Manaslu Circuit Trekking

OVERVIEW

duration
Duration

18 Days

duration
Activity

Hiking & Trekking

duration
Best Season

March, April, May, September, October and November

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Difficulty

Challenging

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Group Size

2-100

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Transportation

Flight / Private Vehicle

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Meals

duration
Accomodation

Tea Houses

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure and exotic classical trekking trail of Nepal located in the northwest of Kathmandu. It is eighth highest mountain of the world, offers off the beaten path, classical Tibetan culture, beautiful landscape, hidden valleys, mountain scenery, waterfall, forests and hospitable local people. This trekking trail was opened for foreigners since 1992 along with Upper Mustang. This region is the residence of Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal with multi culture of ethnic tribes and people in the beginning route and Tibetan people in higher elevation who are living in this region since 12th century. 

Manaslu which signifies “mountain of the spirit”, which comes from the Sanskrit word where manasa means “intellect” or “soul”. First time the Mt. Manaslu was climbed on May 9 1956 by members of a Japanese expedition who are Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu. Geographically, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, east of Annapurna region having long ridges and valley glaciers with surrounding landscape. During trekking, we can have incredible view of Himalayan sights such as Mt. Manaslu(8,163m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), Shringi Himal(7,161m), Ngadi Chuli(7,871m) with more silver mountain peaks. Manaslu is the foundation of Budi Gandaki River. Most of the trail, we walk alongside of Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges, forests, local villages, Chortens, Mani Wall, Stupas, Praying flags, terrace field and rocky hill. 

We need 3 permits for Manaslu trekking such as Manaslu Conversation Area Permit, Annapurna Conversation Area Permit and Manaslu special permit (For this permit need minimum 2 people to entry). The best time to trek in this region is in spring season (March-May), and autumn season (September- October). We organize you the best and unforgettable trip having finest itinerary, information, cost, local guide, porters, accommodation and documents to entry in this region. Classical villages of Samagaon, Namrung and Samdo, beautiful Birendra Lake, historical Pungyen Monastery, virgin trekking trail, and welcoming Gurung people creates your trip life time unforgettable. Beautiful natural landscape of Himalaya and classic historical Tibetan Buddhism are the major highlights of this trek. 

Manaslu circuit Trekking begins after 6/7 hours scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and trek to Jagat, Philim, Samagaon, Samdo, Dharmasala with adventure pass of Larkya La (5,160m) and ends in Dharapani village of Annapurna region. After trek, we drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar.

 

About Larkya La Pass (5,106m) 


Larkya La is one of the longest Himalayan passes in Nepal Himalayan with an elevation of 5,106m standing between Dharmashala in the east and Bhimtang in the west. Larkya La Pass is the highest ridge during whole circuit of Manaslu trek, takes 9-10 hours to complete in one day. It is adventure pass of Nepal Himalayan region. 

On day 11, Early in the morning, our guide knock your door to be ready for adventure journey because today is your main highlight of whole journey to Nepal. Out trekking crew is ready to lead the way where you must wear proper clothes to avoid morning cold. Climbing up from Bhimtang to Larkya Pass is not very hard but climbing down from top of Larkya pass to Bhimtang is more challenges and dangers due to steep rock and vertical down path. So, you must be care yourself during descending part after you make successful attempt on the top. It is 1,700 meter descent to campsite at Bhimtang with high alpine valley which is surrounded by silver Himalayan peaks. Larkya La is your adventure and memorable mountain pass in Manaslu region.

 

Higlights

  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
  • Budi Gandarki River, Terrace field, off the beaten path, Rocky Trail
  • Classical Tibetan Buddhism, Historical Pungyen Monastery, Mani Wall, Stupas, Chortens
  • Beautiful cultural villages of Samagaon, Samdo and Namrung and welcoming Gurung People
  • Adventure Larkya La Cross, beautiful landscape of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and Ganesh Himal (7,422m)
  • Classical Trekking trail, Virgin nature, Hidden valleys, waterfall, 
     

Itineraries

Your adventure and cultural trip to Nepal begins after your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu. After you will land, get your hand bag and go to immigration office where you can get your Nepal visa. There must be many people; need fill form before apply for visa and get down to 1st floor where you will wait your suitcase. After getting suitcase, go outside where our office member shows your Name in white paper sheet and transfer to Hotel. We have booked your hotel in Thamel which is the touristic hub of Nepal.

