Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip Facts

  • Cost Start FromContact Us
  • Duration 17 Days
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • TransportationTourist Bus / Jeep
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • DestinationNepal
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Lodge + Hotel
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About Trip

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to one of the most isolated and unique landscapes in the western region of Nepal. The trek opens up to views of the Mountain of the Spirit-Mount Manaslu, which is the world’s eighth highest mountain at an elevation of 8163m. Manaslu circuit trek orbits around the beautiful Manaslu region with views of snowcapped Annapurna II while walking through lush forests and meadows. The unique culture and traditions of the Bhotia and Gurung communities along the trail offer an unforgettable experience. 

Starting from Jagat, the trail leads to lovely Gurung villages along the way and then to Larkya La Pass, which is the most challenging and the highest point of the trek. Manaslu trek takes you to the lap of the mountain at Manaslu Base Camp to offer majestic views.  Through some ascends and descends, the trail leads to Tilje, Chamche, and back to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Round Trek takes you to the Manaslu conservation area which has been declared as restricted by the government of Nepal. This region is home to 33 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr. There are over 110 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 1500-2000 species of flowering plants. As of now, Manaslu Trek is a pioneer trekking destination and is eventually flourishing into a popular trekking route. 

FAQs- Everything you should know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek

  1. How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is classified as moderate, which means that you need to be physically fit for the trek. You can do some regular exercise a month before the trek. Since you need to walk for about 6 to 7 hours each day and cover around 12-15 km per day, you need to prepare yourself for the trek accordingly. With days for acclimatization and short treks, the Manaslu circuit trek will not be challenging.

  1. Why Manaslu Trek is expensive than others? 

Manaslu Trek is a bit more expensive than its corresponding Annapurna Trek and other treks due to the reason that it falls under a restricted area. Since the Manaslu Circuit trek falls under the Manaslu Conservation Plan the following permits are required:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Manaslu Conservation Area Project(MCAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project(ACAP)

You can acquire the permits through your travel agent or in the tourism office in Kathmandu. Note that the TIMS permit is not required for this trek.

  1. What is the best season/time to trek the Manaslu region?

Manaslu Circuit's best season for trekking is Autumn which is from September to December and Spring that stretches from March to May. During these two seasons, the weather is very clear, and you can enjoy the views.

However, Manaslu can also trek in the monsoon region that begins in June and lasts till mid-September since the region sees little rainfall.

  1. Why is a guide important in Manaslu Trek? 

It is best suggested and for tourists even mandated to take a guide since the trail isn't marked well, and Manaslu is also a restricted region. Having a guide can make accommodation and navigation much more accessible. Also, if you hire a porter to carry your luggage, then you can enjoy the trek to the fullest without any burden. 

Trip Highlights

  1. Relish the scenic views of snow-capped mountains like Manaslu (8156m), Annapurna II (7937m), Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru

  1. Cross the challenging Larkya Pass 5,106m which is the highest point of the trek and traverse to Manaslu Base Camp

  1. Intermingle with the Gurung and Bhutia community and explore the Tibetan culture heavily influenced in the villages like Deng, Namrung, Samdo, and Sama gaon.

  1. Walkthrough lush forest of rhododendron and alpine meadows towards green hills

  1. Get the chance to witness the abundant flora and fauna like Blue Sheep, Thar, Pika, Himalayan Marmots, and luckily enough Snow Leopard. 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrive Kathmandu
  • Day 02:Manaslu Restricted area preparation and briefing of Trek.
  • Day 03:Drive to Soti Khola (800m) 4×4 Jeep
  • Day 04:Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m)
  • Day 05:Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)
  • Day 06:Jagat to Deng (1800m)
  • Day 07:Deng to Namrung (2660m)
  • Day 08:Namrung to Lho Gham (3180m)
  • Day 09:Lho Gham to Samagaon (3530m)
  • Day 10:Samagaon (rest day) Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal.
  • Day 11:Samagaon to Samdo (3860m)
  • Day 12:Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4480m) Pass
  • Day 13:Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3720m) – climb the Larkya La (5100m)
  • Day 14:Bimthang to Tilje (2300m)
  • Day 15:Tilje – Chamche (1410m)
  • Day 16:Jeep drive to Kathmandu a private jeep back to the capital
  • Day 17:Depart Kathmandu

Cost Includes

  1. Airport Pick up and drop off service by Private Coach.
  2. 2 night's accommodation with breakfast at the standard hotel in Kathmandu.
  3. Three-time food in a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while you are on trekking.
  4. Tea House accommodation during the trek.
  5. Professional English speaking trekking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism) his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, etc.
  6. jeep to go to arughat and back from beshishahar.
  7. Annapurna conservation permits & TIMS Permits.
  8. Tourist service charge, Vat.
  9. One map Manasalu Trekking for the group  .

Cost Excludes

  1. International airfare and Nepal Visa Fees.
  2. Nepal Travel insurance.
  3. Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  4. Travel/Medical insurance and Emergency evacuation cost if needed.
  5. Personal expenses such as phone calls, drinks, donations, souvenirs, etc.
  6. Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
  7. Tips for guide, porter (it is expected).

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01Arrive KathmanduArrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detailed arrangement of the Trek. B&B at the hotel.
  • Day 02Manaslu Restricted area preparation and briefing of Trek.Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley after breakfast. The city tour comprises visits to many Buddhist and Hindu temples (some even listed as world heritage sites) which reflect the local culture and tradition. The sacred Hindu temple - Pashupatinath, Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath, the biggest Buddhist shrine in the world - Boudhanath and Durbar Square are some distinctive attractions of the tour. Overnight at the hotel on the B&B plan.
  • Day 03Drive to Soti Khola (800m) 4×4 Jeep Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola (710m). Early morning drive to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarter of Dhading, and then to Aarughat along rough tracks. At Aarughat we take a jeep and drive to Soti Khola which is ideal for the freshwater bath. Overnight stay at Soti Khola in a small village beside the river.
  • Day 04Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m) Soti Khola to Machhi Khola. After we cross the bridge, the trail goes through the green Saal forests. Ascending through a ridge overlooking rapids of Budhi Gandaki leads us to Khursane. The last part is a rocky trail up to the Gurung village, Lapubesi. Then we continue along the riverbank treading on the sand and rounded stones and cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Machhi Khola village. Overnight stay at Machhi Khola.
  • Day 05Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m) Machha Khola to Jagat. We continue the trail along the river. Ascending and descending small elevations, the trail passes through Tharo Khola, Khorlabesi, and eventually reaches a Hotspring - Tatopani. Traversing a ridge and crossing the Budhi Gandaki river, we reach Dovan. We gain elevation which brings changes in view and vegetation alike to reach Jagat. The forest walk could be a surprise meet with Langur Monkeys. Overnight stay at Jagat, a large Gurung village.
  • Day 06Jagat to Deng (1800m) The trail begins along a rocky ridge with an emerging view of Sringi Himal. We pass through Ghatta Khola and continue to Philim, a Gurung village. Before entering Nupri, we pass through farms growing maize, millet, potatoes, and vegetables. Passing through an uninhabited gorge, and walking on the trails at the bank of Budhi Gandaki, we cross bamboo forests to the Deng river. Overnight stay at a small Deng village beside the Deng river.
  • Day 07Deng to Namrung (2660m)Shortly beyond Deng, the trail climbs to Rena. After passing some houses, the trail elevates high above the river and then drops into the Sringi valley passing numerous Tibetan Mani lined walls and colorful forest before reaching Namrung. The trail has beautiful views of Sringi Himal and crosses the Budi Gandaki river several times. Overnight stay at Namrung.
  • Day 08Namrung to Lho Gham (3180m) With stunning views of Sringi, Ganesh Himal, the trek starts from Namrung and climbs steadily into the alpine which is blessed with marvelous mountain views. The village of Namrung marks the beginning of the region of pure Tibetan inhabitants. Passing through forests, villages, and barley terraces, the first stunning glimpses of Manaslu gets visible which accentuates at Lho village. We stay overnight at Lho village and enjoy the sunrise and sunset view from the lodge or a gompa.
  • Day 09Lho Gham to Samagaon (3530m) We pass through gompas, Tibetan settlement, and alpine scenery. After a short trek, we reach Sama Gaon where we stop. The retreat is both for rest as well as acclimatization. Its also a day to get acquainted with Sherpa culture and tradition. Set at the foot of the pastures, the village has a distinctive Tibetan architecture which ripens through the 500 years of settlement. Entrance gates to villages are common here, and you can also notice Chinese brandy on sale or see village women weaving wool into gowns. Hike up to a gompa above the town or wander the streets of Sama Gaon. Overnight stay at a mountain lodge.
