Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season: All Year Round

Max Altitude: 5416 m

Group Size: Min 2 Pax

Transport: Flight from Jomsom to pokhara

Trip Grade

Difficulty

difficult

Duration:
18 Days

Trip Overview

Manaslu Round Trekking or Manaslu Circuit is a fascinating trip with great Himalayan view and a bit challenging at the same time. This route is not crowded at all. Exploring the highland villages of Nepal thrills a trekker to cross over a Larkya La pass which is the tough part of this trek.

Round Manaslu trekking is a blend of rich culture, adventure, scenic beauty and rudimental rural civilization that represents ancient Tibetan lifestyle. As we start trekking from Arughat of Gorkha, central Himalayan Range appears in the backdrop with layering green hills and view of sweeping Valleys.

As we head up towards the Mt. Manaslu, the trail reveals unexplored country inhabited by Gurungs. The trail eventually circumvents Mt. Manaslu crossing Larkya Pass (5,100m) and comes down to classical route of Annapurna. Here you can either continue trekking Around Annapurna crossing another arduous pass of Thorong La (5,416m) or come back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our representative from Firante Treks and Expedition. After checking in at you hotel,  you can relax and freshen up and later in the evening wander around - Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu.

There are abundant number of souvenirs and antique shops for you to shop from. We will spend our night in Kathmandu.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.

Airport Pick Up in a Private Car.

Day 2:: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

After breakfast, we will begin our guided trip to numerous ancient/ historical heritage sites of Kathmandu. We will be exploring the Kathmandu Durbar square - an ancient palace and surrounding this square, there are plenty of temples and ancient prehistoric palaces. You will also explore the temple inside out of the temple plus get a chance to visit the living goddess - Kumari. 

All the myths and legends associated with these sites as well as the story of living goddess Kumari will be described to you in brief by our tour guide.

Next, we will explore the sacred Hindu temple - the Pashupatinath temple. Inside the temple, you will be exploring the religious rituals of Hindu followers and more. After that, we will visit the Swambhunath temple (also famous as monkey temple). Next, we will visit the Boudhanath stupa -the largest stupa in the world.

In between we will also have trip discussion meeting with our team leader. We will spend our night in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: A 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.

Explore Kathmandu in a Private Car.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710 m / 8 - 9 Hrs)

Today we will wake up early and drive to Soti Khola. On the drive to Soti Khola - we will enjoy spectacular mountainous views as well as small Nepali hamlet. Driving along the paved road from Kathmandu towards Dhading Besi (headquarter of Dhading District 1050 m). From here - we drive to Arughat through the bumpy road. After reaching Arughat - we then head towwards Soti Khola. We will spend our night in Soti Khola.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 4: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (900 m / 6 - 7 Hrs)

Today we will commence our trek journey crossing the bridge and trek via striking Sal forests and then ascend to the ridge over to the huge flowing Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane and trek upwards and downwards on the rocky trail on the side with two cascading waterfalls.

Continuing our hike, we cross serveral rice fields and head upwards to Gurung village named Labubensi. Moving downwards and trekking through curved stone, we then ascend through the side ridge. We then head downwards to the river and as we cross the river through suspension bride, we reach our destination of the day - Macha Khola village. We will spend our night in Macha Khola.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea house or Trekking lodge.

Day: Maccha Khola to Jagat (1410 m / 6-7 Hrs)

Today, following the narrow path with few ups and downs, we cross Tharo Khola (river) and reach Kholabesi. After that with short ascends and descends, cross Budhi Gandaki river through suspension bridge. We will then ascend on a broad staircase. We will again cross another river - Yaru Khola via suspension bridge and ascend through the stone stairs and head downwards to the river and again take the steps to stone stairs towards Tharo Bharyang.

We will cross the west bank river Budha Gandaki and ascend through a ridge and trek alongside the river and ascend to the Jagat village. We will spend our night in Jagat.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 6: Jagat to Deng (1804 m / 6 - 7 Hrs)

Today we will begin our trek ascending above the rocky ridge and head towards Salleri and from here, we will descend towards Sirdibas. The vale broadens slightly and continues our trek to Ghata Khola. Continuing trekking and crossing the bridge - we will reach the Gurung village. We will be crossing the millet fields and head towards the Ekle Bhatti.

