Manaslu Circuit Trek

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trip that takes you close to Mt Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. It takes you deep into the Manaslu Conservation Area and allows you to witness the rich ecosystem and biodiversity within. Moreover, the interesting mix of Hindu and Buddhist culture! Manaslu Circuit is a fantastic trip that comprises of charming traditional villages in the backdrop of beautiful Himalayas. So, are you ready to dissolve into the mesmerizing views of Mt Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and neighboring peaks? Eye On Himalayas Treks and Expeditions P. Ltd is here to make the most of your journey.

A brief introduction on the trekking trail

Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered as one of the incredible Himalayan trails that enhances the glory of Mt. Manaslu, one of the great mountains that rise above the heights of eight thousand. With Annapurna to its west and Ganesh Himal to its east, Mt. Manaslu is pride that radiates the wilderness of Himalayas all around. Owning to the remoteness of the trail, it receives only a few numbers of travelers yearly (around 2% of total trekkers traveling within Nepal). Even in the peak season, the trail is not so crowded which is a plus point of this trek. Blessed with scenic beauty and cultural richness, This Circuit Trek is bliss but remote and physically demanding at the same time. The route was opened for trekkers only in 1992 and only a limited number of trekkers were allowed to visit the region in a year.

The Trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. From here, we traverse deep into the interesting mix of Hindu and Tibetan culture. We pass villages inhabited by people from different communities that include people from Brahmin, Chetri, Magar, Tamang and Gurung community. Each of them has its own unique culture, tradition, festivals, and lifestyles. As we traverse deep into the Manaslu conservation area, we pass the beautiful gorges of the Budi Gandaki river and cascading waterfalls on the way. The lush nature, terraced farmlands, charming villages, and majestic mountain views sum up into a wonderful combination to make your trip a superb one.

As we move higher through the trail, we come across Larkya La pass at 5167 meters which is the highest point of the trek. The pass is generally covered with snow and ice which makes walking to the pass quite technical and demanding. However, as you reach the top of the pass, you will find the walk worth it. From this point, one can enjoy some jaw-dropping views of Mt. Manaslu with other mountains in the surrounding. Not to forget the amazing glacial wall created by Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Nemjung and Kang guru. It’s simply fascinating!

What are the major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Focusing on the features of the trek, it is one of the popular treks in Nepal like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek. It may be less crowded than those trails but the charm of this trek is equally competitive. The trek goes through a wild and remote terrain with few teahouses on the way. Presently, there are sufficient guesthouses on the way to cater to the food and accommodation needs of fellow travelers. The first section of the trek follows the Buri Gandaki river that goes deep into the Manaslu region with long river gorges and suspension bridge crossings on the way. As the trail traverse through the conservation area, you will find yourself walking amidst the subtropical jungles with wonderful views of mountains on sight. Lanka La pass at 5100 meters is the major highlight of this trek where you can applaud the glory of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and entire mountains in the panorama. It might be quite challenging to cross the pass but it is totally worth it.

Did you know?

Manaslu Conservation Area is home to many species of plants, birds, animals, and butterflies. The conservation area shelters 33 species of mammals including rare Himalayan species like snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar. The conservation area also shelters 110 species of birds, 211 species of butterflies and more than 2000 species of flowering plants in 11 types of forests that have been noticed inside the conservation area.

Eye on Himalaya Treks and Expedition P. Ltd for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek with Eye on Himalaya Treks and Expedition P. Ltd is the best choice that a trekker can make. Your journey will not only be carefree but an adventure and fun. With a professional team like ours, a memorable and safe journey is secured. We have led many groups to Manaslu! Give us a chance and you will not regret your choice!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive to Sotikhola from Kathmandu (700m)

Kathmandu is the place where all of the tours are officially plan for international tourists. After reaching Kathmandu and staying there for a while, you will drive to Sotikhola through a local bus or a private jeep. While the jeep will go continuously without unnecessary stops, it will take nearly 6 to 7 hours. The local bus, on the other hand, can take approximately 9 to 10 hours. on the highway towards Dhading Besi, you can stop for lunch. Although the road to Sotikhola is bumpy, you will have the views of the Langtang, and Ganesh Himal to look up to.

Day 2 : Trek to Machha Khola (869m)

After reaching Sotikhola by bus, you will head on to Machha Khola which will mark the beginning of your trek to the Manaslu Circuit. The trek takes around 5 hours to reach, and you pass through the three suspension bridges on the way as you follow Budi Gandaki River. The vies of the Ganesh Himal in the north and east will continue throughout the day.

Day 3 : Trek to Jagat from Machha Khola (1340m)

After reaching Accha Khola, you will then head on to Jagat on this day. You will have some lunch in Dovan and then head on to Tatopani which is a natural hot spring. Then after, you will cross six suspension bridges and a cantilever bridge to reach to Lower Jagat. You will have to show a permit at the entry point of the Manaslu conservation area here.

Day 4 : Trek to Deng from Jagat (1860m)

From Jagat, the trek will begin and then head on to Deng which takes about 6 to 7 hours. You will have your lunch at Chisapani and cross Philim, a village inhabited by the Gurung Community. After showing your permit at the checkpoint,you will take the path that crosses six suspension bridges. From crossing the small Chortens to getting yourself lost in the beauty of the rhododendron and bamboo forest, Dengg up ahead is a wonderful and welcoming village. The views of the majestic Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal are visible on the backdrop throughout the day.

Day 5 : Trek to Namrung from Deng (2630m)

You will be leaving Deng today and head towards Namrung. On the way, you will walk through the forest of pine. Also, throughout the day, you will enjoy the fantastic views of Sringi Himal, Syaula Himal, Rani Peak, and Lopchan Himal. After having lunch at Ghap, you will be crossing seven suspension bridges. In the afternoon, you can head towards the Namla Gompa to admire the Buddhist culture. Namrung is one of the most developed areas in the Manaslu region.

Day 6 : Trek to Sama Gaon from Namrung via Lho Village (3500 m)

From Namrung you will be heading on to Sama Gaon. On the way towards Sama, you will also be crossing the Lho village which is situated at an elevation of 3100m. From the viewpoint here, you can spot Himchuli, Nike Peak on the North. As you reach Shyala, you will get the up close and panoramic views of mountains like never before. It is suggested that you visit the Tibung Gompa since it is a huge tourist attraction in the area. You will then take the rugged path and cross six suspension bridges towards Sama and stay at night in a tea house.

Day 7 : Rest day and Side trip in Samagaon

You will take a days to rest at Sama gaon which offers views of the Manaslu Base Camp. In the day, you will visit the Pung Gyen Ghompa, which is a wonderful Buddhist monastery at the elevation of 4800m. In about an hour, you will reach the Birendra Lake also. Reaching the Manaslu Base Camp is another option at the elevation of 4800m since it takes the same amount of time as reaching Pungg Gyen and Birendra Lake.

Day 8 : Trek to Samdo village from Sama (3875m)

You will reach Samdo village after a 3 hours walk from Sama Gaon. The up-close and panoramic views of Nike Peak, Samdo peak, and Manaslu north are more than what the eyes can take. You will be crossing the two wooden bridges on the way. From the mountains in the backdrop to the mountain goats and yaks grazing in the field, Samdo village is a perfect haven for the unique culture, tradition, and way of life.

Day 9 : Trek to Dharmashala from Samdo (4460m)

Dharmashala at an elevation of 4460m is the highest point of the trek where you will be sleeping. To reach here, you will cross many suspension bridges. Two paths reach Dharmashala, one that passes from the Tibetian border through Larkey Bazar and the other through the Nepali Border mentioned here. As you go higher, the availability of tea houses becomes thin, and so does the air around you. You need to take small steps and should not rush. Along the way you will get a chance to spot the Mountain Goats, Marots, yaks grazing peacefully in the little shrubs in the field. Dharmashala is a lovely place which is very peaceful and comfortable to the eye. It is also the starting point to the Budi Gandaki river.

Day 10 : Trek to Bhimtang from Dharmasala (3700m) via LArke LA Pass (5106m)

On this day, you will be heading towards Bhimtang from Dharamshala. However,the main excitement lies in the fact that you will be crossing Larke La Pass, which is the highest point of the entire trek. This is a challenging day since you will have o wake up early in the morning even before dawn and lead on a difficult pass. It takes about 5 hours to hike towards Larke LA pass from Dharamshala. It is a tough, but the views of Larkey Peak, Choyo, Ratnachuli, Himlung, and Peri Himal along with Annapurna II will keep you satisfied. From Larke LA, you will trek towards Bhimtang. Along the way, you will be gifted with the fantastic view of Ponkar glacial lake.

Day 11 : Trek to Gho from Bhimtang (2500m)

From Bhimtang, you will then head on towards Gho which will take about 5 to 6 hours. You will be heading towards a forest of rhododendron and pine after having lunch at Surki Khola. You will cross a suspension bridge and two wooden bridges while following the Dudh Koshi river on the way towards Gho. Stay overnight at Gho in the tea house.

Day 12 : Trek from Dharapani (1900m) and drive to Besisahar (1300m)

This is regarded as one of the shorter hikes of the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek since you will be heading towards Dharapani which takes no more than three hours. You can also visit Chamche waterfall and Syange waterfall on the way. The Chamche waterfall is very mesmerizing, and the views from the restaurant nearby are amazing. You will have to show a permit at the check-post. Besisahar has a full line of many hotels, restaurants along the way. You can opt to stay at the homestays if you want to experience the culture and way of life of the people there.

Day 13 : Drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar (1300m)

It takes anywhere from 6 to 7 hours to reach Kathmandu from Besisahar through a bus ride. You will have lunch in the many hotels on the highway. After the excellent Manaslu Circuit trek, you can plan your next trip around the Annapurna Region, Shey Phokshundo, or anywhere in Nepal for the lush trekking experience that you experienced in the Manaslu region.

Trip code
Package name	Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration	13
Max. elevation	m
Level	Moderate
Transportation
Accomodation
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost	USD 1,200 per person