The Great Himalayan Circuit: Manaslu, Nar Phu & Annapurna
You are a highly experienced Himalayan trekker. You have crossed high passes and spent weeks on the trail. You are now searching for the ultimate trekking challenge, a grand traverse that connects multiple legendary regions into one, seamless, month-long expedition.
Imagine a journey that begins in the remote, culturally Tibetan world of the Manaslu Circuit. You cross the stunning Larkya La pass. But instead of finishing, your adventure continues. You enter the even more remote "lost valleys" of Nar and Phu, a land of ancient monasteries and rugged beauty, and cross the challenging Kang La pass. Still not finished, you join the classic Annapurna Circuit to cross the world's highest trekking pass, the Thorong La.
Our 34-day Manaslu and Nar Phu Trek is that ultimate journey. This is arguably the most challenging and rewarding teahouse-based trek in Nepal. You will complete three epic treks back-to-back and cross three of the world's highest and most famous trekking passes. This is a grand expedition for the connoisseur of high-altitude adventure.
On reaching at the base of high Thorang-la Pass with steep climb to reach on the highest top of the adventure at above 5,416 m facing incredible awesome views of close mountain range of Chulus, Annapurna and Damodar Himal with Dhaulagiri range. From the highest point of the journey downhill towards Mustang area to reach at holy premises ofMuktinath, a place for pilgrimage for Hindu and Buddhist followers and then heading lower areas at vast river valley of Kali-Gandaki to complete our longest walking journey at Jomsom.
In Pokhara with time to enjoy its beautiful surrounding of mountains and lakes and then head back to Kathmandu to conclude one of the most overwhelming adventure and experience of a lifetime on Manaslu Circuit and Nar-Phu Trekking with one and only great services ofThird Eye Treks and Expedition.
Best Time for This Expedition
This extremely long and difficult high-altitude trek requires the best possible weather. The autumn and spring seasons are the only viable times.
- Autumn (September - November): This is the ideal season. The skies are very clear, and the weather is at its most stable, which is critical for safely crossing the three high passes.
- Spring (March - May): This is the other possible season. The weather is warmer, and the passes are clearing of winter snow. Conditions on the passes will be assessed by our expert guides.
A Typical Day on Your Trek
- Morning: Days often start early, especially on pass-crossing days where you may begin before sunrise. A hot breakfast at the teahouse will prepare you for the day.
- Trekking: The pace is always slow and steady. This is absolutely critical for acclimatizing over such a long period at high altitude. Daily walks are long and demanding.
- Lunch: You will stop at a teahouse on the trail for a one-hour lunch break. In the most remote sections, a packed lunch may be necessary.
- Afternoon: You will walk for another 2-4 hours to reach the next village.
- Evening: You can relax, read, and drink tea. Dinner is served around 7:00 PM. Your guide will give a detailed briefing on the plan for the next challenging day.
Meet Your Expedition Team
This trek requires a highly experienced support team to ensure your safety and success.
- Your Expert Guide: We only use our most experienced senior guides for this expedition. They have extensive high-altitude experience, have crossed all three passes multiple times, and are expertly trained in first aid and mountain safety.
- Your Strong Porter: We hire porters who are experienced in long, high-altitude treks. One porter will carry the main bags for two trekkers.
Safety on this Strenuous Trek
Your safety is our absolute priority on this journey.
- Superior Acclimatization: This 34-day itinerary has multiple rest days built in at key locations (Sama Gaon, Phu). This slow ascent is the only way to safely attempt three high passes.
- Remote Area Safety: The Manaslu and Nar Phu sections are very remote. Your guide is an expert in this area and will carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and emergency communication devices.
- Pass Conditions: Your guide will make the final decision on crossing each pass based on weather and trail conditions. Your safety is more important than the schedule.
Trek Difficulty: Are You Ready?
This trek is rated as Very Strenuous (Expedition Level). It is suitable only for experienced trekkers with a very high level of physical fitness and proven experience at high altitudes (above 5,000 meters).
You must be prepared for over a month of continuous trekking, extreme high altitudes, and basic lodging. You will cross three major passes, each a significant challenge. This trek requires excellent cardiovascular health, strength, and strong mental resilience.
Food and Lodging on the Trek
- Teahouses: You will stay in local teahouses. The lodges in the Manaslu and Nar Phu valleys are much more basic than on the main Annapurna trail. The teahouse at Kang La Base Camp is a very basic shelter.
- Meals: We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. The food is simple but provides good energy. The main meal is Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables).
