Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
- Jaw-dropping natural beauty of the forests, rivers, and flora in the Manaslu region
- Friendly people, and rich culture of the region, which includes both Nepalese & Tibetan ethnic groups
- Larky La Pass (5167 meters), the highest point on the trek
- Stunning view of some of the highest peaks in the world- Manaslu, Himlung, Annapurna II
- Abundant wildlife, including Tahr, Agali, Pika, Himalayan Marmots, and if lucky, Snow Leopard
The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the best treks in Nepal. It takes you around the Manaslu Conservation Area and leads to a breathtaking view of the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek can be a great alternative if you’ve already been to the Annapurna Circuit. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day trek that starts at Soti Khola, ends at Beshi Sahar, and can be extended to 22 days with an additional side trek to the Tsum valley. Flanked by the Annapurna’s to the West and Ganesh Himal to the East, it is one of the most graceful of the 8000-meter giants. Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, that’s flooded with trekkers from around the world; the Manaslu circuit trek usually sees fewer people along its route. It is remote and physically demanding yet culturally enriching and scenically uplifting.
The circuit takes you from the steamy lowlands with their rice and millet terraces through the mighty gorges of the Budi Gandaki with its turquoise waters and amazing waterfalls. Suspension bridges in Manaslu trek are in a league of their own for both length and height, and the yearly monsoon often washes minor bridges away, leaving trekkers to use semi-submerged rocks. Only opened to a maximum of 400 trekkers in 1992, this trek still feels like a pioneering expedition. If you want to know what trekking in the 1980s was like, the Manaslu circuit trek is a visual feast from start to finish, but you better be fit. Slowly, you wind your way North to the snowbound Larkya La Pass next to the Tibetan border. The altitude here is a problem but almost forgotten with the jaw-dropping views of Manaslu. At 5,167 meters/16,952 feet, Larkya La pass is usually snow-covered and icy. Micro crampons are often used on the descent.
Trekking to the pass requires a 3 am start to make the highest point before the winds come, usually around mid-morning. From the pass looking back the way you have come gives a clear view, but by far, the most amazing view comes after you have left the pass and walked along a corridor to the west. A great glacial cirque bursts into view. A stupendous wall created by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru casts down a stream of glaciers while Annapurna II rises ahead. This view alone makes the trek worthwhile. Magical Nepal can arrange your all-inclusive 15 days trek. The trek can be done on a teahouse unless you want to go off-route, where camping is the only option.
Transport for Manaslu Circuit
Trek Start of the trek, you will travel 160 km / 99 miles from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola via SotiKhola from Kathmandu. It takes 7 hours by Private Jeep and 8 to 9 hours from the local bus. The first day of the trek is all an adventure ride off-road.
End of the trek, you will be driving 6 hours from Dharapani in a Jeep and Changing it to another Jeep or local bus for a 7 hours drive to Kathmandu.
Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Trek is a restricted region. You will need a special restricted area permit, which a local company can issue. You will also need ACAP and MCAP permit for the trek. Two trekkers are compulsory for the trek.
Accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu is a tea house trek. You will sleep in the tea house every night, which will be very basic, with two single beds. Toilets are mostly shared and can be outside of teahouses. Heating is only available in the dining area. Foods are available in teahouses. You will stop in teahouses for lunch during the trek.
Telephone and Wifi in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Wifi is available in most tea houses. If you want to communicate back home, there is an SAT phone available in tea houses which takes a little bit of extra money to make a phone call back home. Local telephone hardly works on this trek. Nepal Telecom has better coverage than Ncell in the Manaslu region.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu TIA (1,350 m) O/N Hotel
Day 02: Drive to Machhi Khola (869m) 7/8 hrs O/N G/ house.
Day 03: Machhi Khola to Jagat (1,340m) 6-7 hrs walking O/N G/ house.
Day 04: Jagat to Deng (1,850m) 8-9 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Day 05: Deng to Namrung (2,630m) 6 /7hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Day 06: Namrung to lho village (3,180 m) 4-5 hrs walking O/N G/ house.
Day 07: lho village to Samagaun (3,520 m) 3-4 hrs walking O/N G/ house.
Day 08: Rest, Accilimatizing and day excursion to around Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyan monastery.
Day 09: Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,738 m) 4-5 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,480 m) 4-5 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Day 11: Cross to Larke La (5,106m) Bhimtang (3,590 m) 8 hrs O/N G/ house.
Day 12: Bimtang to Dharapani (1963 m) 7-8 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Day 13: from Dharapani drive to Beshisahar (760m) lunch then drive to kathmandu O/N Hotel
Day 14: Final Departure transfer to airport trip to end.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu TIA (1,350 m) O/N Hotel
Your arrival in Kathmandu international airport then our guide picks you from there is transfer to Hotel by private vehicle.
Day 02: Drive to machha khola (869 m) it takes 7-8 hrs O/N Guesthouse.
After early breakfast, we’ll drive to machha khola via Dhading Aarughat bazaar through high way too tiny mountain garbler road. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful villages terraced rice fields landscape, enjoy the views of countryside people and their lifestyle. While After, reaching the machha khola overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 03: Machhe Khola to Jagat (1,340m) 6-7 hrs walking O/N G/ house.
Today the trails begin narrow gorge of minor ascending and descend path passing through Khorlabesi, Tatopani (Natural Hot Spring) and after cross the Suspension Bridge you’ll reach the small village Dovan for lunch. After lunch you have to cross twice another suspension bridge continue ascending towards Jagat Village overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 04: Jagat to Deng (1,850m) 8-9 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
From Jagat, the trail goes left bank of Budi Gandaki river till to the Ghatte Khola through minor ascending and descending path passing to the beautiful village of Salleri and Shirdibas continue flowing the trails soon you have to cross suspension bridge below Philim village and ascending to Philim. After Philim trails lead you gradual flat way till to Ekle Bhatti then continue to narrow gorge bit up and down through pine forest. Along the way, you’ll see the trails of Tsum valley but you go descend to cross Gandaki River. We’ll continue you pass through bamboo forest Pewa camp and acceding to a tiny village of Deng overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 05: Deng to Namrung (2,630m) 6/7 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
From the Deng, trails go down and cross the bridge then ascend the Rana and continue to Bhi Phedi then you ‘ll have had the first view of Mt. Manaslu summit, white we continue to Gap village passing through forested, terraced field and Mani wall. As a continue from Gap trails goes around hours gradual flat the entering in dense forest twice mal crossing the bridge ascending till to Namrung hill and bi descend to the village overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 06: Namrung to lho village (3,180 m) 4/5 hrs walking O/N G/ house.
Namrung presents your best view of Himalaya of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal Himal Chuli, Khyang and Saula Himal. The trails begin flat and ascending to Lhi passing through Barley filed, forest and mani wall Chorten which is a symbol of Buddhism. We continue to Lho village from where you can see the stunning view of Mt. Manaslu and visit Monastery after the lunch where the Monks student can learn there education. After enjoying the view back to lho village overnight at lodge.
Day 07: lho village to Sama Gaun (3520m) 3/4 hours walk O/N G/ house .
lho village presents your best view of Himalaya of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal Himal Chuli, Khyang and Saula Himal. The trails begin flat and ascending to syala passing through Barley filed, forest and mani wall Chorten which is a symbol of Buddhism. We continue to samagaun from where you can see the stunning view of Mt. Manaslu and visit Monastery after the lunch where the Monks student can learn there education. After enjoying the view continue to samagaun overnight at lodge.
Day 08: Rest day in Sama Gaun visit to Pungyan Monastery or Base camp.
Acclimatization day after breakfast we heading towards Pungyan Monastery trails begin to ascend all the way up to Monastery from where you can enjoy the surrounding views enclosed to you. This is a really beautiful place you can see the glacier of Manaslu but the monastery is not sure when it can open, after enjoying the view then we’ll back to Samagaun.
Day 09: Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,738 m) 4-5 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Today is a half-day walk we flow the left bank of Budhi Gandaki River heading northward to Samdo village passing through Juniper forest, Kermo Kharka and cross the wooden bridge and ascend to reach the village. After lunch explore around which the best is for acclimatize overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,480 m) 4-5 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Today walk goes bit flat till to the edge then cross the bridge after while trails lead to you ascending toward to shelter of Dharamshala where we going to overnight. The trails present to you amazing view of the north face of Mt. Manaslu and glacier. Afternoon you can do acclimatize hike around overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 11: Cross to Larke La (5,106m) Bhimtang (3,590 m) 8 hrs O/N G/ house.