After breakfast, your cultural tour begins where our Guide will brief to you about whole Nepal including history, culture, people, religion, geography and living standard of People. You will visit popular world Heritage sites of Nepal such as Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple) - Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, Patan Durbar Square – Old King Palace with Beautiful Temples and Houses, Pashupatinath Temple - popular Hindu temple of South Asia and Boudhanath Stupa – biggest Buddhist stupa with monastery around. It is full day guided city tour where you will learn most important historical and cultural things of Nepal. After you will return back to Hotel from sightseeing, meet with your Trekking Guide and brief about trekking program.

After breakfast, we drive along with Kathmandu- Pokhara Highway (Prithivi highway) till Malekhu. From here, we leave this highway and turn right to Dhading Besi and again drive to Soti Khola via Salyantar, Arughat and Arkhet village having scenic view of hill life with their lifestyle. From Arughat, we drive near the bank of Budi Gandki River that comes from the base of Manaslu Himalaya. Soti Khola is small local settlement with few lodges where we spend our night.

Today, we start our first day trekking in Manaslu region with our Guide and porters, the trekking trail begins by crossing suspension bridge of Soti Khoa and further walk ahead through Sal forest. We reach in Khursane and our trekking trail goes through waterfalls and reach to beautiful Gurung settlement of Lapu Besi. From here, we follow the rocky trail along with river bank of and again cross suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola.

After breakfast, we continue our adventure hike to Jagat from Machha Khola, following narrow valley to Tharo Khola and reach to Khorlabesi. We have some up and down trail till Tatopani where you can have break to wash your hand face in hot spring. And again we climb another ridge and cross the Budi Gandaki suspension bridge, cross landslide area to reach Dhovan village. From here we walk to Tharo Bharyang crossing bridge over Yarkhu Khola and steep crafted trails. Then we cross the west bank of Budi Gandaki River, ascend to ridge walking alone with Budi Gandaki River to reach in Jagat village.

In Jagat, your permit is checked by Manaslu Conversation Area Project office; and get permission to entry to Manaslu Trek. We continue our trek from Jagat to Deng village, following rocky ridge having beautiful view of Sringi Himal and reach to Salleri and then go towards Sirdibas. Today, we mostly walk through sub- tropical forest with beautiful terrace field of Corn, Potato, millet and vegetables farming. We will reach Philim which is a massive Gurung settlement after crossing suspension bridge. Further along the trail, we meet trail junction for Tsum valley and Larkya La and we head up northwest to Deng Village.

Our adventure journey goes to Namrung from Deng today. We pass colorful forests, lush vegetation painted Tibetan Mani wall and chortes till Ghap and further go ahead to Prok village from where can view amazing Sringi Himal. Then, we cross Budi Gandaki River many times having numerous Gompas and follow the upstream path through a dense forest leads a narrow gorge. We will have very peaceful and silent walk until we reach Namrung. Narung is the best place to see Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Mt. Himal Chuli.

In the morning, we can enjoy amazing view of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal and Mt. Himal Chuli, then our trekking trail goes steadily up and pass through forest of Lihi. Lihi is a beautiful Tibetan village with many stuaps and chortens and even this village is equally popular for barley terraces. We can have Ganesh Himal view in very short distance. After having classical cultural experience of Lihi village, we trek to Lho from where we can explore first view of Mt. Manaslu. We will have enough time here and also encounter the historical Rebung Gompa of Lho.

After breakfast in local lodge of Lho, we hike to beautiful village of Shyala from where can have stunning view of Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi, Kutang Himal and more silver Himalayan peaks. The trail goes further ahead climb steadily via Yak pasture to Samagaon. Samagaon is a very beautiful settlement of Tibetan village having full of traditional houses, chortens, Mani wall, stupas and praying flags. It will be great opportunity to explore Tibetan culture and tradition here. We can see village women who are weaving wool, wearing traditional clothes and ornaments, men working in the field and children wandering around.

Today is acclimatization day in Samagaon, to make physical body balance and avoid altitude sickness. Our guide takes you to explore around such as Birendra Lake and Anie Gompa. The main interesting part of Samagaon is to encounter Pungyn Gompa with amazing view of Himalayan glacier. Today, you have many choices to explore around, the highly rewarding hike to Manaslu Base Camp or hike to historical Pungen Gompa. But Birendra Lake is located nearby Samagaon village. During your stay in Samagaon, you feel as if you are hiking in 17th century and have unforgettable experience of Hidden Tibetan Buddhism.

After exploring beautiful Samagaon village, we hike to next classical settlement of Samdo village. We walk along with Budhi Gandaki River, cross suspension bridge and catch the main trekking route of Larkya La. The trekking trail is short but very gradual climb crossing Mani wall, juniper, and birch forests of Kermo Kharka and reach to Samdo. Samdo is popular for traditional Yak herding, and it portray the classical Tibetan lifestyle who are rearing sheep and goats, exercise horses and cropping barley.

