Trip Overview
Highlights
- Spectacular Mountain Views:The trek provides breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The scenery includes panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, glaciers, and high mountain passes.
- Cultural Diversity:The trail passes through a variety of landscapes and diverse ethnic communities, including Gurungs, Sherpas, and Tibetans. Trekkers have the opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
- Unique Tibetan Culture:The trek includes a visit to the Tsum Valley, known for its unique Tibetan culture and ancient monasteries. This adds a distinctive cultural element to the overall trekking experience.
- Challenging High-Altitude Passes:The trek involves crossing challenging high-altitude passes, including the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters or 16,752 feet). This appeals to trekkers looking for a more strenuous and adventurous journey.
- Varied Terrain:The trail covers a range of terrains, from lush forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and rocky landscapes. This diversity adds to the trek’s appeal.
- Restricted Area Permit:The Manaslu region is a restricted area, and trekkers need a special permit to enter. This exclusivity enhances the sense of adventure and exploration.
- Teahouse Accommodation:While remote, the Manaslu Circuit has a network of teahouses along the trail, providing accommodation and meals. This allows trekkers to experience local hospitality and reduces the need for carrying extensive camping gear.
- Circumambulation of Manaslu:The trek circumambulates Mount Manaslu, providing trekkers with a unique perspective of this iconic Himalayan peak.
- Conservation and Eco-Tourism:The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to diverse flora and fauna. The trek promotes eco-tourism and supports conservation efforts in the region.
- Cultural and Spiritual Sites:The trail passes through several ancient monasteries, stupas, and chortens, allowing trekkers to explore the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
- Adventure and Exploration:The Manaslu Circuit is considered a remote and adventurous trek, attracting those who seek a less commercialized and more exploratory trekking experience.Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a combination of stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of adventure that appeals to trekkers looking for a unique and less-traveled journey in the Himalayas.
Itinerary
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Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
When you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by Sawasdee Nepal representatives who will take you to your hotel as soon as you arrive at the airport. After checking in, you can take a rest or visit Sawasdee Nepal’s office. you may also stroll through the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Sawasdee Nepal. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
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Day 02 : Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (2,362 feet / 720 m)
We set off early today for Sotikhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquartersof Dhading but the drive from Bensi to Arughat will be on the roughthing we do is drive further towards Sotikhola after we reach Arughat, one of the major towns in the region. Overnight in Soti Khola.
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Day 03 : Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (2,920 feet / 900 m)
At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through picturesque Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reacKhursane. Herech the rocky trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. As we climb behind a rocky outcrop, the valley opens up.he Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola.
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Day 04 : Maccha Khola -Jagat (1370m)
Eventually, the narrow trail crosses the Tharo Khola and reaches Khorlabesi after several minor ups and downs. After a few more ascends and descents, we come across a small hot sprispring the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, tcrossingthe Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, ascendimb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and ascend more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we trekked over a ridge, trek along the river and thhikeimb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.
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Day 05 : Jagat - Deng (5,917 feet / 1,804 m)
We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it passes millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we descend to the grasslands, pass through the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for We then cross to the east bank and rereturn.iAgain.we continue the trail, the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to theDeng Khola.AfAsAs wecrossinge Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in Deng.
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Day 06 : Deng-Namrung (8,626 feet / 2,630 m)
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another route, we take the route through Prok village. There is a beautiful viewpoint for Siringi Himal in Prok village. We cross the Budi Gandaki several times today, passing several gompas along the way. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.
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Day 07 : Namrung-Samagaon(11,578 feet / 3,530 m)
Namrung village is a convenient viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. HimalChuli. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. Wecontinues through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt.Explore Ribung Gompa as well as Manasly from Lho village.. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where we will spend the night.
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Day 08 : Samagaon Pungyen gompa - Samagaon
We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Today, we get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a small hill near the Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with magnificent of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen means bracelet, a fitting description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb anger Whenen the Japanese came back a year latethey were metet with so much resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959. Overnight in Samagaon
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Day 09 : Samagaon - Samdo (12,713 feet / 3,875 m)
we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, which has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.
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Day 10 : AcclimatizationDay
Today is another day set aside for proper acclimatization. There are two options for us today. The option that we highly recommend is a hike up the valley directly at the back of Samdo village. This hike will take us to one of the trade passes to Tibet for excellent views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass. The way to these viewpoints takes us past many seasonal herding settlements called doksas, as well as some beautiful mountain birds such as the Lophophorus (Nepal’s national bird), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin. Another option for today could be a trip to the Gya La (‘large pass’) to the north of Samdo, a more frequently used trading route to Tibet. However, this is rather long (an entire piece) and therefore could be quite long. Overnight in Samdo.
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Day 11 : Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C(14,633 feet / 4,460 m)
Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala
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Day 12 : Dharamsala - Larkya la - Bimthang (11,778 feet / 3590 m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
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Day 13 : Bimthang - Tilije (7,546 feet / 2,300 m)
From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday’s tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gho but better lodges are available at Tilije, so Sawasdee Nepal recommends we stay at Tilije. Overnight in Tilije Village.
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Day 14 : Drive Tal- Syange-kathmandu 1300m
We follow the trail to Chyamje village crossing the Marshyangdi Khola once again. There is a wide open valley with terraced fields and villages perched high on the hillsides of Marsyandi. The trail then descends through rhododendron and pine forests to Syange.7 -9 hrs drive to kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
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Day 15 : Final departure
Your adventure comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but exchange emails with travel companions and organize photos. A representative from Sawasdee Nepal will escort you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.On our way home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
What's Included
- Airport pick up/drop and city guided tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicles.
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
- City guided tour in Kathmandu by expert tour guide.
- Hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan at stars level
- Meals 3 times a day (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking for you( You can choose any food from the Menu)
- Local seasonal fresh fruits.
- Twin sharing comfortable and clean private room during the trek.
- Ground transportation by jeep/bus from Kathmandu to Sotikhola and by jeep/car from Tal- Syangeto to Kathmandu.
- An experienced, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and English-speaking trekking guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek (2 trekkers:1 porter).
- Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipments, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter.
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Four season sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag( bag pack) and walking stick(which need to be returned after the trek).
- Appreciation letter as a souvenir (Sample of the appreciation letter).
- All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
- Travel & Rescue arrangement.
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
- All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
Included
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate 30 USD cash and two passport photographs )
- Meals whilst in Kathmandu allow US$ 10 - US$ 15 per day and Entry fee while sightseeing in Kathmandu (USD 20 per person)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel/medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
- Personal expenses such (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, WIFI etc)
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.
Excluded
Equipment List
Usefull Information
Fixed Departure
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Trekking Video
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Trek Details
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Best Seasons September to December, March to May
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Group Size 2+
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Duration 14 Night/15 Days
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Maximum Altitude 5,106 m(Larkya La pass)
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Trek Difficulty Moderate to Adventurous
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Accommodation On Lodge
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Transportation by land