Manaslu Circuit Trek

OVERVIEW

Gaining in popularity by the year and dubbed by many “The New Annapurna” in terms of its overall appeal, the remote Manaslu Circuit Trek remains largely true to its reputation as an outstanding wilderness experience even as tea houses along the trail have made the hike easier in recent years from the perspective of basic food and accommodation needs along the way. Manaslu Circuit Trek remains far less crowded than some of the better-known routes through the Himalayas while offering all the classic aspects of a great trek, from cascading rivers and precipitous trails to stunning views and subtropical forests, glorious mountain scenery, and a gradual ascent to a breath-snatching high pass, and a host of side trips and add-ons that have the scope to turn the experience into an epic journey.

Skirting by the ice-cold waters of the Budhi Gandaki River to its source below Larkya La Pass (5106 meters)—and frequently crossing over the river on a slew of seemingly hair-raising suspension bridges that are sturdy enough for entire mule teams to use—the trek provides fascinating insights into the traditional cultures of the Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan people living in peaceful coexistence within the valley’s confines.

Reigning supreme over the entire region is the majestic Manaslu (8163 meters) and its striking twin peaks, skirted by glacial valleys, pine forests, and the scenic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal range. The trek essentially circles much of the mountain’s circumference until it crests Larkya La and drops into the neighboring valley of Marsyangdi, descending from there through the rock-strewn upper slopes and scenic alpine meadows to Dharapani, the modern trailhead for the Annapurna Circuit.

COUNTRY

Nepal

DURATION

23 Days

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Strenuous

ACTIVITY

Trekking/Hiking

GUIDE

English speaking , Trained

PRICE

US$ 3500

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

A beautiful and peaceful wilderness trek that feels more secluded than the more popular routes
The beautiful panorama and presence of Manaslu 8163 meters/26782 ft.
A landscape that is full of dramatic contrasts and changes on a daily basis.
The constant presence of the Budhi Gandaki and its raging torrent, its endless feeder waterfalls, and the almost daily adventure and views of the numerous suspension bridges that have to be crossed
Astonishing side trip to Pungen Gompa 4000 meters/13123 ft., Birendra Lake 3700 meters/12139 ft., Manaslu Base Camp 4800 meters/15748 ft., and Tibet Border Rui La Pass 4998 meters/16398 ft.
Visiting unique Monasteries, Mani Walls, and Stupas
The opportunity to immerse yourself, even if only briefly, in the valley’s traditional Tibetan culture
Experiencing the self-fulfillment of reaching the high pass of Larkya La 5106 meters/16752 ft.

ITINERARY

Day 1 | Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, then transfer to your hotel

Welcome at the Airport and transfer to your Hotel. Introduce the program then enjoy your first night in cultural diversity in Kathmandu.
Day 2 | Free day for trekking preparation.

Free day for trekking preparation or sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
Day 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola 8-9 hrs/157Km.

Because the road extension has gone further than Soti Khola, We recommend driving directly to Machha Khola rather than staying in Soti Khola and walking on the road the next day. We leave Kathmandu for the long drive to Machha Khola, passing through Arughat and Soti Khola along the way on the dusty road. Machha Khola is located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, our companion, and guide through the Manaslu valley, the source of which we will eventually touch on as we ascend to the Larkya La pass.
Day 4 | Machhakhola to Jagat 7 hrs/17Km

We ease through Khorlabesi during the early part of the day and make our way to Tatopani, famed for its natural hot springs. A steep climb takes us up to Dobhan as we enter the Manaslu Conservation area and on to the scenic village of Jagat and its rugged setting and narrow paved lanes.
Day 5 | Jagat to Deng 7 hrs/20 Km

Our day begins by walking through subtropical rainforests and a series of small hamlets, traversing a couple of suspension bridges along the way, the last of which leads us into the village of Philim and its beautiful setting amidst terraced fields overlooking the river. Further along the trail we arrive at the junction for Tsum Valley and Larkya La and take the path heading northwest towards Deng.
Day 6 | Deng to Namrung 7 hrs/17 Km.

The first real views of the major mountains at hand come into view, with Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Kutang Himal, and other peaks making their presence known as we make our way up the valley. Lush vegetation greets us as we hit the trail and head west through more quaint villages like Prok and their scenic outlooks, then on and up the last steep stretch that ushers us into Namrung.
Day 7 | Namrung to Lho 4 hrs/10 Km.

