Important Information

Region
Manaslu Region Treks
Duration
15 Days
Max Altitude 5160m
Best Season March - November
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 16 people
Transportation Jeep

Explore the sensational view of Nubri Mountains including Mount Manaslu (8th highest mountain in the world with 8,156m), Tibetan immigrant culture, and experience the dramatic Larke Pass of 5,100 meters.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking, one of the best treks in Nepal regarded by many trekkers. Manaslu circuit trek can be easily done in a tea house style without the expensive camping trip. This trek comprises from sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans Himalayan high pastures bordering Tibet and offers an astonishing view, increasingly mountainous landscape including a high pass crossing at Larke La. This trek is both geographically and culturally extraordinary. The residents of Nubri (the western mountains), a region known for Upper Buri Gandaki, are Tibetan immigrants decades ago. They have their own spoken language, dress, and customs which are almost nearly Tibetan. There is still continuous trade between Nubri and Tibet, for instance, Chinese beer and candies are found more frequently than Nepali ones. In this region Tibetan culture and religion have a strong influence, most places have Tibetan names with the meaning behind every name. The trekking route follows the ancient salt trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River. Trekking through the green forest, several gorges, beautiful waterfalls, typical villages, centuries-old monasteries, and the turquoise lake (Birendra Tal)

This trek was officially opened to tourists in 1991AD, but mountaineering expeditions had long access to the area. In 1950 a party led by HW Tilman trekked from Tilje to Bimtang and Colonel Jimmy Roberts crossed the Larke La Looking for an interesting mountain to climb. Mount Manaslu was attempted by Japanese expeditions every year from 1952 until 1956 when the first ascent was made. It thus became known as a "Japenese Mountain", and much of the information about this particular area was available only in Japan. Japanese continued to dominate the climbing scene in Manaslu until 1971.

We the Himalayan Wander Walkers are waiting for you to serve in this region, we organize groups from two trekkers and up in either camping or teahouse treks. The best season for the Manaslu trek is from mid-September to May.                             

Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

  • Scenic dirt road driving to Arughat from Kathmandu
  • Exploring the Budhi Gandaki River valley
  • Walking between the borders of Nepal and Tibet
  • Experience the Nepalese and Tibetan mixed culture
  • Crossing Larkya La over 5215 meters

Outline Itinerary ( 15 Days )

Day 1

Arrival at Nepal

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for a briefing about the entire trek on this day. You have to come one day earlier for the Special permit. For that, we need to show your original Passport to the Immigration office. You can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel.

 

Day 2

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath) and the world largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).

The overnight accommodation is in the same hotel as BB Plan.

Day 3

Drive Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m) 8 hours hr

We will start the day early after breakfast. We take a drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi on a nice, paved road enjoying the views of the hilly areas, terraces, fields, and rivers. The drive from Dhading Besi to Arughat is a little rough one on rocky trails. The bus will directly drive to Macha Khola.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 4

Trek to Jagat (1340m), 6-7 hours

The next day, From Machhakhola we follow a narrow trail that takes us to Tharo Khola and finally to Khorlabesi. After a few ascends and descends, we reach a popular hot-spring, Tatopani. We will spend some time here and can enjoy the natural sauna in the hot -spring and relieve all our tiredness and stress of the trek. We climb another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on another suspension bridge. After this, we climb a staircase and then cross a landslide and a ridge to reach Doban.  After crossing a suspension bridge, we again climb the stone staircase then go down to the river and climb some stairs again to reach Thado Bharyang. Then we cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki, climb over a ridge, walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat.
Overnight at Teahouse.

Day 5

Trek to Deng (1860m), 6-7 hours

On this day, we first reach Salleri after climbing a rocky ridge and then go towards Sirdibas.  We continue to Ghatta Khola and then walk upstream through a long suspension bridge to reach a Gurung village in Phillim. From the lower points of the village, the trail turns north and through leveled trails amidst maize fields. We reach Ekle Bhatti where you will have lunch and continue our trip from a steep gorge and then descend through grassy slopes to cross the Budhi Gandaki. After that cross bridges from west to the east bank and back again. As the trail widens, we pass through bamboo forests to reach the Deng Khola.  After crossing the river, we reach the tiny Deng village.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 6

Trek to Namrung (2,630m), 6-7 hours

We take a brief walk from Deng and then we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to reach Rana. From here we climb for a while and then head west to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through forests and painted Mani stones and a corner from where we reach Ghap. Then we take the trail through Prok village which allows us to witness the beautiful view of Siring Himal. We follow the river, crossing it at many places and pass through dense forests and Gompas along the way. After crossing the river at a gorge, the trail becomes leveled and after a last steep climb, we reach Namrung where we will have the best viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal as well as Mt. Himal Chuli.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 7

Trek to Lho (3180m), 3-4 hours

From Namrung a steep climb and passage through forests take us to Lihi, a village well known for its Chortens and barley terraces. After crossing the side valley of Simnang, we pass through Sho and then reach Lho. Late afternoon visit the local monastery when you reached there.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 8

Trek to Samagaun (3500m), 3-4 hours

After crossing the Shyala village, we reach the Sama village where one gets to witness the amazing views of Mount Manaslu and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. The breathtaking view of the high mountains along with glaciers is the highlight of the trip.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 9

Acclimatizing day at Samagaun.

This day is set aside to rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitudes. We stay in Samagaon and explore the surrounding areas or visit Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa.  The main attraction of the day is the Pungyen Gompa with a spectacular view of the glaciers but it rather a long day only recommended for the fit hikers. It is situated on a hill near Samagaon. We hike up to the Gompa named after the two peaks of Manaslu which means bracelet.  It was destroyed when the Japanese first tried to summit the peaks. It was believed that the expedition to reach the summit might have angered the Gods. After the detour, we come back to Samagaon.

 

Day 10

Trek to Samdo (3860m), 2-3 hours

We follow the Budhi Gandaki River up to a stream which we cross on a suspension bridge.  From here we take the trail on the right to Larke la. It is a fairly easy trail, passing through Mani walls and juniper and birch forests. We again cross a bridge over Budhi Gandaki and continue forward. From a stone arch, we can see a Kani and after crossing it, we reach the Last settlement of Tibetan immigrants called Samdo.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 11

Trek to Dharamsala (4480m), 2 & half hours

We start our day trip by crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and begin a hike upwards. After crossing a few streams and seeing a glimpse of the Larkya glacier, we go around a valley and make our way upwards again to reach a guesthouse called Dharmashala.  This short walk to Larke Phedi provides enough time and rest to acclimatize for the further trek.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 12

Cross the Larke pass (5213m) trek down to Bimtang (3720 m), 8-9 hours

On this day, we make a short climb and reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya glacier with exquisite views of the Larkya peak.  We ascend the moraines of a glacier which becomes quite steep at the end before reaching the pass. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru, and the Annapurna. It is a longer walk than other days and you reach the guest house among the low pastures at the dim lights of dusk. When we finally reach Bhimtang, the exquisite view of Mount Manaslu makes every step worth it.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 13

Bhimtang to Gho (2560m), 4-5 hours

After enjoying the splendid views of the mountains from a ridge in Bhimtang, we make our way down towards a high pasture and then a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through Rhododendron forests, narrow valleys, and fields before making a climb to the river bank that leads to the village of Gho. 
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 14

Trek to Dharapani (3-4 hours) and drive to Besi Sahar (760m).

We move in a stone-paved path passing through a beautiful village and then cross a bridge over Dudh Khola, move past an arch and Mani walls to get to the Thonje village. After passing through a police checkpoint we make our way towards Dharapani from where we enter the Annapurna circuit section.  From Dharapani we take a Jeep or bus from Dharapani to Beishar, which takes 4-5 hours.
Overnight at teahouse.

Day 15

Drive back to Kathmandu from Besishar.

We drive along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli River, witnessing the beautiful scenery of rice fields, terraced farms, rivers and valleys, and refreshing views of the hilly areas and mountains. After a few hours’ journeys, we reach Kathmandu.
Overnight at Hotel.

 

Include

Transport from Kathmandu to Machakhola and dharapani to Kathmandu by local bus/jeep sharing .
Tea House/lodge accommodation during the trek.
Three-night accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu.
All Standard Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the Trek.
Official Himalayan wander walkers (Government registered and licensed) Expert Guide, 1 Assistant Guide for 12 or Above
Trekkers with accompanying porters (generally, 1 porter per 2 trekkers) to assist with carrying gear during the trek. (We cover the porters’ meals, lodging, salary, transport, insurance, equipment, and other essentials.)
Manaslu special permit $100 per person
All Government and local taxes.
Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu before your international departure.
Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Permit (MCAP & ACAP)

Exclude

International flight airfare
Excess baggage charges
Meals (meal and dinner) in Kathmandu
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee extra porters, etc.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and porters
Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landscape, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc.

Route Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Fixed Departure Dates ( Limited Seats Available)

Trip Dates Trip Costs Actions
Opened

21 Oct, 2024 - 05 Nov, 2024

$1200 Join Now

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL
Doing treks in Himalayas of Nepal is a distinct culture and environment. Trekkers need to consider on following do’s and don’ts.

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional) Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs