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13-Day Manaslu Circuit Trekking

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Duration
13 days
Max. Elevation
5106m
Group Size
1-30
Level
Moderate
Transportation
Ground Transportation
Best Season
March to May & September to November
Accomodation
Tea Houses Lodges 
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starts at
Kathmandu
Ends at
Kathmandu
Trip Route
Kathmandu-MachhaKhola-Jagat-Deng-Namrung-Lo-Gaon-Sama Gaon-Samdo-Dharmasala- Bhimphedi-Larke La Pass-Gho-Dharapani

Highlights

  • Adventure around former forbidden country of high and scenic Manaslu Valley.
  • Enjoy the walks entering the restricted areas of remote high country of Manaslu.
  • Trekking around the world’s 8th highest peak of massif Manaslu Himalayan range.
  • Traverse over high Larke-La Pass from Manaslu Valley to lovely areas of Manang. 
  • Exciting walks with glorious scenery from the starts to the end of Manaslu Circuit.

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an adventure around the four cardinal directions of the massif Manaslu Himalayas. This makes the treks as special as one of the most exciting adventures around the Nepal Himalayas.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking at one time remained hidden and isolated from the rest of the world. It was a forbidden country for foreign travelers to enter the high country of Upper Manaslu. Then in 1992, the remote Gorkha district of Upper Manaslu opened for all wide-world trekkers 
and adventurers. An exciting country to venture into a great bio-diversity enriched with picturesque scenery and fascinating cultures. Makes Manaslu Circuit worth a visit to experience the colorful traditional heritage, similar to the Tibetan across the borders. Where the ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet passed through the Upper Manaslu. Trades and bartering still exist between the natives of higher Manaslu and Tibetans. The name Manaslu comes from Sanskrit, which means the mind or soul of a God and holy spirits. Whereas’ for the native is known as Kutang of Tibetan origin language means a flourishing country steeped with beautiful landscapes.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking offers more than its beautiful surroundings with towering snow-capped mountains and lovely alpine forests.
The walk follows the raging Budhi Gandaki River upstream to its glacial source around Upper Manaslu Valley. An enjoyable walk starts through farm villages, crossing exciting bridges to reach from one place to another. An uphill climb takes you to the mountain villages of Jagat, Philim, and Deng to enter Upper Manaslu. Where a lovely Lo and Sama-Gaon Village are located in the heart of the scenic valley enclosed by towering peaks. Overlooking the views of the Mansiri Himalayan range with Manaslu, the world’s 8th highest peak.
An enjoyable walk around traditional villages, enriched with age-old cultures and heritage way of farm life. The adventure continues towards the main Sama-Gaon village, situated on the midways en route to Larke-La Pass. As well as on the trail to Manaslu Base Camp and towards Nepal and Tibet borders. At Sama Gaon, have time for acclimatization with rest days to explore its viewpoints and local cultures. 
The journey continues towards the end of the wide windswept valley of Manaslu and Gorkha district. Then walk leads to Dharmasala, at the base of Larke-La Pass. Early next morning leads you to a steep climb on top of Larke-La. From the highest point, Larke-La rewards you with an astounding and spectacular panorama of snow-capped peaks. The towering peaks of Manaslu, Annapurna, and Himlung Himal encircle the top of Larke-La Pass, including the Ganesh massif range towards the east. 
After a jubilant moments reaching the highest spots, a long descent brings you around the Manang district. As well as back into lovely rhododendrons and pine tree lines. The adventure then leads on an easy winding down to the end of trekking at Dharapani Village. An exciting and interesting drive reaches you to Kathmandu after a mesmerizing adventure on Manaslu Circuit Trekking.    

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:  Drive to Machha Khola 900 m/2,952 feet. Approx. 07 hours. (160 km)
Day 02: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m via Dovan 1,070 m-07 hours.
Day 03: Trek to Deng 1,860 m via Philim village-06 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Namrung 2, 660 m-06 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3, 180 m-05 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3, 500 m /11, 480 feet-06 hours.
Day 07: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion.
Day 08: Trek to Samdo 3,875 m -05 hours.
Day 09: Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Bhimphedi 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Gho 2,535 m- 04 hrs. 
Day 12: Trek to Dharapani 1,820 m, drive to Bhesishar 760 m -07 hrs.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu-05 hours.