Today is the day when we hit the jackpot for spectacular views of the mountains as the valley opens up with our approach to the scenic village of Lho. The lower temperate forests give way steadily as the trail breaks free of the tree line and climbs higher into the mountains, the lush greens of the lower valley giving way to the muted browns and grays of the Himalayan terrain and the vivid blue skies one only experiences at altitude. After our half-day hike to Lho, there’s plenty of time left over to fully explore the gorgeous views of Manaslu and visit Rebung Gompa perched atop a hillside nearby.
Day 8 | Lho to Samagaun 3 hrs/7 Km.

From Lho we hike to the equally impressive village of Shyala and its spectacular vistas of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi, Naike, Kutang Himal, and Pangbuche Himal, then climb steadily through yak pasturelands to Samagaun. With plenty of time left over from the day, there’s ample opportunity to make the short hike to Birendra Lake.
Day 9 | Acclimatization day. Hike to either Birendra Lake 3700 m/12139 ft. or Manaslu Base Camp 4800 m/15748 ft. or Pungen Gompa 4000 m./13123 ft

Samagaun is our temporary home for the day as we give our bodies time to acclimate to the altitude, and the choice is a fine one as the village provides multiple choices for day excursions, including a short hike to the pretty lake of Birendra Taal nearby, the highly rewarding and dramatic hike to Manaslu Base camp, or the alternative walk to Pungen Gompa and its serene setting amidst the mountains.
Day 10 | Samagaun to Samdo 3 hrs/8Km.

Onward and up is the motto of the day as we put our heads down determinedly with the goal of Larke La ever nearer. The trail leads us on a short and gradual climb alongside the river then begins to steepen as it leads us up to Samdo around midday. There is plenty of time in the afternoon to explore and perhaps hike to a higher altitude briefly to help in the process of acclimatization.
Day 11 | Acclimatization day. Hike to Tibetan border at Rui La 4998 m/16398 ft. and return to Samdo 8 hrs.

Another rest day to help acclimate, with the rare option to spend the day on a hike to the border with Tibet at the pass of Rui La (4998m). The views of the Himalayas and Fukang Glacier add another level to the day’s journey.
Day 12 | Samdo to Dharmasala 5 hrs/6Km.

Our trek to the high-altitude camp of Dharmsala brings us to the very threshold of Larke La, with snow more evident and the air feeling thinner with each step towards our destination. Another brief hike to higher ground is recommended to help our bodies get used to the altitude and sleep better during the night.
Day 13 | Dharmasala to Larkya La 5106 m/16751 ft. then descends to Bhimthang overnight 8 hrs/22 Km.

The typical method for crossing Larkya La is to head out before daybreak, our head-mounted lights bobbing in the dark as we clamber up the path in the cold morning air, our breath apparent in the glow of the lamps. The trail to Larkya La is a deceptive one of constant switchbacks, promising everything one minute and snatching it away the next as one false ridge leads to another. Finally, we catch a glimpse of the first prayer flags and our goal is finally attained as we stumble wearily to the marker and pose proudly for our cameras to mark the achievement. After pausing to luxuriate in the accomplishment and take in the magnificent views we begin the descent to Bhimthang and put our trekking poles to good use to spare our tired legs and knees from the steep descent to the arid valley below.
Day 14 | Bhimthang to Dharapani 7-8 hrs/23 Km.

With views of Manaslu to our left and the Annapurna ranges to our right we descend from Bhimthang through yak pastures to the first signs of the Dudh Khola’s headwaters trickling down the slope. A bridge across leads to a path that gradually leaves behind the alpine climate and takes us down through familiar rhododendron forests to a narrow valley of terraced fields and patchwork crops. We reach the small and picturesque village of Tilje and then make our way uphill to Dharapani, the major trekking confluence in the region and modern starting point for trekkers heading out on the Annapurna Circuit and their goal of reaching Thorong La pass. With time and intent, we too can head in the same direction.
Day 15 | Dharapani to Kathmandu 11-12 hrs/224 Km or Pokhara 8-9 hrs/130 Km by drive.

