The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best, less frequented treks in Nepal. Rarely heard off the beaten route of the Himalayas in the raw and pristine grace of Baudha, Gorkha, and Chuli Himal in the remote valleys of the country known for hills and mountains that combine two significant trekking regions, Annapurna and Manaslu, which provides the trekker with an opportunity to grasp all the highlights of both trekking areas cost-effectively.
The trekking circuit area of Manaslu is bordered by two main river systems in Nepal: Budhi Gandaki to the east and Marshandi Khola to the west, which quench the thirst for a wide variety of wildlife in both protected lands, which heavily cultivate paddies and winter crop orange in the rolling terraced hills as you progress from the subtropical jungle at the lower level to the seemingly arduous and frosty foothills of the Himalayas, Larkya La Pass above 5,100 meters from sea level.
Itinerary
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Today, the trek to the Manaslu circuit officially begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola by bus and jeep. The road to Dhading has asphalt, while the road from here can be quite impassable in the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.
In such an occurrence, you will have to walk for 3–4 hours to reach Arughat Bazar, which is a small market town on the river side of the Budhi Gandaki River, and take a jeep to Machha Khola to stay overnight in the local tea house.
The trek to the restricted area typically begins this day along the slope with rice paddies and farm fields, and the valley starts to become wider with several glimpses of Sringi Himal, also known as Chamar, at an elevation of 7,187 m.
The trekking path then descends to the shores of white sand that moves forth to numerous tiny settlements and reaches Kholabesi, where you will leave behind and continue the trek, following the narrow path till the natural hot spring of Tatopani and afterward Jagat.
Today will be an easy day for us, as the trek will be short in terms of distance and time, but with magnificent views around.
Trekking a bit uphill the trail will divert to the leveled path, crossing the suspension bridge above the Budhi Gandaki River will lead us all the way to Philim, a big settlement village in the hills mostly inhabitant by the Gurung community.
Gurung community are famous for their warfare activities, as they are known for their bravery, mainly involved in the military services. We will have time to explore the local village and observe their daily activities and lifestyle
Passing by the scenic view of the surrounding, we will be able to witness Mt. Manaslu the highest mountain of the entire trek along with other mountain ranges.
The trail will be a bit easier for the day but along with ascending and descending, finally to Namrung.
On the 9th day, you will trek through several villages and cross the Hinna Khola to reach a large village with packed houses and fine historical gompas, Lho with stunning views of Naike Peak, Manaslu North Peak, and Manaslu with widely farmed fields on the gentle hills.
The overall view from the valley of Lho is so breathtaking that you will take it all in while you cross the Pungen glacier, which opens up the relative villages further. Moving forward, you will see several chorten, and the continuity of the trek from one chorten to another leads surprisingly to Sama.
By overpassing the magnificent Manaslu Glacier, you will pass the trail that heads off to the base camp of Manaslu and enter the woodland sheltering marmots in the bushes of juniper and birch.
The much-needed acclimatization day is here before we hope for further elevation gain in the higher Himalayan land. So, you will utilize this buffer day by exploring the naturally and culturally rich Samdo to adapt to the precarious mountainous weather when you do not acclimate properly.
Basically, on this rest day of the 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will venture to the scenic Samdo village, relish its traditional Tibetan culture and architecture, and take a leisurely walk to visit ancient monasteries with antique artifacts.
The journey today starts early in the morning as an easy first section of the trek with a downhill walk up to the Budhi Gandaki River, which gradually rises through the Larkya La Glacier fleeting via the juniper and tundra.
Then the trekking trail marches upward to the Dharamsala, which will take you around 4 hours in total to cover 7 km on a normal day that resides at the Spartan Larkya Guest House.
It is one of the majorly highlighted days of the Manaslu Circuit Trek when you will cross the high mountain pass above 5,106, Larkya La, with the most panoramic sight to behold, all festooned with numerous Buddhist vibrant prayer flags at the highest point of trekking.
So, you will begin in pre-dawn to avoid the anticipated heavy storm in the afternoon at the top of the pass that has the heavenly beauty of some of the top mountains of Nepal, such as Annapurna II, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru, along with the Mani walls.
The trekking trail of the 13th day is easier than the previous one through the meadows and forest of pine and rhododendron until Hampuk, from where the route levels off, following the bank of Dudh Khola.
Crossing the suspension bridge over the steam fed by the snow of Kichke Himal, you will be at Kharche and the village of Gho, where you will revisit the menu that involves rice in the Nepalese Dal Bhat.
Keeping completely to the west bank of the river throughout the afternoon with a gradual descent to the Gurung settlement of Tilije, which again descends to Thonje and crosses the famous Marshyandi river to reach the final destination, Dharapani, to stay overnight in a guest house.
The drive of this day is a long one with a full day of traveling. It sounds arduous, but the classic scenery along the way makes up for it.
Watch out! A few hours of riding are likely to be bumpy, which lets you enjoy the pleasurable natural beauty on the way to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.
10 nights and 11 days of food ( Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner) and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
Transportation from Kathmandu to Machha Khola By local Bus and Dharapani to Besisahar by Local sharing jeep and Besisahar to kathmandu or Pokhara by Local Bus
English speaking local expert guide, porters(porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
Special restricted permit for Manaslu region
Annapurna Conservation permit (ACAP)
MCAP permit (Manaslu Conservation Area Project)
Tourist service charge, VAT
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Nepali cultural dance
Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
Insurance for all staff & porters.
Trekking achievement certificate
Adventure Himalayan T-shirt
Excludes
Personal bar bill, travel insurance/International airfare/Domestic airfare.
Hotel in Kathmandu
Items of personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, tips etc.
Nepal entry visa fee US$ 50 (duration 30 days from date of issue)- Available at Royal Nepalese Embassies and Royal Nepalese Consulates abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu valley
