Destination : Nepal (West-Central part)
Duration : 16 Days
Style of Trek : Lodge Trek
- 03 nights Kathmandu
- 12 nights at the Lodge during the trek
- Breakfast = 15
- Lunch = 00
- Dinner = 00
Manaslu Circuit trek is a beautiful 13 days trek program in the west-central region of Nepal. The trek revolves around Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), the eight highest mountains in the world offering some of the most awesome mountain scenery on earth. The trek is not just limited for viewing the golden pinnacle of Mt. Manaslu but it also allows you to experience a hidden world of ethnic Nepali population inhabiting the valleys, having diverse culture and traditions. The interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages, the spectacular landscapes from green countryside and lush forests to spectacular high altitudes landscapes with high pass crossing at Larkya La (5,100 m) is just outstanding. The trail is challenging, rough and steep and in a couple of places literally hangs on a bluff high above the river. Manaslu Circuit Trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating.
In a recent days Manaslu circuit trek is getting popular as an alternate to Annapurna circuit trek but in spite of this the trek trail still remains remote and off beaten-path compared to other tea house treks in Nepal. Many considers the Manaslu Circuit Trek among the best treks in Nepal.
The trek journey begins at Soti Khola, a small village near Arughat, west of Kathmandu. The trail then takes us through Gurung communities, along ancient salt-trading routes adjacent to the Budhi Gandaki river. Further along the journey, we reach Nupri, a valley inhabited by Tibetans. The journey culminates in the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,235 m) which provides some amazing view of the glaciers and lofty Himalayas. After it descend through beautiful alpine meadows before joining the main Annapurna circuit to head out to Kathmandu.
The program suggested below is one of the most popular trek trail in the Manaslu region but in case if you have more time you can always combine this trek with Tsum Valley, a beautiful, secluded valley where century old Tibetan traditions prevail. Since now the basic guesthouses are spread all along the trail you have a choice to either camp or stay at the teahouses (mountain lodges).
Although the total duration of the trip is 16 days but the actual trek days is just 11 days + 2 days travelling(1 day drive to reach the trek starting point and another day for returning back from the trek end point) + 1 day exploring the ancient city of Kathmandu valley + 2 days arrival and departure.
- Visiting Buddhist Monastery, Ancient Palace and holy Hindu Temple
- Trekking in the less crowded trail than its more well-known peers Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit
- Spectacular view of Himalchuli (7,893m), Manaslu North (7,157 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), and the Larkya Himal (6,820 m), Eastern giants of Annapurnas
- Crossing of the high pass Larkya Pass (5,100 m)
- Beautiful traditional Gurung and Tibetan Villages, Gompas, Mani walls
You will be warmly greeted by our representative at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu upon your arrival. After escorting to your designated hotel in the city you’ll be assisted in checking into your room. Before checking in, the timing and location for a briefing session concerning your trip will be arranged. After such briefing, which will include a quick check of your personal trekking gears by our experts, you’ll have the afternoon/evening of that day all for yourself.
Overnight in a hotel.
Includes: Transfers on a Private AC vehicle & Accommodation
In the morning after breakfast and preparation of the trek, the city guide will pick you up and then drive you to SWAYABUNATH stupa which is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas said to be 2,000 years old. After visit an ancient palace of BHAKTAPUR filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples. We end our day with a tour to Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine PASHUPATINATH. We will have some time to do last minute shopping before leaving for the trek.
Overnight at the hotel
Includes: Accommodation, Breakfast & Private Vehicle for sightseeing tour, local guide and entrance fee during the sightseeing tour
Today early morning we drive to Soti Khola via Arughat. It is a long drive of around 10 hours initially the drive starts on a private vehicle with quite a good road till Arughat then after we drive on a rough unpaved road in a local Jeep till Soti Khola on a rough unpaved road. While passing ridge of Kathmandu Valley, you catch a glimpse of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal magnificent view and terraces and green hills. Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, transportation, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee.
