Manaslu Circuit Trek

17 Days USD $1395 Kathmandu Kathmandu

Duration : 17 Days

Min Pax : 2

Max Pax : 10

Max Altitude : 5,160 meters

Starts at : Kathmandu

End at : Kathmandu

Trip Route : Kathmandu-Sotikhola-Larkya Phedi-Besisahar-Kathmandu

Best Season : Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is just a fantastic opportunity to walk through Nepal’s beautiful side, which many are yet to see. If you have a clue, Manaslu Region is the terrace of the eighth highest mountain in the world. This trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, takes you on an exploration of the region.

Yet, do not believe this trek is all about Mt Manaslu. It is much more than that. As its name says, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a circuit that goes around the Manaslu Region. One trekking on this circuit gets to enjoy the true journey of natural and cultural sides.

Firstly, let’s talk about its natural side. You may or may not know, but Manaslu Region is bestowed by some of the best landscapes in the world. The lush greenery, streams, rivers, and waterfalls make it even more scenic. The trek’s highest point, Larkya La Pass (5,160m), displays unreal mountain views like Manaslu, Kang Garu, Annapurna II, Himchuli, and more. Anyone who will do this trek will get to walk through and see everything mentioned above.

Following, the trek is also about something related to culture and tradition. As you will trek through the region’s traditional villages, you will meet and interact with many locals. They show a lovely, inspiring, and unique tradition and culture, most of which they learned from the Tibetan side. Hence, this trek has a cultural part as well to share with you.

In a nutshell, Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten treks in Nepal, if not in the world. From two sides, nature and culture, this trek will make you full of memories and experiences. Ultimately, all of that will make up some adventure for you!

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

A scenic road trip from Kathmandu to Sotikhola.
Trek beyond the rivers, streams, dense vegetation, and suspension bridges.
Wander into the traditional villages of the region.
Discover about the rural lifestyle of the locals who share Tibetan Culture.
Awe-inspiring views of mountains, hills, terrains, and valleys.
Reach Larkya La Pass(5,167m) and get breathtaking views of Mt Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and more.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Rest in the Hotel

We will meet you at the airport to give you a warm welcome. Then we'll make it to your Kathmandu’s hotel. You will have time to relax and rejuvenate at the hotel. We can visit one or two tourist attractions in the city just if you like or if time permits in the evening. Following that, we'll have dinner together to celebrate your arrival. Overnight back in the hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Arrangement

We will take a tour of the popular heritage sites in Kathmandu today. The sites will be Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and more. At the same time, our team will manage all the trek arrangements for the trek, like trek gear, permits, bus tickets, etc. After visiting the scheduled sites, we will get back to the hotel for the night’s rest.

Day 3: Bus Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (730m- 9hours)

Following breakfast, we will join a bus drive to Soti Khola from Kathmandu. The next 8-9 hours of drive will take us to the starting point of the trek, Sotikhola(730m). It will be quite a scenic journey through the landscapes of Nepal. However, half of the ride will be over a bumpy highway from Dhading Besi to Sotikhola. After all the hours of hectic ride, we will finally lay our bodies to rest in a teahouse of Sotikhola.

Day 4: Trek from Sotikhola to Machha Khola (930m- 6hours)

We will finally touch the trail of the Manaslu Circuit Trek as we leave Sotikhola. Hiking along with the sal and pine trees and crossing several uphills and villages, we will keep on pushing. A refreshing waterfall and Budhi Gandaki river and its river bed and suspension bridges will also come across. Passing by all of them, we reach Machha Khola to take the night’s rest.

Day 5: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m- 7hours)

We will keep on following the riverbed and the green forested areas by it. The hike will go through Gurung villages and forest patches as yesterday. We will have a break at Tatopani, a place of natural hot spring, to fix our bodies. Later, the trek will continue by us via several more traditional villages until we find Jagat, a lovely Gurung village. Overnight in the village.

Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,880m- 7hours)

Trekking by villages like Sirdibas and Philim, we will leave Jagat far behind. Philim, one of the villages that we pass by, gives breathtaking views of mountains, we will enjoy that view all along. The track from Philim is an ascending one; we will climb the part to reach Nyak village. From Nyak, we will have a downhill bamboo forested trail to Deng. Overnight in Deng.

Day 7: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,660m- 7hours)

After Deng is ticked, moving ahead, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki River to start an uphill climb to Ranagaon (1,900m). From there, we will again cross several wired bridges to reach Bhi and ultimately to Siringi Valley. Through the picturesque landscapes of the valley, we will push ourselves until Namrung arrives. The night’s rest in Namrung.

Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m- 7hours)

Today, we will hit the altitude of 3,500m to reach Samagaon, the most beautiful village in the region. There will be loads of uphills as we are crossing 3000m, but with every climb, we will get spectacular views of mountains until Samagaon. The walk of 6 to 7 hours will end at a beautiful mountain panorama village, a couple of monasteries, Samagaon. Overnight in the village.