First of all, we have descending path toward wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki River via seasonal Tibetan Market called Larke Bazaar and start climb to Dharmasala. After having some brooks, we go across the Larkya glacier having scenery of dramatic gorge. From here, all the way climbs to Dharmasala, located with an elevation of 4460m. Along the way, traditional monasteries make your trip classical.

Today is your main highlight of whole trip to Nepal due to adventure and exciting Himalayan cross of Larya La with breathtaking view of silver Mountain Peaks, Valleys and glaciers. Early morning our guide lead the way having short climb and reach on north side of Larkya glacier with amazing view of Larkya Peak. Before crossing the pass, we ascend the moraines of a glacier which is steep and vertical. Climbing up from Dharmasla is easier than hiking down from top of Larkya La to Bhimtang due to steep and sharp trekking route. From top of Larya La, we can have amazing picture of Himlung Himal(7,126m), Cheo Himal(6,820m) and massive Annapurna II(7,937m). Later, we will have all the way down to Bhimtang.

After breakfast, we hike to Tilje from Bhimtang with morning view of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. Today, we walk through rhododendron forest and narrow valley by crossing the bridge over Dudh Khola River and follow trail until reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. We climb along with river bank that leads the trail to Gho village with short walk to Tilije from Gho.

From Tilije, we have short and comfortable walk to Dharapani through beautiful local villages and cross again bridge over Dhudh Khola and reach to Thonje village. We pass the police checkpoint and continue walk to Dharpani village which is the trail to Annapurna circuit trek. We take lunch here and drive to Besisahar by Private jeep having off road.

After breakfast, we drive to Kathmandu via Pokhara- Kathmandu hightway by private transport. It takes 6 hour drive having scenic view of Marsayngdi and Trishuli River with typical local villages and town. In the evening our director will invite to you having typical Nepali food with cultural local dance in Thamel. Enjoy your Nepali meal with folk song and dance with our director and also discuss about your trekking experience.

After completing, Gokyo Lake Trekking, you are free in Kathmandu or you can have shopping as gift of Nepal to your family and friends. You must be very tired after trekking, can also have good body massage in Spa center. You will feel free and explore local markets and also enjoy your time in good restaurant in Thamel.

Our staff help your departure to Tribhuvan International Airport for your respective destination. Hopefully, we will wait your recommendation and suggestion and also review about your trek to Manaslu Circuit. Our Guide and Porters can wait for your next adventure journey to Nepal Himalaya. See you again and goodbye.

INCLUSION

    •  Airport Pickup and drop in Private Transport 
    • Kathmandu Sightseeing with Cultural Tour Guide, Entrance Fees of Hindu/Buddhist Temple
    • 3-star Hotel in Kathmandu with Twin Share including breakfast only 
    • Kathmandu to Soti Khola drive by Private Jeep (Before Trek) 
    • Dharapani to Besisahar drive by Privete Jeep (After Trek) and Besisahar to Kathmandu drive by private Transport. 
    • English Speaking Trekking Guide including his salary, insurance, equipment, Food and Accommodation 
    • Strong Trekking Porter including his salary, insurance, equipment, Food and Accommodation
    • Twin share Tea House Accommodation with Breakfast only during Manaslu Ciruict Trekking 
    • Manaslu special permit, MCAP/ACCAP, and all documents for Manaslu Cirucit Trekking 
    • Nepal Government Taxes and Office Service Charge 
       

EXCLUSION

    • Lunch & Dinner During Kathmandu
    • Lunch & Dinner during Manaslu Circuit Trekking
    • Nepal Visa Fee (30$ for 15 Days and 50$ for 30 Days) 
    • International Flight Ticket
    • Personal Trekking /Travel Insurance 
    • Personal Trekking equipment and Clothes 
    • Hot Shower, Wi-Fi in mountain, Battery Charge and all personal expenses during Trekking 
    • Tips for Guide & Porter
    • Any other things not mentioned. 
       

Additional Information

Trekking Difficulty 


Is it difficult to trek Manaslu Circuit?  You do not need to be a good Football player or Olympic athlete to success Manaslu trek. Sometime, we have many experience of young people failing to reach Manaslu Circuit and older people succeeding. So, anyone who is mentally and physically fit can easily completer the journey to Manaslu Circuit. Walking slowly, drink plenty of water, enjoying nature, avoiding cold, eating a balanced died and mentally daring to reach Manaslu with happy mood are the hallmarks of your successful journey to destination. Though, Manaslu Circuit is challenging trekking trail having steep hills with ascending path, sometime with ice but there will be no need any technical equipment or skill. 


