Manaslu Circuit Trek is a beautiful trekking journey that takes you to the remote and less-trodden region of Manaslu. The area gets its name from the majestic Manaslu (8163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is a daring trip that takes you through the Manang-Gandaki ravines. And Gorkhali valleys present an unadulterated ethnic presence of the Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Moreover, the Manaslu region is also under the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area, it is the home to a wide array of endangered species of wildlife.
Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a drive to Soti Khola. Next, the trekking trail takes you through many of the Gorkha region‘s ethnic villages and settlements each presenting breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Ganesh ranges. The valley is home to two major ethnic groups the Nubri and the Tsum people. Manaslu trekkers can enjoy the cultural ethos of the Gurung, Bhutia, and Sherpa populace.
Additionally, trekking in the region has only recently opened in 1991. The region does not see as many trekkers as other destinations of Nepal. As such, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect option for trekkers looking for fewer crowds and off-the-beaten paths. The trail circumambulates around the Himalayan peak. The following is the ancient salt-trading route along the Budi Gandaki River. Along the way, you will be presented with awe-inspiring views of Mount Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Range.
Around Manaslu Trekking also includes crossing the high Mountain Passes. The Larkya La Pass is the highest point at an elevation of 5,160 meters on this trek. Descent from the Larke la passes you can catch up to the Annapurna circuit trekking trail on Dharapani. From here is an alternative way to trek continuing to the Annapurna circuit trek for 10 days more. Trek has an opulent cultural presence that isn’t affected by modernization.
A beautiful natural landscape embedded with trans-Himalayan woods. The Himalayan ambiance is difficult to find anywhere else. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a gorgeous journey that is perfectly in tune. Moreover, the trek is famous for its aesthetically pleasing attributes and soul-lifting charisma. It is a journey that you do not want to miss out on!
Similarly, at each step of the way, you will present the best available services at all times. From transportation and meals to accommodation and guidance. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek is designed for the customer’s satisfaction. We guarantee you an unforgettable Himalayas journey. You may call us at any time, we are available 24/7. Correspondingly, you can also choose from many of our other available packages as well. Thus, book your trip with us today!
we have some exciting alternative trekking packages. If you have already completed this Manaslu circuit trek and would like to do similar treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and more. we offer all kinds of packages at the best affordable cost.
You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your Hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, thus you may check into your Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
This day is reserved for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city's four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Each of the sites are revered religious and historical treasures that present amazing artwork and architectural integrity. They provide deep insight into the historical and religious context of Nepal. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
It takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach Soti Khola from Kathmandu. Driving on a rather dirt-laden road, you can get good views of the countryside life of Nepal. Finally, you will reach Soti Khola, a small settlement that is the starting point of the circuit trek. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Soti Khola.
The trekking trail from Soti khola towards Machha Khola is rather rocky and narrow that winds through the stunning countryside. Further from the village lays the Nyali Khola, flowing through rocky edges of tall cliffs. Following the river trail, you will then ascent across the hillocks and walk past pastures where mule caravans rest. Finally, you will reach Machha Khola. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Machha Khola.
Today, you will follow the twisting dirt pathway that will take you to the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The path emerges out towards the village of Khorlabensi, a small Gurung village located on the lower ridgelines of the river valley. The path follows the river from here, and you will cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki to finally reach Dobhan followed by Yaru. Just a few miles from Yaru lays Jagat. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jagat.
Today, you will be trekking on the path towards the village of Salleri, one of the first villages after Jagat along the trail. From Salleri, the trail then descends towards Sirdibas and further branches out towards Philim. The river flows through the landscape once again and the path flows beside it. The path then ascends towards the valley hills covered in rhododendron blossoms. Finally, you will reach the Deng. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Deng.
