Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, then a short walk to Machha Khola to start.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek
13
Days
Overview
- NTB-certified guides who know the Budhi Gandaki valley well
- No high pass to cross, a genuinely lower-risk profile than the full circuit
- Small groups, 12 trekkers or fewer
- All-inclusive pricing: permits, lodges, meals and porters covered
- A real, close base camp finish at 4,800m, not a distant viewpoint
The Manaslu Base Camp trek is a 13-day teahouse trek to 4,800m in the restricted Budhi Gandaki valley, reaching the foot of the world's eighth-highest mountain via Samagaun village. Unlike the full Manaslu Circuit, it's an out-and-back route with no high pass to cross. Full route and cost details are below.
The Manaslu Base Camp trek follows the same valley as the better-known Manaslu Circuit, but turns back at Samagaun instead of continuing over the Larkya La pass at 5,106m. That makes it a genuinely quieter, shorter alternative for anyone who wants Manaslu's scenery without the extra 6 to 7 days and the pass-crossing risk.
The Budhi Gandaki valley became a restricted area in 1991 to protect it from over-tourism, and it still sees far fewer trekkers than Everest or Annapurna as a result.
Trip snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days (trek only, Machha Khola to Machha Khola) |
| Max altitude | 4,800m (Manaslu Base Camp) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous, no high pass crossing on this route |
| Best season | March to May, September to November |
| Group size | 2 to 12 people |
| Price basis | Per person, teahouse full board included |
| Permits required | Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit |
Booking
Email contact@aqtreks.com or visit aqtreks.com to check dates and group availability.
Itinerary
Day 2 :
Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Along the Budhi Gandaki river, crossing several suspension bridges. 6 hours.
Day 3 :
Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
The restricted area checkpoint is here. The valley narrows noticeably from this point. 6 to 7 hours.
Day 4 :
Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Past Ghap and into a more Tibetan-influenced stretch of the valley. 6 hours.
Day 5 :
Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
First real views of Manaslu itself appear today. 4 to 5 hours.
Day 6 :
Lho to Samagaun (3,530m)
A shorter day into the largest village on the route, our base for two nights. 3 to 4 hours.
Day 7 :
Acclimatisation day in Samagaun
Optional side hike to Birendra Lake or a viewpoint above the village.
The main event: up to base camp for close views of Manaslu, then back down to Samagaun to sleep. 6 to 7 hours round trip.
Descend the same valley back through Namrung, Deng and Jagat to the road at Soti Khola, over 5 days.
The cost includes
- All teahouse accommodation on the trek
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner each day on the trail
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Ground transport, Kathmandu to trailhead and return
The cost excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide and porters
Before You Go
Best time to go
Spring and autumn both work well here. Spring gives you a greener lower valley; autumn gives clearer views of Manaslu itself from Lho and Samagaun. We don't have a strong personal preference for this particular trek, unlike some of the others we run.
Monsoon (June to August) brings landslide risk to the lower Budhi Gandaki trail, so we don't schedule departures then. Check conditions on Windy.com before you travel.
Permits and practical info
You'll need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, priced by season (USD 100 for the first 7 days September to November, USD 75 for the first 7 days the rest of the year, with a daily rate after), plus the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit at USD 30. This route doesn't cross into Annapurna Conservation Area territory, so ACAP isn't required for this specific itinerary. We arrange everything as part of your booking.
Nepali regulation requires a licensed guide for this restricted area, and we'd recommend one anyway given how quiet the trail is. For general trekking health guidance, see the Himalayan Rescue Association, and check Nepal Tourism Board for current permit rules before you travel.
Ready to book? Email contact@aqtreks.com or visit aqtreks.com.
Departures
No fixed departure dates published yet for this trek — send us an enquiry for a private departure.
Routes
Frequently asked questions
How is Manaslu Base Camp different from the Manaslu Circuit?
The base camp trek is an out-and-back route that turns around at Samagaun after visiting base camp, taking 13 days. The full Manaslu Circuit continues over the Larkya La pass at 5,106m and finishes in a different valley, taking 17 to 19 days. The base camp version is shorter, lower-risk, and doesn't require pass-crossing experience.
How high is Manaslu Base Camp?
Manaslu Base Camp sits at 4,800 metres, reached as a day trip from Samagaun village at 3,530 metres. It's a genuine, close viewpoint of Manaslu's south face, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres, without needing to cross any high pass to get there.
How many days does the Manaslu Base Camp trek take?
Our itinerary runs 13 days, trek only, from Machha Khola back to Machha Khola. That's noticeably shorter than the full Manaslu Circuit, since this route doesn't cross the Larkya La pass and simply retraces its own path back down through the same villages you climbed through.
What permits do I need for Manaslu Base Camp?
The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, priced seasonally from USD 75 to USD 100 for the first week, plus the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit at USD 30. Since this out-and-back route doesn't cross into Annapurna Conservation Area territory, ACAP isn't required, unlike on the full circuit.
Can I trek to Manaslu Base Camp without a guide?
No. The Budhi Gandaki valley is a restricted area, and Nepali law requires a licensed guide through a registered agency for anyone entering it, regardless of the specific itinerary, experience level, or how far up the valley you plan to go.
What is the best time for the Manaslu Base Camp trek?
March to May and September to November. Both give reliable weather and clear valley views. Monsoon season brings landslide risk to the lower trail near Jagat and Deng, so we don't schedule guided departures between June and August most years for safety reasons.
How much does the Manaslu Base Camp trek cost?
Our all-inclusive package starts at USD 1,700 per person for a solo trekker, dropping to around USD 1,220 per person in a group of 7 to 12. That covers permits, teahouse lodging, full board, a licensed guide and porter service.
Is Manaslu Base Camp trek harder than Annapurna Base Camp?
It's a fairly close comparison in difficulty, though Manaslu Base Camp reaches a higher altitude, 4,800m against Annapurna's 4,130m, and the restricted-area logistics add a bit more planning ahead of time. Neither requires technical climbing skill or pass-crossing experience to complete safely.
Where does the Manaslu Base Camp trek start?
It starts at Machha Khola, reached by a road drive from Kathmandu via Soti Khola, usually 7 to 8 hours. There's no flight option for this trailhead, unlike some of our other restricted-area treks, so we build the full drive time into your itinerary.
What villages will I pass on the Manaslu Base Camp trek?
The main villages are Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samagaun, each a genuine overnight stop with teahouse lodging. Samagaun is the largest and serves as the base for the final push up to base camp itself, with two nights scheduled there for exactly that reason.
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