Manaslu Circuit Trek

Duration: 16 Days 9 reviews

About Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trek into the wilderness and among the beautiful mountain range is always adventurous and the most memorable. And among these treks, a trek to the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt Manaslu marks unbeaten to any other trekking site.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trek to the Himalayas of the western part of Nepal featuring Mt Manaslu a peak with an altitude of 8,163m with diverse western cultures of Nepal. Mt Manaslu is known as the "Spirit Mountain," and it became accessible to trekkers only after the Nepalese government approved the Manaslu circuit trek in 1992. It features the Gurung community and the Tibetan community as you will be walking on the edge of the borders of Nepal and Tibet. Along with Mt Manaslu, the Manaslu circuit trek includes several other mountains, glaciers, and two restricted areas, namely the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Even though any hike to the Himalayan region overwhelms you, the Manaslu Circuit trek, in particular, exceeds the definition of the beauty within itself. Manaslu Circuit trek is no less than the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, or for that matter any other trek. An adventure mixed with the cold wind of the snow-capped mountains residing to the far sights with the Budhi Gandaki River guiding you towards them along with the local people and their traditions amazing you, the Manaslu Circuit trek combines every aspect of nature to be truly found. As the trail to this Manaslu circuit trek is unspoiled and unbothered, you find yourself exploring the gorgeous places leading you to breathtaking destinations. In this trek to Manaslu, you hike from sub-tropical to tundra climate zone experiencing six different climate zones throughout the trek. Other than this you pass through the dense forests of Nepal along with various rivers flowing along the way such as Budhi Gandaki, Marsyangdi River, Soti Khola, Dudh Khola, and many more. The beautiful waterfalls sliding down the aesthetic landscapes will leave you mesmerized.

The trail to Manaslu Circuit trek follows an ancient salt trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River which makes this journey even more exciting. Not only that, you cross the infamous Larkya la Pass, one of the longest passes in the Himalayan region at an elevation of 5106m. This pass marks the highest point on the trek and a difficult pass. During the Manaslu Circuit trek, you are rewarded with both the Nepali and the Tibetan culture as you will be walking at the border edge of the country. Furthermore, you will see more than 10 peaks that are over 6500m, including several 7000m peaks. In addition to this, the Manaslu trek provides you with an opportunity to explore the endangered species of flora and fauna. Along the way, you might as well have the chance to see the infamous red pandas, snow leopards, langur, yaks, and whatnot. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a blend of beautiful green valleys, tranquil lakes, and less-trodden destinations. In addition to all these, you will be hiking across the Manaslu Conservational Areas (MCA) and Annapurna conservation areas (ACA).

The journey to Manaslu Circuit trek begins with a little road trip from Kathmandu to the Gorkha district of Nepal. On your arrival at Arughat, Gorkha, you begin your trek on foot through the roads to Solkhola. The hike is about 12.4 km and it takes about 4-5 hours to reach Soti Khola (730m). Continuing the hike the next day you read Machhakhola which is 14 km and takes 4-5 hours to reach an elevation of 865m. The actual trail begins after Machhakhola when you leave the roads and ascend towards Jagat, a village at an altitude of 1340m covering 16 km of the trek within 8 hours of hike. The trek begins with the flowing waters of the Budhi Gandaki River guiding us to our destination for the day. The beautiful river with the freshness of the forests right beside you with the chirping of the birds making you as lively as ever along with the aesthetic beauty appealing to you, nothing feels more heavenly. Escaping the daily dose of the loudest of the city and your busiest schedule, you feel relieved and refreshed by the nature. The surrounding throughout the Manaslu circuit trek heals you and makes you feel alive as ever. With this heart-whelming view along the trek, you ascend further to the valley of Deng. Deng is also known as Dying, it is a 19-20 km hike that would likely take about 7-8 hours, reaching an altitude of 1860km. Diverse landscapes, a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist culture and tradition, and majestic views of mountains such as Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and various other peaks, along with pure wilderness will entertain your purpose of adventure and thrill. Further to the trek, you head towards Namrung through the village of Lunga Chhyuda, which lies west of the Budhi Gandaki valley. The fascinating views of the Himalayas start on this route. You move towards Samagaun passing the Shyala village where you visit monasteries resembling the great history of time. Ribung Gompa is one of the popular ancient monasteries in Shyala village on the way to Samagaun. Not only that you will be visiting another infamous monastery known as Pungyen Gompa which offers stunning views of the glacier. Moving forward to the Manaslu circuit trek you reach Samdo, a village at an elevation of 3,875m which takes you about 3-4 hours from Samagaun. As you move towards the Samdo you find yourself closer to the Tibetan culture as the trail takes you nearer to the Tibetan border. This village provides you with the most amazing views of the snow-capped mountains especially Mt Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, which is also known as Khutang by the local people. From here onwards, the trek leads you to Dharmashala, also called Larkya la Phedi as you have the sights of the Larkya glacier. At Dharmashala, you are blessed with the views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. Continuing to the trek you hike through one of the sheer and challenging paths, Larkya la Pass, which is also the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trek with an elevation of 5,545m. Although the pass is a little difficult and steeper, it sure is rewarding. It rewards you with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and many more. As you move along the trek you start to descend down to the elevation of 3,590m appreciating the magnificent mountain peaks.

