Manaslu Circuit TrekkingManaslu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

2 REVIEWS
Highlights
  • Adventure around high scenic valley of Manaslu and crossing high Larke-La.
  • Following the old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet borders.
  • Great bio-diversity of landscapes, vegetation, climate and cultures on daily walks.
  • Explore the traditional villages of high Manaslu enriched with age-old cultures.
  • A great traverse crossing Larke-La pass from Gorkha district to Manang areas”

 ‘An adventure around the world 8th highest Mt. Manaslu with Larke-La Pass’

Manaslu Circuit Trekking with Explorer Adventures is quite different to other hundreds of local companies of Nepal. As we provide the best itinerary with flexible days to enjoy more on this wonderful Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

A great adventure around Nepal Far North Mid-West Himalayas amidst beautiful scenic location, and steeped with impressive cultures.

Enjoy and explore the stunning dramatic views of landscapes engulfed by the beauty of towering white peaks. Where adventure takes you around the world
eight highest Mt. Manaslu, includes arrays of lesser peaks. Likewise, Sisne Himal, Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli with series of mountains as far towards Lamjung and Ganesh Himal.

Mt. Manaslu towers high at 8,163 m and 26,781 feet, first climbed by Japanese Expeditions on May 29th 1956. From then on it was closed for outside visitors and then opened since early 1990, till then it was remained as a forbidden country.

Although opened for foreign visitors, but needs a special permit to enter the Upper Manaslu Valley and beyond; to Larke-La Pass. This is to control mass flow of trekkers and to protect its pristine environment from destruction.

Since past few decades getting much popular due to its picturesque scenery of high peaks, unique landscapes. Covered in enchanting forest of tall rhododendron-pines and fir tree lines, as the vegetation disappears for wild windswept terrains. Reaching an arctic cold zone amidst remorseless fields of ice and glaciers as the trail follows; at the end of Manaslu valley.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking leads to nice and charming villages of Philim-Jagat-Lo Gaon, Sama-Gaon and Samdo. Which is en route Nepal and Tibet borders, country of outmost beauty, enriched with ancient traditions of Buddhism religion.
Where you can witness its age-old heritage and colorful cultures on this marvelous Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

Adventure begins with a long exciting overland drive towards low warm areas around Gorkha district. As the walk follows Buddi-Gandaki River upstream to reach cooler alpine zone covered with lovely forest. After walking through from one lovely villages to another, the tree lines drop for arid mountain wilderness.

At you reach on the foot of high Larke-La Pass, after enjoying pleasant stops at Sama-Gaon with acclimatization days. From the base of Larke-La pass at Dharmasala, steep climb reaches on top Larke-La pass. Rewards with spectacular panorama of giant snow dusted mountain range, slowly the walk comes to an end heading downhill. Then reaching around Manang areas at Bhimphedi towards Dharapani and Tal-Besi villages, where Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit trail joins.

From here an interesting drive back to Kathmandu, after an overwhelming adventure on Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal international airport, guide and staff meets to receive you for a short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city. After a refreshing rest, meet the other members of Manaslu Circuit trek, guide will brief regarding the trek, local lodge on route, culture and sightseeing tour around Kathmandu heritage sites. 
Evening a welcome dinner in a Nepali restaurants with cultural program as introduction of Nepalese culture and heritage custom. 
 

    A day in Kathmandu for trek preparations, as well for sightseeing tour at places of interest, the city guide takes you around historical and cultural places listed in World Heritage Sites. After visiting historical and cultural sites, and then back to hotel for final preparation for Manaslu Circuit trekking. 
     

      An early morning departure for the Manaslu Circuit adventure, a long interesting drive on a private coach or comfortable tourist standard bus. 

      As group size, drive leads beyond Kathmandu city and the valley heading down on winding main highway towards Gorkha district. Drive follows past town and farm villages as route divers heading Mid-West around Gandaki Zone. Drive leads to mid-hills, heavily farm areas of paddies. Finally drive reaches Arughat town.

