Manaslu Circuit Trek

Duration: 16 Days    Based on 2 reviews
Photo Gallery Naike viewpoint Samagaun Birendra Tal Gumda Village, Lower Manaslu Larke La Pass (5160 M) Lihi      Video     Map Manaslu Circuit Trek map     

About Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu (8163 M) is the 8th highest mountain in the world located in the Gorkha district. It is also known as ‘Mountain of the spirit’ as its name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Manasa’ which means intellect or soul. The Manaslu circuit trek is a recently opened trekking route in Nepal. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit for foreigners in 1991. Manaslu region lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area, comprises sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans-Himalayan high pastures bordering Tibet.

The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhigandaki River. This trekking route is gaining popularity lately as an alternative to Annapurna circuit trekking because of the roadways and its overcrowdedness. The people of the Manaslu region are the same as Tibetan and are heavily influenced by Tibetan culture & tradition. The Manaslu region is famous for its high altitude glacier lakes, magnificent mountain scenery, fascinating flora and fauna, cultural diversity and richness, which makes it one of the favorite destinations for trekkers around the world. We can start the Manaslu Circuit Trek from two places, Baluwa and Sotikhola via Arughat, and end it at Dharapani. The total duration of the trek normally ranges from 12 -20 days. The maximum elevation is Larke La Pass(5160 M). The best time to trek will be from March to May and September to November.

Highlights

  • Encircling the 8th highest peak of the world, Manaslu (8163 M) starting from the low valleys of Budhi Gandaki river all the way up to the Annapurna region
  • Manaslu Conservation Area, home to the varieties of wildlife such as Snow leopard, Lynx, Musk deer, Red fox, Jackal, Brown Bear, Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Serow, Wooly Hare, Himalayan Marmot, etc and diverse vegetations
  • Less explored trekking trail which is lately being popular as an alternative to the more busy Annapurna and Everest region
  • Magnificient views of Manaslu, Annapurna 2, Himlung, Kangguru, Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, etc.
  • Larkya La (5160 M), the highest point of the trek which provides stunning mountain sceneries

 

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further details programs.

  • B&B
  • 3-star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

We will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest of Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you will explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and prepare for the trek.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After a quick breakfast, we will begin our drive towards Sotikhola. The route passes by Arughat via Dhading Besi, headquarter of the Dhading district. From Dhadingbesi, we will drive on a dirt road and reach Arughat. From here, the path will take us to Sotikhola. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Sotikhola
  • 700 M
  • 7-9 hours

After having breakfast, we will cross a bridge and continue walking on the dirt road alongside Budigandaki river and through a small forest on the way. We will reach Labubesi, a small Gurung village and continue until reaching Machakhola. 

Elevation : + 430m / -200m 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Machhakhola
  • 869 M
  • 4:30 hours

After crossing the bridge over Machha Khola then we will have to walk on a rugged vehicle road until Tatopani. Here, we can take a short break and spend some time enjoying the natural hot spring. The trail then ascends and cross Budhi Gandaki. we will reach Dobhan, and From Dobhan, we will walk gradually ascend through the landslide area reach Thulo Dhungga, Yaruphant, cross bailey bridge, and a suspension bridge and reach Jagat.

 Elevation : + 980m / -430m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Jagat
  • 1340 M
  • 7 hours

Leaving Jagat behind, we will ascend towards Salleri and reach then reach Sirdibas. From here, you pass by Ghotts Khola and cross a long suspension bridge. The trail then moves upwards to Philim and takes us to Ekle Bhatti. Further, we will reach Nyak phedi and pass by pine, boombox forest, and after cross several bridges to reach Dang. 

Elevation : + 1120m / -730m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Dang
  • 1860 M
  • 6:30 hours

After leaving  Dang we will cross a suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki river then the trail will be narrow, on relatively flat terrain and on a landslide area as well before reaching Ghap by crossing a couple of bridges. After leaving Ghap, we will again cross several bridges over Budi Gandaki River and walk along with the beautifully cultivated fields. After crossing the last bridge, we will ascend through the beautiful low alpine forest all the way to Namrung. Namrung is a beautiful highland hamlet inhabited by people resembling closely Tibetans. 

Elevation : + 1340m / -480m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Namrung
  • 2630 M
  • 7 hours

Trekking through Bhanzam, we will pass through many beautiful ethnic villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. We will visit Ribung Gompa in Lho village situated on the top of a hill with a magnificent view of Manaslu. From there, we will continue trekking through the pine & rhododendron forest to reach Shyala. 