THE BEST SEASONS FOR MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKKING:

For Manaslu Circuit treks, the best seasons are spring and autumn/fall.
Spring begins in early March and ends in May, where most days are bright with sunshine for longer hours. From early 6:30 am till 5 pm, but can get cloudy afternoon sometimes with chances of light snowfall.
Cold morning, late afternoon, and night times, as well with an extra wind-chill factor above 3,000 meters. The afternoon is bright with strong UV (ultraviolet) and requires sunblock’s, sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeved tops. Spring is a lively time with wildflowers in seasonal blooms, especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors. 
The next best season is autumn/fall, from September to November, most days are fine and clear for views and walks. But much colder morning, late afternoon, and nighttime, chances of snowfall sometimes. Gets much colder during late afternoon with wind chill factor, however a pleasant season of autumn/fall for Manaslu Circuit Treks.

FOODS, ACCOMMODATION ON MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKKING: 

Trekkers will be surprised to find various standards of lodge accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek. Starts from Machha-Khola, after driving from Kathmandu towards the district of Gorkha. The trek ends at Dharapani, in Manang district, after walking around the high Manaslu Valley. Trekkers have various options as per your budgets. From simple tourist standards to moderate lodge accommodations, having attached baths and toilets. 
The most standard lodge provides common baths and toilets. Extra charge for using hot showers. Around the higher region, the pipeline and plumbing systems freeze, due to minimum cold temperatures in the morning and night time. 
At Dharmasala, the lodge is simple with limited rooms, in high times the trekkers have to spend in dorms. As well in tented camping provided by local lodge as an extension, when rooms are full and packed. The foods are simple to order beforehand at leads an hour ahead. 
Dining rooms are large and cozy with a fireplace to keep the environment warm, while you enjoy the meals.  All lodges provide a comprehensive food menu, which includes a wide variety of breakfasts, from oats, porridge, and cornflakes. Bread, Chapatti, Pancakes with choices of eggs from scrambled, boiled, poached, and omelets. Followed by hot refreshing drinks, tea, coffee, and drinking chocolates. Lunch and dinner with a list of continental, Indian, Nepali, Chinese, and Tibetan foods. 
All dining rooms are bright with lamps run by local hydroelectricity or from solar power. Most lodges provide free internet and Wi-Fi, which is quite, slow and disturbing. Due to landscapes and weather conditions on designated overnight stops. For larger groups of more than 4 people, it is best to order a set menu, which saves time and fuel energy. To follow the norms of Eco or Responsible Tourism.

RELIGION AND CULTURES ON MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKS:

Although Nepal is dominated by 75% Hindu religion, the higher mountains around the Himalayan range. The Bhotias people the main tribes of Manaslu Himalayas around remote and high country of the Gorkha district, the natives of Manaslu high valley, interwoven with Buddhist religion and culture. 
Trekkers will encounter walking around the village, where every house is adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. The village trails with religious monuments of prayer stone walls and spinning wheels. Trekkers will have time to visit the monasteries en route. The highlanders of Manaslu Valley, and the Manang areas tribes (after crossing Larke-La Pass to Bhimphedi and Dharapani), follows the same Buddhist religion and traditions, similar to their early Tibetan predecessors.

Important Note

Short Trek Profile:

Mode of Trekking: In the best available lodge, and guest house.
Grade of Trekking: Moderate to Adventurous.
Trekking Region:     Nepal Far North Mid-West, Manaslu Himalayas, 
                                        around Gorkha and Manang districts.
Highest Points:          On top Larke-La Pass at 5,106 m/16,752 feet high.
Trekking Duration: 12 Nights and 13 Days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

Trip Itinerary

Morning as early as possible, enjoy an exciting drive to reach the starting point of the trek to Manaslu Circuit. The driving distance is not too far, but the winding hilly road, after leaving the main highway. Makes the drive quite slower on a hilly dirt road to reach the Gorkha district at Machha-Khola. A farm village slowly developing into a town, due to the construction of the motorable road. At Maccha-Khola arriving by late afternoon, transfer into a nice simple lodge for first overnight halt in a country village.


Max. altitude

900m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

After a long drive of previous day, todays walking distance of more than six hours. But an interesting first day treks to reach Jagat, situated on the green hills, and gateway to Upper Manaslu Valley. Start the first day of the adventure, after a good breakfast the walk follows on gradual winding trail. Leads through farm areas, and into forest of pines and sal trees. Then reach at Tatopani, a small village with a natural hot-spring. The walk continues reaching at Khorla Besi for lunch stop in a village simple restaurants. Afternoon walk follows uphill leaving the Budi Gandaki River behind with few hours climb to Jagat.