      Arughat town, situated on low warm areas close to Buri Gandaki River, from here another few hours of drive. Following the dirt rough road to Soti-Khola and then finally ending the long drive at Machha Khola.

      After a long drive, start the refreshing short walk of few hours to Khorla Besi for overnight halt. Situated close to Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring

        After an exciting long drive of previous day, feeling glad to start the walk, as morning walk through number of smaller farm areas. As climb leads up to cooler hills. Walk into forested on leaving Khola Besi and then to Dovan, a nice farm village, climb continues to Jagat for overnight stop. Jagat a nice moderate size hill village with time to observe the local culture and way of local farm life.
         

          From Jagat village, enjoy the fresh morning walk as climb heads to higher areas walking through farm villages. As route leads downhill to cross a bridge and then reach Nagjet a nice farm village. After a short break, an hour walk to Philim, another lovely and a large farm village with spread out typical farm houses. 

          Philim with nice tended farm terraces of golden agriculture fields of wheat, barley and millets. From here few hours walks to Deng. Check into a nice simple lodge, from here one can notice strong influence of Tibetan culture of strong Buddhism religion

            Start the morning walk on leaving the lodge at Deng, the trail follows towards higher alpine terrain. After a short up and then descend to a river side towards Bihi Bazaar a small farm village with shops and teahouses.

            From here onwards encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, walk leads on gradual path with few short climb to Ghap village for overnight stop. Overnight in nice simple lodge, having time to explore and enjoy the superb views of rolling hills and snow peaks. 

              From Ghap village following Buri Gandaki River, then crossing this river through small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat and millets to Numrung village facing close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face with adjoining peaks. Walk continues past smaller farm villages of Banjham, Lhi and Sho, slowly altitude gains with an hour up to Shrip village then reaching at Lho Gaon for overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge. A lovely village with majestic views of Mt. Manaslu, with time here explore the nice village and its old monastery.

                Start the morning facing grand views of Mt. Manaslu, as walk heads further west, on leaving Lho Gaon. Where tree lines slowly fades for short juniper bushes and willow trees, walking on nice trail as the pleasant day trek ends on reaching Sama Gaon for overnight stop. A large and main village of upper Manaslu located on route Manaslu base camp, Larke-la pass as well as to Tibet border.
                 

                  At Sama-Gaon, having rest day a perfect height for acclimatization before heading towards high Larke-La Pass. Enjoy short hike and exploring interesting village of Sama Gaon steeped with Buddhist heritage of Tibetan cultures

                    After a pleasant rest day at Sama Gaon, morning leads west as trail follows to gradual climb. A short day of few hours, however feels longer due to gain in attitude along with thin dry air. Walk continues on windswept dry valley with last steep short climb to Samdo, the last village of Manaslu valley. 

                    Which is close on route to Tibet border and towards our next day walk to Larke Phedi or Dharmasala. An interesting village of strong Tibetan influence due to its close border to Tibet, where trade still exists.

                    Afternoon enjoy visiting this impressive cultural village of more than forty houses with typical Tibetan style for two hundreds inhabitants. 
                     

                      From Samdu, a short day walk to the bottom of Larke La pass at Dharmasala, morning walk follows on level path within barren landscapes. As walk continues crossing Gyala Khola / stream, then ascending to a high ridge close to an old ruin village, which was known as Larke Bazaar. 

                      Presumably this village once thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya-La pass, a trade which at present has diminished. Walk leads to cross Larke glacier then ending the walk at Dharmasala for overnight stop as well for lunch.

                      During high trekking season this place is crowded with hundreds of trekkers, have to spend nights in tents provided by the lodge. Rest of the afternoon relax and prepare for next early morning steep climb to cross Larke-La Pass. 
                       

                        Start the adventurous walk early morning on leaving Dharmasala, begins with gradual climb, heading towards north side of Larke Glacier. Facing magnificent views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. As trail follows to cross over a moraines and old glacier, as trail get steeper to the top of Larke-La pass. 

                        From the pass, enjoy marvelous panorama of Manaslu Himalayas, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna-II. After a glorious views, walk leads to a long descent over snow and scree to Larcia valley. 

                        After a short refreshing stop walk further for an hour on a moraine ridge path to Tambuche at 3,900 m high. From here a short distance walk to Bhimthang for overnight halt, a lovely place on a wide valley with several lodge adorned with Buddhist Mani walls and monuments.
                         

                          After a long day walk of previous day, today an easy short distance trek from Bhimthang to Gho for overnight. From Bhimthang downhill to a valley of Burdin Khola / stream, which is also the base of Mt. Manaslu west flank, from a high ridge facing grand views of Mt. Manaslu with Annapurna-II towards south west. 

                          Our route leads over Dudh Khola, as walk follows downhill into a narrow valley within forested path then reaching at Gho for overnight stop. Situated amidst dense forest surrounding, a perfect spot for overnight after a tiring day on crossing Larke-La pass.
                           

                            From Gho and Bhimthang onwards till Tal Besi within the district of Manang, morning walk downhill into forested trail. As short climb on a terraced fields to Karche-La, and then down to Masrsyangdi River.

                            After few hours walk reach Tilje village, from Tilje an hour climb on crossing a bridge and then reaching Dharapani village, where Annapurna circuit route joins.

                            Dharapani a lovely large village from here walk for another hour with few short ups but more on gradual path to reach a wide river valley at Tal Besi for overnight stop. A nice village on a valley with views of water falls having good lodge which is the end of Manang district.
                             

                              Morning an exciting drive to Kathmandu, as road follow downhill to low warm farm country, reaching around Lamjung district and at Besisar headquarter town of Lamjung area. From here change of transport, and then on good road leads to the main busy highway to Kathmandu.

                              As drive follows the Trisuli River upstream for few hours with climb on winding road towards Kathmandu valley and the city. On reaching at the hub of city, check into your hotel, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities.
                               

                                Final and last day at Kathmandu and in Nepal, departure from the hotel as per your international flight time. Our guide and staff will accompany with short drive to the airport. Bidding farewell to the staff and guide, after a great wonderful adventure with memorable experience on Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
                                 

                                  Route Map

                                  Manaslu Circuit Trekking map
                                  What's Included
                                  • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                                  • Three nights standard Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with B.B
                                  • Transpiration from KTM to KTM by tourist bus.
                                  •  Note: if there is more then 3 people in the group then will provide private transport.  
                                  • Government license holder guide 
                                  • Helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
                                  • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                                  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
                                  • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek
                                  • TIMS Trekking information manage System   
                                  • Manaslu Specail permit 
                                  • Annapurna Conservation permit ACP
                                  • Manaslu Conservation Permits 
                                  • Government taxes and official expenses
                                  What's not Included
                                  • All food pay your self  during the trek  
                                  • Flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
                                  • Tips for porters ($70-100) and guides ($80-100)
                                  • Nepal Visa ($50)
                                  • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                                  • Food and drinks ($20-30 per day)
                                  • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                                  • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression)

                                  Departure Dates

                                  Select a Departure Month
                                  Trip Dates
                                  Price
                                  Availability
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 04, 2024 - Mar 19, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 07, 2024 - Mar 22, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 09, 2024 - Mar 24, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 11, 2024 - Mar 26, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 13, 2024 - Mar 28, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 16, 2024 - Mar 31, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 18, 2024 - Apr 02, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 21, 2024 - Apr 05, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 23, 2024 - Apr 07, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 25, 2024 - Apr 09, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 28, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Trip DateMar 31, 2024 - Apr 15, 2024
                                  PriceUS$1050
                                  AvailabilityAvailable
                                  Status
                                  Useful Information

                                   Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                                  Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                                  Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                                   Guide and Porters for 16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trekking: 

                                  On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                                  All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                                  Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                                  Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                                  Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                                  Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

                                  High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

                                  Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

                                  To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

                                  The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

                                  On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

                                  Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

                                  In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

                                  What to Bring During Manaslu Circuit Trekking? 