Passing through the thick bamboo groves, you will follow the path that winds along the ridges to reach the Rana and Bihi Phedi. Here, the cliff sides offer a panoramic view of the valley below. There are lots of monkeys here that sit atop village rooftops. Trekking through several landslide prone zones, you will then reach Ghap, a small settlement of old rustic houses and beautiful people. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ghap.
From Ghap, the landslide areas give way to the trail that leads to Namrung. Here, you can enjoy witnessing the lifestyle of the Nubri people who get their influence from the neighboring Tibet. Passing through the oak woods, you will then finally reach Lihi, and further still from there lays Sho. Finally, the path then reaches Lho from where the views of the Manaslu Peak are fabulous. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at LHo.
Today's trek is filled with mesmerizing views of Mount Manaslu. Walking slowly because of the altitude, you will follow the path through grasslands and pastures towards Shyapla. An hour from Shyapla lays Samagaon, a settlement surrounded by yak pastures and home of the Nubri people. Overnight stay at Sama Gaon.
This day reserved for acclimatization. You can trek to PungGyen Gompa today, located east of the Nubri valley. From the hilltop near the Gompa, you will be presented with breath-taking views of the Manaslu Peak. Nearby, the cliffs and pastures also harbor the Himalayan Thar and wild yaks. You can also choose to hike to the Manaslu Base Camp which is located north of Sama Gaon. Following past the trail at Birendra Tal, you can steadily climb the hillock towards the base camp (4,400m), passing by the Manaslu glacier. After exploring the terrain, you will then return back to the village. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Sama Gaon.
Today is a sort trek to the village of Samdo. You will follow the winding path that goes through alpine woods that is home to a variety of wildlife. The forest also clears towards a yak pasture where you can see a long Mani stone wall embedded in the field. Leaving the tree line, you will climb to the ridge and walk under another Kani towards Samdo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Samdo.
From Samdo, you will follow a steady trail that leads to Dharamsala. Along the way, you will be trekking through woodlands that harbor many marmots. Occasionally, you can also spot a Pica scattering swiftly along the forest floor. Dharamsala sports a few stone houses to serve the travelers who are heading to the Larkya La Pass (5160m). Overnight stay at the lodge at Dharamsala.
This is an arduous day of trekking. You will wake up early in the morning to make your way towards the Larkya La Pass. With a steady climb, you will reach the top of the mountain pass that presents breath-taking views of the sprawling valley below, as well as the Manaslu (8163m), Himlung (7126m) near Tibet, and the Kang Guru Peak in the distance. After taking in the view, you will then descend down the pass, slowly trudging along the trail which is steep and rocky. After a steady 3 hours descend, you will reach Bimthang. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Bimthang.
Today, you will climb downhill from Bimthang, walking through beautiful trans-Himalayan woods back to the Dudh Khola. Along the way, you can stop at the settlement of Kharche. From here, the trail becomes a little rough as it descends towards the Goa, a rather large Gurung village. Staying on the northern bans of the river, the path then finally reaches Tilije.
From Tilije, you will follow the pathway towards Chyamje today. Passing through the rhododendron forests, bushes, and grasslands, you will descend along the Marsyangdi River to reach Chyamje. It is a pleasant trip filled with wide open spaces of wild grass. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chyamje.
From Chyamje, you will bid goodbye to the Manaslu valley and From there, you will then have a drive back to the city. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be dropped off to your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
In every lodge on the route, Manaslu trekking with nice cozy restaurants with a simple food menu or La Carte served. Where trekkers can choose the main meals, snacks, and drinks as well as some homemade bakery products in a few lodges.
Especially around main villages like Jagat, Lo, and Sama Gaon including at the end of the trek at Dharapani village. Most meals are served as per the menu from breakfast with muesli-oats for porridge, fresh oven-made bread served with jam, honey, or butter with eggs as per one choice, from boiled, omelet, scramble to poach, or sunny-side-up. Lunch served from Nepalese famous Dal / Bhat sets (boiled/steamed fine rice with lentil soup of variation, includes veg or meats if available with some hot/spicy sauce). Includes Fried / Boiled Noodle Soups veg or meats, as well as eggs, in few lodges serve Continental, Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Chinese to local Nepalese set meals.
