjoy the trekking and the adventure of pushing through the conditions and him having this attitude really lifted our spirits during the trek even when we're returning back the way we came, it never felt like were inconveniencing him and in fact, right from the beginning it felt like we were trekking with a good friend. I would absolutely recommend Raj to anyone who wants an experienced guide who is good fun but also fit enough and experienced enough to go with whatever kind of trek you want to do however challenging.

The Manaslu Circuit is a very unique trek with beautiful views on the mountains and authentic villages. Every day the scene changed, from hills with rice fields to green jungle, Tibetan villages, and the snow covered pass itself. The trek was challenging and sometimes heavy due to recent rain and snow, but definitely worth it!Our guide Raj was awesome, he speaks really good English and very experienced. He knows a lot about the area and was able to answer even our most difficult questions. He always informed with locals about the conditions of the trek, which was very helpful since the rain caused lots of landslides recently. We always felt safe due to his judgements and experience. Furthermore he was very nice to spend time with, and making us feel comfortable.We would definitely recommend this trek, Eco Adventure and especially our guide Raj!

I booked my trip to Manaslu cuircut through this operator. Due to Covid I really wanted to do some hiking in Nepal I found this company. The director Chhatr made really quick response, he is a very nice guy. When landing in Nepal he met me at the airport in time, he drove me to the hotell then brought me to the office where I met the guide Keshab Then next day we went for the hike. Nature was so beautiful very different from anything I have seen before. I was really satisfied with my guide witch spoke really good English. We also had a porter with us Santa that we got to know during our trek, he was also speaking English and was always happy and positive!I have previously gone for several treks in Nepal but this is one of my absolute favourites.Thank you Chhatr for an amazing trip, I will very much recomend this company and guide Keshab. I will be back for sure!

I highly recommend the Manaslu circuit. Great variety of landscapes and decent accommodation along the way (it was possible to see plenty more being built so if you want to beat the crowds to this superb area it may be worth going now rather than later!). The trek had a good level of challenge; very doable for those with good fitness but certainly not a walk in the park.

Beautiful and varied scenery with chance to experience the unique Nepali culture. Moving experience reaching Larkhe pass.

My friend and I, both in our 30s, booked a Manaslu Circuit trek with this local operator and quite frankly we absolutely loved it. Before the trek, Chatra, the company founder, was clear and friendly in his emails to us, and on arrival in Kathmandu he was even easier and more charming to deal with - not least because his English is exceptional. He answered all our questions about our trek to put our minds at ease, and he was flexible enough to adjust the dates of our trek to fit around our travel commitments. Really good guy. For the trek itself it'd probably be a euphemism to say it was challenging. The first few days of the trek are 10 to 12 hours over tough terrain, with steep inclines, rocky trails and lots of exciting but slightly trouser-darkening steel rope bridges. The pictures we took during those days were incredible, but if you're afraid of heights you're going to have to give yourself a stern talking to to get through. Beyond that, things start to get easier as you get higher up, as you need time to adjust to the rising altitude. The trekking time per day drops to around 3 to 4 hours, and it means you have plenty of time to play some cards or have a beer with other trekkers in the evening. From there, around day 10 or 11 you're onto the summit walk, and some truly breathtaking views of 8,000m peaks, blue glaciers and expansive frozen lakes. You'll have earned them too, and the scenery from the larkye pass all the way down to Bhimtang to Dharapani are a stunning reward for your efforts. The teahouses you'll stay in throughout the trip are basic, and you'll hear this word a lot in the run up to the trip. But the reality is they're okay and certainly better than staying in a tent. There's often a mattress, good food and a toilet you can use, and electrical plugs for charging phones and cameras. If you're very lucky there's occasionally a hot shower and Wi-Fi and even a seated toilet as well, but don't hold your breath. Except when you're in one of those toilets, that is. For our trip we were assigned Arun Karki as our guide and we couldn't have hoped for a better companion for our trip. Everything we asked for he could find for us, and if he couldn't find it he'd be really straight and honest about why. He was always pro-active in his thinking about what we would need, and took time out every day to tell us about the flora fauna and culture of Nepal as it passed us by. He took great pictures of us too and was happy to share them with us which was fun. He was able to joke around with us and have a laugh while never taking his eye off the ball of our needs and wishes. A really great guy who we have no hesitation in recommending. Overall the manaslu trek is a real treat. Tough, but rewarding, and from everyone we spoke to on the way a much better route to take than Annapurna or Everest Base Camp. The reason is there are just so many fewer people on the trekking days and at times it really feels like you're the first Europeans to be seeing this scenery, it's so private. So if that's the kind of trek you're after, and you feel fit enough to deal with the teahouses and the longer days.

