Group Size
Min 1 Max 12
Duration
38 Days
Grade
The pinnacle of adventure travel, these expeditions demand peak physical fitness, previous high-altitude experience, and technical mountaineering skills. They involve long durations, unpredictable conditions, usage of climbing gears, and exposure to extreme altitudes (above 7000m).
Max. Altitude
8,163m/26,781ft
Activity
High Altitude Expeditions
Meals Included
In Kathmandu, breakfast is included at the hotel, and during the trek, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided
Accomodation
Experience a mix of accommodations—hotels in the city, lodges on the trek, and tents at higher altitudes or remote climbing areas.
Best Season
Sep-Oct
- Climb the 8th highest peak in the world
- Excellent preliminary peak for Everest
- Fully guided expedition with Sherpa support
- Helicopter flight to Kathmandu
At Highland Expeditions, your safety is our highest priority. Please be aware that your guide has the authority to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary for safety reasons. While every effort will be made to follow the planned schedule, the nature of high-altitude expeditions means that flexibility is essential.
Climbing 8000m peaks in remote and mountainous regions brings with it variables that are beyond our control. Weather changes, altitude-related health issues, and unforeseen natural events can all lead to itinerary adjustments. In such cases, your guide will make informed decisions to ensure the well-being of all team members. We ask that all participants approach the expedition with an open mind and a flexible attitude. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a key part of any successful Himalayan adventure.
Manaslu Expedition Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Highland Expeditions will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore the nearby Thamel area.
Meals:
None
Accommodation:
Hotel
O/N Elevation:
1,350m/4,430ft
Gear Check, Briefing and Final Preparation
Today, we’ll conduct a thorough gear check to ensure everything is in order for the climb. Afterward, we’ll attend an official expedition briefing at the Department of Tourism. Any last-minute purchases can be made in Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our team.
Meals:
B,D
Accommodation:
Hotel
O/N Elevation:
1,350m/4,430ft
Drive to Besisahar
After early morning breakfast, we will head west and follow the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River to the homeland of Central Himalaya including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The road offers an opportunity to have a view of rustic Nepal which comprises green hills, rivers, villages and snow-clad mountains at the backdrop. We will part ways with the Highway at Dumre and choose the branched-off route to Besisahar where we will stay overnight
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Hotel
O/N Elevation:
760m/2,495ft
Drive to Dharapani and Trek to Goa
From Besisahar, we drive on a rough road to Dharapani and begin our trek. The trail climbs gradually through pine and rhododendron forests. Goa is a peaceful village nestled above the Marsyangdi River, offering a quieter start to our trek.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
6-7 hrs
O/N Elevation:
2,515m/8,250ft
Trek to Bhimthang
Today we will be ascending over 1000m climb to Bhimthang. The journey today is about 6-7 hrs walk. A scenic walk through open valleys and grassy ridges. The final stretch to Bhimthang opens up stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Himlung Himal.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
5-6 hrs
O/N Elevation:
3,590m/11,780ft
Acclimatization day at Bhimthang
Today we stay at Bhimthang for an additional night in order to ensure proper acclimatization and gradual altitude gain. There will be a short hike before lunch today with a plan to climb high and sleep slow. Staying active at altitude is key for a safe and successful climb.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
6-7 hrs
O/N Elevation:
3,590m/11,780ft
Cross Larkya La Pass and trek to Samdo
Wake up early in the morning today. After a brief climb, we reach a glen on the side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are fantastic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and the huge Annapurna II. After the pass, we descend into the Manaslu valley and reach the Tibetan-influenced village of Samdo.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
8-9 hrs
Max Elevation:
5,160m/16,925ft
O/N Elevation:
3,875m12,710m
Trek to Samagaon
Begin with a gentle descent from Samdo, passing through traditional villages and yak pastures. Walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, enjoying views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Manaslu and Naike Peak. After 4 hours of hike, you reach the wide valley of Samagaon, a picturesque village nestled under the shadow of Manaslu.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