A lovely hill village with number of good lodges for overnight stops. On arrival check into a nice lodge accommodation, having time to explore the village. Jagat is the entrance of Upper Manaslu and a Restricted Area, where trekkers permits are checked, before heading beyond Jagat.


Max. altitude

1340 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today walks leads to Deng Village, a moderate distance to trek on leaving Jagat. As walk enters the restricted areas of Upper Manaslu, heading downs and ups to cross few bridges over smaller streams. Then uphill to Salleri a small village and then down to Sirdibas. As the walk follows to cross another bridge above Gatte Khola, as climb leads to Philim. A wonderful spread out Gurung farm village, for lunch stop. Afternoon the walk follows on gradual winding path Ekle Bhatti, to cross a stream. Slowly a short climb reaches Deng, a nice farm village for overnight stop. Enjoy the comfort of a nice lodge, with time for stroll around the village to observe the local heritage customs. From Deng onwards the villages of strong Tibetan Buddhism religion and cultures.

Max. altitude

1860 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From Deng into higher country, the air gets much cooler, morning walk leads across a bridge of Budhi Gandaki River. Then climb to Bhi, a small settlement, and then into rhododendrons and pine forest to Prok village. As walk continues encountering impressive Buddhist monuments, and then reaching Namrung, a nice village for overnight stop. The village offers majestic views of Mt. Manaslu North Face. At Namrung enjoy the comfort of nice lodge accommodation and explore the traditional and cultural village activities.

Max. altitude

2660 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy the morning glorious views of snow-capped peaks, then start the walks to another lovely village of Lo-Gaon. From Namrung, enjoying scenery of Sringi and Ganesh Himal with Himal Chuli. The trail climb into dense forest to Lihi, lined with Buddhist stupas. After an hour of good walk reaching Sho, a small settlement, and then ending day reaching Lo-Gaon for overnight stop. Located on a beautiful locations surrounded by lovely pines and rhododendron forest. The village stands beneath the staggering North Face of majestic Mt. Manaslu, at Lo Gaon offers several good lodge. Interested people can enjoy a short hike to Ribung monastery of great cultural and religion interest.

Max. altitude

3180 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a pleasant overnight at Lo-Gaon, today's walk takes you into the heart of Manaslu Valley at Sama-Gaon. Leaving the lovely Lo-Gaon, enjoy the glorious scenery as the walk leads to a short climb. Then descend to Shayla, a lovely village with fantastic views of towering snow mountains. The walk carries on then reaching Sama-Gaon, the main village around Manaslu high valley. Transfer to a nice lodge and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli).

Max. altitude

3500 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

At Sama Gain, enjoy a free and rest day with short hiking to support acclimatization. Which is important before heading high Larke-La Pass, Sama Gaon, situated en route to Manaslu Base Camp. Interested people can hike to old Pungyen Gompa. As well as to Birendra Lake which is on the trail to Manaslu Base Camp. Offers grand scenery of surrounding beautiful landscapes with green woods and white snow peaks of Manaslu.

Max. altitude

3500 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a pleasant rest at Sama Gaon, morning walk to Samdo the last permanent village en route to Tibet border. As well as towards our direction to Larke-La Pass and Dharmasala. The walk follows around dry landscape terrain, with slow gain in altitude, head for a short steep climb to Samdo. A moderate size village for hundreds of inhabitants. At Samdo check into a nice good lodge for overnight along with dramatic scenery of the snow peaks to enjoy.

Max. altitude

3875 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From Samdo, a few hours of good walk to Dharmasala a small place with few  simple huts, serves as lodges. Start the morning heading towards the end of Manaslu Valley rim and remote corners of Gorkha district. The trail follows to the river bed and crossing the same streams of Salka Khola few times.

The landscapes get drier with rise in elevation, then the morning walks completes reaching at the foot of Larke-La Pass. At Dharmasala or Larke Phedi for lunch and last overnight around Manaslu and the district of Gorkha. 

The lodge accommodation is Spartan and basic, sometimes in high times trekkers have to spend overnights in tents. But the surrounding scenery makes the place exciting for rest and short hikes.

Max. altitude

4450 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The toughest walks and adventure begins early morning, after a breakfast and hot Refreshment. As well as carrying pack lunch for the long days to cross the highest point of the journey. The morning starts with slow climb on a rocky path with views of Cheo-Danda, Larke Peak. After a steady steep climb having few rest to marvel the surrounding scenery. Then finally the climb reaches you on top Larke-La Pass, as you feel in high spirits amidst towering snow mountains.