High Altitude Sickness 


If the trekkers have symptoms of headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, rapid pulse with sleeping problem, he/she is suffered by high altitude sickness.  The other factors such as changing weather, cold, sun, wind, low oxygen and bad foods are the key component of high altitude sickness. So trekkers need to warm while trekking Manaslu Circuit with proper clothes and equipment. It can affect people of any age, sex and physical conditions. So, we suggest our clients, do not drink alcohol and smoke, drink plenty of water while hiking to Annapurna, train your body and strength up before trekking, eat energy food, and mentally be happy during your journey. The most common medicine for preventing high altitude sickness is Diamox or Acetazolamide. Even our guide takes Diamox on the route which is easily purchased in Kathmandu. Ascending down is the solution to avoid high altitude as the altitude sickness affects people from the elevation of 2600 meters above sea level. For normal high altitude sickness our guide helps to control by providing medicine and good food and he takes to medication center where available. If the trekkers feel bad, we send private helicopter for rescue, which is covered by your personal travel insurance. So, individual insurance is necessary while trekking to Manaslu Circuit. 


Best Time to Go 


If you are looking for trek to Manaslu Circuit, must know the best time to visit such as weather and circumstances with other factors that affects in your trip. The best time to visit Manaslu Circuit is March – May and Sep – Nov due to clear sky and pleasant temperature.  Spring and autumn is considered as the best season to trek Everest Base Camp. In spring, the days are warmer and longer whereas the autumn has short days. October and April is the peak touristic months having more crowd but the weather is fantastic and amazing.

Pre-monsoon is called spring season that covers the month of March, April and May whereas the lower region of Everest, rhododendron and flower blooms with warm temperature. In higher route, there will be more chance of problematic snowfall with sunny weather. 

Post-monsoon is called autumn season that covers the month of September, October and November whereas the Himalaya is full of blue sky, pleasant atmosphere, moderate temperature with less chance of problematic snowfall. As for the climate, it is neither warmer at day or not freezing cold at night. The Tea houses, cafes are full of tourist and visitors in autumn season. 


Accommodation 


During the trekking trail to Manaslu Circuit, trekkers sleep and eat in Tea houses. Tea houses provide tea and food which is the best possible accommodation available on the route. Tea houses offer very basic accommodation facilities having bed and blanket inside the room and some places attached bathroom too. The tea houses looks very basic and normal but it is neat and clean. Though, tea houses provide us the blanket but it is not enough to reduce cold. That is why, we suggest to bring sleeping bag own self to make warm and safety night. The attached room is possible in low altitude but in high altitude after Manang, there will be very basic Tea house Room with Beds. 


Food and water 


Food and water is very important things during the trekking to Manaslu Circuit. Tea houses provide breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/coffee. Trekkers can choose the food from Menu list what they like to eat such as Nepali food (Dal Bhat), soups, snakcs, momos, fried Rice, continental and American breakfast, porridge, Bread with Jam and honey, Eggs, noodles, spaghetti, spring roll, fried potatoes, and steak. We recommend to have vegetarian food during trek due to porter and yaks carry meat from lower region which is not refrigerated that may cause stomach problem. Therefore, we would highly recommend to avoid meat dishes on the route with exception of tinned fish and preserved items. So, no need to carry food except chocolates, such as Diary milk, Snickers, Mars and so on. But in low region, if Tea houses can provide fresh meat of Chicken can eat easily. 

Do not drink water from river or waterfall; local people can easily drink the running water that is not fit for foreigners as they do not have habit before. So, we recommend to drink bottle water or boiled water for good health that keeps our body safe. Even, trekkers keep purification tablet inside water, kills 99.9% of bacteria, virus and protozoa. Because of the altitude, it is recommend to drink 2-3 liters per day. 


Hire a Guide 


A person having license from Nepal government, who guides visitor, interprets the cultural and nature, leads the right track to the Himalaya having responsible work recognized by the appropriate authority is known as trekking guide. Guide not only led the way rather he is the ambassador of country explaining People, history, geography, religion and make successful attempt for visitors. 

Trekking guide is also knows as Trek Leader who makes easy access in Himalayan region to book Tea houses, order food for visitors, manage porters, and lead the right trail to destination. During trekking, Guide is a good friend, makes entertainment with fun and laughter too. So, Trekking guides has very important role who not only make enjoyable trip but also educate the visitors through interpretation and contribute sustainability of local environment. The trekking agency should choose appropriate guide by providing suitable training time and again though they are government license holder. Guides expected to work to a high level of customer service keeping good reputation of the company and clients. 

That is why our Guide has good communication skill, immediately solve the problem, decision making with self-motivation having physically strong and fit. Either the visitor go to Everest region trek, Annapurna region trek, Upper Mustang trek or other trekking trail, our guide makes successful effort to complete the trip. 


Hire a Porter 


Trekking porters are those people who carry the gear of trekkers from one place to other, lives in village especially from Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung and Rai, community. They are very innocent, kind, pleasant and smiling having broken English will be together from beginning to the end of the trip. Even in Manaslu region, the Brahmin and Chhetri people are working as trekking porters nowadays. A trekking porter carries 25 kg to 30 kg of gears who are very fit from mountain altitude. Porters are the transport of the visitors so must be good relationship with Guide and trekkers. During the end of the trek at Dharapani, we suggest for visitor to have TIP to porters for their support and cooperation.  

Telephone and Internet 


The internet, telephone and mobile phone is not available all the way to Manaslu Circuit. There are multiple option for Internet, mobile network such as NTC and NCELL. Sometimes internet becomes poor during the time of bad weather or snow. NCELL and NTC are cheaper that works during trekking trail as well as Kathmandu too. Even trekkers can purchase WIFI in local tea houses which is chargeable. Due to the exciting geography and sometime bad weather conditions the mobile network has not access in all parts of the trial but the network such as NCELL and NTC works most of the places. The both NTC and NCELL Sim Cards can purchase at Tribhuvan Interantional Airport, Kathmandu or in the street of touristic town Thamel.


Toilet and Shower 


Wherever travel in the Himalaya, must know the circumstances of toilet and shower before depart to the destination. During the trekking to Manaslu Circuit, most of the places, toilet should be shared by all trekkers due to common Tea houses only with normal beds in the room. Bucket Shower is possible in high altitude after Samdo Village due to no running water. But during the time of bad weather for example if heavy snow at that time it is hard to get shower above 4500 meters. We suggest to bring toilet paper during the trail due to very cold water for your safety and protection. During the peak season, even in lower region the guest houses can be busy so you will have common Rooms during trek to Manaslu Circuit. 


Trek Insurance 


Trek insurance is very important component during the trek to Manaslu. We suggest trekkers to make plan to be covered up to 5300 meters. Due to unexpected event or emergency evacuation, if the trekkers feel uncomfortable to walk in Himalaya, Helicopter rescue is necessary along with administration in hospital. So, need insurance for your safety and protection. There are so many insurance companies, you may find in internet and make strong insurance for your security. There may occur so many causes such as altitude sickness, accidents, physical illness, flight cancellation, that is why need to make insurance before you fly to Nepal for Manaslu Circuit. 


Trek Permit 


Trekking permit is mandatory to entry Manaslu region. So, we provide Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which cost 30$ per person each region. 

Manaslu Special permit (From September to November per week per person US$100 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 10 and From December to August per week per person US$75and After 7 days per day per person US$ 7 /or equivalent convertible foreign currency. 

Manaslu is restricted area so without a government holder licensed Guide, foreign tourist cannot entry to Manaslu region. So a Trekking guide is compulsory. 
Permits can be purchased in Nepal Tourism Board by our company. During trek, need to show Permit in checking points from our trekking guide and provide permit to you after finish the trek in Besisahar. Our company need your passport copy and 2 copy of passport size Photos to make permit at Kathmandu.


Trek Equipment List 


While trekking to Manaslu Circuit, need to sufficient trekking gears for your protection and safety. Trekking gears not only make protection for your body, it makes successful trip to Annapurna Circuit. The trekking gears also have benefit to remove high altitude sickness and make easy access to destination. The following gears are mandatory towards Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

  • Sleeping Bag (-20) 
  • Trekking poles 
  • Waterproof hiking boot
  • Waterproof warm Gloves
  • Sport shoes 
  • Waterproof hiking Pant
  • Fleece pant
  • Comfortable underwear 
  • Warm and thin socks 
  • Duffel Bag, 90L
  • Hand carry bag 
  • Water bottle 
  • Hiking Shorts 
  • Down Jacket
  • Warm Cap & Sun Cap 
  • Sun Glass
  • Sun Cream
  • Lip care 
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Neck Gaiter  
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  • Waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
  • Raincoat 
  • Travel Towel 
  • Camera
  • Personal first Aid Kit (Though our guide also has First Aid Kit)

 

duration 18 Days
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