A long day’s driving by bus/jeep to either Pokhara or Kathmandu as you prefer.
Day 16 | Departure

Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

INCLUDE

Cost Includes

Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
Complimentary welcome dinner
Two nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast (twin share).
All necessary trekking permits for Manaslu Special, Manaslu Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservation Area, TIMS card, etc.
All accommodation during the trek
Three meals a day during the trek
A cup of tea or coffee with the meal
If and when available, fresh fruit should be eaten every day.
First-aid kit
Kathmandu to Machhakhola by bus
Dharapani to either Pokhara or Kathmandu by bus
Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
Certificate of achievement, if needed

Cost Excludes

International airfare and Nepal visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc.)
All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, etc.
Tipping for staff

FAQs

Transportation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

As per the package, Nepal Trekking Experts offers transportation by bus (available early in the morning only) from Kathmandu (Gongabu Bus Park) to Machhakhola (9/10 hrs) and Dharapani to Besisahar by a local Jeep (4/5 hrs), then we switch to another bus or van to Kathmandu (6/7 hrs). The bus might be congested, overcrowded (especially if you are traveling during festival time), not tidy, and stop in many villages to pick up and drop off more people en route, but it definitely takes a couple of hours longer than a private jeep to reach the final destination. However, you can take part of the experience and enjoy it as well. Otherwise, we provide private transportation on request, which costs a total of $200 to Machhakhola and $250 from Dharapani to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Meal

Consider that you are in South Asia in Nepal and going through unexplored, very remote areas to experience the country’s unspoiled splendor. Typically, the menus at each tea house in the villages are rather similar. Overall, you can choose from a variety of local dishes like Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, lentil soup, pickle that can be refilled as much as you like), fried rice, dumplings (Mo Mo Tibetan meal), Thukpa, any style of potato (boiled or fried), spring rolls, or western dishes like pasta, pizza, noodles, any style of egg, porridge, muesli, chapati, Tibetan bread, etc.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Accommodation

The Manaslu Circuit Trek lodging is not as luxurious as in the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions, despite the fact that the Manaslu region is a relatively isolated, lesser-known, and less-frequented trekking route in Nepal. The tea house trek can be done similarly to other well-known hiking routes. Typically, you have to share a toilet, and bathroom, and each room will have two beds. You may purchase a hot shower for about 3/4 of a dollar depending on where you have been.

Telephone, Internet, and Battery Charging

Telephone

Nowadays, most villages have phone service and mobile reception. NCELL and Nepal Telecom are our two major SIM card providers. Nepal Telecom is recommended by NTE for better reception in the Manaslu region.

Internet

Certain villages and tea houses like Philim, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, Samdo, Bhimthang, and Dharapani have internet, but consider that sometimes it may not be reliable due to weather and other issues.

Battery Charging

Despite being in a very remote trekking region, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Each tea house charges a small fee for electricity. A fully charged device costs roughly 2/3 of a dollar in rupees. Carrying a power bank may be useful during the trek in the Himalayas.

Porter

As per the tailored-made packages, porter is excluded. But if you would like to have porters, we will be more than happy to offer them.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Gear Checklist

Raincoat, poncho, or combination jacket and trousers
One down jacket or Gore-Tex jacket
One down vest
Windproof trouser
Two pairs of hiking pants
One pair of shorts
Four pairs of T-shirts
One fleece jacket
One or two pairs of base layers (Marino wools or similar)
Four pairs of hiking socks and a couple of pairs of thicker socks
Two pairs of gloves—one light fleece, the other waterproof/windproof
Undergarments

Footwear

Ankle-supporting, water-resistant trekking boots
Flip-flops for leisure time around camp or one pair of sneakers

Other Equipment

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a sun hat, a woolen or fleece hat, a first aid kit, a Swiss army knife (optional), a luggage cover, a headlamp, trekking poles, a gaiter (optional), crampons, water purification tablets or steripen, extra batteries, an adapter, a power bank, water bottles/camel bags/thermos, washing powder or multi-purpose soap, shampoo, a small towel, antiseptic hand wash, toiletries, female hygiene products, wet wipes, whistle, mosquito spray (optional), earplugs, reading books, playing cards, or chess
Sleeping bag rated to minus 10–20 degrees Celsius extreme temperature depending on trekking seasons
Backpack (50–60 liters)
Daypack (20–30 liters)

Travel Insurance

It is one of the most important things you’ll need overseas, particularly when trekking in Nepal. A policy that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage are among the basics you’ll need. A wide variety of policies are available, so make sure to shop for the best possible options. You need to have a policy that’s specific to the maximum height on your trek, bearing in mind that several companies place restrictions on that score—look closely at the fine print so that you’re sure to get the right coverage, especially in the event of an emergency such as altitude sickness—helicopter evacuations are horrendously expensive.

Also note that most medical treatment and facilities in Nepal, such as hospitals, require payment upfront or approval from your insurance company, so it’s wise to choose a policy that pays the bills directly rather than lumping the burden on you and leaving it till later for the insurer to reimburse you.

Nepalese Currency and Payment

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 10, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD 4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website.