About Manaslu Circuit Trek (Larke-La pass)

  • Raj
  • Last Updated on Jan 20, 2025

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Manaslu

Manaslu Circuit trek leads you around Mount Manaslu which is the 8th highest peak having 8,163m (26,781ft) height from the sea level. Manaslu Region got its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Manaslu’ which means ‘mountain of spirit’, full of beautiful scenery, typical culture, and snow-capped mountains. Trekkers prefer the Manaslu Circuit Trek to the Everest Region Trekking or the  Annapurna Circuit Trek. Less crowded Manaslu Circuit Trek offers you the exploration of unspoiled natural landscapes that lie east of the Annapurna Massif. The Manaslu Circuit trek starts from Arughat or Sotikhola or Gorkha and ends in Beshisahar, Lamjung from where the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins.

Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the Budhi Gandaki River and goes up to the highest elevation of Larke-La (5,106 m). From Larke-La, you see the magnificent panorama of Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m) and other snowy peaks in the Manaslu Circuit Region. Manaslu Circuit Trek is quite different from other teahouse trekking routes as it lies in a restricted area with an off-the-beaten-path. 

En route to Manaslu Circuit Trek, you see beautiful waterfalls, pine and bamboo forests along with bushes of ferns and typical human settlement areas. You can experience the blend of different castes and mixed cultures of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards you with alluring mountain scenery, glacial landscapes, high mountain passes, rhododendron forests, and ancient monasteries.
 

Manaslu Conservation Area (declared in 1998) which consists of different endangered species of wildlife and vegetation is an attraction of Manaslu Circuit Trek. The conservation area has about 110 species of birds, 33 types of mammals, 11 kinds of butterflies, and 3 species of reptiles. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can see Himalayan thar, blue sheep, snow leopards, and musk deer in the conservation area. Your encounter with golden eagle, kalij, crimson horned pheasant, Himalayan, and Tibetan snow cocks makes your Manaslu Circuit Trek truly unforgettable. You can also see 19 different forest types among which pine and rhododendron are dominant. Around 1500 - 2000 plant species from medicinal herbs and aromatic plants to pine add up to the beauty of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek can be customized from 10 days to 22 days as per your interest and vacation. Manaslu Circuit Trek cost is fixed according to the package in a mutual understanding with the trekking agency you book. But, we suggest you choose the 18-day Manaslu Circuit Tea House Trek Package for a full-fledged experience of the wilderness and multicultural region. En route to Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will have to walk along the challenging trail ranging from 710 m to 5,160m of altitude.

Detailed 18-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary:

Day 01: Landing in Kathmandu (1.350m/4,429ft)

  • As soon as your plane lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the mediator of the trekking agency will guide you up to the hotel booked for your stay. You can take a complete rest to forget your travel fatigue at your hotel or you can stroll around Thamel or King’s Way.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for Trekking

  • Today, the guide will take you through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa.  You can learn about the cultural, historical, and religious facts and fiction along with art and artifacts of the sites. You can also go shopping to collect the gear for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. In the evening, the guide will give you a short introduction to the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary including other preparations to be done.

Day 03: Drive to Soti Khola (710m/2,329ft) 

  • Now, after having breakfast at the hotel, you catch a jeep or bus to Soti Khola, a village in the Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhading. The journey to Soti Khola is quite interesting as you can see the landscape and snow-capped mountains on a clear day. You have a magnificent panorama of the snowy mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal during the drive. 

Day 04: Trek to Machha Khola (900m/2,953ft)

  • You will begin this epic trek to Machha Khola by crossing beautiful forests, paddy fields, cliffs, and captivating natural waterfalls. Following the steep and sloppy trail along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, you will walk past two villages: Khursane and Lapubeshi. Lapubeshi is a Gurung village where you can find traditional houses and typical cultural settings of the Gurung community. By crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, you will reach Machha Khola for the night's rest.