Today is the main day of the adventure in our journey trails is a bit longer than other days. Trails begin ascending and you’ll reach the Larke glacier from there you can have a great view of the Larke peak and Cho Danda. Continue to go across the glacier ascend trails you’ll reach the Top of Larke pass from where you can see the stunning views of Mt. Himlung, Kangaru, Cheo Himal, Punkar Himal and Massive of Annapurna II. From the top path begin to descend to the beautiful meadow to Bhimtang from where you can observe the last view of the north face of Manaslu overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 12: Bimtang to Dharapani (1963 m) 7-8 hrs walking O/N Guesthouse.
Bhimtang is small tall it’s a really beautiful place with surrounding mountains trails begin to descend all the way to Tilje passing through Rhododendron forest, Karche village with narrow valley across the Dudh Khola after while you reach village of Goa. From Goa again we continue to Gurung village of Tilje Manang overnight at trekking guest house with the full board meal plan.
Day 13: from Dharapani drive to Beshisahar (760m) lunch then drive to kathmandu O/N Guesthouse.
Today after schedule breakfast around one hour we descend to Dharapani while crossing the suspension bridge above the Marshyandi River and we drive back to Beshisahar passing through Jagat, Bulbule and beautiful terraced rice field across the Beshisahar we drive back to Kathmandu along the way you can see many beautiful villages and terraced field while in Dumre Bazaar we catch main high way which is going to leisure city of Pokhara but we turn southwards to flow high way to Kathmandu evening farewell dinner with office person at Nepali Cultural Restaurant overnight hotel with Bed and Breakfast plan.
Day 14: Final Departure transfer to airport trip to end.
This is the final departure day, so you have to be an airport Three hours before your scheduled time. We look at your flight details and drop to you in TIA for your own destination back home. Trips to end hope to see you again.
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
Experience Required: This Trek is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 6 – 7 hours in a day, with a light rucksack. Some of the days are quite long, and the walking feels more strenuous at altitude. Generally, the trail is a good track, but occasionally it will be uneven and rocky.
Food & Accommodation: You will be accommodated in the tea house & during trekking. Tea houses are simple, local-run guesthouses with twin-share or single rooms. Toilets and showers are of varying standards.
Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups, or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast, and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the variety of food at the lodges.
What about our luggage?
1 Porter will be shared between 2 participants, they take a maximum load of 12kgs per participant.
You may keep things you will not use on the trek at our hotel in Kathmandu.
What will the temperature be like?
Basically, the atmospheric temperature fluctuates between -10 to 25 degrees throughout the day.
When we are trekking, the temperature would be on the high. For trekking, our concerns are focused on sun and wind exposure. To protect yourselves, you can wear long trekking pants or convertibles, in case it gets too warm, and a dry-fit long sleeve top and have the rain shell or outer waterproof layer accessible.
You’ll need your fleece or maybe the down jackets for those who are more afraid of cold when we reach the lodgings or at night to keep warm.
How much money should we bring?
You will need to carry Nepali Rupee if you decide you want to more shower than 3 times or have additional hot water on the trek. At the trekking lodges, you may wish to buy specialty menu items as well, or pick up souvenirs on the trek. Shopping can be done on your last day in the Thamel area.
What about Acute Mountaineering Sickness (AMS)?
AMS occurs to different people differently at different altitudes due to our tolerance level.
Signs of AMS include Dizziness, Nausea, Loss of Appetite, Fatigue or weakness, Shortness of breath, Drowsiness, and Fluctuation.
Peripheral Edema (Swelling of extremities)
Fluctuation in body temperature
Prevention of AMS:
Adequate REST prior to the trip.
Adequate HYDRATION during the trek or activity. (It is alright to keep going to the look, it is good for you)
Adequate SALT AND SUGAR in your bloodstream. (Basically, EAT)
Adequate WARMTH. (Keep yourself warm and try to not lose as much heat as possible to maintain bodily functions)
PROPER BREATHING. (Breathe deep into the diaphragm, breathe slow and steady. Breathe through your nose. Do not pant.)
PROPER EXERTION. (Go at a constant, manageable pace, do not chase after the person in front, and try not to keep stopping and starting)
All in all, sound out when you do not feel well. We are only human.
