Trip overview
Manaslu Circuit trek 18 days
Manaslu circuit trek is about the Manaslu Massif (8163m.) and the eighth highest mountain in the world. Manaslu circuit trek is a less crowded trekking route another trekking route in Nepal. Manaslu circuit treks trail goes through the traditional village of Hindu and Buddhist religious settlement. During the Manaslu circuit trek, you can explore the panoramic views of kind snow-capped mountain ranges ie. Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh, etc. Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a wonderful landscapes, greenery countryside, lots of forests and the gorgeous views and huge glacier and snow-capped mountain make of trip extra special. Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail is a restricted area for the sole trek. So, you need at least two trekkers and a registered local trekking guide to trek in the Manaslu region.
Around the Manaslu trekking route was forbidden to the tourists up to 1991, later on when the Japanese Expedition them ascended the Manaslu Peak (8157m.), it became popular as ” Japanese Mountain .” This trek begins from Gorkha, Trishuli Bazaar of Dhading. From one of them
Trishuli Bazaar -Trishuli Bazaar or Dhunche will be an alternative station point to trek around Manaslu. Buses to Trishuli or Dhunche will be available from Kathmandu early in the morning. Dhading –Dhading is an excellent starting point to trek Manaslu. Rules – After paying U.S.D.$90 per person per week from October to November and the US $75 per person per week for the rest of the year.
The route – The trail is rough and steep and often hangs on a bluff high above the river. Though the Larkya La is not a difficult pall, the trek is harder. The trek is remote and no rescue facilities or opportunities to bail out if tired.This trek is culturally and geographically spectacular and fascinating to all the trekkers. The Tibetans of the upper Budhi Gandaki, the region known as Nupri (the Gandaki, the western mountains), are direct descendants of Tibetan immigration. Their speech; dress and customs are exclusively Tibetan. There is still continuing the trade between Nupri and Tibet. The mountain views at Nupri are sensational, and the Larke- pass in one to the most dramatic Himalayan pass. This trek is in a region of strong Tibetan influence, most places have Tibetan names instead of Nepalese.
Highlight Points:-
- Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) Views: –The eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu, dominates the landscape throughout the trek, offering awe-inspiring views.
- Larkya La Pass (5,160m): –The highest point of the trek and one of the most thrilling passes in Nepal, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
- Rich Cultural Experience: –Explore the Tibetan-influenced culture of the Gurung and Tamang people in villages like Samagaon and Samdo.Visit ancient monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags along the trail.
- Remote and Unspoiled Trail: –The Manaslu Circuit is less crowded than other popular treks like Everest or Annapurna, offering solitude and untouched landscapes.
- Diverse Landscapes: –Experience a dramatic change in scenery, from subtropical forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and glacial valleys.
- Birendra Tal (Lake): – A stunning glacial lake near Samagaon that reflects the peaks of the Manaslu range.
- Tsum Valley (Optional Extension): –A hidden gem, the Tsum Valley offers an even more remote and culturally rich side journey, featuring Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and unique traditions.
- Wildlife: –The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, and red pandas.
- Authentic Villages: –Picturesque villages like Jagat, Namrung, and Lho offer stunning views of the mountains and opportunities to experience local life.
- Tea House Trekking: –Comfortable tea houses along the trail provide cozy accommodation and authentic Nepali meals, adding to the trekking experience.This trek combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a favorite for trekkers looking for a unique Himalayan experience.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (Preparation day, gear check).
Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola (700m).
Day 3: Trek to Machha Khola (870m).
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1,340m).
Day 5: Trek to Deng (1,860m).
Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2,630m).
Day 7: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m).
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Samagaun (Optional hike to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp).
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,860m).
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Samdo (Short hike to the Tibetan border).
Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m).
Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and descend to Bimthang (3,590m).
Day 13: Trek to Tilije (2,300m).
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m).
Day 15: Drive to Besisahar and onward to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Free day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing, shopping, rest).
Day 17: Buffer day (in case of delays).
Day 18: Departure.
Itinerary
Early morning after berekfast take a car from the hotel and drive to to the bus stationation and then start form kathmandu to Aarughat bazar it take about 7-8 hrs by local bus.
Aarughat to Sati Khola:730 meters (2,395 ft)The trek starts to go ahead to Sati Khola via Sante Bazaar and Budhi Gandaki valley and reaches to Koirpani, a small village of Magar and Gurung. The trail descends to Ahati Khola. There is a small waterfall just above the trail, a larger waterfall with a 60-meter drop is visible by climbing upstream. This valley is famous for honey, which is harvested in a manner as described in the book “Honey Hunters of Nepal”.
Sti Khola to Labu Besi: After crossing the bridge, the trek climbs up onto a ridge above the huge rapids of Budhi Gandaki and reaches to Khorsaani. Then it, the trail, gets a bit precarious as it passes over a big rock and crosses a stream. The rocky trail then goes up and down through a large stand of nettles, passes tropical waterfalls and again backs down to the bank of Budhi Gandaki. The trek goes up again on a steep rocky trail and down then up around to the Gurung village of Labu Besi and rests overnight.
Labu Besi to Doban: The trek forwards to Machha Khola after crossing several streams on the way and reaches to the place where a cable ropeway is hanging over Budhi Gandaki, it should be crossed in a small cable car called “Girling”. The trail again forwards to Doban Khola via Khorlavesi, Tatopani, etc.
Doban to Jagat: The route climbs on a Rugged Rocky trail to Duman. Then passes the villages of Yaru Khola, Thado Bharyang and crosses Budhi Gandaki again and climbs over a ridge; trek along the river for a while and reaches to the compact village of Jagat at 1410 meters.
Jagat to Serson: The trek climbs over a rocky ridge up to salleri. Shringi Himal offers good views from this Village. The trail descends to Setibas (Tara) a Gurung village influenced by Tibetan culture. Continuing upstream, the trail follows the best and new route to Manaslu via Ngyuak (Nyak), climbs up to Philim (Dodang) at 1550 meters. The trail then leads to Ganesh Himal is called Tsum. It is still off-limits to foreigners. This village of Tsum is inhabited by Tibetans and is towards Tibet across to passes ahead of the Shar Khola ( East River ) Valley. Later on, the trail reaches to serson.
Serson to Deng: After serson, The trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall pine trees then, the trail hangs on a cliff after crossing the Budi Gandaki. The tiny village Deng comes after crossing a bamboo forest and Deng Khola (river)
Deng to Ghap: today the trail re-crosses Budi Gandaki and climbs up then passes a waterfall after crossing a stream it continues to climb ahead before dropping to Shring Khola crosses it and climbs steeply to reach to Ghap( task) Many of the carvings of Buddha in various meditative poses and others are of the Tibetan saint Milarepa who is said to have travel and meditated in this valley.
Ghap to Namrung: The trail then crosses a 26 meters long bridge over Budi Gandaki at 2100Meters and passes more many stones to enter in to the woods then, the trail climbs two long main walls and a waterfall will be on the way to village at Budi Gandaki Valley which is a trading route to Tibet. The trek climbs over a big rock and continues up through deep fir and Rhododendron. the forest entering Namrung (Nsamdru) through a stone archway at 2600 meters, there are excellent camps in the forest, another part of Namrung remains across the bridge.
Namrung to Shya: After Numrung the trail follows the Nupri region, a region, a region of Tibetan immigration. On the way village Li at 2900meters, the trail passes village Barcham (Bartsam) and the forest of fire and rhododendron. The trail leaves the village and crosses Hinan Khola and reaches to Sho Sho, where children demand Shim a Tibetan word for Sweets or candy. After leaving Budi Gandaki valley, the spectaculars views of Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu north (7154m) and Naike Peak come into sight. The Trail then follows to Lho ( Lo) at 3100meters pass Shrimp, a small settlement. Lho is a big village with gompa (Monastery) a stone Archway at the entrance of a Tibetan style Chorten and a huge Mani wall. The Trail drops down to cross Damonan Khola, Starts to ascend again and finally emerges onto a platue at shya (3520m.) with wide views of Himal chuli, Ngadi chuli, and Manaslu.
