Highlights
- Explore hidden corners of Nepal Far North-Mid West within scenic Manaslu valley
- Follow raging Buri-Gandaki River up to its glacial source around high valley of Manaslu
- Visit cultural villages of great interest and monasteries enriched with old religious treasures
- Crossing high Larke-La pass traverse from beautiful Manaslu valley towards Manang areas
- Glorious panorama of high snow-capped peaks of Manaslu with massive Ganesh Himal range
Overview
Manaslu, also known as Mount Manaslu, is located high in the Manaslu Himalayas in Nepal and is the eighth highest mountain in the world, at an altitude of around 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. Proper accommodation and a consistent trekking constant pace are important to prevent altitude sickness. Manaslu, which means “Mountain of the Spirit” in the local language, is known for its amazing beauty and challenging climbing routes. It is bordered by the Annapurna Base Camp to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east. Around Manaslu Trek is a famous and challenging trekking excursion that takes you around the majestic Mount Manaslu, it gives you the amazing views of snow covered peaks, picturesque landscapes, and a chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of the region. The situation is similar for the Everest Base Camp Trek, which include the various trekkers from around the globe, while the Manaslu circular Trek typically sees fewer trekkers along the route. This trek is full of unforgettable adventures, offering the opportunity to experience nature in remote areas, physically challenging, culturally rich, breathtaking landscapes and varied it offers Himalayan scenery.
The Around Manaslu Trek typically takes around 20 days to complete, this includes hiking through different surfaces and authorizing acclimatization over several days to adjust to the high altitude. The trek usually starts from the village of Soti Khola or Arughat , which are the common starting points and usually ends at the village of Dharapani or Besisahar, depending on the specific itinerary or acclimatization schedule chosen by the trekkers. The trek will begin from Soti Khola and follows the Budhi Gandaki River Valley, which arises from the glaciers of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Mountain ranges. It is a naturally and culturally rich region situated in the northern central part of Nepal. As you trek along the river valley, you will pass through the diverse landscapes, including bamboo forests, tiered fields, waterfalls, and its turquoise waters. The trail takes you through traditional Nepalese villages populated by the local Gurung and Tibetan communities, offering a glimpse into their unique culture and their typical way of village life. This breathtaking view makes the trek worthy. The trek on the first day gradually ascends, and after a few hours of walking, you would reach Machha Khola situated at an altitude of 900 meters (2.953 feet), which means a Fish stream. The trekking distance between Soti khola to Machha Khola is around 14-16 kilometers, where you find the teahouse or lodge.
As your trek begins, after a few hours you will find Doban situated at an altitude of 1000 meters (3280 feet), in the Budhi Gandaki River valley. Continuing the trail will gradually reach Tatopani , which is famous for its natural hot springs, you would follow the route that goes through the upstream along the Kali Gandaki River. This tranquil village is an ideal place to rest and refresh after your trek. The distance between Doban to Tatopani is around 6-8 kilometers, which gives you scenic beauty and also allows you to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local communities along the way. Morning walk towards the lush forests, crossing over a suspension bridge that climbs to the high ridge and then descends into a valley of Yara Khola. After Tatopani, your trek gradually ascends. After a few days of walking, you will reach Jagat, a small village located at an altitude of 1,300 meters. It is known for its natural beauty, cultural significance and amazing views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains and encountering traditional villages along the way. After a few hours of walking, you will eventually reach Philim, located at an altitude of 1570 meters. It is known as a picturesque village for its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. In this village you are having a short break on this nice Farm village to refresh with the clear views of mountains. As you proceed the trek from Philim, gradually you will reach Dyang within a few hours of trekking. Dyang, also known as Deng, is situated at an altitude of 1,860 meters and it is another beautiful stopover point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. After that you will gradually walk through beautiful forested areas, lush vegetation and charming villages, and after a few hours of walking you will reach Bihe Phedi, a small village situated at an altitude of 1,990 meters. It is famous for harvesting different types of vegetables and crops. You will stay in that village for an overnight stop, rest acclimatization for your body after a hour of trekking. Most people are likely of Tibetan origin with ancient Buddhist culture.