From here onwards the trek starts to descend down, Tilije (2,300) being the first destination. The trek descends down to high pastures from the rocky terrains and then to Dudh Khola another beautiful river on the way. Through the Gho village, a short walk brings us to Tilije. Then you move forward following the river of Marsyangdi via bamboo forests to Dharapani and further descend down to Tal. On your way to Tal, you visit yet another monastery known as Thonje Gompa at Thonje. During the Manaslu Circuit trek to Tal, you cross the Mani wall and arrive at your destination. Syange being the next designated location on the trek you cross Marsyangdi River and retrace your footsteps towards Jagat and finally reach Syange village. This village being your last destination on the trek you take a road trip to Besishahar, stay there to rest, and finally leave for Kathmandu the next day.

Highlights

  • Roam around the heart of culture the Kathmandu city
  • Stop by and explore various Natural UNESCO world heritage sites along
  • It is one of the restricted trekking areas and the Nepal government applied a special rule.
  • Panoramic view of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt Manaslu (8,163m)
  • Walk across the infamous Budhi Gandaki River and Marsyangdi River with many other rivers on the way.
  • Experience six different climate zones
  • Visit various monasteries such as Ribung, Pungyen, and Thonje monasteries.
  • Cross different traditional as well as wooden suspension bridges.
  • Opportunity to encounter blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, snow leopards, red pandas, langurs, and Himalayan yaks.
  • Closely experience the cultures of the Gurung people and the Tibetan religion.
  • Views of various glaciers and lakes.
  • Scenic drive to Arughat and Beshisahar to Kathmandu.
  • Hike within the conservational areas of Nepal and explore the endangered flora and fauna.
  • Attractive views of Himalchuli (7,893m), Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna range, Shringi(7,187m), Ganesh Himal, NgadiChuli (7,879m), and other mountains,
  • Visit remote parts of Nepal and many verities of Culture and nature.
  • Pass over Larkya La Pass's highest point and best viewpoint of this region.
  • Roam around the district of Gorkha from where the infamous Gurkha name was introduced.

Itinerary

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Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m) at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA)

As soon as you arrive at TIA you will be picked up by an office representative. You will be transported to the hotel where you are briefed about the entire trek.

  • BLD
  • Hotel
  • 1,345m

In the morning, after breakfast, guided sightseeing of the entire Kathmandu valley including the renowned UNESCO world heritage sights – Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa. In the evening, prepare for the trek. Overnight at the hotel.

  • BLD
  • Hotel

On the third day, you take a road trip to Aarughat Bazaar which is at an elevation of 700m, in the district of Gorkha. Rest at a hotel for the day and preparation for the trek tomorrow.

  • BLD
  • Hotel
  • 700m

Fifth-day marks as the final day for the road hike, with Machha Khola as the destination. The hike is 5 hours long covering a distance of 14 km. Rest up at a hotel.

