Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most remarkable treks of Nepal and is also a part of the Great Himalaya Trail. Due to its rich sceneries and ancient traditions and culture, Manaslu has attracted many travelers to explore the foothills of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt Manaslu (8163m). The trek exposes you to the culture and lifestyle of various ethnics and gives you an authentic taste of the Nepalese way of life.

Manaslu Trek, although neighbor to the popular Annapurna Trek, sees lot fewer trekkers, allowing you to experience the purest forms of nature and culture. The trek that starts from Arughat takes you through picturesque villages with mixed communities of Chhetri, Brahmin, and others and also through Tibetan influenced villages situated in the lap of the gorgeous Manaslu Himal Range. You follow the raging Budhi Gandaki River from the start of the trek until reaching the base of the frozen pass of Larkya La (5160m), from where the river originates. Larkya La (5160m) is believed to be the most dramatic pass in Nepal as it is often covered in snow, creating challenges to the trekker.

However, the panoramic view of the Manaslu Himal Range and Annapurna Range that is seen from the top of the pass is worth every sweatdropped. The trek goes through verdant forests with rhododendron, oak, fir, and pine and takes to some ancient monasteries like Punggen Gompa and Pema Chyoling Lhakang that aside from displaying the culture of Tibetan Buddhism also host amazing views of various snow-capped mountains. On the way back, the trek follows the beautiful Marsayangdi River until you catch your drive back to Kathmandu in Besisahar.

With Base Camp Adventure, you will be safely guided to accomplish your adventurous trip to Nepal without any troubles and injuries. We are a team of experienced guides and experts providing reliable service in the travel and tourism industry for more than a decade.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart

  • Manaslu Region
  • 5160 M
  • Tea House/ Camping
  • 4
  • Minimum 2

Itinerary

The first day of our journey begins by welcoming you to Kathmandu in the international airport. Our representatives will pick you up at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today you will be going to places with religious values and ancient architectures. Places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar square will be the main attractions. You will come across historical importance and stories that will leave you in awe. Later, safety measures and detailed guideline will be given to you by the expertise. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola will mark the commencement of the trip. The roads are dirty and difficult to walk on but the landscapes of the rice fields, waterfalls, and greenery through the villages is amazing to watch. Arkhet bazaar is an interesting old market and the Arkhet Khola is the main attraction to see. You can see at least one lodge and beautiful local houses with slate roofs as you walk to the north. There are also shared jeeps to go from Arughat to Soti Khola. Soti Khola is a small village where the picturesque landscape and greenery will leave you in awe. Overnight in Soti Khola.
The bumpy and rocky trail leads you to the rough part of Budhi Gandaki basin. You will cross several waterfalls as well. As you walk, you will come across Liding where there are a camping site and Lapubesi which is a village attached to a lush hill. The view is mesmerizing and peaceful. Later, you walk on up and down trails along the slippery rocks. The tropical vegetation adds beauty as you cross thrilling suspension bridges to reach Machha Khola. The village is on the slopes of the hills where you can find different accommodation and medical clinic if needed. Overnight in Machha Khola.
You walk to Tatopani on the narrow trails between Budhi Gandaki and a cliff. After an hour walk, you reach Dobhan and then Shyaule Bhatti and finally Yaru, where the scenes of Budhi Gandaki will leave you in awe as it descends rapidly in nice cascades. After 2-3 hours, you will reach Jagat to find slate-paved streets. There is a campsite in the lower part of the village as well as lodges with basic accommodations. The local people here make their living via tourism, agriculture, education, and government services. Overnight in Jagat.
Walk up the riverbed then climb over a rocky point to reach Salleri that gives you views of Shringi Himal (7187m). Continue on the left bank of Budhi Gandaki River and ascend to Philim. Cross north out of Philim on the obvious track indicated to the Larkya-La (5160m) through some thick forest with views up the narrowing valley. After an hour, reach Ekle Bhatti, then cross high above a spectacular gorge with pine trees. Then a gradual climb above Budhi Gandaki Gorge takes you to Deng. Overnight in Deng.
Cross Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge, climb to Rana, and then to Bihi. Continue in and out of gorges, cross the Serang Khola of the north, and climb sharply before circling into Ghap. The Mani walls here display intricate carvings of various Buddhas in meditation. Enter a beautiful fir forest with many birds, cross north on a wooden bridge along a narrow canyon. Arrive in the picturesque village of Namrung after about 1 and half hours climb from Ghap. Overnight in Namrung.
The trail from Namrung goes through the beautiful small hill of Bhanzam, with barley fields and stone houses in between. On the entrance to the village of Lihi, experience the 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu (8163m). You then cross Hinang Khola to reach the village of Lho, which is dominated by a large Gompa located on the slopes of a hill above the village. The top is an amazing vantage point for an undisturbed view of Mount Manaslu (8163m). The trail from Lho climbs through a compressed forest towards Shyala. Shyala gives out an eccentric vibe with its many stone and wood houses packed closely together. The trail from Shyala goes through a slope that drains Punggen Glacier to reach Sama Gaon through a nice flat area, to view lovely yaks grazing. Sama Gaon is a beautiful village, where houses are aligned in rows along a small river. You will have absolutely breathtaking views the Manaslu Himal Range from Sama Gaon. Overnight in Sama Gaon.
Today will be a rest day in Sama Gaon to get acclimatized and relax the aching body. You can spend the day exploring the surroundings of Sama and visit places such as Birendra Tal, Manaslu Base Camp, PemaChyolingLhakang, and Punggen Gompa. Under the shadow of the gorgeous Manaslu, you will have an amazing day. Overnight in Sama Gaon.
You make your way uphill via the frozen Birendra Tal (3450m) situated under the Manaslu Glacier. Then an easy walking through yak pastures with long Mani walls gives you sights of marmots in all directions, standing on their burrows. You climb to a ridge and drop to cross Budhi Gandaki River on a wooden bridge. It takes some time to reach the white Chorten above but closely behind is Samdo, a very attractive village dedicated to yak herding, so much so that there are more animal and hay shelters than human accommodation. Overnight in Samdo.
Descend past Samdo on a wide trail, sinking to cross the much-reduced Budhi Gandaki River. Pass the trail to Tibet to the right and climb left past a Mani wall, navigating through juniper with many marmots. Cross two gorges on thin tracks to reach Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Dharamsala is a stone hut with three rooms and an almost integral roof. The views seen from Dharamsala are wonderful as the whole of Manaslu Himal Range can be seen from here. Overnight in Dharamsala
Climb gradually over the edge behind Dharamsala and beside the large adjacent moraine of the Larke Glacier. The climb is long and goes through a rocky terrain. Descend past four frozen lakes and make a final climb up to Larkya La (5160m), marked by prayer flags. From the top of the pass, you can view an astonishing panorama of Manaslu Himal Range and Annapurna Range. Afterward, you incline down the moraine to the west, and then, drop gently towards Bimthang. Overnight in Bimthang.
The trail south of Bimthang is mesmerizing. The vegetation here is lush and the trail crosses the foot of Bimthang Glacier enjoying fantastic background. It climbs to a beautiful spot decorated with prayer flags, where overwhelming sights of mountains surround you, with Manaslu Himal Range in view to the south-east. The trail then goes into an enchanted forest rich with firs. After a while, it gets to a lonely house in Yak Kharka, where you can have lunch. The trail then goes through the deep forest until reaching Goa. Overnight in Dharapani.
Today you are taking off-road jeep for another four hour to Beshisahar. You gradually descend for some time to reach Syange village, then the trail ascends to reach Gharmu Phant and then descends to Beshisahar.
Today you will drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar. Enjoying amazing landscapes filled with lush hills and wide river networks. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a 5-star hotel for your overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport 3 hours prior to the scheduled time of your flight back home. Goodbye and have a safe journey!

