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 a Sanskrit word ‘Manaslu’ that means ‘mountain of spirit’, full of beautiful scenery, typical culture and snow-capped mountains. Trekkers prefer Manaslu Circuit Trek to Everest Region Trekking or Annapurna Circuit Trek. Less crowded Manaslu Circuit Trek offers you with the exploration of unspoilt 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 (5,213 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 the restricted area with 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 culture of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards you with alluring mountain scenery, glacial landscapes, high mountain pass, rhododendron forests, and ancient monasteries.
Manaslu Conservation Area (declared in 1998) which consists 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 Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can see Himalayan thar, blue sheep, snow leopard, 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 of plant species from medicinal herbs and aromatic plants to pine add up to the beauty of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Cirtcuit 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 to choose the 18 days Manaslu Circuit Tea House Trek Package for full-fledged experience of the wilderness and multi–cultural 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.
18 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Landing in Kathmandu (1.350m/4,429ft)
As soon as your plane is landed 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 of Trekking
Today, the guide will take you through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa. You can know about the cultural, historical and religious facts and fictions along with art and artefacts of the sites. You can also do shopping to collect the gear for Manaslu Circuit Trek. In the evening, the guide will give you a short introduction about the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary including other preparation 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 in a clean 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 Gurung community. By crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, you will reach Machha Khola for the night 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 you after a short break. In the surrounding forests, you will be surprised to have seen Langur, a monkey species 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 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 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 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 Samagaun for the 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 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 rest.
Day 11: Second Acclimatization in Samdo
Today is your second acclimatization day at Samdo, so, you needn’t worry and hurry. Take 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 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 lhophophorus (Nepal’s national bird), lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffon 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 frequently used trading route to Tibet, this pass grants you a wonderful view of the landscapes and snowcapped peaks in Manaslu region.
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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 market place of the village. You will witness the Larkya Glacier and 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 (5,160m/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, 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 of 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 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 chorten-shaped arch. By crossing Dharapani, you reach Tal that 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 to Chyamje village with its typical housing styles and natural surroundings. Then, the trail passes through the rhododendron and pine forests and enters into the Marshyandi River valley. You can see the cultivated area with 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 next morning.
Day 17: Trek to Beshisahar (760m/2,493ft) and Drive to Kathmandu
Take the last day walk of the 18 days Manaslu Circuit Trek from Syagne to Beshisahar by looking at the beautiful scenery of the surrounding. 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 rest or celebrate your lifetime achievement of completing Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu or New Plan
Today is the last day of 18 days 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:
Duffel or Rucksack bag (Provided)
Down Sleeping bag (Provided)
Down Jacket (Provided)
Daypack
Hiking pants
Waterproof & Windproof jacket
Rain coat or Umbrella
Full-sleeves shirts
Jumper or Fleece jacket
Pair of T-shirts
Trekking Boots (water proof is better)
Sandal, Toilet paper
Cotton thick socks (2 pair), Woolen socks to wear with boots
Sun-hat & fleece hat
Gloves
Scarf
Sun block for lips
Sun lotion
Goggles or Sunglasses
Thermal long underwear sets
Insulated pants
Trekking poles
Wind breaker pants
Water bottle
Flash light or Head light, Batteries
Swiss army Knife
Personal Dry Towel
Personal toiletries and medication which should be labeled
Crampons
Snow leg Gaiters