Day 9: Rest Day in Samagaon

Now, it is time to adjust to altitudes in Samagaon. However, it will not be a complete rest day; we have to hike to Pungyen Gompa. The monastery is an excellent place to spend a day as we will see mountains, glaciers, and landscape views. In addition, there is a glacial lake, Birendra lake, quite near to the monastery. We will explore both places before we descend back to Samagaon for the night.

Day 10: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m- 5hours)

A quick breakfast, and we are good to leave Samagaon by the mani walls. We will trek for around 4 to 5 hours through Khermo and Lela Kharka. The gorge of Budhi Gandaki River and the forest of Juniper and Birch will also guide us to find Samdo. We will reach Samdo quite early; we can use the time to explore the vicinity of Samdo. Overnight in the village.

Day 11: Acclimatization Day at Samdo

We will have another acclimatization day in Samdo. Just as the other day, we will do some short hikes around Samdo. The best hiking option is the Tibetan Border, where we will get the perfect glimpses of mountain ranges. Overnight night back in Samdo.

Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4,460m- 5hours)

Now we ascend towards Larkya Phedi, also known as Dharamsala. We will have some altitude gain on this day, so we have to trek as calmly as we can. The trek will start with a walk via a Larke Bazaar. Then we will descend to a river before we reach Salka Khola Valley by hiking uphill tracks. From the valley, walking through some more bumpy parts, we get to Larkya Phedi.

Day 13: Trek from Larkya Phedi to Larkya La Pass and Bimthang (3,720m- 9hours)

It will be the supreme day of the trek as we will have Larkya La Pass(5,160m) in front of us. So we will begin the climb pretty early in the morning by heading upwards. It is not an easy climb, but it is easy if you take it gently.
Ascending through a rough and tricky uphill climb, we will succeed at Larkya La Pass. Despite the windy time at the top, we will enjoy the astonishing views of various mountains: Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, etc. Then we precisely trek through various switchbacks towards the west to Bimthang Village for the night’s rest.

Day 14: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1,910m- 8hours)

This day will also have some trek for us to do, but easier than the Larkya La Pass Day. We will descend through Karche, Tilje, and other Gurung villages to the riverbeds of the Dudh Koshi River. The day will get done as we reach Dharapani.

Day 15: Trek from Dharapani to Syange and Drive to Besisahar

Crossing the Marshyangdi River, passing via a forest full of pine and rhododendron trees, we will pave our way to Syange. It will be the final trekking day, so we will try to make the most out of it. Just after reaching Syange, we will have a jeep drive to Besisahar.

Day 16: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

As we are done with the trekking, we will get back to Kathmandu from Besisahar. It will take 8 to 9 hours to reach Kathmandu. After we reach Kathmandu, we will head straight to the hotel for a much-needed rest.

Day 17: Departure from Nepal

Today, we will have an official completion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The team will offer you a transfer ride to the airport. Our fantastic time with you will come to an end with your departure from the country.

Map

FAQ

How challenging is Manaslu Circuit Trek for beginners ?

For beginners, it can be a strenuous tour. You have to trek on a switchback trail full of ups and downs for about 6-7 hrs daily. Plus, you are supposed to reach Larkya La Pass(5,160m), a high mountain pass. So, it’s a tough one for beginners, not for the experienced.

How are my accommodations going to be like on the trek ?

It is a teahouse trek. So you can expect basic kinds of accommodations. You will get a shareable room with two beds, a shared bathroom, bedclothes, and that’s all. However, some teahouses may have private bathrooms for each room as well. Plus, you can get extra services like dining, hot water, WiFi(not all the time), etc.

What sort of food will I be eating during the trek ?

You will get food served from Local, Indian, Chinese, and Western Cuisine or maybe more. Some of the popular food items of the trek are Dal Bhat(Local), Pancakes, Spaghetti, Pizza, Soups, Noodles, Dumplings, Tibetan Bread, Porridge, etc. Likewise, tea, coffee, and green tea are also accessible.

Will I get ill of mountain sickness during the trek ?

That depends! If you follow all the safety precautions, you can avoid it. This trek goes well over 5,000m of altitude. So you are exposed to the sickness most of the time during the tour. But, you can manage to avoid it by utilizing the acclimatization days properly and following all the safety precautions.

Is water during Manaslu Trek safe to drink ?

No. The water from the steams and taps can be bad for you. The locals are only used to it. For you, it is better to drink mineral water by purchasing or drinking purified water.

Can I do this trek alone ?

No, this trek lies in the restricted region of Nepal. And, you must have a certified guide and at least two people in your group to do this trek.

Is there electricity all over the trek for charging ?

Yes, you will get such charging services most of the time on the trek. Merely some places may not have that service.

Will I get WiFi on the trek ?

Yes, but not in all the places. The teahouses of the lower areas have WiFi services. But the higher areas’ teahouses may lack the service.

What is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek ?

March till May and September till November are the two-time intervals that are best for the trek.

Is it necessary to have training for the trek ?

If you are an experienced trekker, you do need that. But if you are an amateur, it is helpful to have training like cardio, hiking, and running. Those sorts of activities will make you ready for the rugged trails of the trek.