Another day, trekkers begin to walk through cross suspension bridges over rivers, small villages and after a few hours of walking, you will reach Namrung, which is located at an altitude of around 2,630 meters. It’s a scenic village known for its traditional stone houses, their beauty and vibrant buddhist culture. It is also a beautiful stopover point for the trekkers of Manaslu circuit trek. The trails will gradually ascend and pass through quaint villages, cross suspension bridges will moderate you to reach the Lho-Gaun, located at an altitude of around 3,180 meters. This is an attractive village of Manaslu region for close scenic views towering Manaslu North Face, here you have the chance to visit monastery with many chhorten and Mani walls with the beautiful scene of Ganesh Himal from east. This valley is the common village for the trekkers to overnight stop to stay. On your trek, passing various villages and suspension bridges, after several hours of hike, you will reach Sama Gaon, situated at an altitude of around 3,520 meters. It is one of the largest scenic villages with traditional local Tibetan style houses, old monasteries and awe-inspiring views of the Manaslu peak. It is influenced by the Nubri people, which grasps a large number of gompa, local shops, health post, internet service access, heliport place etc. The local villagers are mostly farmers, and more active in cultivating and harvesting the crops and vegetables like potato, buckwheat, barley are grown for their livelihood. It is a nice place for rest acclimatization for your body after the day of trekking and before climbing to high Manaslu base camp.
After a few hours of hiking, you will reach your destination Samdo, situated at an altitude of around 3,870 meters. Samdo is a small Tibetan impact village populated by beautiful mountain views and this village is dedicated to yak care taking. It is situated at a high altitude, so you need to walk slowly on this trek. You can see extended yak pastures up a broad valley with main walls, various types of birds and many more. You can explore the nearby villages or short hike to Samdo Peak and also see the main track for Tibet over the Layang La forming slopes on the Larkya La route. After Samdo, you have to gradually move ahead towards Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,460 meters. It is a small lodge area, where it serves as a resting acclimatization point before crossing the difficult route Larkya La Pass.
As you continue your trek higher, the trail becomes more remote and challenging, gradually reaching the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,930 feet), which is next to the Tibetan border. It is typically seems with natural snow-capped and icy around the fields. Moving across the pass gives you awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Manaslu range, including the towering Manaslu Summit itself. The stunning views of snow capped mountain at the pass make the trip more illuminated. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, which is the eighth highest mountain in the world. After moving the pass, the trail descends into the Marsyangdi Valley, where you have to see the joins route of the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. From there, you can either continue towards the Annapurna region or terminate your journey by reaching the village of Bhulbule or Besisahar. You can see the clear view after you left the pass and walked along the pathway to the west. A spectacular wall created by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang guru with a great frosty cirque outbursts into the view, which casts down a stream of ice formations while Annapurna II rises ahead.
The best time to trek the Around Manaslu trekking in March to May and September till November months of the year, except the wet monsoon time from June to September, unless the nature is rich in flora and fauna where hills are green with its natural vegetation. In March to May, this is the spring season, when wildflowers, especially rhododendron and magnolia in bloom, are grown anywhere at the hills. This time most of the days are clear of mountain views of mountain as well as longer sunlight hours at day time due to its season. Another best month is September to November, in that time there is cold in the morning and night with freezing temperatures around the hills and mountains, but at the daytime there are shorter sunlight hours due to its season and daylight time in the autumn/fall season.
For the Around Manaslu Trek, it is a restricted area, so it’s important to need a special permit to access this route. This permit is issued through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. You will need a ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit), and MRAP (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit). When your trek booking is confirmed with us, you have to give your passport details to get your permit. All the permits which are necessary for the trek are taken care of by our company, so you don’t need to worry about that. Also we will provide you the guide to help you through the trail and manage everything when it comes about the treks. As the trek begins, your guide has your permit to show up at the point of the check post during the trek.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered as physically effort required, so at first the trekker must be physically fit, healthy and mentally strong. It involves long trekking days, and the trail can be steep ascents and descents and crossing the various high mountains, rocky and rugged at a time. Some trekkers have faced the problem of the high altitude sickness, this can make the trek physically demanding however the proper preparation, training and acclimatization are most important before the trek begins. Proper acclimatization and responsible and careful management are important to avoid altitude sickness. You have to borrow some medical kits and medicine. You also have to carry warm clothes, dry, protected from the sun , able to move and walk comfortably in the mountains trails, sleeping bag and other necessary camping equipment, as well as your personal things, some cash because there may not be an easily available ATM machine. You may have a porter to carry heavy things, which is very helpful for you on the trek. Along the trek there are some tea houses and lodging are available for accommodation,which is run by local communities, where you have your breakfast, lunch and dinner respectively. It is important for your safety to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek with a licensed trekking agency and well experienced guide. They will provide necessary assistance, be careful about your safety, and make essential arrangements along the route.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be escorted to your hotel by All Nepal Excursion's staff and guides.
On checking your rooms, getting refreshed join with other trekkers for briefing provided by our guide or leader.
Evening enjoys group dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant with a live cultural program to entertain you with dinner.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti-Khola 740 m-6 hrs ride.
Morning at the earliest depart from the hotel by 7 a.m. and catch up bus from Gongabu to Soti Khola then on the road with an exciting drive to Nepal Mid West reaching around Gorkha district, heading past warm low farm villages and towns to reach at Arughat Bazaar, from here another short drive takes you at the overnight stop in Soti-Khola village.
Day 03: Trek to Machha Khola 925 m - 06 hrs.
Start the first day walks to the steep valley, within forest walk past villages to reach a wide valley opposite of a large tributary stream that runs into Burigandaki River.
Nice views of a cultivated terrace of Lapbesi upper village as our walk descends to a wide, sandy riverbed following a trail that meanders below a steep, craggy valley side.
As walk progress leading to a climb towards Machha Khola for an overnight stop, a village with many teashops and small lodge, Maccha Khola means a Fish Stream.
Day 04: Trek to Doban 1,070 m via Tatopani (Hot Spring) - 06 hrs.
From here onward into interesting farm villages and cultivated fields as vegetation changes slowly as altitude gains, where morning walk takes you over a stream where Machha Khola (Fish Stream) name comes from, route lead upstream to Khola-Bensi village and at Tatopani a place with natural 'hot spring'.
The walk continues as valley turns into narrow and steep, and then trail reaches to cross a suspension bridge, after a short period of walk entering a patch of forest and then reaching at Dovan located on the high shelf of Burigandaki River.
Day 05: Trek to Jagat 1,345 m - 05 hrs.
Morning walk towards broad gravel field and at Lauri stream crossing over a suspension bridge that climbs to the high ridge then descends into a valley of Yara Khola, the journey continues for another hour to reach at Jagat.
Jagat a nice looking farm village of moderate size after Arughat; people here with mix race Magar, Chettries, Brahman, Manaslu Bhotia (Tibetan looking tribes) and some Newar people a lodge owner and shopkeepers.
Day 06: Trek to Dyang 2,130 m via Philim 1,570 m - 06 hrs.
After Jagat walk leads to descend towards riverside, and then climb towards terraced hillsides of Saguleri, facing views of Sringi Himal walk continue with ups and down the trail to a bridge over Buri-Gandaki.
After crossing our path winds up to Philim village having a short break on this nice farm village with lovely cultivated fields and terraces.
After a refreshing stop head higher through terraces of golden fields of wheat and barley, to a rocky ridge top covered within bamboo forest area towards a place called Eklai Bhatti.
After rest walk towards the higher Manaslu area, as route diverts North West to reach our overnight stop at Dyang a small nice village of more Tibetan culture.
Day 07: Trek to Bihe Phedi 1,990 m -06 hrs.
Morning walks around farm village, where houses and terrains change into strong Tibetan culture and of Buddhism religion, after a few hours walk leads to Bihe, a small village for an overnight stop, here people are more of Tibetan origin with ancient Buddhist culture.
Villagers raise buckwheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops since trekking gain popular around the area, spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown.
Day 08: Trek to Namrung 2,630 m / 8,629 ft - 05 hrs.
From here air gets cooler air, as the walk continues for few hours to a steep-sided scenic valley, coming across Mani prayer with stone walls, as walk leads to Ghap for the possible lunch stop.
After Ghap altitude gains as route heads into alpine woodland where path meander to steep climb as the valley opens up with extensive pastures and then crossing a large stream flowing from the glacier of Lidana.
Walk facing views of Manaslu where the local name is Kutang Himal with Pang Phuchin 6,335m, Saula Himal 6,235m with many unnamed peaks of above 6,000m.
Walk from here takes you uphill altitude gains as the walk takes you past farm village to reach at Namrung for an overnight stop, the village also called Sho Namru.
Day 09: Trek to Lho-Gaon 3,180 m - 05 hrs.
Spending overnight at Namrung, from here walking within farm fields, Yak herder huts, as route leads to high and scenic valley all the way to Lho Gaon a nice village for an overnight stop.
An attractive village of Manaslu region, at Lho, enjoy close views of towering Manaslu North Face, around Lho, visit its monastery with numerous Chhorten and Mani walls with views of Ganesh Himal towards east.
Day 10: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m -05 hrs.
Enjoying time at Lho-Gaon morning walk from here leads to much easier with slow and gradual climb with constant views of the mountain with Peak 29 ahead, after few hours walking uphill reaching into a small forest at Shala village facing view of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli, and then few hours further then ending our day trek at Sama-Gaon village, with views of Mt. Manaslu.
Sama-Gaon village the largest around Manaslu Valley, where locals are mostly farmers cultivating buckwheat, barley which are the main crops in this high and harsh terrain, potatoes and some high and cold vegetables are also grown. Villagers around high Manaslu valley descended from South West Tibet way back more than 400 years of history where custom and culture of ancient Buddhist heritage similar to its origin Tibetan predecessor.
The local villagers are still active with trade and bartering across the border with Tibet taking few days to reach the frontier of Nepal and Tibet, actually located on the old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route of the two countries.
Day 11: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and local excursion.
Today a free day for acclimatization before the climb to high Manaslu base camp, here with time for a short hike around Sama-Gaon houses adorned Tibet heritage facing views of peaks and visit the old Monastery.
Day 12: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m - 04 hrs.
After Sama-Gaon, morning a pleasant walk of a few hours to reach the last village of Manaslu valley starts with a slow climb taking time with a short break to enjoy surrounding wonderful views of peaks and dramatic terrains.
As the walk continues finally ending at Samdo village with a short climb to reach a small flat plateau where the village located, moderate size village of more than forty houses with about two hundred villagers living this high harsh country.
Day 13: Trek to Dharamsala /Larke Base 4,465 m - 04 hrs.
On leaving the last village of Manaslu valley and higher areas of Gorkha district walk leads towards the end of a valley, facing views of snow-capped peaks with Mt. Manaslu.
The walk continues to cross icy streams to reach Larke Phedi at the bottom of a pass, also known as Dharmasala means ‘travelers rest house/shade’.
At Larke Phedi afternoon free for short walks and preparations for next early morning long climb and descend crossing high Larke-La pass to reach Manang areas.
Day 14: Cross over Larke-La 5,160 m and descend to Bhimthang 3,720 m - 08 hrs.
After overnight at Larke Phedi, early morning starts as climb leads to steep slopes past few huts of Dharmasala, walk over the moraine of rocks and boulders (in snow conditions arduous job to find the right path).
The climb takes over ablation area over Larke north glacier, facing views of Cho Danda with Larke Peak, and then reach on top of Larke-la, festooned with thousands of Buddhist colorful prayer flags.
From the top enjoy a panorama of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II includes series of Manaslu peaks.
Enjoying breath-taking views where long descend reaches you back into green vegetation and tree lines after a small place of Larcia, walks on moraine ridge to Tambuche at 3,900m, at the bottom of a pass, and then with a short walk to Bhimthang for overnight.
Bhimthang a magnificent place located on a wide green valley with the number of lodges adorned with prayer Mani walls, surrounded by green tall trees of rhododendron-pines and oaks.
Day 15: Trek to Goha 2,840 m - 06 hrs.
From Bhimthang rest of the journey is easier with downhill walks and short climb on route to Goha and Dharapani villages, morning facing views of peaks heading towards alpine woodland.
Walk into beautiful forested areas to reach a small clearing in the midst of woodland at Goha for overnight stop within a small cattle and yak herders summer pasture and temporary settlement.
The walk follows a downhill trail through the forest to reach a nice village at Tilje village, a nice place by the raging Marysangdi River.
Day 16: Trek to Dharapani village 1,964 m - 05 hrs.
Morning leads to the end of our marvelous walks after crossing a suspension bridge a steep climb for short while to reach large and nice lovely Dharapani village located on the junction of famous and popular Annapurna Circuit trail and Around Manaslu Trekking route.
Dharapani located on a river gorge with lovely tree lines where motorable has been constructed since the past few years, the village provides excellent lodges for an overnight stop.
Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu - 08 hrs
After breakfast at Dharapani depart for Kathmandu taking jeep ride of 5-6 hours of an interesting and exciting journey, as the route follows past the large town of Besisahsar. From Besisahar shared jeep or bus transportation to Kathmandu.
As the drive continues then on winding up to reach the top spot on the outskirt of Kathmandu valley and the city, a short drive from the top reaches you to your hotel, with afternoon free for individual activities and shopping.
Day 18: In Kathmandu free day at leisure.
In Kathmandu free day at leisure where one can join in for exciting tour around interesting places visiting world heritage sites of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur cities.
Day 19: International departure to respective countries homeward bound.
Last day in the land of world highest mountains and exciting cultures, as per your time for international flight depart from the hotel, where All Nepal Treks staff and guide transfers you to the airport, with grand experience and adventure Around Manaslu Trekking.
What's included
- All Arrival and Departure transfer from airport to hotel and vice versa.
- Full day sightseeing tours in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- 3-star standard hotel in Kathmandu on Bed and Breakfast basis (Unless booked for Single Room Supplement).
- Twin sharing accommodation on best Lodge available on treks on full board with breakfast-lunch and dinner.
- Shared bus transportation from Kathmandu-Soti Khola and bus from Dharapani-Kathmandu.
- Applicable Trekking and National Park or Conservation Permit Fees.
- Group briefing and orientation program on do’s and don’t of the trip.
- International air tickets re-confirmation.
- Basic First Aid and Medical Kits.
- Experienced English speaking skilled guide.
What's not included
- Entrance fees for sightseeing places
- Lunch and dinner while your stay in Kathmandu
- International Airfare-Nepal Entry Visa.
- Personal Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Expenses of Personal Nature-Gratitude-Airport Tax
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment, down or duvet jackets, sleeping bags. (Sleeping bags and down jackets and trekking equipment).
- Emergency Evacuation by any means of Transportation and personal medical kit.
- Early return from the trips or breaking up the journey due to personal/medical reason clients has to bear extra expenses in Kathmandu or on route with related expenses as there will be no refund from the company in such situation.