Shya to Gompa: The trail crosses a ridge and descends on to a tock- strewn Moraine then emerges on to a ridge overlooking pastures and fields of Samagaon (Ro) the samaGompa is nestled against a wooded moraine at the far end of the valley. Spare a day to climb the ridge to the south of Samagaon to the Pung- Gyen Gompa hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu. The Japanese call this Honsanso Gompa. An avalanche destroyed it in the winter of 1953, killing 18 inhabitants.
Sama Gompa to Samdo: The trail descends to Budhi Gandaki and leads to Manaslu Base “Camp. The Larkya La trail passes several Manmu walls and reaches to Kermo Kharka after crossing the Juniper, Birch forest. The trail then climbs steeply to find Samdo nestled behind a bridge at 3860m. Somewhere in the village, a police Cheak post lurks’ a major trade route to Tibet heads ahead east through the village over Lajyang La at 5098m. A day’s walk from here.
Samdo to Larkya Resthouse: The trek descends to the river and crosses it then proceeds on to climb to Larkya La. Again climb gently through Juniper and Tundra opposite to Larkya La Glacier. The trail gets steeper and climbs the side of the ridge about 4000m. Where there is a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge. The trail climbs in and out of the and reaches the only shelter on the route to the pass, a rest house at 4480.
Larkya Resthouse to Bimtang: Starting up the ridge in front of the rest house the trail reaches at the top of the moraine at 7400m. And climbs steeply to the pass at 5100m. It takes about 3/4hrs. To reach the pass so, it is best to start earlier. The tremendous views of Himlung Himal (7126m.) Cheo Himal (6820m.) Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru (6981m.) and Annapurna II (7937m.) can be seen on the west from here. Then the trail descends to Bimtang (3720m.), which means “Plain of Sand” in the Tibetan language. This a huge valley surrounded by high peaks.
Bimatang to Gho: The trek descends to Dudh Khola and reaches to Gho at 2560m. crossing Pine and Rhododendron forest via Hompuk, Karchep village. At foot of the valley, part of Lamjung peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight.
Gho to Dharapani: The trail continues through the fields with rhododendron Oak forests to Dharapani via Tilje (Tiljet), Thonje (Thangjet villages. In Thonje, the Sirdar of Liaison Officer will contact the police to show off the collected garbage to obtain a clearance certificate. Afterward, the trek follows the trail to Dharapani (1920m.) for rest overnight.
Dharapani to Beshisahar by jeep about 6 hrs
Besi Shahar to Kathmandu: From beshi Shahar vehicles are available to Kathmandu.
Included
- All airport and hotel transfers
- 2 Night hotel in Kathmandu with B/B plan
- Conservation permit
- Kathmandu to Aarughat Bus ticket and Bashishahar to Kathmandu
- Accommodation, food, & Tea/coffee during treks
- Guide:- including salary, insurance, equipment, bus transportation, flight fare, food, and lodging
- Porter:- including salary, insurance, equipment, bus transportation, food, and lodging
Not Included
- Food in Kathmandu ( Lunch & Dinner)
- Nepal Visa fee
- International airfare from your country to Kathmandu and from Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance if guest get mountain sickness and need to rescue helicopters.
- Personal expenses example (phone calls, laundry service, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
- Tips for guide and porters
Join Us Upcoming Trips
Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.
| Departure Date | Trip Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 March, 2024 | 18 days | $2210 | Fixed departure |
Useful Info
Duration: 18 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Maximum Altitude: Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,930ft)
Starting Point: Soti Khola (700m / 2,297ft), Ending Point: Dharapani or Besisahar
Permit Requirements: 1, Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) 2, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) 3, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Essential Gear: -Clothing: Layered trekking outfits, down jacket, rain jacket, gloves, hat, thermal base layers. Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, extra socks. Equipment: Trekking poles, sleeping bag (-15°C rating), headlamp, water purifier, and daypack. Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, first aid kit, snacks, and cash (ATMs are unavailable on the trail).
