Manaslu Circuit Trek 19 Nights/20 Days
Nepal is the ultimate paradise for the adventure junkies that get their thrill from the numerous trekking routes and options to see some of the top ten tallest mountains in the world in just one trekking journey. This trekking is growing in popularity as an alternative to Annapurna circuit trekking. So, it is no wonder that hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world visit Nepal every trekking season to experience a trip that allows them to experience a beautiful mixture of nature, culture, art and adventure. Though Nepal is a famous trekking destination now that allows tourists to enjoy the diverse terrain along with its variety of flora and fauna, it wasn’t always so. It wasn’t until 1991 that all parts of the trekking regions were open to the tourists. Since then a number of the trekking regions on the border of Nepal and Tibet have opened for tourism. One of such lovely treks is the Manaslu circuit trekking.
The Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the best treks known for its solidarity and preservation. This region sees very few visitors so that the trails are less trodden making the journey a peaceful, natural and beautiful experience perfect for those seeking a getaway from the everyday busy lives. Not just the spellbinding natural beauty, but the traditional Tamang and Sherpa settlements with their unique cultures are another highlight of the trip. The Manaslu Circuit Trek tour starts from Kathmandu where we visit the UNESCO world heritage sites and then to Arughat from where the actual trekking begins. The entire route is adorned with the perfect views of the snow-clad mountains, unique combination of rich cultural heritages and adventure amidst vantage points with incomparable beauty and rare bio-diversity. Mt. Manaslu standing at 8,156m is the highest peak in the area which is also the eighth highest peak in the world. The Manaslu region is famous for its high altitude glacier lakes, fascinating flora and fauna, cultural diversity and richness which make it one of the favorite destinations for trekkers around the world. The standard circuit trek begins at Arughat and ends at Bulbule and requires a trekking permit to travel all the way through the Manaslu area.
Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Day 03: Trek from Kathmandu to MachchaKhola
Day 04: MachchaKhola to Jagat
Day 05: Jagat to Pewa
Day 06: Pewa to Namrung
Day 07: Namrung to Lho
Day 08: Lho to SamaGaun
Day 09: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or PungyenGompa)
Day 10: SamaGaun to Samdo
Day 11: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
Day 12: Samdo to Dharmasala
Day 13: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass
Day 14: Bimthang to Dharapani
Day 15: Dharapani to Kathmandu
Day 16: Final transfer to Airport for your flight to home
Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft). Overnight at Hotel
Upon your arrival to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Mystic Kailash Adventure Pvt. Ltd. You will then be checked in to your hotel. You can either rest or stroll around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel. Here you can do souvenir shopping and enjoy the authentic Nepali cuisine in one of the many restaurants. You will also be briefed about the entire trek on this day.Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel
On this day, you will visit the numerous UNESCO’s world heritage sites in Kathmandu which includes the Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanathstupa, SwoyambhunathStupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and others. It will be a fun day witnessing the beautiful mixture of religion, culture and architecture in the various areas of the capital city. At the end of the day, you will make the final preparations for the Manaslu trip and also obtain the permit and other documents required for an easy, convenient journey.Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Trek from Kathmandu to Machchakhola (870m) via Arughat (640m) and andSotikhola (710m). Overnight at camp
We will start the day early after breakfast. We take a drive from Kathmandu to DhadingBesi on a nice paved road enjoying the views of the hilly areas, terraces, fields and rivers.The drive from DhadingBesiMachchaKhola.After crossing a popular suspension bridge of SotiKhola, drive a ridge above the splashing rapids of the BudhiGandaki River. After reaching Khursane, the trail becomes rocky, passing through waterfalls and cliffs. We make our way past terraced rice fields and up to a Gurung village of Labubesi. We reach MachchaKhola village. Overnight at tea house in MachchaKhola.
Day 04: Trek from MachchaKhola to Jagat (1,350m).Overnight at camp
The next day, From Machhakhola we follow a narrow trail that takes us to TharoKhola and finally to Khorlabesi. After a few ascends and descends, we reach a popular hot-spring, Tatopani. We climb another ridge and cross the BudhiGandaki on another suspension bridge. After this, we climb a staircase and then cross a landslide and a ridge to reach Doban. After crossing a suspension bridge, we again climb stone staircase then go down to the river and climb some stairs again to reach ThadoBharyang. Then, we cross the west bank of BudhiGandaki, climb over a ridge, walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat where we spend the night.Overnight at camp in Jagat.
Day 05: Jagat to Pewa
The next day, you will walk to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. The village welcomes you with several gompas and Buddhist prayer flags. You can also try the local alcohol at many stopovers on the route before you reach Phillim. At Phillim, you will have your permits checked, and then you will continue along the western bank of the river.
The trail is beautiful, with unique sculptures over the boulders on the river bank formed due to river water. Leaving the riverbank, you proceed through rhododendron forests, Himalayan pine, and the overhanging rocks on the towering peaks. These highlights beautify the trail.
On proceeding further, you cross the SiyarKholabridge and reach a junction where the trail separates to Tsum valley on your right.
Finally, you will reach Pewa, the final destination of the day. There are only two teahouses in the region where they serve basic food and a night of cozy sleep. Pewa has the best Dal Bhat in Nepal with the ShilongAcha.
Day 06: Pewa to Namrung
After the sun rises, you will have breakfast and start the day’s trek. Before ascending the winding trails, you will walk across the bamboo forest to reach Deng. Moving further, you will cross a suspension bridge to climb to Rana and BihiPhedi. On the trail, White Faced monkeys visit villages looking for a free feed.
The trail then proceeds to Ghap through several landslide zones. At this point, you must be extra careful as you walk. Plus, you must be attentive to your guide’s instructions to maintain physical safety. After the landslide zone, you will follow the trail up to Namrung.
After about 1hr on the uneven trail, you will climb a zigzag from the river to the neat village of Namrung (2660m). The place has some of the best teashops, a restaurant, and rest houses on the trek. A local businessman worked for over a decade in Hong Kong, then returned to Namrung and built a modern restaurant and hotel with Cappuccinos and WiFi.
Day 07: Namrung to Lho
Witnessing the lifestyles of the Nubri people, you will start the day. Exploring their Tibet-influenced typical lifestyle, you will walk past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses through Banjam to enter the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lihi and then to Sho.
As you start walking, you will see most locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress. As you start further, you will notice some fine paintings in the Kani (gate arches) that you pass before lho. Walking across the rocky hillside routes, you will finally reach Lho.
You can catch stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) from the place. You will gain a high altitude on this day, so you must walk slowly and check your body signs.
Day 08: Lho to SamaGaun
The next morning, on walking, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear stream. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach SamaGaun. Once you enter the village, mountain views fade; however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you.
SamaGaun is the principal village of the Nubri people, which holds a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, telephone/wifi access, etc.
Day 09: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or PungyenGompa)
This is the day of acclimatization at SamaGaon to prevent altitude-related illness. And, as an acclimatization hike, you will walk to PungyenGompa east of the Nubri Valley. On this acclimatization hike, you have to take a pack lunch.
Once at the hilltop, you will get enticing views of Manaslu. Nearby, you will see many Himalayan Thars and Yaks grazing or you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp north of Sama Gong. You can follow the trail past Birendra Tal and turn left onto the base camp track.
You will climb the steady trails. However, the altitude may cause breathing difficulty. So, you need to maintain body hydration and walk slowly. Proceeding slowly, you will walk north of Manaslu glacier to basecamp at 4,400m / 14,435, then return. Or, you can hike to Birendra Tal, a short walk from Sama Gong. This is an option if you feel the need for a rest or if you are finding the altitude difficult.
Day 10: SamaGaun to Samdo
On this new day, you will reach the newer destination ieSamdo. But, as you are in a high altitude, you need to walk slowly so this is a short day trek. You will notice extended yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani walls, with a variety of birds.
From there, you will leave the tree line and climb to a ridge across the wooden bridge of BuriGandaki before you reach white Kani. It is a neighbouring village to Samdo, a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding. Once at Samdo, you can explore the nearby villages or hike to Samdo Peak. The Larkya La trail is on the left above the valley. You can also see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La forming slopes on the Larkya La trail.
Day 11: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
As a day for rest, you will stop at Samdo where you will go for a day trip to the Tibetan border. From the border, you can also see parts of Tibet and Nepal. If lucky, you can also witness the Yak caravan passing the border.
Once at the border, if you look towards the south of Samdo Glacier you will get excellent photos with a huge sear near the top of the glacier. You can also frame Blue Sheep, Pica’s, and Marmots in season.
Day 12: Samdo to Dharmasala
This is another adventurous day in the high altitude. So, you must watch your body signs properly. Enjoying the scenic views of the chain of the Himalayas, you will walk slowly across the rugged terrains of the Manaslu region before you reach Dharmasala.
Day 13: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass
This is a special day as you will walk to the trail’s highest point. On this day, you will walk to Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft). The walk could be quite challenging in bad weather and the snow, yet; it is doable. You will cross the pass before the afternoon, so you must wake up early( 3 am), have breakfast, and leave the teahouse early. This is the challenging part of the trek, but if you walk steadily, you can walk to the pass successfully.
The stunning views you will witness once you stand at the pass make the trip more enlightened. You will catch views of Himlung (7,126m/ 23,379 ft) near Tibet and Kang Guru (6,981m /22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft) in the Annapurna Range. Spending your particular time at the pass, you will walk down for around 3 hours toward Bimthang for an overnight stay. On descending, you will get views of huge icefalls and mountains in all directions, Pongkar Tal between the Pongkar and SalpuDanda Glaciers.
Day 14: Bimthang to Dharapani
This is the final day you will be walking on the trails of the Manaslu region. On climbing downhill, you will walk through the lush forests full of flora and fauna, including rhododendron bushes.
Walking back across the DudhKhola, you will walk to Karche for lunch. In the next hour, you will see many signs of a glacial flood, with tree trunks smashed and banks undermined, the track becoming rough. And the trail drops to Gurung Goa, the first village since Samdo. The valley becomes more agricultural and lush as you pass fields and copses of oak and rhododendron, staying on the north (true right) bank until Tilije. From there, you will continue your stroll toward Dharapani.
Day 15: Dharapani to Kathmandu
You will take a jeep from Tilije to BeshiSahar. From there, you will take a ride back to Kathmandu. After the 6 to 7 hours’ drive from BeshiSahar, you will get to rest in one of the sophisticated hotels in Kathmandu.
Day 16: Final transfer to Airport for your flight to home.
On your last day of the trip, we will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport. We would like to welcome you again to visit our Mystic Kailash Adventure Pvt. Ltd. office to explore more of the hidden treasures of our nation.
T-house Trek includes accommodation in lodge, guide, porters and all meals
USD …. per person on twin sharing – minimum of 3 participants
Single room supplement: USD (compulsory if no one to share the room with)
Note: Single room supplement charge is applicable for Kathmandu Hotel only. During trek, as per the availability we shall provide single/double or dormitory room. In case of special requirement, we shall provide single with an additional room surcharge during trek.
• Airport Pick and Drop by private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotels in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing with breakfast
• Guide sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with inclusive of monuments entry fees.
• Accommodation during trek available everyday en-route (T-House and Hotel)
• All meals during trek in Local Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• English speaking local expert guide (ratio: – 2 guide: 4/5 member, 3 guide: 10/15 member)
• Local porters during trek (ratio: – 1 porter = 2 member)
• Manasalu&Tsum valley Trekking Permits
• Annapurna Conservation Area permits fees
• Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS)
• Ground transportation with an escort by Private Vehicle/tourist bus
• Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
• Insurance for all staff & porters
• All applicable government tax
• Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée 30 days – USD 40
• International flight
• Lunch & dinner during Kathmandu hotel stay
• Extra baggage charges (All together only 15 kg is allow for porter)
• Personal gears & clothing (available on hire in Kathmandu)
• Tips for guides, porter, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking
• Any other tours, transfer and service other than mentioned above