Manaslu Circuit Trek

At a Glance

The eight highest peak Mt, Manaslu (8163 m. / 26781 ft.) is derived from ancient Nepali language Sanskrit word Manasa meaning “intellect” and “Soul”.Manaslu circuit trek is very popular and best camping and tea house trek. Manaslu circuit trek is untouched and off the beaten path trek. It is adventitious and and challenging trek. The trekker should have enough stamina and determination to do this trek. The landscape changes day by day in this Manaslu circuit trek. It is very popular and scenic. This trek has high pass, glacier, rhododendron forest and old monasteries. Rivers, waterfall, different small rural villages, real farmers also called mountain people. Forest, flora and fauna also lures people all around the world. Larkya La Pass (5167m) the highest point on this trek. It is a home for snow leopard, Blue Sheep, mountain Goat, Pika (highest living Mammal) and Himalayan Marmots.

Manaslu circuit Trek Highlights:

Mount Manaslu is the 8th highest peak and we trek around this mountain.
Cross Larkya La Pass 5106m by foot.
Come across Rivers, suspension bridge and waterfall.
Meet chorten, mane wall and monasteries.
Interact with ethnic group like Brahmins, Chhetries, Sherpa, Gurung and Tibetans.
Less tourist visit this trek and tea house based trek is operated these days.

Manaslu Trek 18 days briefing.

Manaslu Trek used to be off the beaten path few years back ie camping was only option. But these days everywhere there are tea houses. So, we stop night in tea houses. Compared to other trek this trek is less crowded. Trekking in Manaslu you will get great view of Himalayas. You can meet mountain people also called rural village and we will get to see there culture and lifestyle. First section of trek is walking along the river and it is hot. But slow there is ascending. Later trek leads to Larkya La pass which is 5167 meter. We have acclimation days before crossing high pass. Manaslu circuit is a bit tough so one need to have lots of stamina and determined. For few months exercise is must before you start Manaslu circuit trekking.

How hard is Manaslu Circuit Trek/ Trekking?

Manaslu trek is quite difficult trek in terms of difficulty. There are uphill and downhill. We go higher upto 5160m which is called Larkya Pass. Trekkers has to be quite fit to do Manaslu Circuit trek. It is good to do exercise for month or more before you start the trek.

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is Best in Autumn mid-September to mid November ?

The view is clear, it is neither hot nor to cold and less likely to snow. The trial is not slippery. Sunrise and sunset view is clear. In the Spring also we have similar weather. Rhododendron bloom around the forest in Spring.

What you see and what to expect in Manaslu Circuit Trekking?

On the clear weather we see great view of Himalaya. We see variation in vegetation. The tea house is basic where we stay overnight. You will still get clean and simple room. Food is as per menu. It is hygienic. You get choice in food.

How cold is Manaslu Circuit Trek ?

First section of the trek is warm. We can walk with T-shirt and shorts. Once we gain height, we are in altitude the weather is cold. So, warm gear is must be packed for cold weather. Towards end of November weather can to too cold. Weather can change any time in mountain. It is good to carry Crampons, it helps us to walk on snow.

Itinerary

Day 01Kathmandu arrival.

Our airport represtative will pick you up at airport and transfer you tohotel. Just for your name and Supporter Trek name plate on your arrival. We meet you at airport and transfer you to hotel. Medium range hotel on BB Plan.

Day 02Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley and final packup for tre

We will go for sightseeing around Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupati and Bhaktapur Durbar Square will be visited by tour guide.

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola /700 m trek for 7 hours.

We follow the Trishuli River and cross the river and drive towards north. The drive is scenic, we visit traditional village, terraced fields, lust forest and off course the Himalayas like Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna can be seen with our eyes. Our drives goes to Salyantar, Arughat and than to Soti Khola, the gate of Tsum Valley and Manaslu trek.

Day 04Soti Khola to Maccha Khola/ 930 m– trek for 6 hours

Today is our first day of our trek. We walk from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola. We meet lots of waterfall. We will be ascending and descending. We walk on forest. Mules are common to see and they are the main transportation in the mountain. We will come across village like Khursani village and to Lububesi Gurung Settlement and finally reach Machha Khola.

Day 05Maccha Khola to Jagat/ 1340 m trek for 6 hours.

We come across hotspring at Tatopani. We walk along the Budi Gandaki River. We meet a village mixed up with different ethnic group. They are Gurung, Newar, Bharmins, Chhettries and Bhota of Manaslu. Jagat is the checkpoint to allow you to enter Manaslu conservation area.

Day 06Jagat to Pewa / 1804 m trek for 6 hours.

We first walk to Salleri and the trek descend to Sirdibas. Here at Sirdibas mostly Buddhist community people live, here are some Gompas. We cross a suspension bridge and we have to climb steep trial uphill. We come across the place where you see waterfall on both side. We also come across the place where Tsum valley and Manslu trek seperates. Finally after walking for about 6 hours we reach Pewa where we spend a night.

Day 07Pewa to Namrung/ 2630 m trek fo 6 hours

Today after breakfast we start walking along the bamboo forest. We then cross a suspension bridge and climb Bihi Phedi. We meet Mani Stone carved along our way on the way to Namrung.

Day 08Namrung to Lho/ 2957 m trek for 4 hours.

We will walk along the Tibetan influence village today. It will be a great experience. We will then walk to forest filled with rhododendron, fir and oak. We will walk along rocky trail and trials leads to Lo- Gaon. From Lo Village we can see Mt. Manaslu and other snow capped peaks. Slowly altitude starts gain so, we need to be careful.

Day 09Lho to Sama Gaun/ 3530 m trek for 4 hours

Today is short walk, we go slow uphill trial and altitude gain every hour. The landscape is barren and arid dry. We will reach Shyapla for a rest before we head to Sama Gaon. Sama Gaon is the main villge that lies in upper most part of Manaslu valley. Here are lots of monstries, Shop and Gompas.

Day 10Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)

Today is acclimatization day. We can trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. Pungyen Gompa is located on the eastern part of Nubri Valley. We will have beautiful view of Manaslu Himalayan Range. It would be nice to hike up and again come and rest at low altitude.

Day 11Sama Gaun to Samdo /3865 m – trek for 4 hours.

We will come across pasture fields. The landscape is barren. We come across Kani, we get beautiful scenery of the Himalayas. We finally reach Samdo. Samdo is close to Tibetan border. It is also Tibean refugee settlements.

Day 12Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)/ Samdo – 5000 m –treks for 8 hours.

We will have another acclimatization day. We will walk to Tibet Boarder and walk back to Samdo. This hike to around 5000 will make you fit in the altitude.

Day 13Samdo to Dharmasala/ 4460 m trek for 4 hours

We will head to Larke Phedi or Dharmasala. We have to Trek slow as we have to ascend. The walk is short compared to other days. Larke Phedi or Dharmasala gets croweded in peak season of trek.

Day 14Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass / 3590 m trek for 10 hours.

Today is considered to be reaching the highest point of the trek. It will be little challenging if the snow is there. We start trekking early morning. It is little challenging and we need to walk slow and be on the group. We see the beautiful view of Manaslu, Kang Guru, Himlung and Annapurna peaks. We reach in Larkye Pass and we descend down to Bhimthang. Bhimthang is small nice settlement which has lodges and teahouse. We stop here for night halt.

Day 15Bimthang to Dharapani / 1970 m trek for 7 hours

Today we walk back to Dharapani, the last day of our trek. Comparitively the walk is easy on downhill. We come over lush green forest. We come across rhododendron and Pine forest. We will bypass setlemnt like Goha and Tilje.

Day 16Drive Dharapani to Kathmandu 1300m drive for 12 hours.

After having breakfast at tea house we will catch the Jeep to Kathmandu. The drive is scenic you will see waterfall on the way. We mostly follow the river side when we drive. The road is under construction so, drive is slow.

Day 17Free day in Kathmandu.

We have free day in Kathmandu. Shopping and relax.

Day 18We will transfer to airport for your final departure.

3 hours earlier than your flight we transfer you to airport to catch flight back to home.

Cost Details

Includes

All transportation with private vehicle.
Three nights accommodation in medium standard hotel in Kathmandu
All accomadation in with full board in the trek.
Manaslu, annapuarna conservation permit, restricted area permit and TIMS
An English speaking guide.
Necessary supporter

Excludes

Bottle beverage, unforeseen circumstance, tips to staff.

Essential Information

What kind of trek is Manaslu Trek in terms of difficulty?

Manaslu trek is moderate and it is little difficulty as we have to climb Larkye pass. We also have to be above 5000 m. We have to be fully acclimatize to complete this trip. So, we have rest days in our itinerary. We go slow when we are above 3500m. We have to avoid drinking alcoholic beverage, smoking and drink plenty of soups, drinking lots of water will help to get acclimatize in altitude.

Is there issue of altitude sickness?

Yes, altitude sickness can be seen to anyone, but we have rest days where we hike up and sleep in low altitude. We need to drinks plenty of liquid including soup and water. We are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverage and stop smoking. In case you want to take medication against altitude you can start on day before you are in 3500. Guide will be carrying Diamox you can take it. But drinking lot of fluid we automatically cure altitude sickness.

What are the equipment you need to carry on this trek?

On Manaslu trekking you need to carry warm grears. Down Jacket, Sleeping bag, inner thermal, gloves and woolen cap is must. Depends on season but Crampons is also compulsory to carry. It helps a lot when it snows towards Larkye Pass.

What to expect on food/eating while trekking in Manaslu trek?

You get choice of food while you are trekking in Manaslu area trek. Almost everywehere nice breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be there. You can choose from menu and order the food. You will get tasty hot food after you order the food. Since you will be doing trek what ever food comes easily goes and digest. Hygienic food is served your stomach will be happy after eating the food in Manaslu trek.

What is the weather like while trekking in Manaslu?

Weather depends when or which season you are trekking. But mostly lower part of trek is hot and humid. Whereas upper part is windy and cold. So, you need gears for both for warm part and cold part.