Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure that elevates the spirit, an expedition that fills the heart with awe, wonder, and excitement. For passionate trekkers, this route presents the opportunity to push personal limits, uncover untrodden paths, and immerse oneself in the unparalleled beauty of nature. The Manaslu Circuit Trek checks all these boxes and goes beyond what you imagine.
The enchanting Himalayan landscape surrounding this trek boasts breathtaking snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and shimmering rivers that captivate under the sunlight. As you navigate through this terrain, you experience a profound sense of tranquility, becoming one with nature in a way that modern life seldom allows. Your first glimpse of the mighty Mount Manaslu will be a moment etched in your memory.
But it’s not just natural splendor that makes this trek so extraordinary. The rich cultural tapestry woven into every step of the journey is equally mesmerizing. Buddhist monuments, prayer flags, and mani walls offer insights into the region’s vibrant history and traditions. Trekking along these trails instills feelings of awe and reverence as if you were retracing the footsteps of those who journeyed here before.
An array of wildlife inhabits these parts too – from graceful Himalayan Thar to blue sheep and even elusive snow leopards. These magnificent creatures reflect the region’s incredible biodiversity; encountering them in their undisturbed habitat is both humbling and stirring.
Naturally, the trek presents its challenges – from high altitudes to long hiking days and unpredictable weather. Yet these obstacles make the entire journey all the more gratifying. Standing atop Larkya La Pass (5106m) amidst breathtaking panoramas evokes an indescribable sense of achievement.
In essence, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a soul-stirring expedition that opens your heart to wonder and awe. It is an adventure that leaves you invigorated.
Benefits of Booking Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalaya Land Treks
- Trusted and government-registered local tour company that boasts of over a decade of trekking experience.
- Our trained local guides will take you along the best routes around, guaranteeing your safety and satisfaction throughout your adventure.
- Online trip briefing once you book to keep you informed and prepared, while our hassle-free booking and reservation system offers easy and secure payment options.
- The support and care continue 24/7 via phone and email throughout your Manaslu Circuit trek.
- Competitive pricing ensures no hidden fees, and we provide medical kits and free excess luggage storage for all our clients.
- After a long day’s trek, we ensure you sleep comfortably in our teahouses and lodges equipped with basic comforts.
- We also provide an oximeter to monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels to ensure you remain healthy and safe.
- We give back to the community by supporting the locals and their livelihood through tourism.
- We offer free porter support to help you carry your heavy bags.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with the immigration formalities and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, you will have free time to explore the streets of Kathmandu and soak in the bustling atmosphere of the city.
In the evening, you will have a pre-trip briefing where you will meet your trekking guide and fellow travelers. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and clarify any doubts regarding the trek. After the briefing, you will have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
You will go for a full day sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley. You can visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the valley, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
These places have immense cultural and historical importance and are a must-visit for any traveler visiting Nepal. After the sightseeing, you will have some free time to prepare for the trek. You can check your trekking equipment, shop for any necessary items, and rest before the long trekking journey ahead.
The journey will start early in the morning, and you will drive through the bustling city of Kathmandu towards the west. As you leave the city, you will start to see the countryside and the scenic views of the Himalayas.
You will pass through the towns of Dhading Besi and Arughat before reaching Soti Khola. The road is mostly unpaved, and you will cross several bridges and narrow paths on the way. Once you reach Soti Khola, you can relax and prepare for the trek ahead. You will spend the night in a teahouse or guesthouse, and the local guide will brief you on the trek itinerary and safety precautions.
We will start our trek early in the morning after having breakfast at our lodge in Soti Khola. The trail passes through dense forests, rocky terrain, and several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. We will be walking through beautiful landscapes and small villages, where we can interact with locals and get a glimpse into their culture and lifestyle.
After trekking for a few hours, we will reach the village of Lapubesi, where we will stop for lunch. From there, the trail continues along the river and takes us through narrow gorges and steep ascents and descents. We will then reach Machha Khola, a small village located at the confluence of the Budhi Gandaki and Machha Khola rivers.
Upon reaching Machha Khola, we will check into our lodge and rest for a while. We can also explore the village and visit the local market, where we can find traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Starting from Machha Khola, the trail will continue along the Budi Gandaki River. You will cross a few suspension bridges and pass through several small villages and settlements. You will also pass through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, and witness some stunning waterfalls.
As you continue the trek, you will gradually gain altitude and the trail will become more challenging. You will have to pass through some steep sections and rocky terrain, which can be quite demanding.
Finally, you will reach Dobhan, a small village located at an altitude of 1,000 meters. Here, you can rest and relax, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
After breakfast, we start trekking towards Philim. We walk through a forest of pine and rhododendron trees, and the trail goes up and down. We cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and then climb up to Tharo Bharyang. From here, we cross another suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and reach the village of Jagat.
After completing the formalities at the Manaslu Conservation Area Check Post in Jagat, we continue our trek along a rocky trail and pass through Salleri, Sirdibas, and Gandaki Village. We then descend to Philim, a large Gurung village surrounded by maize and millet fields. We stay overnight in Philim.
we will start our trek from Philim and head towards Lokpa, which is located at an altitude of 2,240m/7,350ft. We will walk through the beautiful forests of pine and oak and cross several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki river. Along the way, we can enjoy the scenic views of the lush green hills and valleys.