Enjoy the spectacular panorama of Manaslu, Damodar and Annapurna Peaks with Himlung Himal towards west. As far as Ganesh Himal in the far east horizon, the pass is festooned with thousands of colorful prayer flags. After a great scenic moments, bidding farewell to Manaslu and Gorkha areas, as the route enters towards Manang district. A long descend to reach a small ridge of Cheo Danda and Larcia. Then finally the downhill ends on reaching the western the Phedi, bottom of Larke-La Pass. From here an easy gentle walk, reaching back into dense forest of rhododendrons and pine trees. Then reaches a lovely wide grassy field in the midst of beautiful woods, at Bhimphedi or Bhimthang. For first overnight around Manang area, Bhimphedi with number of fine lodges. 

Enjoy the overnight, in the comfort of nice lodge, after a long and tough treks of the adventure.

Max. altitude

5106 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After completing the toughest part of the adventure, from Bhim Phedi, the walk leads through lovely tree lines. The trail follows on gradual down with few short climbs, facing stunning views of Manaslu range. Then slowly the day completes reaching a small settlement amidst forest surrounding at Gho. An isolated place in the middle of lovely woodland, with few nice simple lodge for overnight halt.

Max. altitude

2535 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy the last day of trekking to Dharapani village, morning walk follows to long descend reaching a nice Tilje Village. From Tilje with short rest, then climb across the bridge above Masrsyangdi River, then finally the trek ends. 

Reaching at Dharapani a large spread out village, located on the main route of Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. From Dharapani, for good lunch and then board on a jeep or similar four-wheel. An exciting drive on mountainous winding road, as the drive heads to Tal village. The last village of Manang, from here enter a new district of Lamjung. The drive heads past Chamje and another Jagat village with zig-zag downhill to Syange. From here around lower warm farm areas then reaching a large town at Bhesishar. The headquarters of Lamjung district, transfer to nice hotels and lodges arriving on time for a good dinner.

Max. altitude

1820 m.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From Bhesishar Town, drive on the good road to Kathmandu. After breakfast, an interesting drive past farm villages, and then on the drive joins the main Pokhara and Kathmandu Highway. After Dumre Town a pleasant drive towards Mugling Bazaar, and then following Trisuli River for some hours. 

On leaving the lower warm farm areas, the drive heads on winding road, reaching the rim of Kathmandu valley. After an hour ride, from the western end of the valley, then reaching into bustling Kathmandu city. On reaching the hotels check into your lovely rooms, rest of the day at leisure for individual activities.

Accomodation

Tea Houses Lodges

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Includes

  • All ground transportation in the destination location
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide.
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • All Necessary Tims and Permit

Doesn't Include

  • Personal expenses
  • Excess bag charge
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Tips for Guide & Porter

Frequently Asked Questions

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is not as tough as it looks by the nature of high landscape terrains. It starts with moderate walks heading towards gradual uphill and downhill with few gradual paths. The treks are enjoyable and pleasant amidst beautiful scenery of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. 

Most of the walks are on ups and downhills crossing exciting bridges, the altitude makes the walks slower. The only hardest parts of the adventure are the steep long climb to Larke-La Pass and the long tiring downhills. But overall it is one of the best and wonderful treks around the Himalayas.

The upper region of remote Manaslu high country in the early days remained a forbidden country. From the early 1960’s, since Tibet was annexed by mainland China, it was closed to outside visitors. Due to the close border of Nepal and Tibet, China is from Upper Manaslu, where the old trans-Himalayan Trade Route existed.

After Tibet became part of China it was closed, but in 1991 it was open for all world-wide visitors. When it was opened in the beginning group of trekkers was accompanied by a Government Liaison Officer. But from the past few decades Liaison officer has not been required, as all trekkers must obtain a Special Permit.

Yes, the itinerary is set accordingly with enough acclimatization days, once the walk enters the high Manaslu Valley. Having short hours of walks, from Namrung  Village towards Lo and Sama Gaon at Sama Gaon with rest days. To support acclimatization, before heading for the climb up to Larke-La Pass, by then all trekkers will be well acclimatized.

For this wonderful Manaslu Circuit Trek, before and after booking the trip, one should be in sound medical health. As well as having daily an hour of exercise, like walking, jogging, running ups and downs. Including any outdoor physical activities and checking with your medical doctor. As well as packing the right gear for Manaslu Circuit Treks. 

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal