Manaslu Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Manaslu Trek is an awe-inspiring Himalayan adventure that encapsulates the sheer beauty of Nepal landscape, culture, and trekking challenges. Circumnavigating the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world, this trek offers an exceptional blend of natural splendor and cultural immersion. Spanning around 14 to 18 days, the trek is a moderate to strenuous journey that leads trekkers through diverse terrains – from lush lowlands to high alpine passes. The trail ventures through charming villages, inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including the hospitable Gurungs and Tamangs. These encounters provide a genuine glimpse into the traditional mountain lifestyle, as well as opportunities to experience local cuisine, customs, and architecture. The trekking route scales through the tranquil Budhi Gandaki Valley, traversing suspension bridges and terraced fields. Ascending steadily, trekkers treat them with panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The challenging Larkya La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5,160 meters, is a highlight of the journey, demanding stamina and determination but rewarding with breathtaking panoramic views. Nature enthusiasts spoiled with the chance to observe an array of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and a variety of bird species. The stark contrast between the subtropical zones and alpine landscapes adds a unique charm to this trek. The Manaslu Trek's remoteness and lower traffic compared to more popular treks like Everest and Annapurna Circuit create an unspoiled trekking experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility and authentic adventure. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are vital for a successful journey due to the elevation and demanding terrain.Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, the Manaslu Trek encapsulates the essence of Nepal's natural beauty and cultural diversity. This immersive journey offers trekkers a chance to forge unforgettable memories as they navigate through ever-changing landscapes, interact with warm-hearted locals, and conquer challenging altitudes while being surrounded by the towering grandeur of the Himalayas.Trip Highlight
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
- Views of the world’s highest peaks- including Manaslu mountain (8,156m), LamjungHimal, Himlung, Mt.Annapurna II, etc.
- Before entering the similarly stunning Marsyangdi river valley at the end, experience the remoteness of the Budi Gandaki and Nubri valleys.
- Magical views of Himalayan mountains, green forests, serene rivers, and other landscapes
- Trek along the Budhi Gandaki River gorge
- The highest point on the trek – Larkya La Pass (5,167m / 16,751ft)
- Rich biodiversity and beautiful natural scenery
- Trek into the Manaslu conservation area to experience the true splendor of the Himalayan landscape, including the vegetation and fauna
- Visit several monasteries, mani stones, Chortens, and Gombas located in the remote Samado, Sama, and Bimtang settlements.
- Observe the remote Bhotia communities, Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and Bon culture along the historic Himalayan trade route.
- Insight into Hindu and Buddhist culture
- Beautiful views of Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Pung Gyen Gomba, Glacier Lakes
- Stunning landscapes, rivers, rugged slopes, cascading waterfalls, and streams
- Possibility of spotting wild endangered species like snow leopard,Tahr, Agali, Pika, Himalayan Marmots
- Incredible hospitality of local people
Itinerary
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This ancient city is generally known for its unique cultures, traditions, and heritage. The medieval town has many temples, palaces, and Malla-era courtyards.
Our staff and representative will pick you then transfer you to a hotel. Then, they will brief you about this tour in short. After arriving at the hotel, you will encounter hotel staff members with flower garlands as a means of greeting. Then the staff will help you to check-in at the hotel.
The travelers can also take a short tour and pass through the famous streets of the Thamel. You can rest in the evening and plan for your trip the next day.
After breakfast, we will go on a short sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the ancient city. This incredible city has many medieval landmarks, including temples, palaces, and bihars. There are various UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley that are open museums of sorts. These beautiful landmarks provide you with great cultural and historical exploration.
Firstly, we will travel to Swayambhunath stupa, located on a hilltop, to observe the gorgeous sunrise. It is also known as a monkey temple as there are many monkeys in this stupa area. You can get the complete views of Kathmandu valley from this stupa viewpoint. Then, we will travel to other religious landmarks of the city, including Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
Pashupatinath is a Hindu pilgrimage site and abode of Lord Shiva, whereas Boudhanath is a beautiful stupa dedicated to Lord Buddha. There are many Thanka galleries, restaurants, cafes, and others nearby Boudha. If time allows, we can then travel to durbar squares in the city, including Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Various temples of this city date back to the Malla era period.
Since you will not be able to complete a tour of all landmarks of this city, you can select a few places in advance. There are various Newar settlements with unique architecture. You can explore lovely local eateries that provide you with local delicacies. After exploring around these beautiful landmarks, you will return to your hotel, where you can stay overnight.
Driving Hours (160km / 99.4miles) 6-8hrs
The trek starts from a drive from Kathmandu on Prithvi Highway that follows the Trishuli River. The views on the road are unlike anything you have ever seen -traditional villages, terraced fields, white water rivers, lush forests, giant mountains – including Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal. We will continue our bus ride until we reach Soti Khola. Soti Khola is the gateway to the Manaslu trek. We will be spending our first night in the trek region at Soti Khola.
- Overnight stay at ABC Hotel with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
Drive time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Your tour to Manaslu Circuit begins from Kathmandu. To start, you can take a direct bus at 6 am and 8 am from Gongabu Bus Park, Kathmandu, to Maccha Khola.
Our guide will come to your hotel to pick you up and take you to the bus station in a taxi. It takes 8 to 9 hours to reach Maccha Khola via Public bus and 7 to 8 hours by Private Jeep. We recommend you to have breakfast or ask your hotel to pack your breakfast. The bus will stop on the way for a toilet break and lunch
if you upgrade it to a private Jeep, you can stop anywhere for a toilet break or lunch.
Although the road is dusty and bumpy, you will catch the best landscape views from your window seat. En route, you can stop at many rest stops for short breaks and meals. Overnight at one of the teahouses in Maccha Khola.
Trek Distance 9.7km / 6miles
Highest Altitude 890m / 2,965ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
This will be the first day on the trails. We wake up at Soti Khola, prepare for a long day trek, and head to Maccha Khola. The path itself is stunning, with waterfalls crossing our way. You need to be careful as the path has sharp ascents and descents. We will also be passing through Sal forests, walking by the side of towering cliffs, and at times you might encounter mules on the path. Our path will take us through Khursani village and to Lububesi Gurung settlement and finally to Machha Khola.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Everest View
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
The following day, you will start walking across the twisting road on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. You will witness many monkeys and langurs as you enter the forest trail.
After the forest, you will walk to the Gurung villages, like lower Khorlabeshi. In the village, you will notice the shepherds clad in a typical smoke-browned cape called Bokkhu.
On walking further, you will reach Tatopani ‘hot water’, where you can take warm showers and relax your soaring body. After hot water relaxation, you cross a new suspension bridge over the Bhudi Gandaki River to reach Doban.
After a landslip and Yaruphant, you cross a wooden bridge to the left of the Budi Gandaki river and avoid a torturous 3-hour climb up Gurung village trails.
Following the waves, you will find the river flattening at Yaru, from where you cross a long cantilever bridge to reach Jagat, a neatly flagstoned Gurung village. Upon entering the village, you will have to verify your trekking permits at the check post. From this day, you will be walking in the restricted region.
Trek Distance 9.5km / 5.9miles
Highest Altitude 1,070m / 3510ft
Trek Duration 4 to 5 hrs
We have not gained much height, which you can tell from the sub-tropical vegetations lying around the trek. However, be prepared to traverse some ups and downs. You will be crossing two major rivers- Tharo Khola and Machha Khola. After crossing Machha Khola on a suspension bridge, we will be entering Tatopani, but we continue on our path that passes through forests and finally to Doban. Doban means the confluence of two rivers in Nepal, and sure enough, Doban lies at the confluence of Shari Khola and Sarpu Khola.
- Overnight stay at Doban Guest House
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
The next day, you will walk to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. The village welcomes you with several gompas and Buddhist prayer flags. You can also try the local alcohol at many stopovers on the route before you reach Phillim. At Phillim, you will have your permits checked, and then you will continue along the western bank of the river.
The trail is beautiful, with unique sculptures over the boulders on the river bank formed due to river water. Leaving the riverbank, you proceed through rhododendron forests, Himalayan pine, and the overhanging rocks on the towering peaks. These highlights beautify the trail.
On proceeding further, you cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where the trail separates Tsum Valley on your right.
Finally, you will reach Pewa, the final destination of the day. There are only two teahouses in the region where they serve basic food and a night of cozy sleep. Pewa has the best Dal Bhat in Nepal with the Shilong Acha.
You can gather around the fireplace in the evening and share your experiences with fellow trekkers and locals before you go to bed.
OR
With a distant view of Sringi Himal, the walk begins over a rocky slope. Before reaching Philim, a Gurung settlement, you will go past Salleri, Sirdibas, and Ghatta Khola. Your Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Route will next travel to Nyak village through Ekle Bhatti, twice over the Budhi Gandaki River on suspension bridges. You will reach Deng village by passing via Pewa Khola and bamboo trees, following the Budhi Gandaki’s bank walkways, and passing through a lonely canyon.
Trek Distance 13km / 8miles
Highest Altitude 1,570m / 5,150ft
Trek Duration 5-6 hrs
After breakfast at Doban, we continue through our journey to reach Philim by the end of the day. The trek starts with a sharp climb to Louri and continues until Thado Bharyang below Jagat. Then we cross a river to reach Jagat – a Tibetan-style settlement, and we cross another river to reach Philim – another Gurung village.
- Overnight stay at Manaslu River View
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
After the sun rises, you will have breakfast and start the day’s trek. Before ascending the winding trails, you will walk across the bamboo forest to reach Deng. Moving further, you will cross a suspension bridge to climb to Rana and Bihi Phedi. On the trail, white-faced monkeys visit villages looking for a free feed.
The trail then proceeds to Ghap through several landslide zones. At this point, you must be extra careful as you walk. Plus, you must be attentive to your guide’s instructions to maintain physical safety. After the landslide zone, you will follow the trail up to Namrung.
After about 1hr on the uneven trail, you will climb a zigzag from the river to the neat village of Namrung (2660m). The place has some of the best teashops, a restaurant, and rest houses on the trek. A local businessman worked for over a decade in Hong Kong, then returned to Namrung and built a modern restaurant and hotel with Cappuccinos and WiFi.