After breakfast, we begin the first day of our trek by crossing the bridge and then walking through a beautiful sal forest. After sometime we climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Buri Gandaki. Our walk continues through a rocky trail which goes up and down passing through two waterfalls. From here we walk down crossing some rice terraces then we go little bit up to the Gurung village of Labubesi for lunch break. After lunch, we walk down once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and then follow a trail which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. Then after, we climb once again to reach Machha Khola village for an overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
Today after breakfast our journey continues to our next stop Jagat. The trail goes ups and down, crosses Tharo Khola to the tiny village of Kholabensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. From here the trail becomes steeper, climbs over another ridge then crosses the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. The trail then climbs again on a wide, well- crafted staircase to a village of Doban. This is quite a nice place to have a lunch break. After lunch, we continue our journey by climbing on a rugged, rocky trail to the top of the ridge. From here we descend a bit to Buri Gandaki then cross another suspension bridge then climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. We then cross to the west bank of the Buri Gandaki then climb to the compact village of Jagat. Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, Local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
After our permits are checked in Jagat, we continue another day of our journey. Today we start by crossing the suspension bridge and climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri. From here we can get a good views of Sringi Himal (7,187 m) in the distance. Then the trail descents a bit and walks along trail having several mani walls indicating that we are in a Tibetan influence region. We then cross the large suspension bridge and climb steeply to Philim a large Gurung village with fields of corn and millet. Then our trek continues further to Chisopani for lunch break. Then the trail turns north, stays on a fairly level trail and then goes on a steep uninhabited gorge. We then descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki , walk along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. Slowly the valley widens as we pass through bamboo forest to Deng Khola. We cross the khola (river) then we reach the tiny village of Deng for an overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
We have a breakfast then we begin our trek by descending down to the river for around 30 minutes and then climb steeply again to Rana (1,980 m). From here we continue our walk to Bihi in a bit of up and down trail. The trail then climbs again and goes high above the main Budhi Gandaki. It continues through forest, some houses, mani wall, then turns a corner and contours to Ghap. This is an area with Tibetan influence. From here the trek gains height and passes through alpine forest of pines and juniper with some views of the snowy mountains. The valley becomes steeper with ravines and cascades. After cross the river then make a long steep climb to the village of Namrung for an overnight stay. From this village you can have a wonderful view of Siring and Ganesh Himal.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
From here our walk will be shorter and slower one as we start gaining elevation. Today after Namrung the trek enters Upper Nupri valley, it is a bit wide valley with culture and languages similar to that of Tibetan people. Cross the mani walls, barley fields and house to Banjam (2800m, Banzam) then climb steeply to the picturesque village of Lihi. (2,900 m). The stone houses of Lihi exhibit the unusual architecture of this region.. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We then cross the Tibetan village of Sho, on the way you can get fantastic view of the Manaslu North (7,157 m) and Naike Peak (5,515 m). The trail crosses a small ravine to a big prayer wheel then climb past a small stream to the village of Lho. This is a big village with a large Gompa, a rough stone archway at the entrance and a Tibetan style chorten and huge mani wall. We can have a spectacular view of Manaslu North Himal and Naike peak from the view point above Lho.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
Another short day walk, we leave Lho after breakfast climbing through the forest with occasional stream crossings on log bridges to the village of Shyaula which provides you with magnificent views of Mt. Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli. We then cross the ridge and trek in and out of the canyon of the Thosang Khola. Then we walk down, cross the outflow from Punggen Glacier and then we climb beside stream to a ridge. We continue descending down to the extensive pastures and fields of Samagaon. From here we get a magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu. Overnight in the Lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
This day there are various option like making a side trip to Pungyen Gompa or visit Manaslu Base Camp or visit Kargyu Chholing Gompa. We can decide this when we reach Samagaon depending on the health condition.
Overnight at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support, simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
Today we follow the Budhi Gandaki river which has turned north till the bridge then take a Larkya La trail avoiding the left trail to Manaslu Base Camp. The trail passes through several mani walls and the valley begins to widen. Initially the trail is easy till Kermo Kharka then after it gets rougher as it reaches the ridge. Then walk down, cross the Budhi Gandaki river on a wooden bridge then climb steeply to the highland, pass trhough the kani for an overnight stay at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
Today our trek goes to Dharamsala which is also known as Larkya Phedi (base of Larkya Pass). It is situated at an elevation of around 4,480 and it is just before the Larkya Pass (5,100 m). Trek starts by a going down to a wide gentle trail, cross many fields to a large mani wall and stone archway. Continue our trek by descending down to the river and crossing it on a wooden bridge. Then the trails climbs gently through tundra and juniper opposite the huge Larkya Glacier. The trail gets more steeper and climbs to the side of a ridge from where you can have wonderful view of the Himalayas. Then we climb in and out of the gorge and contour to the only stone house for an overnight stay at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
Today will be the longest and the hardest day of the trip as we will be crossing the high pass Larkya La (5,135 m). We start very early morning with a short climb above the lodge which then goes to the north side of the Larkya Glaciers getting some great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Then we cross the boulder fields and crest several ridge lines to the summit (5,135 m) of the pass with prayer flags fluttering. The views from here is stunning, you will be able to see the panorama of Himalayan peaks which includes Himlung Peak, Cheo Peak, Kangguru Peak and the huge Annapurna II. Our stop here will not be that long because of the cold wind blowing. We then descend steeply on a trail most probably covered with snow and then on scree to the trail leading to Taubuche. From here the trail becomes bit easier as it descends along the grassy moraine then turns towards large meadow, a mani wall for an overnight stay at the lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
Today the trek descends to Dudh Khola and reaches Gho crossing Pine and Rhododendron forests. At the foot of the valley, part of Lamjung Peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight. The trail continues to Dharapani via Tilje and Thonje villages. Beyond Thonje village we drop down to cross the Marsyangdi River then climb a series of stone steps to the bustling town of Dharapani (1963m) on the Annapurna Circuit. We will be spending the night here.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , simple accommodation and permit and conservation park fee
We make the return drive to Kathmandu, first descending the Marsyangdi on the jeep road in local vehicles to the start of the paved road at Besi Sahar. Here we change to more comfortable transportation, boarding our bus or minibus to continue the journey. We travel on winding roads down the Marsyangdi Valley to its confluence with the Trisuli River where we meet the main Pokhara to Kathmandu road. Arriving in Kathmandu in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, local guide, porter support , transportation, accommodation in Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport as per the flight schedule.
Includes: Breakfast, transportation for airport transfers with assistance.
- 03 nights twin sharing accommodation on BB basis in a medium class hotel
- 01 day sightseeing tour of Swayambunath, Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath with local English speaking guide, private transportation and entrance fee during the sightseeing tour.
- 12 nights/13 days Manaslu Trek with Crew & porter support, simple accommodation on twin sharing basis, Breakfast, TIM’s Card, Conservation Park Fee and Special Permit, and hot water bag above 4000 m.
- Private Transportation KTM/SOTIKHOLA/DHARAPANI/KATHMANDU
- All arrival/departure transfers
- Insurance for staff and porters
- Waterproof duffle bag
- 30 days Nepal Visa can be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport upon payment of US $ 40.- cash. Passport should be valid atleast for 06 months on the day of departure from Nepal and 01 passport size color For online visa application log on to http://www.online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/
- Meals during your stay in Kathmandu (Lunch & Dinner)
- Meals Lunch and dinner during your trek
- Shower, internet
- Your personal gears for the trip i.e. sleeping bags, trekking gears, personal medicines etc
- Insurance – as this is an adventure trip it is important to have an insurance coverage for health, life, accidents and helicopter rescue in case of emergency evacuation.
- Any extra cost incurred in case of delay or cancellation of flight, any political turmoil, natural disaster
- Entrance fee for visiting monasteries etc
- Anything not included in our include box