Manaslu Circuit Trekking with Nature Trail

16 +

Age

Nepal

Country

Dec-Mar

Dates

15 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal for off the beaten path exploring. In fact, Mount Manaslu reaches an altitude of 8163m, which makes it the 8th highest mountain in the world. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking will lead us to the Manaslu Base Camp, used as starting and end point for climbing expeditions to Mount Manaslu. As many other high mountains, it is located near to the Nepal-Tibet border. The biggest challenge, but also the biggest achievement of this trek is crossing the well known Larke Pass, or Larkya La. Especially breathtaking are the mountain views, narrow valleys and lushing forests you will encounter on this trek. Furthermore, the Manaslu area is well-known for its local bird species, langur species, and many more unique animals.

Manaslu Region

Noteworthy, the Manaslu region used to be a restricted area until the 90s. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit in 1991. The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river. The trek consists of all elements of a perfect trek: Hindu and Buddhist culture, unique wildlife, rhododendrons, wild flowers, shaky bridges, strong rivers and stunning mountain views. Only few trekkers are seen in this region in comparison to the popular regions Annapurna and Khumbu. Therefore, it is the ideal route for solitude seeking travelers.

Larkya La – The Larke Pass

On our route from Dharmasala to Bimtang we will cross the Larkya La Pass, also called the Larke Pass. It is considered one of the longest mountain passes in the Himalayas and is located at an altitude of 5125m. Therefore, it is the highest point on our route besides the Manaslu Base Camp. Originally, Lhargyal La is the name in Nepali, which means victory hill or victory pass. Surely, you will get a feeling of victory too once we crossed the pass!

Itinerary Outline:

01 Drive to Arughat and further drive to Soti Khola (613m) – around 12 hours drive in total

02 Soti Khola to Machha Khola (850m) – 6 hrs walk

03 Machha Khola to Jagat (1380m) – 6:30 hours walk

04 Jagat to Deng (1885m) – 6:30 hours walk

05 Deng to Ghap (2123m) – 5 hours walk

06 Ghap to Li (2946m) – 5:30 hours walk

07 Li to Lho (3154m) via Hinang Glacier (3515m) – 10 hours walk

08 Lho to Samagaun (3515m) – 6 hours walk

09 Day Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (5200m) – 8 hours walk

10 Samagaun to Samdo (3863m) – 3 hours walk

11 Samdo to Dharamsala (4496m) – 3:30 hours walk

12 Dharamsala via Larke Pass to Bimtang (3620m) – 10 hours walk

13 Bimtang to Tilije (2281m) – 6:30 hours walk

14 Tilije to Syange (1130m) – 8:30 hours walk

15 Syange to Besisahar and Drive back to Kathmandu

Additional information

Difficulty	All levels, Experienced Trekkers

Drive to Arughat and Soti Khola (613m)

To start our trek we drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar, which takes around 6 hours via Prithvi highway. From Arughat we have to drive a little further to Soti Khola, which again takes around 6 hours. Overnight stay at lodge.

Soti Khola to Machha Khola (850m)

After all the sitting yesterday, it’s time to get moving and start our trek! After breakfast we start our way to Machha Khola: Passing through the forest we reach the villages named Liding and Laphubesi. Further, the valley opens up and the trail drops to the gravelled banks along the Buri Gandhari river. Before heading to village of Machha Khola we enjoy a glimpse of the fine views of Ganesh Himal. Overnight stay at hotel at Machha Khola.

Walking time: 6 hours

Maccha Khola to Jagat (1380m)

Leaving Machha Khola, we head up to the small village Kholabesi and reach the hot spring named Tatopani. Passing a short section of forest and teahouses at Dobhan, we hike along farming terraces and villages until we reach Jagat. Jagat is the entry point for the restricted area, where permits will be checked. Overnight at hotel.

Walking time: around 6:30 hours

Jagat to Deng (1885m)

This morning the trail begins with climbing a rocky ridge with fabulous views of Mt. Singri (7187m). The route continues following the stream of Budhi Gandaki, along a gorge section to the terraced field of maize, millet and potato before entering Nupri village through a lush forest. Passing through Philim village we finally reach our destination for today: A village named Deng. Overnight stay at a hotel in Deng.

