Manalsu Circuit TrekManalsu Circuit Trek

Manalsu Circuit Trek - 20 Days

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration20 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Max. Altitude5213 meters
  • Starts/EndsSotikhola/Besisahar
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonAutumn and Spring
Highlights

Manaslu Circuit Trek Short Attractions:

  • Some of the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Manalsu, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Annapurna etc.
  • Charming and isolated villages of Manaslu region.
  • Hike through the Budhi Gandaki Gorge and many suspension bridges.
  • The highest elevation of the trek-Larkya La pass at 5213 meters.
  • Encounter with various flora and fauna like, Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Marmots, Agali, etc

Manalsu Circuit Trek Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the classic off-beaten trek in Nepal through the remote and isolated area of Manaslu region. The trek takes you to the circuit of the 8th highest peak in the world-Manaslu (8156m). Mt. Manaslu is adjoined with Mt. Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the East. Similarly, the highest point of this trek is somehow similar to Annapurna circuit trek. Crossing through the Larkya La Pass at 5213 meters is the highest altitude, which is challenging. Unlike EBC Trek or ABC Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded. Walk along the remote villages and get closer to the local people, experience their culture, tradition, and lifestyle.

What to expect during Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manalsu Circuit Trekking is the hidden gem that offers classic trek with epic scenery, rich diversity, stunning landscapes, and staggering mountain views. The trail begins with the narrow valleys through tropical vegetation and goes pass Budhi Gandaki River. Similarly, the circuit trek to Manaslu allows you to encounter different charming villages like Jagat, Ghap, Lho Gaun, Samagaun, etc. The villages offers unique local life style and culture along with superb views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other 6000 meter peaks.

You will be walking for average of 5-6 hours in each trekking day. Before heading above 4000 meters, you will have acclimatization day at Samagaon. Likewise , the trail takes you near to Tibetan Border and allows you to explore stunning landscapes. You will walk through the Bank of Budhi Gandaki most of the times during the trek. And, also witness the mighty Budhi Gandaki Gorge with amazing waterfalls. Moreover, you will find many long suspension bridged along the way.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty:

Trekking to Manaslu Circuit is not that difficulty as it seems if you are experienced hiker. If you are beginner, we would suggest to do some short trekking in Nepal before doing Manaslu Circuit trek. The trek is physical demanding and mentally exhausting at some points. Likewise, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5213 is not easy. There can be a risk of Altitude sickness, when you feel nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and lack of breathing. These are the phase where you have to be mentally strong and ready to move forward. However, if you can’t feel like moving ahead never push yourself. Rather, descending down to lower elevation is the ideal option.

Permit Cards for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu region is the restricted trekking region of Nepal. No trekkers are allowed to trek without a guide in Manaslu region. And trekkers need to get special trekking permit to trek to Manalsu Circuit.  Here are the list of permits required for Manaslu Circuit Trek:

  1. Special Restricted Area Permit : The costs of this permit is USD 100 per person for the first week and then you have to add USD 15 per day after 7th day of the trek. However, during the December to August, the costs is USD 75 for first week and USD 10 after 7th days.
  2. Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit : When you start to trek towards Philim, the Manaslu Conservation Area starts and you need this permit. The costs of this permit is USD 30 throughout the whole year.
  3. Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit  : ACAP is required when you enter the Dharapani, which is Annapurna Region. It costs you USD 30 throughout the year.
  4. Trekkers Information Management System Permit : Trekkers Information Management system is a trekking permit card which costs you USD 16.
Itinerary

A staff from CTN will be at airport to pick you up and transfer you to the Hotel. After your arrival, he will transfer you to the hotel in a private vehicle.

  • Max Altitude:1400 meters
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Today you will have whole day to know briefly about Manaslu cricui Trek and you will be introduced to the guide. He will give you some tips and short information before starting your journey. Likewise, you will have whole day leisure today. You can buy some trekking gear or even explore around UNESCO world heritage site tours.  

  • Max Altitude:1400 meters
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

After having breakfast, we will catch the bus to Sotikhola via Prithvi Highway following Trishuli River. Witness some magical views of green hills, terrace fields, and villages from your window seat. Overnight stay at Sotikhola.

  • Max Altitude:730 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek from Sotikhola to Maccha Khola is a bit long day trek today. You will ascent and descent today quiet a few times and comes across the waterfalls. Overnight stay at Macchaa Khola.

  • Max Altitude:890 Meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having breakfast, we continue to walk towards Doban. Crossing the suspension bridge of Maccha Khola, the trail enter Tatopani. However, the trek continues through the forests before arriving at Doban. When two rivers adjoins at a point, then it’s called Doban. So, Doban is the meeting point of two rivers called Shari Khola and Sarpu Khola. Overnight stay at Doban.

  • Max Altitude:1070 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our next stop will be Philim today. The trek begins with the climb up to Louri and continues until we reach Thado Bharyang. Likewise, we will cross the river before reaching out to Philim. Philim is the Gurung Settlement. Enjoy the local food and their culture rest of the day. Overnight stay at Philim.

