Manalsu Circuit TrekkingManalsu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trekking - 15 Days

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  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Max. Altitude5213 meters
  • Starts/EndsMacchakhola/Dharapani
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring and Autumn
Highlights
  • Mt. Manaslu (8163 meters)-8th highest peak in the world.
  • Rugged landscapes with stunning Larkya La pass at 5213 meters.
  • Unspoiled off beaten trekking trail through remote villages of Manaslu Region.
  • Authentic mixture of Tibetan and Nepalese culture.
  • Witness some Himalayan wildlife including Thar, Pika, Himalayan Goats, and if lucky snow leopards.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Overview

Manaslu circuit Trekking is an off-the-beaten trekking trail of Nepal that takes you through Manaslu conservation area and allows you to explore 8th highest peak in the world. Every year only limited trekkers do this trek which makes Manaslu region less crowded. Even during the trekking season, the trail is filled with less travelers. It is one of the reason why Manaslu Circuit Trekking is must do trekking in Nepal. It takes you to the remote area of Manalsu region where you will witness authentic lively culture and panoramic views. The Manaslu region is ornamented by Annapurna in the west and Ganesh Himal in the east. You will get to see magnificent views of Annapurna range, Mt. Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and many other small peaks.

Trek to Manaslu circuit was opened in 1992 for foreigner trekkers which is untouched paradise trekking destination of Nepal. The trail begins from Machhakhola and takes you to Larkya La pass via different charming villages. Larkya La pass lies at 5160 meters which offer stunning views of towering mountains. Likewise, trekking closer to Tibetan Border allows you to experience the Tibetan lifestyle and culture. Also, alpine meadows, lush green forests, landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are the notable highlight of Manaslu circuit Trekking.

What makes Manaslu Circuit Trek unique ?

Larkya La Pass

The Larkya La pass is getting popular day by day among the trekkers. Situated at 5213 meters, it is the highest point of the Manaslu trek and challenging part too. It is the testing point of your trip as you have to give your all strength and stamina to pass this point. At the same time, you will get to see amazing views of surrounding peaks and landscapes. The feeling of completing this pass with magical views can’t be explained in words.

Off-Beaten-Trail

The Manaslu region is off-beaten trip, which was opened for foreign trekkers not long time ago. Moreover, the region is designated as restricted trekking region by the Government of Nepal. It means, less number of trekkers come across this trail to explore the high Himalayas. Moreover, less crowd means the culture and the natural heritages are preserved very well. The trail  is also isolated and remote, not well facilitate like other trekking regions of Nepal.

Best local Hospitality throughout the trek

The greetings and warm hospitality offered by local people is admirable. Every local people greets you with "Namaste" whenever you communicate with them. However, they have their own language to say "nice to meet you" as "Tashi Delek". Likewise, they serve very delicious local cuisine. Enjoying the meals served my local people with smily face is such a pleasant feeling. 

Trekking paradise for soltitude trekkers 

Manaslu circuit Trekking is restricted region trekking in Nepal which makes the trail traffic less. So, if you want to trek in peaceful trail with astonishing mountain views this trek is for you. Compared to EBC trek or ABC Trek, this trail is less crowded with wholesome views of natural beauty. 

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route

Now, let’s have a glance at Manaslu Circuit Trekking route

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with countryside drive in local Bus from Kathmandu to Macchkhola. Then, we follow the trail of villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samagaun. The first acclimatization phase will be at Samagaun. On that particular day, we will hike to Manaslu Base Camp that lies in 4750 meters. After exploring Base camp, next day we head to Samdo, Dharmashala and coming across the Larkya La pass, we trek via Bhimthang to Tilije. Then from Tilije, trek ends with drive back to Kathmandu.

Best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Trekking to Manaslu Circuit is open anytime a year. However, the trail might be difficult during the winter (November-January) and in Monsoon (June-July). Apart from these two seasons, Autumn and Spring are regarded as best season for trekking in Nepal.

Autumn season

Autumn season comes under the months of (September-November). It is the most popular time for trekking to Manasu Circuit. The weather is so perfect with moderate temperature. The sky becomes clear after post monsoon period. One more reason to trek during Autumn is, major festivals of Nepal falls under these months. Therefore, you will have ample opportunity to celebrate the festivals along with Manalsu Circuit Trek.

Spring Season

After autumn, spring season (March-May) is considered as the peak trekking season in Nepal. It offers the wide range of biodiversity in Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Likewise, the trail becomes colorful with varieties of flowers blooming in the trail. The views are spectacular during the day with clear sky. Also, this is the main season for mountain climbing and expedition too.

Winter season

 Similarly, winter season (December-February) is somehow okay to trek to Manalsu but there is always risk of snow in high altitude. Likewise, the bulk of snow and freezing cold in Larkya La Pass makes difficult to cross the pass and complete the trek. But, the views and mountain scenery it offers during the winter is quite stunning. So, if you are quite adventure lover and love to take risks, then you can do this trek in winter too.

Monsoon Season

The monsoon season or summer (June-August) is not idea option to trek to Manaslu circuit. The trail is full of mud with slippery route. Likewise, flood and landslide can be a big obstacles during the trek. Apart from varieties of vegetation, monsoon hardly offers any mountain views.

Difficulty Level of Manasul Circuit Trekking  

If you want to know how difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trekking? The level of difficulty to Trek Manaslu circuit is challenging, means walking 7-8 hours on average and crossing a pass above 5000 meters. But, it depends on every trekkers, by their physical level, how quick they acclimatize, their pace during the trek, etc. Likewise, proper plan to minimize the risk during the trek also plays vital role to complete this trek without difficulty. Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5160 meters is not easy. Lots of strength and stamina is required to cross over the stunning high passes and landscapes. We suggest to prepare physically and mentally before start of the trek.

Permit Cards for Manslu Circuit Trek

If your are curious to know how many permit card do you need for Manaslu Circuit trek? Well, you need 3 different permit cards to trek to Manaslu region. You can get all permit cards either from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

  • Manaslu special permit cards for restricted region.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit card. (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card. (ACAP)

The special permit card for restricted region costs USD 100 for first 7 days during the months of September-November. But, after 7 days, it costs USD 15 per day. Likewise, If you trek during the months of December-August, it costs USD 75 for first 7 Days and in additional days it cost USD 10 per days per person. MCAP and ACAP costs NRP 3000 equivalent to USD 26 respectively for whole trek.

Itinerary

A representatives from Classic Trek Nepal will be at Tribhuwan international airport arrival terminal to pick you up. Please look after the template of our company’s name once you arrive outside of the airport. He will transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

  • Max Altitude:1400 meters
  • Accommodation:3-Star Hotel

We will have long drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola today. The trip is somewhat mix up with smooth and off-road highway. Upon reaching Maccha Khola, we stay overnight over there.

  • Max Altitude:900 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House/Lodges
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having breakfast, we start our hiking journey to Manaslu Circuit. At first, we will ascend to small village of Khorla Besi and arrive at natural hot spring. Likewise, moving ahead through a dense forest, trail takes us to Thado Bharyang. Crossing the bank of Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge and follow the trail to Jagat, Overnight stay at Jagat.

  • Max Altitude:1340 Meters
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Jagat, the trail follows the uphill climb along the lung and pristine route. The walk continues through flat trail and cross a suspension bridge to reach village of Phililm. You can find most of the local people of Philim follows the Buddhist religion. Likewise, village is decorated with prayer flags, stupas and monasteries. From Philim, the trail continues through pine forest to Deng. Overnight stay at Deng.

  • Max Altitude:2095 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with walking through the farmlands and cross over a suspension bridge. We climb further up towards Valley of Budhi Gandaki. We come across several forests and mani walls along the route to Ghap. Passing many forests and Gompas, we take steep climb to arrive at Namrung. Overnight stay at Namrung.

  • Max Altitude:2900 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying astonishing views of Ganesh Himal and Mt. Hiuchuli from Namrung, we start to hike to Lho Gaun. The views on the background is simply amazing. Climbing steep trail through forest, we reach Lihi. The vegetation slowly change into alpine as the trek goes on. At Lihi, you can notice small chortens and barley field. Likewise, beautiful glimpse of Manaslu Himal can be seen. The trek continues to Lho gaun to stay overnight.

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

The trek continues from Lho Gaun crossing Shyla village. We will pass through some beautiful landscapes, witness mountain views, and natural scenery.  Reaching Samagaun, you can explore Gompas and villages around. Overnight stay at Samagaun.

  • Max Altitude:3500 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After reaching at 3500 meters, it is very important to acclimatize yourself to the altitude. We won’t trek further ahead, we take rest at samgaun. But rest doesn’t mean laying on bed whole day. The day will be spent by exploring around the Samagaun. Or you have options to hike to Manaslu Base camp or Birendra Tal. Overnight stay at Samagaun.

  • Max Altitude:3500 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:3-4 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After spending 2 days at Samagaun, we move ahead to Samdo. Climbing uphill in the deserted trail, we follow Budhi Gandaki River. Likewise, the beautiful forest of Juniper and Pine trees waiting for us along the way. The pleasant vibes of trail decorated with mani walls makes the trekking more pleasing. Village of Samdo is just 4-5 Km away from Tibetan Border. You can see the Tibetan refugee villages after arriving at Samdo. Likewise, outstanding views of Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu Glacier, Ngadi Himal, etc. adds attractiveness on this trek. Overnight stay at Samdo.

  • Max Altitude:3690 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Starting day with breakfast, trek continues crossing wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki river and hike head for Dharamshala. Some glimpse of Larkya Glacier gives us charming company. Short hike of today gives us extra time to acclimatize ourselves. After reaching Dharamshala, we can walk to Larkya Phedi to acclimatize ourselves. Overnight stay at Dharmshala.

  • Max Altitude:4450 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Time:5-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the longest day of our trek but most exciting one too. Reaching highest point of the trek, we cross Larkya La pass which requires great strength and endurance today. The pass offers enchanting views of Mt. Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and many other peaks with landscapes. After completing the pass, we climb down for 3 hours to reach Bhimphedi. The descent offers beautiful views of mountains and ice falls. Overnight stay at Bhimphedi.

  • Max Altitude:5260 meters at Larkya La Pass
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After long day of walk on previous day, we have another long day of walk starting with descending down via Pastures, river valleys and farmlands. After then, we will climb up to the village of Gho. Furthermore, the trek continues to Tilije to spend overnight.

  • Max Altitude:2300 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we start our day with last breakfast in high mountains and descend down to Thonje Village. We come across the point that joints Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail and head to Dharapani to stay overnight.

  • Max Altitude:1860 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-7 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Successful trip to Manaslu region ends here at Dharapani with lot of snaps and memories in our lens. We will drive Back to Kathmandu from Dharapani enjoying hillside views and fast flowing rivers. Rest day after reaching Kathmandu. In the late evening we will have Nepali dinner together as a farewell dinner.

  • Max Altitude:1400 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our staff will give you farewell in the private vehicle transferring you to the airport for your flight. We wish you safe and happy journey ahead.

    Based on the time of our clients, itinerary and prices are re-calculated. If you are not flexible with our itinerary, feel free to contact us to make an itinerary that suits your time frame. 

    What's Included
    • Airport pick up and drop in a private vehicle.
    • Kathmandu-Macchakhola and Dharapani-Kathmandu Transportation costs.
    • 2-night accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu in BB plan.
    • Manaslu Conservation Area permit card.
    • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit card.
    • Manaslu special permit card.
    • Guide expenses for 13 days including his salary, accommodations, meals, transportations, and insurance.
    • Porter expenses for 13 days including his salary, accommodations, meals, and insurance. (1 porter for 2 trekkers implies)
    • Accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis.
    • Set Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
    • All government and local taxes.
    What's not Excluded
    • Meals in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner
    • Travel insurance and rescue evacuation if needed.
    • Personal expenses like drinks, snacks, hot waters, etc.
    • Trekking gear and equipment.
    • Visa costs.
    • Tips and gratitude for guide and porter.
    Clients Reviews
    • Best Service

      I did a Manaslu ciruit trek with Classic Trek Nepa and it was amazing experience. Mr. Anil made a tailor made itinerary for me which was flexible with my time. I would highly recommend Classic Trek Nepal for any kind of treks in Nepal. 

      A
      AlonzoUnited States,May 2023
      TripAdvisor
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