The Manaslu Circuit was my first trek in Nepal, and it could not have been more amazing. The vistas, experiences, hospitality and cultural insight offered by this trek are beyond incredible and are wonderfully inspiring. The true remoteness of some of the locations along this trek can put things into perspective for one, and there are many beautiful moments along the way that are worth the long days. Chhatra paired me up with an absolutely outstanding guide, Phinjo, an amazing human, who went above and beyond to make the trek as enjoyable, insightful and situation-free as possible. Without him, I would certainly not have been gifted the wonderful experience that was had along the journey. Phinjo always reinforced to go slowly and enjoy every step of the way, helping me avoid any problems with acclimatisation. His knowledge, experience and care was fully displayed during the trek and only made the overall experience even more wonderful. Like anything, the trek has its tough moments, mostly the day over the pass, but the euphoria of reaching the top supersedes the demanding nature of the trekking at that point. I will never forget this experience and it will stay close to me forever. Thanks for organising such a special trek for me!!!

We were pleased to have completed this trip because it was much quieter than other treks and the remoteness meant we weren't worrying about dust from cars, we were only dodging donkeys and yaks. Probably the only thing I would change is to add an extra accimatisation day at Dharamasala or Samdo rather than gain 1400m elevation in 2 days in getting over the Larkya pass. But we made it and it was great!

The trip with our guide, Tej, was fantastic. We got along well and Tej had a lot to tell about the culture and the environment. The trek was challenging and had beautiful views. Afterwards we got to meet his family and they brought us to the airport.

We travelled to Nepal in October 2017 to complete the rigorous yet rewarding Manslu Trek. Our overall experience with the local tour operator was very positive as they made the trek a memorable one for us. The trek itself was very enjoyable, in large due to the hard work and easy going attitudes of our guide Ram Karki and porter Mandeep. Ram and Mandeep were both very knowledge of the area and therefore always answered our questions about the region, culture and people with a great level of detail and interest. Ram was very organized on the trek itself meaning we did not have to worry about the planning of accommodation and meals. Their easy going attitudes also allowed us to form good friendships on the trip All in all the trip was a very memorable one for us, and I would like to thank the tour operator for making it a once in a lifetime experience

We went to Nepal in October 2017 for 2 weeks to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. First, let's talk about the trek. The Himalayas are spectacular, and we were extremely happy with our choice of trek. Everyday, we would go to bed thinking we saw amazing sights, but then the next day would blow us away. No matter which trek you do, you won't regret it, but I highly recommend the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We did a 13-day trek starting in Soti Kholla and ending in Dharapani. The best part about the trek is the change in scenery that you see daily. You start in the low foothills which are rich with life. Slowly, you climb higher and watch the scenery and towns change. Snowcapped peaks begin to appear in the distance. The last 3-4 days are dramatic, as the Himal reveal themselves and completely blow you away. Just pray that you get good clear weather from Samagaon onwards! We were lucky and we did! As for the lodges, they are comfortable but basic. We got access to showers at about 3-4 places, but as you climb higher, your desire to shower decreases because you don't sweat and because it's cold. Food is great. Just stay away from deep-fried stuff and milk, and purify your water with the tablets. We did not get any stomach illness during our trek. You will not be disappointed by this trek! I'll definitely be returning soon to do another trek in this region.