Day 05: Trek to Jagat (1,410m/4,626ft)

  • Today, you will be following the trail having stone staircases leading uphill and downhill to reach Jagat for the night stay. You come to see a few suspension bridges over some streams to reach different Gurung villages located in solitude accompanied by natural beauty. On the way, you will find a waterfall of natural hot water Tatopani where you can refresh yourself after a short break. In the surrounding forests, you will be surprised to see Langur, a monkey species with having long tail.

Day 06: Trek to Deng (1,804m/5,919ft)

  • Your destination for today’s trekking is Deng to reach where you have to walk uphill and downhill by crossing a few suspension bridges over rivulets. The superb view of the dense forests, small pastoral Gurung villages, and meadows will inspire you for further ascent. By passing some villages like Philim, and Ekle Bhatti on the edge of the Budhi Gandaki River, you will reach your station. 

Day 07: Trek to Gap/Namrung (2,630m/8,629ft)

  • Now, you will walk through the rocky trail that penetrates through thick alpine forests and classic ethnic houses of the Manaslu region. You will follow the path through Prok village which gives you the vantage of the snow-white Sringi Himal and several gompas. By having a distant view of the major alluring peaks of the Manaslu region, you enter into Manaslu Conservation Area. Finally, by crossing the steep path, you will reach Namrung for the night station.

Day 08: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m/11,581ft)

  • In the morning, walk around the Namrung village for the finest panorama of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Himalchuli (7,893 m) to the south. Today also you will follow the sloppy and steep rugged path to reach your destination, Samagaun. You will walk past Lihi village decorated with many monasteries and terraced farming of barley. You will walk through Lho village from where you can have a captivating view of the Manaslu region and visit Ribung Gompa, a famous monastery. Similarly, from Shyala village, you can see the appealing sight of Himalchuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and some glaciers. Storing the memories of spellbinding snowy peaks and rustic villages, you will reach Samagaun and spend the night there. 

Day 09: Acclimatization in Samagaun

  • For a day’s acclimatization, you can trek to Pungyen Gompa just a few miles away from Samagaun. You can also visit Birendra Lake and return to Samagaun for a night stay. You can take some snaps with the Sherpa women in their cultural ornaments and attire. You can find many mani stones reflecting Buddhist text and culture.

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,860m/12,664ft)

  • Today, you will follow the trail up and down through the welcoming juniper and birch forests on the sides to go across Kermo Kharka. You will play ‘hide and seek’ with the Budhi Gandaki River on the way and reach close to the Tibetan border. Walking the steep archway paved with stones, you will reach Samdo for the night's rest.

Day 11:  Second Acclimatization in Samdo

  • Today is your second acclimatization day at Samdo, so, you needn’t worry and hurry. Get enough sleep and rest! For the acclimatization, you have two options: one easy and the other challenging. You can trek through one of the oldest trading routes to Tibet reaching close to the Tibetan border. From here you can see the snow-covered mountain peaks in Manaslu region including Mt. Makalu. You will also love to see the mountainous birds like the Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) Nepal’s national bird, the bearded vulture or the lammergeier, and the Himalayan Griffon or Himalayan Vulture hovering just around you! ‘Doksas’ meaning sheds for seasonal cattle settlements will also add to your knowledge about animal husbandry in the Himalayan region. The challenging path leads you up to Gya La (estimated 4,796m), one of the high passes in Manaslu Circuit Trek. Quite a frequently used trading route to Tibet, this pass grants you a wonderful view of the landscapes and snowcapped peaks in the Manaslu region.


 

Day 12: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m/14,633ft)

  • This Manaslu Circuit trek distance is quite short but filled with a blend of natural and cultural attractions. You will walk past Larke Bazaar, a seasonal Tibetan marketplace of the village. You will witness the Larkya Glacier and a mesmerizing view of the landscapes and snow-capped peaks.  By crossing the Salka Khola valley, you will reach Dharmasala (also called ‘Larke Phedi’) to spend the night. The traditional monasteries found in the villages will greet and see you off en route.