The menu includes snacks, like French Fries (fresh Potato chips), local Tibetan or normal bread, as well instant noodles. Dinner is always lavish one can order from the menu or set meals best for large groups, to save time and fuel energy.
After dinner, a choice of desserts from fresh fruits where is available, with some bakery products like cakes, pies, or hot custards. Followed by hot drinks of choice from tea-coffee-hot chocolate to hot lemon with honey.
Accommodations in Kathmandu, and on the path area unit are enclosed within the package price. You will be staying at 3-star or similar deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and thirteen nights' best available teahouse during the trek.
Since the high Mt. Manaslu Trekking region was open for visitors, explorers, and adventurers in 1991, where very few trekkers were aware of this beautiful region. It is a raw and pristine country, where trekkers had to have their own camping equipment and food to carry. As there were no lodges or inns for travelers, at present the area getting more attention and popularity. Slowly villagers built lodges to cater to the requirements of trekkers' comfort. Most lodges on the route to Dharapani villages are simple with basic facilities, but the rooms are clean with a large dining hall. As well as a warm and friendly environment serving meals as per the menu and season-wise.
Most rooms are on a twin-sharing basis with common bathrooms and toilets or washrooms, with a large dormitory where 5 to 10 people could share. A few places like Jagat, Namrung, Lo, and Sama-Gaon do have attached baths but on very limited. At the base of Larke-La Pass called Phedi as well as Dharmasala the lodge and guest-house of minimum facilities, serving simple beds and foods as well warm refreshments. Sometimes during peak times of trekking, the place can get crowded, and spend nights in the tents of a lodge.
Nepal for all seasons, however for trekking around Mt. Manaslu region best time is in spring from March to May months. Lively with wildflowers in bloom around mid-hills forested area, especially the rhododendron flowers from tall trees to bush. Most days are clear for pleasant walks as well for views of snow-capped peaks, late afternoon can get cloudy with cold morning and night times.
Another great time is in the autumn/fall season, from September to November months, most days are crystal clear. For excellent views of the high snow mountain range as well for nice day walks, with much colder morning and night time. But with a clear bright starry night sky, could snow around high areas on route trek and crossing high Larke-La Pass.
More to Discover: Best Time to Visit Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu region was officially opened for foreign visitors from the year 1991. The area falls in a restricted zone and travelers must obtain Trekking Permit from the Department of Immigration in addition to the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management Systems) card to enter the region.
Whether you join in for Manaslu Circuit, the region of Manaslu region falls within the Manaslu Conservation Area, which was established in 1998 with an area that covers about 1,663 sq. km. Trekkers need MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area) permits, and after crossing Larke-La Pass to reach the other side at Dharapani in Manang, where the ACAP fee is applied (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).
The Manaslu Conservation Area with the fee collected helps to maintain walking trails and conserve its fertile and pristine environment from destruction, as most villagers higher up and lodge use kerosene oil or LPG gas to cook food for trekkers, where burning of wood is not allowed to save from deforestation.
Trekkers should follow Eco-Tourism or Responsible Tourism rules and respect local culture, as well as not disturb its exotic flora and fauna. Enjoy the adventure, taking photographs for memories and leaving your footprint only.
Do you have more information on Obtaining Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permit & Requirement? Please Click here to know More Details.
Altitude Sickness and acclimatization are the main major topics that all trekkers and adventurers have to encounter on high-altitude treks and adventures.
All trekking involves high passes like on Manaslu with Larke-La at 5,106 m / 16,752 feet high. Very important to know when traveling to high Himalayan destinations. Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the symptoms can get to some trekkers from above 2,000 m to 3,000 m high, people with well acclimatized sometimes catch AMS above 3,000 m to 5,000 m high.
