Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Region
Trip Days
17 Days
Max. Elevation
5106m M
Lodging
hotel/guesthouse
Difficulty
Difficult
Transportation
Bus/Jeep

Trip Overview

Mount Manaslu is raised at 8,163 meters (26,718 ft) above sea level, which makes it the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It’s located on the northern lap of Gorkha District only 119 kilometers from Kathmandu valley. The Manaslu Conservation Area spread across 1,663 Square kilometers entails the Manaslu Himal within it. The Manaslu region can be explored in a variety of trail options, among them the popular 177 kilometers track is special with enchantingly stood snowy mountains and hill villages scattered en route. The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River and passes through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and diverse landscapes.

We will begin our trek from Arughat which has an elevation of 585 meters and the highest point reached along the trek route will be the Larkya La at an elevation of 5106 meters (16,752 ft). The trekking trail follows the ancient salt trade route.

We will navigate through different elevations, mountainous terrain, remote villages, varying weather, rainfall, or snowfall, and sometimes encounter passing yak which all makes the Manaslu circuit trek a moderately difficult trek. A magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu from different trek points will be rewarding during the trek.

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Spectacular view of Mt Manaslu from various points
  • High altitudes pass of Larkya La (5106m/16752 ft)
  • Enchanting view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II
  • Suspension bridges, prayers stones, and flags to see on the way
  • Passing through the beautiful villages of Namrung & Samagaon they also serve as a vantage point for Mountain View
  • Experience the aged old Tibetan culture while visiting monasteries
  • Get to know about the local’s lifestyle, traditions, and culture.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu

Upon your arrival one of our representatives will be there to welcome you then he/she will take you to your hotel. The representative will provide a quick explanation of your further travel plan. There will be no planned activities for day one so you may relax at your hotel room or roam nearby your hotel. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 02: Trek preparation and Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour

Your second day will be like getting a preview of the country Nepal. After breakfast, you will be sightseeing the exquisite beauty of cultural heritage sites listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites, which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and the Pashupatinath Temple. Again overnight stay will be at the hotel, breakfast included.

Day 03: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m/2328ft) Duration: 8-9 hrs

You will be picked up by your trek guide at 8 am then we will drive to Arughat. Out of the eight hours trip, the first four hours till Dhading Bensi will be the smooth pitched road drive then to reach Arughat we will be through rough road. From Arughat (695m/2280ft) to Soti Khola we will take a jeep, another two hours drive. Your overnight stay will be at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included).

Day 04: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m/2952ft) Duration: 5-6 hrs

Your trail today will be through forest, following the upstream of Budhi Gandaki river then we will descend along the river bed then we will ascend elevated terrain while overseeing the river below. You will start experiencing windy weather from today onward. Your night stay will be at a guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).

Day 05: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395ft) Duration: 6 hrs

From Machha Khola we will pass through Khrolabesi to head towards hot springs at Tatopani. Trail through a moderate forest will lead us to Dovan Khola, from there we will walk to make our tonight’s stay at one of the guest houses in Budhi Gandaki Valley. Jagat is a beautiful agricultural village in the valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 06: Jagat to Philim (1700m/5576ft) Duration: 5 hrs

Our trek today will be comparatively easier than yesterday because we will be passing through a well sculpted foot trail of Jagat Village to the valley of Sirdabas. While soaking our eyes in the beauty of Shringi Himal we will walk down to a river, cross a suspension bridge of the river and trail through the steeped path to reach Philim village. Our evening will be spent looking around the village and we will be staying at a guesthouse for a good night’s rest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 07: Philim to Deng (2095m/6871ft) Duration: 5 hrs

As you ascend you will notice the landscape being changed every day. From Philim we will pass through Eklebhatti while noticing enchanting waterfalls on the way. We will cross the river via suspension bridge, then we will continue our walk through Euwa, further through the valley to resume today’s journey at the Deng village. Our night stay will be in the guest house there. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 08: Deng to Namrung (2900m/9512ft) Duration: 5 hrs

Today’s trail will be steeped even further, we will walk up and down to cross the river then will continue towards the valley. Today’s tiring walk will be appreciated by the Mani (prayer stones) artistically chipped onto the rocks along the trail. Before dinner we will be exploring around the small settlement of Prok. Our overnight stay will be at a guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 09: Namrung to Samagaon (3500m/11480ft) Duration: 6 hrs

From Namrung’s comfortable stay we will pass through the stone and then be followed by the Mani (divine prayer stones) wall of Lho village. From there you will be seeing the beauty of 29 peaks which is also known as Manaslu II which is between Manaslu and Himalchuli. You can either go to the Pungen Glacier to get a very close up view of Manaslu or follow through the moraine of Pungen to reach Sama. Tonight’s stay will be even further from Sama at Sama Gompa. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 10: Acclimatization day at Samagaon

Today is for acclimatization because our body needs to adapt in such elevated terrain for at least one before going further. For acclimatization you can either take a half or full day walk. The full day walk will be 6-7 hours round trip of the Manaslu Base camp and half day walk will be 3-4 hours round trip to the glacier across the valley. Overnight stay will be at Samagaon again. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 11: Samagaon to Samdo (3690m/12103ft) Duration: 3 hrs

We will ascend further while encountering mesmerizing views of mount Manaslu to reach Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village. We will spend our afternoon exploring the village. Tonight’s stay will be in this village which is only one day walking distance from the Tibetan border. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 12: Samdo to Dharmashala (4450m/14596ft) Duration: 4 hrs

From Samdo passing multiple streams we will head to the Larkya Bazaar. From Larkya Bazaar we will climb the steeped mountainous path to Dharmashala. Our delightful stay will be at the guesthouse tonight and tomorrow we will touch the highest point of our trail. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 13: Dharmashala to Bhimphedi (3590m/11775ft) Duration 8-9 hrs

From Dharmashala we will climb towards Cho Chanda and from there we slowly walk up towards the steep and snowy pass. Then we will do Larkya La pass (5220m/17121ft), our adventure of this trek. The panoramic view from the peak will be breathtaking. We will be surrounded by Himlung Himal (7126meter), Cheo Himal (6820meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru (6981meters) and Annapurna II (7937meters). Then we will descend the steeped snowy trail again towards Bhimphedi slowly and very carefully. Tonight’s soulful stay will be at Bhimphedi. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 14: Bhimphedi to Tilje (2300m/7544ft) Duration: 5 hrs

While descending we will pass through agricultural fields and will cross Karche La pass. We will walk through the rhododendron forest to reach Tilje. In spring this forest looks like a garden. Our night stay will be in Tilje. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 15: Tilje to Chamje (1410m/4625ft) Duration: 6-7 hrs

While following the trail through a small ridge we will rejoice in the beauty of the stone paved path across a beautiful village. We will walk on the suspension bridge of Dudh Khola and climb up and walk along the Mani (prayer stones) wall to reach the Thonje village. After encountering a police checkpoint we will continue towards Dharapani. Dharapani comes under Annapurna Circuit. We will descend through Karta village, cross Suspension bridge of Marshyangdi River and will reach Tal village while overseeing Mani walls for the last time in this trek. Tal village is located south of a gorgeous waterfall. With further descent we reach Chamje village. This is our last stop before returning to Kathmandu tomorrow morning. Our stay will be in a guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 16: Chamje to Kathmandu (1337m) Duration: 8 hrs

We will take a drive to Beshisahar then we will take another vehicle to Kathmandu. We will have a farewell dinner with the team. Your restful stay will be in Hotel Kathmandu. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Day 17: Farewell

This is the day of your departure with the baggage of memories you have created throughout the journey. Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight one of our team will take you to the airport. Have a safe flight back home. We will depart with the home to meet again.

Includes/Excludes

What’s Included?

  • Airport to hotel and hotel to airport transportation
  • Three nights stay in hotel Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Kathmandu sightseeing tour including world heritage site entry fees, tour guide, and transportation
  • Meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner included during the trek
  • Twin-sharing accommodation during the trek
  • Trekker’s information management system (TIMS)
  • Bilingual, experienced trekking guide with porter (1 porter for two persons)
  • Guide and other staff’s s meals, accommodation, emolument, and insurance
  • General first aid kit
  • Yoga class in Kathmandu
  • Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Government permits and taxes

 

What’s Excluded?

  • Meals not specified in the menu inclusion of itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airfare from your country to Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Any hot or cold drinks and any personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek
  • Personal trekking apparatus
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
  • Additional trekking or tour packages

 

Useful Info

What to pack in your bag?

If you are planning your trip to a Himalayan country you should consider packing some warm clothes. in mountain weather keeps changing, we can find different weather on the same day. Weather in mountains tends to be windy to sunny to wet so we have listed a few things as a checklist for you.

For head:

  • hat or p-cap to prevent the face from sunburn
  • woolen cap to keep warmth
  • scarf or muffler
  • the face mask as a virus precaution and protects your nose from heavy wind
  • sunglasses to protect the eyes and to see better in mountain

For feet and hands

  • warm gloves
  • Sandal and sneakers
  • Thin cotton socks and thick woolen socks

Trekking special items

  • sticks (which you can hire at Thamel, Kathmandu as well)
  • Waterproof thin jacket
  • Windproof down jacket
  • Stretchable and warm trousers
  • breathable cotton t-shirts and pullovers
  • breathable cotton thermal wear
  • hiking shorts
  • Trekking boot
  • comfortable backpack and duffle bag
  • Sleeping bag (lightweight and appropriate for zero or below temperature)

Others:

  • tissue papers
  • sunscreens
  • shampoo and soaps
  • moisturizers
  • towels
  • inner garments
  • Reusable water bottle useful for hot and cold water
  • medicines (if you are taking any medicines or supplements)
  • other personal belongings

Food during the trek

Any kinds of food are available during the trek. Guesthouses have a menu that consists of both international cuisine and local Nepali cuisine. You can also try new cuisine which you haven’t tried before. Here are a few breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that are commonly found during the trek.

Breakfast

We can have a wide range of options for breakfast such as omelets, bread, cornflakes, cookies, oats, pancakes, milk, tea, coffee, hot lemon, boiled or fried beans, etc. somewhere you get traditional breakfast items such as Gurung bread (famous breakfast in Annapurna region), cell roti, puri, roti curry, etc.

Lunch and Dinner

Traditional Nepali lunch and dinner is Nepali khana consisting of Lentil soup, Rice, curry, pickle, and some salad. There is a famous saying around trekking areas “Dal Bhat power twenty-four hour” which means Nepali khana’s strength remains for twenty-four hours. For instance other than Nepali khana you can have varieties for lunch like; pizza, momo, chowmein, fried rice, noodles, spaghetti, soups, naan roti, etc. lunch, and dinner menu look similar you can choose as per your comfort, and preference.

Note: If you are vegan or in any diet restriction or allergic to anything, let your trek guide know beforehand.

 

FAQ

why Manaslu Circuit trek is a difficult trek?

Yes, it’s considered a difficult trek because of the high altitude pass at 5106 meters Larkya La. Because of the elevation our team takes special care for possible altitude sickness.

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