  • Day 10Samagaon (rest day) Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal.Samagaon (rest day). Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal. Descending to the Budhi Gandaki river and following it towards the north until we reach a bridge, we take a left and head to the Manaslu Base Camp. Pungyen Gompa is a 3-4 hours hiking and Birendra Tal is a 1 hour hiking, so both can be combined.
  • Day 11Samagaon to Samdo (3860m) Samagaon to Samdo (3860m). The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls in the valley and leads to juniper and birch forests. Descending back to Budhi Gandaki and crossing a small bridge, we climb to 'Kane', the entrance to Samdo. A village with 3 valleys converging upon it, Samdo is known for traditional yak herding and it depicts the traditional Tibetan lifestyle - rearing sheep and goats, training horses, and planting barley.
  • Day 12Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4480m) Pass The walkthrough ridges, crossing wooden bridges over Budi Gandaki continue. After crossing two streams, we come across the Larkya glacier after which a dramatic gorge is reached. Upon climbing to 4450 meters, we reach Larke Phedi where we take shelter in a Dharmashala. The walk is short providing plenty of time for acclimatization.
  • Day 13Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3720m) – climb the Larkya La (5100m) A short climb leads us to the north side of Larkya Glacier. The place provides great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The climb to the Larkya La (5100m) pass is gradual in the beginning but steepens towards the end. Stunning panorama of different ranges can be seen from the pass. A challenging day over the high Larkya La. The steep descent from here is strenuous, but its an equally rewarding experience. Bimthang awaits the end of a tough day. Overnight at a tented camp.
  • Day 14Bimthang to Tilje (2300m) With outstanding views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal with the inspiring forest and valley below, the descent from Bimthang crosses over high pasture land, Dudh Khola and rhododendron forest. Karcher, 2785 meters is the highest cultivated land in the area which leads to a steep climb over a ridge. The village of Gho is a rest option though better lodges are available at Tilje.
  • Day 15Tilje – Chamche (1410m) After crossing a bridge and a stone-paved trail, we pass through a beautiful village. Tibetan settlement can be seen along the way. We descend into the Marsygandi Valley and from Dharapani, meet up with the classic Annapurna trail. Walking across Karte village and crossing the Marshyangdi Khola, mani lined walls welcome us to the village of Tal and further move to Chamche. Overnight stay at Chamche.
  • Day 16Jeep drive to Kathmandu a private jeep back to the capitalDrive back to Kathmandu via Beshishahar. With terrace fields and villages over the hills, we descend through rhododendron and pine forests to Syange. The drive from here to Kathmandu is mostly along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers and passes through Beshishahar, the district headquarter of Lamjung. In the evening, celebration over the successful completion of the trip is done over dinner. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
  • Day 17Depart KathmanduDeparture from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle.
Rated 5/5 based on 2 reviews
  • Best place for beginners
    Austria

    Best place for beginners

    Rating:

    Unforgettable trip from low land of 900 meters to hight of 5300 meters larke pass. Samagaun and loho is best place for himalayas views. Recommended trek for all trekkers who love culture and natures.

  • Tibetan cultural trip
    Peru

    Tibetan cultural trip "MANASLU"

    Rating:

    Manaslu Trek was my dream, now my dream came as truth. Trekking in restricted Zone of Nepal known as manaslu and tsum valley was a wonderful part of the Nepal trip. Guided trek to manaslu circuit Gives us golden opportunity to see a local lifestyle and cultures of Tibetan Buddhism, explore manaslu base camp, Talk with local monks in monk’s school. By our time we are not able to do tsum valley trek. Defiantly our next mission is tsum valley trek. We are satisfied with their teamwork such as operating part, internal management. Owner Dipak and our guide basanta was more than perfect. Basanta has full knowledge of the region and he is from that area too. We love to stay hotel florid Nepal in Kathmandu. The hotel has its own garden in backward which is peace with nice music.

Trip Note

Above itinerary can be re-designed as per your interest & preferences. Let us know whether you would like some changes. you can also book Hotel in Kathmandu.

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