Walking time: 6:30 hours

Deng to Ghap (2123m)

Today our trail goes down to the Budhi Gandaki stream and then climbs up to Rana village. Hiking along a lovely forest of pine and crossing bridge, we reach Bihi Phedi from where we can enjoy clear views of Mt. Kutang. Crossing different streams with gradual ups and downs, we finally reach Ghap. Overnight stay at hotel.

Walking time: 5 hours

Ghap to Lhi (2946m)

From Ghap we walk along beautiful rhododendron forest with lots of local bird and langur species. Crossing a stream flowing from Lidanda Glacier, we reach the village of Lhi. The people here are of Tibetan origin along with their ancient culture. Buckwheat, wheat, barley, and potatoes are cultivated as staple crops by the villagers of this area. Since trekking became popular around this area, spinach, carrots, and cabbages are also grown. Overnight stay at Lhi.

Walking time: about 6 hours

Lhi to Lho (3154m) via Hinang Glacier

Today’s trail passes via rhododendron forest with a glance of different birds until Namrung village. Hiking towards Lhi, we pass Mani walls, farming terraces and the rural land of Lamagaun, we reach our destination for today: Lho is a village with lovely little Monasteries, Ribung Gompa and Chorten. You can witness excellent view of Mt. Manaslu from Lho. From here, we take a trail that goes down to visit the Hinang Glacier. Overnight stay at Lho.

Walking time: 10 hours

Lho to Samagaun (3515m)

The trail from Lho passing along forest of pine and rhododendron takes you to a Tibetan village Syala . Enjoy the wonderful mountain panorama along the way, until we arrive in Samagaun. This is the biggest village of the region with people mostly farmers who cultivate possible crops in this difficult topography. In Samagaun you can see women weaving wool into gowns that are later traded to Tibet. Overnight stay at hotel.

Walking time: 6 hours

Expedition to Manaslu Base Camp (5200m)

Early in the morning, we follow a trail through forest before a steep ascent to a slope and a moraine. There is a magnificent view of the glacier, a turquoise lake and wonderful mountains from all angles. Trekking to Manaslu Base Camp takes approximately 4-5 hours, and descending back to Samagaun takes around 2-3 hrs. From the Base Camp, there is shorter trail to Pungyen Gompa and an icy lake, Birendra Tal. Here you will explore an area which was destroyed by the flood in 1953. Continue the trail to get to the icy water of Birendra Tal which is situated at the base of the glacier, and if you’re brave enough take a dip into the lake. Return to Samagaun and overnight stay at hotel.

Walking time: 8 hours

Samagaun to Samdo (3863m)

Descending to Budhi Gandaki River, we cross Larkya La Trail and move ahead. Through the trail you will pass the beautiful Budhi Gandaki valley. We will also see several Mani walls and forest of Birch and Juniper before you reach Kermo Kharka. From Kharka you follow a downward trail to cross the Budhi Gandaki stream. Afterwards, we will encounter a stone hollow from where you can observe beautifully decorated, large white kani gates, before we reach Samdo, our stop for today.

Walking time: 3 hours

Samdo to Dharmasala (4496m)

Today you will cross Budhi Gandaki stream and then head to Dharamsala, passing the scattered settlements of local people through the steeply trail. After about three hours of climbing along glaciers, with increasingly wonderful panoramas, you reach Dharamsala where you can gaze out at the views. From here you can visit Mani walls, shops and enjoy the attractive view of villages like Larkya and Phedi. Overnight stay at Dharamshala.

Walking time: 3:30 hours

Dharamsala over Larke Pass to Bimtang (3620 m.)

Good morning again in the mountains! Hopefully you are ready, today will be the most demanding day of your Manaslu Circuit: We are going to cross the high pass of Larkya La. After climbing a short trail we enter the valley north of the Larkya Glacier. While trekking along the valley you can enjoy dazzling views of the Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. Then, the trail ahead moves across moraines and a after a steep climbing part we reach the highest section of the Larkya Pass. Here, you will be rewarded with the spectacular views of Cheo Himal (6820m), Kangguru (6981m) , Himlung Himal (7126m), and the giant Annapurna II (7937m). Descending the trail from Larke Pass via low pasture land to Tanbuche and then down to Bimtang. Overnight stay at Bimtang.