  • Max Altitude:1570 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 Hours

Today we continue to head towards north crossing the terrace field. As we pass through the gorge and Budhi Gandaki River, the trail becomes steeper. The trek continues through the bank of Budhi Gandaki and forests of bamboos. Overnight stay at Deng.

  • Max Altitude:1860 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek continues through Bihi descending and ascending to reach Rana Bridge. Similarly, the trail leades you to Bihi Phedi crossing a bridge. After crossing a bridge you can feel the vibes of Buddhism, as there are mani walls, prayer flags, arts of different goddess, etc. Again you will cross another bridge to reach the village of Ghap.

  • Max Altitude:2250 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will trek through the dense forest of rhododendron, oak trees and bamboo forests. Likewise, some steep ascends will come along the way with several suspension bridges as well. Overnight stay at Namrung.

  • Max Altitude:2660 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having breakfast at Namrung, we head towards Lho. The route takes us through the village of Lihi and cross a small river to arrive Sho. The Sho village offers beautiful views of Simnang Himal . We will continue our walk to Lho-a culturally rich village decorated by prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, and other small stupas. Overnight stay at Lho.

  • Max Altitude:3180 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Lho early in the morning we will come across the forest to reach SHyala Village. The village is surrounded by charming farmlands. The trek continues towards Samagaun-a flat village which is nearest village to Manaslu Base Camp.

  • Max Altitude:3530 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we walk above 3500 meters, we need to acclimatize our body. So, we are spending one more day here at Samagaun. However, its not typical rest day but we will hike nearest exploring places like Birendra lake or even Manalsu Base Camp. Moreover, you can visit Pungen Monastery, which is 2 hours away from Samagaun. Hiking for 3-4 hours today will be enough to acclimatize yourself. Overnight stay at Samagaun.

  • Max Altitude:3530 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:2-3 hours hike
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we gain the elevation, the trek starts to become more interesting. We pass through the Yak pasture and start to climb the valley. Likewise, we again meet the Budhi Gandaki River crossing the wooden bridge climbing up again. As we approach Samdo-enjoy the amazing views of Manaslu and other mountains. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee settlement. Overnight stay at Samdo.

  • Max Altitude:3875 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Samdo climbing down through the fields and Mani Walls, and cross the wooden bridge of Budhi Gandaki River. En route you can feel the vibes of Buddhism as many prayer flags are hung along the route. Likewise, encounter the Larkya Glacier which is the major highlight of today’s trek. Overnight stay at Dharmashala.

  • Max Altitude:4480 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Perhaps the most challenging and exciting day of our whole Manaslu Circuit Trek. We will trekking around the circuit crossing through the Larkya La Pass-5213m, the highest point of the trek. The day is going to be long so, we wake up early and start to walk after having delicious breakfast. If the wind is strong then it can be challenging one to cross the pass. So, we have to cross the pass before noon.

The trail begins with the moraine and climbing down to a small lake. As we march ahead, the route becomes tricky and rough. You can see many prayer flags along the way. We will trek down to the frozen lakes before climbing up to the Larkya La Pass. Upon reaching the pass, mesmerizing views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and Kang Guru can be seen. After the pass, we head towards west, crossing moraine we gently trek down to another grassy moraine. We continue to descend through the meadows and small houses to reach Bhimthang.

  • Max Altitude:5213 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After long day of trek on the previous day, today you might feel tired. You will begins your trek descending down to Budhi Gandaki River and enter to the dense forest of Rhododendron flowers. The trek continues through the bank of the river and arrive at Gho. Overnight stay at Gho.

  • Max Altitude:2550 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our next stop today will be Dharapani and perhaps the last day we are walking on the trail. We pass through different Gurung villages luke TIlije, Thonje and enter the Dharapani village. Overnight stay at Dharapani.

  • Max Altitude:1910 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will drive to Besisahar from Dharapani. The highway can be off road and bumpy, however you can enjoy the natural scenery during the drive. Overnight stay at Besisahar. 

  • Max Altitude:760 Meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will have options to go to Kathmandu or Pokhara. And if the drive gets late to reach Besisahar, we may need to stop here today and drive to Kathmandu next day. We recommend to drive to Pokhara, and relax for a day before you go back to your home town.

  • Max Altitude:1400 meters
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast

On the last day one of our representatives will pick you up from Hotel and drop you to the airport for your flight. 

    What's Included
    • Airport Pick up and Departure.
    • 2 night Hotel in Kathmandu
    • Kathmandu-Sotikhola and Besihsahar-Pokhara Vehicle costs.
    • Trekkers Information Management System permit card.
    • Manaslu Special permit card with Conservation Area Permit.
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card.
    • License holder English Speaking Guide expenses for 16 Days.
    • Porter expenses for 16 Days including his meals, lodging, etc.
    • Meals and Accommodation during the trek.
    • Classic Trek Nepal certificate after successful achievement of the trek.
    • All government and local taxes.
    What's not Excluded
    • International flight costs and visa fee.
    • Kathmandu and Pokhara Accommodation. ( If you need help, we can recommend you the type of hotel you need).
    • Personal Expenses like shopping, drinks, hot-showers, battery charges, etc.
    • Travel insurance and emergency rescue costs.
    • Clothing and Gear.
    • Tips for Guide and Porter
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