6-7 hrs
O/N Elevation:
3,530m/11,582ft
Explore Samagoan / Rest Day
A full acclimatization day at Samagaon with options for short hikes. We recommend a hike to Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Lake for incredible views of Manaslu’s glacier. This day helps us further adapt to high altitude before reaching Base Camp.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
3-4 hrs
O/N Elevation:
3,530m/11,582ft
Trek to Manaslu Base Camp
The trail is steep and strenuous, beginning with a gradual ascent through alpine pastures. As you climb, the terrain becomes rocky, with occasional icy patches depending on the season. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), glaciers, and the surrounding Himalayan range. After 4 hours of hiking, you reach Manaslu Base Camp, your home for the next 2 weeks. Soak in the majestic views of towering peaks and the surrounding glacier fields.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
4-5 hrs
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Puja Ceremony
A traditional Puja ceremony will be held at Base Camp, where we seek blessings for a safe and successful climb. This cultural moment marks the official start of our expedition. We take the remaining day to rest, recover, and allow our bodies to adjust to the new altitude.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Climbing Clinic and Fixed Rope Training
Today we run a climbing clinic led by your lead guide. You’ll learn and practice essential skills like ascending and descending fixed ropes using ascenders and descenders, harness safety, and rope transition techniques — all crucial for your success on the mountain.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Camp
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Climb to Camp 1 and return to Base Camp
We start our first acclimatization rotation with a hike up to Camp 1 and return to Base Camp the same day. The round trip takes around 7 to 8 hours and reaches an altitude of approximately 5,500m. This rotation allows us to experience the climbing route, gain valuable time at higher altitude, and begin preparing our bodies for the demands of the upper mountain.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Tents
Max Elevation:
5,500m/18,040ft
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Rest day at Manaslu Base Camp
A full rest day to recover from the hike and prepare for the next rotation. This is a good time to hydrate well, review gear, and focus on nutrition.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Climb to Manaslu Camp 1
We begin our second rotation and move up to Camp 1 for an overnight stay. You’ll start adapting to sleeping at higher altitudes and familiarize yourself with the glacier terrain above Camp 1.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
5 hrs
Max Elevation:
5,500m/18,040ft
O/N Elevation:
5,500m/18,040ft
Climb to Manaslu Camp 2
Today, we continue to Camp 2 over technical terrain with fixed lines. The route includes snow slopes and crevasse crossings. We overnight at Camp 2, gaining further acclimatization.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camps
Duration:
5/6 hrs
Max Elevation:
6,250m/20,500ft
O/N Elevation:
6,250m/20,500ft
Touch Camp 3 and return to Base Camp
From Camp 2, we climb toward Camp 3, which sits at around 6,800m. We reach the camp, spend some time at that altitude to stimulate acclimatization, and then descend all the way back to Base Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is a proven strategy to help the body adapt more effectively to high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude-related illness.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
8 hrs
Max Elevation:
6,800m/22,300ft
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Rest days at Base Camp
We remain at Base Camp for rest and recovery after the demanding rotation. Proper meals, hydration, and light movement are encouraged to support recovery and maintain strength. This period also allows us to finalize our summit strategy, assess the latest weather forecasts, and do final preparation for the summit push. Final gear checks, including oxygen training, are completed to ensure everything is ready for the climb ahead.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Max Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Climb to Camp 1
With a stable weather window in place, we begin our summit push. The route to Camp 1 is now familiar, allowing for a more efficient and confident ascent. The climb takes around 4 to 5 hours, steadily gaining altitude over glaciated terrain. Upon reaching Camp 1, we settle in for the night and focus on rest and hydration in preparation for the days ahead.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
4/5 hrs
Max Elevation:
5,500m/18,040ft