From here our trails enter a huge steep and then we will descend to a lush land hill and cross the Budhi Gandaki River and trek to the west bank and then cross the east bank. Continuing trekking the valley broadens and then passing via the Bamboo forests towards the Deng Khola (river); crossing the river - we arrive at the small village of Deng. We will spend our night in Deng.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea house or Trekking lodge.

Day 7: Deng to Namrung (2630 m / 6-7 Hrs)

After a short hike from Deng, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend towards Rana - 1910 m. From here we will ascend for a while and head to the path of the west valley of Budhagandaki. We then pass via dense forests and turn to corner that curves towards Ghap.

There are many trails but we will be trekking on the trails to Prok village. This Prok village has stunning viewpoint where one gets the exquisite views of Shringi Himal (mountain). After that, we will cross the Budhigandaki and then pass numerous Gompa  (monasteries).

We will continue our trek following the river via lush forests. Then we will cross the river and head downwards to narrow gorge and our dense forest trail becomes slightly less dense. We continue our trek and after a steep ascends - we will reach Namrung. We will spend our night in Namrung.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 8: Namrung to Samagaon (3530 m / 6-7 Hrs)

This Namrung village is the best viewpoint for viewing the Ganesh and Shringi Himal and even one gets to perceive Mount Chuli of the south. We will ascend gradually and pass via dense forest and then reach Lihi - an excellent village with several chortens and barley fields.

Our path drops and crossing the side vale of Ganesh and Simnang Himal which the view is nearby. Before reaching Sama village - we will pass some villages named Sho, Lho and Shyala. From Lho village, one gets the beautiful view of Mount Manaslu and even we will be exploring the well-known Ribung Gomba.

The Shyala village is surrounded by several huge mountains named Mt. Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu and few glaciers. As our today's trek ends in Samagaon, we will spend our night here.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 9: Samagaon- Pungyen Gompa & Back to Samagaon ( 6-7 Hrs Exploration)

Today we will be spending our day relaxing and acclimatizing in Samagaon. We will also get familiar with Sherpa people and their culture. We will enjoy the view of abundant thousands Mani wall stones depicting Buddhists scriptures and painting.

This Sama village is a prehistoric village having an ancient Gompa named - Pungyen Gomba and from the Gomba/monastery - one will get the stunning views of the glaciers. We will spend our night in Samagaon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation:  Trekking lodge.

Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3860 m & 12660 feet): 4-5 Hrs

Today we will be descending down to Budhi Gandaki River and turn to the north and follow the river. Trekking to the left side of trail will leads us to Manaslu Base Camp. The trail to Larkye La passes has numerous Mani walls. 

The trails become easy and head over the river by passing through lush Juniper and birch forests. We will then head downwards and cross the Budhi Gandaki River through a wooden bridge and then ascend gradually to a cape amid two forks of the river. We will then pass via Kani and then reach Samdo. We will spend our night in Samdo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 11: Rest at Samagaon for Acclimatization

Today also we will be acclimatizing the altitude so; today there are two options - In the first one - we will hike to the high valley to the back of Samdo village. The hike will lead us to Tibet trade passes and from where we get magnificent views of Mount Manaslu including several other peaks. Heading to this viewpoint - we will be passing herding settlements named Doksas and even sometimes spot mountain birds like Lophophorus - the national bird of Nepal plus other birds like Himalayan griffin and Lammergeyer.

Later option will be - heading to Gya La pass which is the large pass situated to the north of Samdo but this hike will be tiring. We will spend our night in Samdo. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea house or Trekking lodge.

Day 12: Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Base Camp (4460 m / 4-5 Hrs)

Today we will continue our trek walking down the edge and crossing the wooden bridge above Budhi Gandaki and walk to the upward direction and cross two streams as well as viewing the Larkye glacier. We will then head to the Valley of Salka River and ascend again towards the stone guest house which is at the altitude of 4450 meters.

This lodge is a small lodge but called as Dharmashala which is also well-known as Larkye Phedi. Today a short hike helps us for proper acclimatization and in afternoon, we will fully relax. We will spend our night in Dharamsala.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 13: Dharamsala - Larkya La (5160 m) & to Bimthang (3720 m / 8 - 9 Hrs)

Today we will ascend for a while and then reach the valley to the north side of Larkye glacier and from here - we can enjoy the mind-blowing views of Larkya peak and Cho Danda. Then we will cross the moraines of the glacier with gradual ascend and then reach the last part of the pass.

Reaching the pass, we will be amazed by the captivating view of Cheo Himal, Kangguru, Annapurna II and Himlung Himal. It is longer day trek where we will then head to Bimthang, however, we will be walking through low pastures with mesmerizing views of Mount Manaslu. We will spend our night in Bimthang. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Trekking lodge.

Day 14: Bimthang to Tilije (2300 m / 5-6 Hrs)

From the edge of Bimthang, we will get the splendor view of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and Lamjung Himal. After that, we will descend for a while and cross the soaring pasture and follow the Dudh Koshi River. We will then walk via dense rhododendron forests and following the trail to the narrow valley - we reach the cultivated land of the valley Karche at 2785 meter.

After that, we will be crossing fields and ascend steeply above the ridge. A short walk will take us to Gho village. We can spend our night in this Gho village but Ganesh Himal Hiking Team advises to stay in Tilije. We will spend our night in Tilije village.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea house or Trekking lodge.

Day 15: Tilije to Tal (1700 m / 5-6 Hrs)

Today we will ascend above small ridge and trek on the stone paved trail and then we will pass the splendid village. After that, we will cross the Dudh Koshi River through a bridge and ascend via chorten shape arc and then pass a huge mani wall and we will reach Thonje village.

From the village, we will be trekking passing the police checkpoint and continuing trekking towards Dharapani. Before reaching Tal village we will come across Mani walls and this village is located at the foot of the huge cascading waterfall. We will spend our night in Tal.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation:  Trekking lodge.

Day 16: Tal to Syange (1080 m / 6-7 Hrs)

Today we will be following the trail to Chyamje village and then cross the Marshyangdi river. The valley of Marshyagdi undo with wide terrace fields and the village is situated in the high hilly area. After that, we will descend via lush pine and rhododendron forests and head towards Syange. We will spend our night in Syange. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Tea house or Trekking lodge.

Day 17: Syange to Kathmandu (8-9 Hrs)

Today we will drive from Syange and head to Kathmandu through Besi Sahar which provides the fascinating view of mountain landscapes and hills. Mostly we will be driving alongside the bank of Trishuli and Marsyangdi River. We will then drive to the view of the stunning village with terraced farm fields.

Reaching Kathmandu we will drive to the hotel. You can freshen up and then you can also buy gifts for your loved ones and visit some of the souvenir shops nearby. Firante Treks will host a farewell dinner later in the evening for the completion of the success of the trek. We will spend our night in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Final departure

Today your adventurous Manaslu circuit trek finally comes to an end. Our representative will drop you at the airport three hours earlier than your flight schedule. 

Meals: Breakfast.

Airport Drop-Off in a Private Car.

Cost Includes

  • Pick-up and drop service by a private vehicle
  • Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in a star category hotel in Kathmandu 
  • Kathmandu-Arughat and Bulbule-Kathmandu transportation by private vehicle
  • Necessary documents and permits including MCAP Permit, Manaslu Special Permit and TIMS card
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guide and porters and the expenses for their flights, food, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment and so on
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek(with tea and coffee)
  • First aid Medical kit
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • All government and local taxes (including 13% VAT and 10 % service charge)
  • Transportation on private vehicle as agreed on the itinerary

Cost Excludes

  • Visa Fees and International airfare, excess baggage charge and airport tax
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Entrance fees during sightseeing
  • Extended stay in Kathmandu due to any reason other than programmed itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, beverages, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, extra porters, personal equipments and clothing
  • Tips for guides and porters (expected and not mandatory)

Accommodation

 Firante Treks and Expedition Manages for best and comfortable accommodation and also provides you hygienic food. Standard (3 Star) are booked in the cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, whereas a tyical trek lodge will be booked on remote areas. 

Luxurious rooms from 5 Star hotels are also made avaiable on demand in the cities on additional cost but remote regionss dont have such facilities.

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