OR
Beginning at Deng, the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek will ascend to Rana and Bihi Phedi while traversing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Before reaching the charming village of Ghap, this hike will gradually ascend and pass through a variety of woods and mani stones. After that, you will go to Ghapsya while admiring the breathtaking views of Shringi Himal along the way. Be cautious since the landslide area will start near Ghapsya. By following the river and repeatedly crossing it via the forest and gompas, you may ascend to Namrung.
Trek Distance 11km / 6.8miles
Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,102ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
We continue our trek northwards through terraced millet fields eventually reaching Ekle Bhatti. Our path becomes steeper, passing through sharp gorges and crossing Budhi Gandaki River. We continue on the banks of Budhi Gandaki and then through bamboo forests that lead to the Deng Khola river. Then, we cross this river to reach Deng – our destination.
- Overnight stay at Windy Valley Lodge
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
Witnessing the lifestyles of the Nubri people, you will start the day. Exploring their Tibet-influenced typical lifestyle, you will walk past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses through Banjam to enter the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lihi and then to Sho.
As you start walking, you will see most locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress. As you start further, you will notice some fine paintings in the Kani (gate arches) that you pass before Sho. Walking across the rocky hillside routes, you will finally reach Lho.
You can catch stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) from the place. You will gain a high altitude on this day, so you must walk slowly and check your body signs.
Trek Distance 11.5km / 7.14miles
Highest Altitude 2,250m / 7,382ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
Our journey continues after a hearty breakfast intending to reach Ghap. The route takes us through Bihi Phedi and Bihi, but it starts as a short descend followed by a sharp ascend that leads to Rana Bridge. We continue further through the pine forest and cross a bridge to reach Bihi Phedi. As soon as you cross the bridge, you will realize that you have entered a Buddhist region by seeing Mani walls and other portraits of different gods and goddesses. You will cross another suspension bridge before you finally make it to Ghap.
- Overnight stay at Lama Hotel
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
The trail today takes you from Samagaon to Namrung. You will walk through a forested path and then some barley fields. After some time, you will arrive at Lihi observing magical views of snow-capped mountains, including Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. You will descend along the trails to enter a beautiful valley and cross over the Hinang Khola.
You will then do a steep climb in the Chortens to get the best views of Ngadi Chuli. We will trek further for some time to arrive at Lho, a Gurung village. There is a beautiful large monastery called “Ribung Monastery.” From here, we will descend to Damodar Khola.
You will then trek further to Shyala village and cross the Numla Khola over a suspension bridge. A gentle trail uphill will take you to the Pungyen Gompa. Following the trail, we will trek to various points to arrive at Samagaon. You will stay at a Samagaon teahouse.
Trek Distance 9km / 5.5miles
Highest Altitude 2,660m / 8,727ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
From Ghap, our next destination will be Namrung. The route takes us through dense fir, rhododendron, oaks, and bamboo forest, past steep ascends, suspension bridges, and stone stairs to Namrung. Around Namrung, you will get to see large barley fields.
- Overnight stay at Namrung Guest House with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 7 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
This is the day of acclimatization at Sama Gaon to prevent altitude-related illness. And, as an acclimatization hike, you will walk to Pungyen Gompa east of the Nubra Valley. On this acclimatization hike, You have to take a packed lunch.
You can then visit various monasteries in the region, including Labrang Gompa and Kargya Chholing Monastery. Besides that, you can also hike till Pungyen Gompa. The breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Pungyen Glacier, and Nadi River will enchant all travelers.
Once at the hilltop, you will get enticing views of Manaslu. Nearby, you will see many Himalayan Tahr and Yaks grazing.
Or, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp north of Sama Gaon. You can follow the trail past Birendra Tal and turn left onto the base camp track.
You will climb the steady trails. However, the altitude may cause breathing difficulty. So, you need to maintain body hydration and walk slowly. Proceeding slowly, you will walk north of Manaslu Glacier to base camp at 4,400m / 14,435, then return.
Or, you can hike to Birendra Tal, a short walk from Sama Gaon. This is an option if you feel the need for a rest or if you are finding the altitude difficult.
Trek Distance 11km / 6.8miles
Highest Altitude 3,180m / 10,433ft
Trek Duration 5-6hrs
We continue on our journey after having breakfast, intending to reach Lho. Our path takes us through the beautiful Lihi village, and then we will cross a stream that originates from Lindanda Glacier to reach Sho while enjoying the views of Simnang Himal (6251m). However, we will be pressing ourselves ahead to reach Lho – a culturally rich village adorned in prayer flags, Mani Walls, Chortens, and other stupas.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Majestic with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 2 to 3 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
On this new day, you will reach the newer destination ie Samdo. But, as you are in a high altitude, you need to walk slowly so this is a short day trek. You will notice extended yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani walls, with a variety of birds.
From there, you will leave the tree line and climb to a ridge across the wooden bridge of Budi Gandaki before you reach White Kani. It is a neighboring village to Samdo, a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding.
Once at Samdo, you can explore the nearby villages or hike to Samdo Peak. The Larkya La trail is on the left above the valley. You can also see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La forming slopes on the Larkya La trail.
Trek Distance 17.2km / 10.6miles
Highest Altitude 3,530m / 11,581ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
From Lho, we start the trek early morning and head to Samagaun. Our path passes through a forest and reaches Shyala village. The Shyala village sits surrounded by agricultural fields and has several wooden resting places. As we move ahead, we will be crossing a small stream that drains the Punggen glacier and reach a flat village called Samagaun. Samaguan is the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Manaslu with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 8 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
As a day for rest, you will stop at Samdo where you will go for a day trip to the Tibetan border. From the border, you can also see parts of Tibet and Nepal. If lucky, you can also witness the Yak caravan passing the border.
Once at the border, if you look towards the south of Samdo Glacier you will get excellent photos with a huge serac near the top of the glacier. You can also frame Blue Sheep, Pica’s, and Marmots in season.
During this trek, we acclimatize at Samagaon to adjust to the thin air as we would have reached a higher elevation. We will not stay idle but will explore Samagaun. Sure enough, you will be noticing the lifestyles of the locals and experiencing their culture. Moreover, there are other options such as a hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake or visiting Pungyen Monastery.
Pungen Monastery lies in the south of Samagaon and is about two and a half hours hike away. It is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu and provides tremendous views of the glaciers. Birendra Tal is a glacial lake at 3,450m where ice blocks tumble into the lake with thunderous displays. Samagaon is indeed an interesting place for acclimatization.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Manaslu with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 8 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
The trail today passes through various landscapes to arrive at from Dharmasala to Samdo. Travelers will trail past barren fields and cross the Budhi Gandaki river to arrive at Dharmasala.
This trail then leads you to the Larkya bazaar from where you reach Pana Danda Valley. From the trail, we will pass through grassy slopes to Syacha Khola Valley. The magical views of snow-capped mountains and Syacha Glacier from this viewpoint are pretty awe-inspiring.
From this route, you will then head towards Larkya Glacier and then reach Dharmasala. You will get the best views of snow-capped mountains, including Larke and Naike peaks, from this viewpoint. You will spend the night in Dharmasala.
Trek Distance 8.2km / 5miles
Highest Altitude 3,875m / 12,713ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs.
The trek today is comparatively more interesting and pleasant. We will be crossing the pasture areas and ascending to the valley. The trail leads us to forests with juniper and birch. As we reach down the Budhi Gandaki river, we will cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and climb up steeply across the river. We will be getting amazing views of mountains, especially Manaslu, as we reach Samdo – a Tibetan refugee village. Upon reaching Samdo, we will also explore this village and the surrounding hills.
- Overnight stay at Yak Hotel
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
- Trek time: 10 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
This is a special day as you will walk to the trail’s highest point. On this day, you will walk to Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft). The walk could be quite challenging in bad weather and the snow, yet; it is doable. You will cross the pass before the afternoon, so you must wake up early( 3 a.m.), have breakfast, and leave the teahouse early. This is the challenging part of the trek, but if you walk steadily, you can walk to the pass successfully.
The stunning views you will witness once you stand at the pass make the trip more enlightened. You will catch views of Himlung (7,126m/ 23,379 ft) near Tibet Kang Guru (6,981m /22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft) in the Annapurna Range.
You will spend some time exploring the region and then descend the trails. Following the winding paths, we will reach Dingboche Kharka. You will trek further to arrive at Bimthang. Bimthang village settlement provides you incredible views of Kechakyu Himal and Manaslu. Moreover, Samdo village settlers come here during winters. It is also a trading point. Spending your particular time at the pass, you will walk down for around 3 hours toward Bimthang for an overnight stay. On descending, you will get views of huge icefalls and mountains in all directions, Pongkar Tal between the Pongkar and Salpu Danda Glaciers.
Trek Distance 11.7km / 7.2miles
Highest Altitude 4,480m / 14,698ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs.
We walk down the Samdo edge through fields and old Mani walls, crossing the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. We will walk past Athahra Saya River and then along the Larke River. You will be noticing the Mani walls, and the prayer flags hung on the route, signifying the closeness of the Larkya La Pass.
Then comes Larkya Glacier, which is unquestionably magnificent. As we enjoy the view, we further trek around the valley of Salkha Khola and climb up again to reach the stone guest house (4,450m). The stone guest house is not a lodge, but it is a kind of community dormitory better known as Dharamsala or Larkya La Phedi. This day would be a great day as we will get amazing views of the Larkya Glacier and Mt. Manaslu.
- Overnight stay at Dormitory / Tent
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
The trail today passes through various landscapes of the region to arrive at Bhimthang from Dharapani. The tracks then descend and cross a stony glacier before finally ascending from a moraine. The trails then lead you through the dense forests of the region.
This route will provide you with majestic views of Manaslu, Larke, Nadi, and Chuli Himal. Then you will descend and reach Karche via Sangura Kharka and Hompuk. The trails then pass through fields and climb uphill to arrive at Gho. The trail takes you to Tilje, passing through Marsyangdi valley.
It is a beautiful village settlement in the Manaslu region that provides you with the best views of snow-capped mountains. There are various small settlements, and people in the area are generally busy farming and animal rearing. You can find them looking after their freezing sheep and engaged in their traditional lifestyle.
After breakfast, you will pass through a small ridge and other natural diverse trails along enjoy the stone-paved course. You will then cross over Dudh Khola through the suspension bridge and climb a chorten-shaped arch. You will then pass the top wall and the beautiful Thonje village.
There is a police checkpoint in the town as you trail ahead to Dharapani. The city remains located in the Annapurna circuit for many trekkers. From Dharapani, you can observe the snow-capped mountains of the region. The trail then takes you around Dharapani, where you will stay overnight at a teahouse.
The exciting part of the journey awaits us, as we will be trekking around the Manaslu circuit, crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,100m). After early morning breakfast, we will leave Dharamsala as it will be a long trek. The weather is the most important factor as the weather decides if the trek becomes more challenging due to strong winds or storms.
We begin by crossing the moraine, and descending to a small lake. The trail begins to be rough and unclear as we cross the south of a steep grassy slope. Our route stays on the moraine to an edge, marked by two landmarks. The prayer flags mark the route giving us a sense of trek direction. We descend carefully to four frozen lakes, then finally climb a steep trail to the Larkya La Pass.
From the pass, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the great Annapurna II. The marvelous trail takes us to the top of the moraine, heads west, and makes steep, rough bends. We further cross the moraine then descend gently to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. As we descend, the trail becomes easier to walk in, as we arrive at a small meadow. The valley begins to widen as we near the large meadow, Mani walls, and small houses that indicate we have reached Bhimtang.
- Overnight stay at Punkar Guest House with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
Trek time: 7 hours
This Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary comes to an end in Dharapani as you will take a scenic drive to Kathmandu. Its is diret road from Dharapani -Besishar which might takes about 4 hours drive. Its paved road from Besishar onward journey. After having a healthy breakfast, we will tip our guides and porter and then board a private Jeep to Kathmandu. Following the trail, we will take the route through Prithvi highway to Kathmandu.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we will stay overnight at a hotel. You can also explore the city and its beautiful landmarks in the evening. You can also experience the fantastic nightlife clubs and pubs in Thamel. You can also go souvenir shopping for your family and friends back home. After having a meal early in the morning, we will continue our journey with a scenic drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani.
This incredible trekking journey passes through various scenic trails, including natural diversities of green hills, mountain valleys, vast meadows, and deep mountain valleys. This beautiful journey along Prithvi Highway takes around 8-10 hours to complete. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu after your arrival.
Trek Distance 10km / 6.2miles
Highest Altitude 3,720m / 12,205ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
Last day’s trek must have been tough, but you can wake up assured that today’s trek will not be very taxing. You start by descending to Budhi Gandaki River and cross it to enter the rhododendron forest that opens to Karche – a cultivated area near the top of Budhi Gandaki valley. You continue along the river bank to reach Gho.
- Overnight stay at Nirvana Guest House with attached bathroom
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
OR
Our Friendship World Trek staff representative will help you transfer you to the airport from your hotel. You can then board a flight back to your desired destination.
Included standard Meal (Breakfast)
Driving Distance 224km / 139miles
Highest Altitude 1,910m / 6,266ft
Today, we will be our last day on the road. After early morning breakfast, we leave Dharapani to Besishar on a local bus, which will approximately take about six to seven hours. The drive will be scenic as we will pass many villages, Marsyangdi River, Bhulbhule town, and Khudi. We should be reaching Besisahar before 3 pm to catch the last bus to Kathmandu. If we are late, we will have to extend a day in the itinerary.
After catching a bus that takes us back to Kathmandu, on our way, we will see the Marsyagdi River meeting the Trishuli River, as we head east on the Prithivi Highway. The drive allows you to appreciate beautiful and natural scenery – including the terraced lands and high peaks.
- Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
Our Friendship World Trek staff representative will help you transfer you to the airport from your hotel. You can then board a flight back to your desired destination. We will drop you at airport 3 hours earlier than departure time. We hope that you will have enjoyed your trek to the fullest.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
| Start Date | Price | Availability |
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola (trek start) and from Dharapani (trek end) to Kathmandu by public bus or Jeep
- Guided city tour Kathmandu valley with private vehicle.
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including a cup of tea/coffee.
- All standard meals (16 Lunches, 15 Dinners, and 16 Breakfasts) during the trek.
- Accommodations. Total 15 nights. Seven nights room with private attached bathroom at Sotikhola, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun(2N), Bhimtang, and Gho. Eight nights standard room at Machha Khola, Doban, Philim, Deng, Ghap, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Dharapani (Generally twin Sharing room)
- Government licensed English speaking Friendship World Trek experienced trek leader (One assistant guide for a group of 12 or more trekkers) and porter(s) to help trekkers luggage. (one porter for every two trekkers. Each trekker luggage limit is 9 kg.)
- Guides and porter wages, their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and equipment cost)
- Manaslu Special Permit with Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir – a company T-shirt & cap
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Assistant guide group size above 6 + person.
- Friendship World Trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek
Price Excludes
- International flight airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport (paid in cash)
- Excess baggage charges (limit is 9 kg per trekker)
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
- All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival/late departure or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance has to cover emergency helicopter high-altitude rescue, and evacuation along with medical costs (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, for example, landslides, bad weather, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in “What is included in this Trek package?” will be counted as excludes.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Best Time for Manaslu Trek
Trekking in the Manaslu region is ideal in peak seasons of Autumn and Spring. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September – November) provide you with the best weather conditions for trekking. The weather remains stable with clear blue skies. There are warm days, whereas nights are generally colder in the Himalayas. Lush green hills, and the snow-capped Himalayas, look stunning in these seasons.
What to Expect in Autumn?
Autumn is a beautiful time to take this trek as there is stable weather with less precipitation. There are clear blue skies that provide you with majestic views of snow-capped mountains. The weather remains perfect for daytime trekking adventures. Besides that, various festivals fall in this season, making it ideal for a cultural exploration of the region.
What to Expect in Spring?
Spring is another peak season providing excellent views of snow-capped mountains. There are beautiful scenarios all over the region, with wildflowers in full bloom over the hills. You can go on your trekking adventure without any hassle as there is clear weather with minimal rainfall. There are moderate temperatures all around, making it perfect for a day hiking adventure.
Off-Season Trekking for Manaslu
But you can take this trip in the offseason with proper packing and preparation as well. You can also take the Manaslu trek in the winter season. But the weather remains challenging in these conditions. Winter brings cold temperatures with heavy snowfall in the higher places of this region.
Winter
December to February are the winter seasons in Nepal. Flights can get delayed or canceled frequently in these seasons. However, the breathtaking views of mountains clad in heavy snow are a highlight. Winters days are warm and sunny, while nights and early mornings are pretty cold. The winter weather can get quite chilly, and therefore, you need to pack warm clothes for your trek in high altitudes.
Monsoon
Monsoon seasons (June to August) have pretty heavy rainfall in the region, with muddy and slippery trails. There are rare and endangered species of floras and faunas along the area. Monsoon brings heavy rains all over. Therefore, rain gear is essential for the monsoon treks. Overall, with proper planning, preparation, and packing, you can complete this incredible trek with ease.
Manaslu Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu trek difficulty level is considered as challenging trek. Trekking in high-altitude conditions is a difficult task. You will trek through various ups and downs along with remote and rugged landscapes. The difficulty of the Manaslu trek also depends upon each individual and their endurance level. The Manaslu trek routes can get quite difficult for first-time trekkers.
However, prior experience and proper packing and preparation will make this trip easy for all travelers. Also, Manaslu trails take around 5 to 6 hours to complete. So, the trekkers must prepare well for the journey with high-altitude training. The training regime will help you gain stamina, strength, and fitness levels. Thus, you must start your training around two months or at least two weeks before the trek.
Besides that, this high-altitude region also presents you with a risk of acute mountain sickness. There are various ways to tackle altitude sickness along these trails. However, proper acclimatization is the primary way to stay away from these symptoms of altitude sickness. Along with that, you should also hydrate yourself regularly along trails and eat a proper diet. You can also take “Diamox tablets” as a means of precaution from these high-altitude sicknesses.
Trekkers need to pack well for the trip with all items that are necessary for the trip. Trekking with gear and equipment can get complicated, but you will get used to it with practice. Overall, the Manaslu Trek difficulty is moderately challenging that can get completed with preparation, training, and determination.
Why Take the Manaslu Trek?
Majestic snow-capped mountain views
The snow-capped mountains of the region look incredibly beautiful on this trek. Moreover, there are incredible natural diversities along the area that look magical in clear blue skies. The gorgeous sunrise and sunsets views from various viewpoints make this trek quite appealing among trekkers. There are other green hills, vast meadows, serene waterfalls, and white water rivers to observe along the trail.
Adventurous trails
A trekking journey in Manaslu region is adventurous and passes through exciting trails. You can also go on a complete trekking adventure in tranquil and peaceful terrains. The Manaslu region includes many natural diversities, including rare and endangered flora and fauna.
There are wildflowers, like rhododendron, juniper, oak, and others, blooming over trails providing a beautiful atmosphere. This trek is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure along natural trails and is quite popular among trekkers. Travelers can trek in a less crowded atmosphere which is another advantage of this trek.
Cultural exploration
This beautiful region is also known for its incredible cultural heritage. The local community of people remains busy in their traditional lifestyle. Observing the daily rituals of these local communities is quite a unique experience. These regions are generally known for their lifestyle and cultural heritage.
There are various landmarks in the area, including monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and others. Buddhism is quite significant in the region, and therefore you will find many of these landmarks in the area. There you can find many monks and nuns busy in their daily rituals of worship and prayers.
Wildlife exploration
There is incredible wildlife that is rare and endangered in the region, including Himalayan Tahrs, snow leopards, dance, etc. The natural habitat of the area is diverse in terms of geographical landscapes as well. There is various wildlife that remains protected in conservation areas and restricted areas. Manaslu region is hence a beautiful region with a large number of wildlife.
A Typical Day On Manaslu Trek
The day begins as we wake up early in the morning, around 6 AM. After freshening up in the teahouse, you can head to the dining area, where you will have your breakfast at around 7 AM. You can then pack your luggage and then start the trail by 8 AM, with only necessary snacks and water bottles.
You can observe majestic views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful surroundings along the trail. There are various points along the path where you can stop to enjoy the sights and take photographs of the region. You will have your meal at a local teahouse in and around noon.
After resting for around an hour, we will continue our trek on the trail. This allows you to arrive at your destination before dark. Upon arriving at your destination, you can rest at the local teahouse. You can have some light refreshment after your arrival at around 5 PM.
You can gather at the dining common hall area to warm yourself in front of the stove and socialize with fellow trekkers. Trekkers will need to walk around 5 to 6 hours daily. The hike passes through the highest mountain passes and rugged terrains of the region. You will then need to hydrate regularly and acclimatize well to complete this incredible trekking journey with ease.
You can play cards, talk with fellow trekkers and have your dinner at around 7 PM. After having dinner, you can then speak to your guide about your trekking journey the next day, including the route, difficulty, and others. You can then rest for the evening in the teahouse.
Manaslu Trekking Permits
Trekking permits are an essential part of any trekking journey in Nepal. There are various Manaslu Trek permits that you need to obtain before starting on this trek. These trekking permits include Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs around NRS 3000(USD 30) for Non-SAARC nationals and NRS 1,000 for SAARC Nationals. Similarly, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs around Rs 3000 (30 USD) for foreign nationals and NRS 1,000 (10 USD) for SAARC Nationals.
Besides that, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for September to November costs around USD 100 per person for the first week. Then trekkers will have to pay an extra 15 USD if your trip extends from 1 week. Similarly December to August, trekkers will have to pay USD 75 per person for the first week. And then they will have to pay an additional 10 USD per day if you stay more than a week.
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) permit is unnecessary for this trek as you will have a special trekking permit. But if you want to extend your trip to Annapurna base camp, you should get this permit as well.
Basic Cost Details
This Manaslu trek cost includes various aspects like meals, accommodation, and trekking permits. The accommodation costs in the region can start around US$ 7 – US$15 per night, with food costs anywhere between US$ 8 to US$20. Hiring guides or porters will cost you around US$ 25 to US$ 40 per day.
The cost in Himalayan routes gradually increases as you move progressively high along trails. Sometimes the tour can go over budget. Hence, you need to carry extra cash along the trails. A professional trekking guide with a license costs around USD 30 to 50. A porter in the region costs around USD 22 to 28. These costs include salary, food and accommodation fee, and insurance.
Accommodation fee costs around USD 7 to 15 for a twin sharing room. Food costs around USD 8 per meal and USD 20 to 30 in total per day. Kathmandu to Machha Khola transportation cost is around USD 25 per person if you travel by a Local Bus. Moreover, a private jeep trip will cost you around USD 250 to 300 per Jeep can fit up to 6 person comfortably.
But, if you choose our package which costs you around $1,650, you don’t need to worry about many things. Do not forget to check out our cost includes and excludes.
Food and accommodation along Manaslu Trek
The food and accommodation in the tea houses along the trek are pretty basic. These tea houses are ideal for travelers. They provide standard meal and accommodation services. You will get the best benefits of a room with twin beds, a pillow, a mattress, a warm blanket.
Trekkers should book these food and accommodation facilities in advance to be safe from any hassle. Toilets in these teahouses are generally outside of teahouses and are in squat style. There are wifi, hot water, charging, and other facilities, but that is available at an added cost.
Meals in these tea houses are generally served with “Dal Bhaat,” which includes rice, dal, lentils, vegetables, pickles, and others. For breakfast, you will get eggs, bread toasts, and porridge. Tea, garlic soup, hot beverages, coffee, and others are also served in these teahouses.
Some tea houses also provide various dishes, including noodles, Momo, Pizza, Chowmein, burgers, etc. You can also carry multiple protein bars, granola bars, dry fruits, and other snacks while trekking on this tour.
Things to Consider for Manaslu Trek
Professional Trekking Guide
There are various rugged and remote landscapes in these regions that are ideal for a superb trekking atmosphere. However, there are various challenges while navigating these trails. Hence, you should hire a professional guide with a government license to trek along these trails.
These Manaslu trek guides will help you explore the beautiful local heritage and lifestyle. Moreover, if you cannot trek in a region with heavy luggage, you can also hire a porter. Porter guides are also available so that you can get facilities for both.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is quite common, especially in such high-altitude trails. There are various challenges of altitude sickness which you can tackle through acclimatization and regular hydration. The altitude sickness should get taken seriously as it can lead to fatal conditions.
Especially to travelers who have not trekked in high-altitude conditions before. Travelers should separate their acclimatization points before this trek. Professional guides and porters should also help their customers with getting proper help ahead of this trip.