O/N Elevation:
5,500m/18,040ft
Climb to Camp 2
Today we ascend to Camp 2, retracing the route we followed during our earlier rotation. With altitude now more familiar, we focus on maintaining a steady pace while conserving energy for the higher camps ahead. The climb involves glacier travel and sections of fixed rope, and we settle into Camp 2 for the night as we continue our careful progression toward the summit.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
5/6 hrs
Max Elevation:
6,250m/20,500ft
O/N Elevation:
6,250m/20,500ft
Climb to Camp 3
We ascend to Camp 3, located below the main summit slopes. From this evening, we start using supplemental oxygen to support performance, safety, and recovery. Sleep at Camp 3 using Oxygen.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
3/4 hrs
Max Elevation:
6,800m/22,305ft
O/N Elevation:
6,800m/22,305ft
Climb to Camp 4
The terrain above Camp 3 becomes noticeably steeper and more exposed. Using fixed lines and moving at a controlled pace, we make our way up to Camp 4. This high camp, situated around 7,400m, places us in a position for a very early start for the final summit push. Rest, hydration, and oxygen use become even more critical at this stage.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
8 hrs
Max Elevation:
7,450m/24,440ft
O/N Elevation:
7,450m/24,440ft
Summit Manaslu (Real Summit 8163m) and return to Camp 2
We begin our summit push around midnight, though the exact timing may vary based on team performance, weather conditions, and crowding on the route. The climb involves steep snow slopes and narrow ridgelines, requiring steady movement and focus. It typically takes 6 to 7 hours to reach the Manaslu false summit from Camp 4. From the false summit, the route narrows into a bottleneck, and depending on traffic, there may be delays or queues before reaching the true summit of Manaslu. After standing on the real summit at 8,163m, we descend carefully and make our way back to Camp 2 for rest and recovery.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Tents
Duration:
12-14 hrs
Max Elevation:
8,163m/26,781ft
O/N Elevation:
6,250m/20,500ft
Descend to Base Camp
We continue descending to Base Camp. This marks the end of our climbing phase. A warm meal, hot shower, and celebration await at Base Camp.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
Duration:
4/5 hrs
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Pack-up and clean camp
We spend the day packing our gear and cleaning up camps.
Meals:
(B,L,D)
Accommodation:
Camp
O/N Elevation:
4,700m/15,421ft
Depart base camp to Samagaon
We bid farewell to the base camp staff and trek to Samagoan for an overnight before flying out to Kathmandu the next day.
Meals:
B,L,D
Accommodation:
Teahouse/Lodge
Duration:
4-5 hrs
O/N Elevation:
3,530m/11,582ft
Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu
We will leave for Kathmandu on this morning taking a helicopter flight back. We will take a scenic flight from Samagaon to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to your hotel after arrival in Kathmandu. Take leisure and soothe your aching limbs from a long and tiring expedition
Meals:
B
Accommodation:
Hotel
O/N Elevation:
1,350m/4,430ft
Free day in Kathmandu
Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or resting at the hotel’s beautiful garden.
Meals:
B
Accommodation:
Hotel
O/N Elevation:
1,350m/4,412ft
International departure
Transfer to the airport for your international flight. Our team will ensure a smooth departure. We hope your Manaslu Expedition with us has been both fulfilling and unforgettable.
Meals:
B
Accommodation:
Hotel
Contingency Days
We include seven contingency days to maximize summit success. These days account for possible delays due to weather, health, or route conditions. Flexibility is essential in any 8000m expedition.
If the expedition finishes on time, you will depart as scheduled. If extra days are needed, we will use them as required. We recommend booking a flexible return ticket to accommodate any changes.
Itinerary Disclaimer: The detailed itinerary provided above serves as a general guide for the Manaslu Expedition, based on our experience and an optimal pacing strategy. However, high altitude expeditions are inherently unpredictable, and several factors may lead to changes in the planned schedule. Each climber acclimatizes at their own pace, and adjustments to the acclimatization plan or summit push may be necessary to ensure individual safety and overall expedition success. Weather conditions, route conditions, team dynamics, health status, and logistical factors can all influence the daily plan. While we aim to follow the outlined schedule as closely as possible, flexibility is essential in the mountains. Our guiding team will make real time decisions based on years of experience and sound judgment, prioritizing safety, acclimatization, and summit success.