  • BLD
  • Hotel
  • 870m

First day of the trek on the Manaslu Circuit trek and you start by crossing the river of Machha Khola and passing by the natural hot spring of Tatopani. It is a trek of 7- 8 hours covering up to 16 km distance. Rest at a guest house.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 1,340m

As you ascend up towards Deng from Jagat, you cover about 20 km of distance which will take 8-9 hours of hike. This is one of the longest treks for a day throughout the journey. On reaching Deng, rest up in a hotel or a guesthouse.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 1,860m

The next destination from Deng is Namrung which covers about 19.4 km and takes about7-8 hours. arrival at Namrung and rest up at a guest house.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 2,630m

The trek to Samagaun is about 18 km and takes about 8 hours to complete. Visit various monasteries on the way and explore the village on arrival. Rest up in the guesthouse.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 3,540m

A day to acclimatize and explore the Samagaon. You can hike up to the Manaslu Base Camp or do an alternative hike to the glacier on this day. Overnight at the same guest house.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 3,540m

A three to 4 hours hike to the village of Samdo, ascending to the right of Larkya La. The trail is easy and beautiful. Rest at a guest house in Samdo.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 3,875m

The trail leads you to the Dharmashala, opening the views of the Larkya glacier. Dharmashala is thus also known as Larkya La Phedi. Overnight at a guest house.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 4,460m

On this day you pass by the Larkya La Pass the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trek, with magnificent views of the mountain range surrounding you. Then you further descend down to Bhimthang. Overnight at a guest house.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 5,160m

From the rocky terrains of the Himalayan region, you climb down to high pasture and then to Dudh Khola. Through the village of Gho, you take a short trip to Tilije. It takes about 8-9 hours to descend down and is about 26 km of distance. Overnight at a guesthouse.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 2,300m

Following the Marsyangdi river via the forest and crossing a mani wall you arrive at the village of Dharapani. Rest up at a guesthouse.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 1,860m

A short road trip but an exciting ride from Dharapani to Besi Shahar by sharing jeep then  through a local bus back to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at a hotel.

  • BLD
  • Guest House
  • 1,200m

Final departure to your onward destination or additional trip.

    Manaslu Circuit Trek map

    What’s Included

    • Airport pickup & drop by private transport.
    • Guided tour in Kathmandu (Private car + tour Guide)
    • 3-night standard accommodation on B/B plan at Hotel Nepalaya or similar category in Kathmandu
    • Transportation by local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (trekking starting point) and at the end from Dharapani to Bensishar by sharing jeep then bus to Kathmandu.
    • Guide during the trek (his salary, food, insurance, accommodation, transportation)
    • Your food 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek in the guest houses.
    • Porters (their salary food, insurance, accommodation, 1 porter for two clients)
    • Your accommodation in the mountain(Normal but neat & clean on twin sharing basis) in the teahouse during the trek
    • Permit fees (MCAP, ACAP, Manaslu restricted)
    • Medical kits
    • Sleeping bag & Down jacket during the trek (need to be returned after finishing your trek)
    • Rescue Arrangements for emergency evacuation (just in case, if you have any problem in the mountain during your trek rescue help from our company but money paid by your insurance company, need personal insurance)
    • Register your name in the embassy
    • Last Night's cultural/Farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant
    • All Government tax
    • All bar bills during the trek (soft drinks, hot drinks & alcoholic drinks)
    • Monument entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
    • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
    • Travel insurance required for emergency rescue and evacuation.
    • Sweets, Cigarette, Telephone bills, hot shower, Battery Charge, Wi-Fi, Heater Charge and your personal expenses, equipment during your trek beyond I mentioned above in a price included section
    • Any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstances is beyond Himalaya Hub Adventure.
    • Tips for field staff (Driver,Guide,porter)

    Departures & Dates

    We do have a daily trips availabe on private basis , please feel free to write us for costomize the group tour

    Useful Information

    Note - Manaslu Trek is consider as a restricted trekking route, so you need minimum 2 people for this trip or you need to buy an extra permit, single travellers are not permitted to this trail.

    FAQs

    Mt. Manaslu, also known as Kampunge is located in the west-central part of Nepal. It is part of Manisiri himal, Nepalese Himalayas.

    Entire trek takes around 13 days for completion (18 days if you count transport time and days in Kathmandu).

    Manaslu Circuit trek is considered moderately challenging because of the remote landscapes and long walk.

    For a good trekking experience in Manaslu Circuit Trek, the spring season (March-June) gives you the best experience.

    For a Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need special permission in addition to the regular trekking permit.

    At 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level, Manaslu ranks as the eighth-highest mountain in the world.

    No, it is strictly prohibited because of the dangers of landscape and weather.

    Completing a trek can cost you anywhere from 1000$ to 2000$ approximately depending upon your expense.

    Trekking without a guide is banned therefore, it is mandatory to hire at least one guide to complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The section between Jagat and Bhimthang that has been declared a restricted area is covered by the Manaslu Trail.

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