Round Manaslu Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Round Manaslu Trek is an awe-inspiring Himalayan adventure that encapsulates the sheer beauty of Nepal's 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 Round 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 Round 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
- The jaw-dropping natural beauty of the forests, rivers, and flora in the Manaslu region
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites tour in Kathmandu.
- Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.
- Trekking alongside the Budhi Gandaki River.
- Exploration of Gurung villages and culture.
- Crossing suspension bridges over the river.
- Spectacular views of Mount Manaslu.
- Trekking through dense forests and terraced fields.
- Interaction with locals in traditional Tibetan villages.
- Acclimatization day in Samagaon with optional hikes.
- Views of Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp.
- Passing through the village of Samdo.
- Trekking through glacial moraines and pastures.
- Breathtaking panoramic views from the pass.
- Descending to Bimthang amidst lush landscapes.
- Trekking through rhododendron forests and pastures.
- Passing through picturesque villages like Tilije.
- Scenic drive back to Kathmandu from Bhulbule.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Immersive cultural experiences throughout the journey.
- Friendly people, and rich culture of the region, which includes both Nepalese & Tibetan ethnic groups
- Larky La Pass (5,167 m / 16,952 ft), the highest point on the trek
- Stunning view of some of the highest peaks in the world- Manaslu, Himlung, Annapurna II
- Abundant wildlife, including Tahr, Agali, Pika, Himalayan Marmots, and if lucky, Snow Leopard
Itinerary
- 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 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 Buri 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 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
- 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.
- 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 time: 3 to 4 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
The next morning, on waking, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear stream. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Sama Gaun.
Once you enter the village, mountain views fade; however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you.
Sama Gaun is the principal village of the Nubri people, which holds a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, telephone/wifi access, etc.
- 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.
Once at the hilltop, you will get enticing views of Manaslu. Nearby, you will see many Himalayan Thars and Yaks grazing.
Or, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp north of Sama Gong. 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 Gong. This is an option if you feel the need for a rest or if you are finding the altitude difficult.
- 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 Buri 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 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.
- Trek time: 8 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
This is another adventurous day in the high altitude. So, you must watch your body signs properly. Enjoying the scenic views of the chain of the Himalayas, you will walk slowly across the rugged terrains of the Manaslu region before you reach Dharmasala.
- 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.
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 time: 7 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
This is the final day you will be walking on the trails of the Manaslu region. On climbing downhill, you will walk through the lush forests full of flora and fauna, including rhododendron bushes.
Walking back across the Dudh Khola, you will walk to Karche for lunch. In the next hour, you will see many signs of a glacial flood, with tree trunks smashed and banks undermined, the track becoming rough. And the trail drops to Gurung Goa, the first village since Samdo.
The valley becomes more agricultural and lush as you pass fields and copses of oak and rhododendron, staying on the north (true right) bank until Tilije. From there, you will continue your stroll toward Dharapani.
Trek time: 7 hours
You will take a jeep from Tilije to Beshi Sahar. From there, you will take a ride back to Kathmandu. After the 6 to 7-hour drive from Beshi Sahar, you will get to rest in one of the sophisticated hotels in Kathmandu.
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
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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
- 12 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- Guide for 13 days
- Kathmandu Maccha Khola, Dharapani Kathmandu Local Bus
- Manaslu & Annapurna conservation area permit
- Restricted area permit
- 13 x breakfast, 13 x lunch and 12 x dinner while on the trek
Price Excludes
- One Porter for 13 days USD 299 (Optional)
- Private Jeep USD 440 (Optional)
- Any hot or cold drinks
Gears And Equipment
The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the best treks in Nepal. It takes you around the Manaslu Conservation Area and leads to a breathtaking view of the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
This trek can be a great alternative if you’ve already been to the Annapurna Circuit. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 13-day trek that starts at Maccha Khola, ends at Beshi Sahar, and can be extended to 20 days with an additional side trek to the Tsum valley.
Flanked by the Annapurna’s to the West and Ganesh Himal to the East, Manaslu is one of the most graceful of the 8000-meter giants.
Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, which is flooded with trekkers from around the world; the Manaslu circuit trek usually sees fewer people along its route. It is remote and physically demanding yet culturally enriching and scenically uplifting.
A Trek of Contrasting Landscapes, from the Budhi Gandaki Gorge to the Icy Reaches of Larkya La Pass
The circuit takes you from the steamy lowlands with their rice and millet terraces through the mighty gorges of the Budi Gandaki with its turquoise waters and amazing waterfalls. Suspension bridges in the Manaslu trek are in a league of their own for both length and height, and the yearly monsoon often washes minor bridges away, leaving trekkers to use semi-submerged rocks.
Only opened to a maximum of 400 trekkers in 1992, this trek still feels like a pioneering expedition. If you want to know what trekking in the 1980s was like, the Manaslu circuit trek is a visual feast from start to finish, but you better be fit.
Slowly, you wind your way North to the snowbound Larkya La Pass next to the Tibetan border. The altitude here is a problem but almost forgotten with the jaw-dropping views of Manaslu. At 5,167 meters/16,952 feet, Larkya La Pass is usually snow-covered and icy. Micro crampons are often used on the descent. Trekking to the pass requires a 4 a.m. start to make the highest point before the winds come, usually around mid-morning.
From the pass looking back the way you have come gives a clear view, but by far, the most amazing view comes after you have left the pass and walked along a corridor to the west.
A great glacial cirque bursts into view. A stupendous wall created by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru casts down a stream of glaciers while Annapurna II rises ahead. This view alone makes the trek worthwhile. Magical Nepal can arrange your all-inclusive 13-day trek. The trek can be done on a teahouse unless you want to go off-route, where camping is the only option.
Transportation Along the Manaslu Circuit Trek: Embracing the Journey
At the beginning of your trek, you’ll embark on a 160 km / 99-mile journey from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, passing through SotiKhola. This trip takes about 7 hours by private jeep and approximately 8 to 9 hours if you opt for a local bus. The first day offers an adventurous off-road experience.
Upon completing your trek, you’ll take a 6-hour jeep ride from Dharapani, followed by a switch to another jeep or local bus for a 7-hour return drive to Kathmandu.
At Magical Nepal, we ensure a seamless start to your journey. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to the bus station via taxi, a 15-minute drive away. The bus typically departs between 7 and 8 am, but we will confirm the exact timing with you during our meeting the day before your trek.
If you’ve chosen private transportation, it will arrive directly at your hotel. Along with your guide, you’ll begin your journey from there. We recommend departing at 8:00 am to avoid Kathmandu’s traffic. You’ll have the flexibility to stop for lunch at your convenience during the trip.
Know more about how to get to the Manaslu Circuit
Essential Permits for an Unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trek
For the Manaslu Trek, you need a special permit because it’s in a restricted area. A local company has to issue this permit. You also need two other permits: ACAP and MCAP. Remember, you must trek with at least one other person.
When you book with us, we’ll ask for your passport details. We use these to get your permit. You don’t need to worry about anything; we’ll take care of it all. Your guide will have the permit to show up at checkposts during the trek. You’ll get the permit back at the end of your trek.
Know more about the Manaslu circuit trek permits
Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation: A Journey of Rustic Charm and Wilderness Serenity
Manaslu is a tea house trek. You will sleep in the tea house every night, which will be very basic, with two single beds. Toilets are mostly shared and can be outside of teahouses. Heating is only available in the dining area. Foods are available in teahouses. You will stop in teahouses for lunch during the trek.
Check out the Manaslu circuit accommodation options.
Stay Connected on the Manaslu Circuit Trek: Telephone and Wi-Fi Options
Wi-Fi is available in most tea houses. If you want to communicate back home, there is an SAT phone available in tea houses which takes a little bit of extra money to make a phone call back home. Local telephone hardly works on this trek. Nepal Telecom has better coverage than Ncell in the Manaslu region.
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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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