Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-10
  • Max. Altitude 5219 M.
  • Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November

Highlights

  • Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal
  • The biggest attraction of this trek is the views of the Manaslu range and the Annapuna ranges. 
  •  Crossing the highest point at larkya La pass 5,106m
  •  Visit some of Kathmandu’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  •  Excellend panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. The most prominent of the peaks are Baudha Himal, Gorkha Himal and Himal Chuli. the area is bordered by two major river systems.  To the east Budhi Gandaki and to the west Marshandi Khola.  The biggest attraction of this trek is the views of the Manaslu range and the Annapurna ranges, combined with the forest and animal life along the ridge. The route starts from Gorkha.  The route follows the rugged gorge of the Budhi Gandaki river through the native Gurung country.  A number of large Buddhist monasteries are to be seen in the upper reaches of the Budhi Gandaki.

The range of geographical and climatic regions has led to a diverse variety of flora and fauna within this region.  These parts of area are heavily cultivated and the landscape, therefore, largely consists of terraced paddy fields and rolling hills. The area is also famous for its winter crops of oranges, which can be purchased fresh from the trees along the trails in the foothills. As you progress higher up into the hills the natural vegetation changes from the tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech and rhododendron. These finally give way to coniferous forests of pine and, ultimately, juniper just below the tree line. In the rain shadow, to the north of the mountains, the landscape is quite barren being an extension south of the Tibetan plateau.

The higher up in the hills the natural vegetation changes from the tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech and rhododendron. There is a variety of animals that can be spotted, including the barking deer and Himalayan marmots above the tree line. Pheasants may be seen in the jungles just below the tree line as well as all of the usual alpine birds including ravens, coughs and various birds of prey.

 

Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. After refreshment, you will be briefed in short about your tour by our guide or tour leader.  If you have any questions or doubts about your trip then they should be asked and clarified at this time. Overnight stay at hotel.

    Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa). We can also visit Swyambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, which was built roughly 2000 years ago.  Finally, we can visit Patan, city of fine arts. In the afternoon, you will be meeting with your trekking guide and will check all the necessary things. Overnight stay at the hotel.

      The road till Dhading has asphalt. The unpaved road from Dhading to Arughat Bazaar is sometimes impassable after heavy monsoon rain. In this case it takes 3 to 4 hours of walking.  Arughat Bazar is small market town that lies next to Buri Gandaki river. From here, we take a jeep to Soti Khola.  Overnight in Tea house.

        From here, the course will repeat ascents and descents to Almara, a village on the flank. 
         Move on, traversing the forest area. Continue a steep ascent on the rocky path, you will come across a stream. The trail makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up to the Gurung village of Lapubesi.  Eventually, we make it to Machha Khola.

          From here, we travel along the slope that has farm fields and rice paddies.  Further ahead, the valley becomes wider. There are lots of views of Sringi Himal also called Chamar (7187m).  The path then descends to the shores of white sand.  After passing several more villages, we will reach to Kholabesi.  We pass the village and the valley, follow the narrow path and soon you will reach to Tatopani, where it has a hot spring.  Finally, we reach to Jagat.

            Crossing the suspension bridge and passing through forested area, following the path that is carved in the rock to reach to Doban. Soon after crossing villages and a suspension bridge in Doban khola, trail keeps ascending and descending until arriving in Jagat.  Overnight in tea house.

              Leaving the village and make a small ascending traverse.  The path will go down to river shores.  It then offers a pleasant walk through bamboo forests to Deng Khola.
              The path will go down to the river bank.  Steep cliffs continue to surround the valley. 
              Moving on to the forest and crossing a few times wooden bridge over the Buri Gandaki the path will becomes steeper until Namru village. At this stage the Tibetan border is only a few kilometers to the north.  Overnight in tea house in Namrung.

                After passing through several villages, you will come to Hinan khola. Crosses the streams, you will come to Sho village, where we see spectacular views of Naike peak, Manaslu north peak and Manaslu. Lho has wide farm fields on the gentle mountain flank, it is a large village with many houses and a fine Gimpa. The views from here are excellent.  After crossing Pungen glacier, the valley becomes wider. Move on from one Chorten to another to reach sama. Which is surrounded by a large number of Mani stones and Chortens. The Gompa on the top of the hill is very fine and worth visiting. Overnight in tea house in Sama Goau.

                  Crossing by the foot over the great Manaslu Glacier we pass the trail that branches off to Manaslu Base Camp. Our path enters a woodland where we might see marmots in the birch and juniper bushes, when a final steep ascent brings us to the charming village of Samdo. The village has a well-established Tibetan refugee community –with Tibet being only a morning’s walk away.Soon after the junction, you will cross the stream using the wooden bridge and zigzag up the forested area to reach to Honsanho Gompa. Where it has an open view. After crossing Pungen glacier valley will become a wider. Move on from one Chorten to another to reach sama. Which is surrounded by a large number of Mani stones and Chortens. The Gompa on the top of the hill is very fine and worth visiting.
                   

                    We take the day to explore and acclimatize our bodies to the altitude.  Walking north from Samdo, the trail climbs gradually along the Athahra Saya Khola, then descends gently towards the river bed crossing a side river on a wooden bridge.  Then  we climb again and go beside the river on its western side.  After 3 hours of walking from Samdo, the Athahra Saya Khola turns west. Cross the bridge and begin to climb on the slope. At its bottom, the trail may seem unclear as there are several Yak trails going up, but as you climb it is clear that your way is… up… The climb to the top of the Rui La pass, at 4998m. Along the way there are beautiful sights of Manaslu in the distance, as well as the Hindu and Fukang glaciers just behind you as you climb. The Rui La pass is a "classic” "U” shaped mountain pass. Prayer flags mark the pass and a border stone marks the border between Nepal and "Dzong Who” – China. Numerous mountain ranges can be seen on the Tibetan side, and if you are patient enough, wait to see a Yak caravan crossing the pass to bring goods into Nepal.

                      After an easy first part of the of day, we cross the Budhi Gandaki for the final time before the trail gradually rises through juniper and tundra with a viewpoint overlooking the Larkya La Glacier.  Climbing further, we arrive at the Spartan Larkya guest house.  

                        An early morning start is needed for strenuous, yet rewarding day. A pre-dawn start to avoid the anticipated heavy wind is important.
                        After a long gradual climb alongside the moraine we make a short descent to a glacial lake and reach the head of the moraine (4,700m) which we cross to climb to the ridge top. Four frozen lakes lie below and then it is up to the crest of the Larkya La (5,100m).
                        The reward for these difficult trekking conditions is brilliant westerly views of Himlung Himal, Kangurru and Annapurna II as well as the looming omnipresence of Manaslu.
                        On the steep descent we drop around 600m in less than an hour. Our trail then levels off onto yak pastures before finally reaching Bhimthang, a collection of typical summer kharkas.

                          We descend on easier terrain through meadows and pine and rhododendron forest, until arriving in Hampuk. Then the path drops further, following the course of the Dudh Khola. Crossing the stream fed by the snows of the Kichke Himal, we arrive at Karche and continue on to the village of Gho – where rice is back on the menu and Nepalese ‘dhal bhat’ is revisited. Keeping to the west bank of the river, our afternoon is one of gradual descent to the Gurung settlement of Tilije.  From here trail decends  to Thonje.  Cross the Marshyandi River to reach to village of Dharapani.  Overnight in guest house.

                            We have a full day of traveling ahead of us.  Luckily, the views along the journey distract us with their beauty and the ride is quite pleasureable. 

                              We will transport you to the airport.  Thanks for trekking with Adventure Himalayan Travels.  We look forward to seeing you again!

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                                Route Map
                                Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 Days Map
                                What's Included
                                Includes
                                • 11 nights and 12 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
                                • Transportation from Kathmandu to Arught bazar by bus and jeep to sotikhola
                                • 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 permit for Manaslu region
                                • Annapurna Conservation permit (ACAP)
                                • Three nights’ accommodation with three star category Hotel in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast
                                • Airport transfers and escort
                                • 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 Tshirt
                                Excludes
                                • Personal bar bill, travel insurance/International airfare/Domestic airfare.
                                • 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
                                • Extra accomodation and meals outside itineraray.
                                • Tips for Trekking guide and trekking porter
                                Dates and Prices
                                Date PriceAvailability 
                                Start DateStarts: MondayJun 12, 2023End DateEnds: MondayJun 26, 2023PricePriceUS$1175StatusStatusAvailable
                                Start DateStarts: MondayJun 19, 2023End DateEnds: MondayJul 03, 2023PricePriceUS$1175StatusStatusAvailable
                                Start DateStarts: MondayJun 26, 2023End DateEnds: MondayJul 10, 2023PricePriceUS$1175StatusStatusAvailable
                                Client Reviews
                                • Manaslu Circuit Trek

                                  rating

                                  “I hiked the Manaslu Circuit back in November as part of one of adventures himalayan travels& treks group tours, as I was a lone female traveller. Despite being a small group of only 3, I had the most amazing time! The trail was interesting and not crowded with other trekkers, and the views were breathtaking. Our guide, Bhakta, was incredible, going above and beyond to make our experience as enjoyable as possible, whilst always putting our safety first. We also had two amazing porters, Dipesh and Pradip. I would highly recommend the Manaslu Circuit with adventures himalayan, and bhakta in particular, to anyone planning a trek in Nepal!”

                                  Hayley Roberts
                                  Hayley RobertsAustralia,Jan 05, 2019
                                • Manaslu circuit trek

                                  rating

                                  For a guy that hasn't left the state of Texas in many years, i was very adamant about travelling in general. But after watching some documentary in you-tube and Netflix about Nepal, i started to have different perception about travelling. With some research i came across "Adventure Himalayan Travel and treks".Met Rana the correspondence via email, who was really helpful about all the question i had before travelling. I made the Trip there in April for Manaslu Circuit Trek. From my short Breath taking experience, i couldn't have found a better correspondence and group of highly experienced travel guide and porter. The company had great pre-planed accommodation for all guests and adjustable schedule for the travelers comfort. The trek was incredible, i haven't had so much fun in a long time, i am even thinking of doing some trekking here locally, and planning a trip to the state of Washington. on the last note, I recommend the Nepali tea and "Dal Bhat", which is their traditional food if anyone is going to make the trip to Nepal in the future. Thank you Rana for a great time and hope to see you guys soon.

                                  John
                                  JohnUnited Kingdom,Jul 18, 2018

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