This trip takes you on a journey around the 8th highest mountain in the world, Manaslu. Reaching a peak of 26,781 feet, Manaslu is less crowded than Everest yet just as dramatic. Manaslu is named from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” meaning soul or intellect, so it is often translated as the "Mountain of the Spirit," which feels very fitting. 

While we won't be doing any technical climbing or going up to 26,781 feet on this trip, get your hiking boots ready because we will be trekking the Manaslu Circuit for 8 days through remote Himalayan villages shaped by Tibetan culture, across suspension bridges over roaring rivers, into high alpine landscapes, and over passes adorned with prayer flags where blue sheep, yaks, and eagles roam. ​Along the way, we'll reach Manaslu Base Camp (15,748ft/4800m) and Larke Pass (16,752ft/5106m) while trekking in parts of the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. You can experience local life, visit monasteries, and enjoy the culture and hospitality of the people who’ve lived in these remote areas for centuries. 

For 7 nights on the trek plus the night before and after, we will rest and relax overnight in teahouses, which are accommodations along trekking routes in Nepal that offer basic lodging and meals. The teahouses are run by the local communities, meaning you’ll have the chance to chat with many friendly locals and other hikers from around the world. Rather than camping, everyone will have a bed each night, access to a shower every night but 2, and a dining room with a fire where we’ll eat warm meals as a group. For those who need it, wifi is available most nights, but there’s nothing as refreshing as a social media detox. During this hike, you can truly disconnect from the world and give yourself a real mental break. 

The menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner include dal bhat (a delicious mountain staple served with unlimited portions of a garlicky lentil soup, rice, curry, and various sides) momos (dumplings), and more Nepali options but also fried rice, stir-fry noodles, pancakes, oatmeal, popcorn, and more. Even people who don’t regularly love tea will be ready for a hot cup of masala tea or ginger and lemon tea with a drizzle of fresh Himalayan honey with every meal.

This trip is as much about experiencing the vibrant culture of Nepal as it is about the astounding nature. On day one, you'll arrive in Kathmandu, the country’s capital, which sits in a valley surrounded by Himalayan peaks. Right away, you’ll be introduced to the delicious Nepali cuisine, although there is an extensive variety of options to fuel up before we hike. On day two, you’ll see busy streets full of markets, several colorful Hindu temples, Swayambhunath (the "Monkey Temple"), and the bustling Patan Durbar Square, a place that has been home to royalty for centuries. From Kathmandu, we’ll take depart to start the trek in private jeeps. After the trek finished, we will return together to Kathmandu to celebrate the trek. 

The combination of mountains, nature, culture, and amazing food in the Himalayas is truly unlike anywhere else on Earth.
 

 1. Note that your international flights to and from Kathmandu are not included. However, we have free information on how to find the best flights, and we work with travelers to help find available deals.

2. Each traveler will be responsible for paying for their visa upon arrival in Nepal. The cost of the tourist visa is either 30 USD for a 15-day stay, 50 USD if the traveler plans to stay for up to 30 days, or 125 USD if the traveler plans to stay for up to 90 days. If you are only staying in Nepal for the duration of the TWC trip, the 15-day stay is sufficient.  

3. There is a 3% fee for paying with a credit card. Alternatively, travelers can pay via bank transfer to avoid any processing fees.

4. Note: The activity level of this trip is VERY HIGH. There are 8 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking involved on most other days. The terrain on the hiking days is very strenuous and can be steep. The mileage of the hikes are long, especially towards the end of the trek, but the elevation gradually increases, starting from 4386 ft/1340m and reaching a maximum of 16,752ft/5106m. It is highly recommended that those who join this trip have hiking experience unless travelers regularly do another form of strenuous physical activity. Reach out to jessica@travelwc.com with additional questions. Information on how to best prepare to make the hikes as comfortable as possible will also be given.  Prepared hikers are the happiest hikers. 

5. Each traveler will also have to purchase travel insurance of their choosing that fits specific requirements. This insurance starts at approximately 34 USD. This insurance will need to cover basic hiking up to 16,800 feet in elevation (5,200 meters).