From Lokpa, we will continue our trek towards Deng, which is situated at an altitude of 1,860m/7,750ft. We will cross the Budhi Gandaki river and ascend through beautiful forests and terraced fields. The trail is a bit challenging as we have to cross some steep hills and rocky terrain. We will also pass through some small villages like Prok and Namrung, where we can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
After a few hours of trekking, we will finally reach Deng, where we will rest for the night in a teahouse or guesthouse. Deng is a small and beautiful village with traditional houses and terraced fields. We can also visit the local monasteries and gompas in the village and get a glimpse of the Buddhist culture and traditions.
The trek begins with a steep ascent through a forested area and then descends down to cross a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. From there, the trail gradually ascends through a beautiful forested area of pine and rhododendron trees. You will then cross another bridge over the Deng River and continue trekking uphill, passing through several small villages and teahouses along the way.
As you approach Namrung, you will be greeted by stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range and the Himalchuli peak. Namrung is a picturesque village situated in a valley, surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks. It is also the gateway to the Nubri Valley and is the last village before entering the restricted area of Manaslu.
Upon reaching Namrung, you can spend the evening exploring the village and interacting with the friendly locals. The village has a monastery, chortens, and a small market area where you can find souvenirs and local handicrafts. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.
The trek starts with a gradual climb through a forested area with beautiful views of mountains and the river below. You will pass through a few small villages and see the traditional houses of the people who live here.
After walking for about 2-3 hours, you will reach the village of Lihi, which offers stunning views of Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu range. The trail then leads through a beautiful forested area before reaching Sho, where you can stop for lunch.
After lunch, you will continue trekking for a few hours and finally reach the village of Lho. This village is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers amazing views of the Manaslu range. You can visit the Ribung Gompa monastery here, which is one of the largest monasteries in the region.
You will spend the night in a teahouse in Lho and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. The trek on day 8 is moderately challenging, and you should be prepared for some uphill climbs and steep descents. Make sure to stay hydrated and carry enough snacks and water to keep yourself energized throughout the day.
You will start your trek by descending down to the Shyala village, where you can witness panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and others. After taking in the beautiful scenery, you will continue your trek through the dense forest of pine and rhododendron, crossing several small streams and suspension bridges.
After a few hours of trekking, you will reach the village of Sama Gaon, which is the gateway to Manaslu Base Camp. This village is inhabited by the Tibetan community, and you will have the opportunity to explore their unique culture and lifestyle. You can also visit the famous monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest in the region.
Upon reaching Sama Gaon, you will check into your tea house and spend the night there. You can take some time to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas before continuing your trek the next day.
This is a much-needed break from the previous days’ strenuous trekking, and you can spend the day exploring the area and acclimatizing to the higher altitude. There are plenty of activities to do in Sama village, such as visiting the local monasteries, exploring the traditional houses and the surrounding nature. You can also take a short hike to the nearby Birendra Lake, which is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Another popular activity is to visit the Pungyen Gompa, which is a famous monastery located at an altitude of 3,700 meters. The monastery is adorned with colorful prayer flags and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.
You can also spend some time relaxing and enjoying the serene environment of Sama village. There are numerous tea houses and lodges that offer comfortable accommodation and excellent food.
On day 12 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will leave Sama Gaon and continue the journey towards Samdo. The trail leads through the valley with stunning views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Peak 29. You will follow the trail through juniper and birch forests, cross a stream, and then ascend steeply towards Samdo.
As you approach Samdo, you will notice the landscape changing, becoming more arid and rocky. Samdo is a small Tibetan refugee village with only a few houses and a monastery. The village offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and it is the last stop before reaching the Larkya La Pass
You will start your trek by crossing a bridge over the Budi Gandaki River and then trekking through a beautiful forest with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After a few hours, you will reach the village of Dharmasala, where you will stay overnight.
Dharamsala is a small village with a few basic teahouses and lodges. It is located at the base of the Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at 5,160m/16,930ft. You will spend the night here to acclimatize and prepare for the next day’s challenging trek over the pass. The views of the surrounding mountains are stunning and it’s a great place to take some rest before the big day ahead.
We will begin our trek by ascending up a steep trail that leads us to the top of the Larke La Pass. Along the way, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu and Annapurna II. As we reach the top of the pass, we will take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views and the sense of achievement we feel from reaching such a high altitude.
After spending some time at the pass, we will begin our descent towards Bimthang. The trail descends steeply through rocky terrain, so we need to be cautious while trekking. We will pass by beautiful alpine lakes and glacial rivers before arriving at Bimthang, which is a small village surrounded by lush green forests.
After having breakfast in Dharapani, we will start our trek towards Besisahar. The trail descends steeply through beautiful forested areas, passing small villages and rice paddies along the way. We will reach Besisahar in about 4-5 hours.
From Besisahar, we will take a private vehicle to return to Kathmandu, which will take around 6-7 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will check into our hotel and freshen up. Later in the evening, we will have a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of our trek.
This will be the last day of our trekking adventure in the Manaslu region. After the farewell dinner, we will spend the night in Kathmandu before departing for our respective destinations the following day.
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FAQs
Manaslu is nestled in the Mansiri Himal range, located in the western central part of Nepal, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of the capital city of Kathmandu. Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world, and the trekking route to its base camp is known for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains, remote villages, and diverse flora and fauna.
The best time to trek to Manaslu is during the autumn season, from September to November, when the weather is clear and stable, and the views are spectacular. The spring season, from March to May, is also a good time to trek, but the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and snow. The winter season, from December to February, is not recommended due to harsh weather conditions and the possibility of heavy snowfall.
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