Trek Permits
Travel permits are a significant part of any trekking adventure in Nepal. Trekkers need to pass through various routes and conservation areas that require Manaslu Trek permits. There are multiple permits, including local area permits, national park permits, TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System), etc. These trekking permits are available in the Nepal tourism board’s office in Kathmandu.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness and stamina are essential when it comes to trekking in high-altitude regions. Thus, a proper training regime that includes physical exercises and cardiovascular activities like cycling, jogging, hiking, swimming, and others are essential for this trek. Acclimatization is also crucial for high-altitude tours as it helps maintain physical and mental fitness while trekking in the region.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is a significant part of any trekking journey in Nepal. There are many factors that this travel insurance covers that include accidents, medical injuries, loss, theft of property, and others. Moreover, there are situations where travelers need helicopter evacuation, which costs anywhere between $5000 to $10000. Therefore, travel insurance is essential to cover this high-altitude trek.
Packing List – Manaslu Trek
Clothing
- Trekking shirts
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
- Trekking pants
- Fleece jackets
- Trekking boots
- Thermal wears
- Woolen gloves
- Woolen trekking socks
- Windproof jacket
- Warm woolen cap
- Raincoat
First Aid
- Water purifying tablets
- Anti-nausea medication
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Rehydration salts
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Quick-dry towel
- Toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Sanitizer
Others
- Phone
- Power Banks
- Solar Charges
- Extra Batteries
- Local SIM card
- Reusable water bottles
- Camera
- Manaslu Trek Map
Important documents
- Passport
- Manaslu Trek Permits
- Travel insurance
Trip Safety
Our primary concern is your safety. Hence, there are various safety protocols in place in any trekking journey you undertake with us. Our professional trekking guides have experience in conducting first-aid. They can also check oxygen levels in your body using pulse oximeters as well.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is another essential factor that you must consider during this trek. Hence, there are various acclimatization days in the itinerary of this trek. The highly experienced Manaslu trek guides know how to tackle an emergency. In the case of AMS, they will help you descend to lower elevation as soon as possible, following the safety protocol.
They will constantly monitor your situation and then take the necessary steps required. If the condition of trekkers improves after a night’s rest, they will help you join back to the group. But in case the condition worsens, you will get escorted to lower elevations. You will get airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for further medical help if needed.
Essentials Tips For Manaslu Trek
- Acclimatize and hydrate regularly
- Start early on your tour to arrive at your destination early
- Book your meal and accommodation facilities in advance
- Get a routine training regime before starting on this trek
- You should only pack those items that are necessary
- Carry power bank, extra batteries, and solar charger to save costs
- Carry water purification tablets along with a water bottle
- Carry snickers, protein bars, granola bars, and others to satisfy your hunger during the trek
Training Regime
This incredible trek requires you to be in a physically fit shape with proper strength, stamina, and endurance. For that, you will have to train well ahead of this trek. Ideally, you should prepare around 2-3 months before this trek. However, you can also train for at least two weeks before going on this beautiful trek in the Manaslu region. The trek regime should contain physical exercise, cardiovascular exercise, and mental preparation.
Physical exercise
There are various physical exercises that you should perform before taking this challenging trekking adventure. Different strength-building activities will help you gain strength and stamina. Moreover, these experiences also help you gain endurance for challenging Manaslu Trek routes along trails.
Physical exercise also helps you build muscles in various areas of your body, including arms, shoulders, and legs. You can get a trainer who will help you with some weight using exercises as well. Besides these, you can also go on practice hikes along the region to get a decent idea of your trek.
Cardiovascular exercises
These cardiovascular exercises are also known as aerobic exercises, as they will help you increase your flexibility along the trail. You can perform activities like hiking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and others to gain flexibility. These exercises also help you breathe more easily along the trail and especially in low oxygen conditions.
These aerobic exercises can include squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and others that you can perform independently. Overall, these exercises are essential and prove to be significant for a successful trekking adventure.
Mental preparation
One of the critical factors of this trekking adventure is mental preparation. It is one of the essential trekking preparations that any trekker should take before making their journey in the high-altitude region. This mental preparation includes asking for advice from veteran trekkers, practicing hikes, researching the internet, and others.
You can also keep yourself motivated along trails. It will provide you with a positive attitude along the Manaslu Trek route. A positive approach to whole trekking will lead you to a successful journey across these trails.
Manaslu Trek Solo Vs Guided
A professional trekking guide is essential during this trek. Since this trek lies in a restricted area, you must trek along with a guide and a trekking group comprising at least two trekkers. The trekking guides are essential along the trail as they provide you with a navigation facility and manage all your logistics.
Your Manaslu trekking guide must have a license from the government. The expert guides will also provide you with local insights to go on a cultural exploration of the region. They will also help you in any emergency like injuries, altitude sickness, and others.
They will help you make the right decisions. Therefore, having a licensed guide along the trek is essential during this trek. Besides that, you can also get a porter to carry your luggage along the trail. These porters will help you immensely by taking the weight of your back. This allows you to trek in the region with ease.
Manaslu Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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