Overview
Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the best treks for those adventure junkies who want to test their stamina on a strenuous trail. This trek is a great alternative to the Annapurna Circuit as it is a less crowded trail with similar views.
Arughat from Gorkha District is the starting point of this trail passing through the lofty summit and rough topography. This stretch involves ascending mountains and crossing rivulets, streams, and waterfalls.
Likewise, you’ll witness rustic villages, gripping monasteries and hospitable natives of Manaslu region on the route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,135 m) which is one of the most dramatic passes of the Nepalese Himalayas.
In addition to this, while trekking, you can also get an insight into the lives of the local, the inhabitants and explore their unique culture along with outstanding and impressive surroundings.
The major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek are high altitude glacial lakes, diverse range of flora and fauna, wonderful mountain vistas, and charming Tibetan culture. All these facts make the Manaslu Circuit Trek inimitable experiences.
This trek is perfect for everyone who wants to enjoy authentic beauties of the Himalayas including the highland villages and rich Tibetan culture and lifestyle. The full trail dots in the ancient Buddhists monasteries, chortens, and mani walls.
It is a perfect destination for those who are looking for virgin trails and wilderness and explore the diverse natural treasure of Nepal. The best time to visit this region is from March to May in the spring and September to December during the autumn.
Highlights
- Walking through the dense forests of rhododendron, oak, pines, and hemlock
- Majestic views of snow-clad peaks like Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 m)
- Trek along through the virgin, rough, and off-beaten trail
- Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,153 m)
- Observe traditional village lifestyle and culture
- Cross several suspension bridges and pass through several huge Mani walls on the trail
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival to Kathmandu | 1,338 m | - |
| Day 02 | Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation | 1,338 m | - |
| Day 03 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola | 710 m | 8-9 hrs jeep drive |
| Day 04 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola | 900 m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 05 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat | 1,410 m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 06 | Trek from Jagat to Deng | 1,804m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 07 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 2,630 m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 08 | Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon | 3,530 m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 09 | Rest day at Sama Gaon. Explore Pungyen Gompa | - | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 10 | Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo | 3,860 m | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 11 | Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/ Larkya Base Camp | 4,460 m | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 12 | Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass | 5,160 m, Larkya La Pass | 8-9 hrs |
| Day 13 | Trek from Bimthang to Tilije | 2,300 m | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 14 | Trek from Tilije to Tal | 1,700 m | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 15 | Trek from Tal to Syange | 1,080 m | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 16 | Drive from Syange to Kathmandu and farewell dinner in the evening | - | 8-9 hrs |
| Day 17 | Transfer to the International Airport for Final Flight Departure | 1,338 m | - |
Max Elevation: 1338 m, Kathmandu
Our representative will receive you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the respective hotel. You’ll get some time to settle in and after freshening up, you’ll visit our office for short team meet up. In the meeting, we’ll discuss on the trekking itinerary and equipment.
Note: If you arrive at night the same team meeting will be in the next day morning after your breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
In the second day, after breakfast, you’ll go for the sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. At first, you’ll a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva -Pashupatinath Temple.
You’ll also visit monkey temple, Swayambhunath and largest Buddhist stupa- Boudhanath. You’ll also walk via Kathmandu Durbar Square. Living goddess Kumari temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Nautale Durbar, Taleju Temple, and the freak street are some highlights of the square.
In the evening, your trekking guide will check your trekking gear and equipment. And you can do last minute shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub of Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Travel Duration: 8-9 hrs jeep drive
Max Elevation: 710 m
Early in the morning, after breakfast you’ll drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway and pass through Dhading Bensi. Once you reach Dhading Bensi, the road diverts towards Arughat. In this exotic drive, you’ll enjoy the scenic view of villages, rivers, diverse landscapes, and Mt. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Soti Khola.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 900 m
Early in the morning, after breakfast today you’ll start your trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola which will take about 6-7 hours. Along the route, you’ll cross the suspension bridges over a Soti Khola. You’ll also notice 60 m long waterfalls, cliff, rocky, and beautiful Budhi Gandaki River.
Further, trekking through Sal forests will take you to Khursane. Again passing via terraced rice fields you’ll walk to Lapu Besi. After that you’ll climb behind a rocky cliff and the valley slowly opens up.
Walking via sandy river bed, climbing over stone bridges and again after crossing several suspension bridges finally you’ll reach Maccha Khola for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 1,410 m
Following the narrow trail from Maccha Khola, you’ll first reach Tharo Khola and then Khorla Besi. Here you’ll get the eye-catching view of Ganesh Himal. After a few ascends and descends, you’ll reach popular natural hot springs called Tatopani.
Further, continuing the trek, you’ll climb another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki river on another suspension bridge. Then after you’ll climb a staircase and cross a landslide area and reach Doban.
Again following the similar trail, climbing some stone staircase you’ll reach Thado Bharyang. Lastly, you’ll cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river and climb over a ridge you’ll reach the village called Jagat. Jagat is the entry point of Manaslu Conservation Area. It’s also has a helipad for emergency services. Overnight at a teahouse in Jagat.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 1,804 m
Today you’ll set off the journey to Salleri by climbing over a rocky ridge and descend to Sirdibas. Along the side of a cliff, you’ll get good views of Shringi Himal. Further, the trail descends to Setibas where you’ll witness the Mani Walls, prayers engraved into wayside rocks. The view of all these things will show that you are entering into a region that has a great Tibetan influence.
Again the trail continues past the stone houses of Ghattu Khola. After then you’ll cross a long suspension bridge and reach a Gurung village in Phillim. Soon you’ll head north towards Ekle Bhatti. Here the route to Nubri Valley and Tsum Valley divides.
Further, descending on the grassy land slopes you’ll finally cross the Budhi Gandaki bridge. Again you’ll continue your walk along the western and eastern bank and come across the bamboo forests. You’ll spend a night at a teahouse in Dyang village.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 2,630 m
Today you’ll continue your trek through a forest trail and reach a beautiful place called Rana. Here you’ll notice big fields of beautiful flowers. It’ll be refreshing and relaxing for your eyes. After passing through Bihi Phedi and Bhijam, you’ll reach Ghap.
En route you’ll cross a lot of suspension bridges. Also, you’ll come across the landslide area and following the narrow trail down Budhi Gandaki River you’ll reach Ghap. From here, you’ll pass through thick forests till you reach Namrung.
You’ll spend a night at one of the finest teahouses in Namrung.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 3,530 m
Early in the morning, after having breakfast you’ll head towards Sama Gaon. After walking for about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Suksum. From here, the trail is straight uphill with stairs in some parts. Continuing the walk, you’ll reach Shyo and then Lho.
Further, crossing the Shyala village, you’ll reach Sama Gaon. This village rewards you with breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu. The main highlight of this village is breathtaking background mountain views, along with the Pungen glaciers, flat land area, and farmland. Here you’ll get a wonderful view of grazing yaks. You’ll spend a night at Sama Gaon.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 4,900 m, Manaslu Base Camp
Today is exploration day of Sama Gaon. On the trail of Manaslu, Sama Gaon is one of the most beautiful villages, where all houses aligns in rows along a small river and face nice courtyards.
You can go for a day trip to Manaslu Base Camp. It is a first station of the expeditions. From the base camp, you’ll get a close view of Manaslu range.
Likewise, on the little hill near Sama Gaon, there is an old Gompa called as Pungyen Gompa. It got its name after Manaslu, Pungyen means “bracelet” an ideal description of the two peaks.
While exploring Sama Gaon, you’ll get familiar with the rich Sherpa culture. You’ll also enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhists texts and pictures. Many Sherpa women are clad in Sherpa traditional attire and ornaments. After exploring the village, you’ll get back to the teahouse for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Elevation: 3,860 m
The trail from Sama Gaon descends to the Budhi Gandaki River, and turn north and follow until a bridge over a side stream. The trail passes several mani walls and the valley starts to widen. Today’s trial is quite easy and passes through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka.
Again crossing a Budhi Gandaki river over a wooden bridge, you’ll climb steeply onto a cliff between two forks of the river. As soon as you get close to Samdo village, you’ll get a view of large Kani. Finally passing through the Kani you’ll reach Samdo for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Elevation: 4,460 m
Today you’ll continue your trek from Samdo village to Dharmasala/ Larkya Base Camp. The trail descends and passes through a huge old Mani wall and stone huts. You’ll also traverse through a wooden bridge and reach legendary Larka Bazaar.
Further, crossing two streams, you’ll witness the Larkya Glacier. Again passing the valley of Salka Khola you’ll climb up to the stone guest house at 4,450 m. It is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharamshala also known as Larke La Phedi.
In the evening, you can stroll around and enjoy the surrounding views. Overnight stay at Dharamshala.
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
Max Elevation: 5,160 m, Larkya La Pass
Today is the most important and exciting day of your whole trip as you’ll be at the highest point i.e 5,160 m, Larkya La Pass. Continuous ascend from Larka La Phedi will take you to Larkya Glacier. This point offers an amazing view of the Cho Danda and Larkya Peak as well.
Further, continuing walk, the trail gets steeper until you reach the top of the Larkya La pass at an altitude of 5,160 m. From the top of the pass, you’ll get a mesmerizing view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the huge Annapurna II.
After enjoying the outstanding mountain view you’ll trek down to Bimthang for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Max Elevation: 2,300 m
Early in the morning, you’ll head towards Tilije from Bimthang. At first, you’ll climb nearby ridge from where you can enjoy the great view of Manaslu and other surroundings Himal. Again you’ll continue your trek descending and crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi river.
Further, you’ll pass through fields and make a steep climb over a bridge. In short distance from here is the village of Gho and you’ll continue your walk until you reach Tilije for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Max Elevation: 1,700 m
Today, after having a breakfast, you’ll continue your trek towards Tal. You’ll enjoy your walk on the stone paved trail. First, your descend starts with a climb over a small ridge. Then you’ll cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi river and climb up through a stupa-shaped arch and a mani wall before you reach Thonje village.
Again further you’ll cross another bridge over the Marsyangdi Khola river. Enroute, you’ll see some mani walls. After a few hours of walk, you’ll reach Tal for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 1,080 m
Today is the final day of the trek where you’ll follow the steep trail down to Chyamje village. Later you’ll cross the beautiful Marsyangdi river through a suspension bridge. Further, the trail descends through beautiful and dense rhododendron and pine forests. Finally, you’ll arrive at Syange village where you’ll stay the night.
Travel Duration: 8-9 hours
After breakfast in Syange, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu. Before that, you can take one last walk around the Syange village. Enjoying the beautiful mountain landscape you’ll reach Kathmandu.
In the evening our team will host a farewell dinner where you get to enjoy warm meal and share your trek experience with our team. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Our Osho Vision representative will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or, you can extend your vacation with short tours like Jungle safari, paragliding tour, rafting, Tibet tour, etc.
Trip Note: We can customize this trip according to our client’s requirements. Feel free to contact us for further queries.
Happy Trekking!