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick up and dop-off.
  • 03 night's Kathmandu hotel with breakfast.
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Best available guest houses accommodation during the trek (mainly in twin sharing).
  • A local government licensed English speaking trekking guide during the trek.
  • Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine and transportation for all trekking staffs.
  • All necessary trekking permits and entry fees.
  • Down Jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag.
  • Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate.
  • First aid medical kits.
  • Manaslu Circuit trek route map.
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.

Cost Exclude(s)

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, laundry.
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Tips for trekking staffs.
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

We are advised to consider the following equipment as these are essentials while packing for the Manaslu Trek. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to the requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip.  We can find variety of these gears to rent or buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally manufactured and some are imported from china and they are much cheaper. And there are some famous branded gear shops in Kathmandu, Thamel.

Equipment List:

– Lightweight and comfortable hiking boots: fit them with hiking socks and wear them wherever possible before you go to trekking.
– Sleeping bag and liner
– Sandals/ Flip flop
– Hiking socks – at least 4 pairs of cotton socks and 2 pair of wool socks
– Lightweight long sleeve hiking shirts
– Windproof/Waterproof pants and jacket
– Plastic rain poncho
– Light weather protection and warmer weather
– Hat for sun and wind
– Windproof gloves

– Since we will be walking a lot, carry a lightweight hiking backpack. You can check out these best hiking backpacks under 100 USD of 2017.
– Warmer clothes
– Long underwear
– Thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater)
– Wool hat/beanie (for winter)
– Shorts
– Hiking trousers
– Best ultralight down jacket

Accessories:
– Sunglasses with good UV protection
– Sunscreen
– Lightweight bag to carry your personal needs during the day
– Insect repellent
– Camera with extra battery
– Flashlight
– Backpack
– Aluminum water bottle
– Head lamp
– Trekking Poles

Q: I’ve never trekked before.  Can I do this trek?
Answer:
 As long as you are reasonably fit, mentally prepared and can walk for 6-8 hours a day then no matter who you are and what your background is, a bit of training may be necessary, but even that is not 100% essential for most.

Q: How many miles do you walk each day?
Answer: 
 In average you walk around 6-10 miles per day while going up and 8-12 miles while trekking down.

Q: Is there battery charging facility?
Answer: The tea houses have charging ability via their solar panels but if it has been cloudy for several days, there may not be enough reserves to charge barberries for your camera, and thus it is better to have an extra battery. Tea houses usually charge for it – maybe a 100-500 rupees per hour. Many people want to charge their batteries so try to plug your stuff in as soon as you arrive.

Q: Can I do laundry on the trek?
Answer: Yes, you can. You can take this service with guest house. This will not be by machine, it will be by hand. Or, you can do your own laundry in a bucket.

Q: Is there bottled water available on the Manaslu Trekking?
Answer: Yes, there’s bottled water from the beginning to all the way up . But the price goes up the higher you go. One liter bottle of water cost start around 70 rupees and at base camp cost well over 300 (around $3). A budget solution to this is to use water treatment solution or use water purifier tablets. Some purification tabs and drops make the water taste weird. Please be aware of that too. Buying boiled water can be a solution to save money from expensive bottled water but make sure if water was fully boiled or not before you buy.

Q: Is there age limit for this trek?
Answer: 
There isn’t any official age limit saying you can and cannot trek to this trek.

Q: How difficult is Manaslu Trekking route?
Answer: In terms of terrain there are no ropes needed and no ice picks needed. There is no vertical climbing involved. The ground is not paved. It is rough, rocky and gravel strewn. Most of the trek involves long paths that go up and then down. People with weak ankles should take caution. Depending on the time of year you go there can also be snow and ice in the trails. But crossing Larkya La Pass is more challenging. It is recommended to carry Ice axe and rope for in case of necessary.

Q: Can children go Manaslu Trek ?
Answer: Yes in the general rule. But it’s advisable that your child is reasonable and able to understand and follow instructions immediately. Your child should be mature enough to recognize altitude sickness symptoms and as well as mentally well prepared and fully informed for possible adventure challenges.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

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Manaslu Circuit Trek
From $1,440.00
/ Adult

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