Manaslu Circuit Trekking   |  16 Days

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

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an exciting adventure that was opened to the outside world from 1992 onwards but remains a restricted area.

From Jagat village onwards the trail follows the ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route to Nepal & Tibet border. The other good reason for a restricted region of high Manaslu is to control the mass flow of trekkers.

All foreign visitors require a special permit to enter the former Forbidden country of Upper Manaslu enriched with ancient glory.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking, at present gaining much popularity among trekkers and adventurers as well for mountaineering expeditions to Mt. Manaslu.

The country of the Bhot people, the early migrants from Tibet where language and culture remain the same as Tibetan predecessors.

The name Manaslu comes from an ancient Sanskrit word that means the “Mind or Soul of a God or Holy spirits”. Likewise, the native of Manaslu calls as ‘Kutang’ of Tibetan origin language, meaning a flourishing land for agriculture and livestock.

Mt. Manaslu rises at 8,163 m / 26, 781 feet, listed as the world’s eighth highest peak, located in Nepal North Mid-West. Around the remote corners of the Gorkha district, the mountain was the first ascent by the Japanese Expedition in 1956.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking starts from low warm heavily farmed areas of Gorkha at Machha-Khola and then reaches cooler alpine hills.

Entering into lovely woodland covered in rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, pines, and fir tree lines, as adventure head higher terrain. Enjoy the beautiful country landscapes of great dramatic change from sub-tropical to cooler alpine climates.

As the walk progress spending overnights in the nice villages of Jagat, Deng, Ghap, and Lho-Gaon reaching around scenic high Manaslu valley.

From Deng onwards one can notice strong Buddhism culture of Tibetan influence, facing grand views of majestic Mt. Manaslu. The adventure continues through farmland and villages reaching Sama-Gaon, the main major village of upper Manaslu. Having a rest day to explore its viewpoints and observe the local impressive immense heritage custom. A great nice and exciting place and a perfect height of above 3,500 m high for acclimatization.

From Sama-Gaon on the high trails trekking around the windswept arid valley to the last village of Samdo. The gateway to Nepal and Tibet border, as well towards our destination at Dharmasala and high Larke-La Pass.

On leaving Samdo reaching Dharmasala, at the end of Manaslu valley and Gorkha district, the base of Larke-La Pass. Next early morning a strenuous long climb on high rocky slopes leads you to the top Larke-La pass. The highest point of the adventure is festooned with thousands of prayer flags, facing excellent views of the surrounding mountain range.

Breathtaking panorama of Manaslu range of peaks includes mountains of Manang areas with Annapurna Himalayas. A long descent takes you to the other side of the pass around Manang areas at Bhimthang. Back into green vegetation and tall tree lines, after a great tough day, the rest of the walk on a long downhill.

Where walk leads to Dharapani village, the meeting point of famous Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit trekking trails. From Dharapani adventure continues to the end of Manang district at Tal and beyond to the end of adventurous walks.      

On reaching the low farm village of Chamje, an exciting drive brings you to the Lamjung area at Besisar town. The overland journey leads to the main busy highway and then finally completes the Manaslu Circuit adventure reaching Kathmandu.

 

 

 

 

Trip 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”

Itinerary

  • 1 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotels.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.
  • 2 Day 2: In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.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.
  • 3 Day 3: Drive to Machha-Khola 930 m and trek to Khorla Besi-08 hrs.
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
  • 4 Day 4: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m - 05 hrsAfter 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.
  • 5 Day 5: Trek to Deng 1,800 m - 05 hrs.
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
  • 6 Day 6: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m - 05 hrs.
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.
  • 7 Day 7: Trek to Lho-Gaon 2,957 m - 06 hrs.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.
  • 8 Day 8: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m - 05 hrs. 
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.
  • 9 Day 9: Rest day at Sama-Gaon for acclimatization.
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
  • 10 Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,865 m - 05 hrs.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.
  • 11 Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi 4,460 m - 04 hrs. 
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. 
  • 12 Day 12: Cross Larke-La 5,106 m and to Bhimthang 3,700 m - 08 hrs. 
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.
  • 13 Day 13: Trek to Gho 2,560 m - 05 hrs. 
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.
  • 14 Day 14: Trek to Tal Besi 1,740 m via Dharapani 1,860 m - 06 hrsFrom 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.
  • 15 Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisar town-06 hrs.
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.
  • 16 Day 16: International departure for homeward bound.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.

Cost Includes:

    • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
    • Three nights standard Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with B.B
    • Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley as per the itinerary  
    • 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 
    • Hire Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket  for the trek 
    • 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
    • Welcome Dinner 

Cost Excludes:

    • All food pay your self  during the trek  
    • Nepal entry visa personal travel and medical insurances.
    • Expenses of personal nature and as well  gratitude (tips) for your guide and potters.
    • Emergency  evacuation by any means of transport including Helicopter and personal medical kit. 
  • noimage
    Alena M
    Singapore Published: Sunday, May 22, 2022

    Manaslu Circuit Trekking - 2022

    Rating:

    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!

  • Virginia Bowers
    Virginia Bowers
    United States Published: Tuesday, November 20, 2018

    Manaslu Trek

    Rating:

    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.

Our itineraries of any trips are based on our leading experience in the Himalayas. But, we also organize the trips according to your special requests or your personally given itinerary. Please, feel free to contact us for your questions and queries.

INSURANCE POLICY:

Traveling to Himalayan countries specially on treks and other adventure with Nepal-Bhutan and Tibet, where clients should purchase travel and medical insurance covering immediate evacuation by any means of transportations, like helicopter or fastest way vehicle to reach nearest city and town hospitals.

Insurance Policy should cover all medical expenses incurred during your holidays in Himalayan countries, including travel insurance where sometimes Himalayan weather even in best times can be unpredictable, where trekking routes can be re-routed of cancelled in this case local company will not entertain you with refund, however provides you with letter so that one can claim from your respective insurance companies.

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: 

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.

We are also member of PACT (Porters Act commitment).  

Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):
     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.

The company provides as precaution measures against AMS with comprehensive medical kit, oxygen and Gamma Bags / Pressure Bags in some high altitude adventure treks, where some people as per their own doctor advice use Diamox also known as Acetazolamide to prevent and reduce symptoms of AMS can lower headache when in high altitude walks and climb

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.

This Diamox also used for other medications to treat certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). 

Acetazolamide a "water pill" (diuretic), it decrease amount of fluids that can build up in eyes, also helps to decrease buildup of body fluids (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can work less well over time, so it is usually used only for a short period of time.

Using this pill should get advice from your doctor before trip departure to high Himalaya.

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.

Equipments List

  • Down Jacket
  • Fibre pile jacket
  • light cotton trouser
  • Long sleeved cotton shirts
  • Short Trouser
  • Shorts or Skirt (for ladies)
  • Sun hat
  • Sun Screen Cream
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirt
  • Track Suit Bottoms
  • Trekking pole
  • Ultra Fleece Trousers
  • Warm Gloves a pair
  • Water bottle
  • Waterproofs trouser
  • Waterproofs Jacket
  • Well fitting, comfortable boots
  • Wind Proof Jacket & Trouser a set each
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  • Trip Duration 16 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Style Trekking
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