Elevation : + 990m / -300m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Shyala
  • 3500 M
  • 5 hours

Today we will climb to discover Pung Gyen glacier before Samagaun with packed lunch, Pungyen Gompa is a really impressive superb panoramic view 360 degrees with the eastern face of Manaslu. we will trek through pastures and cross a slope draining the Pung Gyen glacier. From here, the trail will take you to Sama Gaon, the Last largest village of the Manaslu region

Elevation : + 250m / -150m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Sama
  • 3520 M
  • 4 hours

Today is a day of the rest day. We will go on a short hike excursion to Birendra Lake. While hiking, you might also come across wildlife like Himalayan Tahr. After exploring around, we will return to Samagaon for a night stay.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Sama
  • 3520 M

Passing by forests of birch and juniper, we will further trek through small villages. we will then cross the wooden bridge Buddhi Gandaki River and reach Samdo village, which is a Tibetan refugee village. 

Elevation : + 410m / -105m

  • B,L&D
  • 3-star category hotel
  • Samdo
  • 3875 M
  • 3:30 hours

We will cross the suspension bridge then we will continue to ascending gradually in a landscape of high pastures where encounter many yaks grazing, ascending and pass by Lajyang Bhanjyang and Gyala Bhanjyang. On the left side, you can see beautiful Larkye glacier. The trail then ascends and crosses Athhara Saya Khola. Trekking along Larke Khola, you will ascend and reach Dharmashala.
Elevation: + 595m / -65m

  • B,L&D
  • 3-star category hotel
  • Dharmashala
  • 4450 M
  • 4 hours

With a short climb, we will reach the north side of Larkya glacier. The trail then ascends through the steep path and takes you to the top of a Larke La pass, From the pass, we will enjoy stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II, and many other mountains. then we will descend and reach Bimtang valley. it's a long day compere to others day

Elevation: + 740m / -1550m

  • B,L&D
  • 3-star category hotel
  • Bimtang
  • 3590 M
  • 8-10 hours

After having breakfast, we will pass the Kechakyu Khola glacier and trek through a lush forest of rhododendron. On the way, you will get to see beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu. Further, we will reach Gho village and head towards Tilije. Tilje is a nice and old typical inhabited Managis Gurung village where we will have a very good hot shower, and wi-fi also.

Elevation: + 350m / -1570m

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tilije
  • 2300 M
  • 6 hours

Leaving Tilije behind, we will descend to Dharapani. we will cross several times bridge over Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi, From here, we will drive to Kathmandu via Besishahar. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will move to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • B&B
  • 3-star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 10-11 hours
After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.
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What’s Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop.
  • 3 night’s accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis (A single supplement room will be served on request with an additional cost).
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Trekking Lodge/ Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • English speaking guide (French-speaking guide available with an extra additional cost if needed).
  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and assistant guide for group size above 4 people.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork needed for the trek. 
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu-Sotikhola and Jagat-Besisahar-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • International airfare. Your personal expenses.
  • Extra night in Kathmandu.
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Laundry, telephone, personal trekking equipment, hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
  • Medical evacuation (In case of emergency).

 

Useful Information

We will have to walk on a rugged vehicle road from Soti Khola to Machha Khola as there is no other alternative route. The construction work for the vehicle road is still going on and recently it has reached near to Jagat. We have an alternative route for it but the construction work may disturb a little bit.

And at Dharmasala we will have to share a single room with 4-5 people as the accommodation services are basic and limited.

 

Client Reviews

Rating:  
Review by : Sabine Thoma, Germany

Great Time

Sujan is a very professional trekking guide on whom you can rely for more than 100%! He has very good experience in Culture and Nature and we might have missed a lot along the way without his fabulous view, animals,plants, cultral sites. In every situation he takes best care for his clients in his natural and kind way. As this was only one of several treks with Sujan I can recommend him as a very good and responsible guide with experience in each region he treks! Be sure you will have an unforgetable time and a lot of fun with him!

Rating:  
Review by : isabelle buffet, France

Gumda

beautiful trek in the middle of the rice fields, leaving unveiled the mountains. Sujan and his team guided us from villages to villages, meeting the locals . Visit schools, rebuild homes, stigmata of the 2015 earthquake, a lot of emotions in these villages without escape in case of disaster