Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview:
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking journey through the remote and pristine landscapes of Nepal, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This trek circles around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, providing trekkers with stunning views and a memorable adventure.
Starting in the town of Maccha Khola, the trek gradually ascends through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque villages. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and winding through deep gorges. As you trek higher, the landscape changes dramatically, with the dense forests giving way to alpine meadows and barren hillsides.
One of the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya La Pass, which stands at an impressive 5,135 meters (16,847 feet) above sea level. Crossing this pass is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. The descent from the pass takes you into the beautiful Marsyangdi Valley.
Throughout the trek, you will encounter traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, where the local culture and way of life have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Villages like Samagaon and Samdo provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region, with their monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is also a great opportunity to witness diverse flora and fauna. The lower regions are covered with rhododendron forests that bloom in spring, while the higher altitudes are home to rare animals like the snow leopard and blue sheep.
Teahouses along the route offer basic accommodation and meals, providing a warm and welcoming place to rest after a day of trekking. The trek typically takes about 14-18 days to complete, depending on your pace and itinerary, making it a perfect choice for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights:
1. Stunning views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters / 26,781 feet).
2. Diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.
3. Rich cultural experiences with Tibetan-influenced local communities.
4. Crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters / 16,752 feet).
5. Peaceful and less crowded compared to other treks in Nepal.
Important Note:
Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November.
Max Altitude: Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters / 16,752 feet).
Permit Required: Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel or relaxing after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will meet your trek leader and discuss the details of the upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (930m)
Early in the morning, we begin our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, which takes approximately 9 hours. The drive takes us through beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, and charming villages. We will stop for lunch along the way and continue to Maccha Khola, where we will spend the night in a local teahouse.
Day 3: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
Today, we start our trek following the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail winds through narrow valleys, lush forests, and small villages. We will cross several suspension bridges and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The trek to Jagat takes about 6 hours, and we will stay overnight in a teahouse.
Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,804m)
Today's trek takes us through a series of ascents and descents, passing terraced fields and dense forests. We will traverse beautiful landscapes and cross the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek to Deng takes about 6 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Today's trek takes us through a mix of dense forests, rocky landscapes, and charming villages. As we gradually gain altitude, the scenery becomes more dramatic. After about 6 hours of trekking, we arrive in Namrung, a village with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. We will stay overnight in a teahouse.
Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Lho (2,957m)
We continue our ascent, trekking through forests of pine and rhododendron. The trail offers breathtaking views of Manaslu and other nearby peaks. After about 4 hours of trekking, we arrive in Lho, a village known for its impressive monastery and panoramic mountain vistas. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 7: Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun (3,530m)
Today's trek takes us through alpine landscapes as we make our way to Sama Gaun. The journey lasts about 4 hours, providing ample time to explore the village and acclimatize. Sama Gaun is a traditional Tibetan village with a rich cultural heritage and stunning views of Manaslu. We will stay overnight in a teahouse.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaun (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
To aid in acclimatization, we spend the day exploring the area around Sama Gaun. We can take a day trip to Manaslu Base Camp or visit Pungyen Gompa, a significant monastery with spectacular views. This day trip helps us adjust to the altitude and prepares us for the higher elevations to come. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 9: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,865m)
A shorter trekking day, we make our way to Samdo, a village near the Tibetan border. The 3-hour trek provides more time for acclimatization and exploration. Samdo offers unique cultural insights and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will stay overnight in a teahouse.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day in Samdo (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
Another acclimatization day involves a hike towards the Tibetan border, reaching elevations around 5,000 meters. This 8-hour day trip offers spectacular views and helps us prepare for the challenging Larkya Pass crossing. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m)
We continue our trek towards Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi. The trail offers dramatic scenery and a sense of adventure as we gain altitude. The trek lasts about 4 hours, and Dharmasala serves as the base for our pass crossing. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 12: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass (3,590m)
The most challenging day of our trek, we cross the Larkya Pass (5,160m) before descending to Bimthang. The trek takes approximately 10 hours and offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks. After the strenuous ascent, the descent to Bimthang is rewarding and scenic. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1,970m)
We descend through lush forests, passing through the villages of Gho and Tilije. The day's trek lasts about 7 hours, taking us to Dharapani, where we can rest and reflect on our journey through the Manaslu region. Overnight in a teahouse.
Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
After breakfast, Drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 10 hours. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, where we can relax and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 15: Final Departure
Our journey concludes with a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you depart with memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
All arrival and departure transportation from the airport to hotel and vice versa.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
All meals during the trek
Permit fees (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
Experienced trekking guide and porter(s)
Transportation as per itinerary
3 cups of tea served daily(Any choice)
Fresh fruits served as desert
Exclusions
International airfare
Nepal visa fees
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, internet)
Tips for guide(s) and porter(s)
Meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast
Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or any unforeseen circumstances