                                  **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                                    Clothing and footwear

                                  • Trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                                  • Sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                                  • flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                                  • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                                  • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                                  • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                                  • Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                                  • Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                                  • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                                  • Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                                  Equipment for 16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trekking

                                   *Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                                   *Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                                  *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in       Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                                  *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                                   *Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                                  *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                                  * A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                                  Personal usage on 16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trekking

                                  > Towel (light and quick-drying)  - Washing accessories - Disinfection wipes

                                  > Antibacterial gel - Moisturizing hand cream - Sun cream with a high factor

                                  > Lip balm with sun protection - Reusable water bottle - Snacks, nuts, chocolate

                                  Manaslu Circuit Trekking FAQs

                                  • For several good reasons the upper side of Manaslu, declared as Restricted Areas in Nepal. The Manaslu high areas was forbidden for outside visitors until 1992, then it was open for foreign travelers. The region being restricted area due to close border with Tibet / China and as well to protect the pristine environment.
                                    Limiting the mass flow of trekkers, allows trekkers only with special permits and joining with reliable Government Authorized Trekking Agencies with License guide to lead the trek on Manaslu Circuit.

                                  • The Manaslu areas are protected by MCA (Manaslu Conservation Project) including special permits. The other areas after Larke-La Pass it is protected by ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). Where trekkers have to obtain both conservation fees on this Manaslu Circuit Trek.

                                  • Depending upon the size of a group and trip cost as per the itinerary, normally taking a drive on private car, land cruiser or similar. As well comfortable coach and bus for a big group above 8 people with guide and porters.

                                    On budget trip, driving on a local bus to Arughat and Machha-Khola or back from Dharapani taking much longer time of 7-8 hours.            

                                  • Around all villages on treks, do have electricity either runs by Hydro or Solar Powers. Trekkers have the facilities to charge their electronic items, as well enjoyInternet, Wi-Fi, and phone communication. But small places like Deng and Samdo or Dharmasala as well in Bhimphedi and Gho. The internet and WI-FI connection are slow and disturbing, due to weather and altitude wise. As well depending on the landscapes like deep gorge and valleys. Trekkers have to wait until where the communication works better either Jagat, Namrung, Lo, and Sama-Gaon or at Dharapani village. 

                                  • From Jagat village onwards, the accommodation is of tourist standard.
                                    But Dharmasala the lodges are basic and simple, with common bath and toilets. All lodge restaurants offer continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali or Tibetan foods served in a nice warm dining room.

                                  Client Reviews
                                  • Manaslu Circuit Trekking - 2022

                                    What do we usually hear about the Manaslu Circuit trek: - the most beautiful - the least crowded - very basic accommodation conditions Now I can appreciate how true this is: - the most beautiful - definitely yes! Giant waterfalls, beautiful forests, picturesque valleys, snowy peaks, charming villages. Do not repeat my mistake - take pictures with a good camera, not a smartphone. - the least crowded - not at all! Well, this is not Everest Base Camp trek. But don't expect seclusion. - very basic accommodation conditions - not at all! Maybe this is the merit of our guides, but the lodges are even better than what I had on the track to Everest Base Camp. Electrical sockets, wifi, and even a shower in the room are fairly common options. The shower, however, is only cold (or does not work at all). And the doors do not close, as the latches are uneven. But who cares when you have a fantastic view outside the window)) I am very grateful to our Nepalese team - porters and guides. Bam and Amrit are highly professional and experienced guides. Their knowledge, helpfulness and sense of humour made a great atmosphere in the team and keep us in the spirit of exploration. It's priceless to have such people. Guys, thanks a lot for the unforgettable adventure!

                                    A
                                    Alena MSingapore,May 22, 2022
                                    logo
                                  • Manaslu Trek

                                    We had an amazing time on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This was a challenging hike for us, but well worth it. We saw lots of animals, including monkeys, waterfalls and spectacular views . Bam was a wonderful guide. We learned so much from him about the area and Nepalese culture. We would definitely go with him again.

                                    Virginia Bowers
                                    Virginia BowersUnited States,November 20, 2018
                                    logo