Manaslu Circuit Trek
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Considered as one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit will reward the adventurous with an unparalleled alpine experience. Opened in 1992, this area offers a combination of rich culture heritage, unsurpassed beauty, and biological diversity.
We ascend the Gandaki River valley, which is fed by innumerable rivers and waterfalls, offering the chance of a plunge into some bathing pools. From here, the strenuous section begins and yaks begin to out number people in the rocky landscape. In Samagoan (3,450m) we visit the glacial green lake of Birendra, before crossing into mystic Samdo, a mere 15km from the Tibetan border. Here Tibetan monks inhabit sacred monasteries and combined with the views of the Tibetan plateau against stark white Himalayas this is a truly spiritual place. The biggest challenge then awaits – crossing the snow bound Larkya La pass (5213m). Snow-covered peaks over 6500m towers above as we cross. The descent, once off the snow, takes us through alpine then tropical areas, bursting with ferns, bamboo, pine trees, waterfalls and aqua-blue green lakes laced with cotton-white beaches. Finally, Manaslu will disappear as we descend to Beshishar (832m.) This 3week excursion will leave you with a sense of peace and respect for the people of Nepal and its ecological wonders.
Highlights: Views of Tibet and an insight into Tibetan culture through various monasteries and Tibetan settlements. Unspoilt mountain views, bathing pools, lakes and waterfalls surrounded by alpine and tropical forests.
Route Map
Itinerary In Detail
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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,592 ft.)
Upon arrival in Tribhuvan International airport meet Himalayan Holidays representative and transfer to Hotel.
Eve: Welcome dinner with Nepali culture dance.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
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Day 02: Trek preparation and sightseeing day in Kathmandu
Am: After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City. It includes visit to the Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal. This is also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO. With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds its place among the largest Stupa in the world!
Later proceed to Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple’s existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple that is also known as ‘The Temple of Living Beings’, which is listed UNESCO world heritage Site. Later transfer back to hotel for some rest and refreshment.
After visiting Pashupatinath Temple proceed for sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and was the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. We can also visit Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name
Pm: Free for trek preparation – briefing and orientation etc.
Eve: Traditional Welcome dinner followed by Nepali Cultural program.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 03: Drive to Machhakhola via Dhading Besi (900 m /2,952 ft.) – 155 km / 6~7 hours
After breakfast start drive via Kathmandu – Pokhara Highway to Malekhu. Leaving Highway continue to drive to Dhading Besi and to Arughat for lunch. After lunch continue drive through unpaved road to Machhakhola passing through Soti and Likhu Village.
Overnight at Teahouse lodge.
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Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,360m / 4,460 ft.) - 5~6 hours.
After breakfast, cross the Machha Khola- Fish Stream- and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani (which I want to investigate). The valley sides steepen until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach the single tea house at Doban. Above Doban, the Buri Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we re cross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat, where we camp.
Overnight at Teahouse lodge.
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Day 05: Trek to Deng (1,800m / 5,904 ft.) -5~6 hours
After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, treks climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal, 7187m. Crossing the river again, at Gata Khola, the path splits, with the right–hand branch heading off towards the Mustang. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. We cross the river three more times in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng, where we camp.
Overnight at Teahouse lodge.
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Day 06: Trek to Ghap (2,300m / 7,544 ft.) – 4~5 hours
The valley is still steep- sided and most impressive. We cross to the village of Lana, and start to see mani stones, a sure signs that we are entering high country Buddhist regions. After only about four hours we reach our overnight place at the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan areas and the cultural change is obvious, and the climate change is also obvious the trekking is pleasantly cool now, as we start to fain the altitude.
Overnight at Tea house lodge.
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Day 07: Trek to Namrung (2,550m /8,364 ft.) – 4~5 hours.
and 3 more crossing of the Buri Gandaki on our route to Namrung, where our permit is checked. Above this village the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing climb gently now, and cross a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, and reach the Tibetan village of Sho, at an altitude of 3,000m / 9,840 ft. Here we witness our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead.
Overnight at Tea house lodge.
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Day 08: Namrung to Lhogaon (3,180m / 10,430 ft) – 5~6 hours
Let the exploring start! We will discuss with locals what our best option is to get to the Gompa. Our sherpas reckon it could be a very nice walk to take the smaller direct trail…. We pass thru Lho, a large village at 3150m where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and manis. Looking back Ganesh I is visible. Leaving the village, we follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. At a fork in the trail, we take a detour to the left, which leads up to Honsansho Gompa and the Pungen Glaciers, from where there is a stunning view of Peak 29 and Manaslu.
Overnight at Tea house lodge.
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Day 09: Lho gaon to Samagaon (3,530m /11,578 ft.) – 5~6 hours
Today is short trek to Samagaon, which is surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest. Rest of the day after lunch is free to acclimatize and relax.
Overnight at Tea house lodge.
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Day 10: Rest day for acclimatization
Spend a rest day for acclimatization before we go into further higher altitude.
Overnight at Teahouse lodge.
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Day 11: Samagaon to Samdu (3,780m /12,398 ft.) - 3 Hrs
Now that we are more used to the altitude we take some time to have a good look around.
Overnight Tea house lodge.
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Day 12: Samdu to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi) - (4,460m / 14,628 ft.)- 4 Hrs.
The once large Buri Gandaki is now merely a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. Everywhere you look is mountains, as spectacular as they get and Manaslu is particularly impressive. After crossing to the East bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley which is called Sumdu. Above the village we cross the stream which runs down the Gya La (pass), the pass to Tibet, and there is the ruin of another village here known as Larkya Bazaa. Presumably this village thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya La, a trade which is now much diminished. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach a lodge at 4450m which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the Larkya La.
Overnight Tea house lodge.
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Day 13: Trek to Bhimthang (3,720 m / 12,200 ft.) via Larkya la pass (5,160 m / 16,928 ft)
Today we will skirt a moraine and climb up ridge; eventually ending up on top of the moraine at about 15,400 ft. descends a bit, and then make the final steep climb to the pass at 16,928 feet. From here the views are Tremendous example Himlung Himal (23,373ft), Cheo Himal (22,370 ft), Kang Guru (22,898ft), and Annapurna II (26,041ft), the descends follows, the top of the moraine to the west, then drops steeply and traverses scree slopes. We make a long shape of steep, rough switch back to cross the moraine there is a final long, steep, slippery decends and loose gravel to another grassy moraines at 14,596ft. Head down to a large meadow and a rest house at Vingtang 12,202ft. Situated in huge valley surrounded by high peaks this is a tough day which about 8~9hours of hiking.
Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.
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Day 14: Trek to Gho (2,550 m / 8,364 ft) – 5~6 hours.
Descends through pine and rhododendron forests to Hompuk and down to a fork of the Dudh Khola, continue to Gho.
Overnight Tea house lodge.
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Day 15: Trek to Dharapani (1,910 m / 6,664 ft.) & Drive to Kurintar (258 m / 846 ft.) via Beshishahar – 5~6 hours.
Cross the Dhod Khola and trek along the river bank. As the trail decends through scrub forests, the wall of the Marshyangdi valley looms larger. Finally the houses of Dharapani become visible. At the village of Thonje, we go through a police check point, and then continue to Dharapani for lunch. After lunch get into the waiting public jeep and drive to Besishahar. Upon arrival switch into the waiting tourist vehicle and drive to Kurintar which may takes another 2 & ½ hours.
Overnight Teahouse lodge.
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Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu and spend a free day.
The remainder of our trek follows the trail use on the first few days up the Classic Around Annapurna trek. Descends to the Marshyangdi River and cross the suspension bridge. Climb up and away from the river and Hike through a broad, flat valley to the village of Tal (5,494 ft), Situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Continue to Chyamje, re crossing the river once again descends through forest of Lali Guras and Salla to Syange.
Overnight Teahouse lodge.
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Day 17: Final Departure
Free until final departure transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
17 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
Whats Include and Exclude
Services Inclued
- All transfers, sightseeing tours as per the itinerary in Nepal in a private deluxe A/C vehicle accompanied by English speaking guide / representative from Asiatic Roads.
- Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (Pre trek) by 4WD Jeep.
- Drive from Dharapani to Beshishahar (post trek) in a locally available public jeep.
- Drive from Beshishar to Kathmandu via Kurintar in a Tourist Car and a van.
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on twin share on BB inclusive of taxes and services.
- One night stay at Riverside Spring Resort or similar on MAP basis.
- 13 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek inclusive of all meals with guide and reliable team of porter and Sherpa.
- Transportation for Trek staff including camping and kitchen equipment and food provisions for pre trek and post trek traveling to/from destinations.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Fees with necessary documentation fees.
- Manaslu Restricted Area permit fees (US$ 100 per person for a week and US$15 per day for every additional day)
- Contribution to Porter insurance and equipment.
- Welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
- Guide’s daily allowances including his wages, meals and accommodations.
Services not Inclued
- International Airfares to/from Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance or “Umbrella Insurance” to cover – Illness, hospitalization, travel medicines, loss of valuables, thefts change of itinerary, flight and tour cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances and most of all Emergency Helicopter Charter for evacuation.
- Meals except welcome & farewell dinner while staying at hotel in Kathmandu.
- Items not specified in the above in “Cost Includes”.
17 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
17 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
Reviews
In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.
Steven Stone
TravellerIn my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.