We strongly encourage all participants to come prepared physically, mentally, and logistically for a fluid itinerary. Patience, adaptability, and teamwork are vital components of a successful 8000m expedition.
Availability
Our trips are available as both group departures and private experiences.
If you’re looking to join a group, simply click the Dates & Prices tab to view available dates, pricing, and current availability. The trip prices may increase or decrease based on availability and demand. All group departures are guaranteed to run once a booking is confirmed. If you prefer a private trip with your friends, family, or colleagues, visit the Private Trips tab and fill out the contact form. We’ll tailor the trip to your preferred dates and accommodate any special requests you may have.
Note for solo travelers: Some of our trips (see Group Size details) require a minimum of two participants to confirm the departure. If you’re booking as a solo participant, please contact us before making a booking to check availability for those departures.
DATES
PRICE
DEPOSIT
AVAILABILITY
38 Days
1 Sep, 2026 - 8 Oct, 2026
USD 16,500
20% Deposit
USD 3,300
10 in a group
Available
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Cost Inclusion
- Fully supported and guided expedition to Manaslu
- Experienced lead guide
An experienced lead guide with previous leading experience in Manaslu Expedition. IFMGA guide will be provided incase of more than 4 climbers in team. Lead guide will assist climbers during the rotation of higher camps and depending on group size, additional sherpa guide will be provided - Sherpa Guide:
– 1:1 sherpa guide for each climber during the summit push with assistance of carrying your gears to higher camps on rotations - Oxygen
4 bottle of oxygen for each climbers (highest in the industry) with the use of Mask & Regulator - Expedition Permit and Fees
– Manaslu Climbing Royalty Fees (USD 3000) each climber
– Trekking Permit
– Restricted Area Permit
– Local Permit Fee - Other Charges
– Rope fixing charges for each climber
– Garbage management
– Liaison Officer wages and allowances - Meals
– All meals (B,L,D) with tea/coffee during the trekking period at teahouse/lodges
– Freshly prepared meals (B,L,D) with tea/coffee at Manaslu Base Camp prepared by our chef and kitchen team
– A wide variety of nutritious high-altitude mountain foods for higher camps (Camp 1,2,3,4) - Accommodation
– Accommodation at 3/4 star hotel in Kathmandu for four nights with breakfast included
– Accommodation at teahouse/lodges during the trekking period
– Personal Box Tent at base camp
– High quality mountain tents for higher camps on twin sharing - Fully Established Base Camp
– Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Dining Tent, Shower Tent, Sleeping Tent, Table, Chairs, Heater etc for your comfortable stay
– Generator, Solar Panel for charging your devices - Higher Camps:
– High quality mountain tents
– Cooking stove and utensils - Communications:
– Satellite phone for emergencies / nominal charges for personal use
– Radio Set / Walkie Talkie for communication between camps - Flights
– Samagoan to Kathmandu helicopter flight on sharing basis - Staffs:
– Base Camp Kitchen Staff: Cook, Helper and Kitchen Team - Wages & Allowances:
– Wages, allowances, equipment and insurance for all staffs - Gear
– Common climbing equipment such as rope
– 2 Waterproof duffel bags for each climber - Porterage of equipment
– 60 kgs of equipment porterage for each climber up to base camp and 30kgs of porterage back after expedition - Transfers:
– Airport pickup and drop as per your flight time
– Kathmandu – Besisahar – Dharapani Transportation - Weather Forecast Service
– Paid weather forecast for monitoring weather during the expedition period - Climbing Clinic
– Training at base camp by our guides before the actual climb - Emergency Medical and Rescue
– Comprehensive medical first kit at base camp
– Assistance with rescue incase of emergencies (Client should obtain personal travel insurance)
Cost Exclusion
- International airfare
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Custom for bringing any expedition goods
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Insurance (Mandatory)
- Summit bonus for your sherpa (USD 1000 minimum, applicable once you reach Camp 4 on summit push)
- Tips for base camp (USD 300)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for staff (Porter)
Manaslu Expedition FAQs
Prerequisite
Guides
Oxygen
Meals
Accommodation
Route
Base camp
Weather forecast
Communication
Group Size
Insurance
Payment
Other Information
Equipment List for Manaslu Expedition
The gear listed below is required for the expedition. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.
Head:
– Warm hat
– Baseball cap or other sun hat
– Thermal balaclava
– Buff X 3
– Sunglasses/Glacier Glasses (High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection)
– Ski goggles (Anti-fog and good ventilation)
– Headlight X 2 with spare batteries
Upper body:
– Base layers top
– Long-sleeved shirts
– T-Shirts
– Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
– Primaloft or light down jacket
– Hardshell Jacket with hood
– Down Jacket with hood (800m fill)
– Down Suit (Lightweight, comfortable fit and 800m fill) (For Summit Climb Only)
Lower body:
– Base layers bottom
– Trekking trousers/pants
– Mid-weight trousers/pants
– Hardshell Gore-Tex pants (Non-insulated and waterproof)
– Insulated down pant
Feet:
– Hiking Boots X 1
– Camp shoes X 1
– 8000m Mountaineering Boot X 1
– Hiking socks X 4 pairs medium to heavy (synthetic and wool)
– Liner socks X 2
– Summit socks X 2
– Gaiters X 1
– Flip flop / Sandal X 1
Hands:
– Liner Gloves
– Mid-weight gloves
– Heavyweight gloves( Leather Palm)
– Down Mittens / Summit gloves
Climbing equipment:
– Climbing helmet
– Harness
– Ascender/Jumar (Large handle)
– Descender /Figure 8
– ATC Guide
– Carabiners (4 screw gate and 4 snap gate)
– Prussik cord X 2
– Slings X 2
– Ice Axe
– 12-points steel crampons
Gears / Personal Equipment:
– Lightweight backpack (45-55 L) for both trekking and climbing
– Inflatable sleeping mattress
– Sleeping bag – 20C rated for base camp
– Sleeping bag – 40C rated for higher camps
– Trekking poles
– Water bottle one (1) litre X 2 with an insulated cover
– Thermos
– Multi-tool knife
– Pee bottle
– Laundry bag to keep dirty clothes
– Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
– Padlock
– Binoculars
– Sewing kit
– Duct tape
– Reading materials, notebooks and pens
– Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the expedition.
– Camera with charger or spare batteries
– Snack foods (Energy gels for summit days)
– Garmin InReach Mini
Toiletries and hygiene
– Quick-drying towel
– Small face towel
– Toothbrush &Toothpaste
– Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
– Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
– Hand sanitiser/Antiseptic wipes
– Hygiene products
– Basic first aid kit
Documents
– Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
– 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and official formalities
– Travel Insurance (Please refer to the general information page for more detail about it)
– Flight tickets
– Credit cards in case of emergencies
– Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)
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Reviews
See what our travelers are saying! Our reviews highlight the memorable experiences and exceptional service we offer. Read their stories to find out why our adventures are so highly praised. Write a review.
Amazing Manaslu expedition and summit experience
Amazing Manaslu expedition and summit experience
I joined Highland Expeditions for the Manaslu climb and had an incredible experience. The Sherpa team was super supportive and always attentive, both on and off the mountain. You could really feel how much they cared about everyone’s safety and comfort.
What I liked most was the small group; it made the whole expedition feel more personal and flexible. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
Couldn’t have asked for a better team for this climb. Highly recommend!
I joined the Manaslu 2024 expedition, and am very happy about all aspects of the tour. Very well planned and organised, professional staff, good communication, and above all a fun time. I can highly recommend Highland Expeditions.
Manaslu Adventure: Excellence in Every Step
Manaslu Adventure: Excellence in Every Step
Thanks Highland Expeditions for an amazing experience climbing Manaslu. Special thanks to the leading guide Sangey, who made it all happen. Your passion for mountains and your genuine friendliness made all the difference!