To avoid AMS, a rest day is very necessary at a certain height like around 2,800 m or above 3,000 m spending a few days to support acclimatization. Enough rest and taking a short hike around, as well as drinking much fluid like water, a cup of black or green tea, and lemonade can overcome high altitude sickness or AMS.
Some can take protective measures using Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets which prevent and reduce symptoms of AMS and can lower headache in high-altitude walks and climbs. The common symptoms are mild headache, lack of appetite, nausea, dehydration as well as lack of sound sleep. Critical and severe cases are when one gets the symptoms of HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) which is water in the brain and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), a symptom with some water in the lungs.
Where the victim should be brought down to safe and secure places with a medical team or doctors to attend, the fastest means is emergency evacuation by any means of immediate and fast transportation where available. In Nepal Himalaya, the quickest emergency evacuation by Helicopter services is to bring the victims back to Kathmandu for further treatment.
You May Also Read: How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Safe drinking water is the most important part of daily life as well for trekking, safe drinking water is available at every lodge and restaurant on a trek to the Manaslu region. Three main types of safe drinking water are available on the trek, which is fresh from the creek or spring, but one needs to have a good water filter, as Himalayan water contains heavy minerals like iron, magnesium, and bicarbonate.
Mineral or bottled water is available in every store, shop, and restaurant of the lodge, but can be very expensive as you reach higher areas the price will be almost double what you pay in lower villages.
To be in good shape, healthy, and keep fit as per medical advice at high altitudes, one needs to consume a minimum of 2 liters per day. The best to buy a liter or more from the lodge on a route around local lodges and restaurants, where you will be served boiled and filtered water which is very safe.
All trekkers and adventurers must purchase Travel as well as Medical Insurance for travel around Nepal Himalaya, including Mt. Manaslu higher region.
It is very important and necessary to obtain travel and medical insurance for your own safety purposes and benefits. As you never know what circumstance lies ahead, can get very sick from diarrhea, altitude sickness /AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), as well as sudden accidents in unavoidable situations. Where patients need to be evacuated immediately by any means of quick transport like the Helicopter service is the fastest way to reach medical help.
Where all your medical bills including the service of the Helicopter, will be reimbursed by your insurance company, depending upon the nature of the insurance policy. Another reason for travel insurance is just in case the trip can be obstructed by bad weather if the pass gets heavy snow. Where the trek needs to be re-routed to another destination or might get canceled, your travel insurance comes in handy in these types of situations. Make sure you have working travel insurance so that you can claim the money for the evacuation later on.
Our topmost priority is maintaining safety and security to create an enjoyable holiday for all visitors, booked with High Route Adventure as well for our field staff, guides, and porters. From the moment of the first arrival where you feel safe and get pleased with our dedicated staff and guides. In taking off your needs and requirements while in Kathmandu and throughout your adventure around high Himalayan destinations, including the Manaslu trek.
Guided by an honest and reliable guide and staff, and can communicate easily to gather information about the trekking region. Our guide is well versed in various knowledge of the area, offering much information from flora/fauna, and culture. Including religion and villager’s history and background.
Whether in Kathmandu on tours or up in the mountains, where all clients on every trip of ours feel very secure to enjoy memorable Himalayan holidays with us.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek map is a super useful tool, ensuring you find your way through the sometimes tough but always rewarding landscapes. It helps you see and experience the beauty of the Manaslu region and the culture of the people living there.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't require a lot of intricate gear and equipment for this journey. Here's a basic checklist of the vital elements you must remember to carry when embarking on your Manaslu Circuit Trek:
There are only a few of the essential items. Find a Packing list for the trekking in Nepal.
The majority of trekking gear can be rented in Kathmandu, alleviating the need for heavy baggage. By packing only the necessities and acquiring the remaining items through rentals or purchases in Kathmandu, you can travel light. Thamel's shops provide both branded and locally crafted gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it in storage.