Day 13: Trek to Bhimtang (3,720m/12,205m) via Larkya La (5,106m/16,929ft)

  • Despite the challenging route, your trekking today will be more fantastic as you come to see tantalizing natural scenery. The lovely pastoral villages, glacial lakes, lush valleys, and wide variety of wildlife and vegetation including snowy mountains will make your hardships easier. From Larkya Glacier, you have a majestic view of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Atop Larkya La, you can see the heart-touching outlook of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Mount Manaslu itself. The day is more remarkable than the rest of the days passed and to come as you have crossed the highest point, Larkya La! You spend the night in extreme happiness in Bhimthang.

Day 14:  Trek to Tilije (2,300m/7,546ft)

  • While descending from Bhimthang, you will have a glimpse of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. By passing a highland pasture, you will cross the Dudh Khola River Bridge to reach a narrow valley. You will walk through Kharche Valley which is one of the highest cultivated areas in the high Himalayan region. To reach Tilije, today’s night station, you will have to cross Gho where few trekkers want to spend the night. 

Day 15: Trek to Tal (1,700m/5,577ft)

  • Today, you will spend the night at Tal, a small village at the foot of a waterfall. You have to walk past Thonje, a small village decorated with many walls and a chorten-shaped arch. By crossing Dharapani, you reach Tal which lies in the Annapurna Circuit Trek region. 

Day 16: Trek to Syagne (1,080m/3,543ft)

  • By crossing the Marshyandi River once more, you will reach Chyamje village with its typical housing styles and natural surroundings. Then, the trail passes through the rhododendron and pine forests and enters the Marshyandi River valley. You can see the cultivated area with a terraced farming system since the valley has highly fertile soil. You will spend the night at Syagne from where you can easily reach Beshisahar to catch the vehicle the next morning.

Day 17: Trek to Beshisahar (760m/2,493ft) and Drive to Kathmandu 

  • Take the last day walk of the 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Syagne to Beshisahar by looking at the beautiful scenery of the surroundings. From Beshisahar, you will catch a bus to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi River up to Motel Du Mugling, and then the Trishuli River. The representative will take you to the hotel where you can take a rest or celebrate your lifetime achievement of completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu or New Plan

  • Today is the last day of Manaslu Circuit Trek package. Therefore, the representative of the trekking agency will accompany you up to the Tribhuvan International Airport for farewell. If you have time to spend more in Nepal, we would be pleased to plan something new for your refreshment.

Necessary Trekking Gears:

Pack Lists / Equipment

Clothing and Wears

  • Trekking shoes with spare laces
  • hiking boots (waterproof is better)
  • Gore-Tex pants 
  • Long shorts
  • Sun hat 
  • Jumper
  • Waterproof Jackets 
  • A1 Down Jacket (Returnable)
  • Fleece cap
  • Thermal Long Underwear Sets 
  • Neck Gaiter
  • Gloves
  • Socks 
  • Thermal Underwear
  • Sandals

Essential Gears

  • A1 Duffel or Rucksack bag (If do not have then Duffel Bag Provided Returnable)
  • A1 Down Sleeping Bag (Provided Returnable)
  • A1 Inner Liner (Provided Returnable)
  • Trekking Poles 

Gadgets

  • Map
  • Compass
  • Mobile        
  • Camera
  • GPS 
  • Two-way radios
  • Binoculars
  • Head Lamp
  • Flashlight


Sun Protection Items

  • Sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • Lip balm

Medical

  • First-aid Kit (Brufen, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture, Iodine, etc.).

Other Essentials

  • Heat/Leak Proof water bottles
  • Water Purifying solution (Iodine based)
  • Water filters
  • Insulated cup/flask
  • Travel Documents
  • Cash
  • Extra batteries
  • Power bank
  • Reusable (spoon, cup, plate)
  • Reusable bags
  • Large Waterproof Disposable Bags
  • Snacks
  • Toiletries 
  • Personal towel
Raj

Raj

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