Walking time: 10 hours

Bimtang to Tilije (2281m)

Today in morning you can enjoy the fascinating landscape of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Lamjung Himal and Cheo Himal. After enjoying Himalayan panorama, following a descending trail to Sangure Kharka and walking from this pasture land you will cross a bridge over the Dudh Khola. Passing through rhododendron forest and a thin valley you reach the highest cultivated land valley of Karche (2785m). The mountain trail ahead connects you with Gho and walking forward from Gho leads you to a village named Tilije, where we say overnight.

Walking time: 6:30 hours

Tilije to Syange (1130m)

Following trail through Dudh Khola along lush bamboo forests, we reach Dharapani – a Tibetan village with prayer flags flapping in the wind. Trekking towards south on the Annapurna Circuit trail, we reach at a suspension bridge over which we cross Marsyangdi stream. You can observe large plain lands and waterfall at lovely Tal which is the last village in the Lower Manang Region. Chamje is a village of typical teahouses enjoyed by travelers. Descending through the forest, crossing the river and a large waterfall leads us to the lovely village of Jagat, situated on the ridge beside the Marsyangdi valley. Descending sharply, we reach a small village of Syange.

Walking time: 8:30 hours

Syange to Besisahar, drive back to Kathmandu

On the way you will drive through the dusty roads passing the beautiful villages like Bhulbhule and Khudi. From Besisahar it takes around 6 – 7 hrs to drive back to Kathmandu, crossing over some mountain passes and rivers along the way. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on a great adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Into the Himalayas…

Travelling through Gorkha and Arughat to the south of Manaslu, we tend to ascend the spectacular gorge of the Buri Gandaki. Passing through small villages perked up on the steep valley sides, you will get deeper insights into the life in Nepal’s mountains.

We are approaching a whole different world up here, a secret Buddhist world of monasteries, mani-walls and prayer flags. Spirituality is strong in the mountains. The major peaks we observe on this trek are Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himal Chuli and Himlung Himal. After exploring the Larkya La, we tend to descend into the heavily forested Marsyangdi valley. Soon, we’re about to reach the Annapurna range and descend from there.

Why Manaslu Circuit Trekking?

This trek to the base of Mount Manaslu offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed natural beauty and a great diversity of flora and fauna. We begin our trek from Arughat Bazaar. Soon all traces of modern civilization fade as we travel through villages where the harmonious agricultural life has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The trek begins to get more serious with the start of the ascent of the Gandaki River Valley, fed by innumerable rivers and waterfalls, where trekkers often enjoy a swim in refreshing river pools.

In Samagaun, we visit the glacial green lake of Birendra. In Sado, Tibetan monks inhabit sacred monasteries only 15km away from the border. More monasteries await you in Larkya Bazaar, along with this trek’s biggest challenge: Crossing the Larkya La at 5135m, between snow covered peaks which reach over 6500 m.

From the top of the pass we descend through alpine forests alive with flowers, ferns, bamboo, pine, waterfalls and aqua-blue green lakes which are laced with cotton-white beaches. This 15 days excursion should leave you somewhat fitter with a sense of peace and respect both the people of region and the majesty of the Nepal Himalaya.

Manaslu Circuit Trek gets completed by using native lodges and tea-houses giving an ideal chance to relate with the local people of Nepal living in high Himalayan valleys.

The above cost is based on Minimum 2 Pax, on Sharing Basis.
Note: for Single Traveler, Single supplement charges apply.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu

JOIN GROUP

1 before departure from Kathmandu.

SERVICE INCLUDES

Transportation from Kathmandu / Sothikhola by Private Jeep.

Transportation from Besisahar/ Kathmandu by Private Car.

Trekking Information Management System Fee (TIMS Fee)

Annapurna National Park Conservation Fee

Manaslu National Park Conservation Fee.

Restricted area special permit.

Lodge trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and accommodation in teahouse lodge.

Services of English speaking trekking guide and porter (one porter for two people and the maximum weight carry by one porter is total 25kg).

Accommodation, meals, insurance, equipment and allowance of guide and porter.

Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.

All applicable government taxes and service charges.

SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Any accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.

Nepal visa fee.

Any international and domestic airfare

Your personal travel insurance and medical.

Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).

Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter, and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.

Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents, and other occurrence, beyond our control.

Any other optional services not mentioned above as included.

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Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Region

Larkya La – The Larke Pass

Itinerary Outline: