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Manasalu Circuit Trek

Duration: 18 Days

Trip Overview

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max Elevation: 5,106 Meters
  • Best Season: Spring(March – May) and Autumn(Sept – November)
  • Total Duration: 18 Days

Manasalu Circuit Trek is also among the best treks in Nepal. The trek route is wild and remote. But there are teahouses at suitable interval passes, so food and shelter are not completely out of reach.

It is not as famous a trek as the Everest region and Annapurna region treks but provides beautiful scenery along the path. Highlights include the natural beauty of forests, rivers, and flora. Larky La Pass is the highest point of the trek. During this trek, you definitely encounter a peaceful natural environment and heart-pleasing scenery.  

Itinerary

  • Day-1 - Arrival to Kathmandu (1350m)

    Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (TIA), our representative from Hillstrek will be there to pick you up. You will be transferred to the hotel in half an hour drive with a private vehicle. We discuss our trip and you have time for refreshments. In the evening we are together again to welcome dinner in the typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural programs.

  • Day-2 - Half day sightseeing Kathmandu (1350m)

    After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for half day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley UNESCO protected world heritage sites .You will have your lunch in the restaurant with the view of Stupa then you will be back to hotel. You will meet your tour leader and discuss about the trek and do last minutes arrangements.

  • Day-3 - Drive to Sotikhola via Arughat (710m) 8-9 hours

    We start early drive today for Sotikhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We drive on a pitched road from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, district headquarter of Dhading, but the drive from Dhanding Besi to Arughat will be on a rough road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola through Arkhet bazar which place supply all the goods and materials for Manashlu region.

  • Day- 4 - Trek to Maccha Khola (900mtrs) 5-6 hours

    In the beginning of the day, we cross the bridge, we trek through the beautiful forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. Then we reach Khursanibari/Liding upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down. The trail to Machhakhola goes through the sand bank of Budhigandaki river and the village Lapubesi.

  • Day-5 - Trek to Jagat (1410m) 6-7 hours

    The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Thado Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hotspring called Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki once again. We climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Yarubagar via Dobhan.Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat.

  • Day-6 - Trek to Deng (1804m) 6-7 hours

    We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatte Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge to Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet and corn fields to Ekle Bhatti.The trail derived into the Manashlu circuit and Tsum Valley. At this point, we descend to the grassland slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we continue through the trail we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village, Deng.

  • Day- 7 - Trek to Namrung (2630m) 6-7 hours

    The day begins with crossing the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bihi fedi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and manewall where we turn towards a corner that enters to Ghap.We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas enroute. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung.

  • Day- 8 - Trek to Samagaon (3530m) 6-7 hours

    Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village we can also see Mount. Himal Chuli in the south. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always closed by. We further pass through Shyo, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt. Manashlu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon.

  • Day- 9 - Acclimatization day at Samagaon

    We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Today, we get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mane stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. We explore the monastery (Pungyen Gompa), with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manashlu, Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manashlu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959.

  • Day- 10 - Trek to Samdo (3860m) 2-3 hours

    Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manashlu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mane walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermu Kharka. We drop to the river, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river and on the top is Samdo.

  • Day- 11 - Trek to Dharamsala/Larke Fedi (4460m) 3-4 hours

    Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. Way to the north goes to the Tibet boarder on the way. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon.

  • Day-12 - Trek to Bhimthang (3720m) via Larke-La (5106m) 8-9 hours

    After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larke Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. The downhill trail from Larke-La to the bottom is amazing but tough.To walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manashlu looming close by is an overwhelming experience.

  • Day-13 - Trek to Tilche (2300m) 5-6 hours

    From a ridge at Bhimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank. A short distance beyond is the village of Gowa. Due to yesterday’s tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gowa but better settlements are available at Tilche.

  • Day- 14 - Trek to Tal (1700m) 4-5 hours

    We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. Then we cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mane wall and reach the Thochen village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, we come across Karte village and after quiet a bit of walking we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. We also come across some mane walls before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a large waterfall.

  • Day-15 - Trek to Syange (1080m) 4-5 hours

    We follow the trail to Chyamche village crossing the Marshyangdi Khola once again. The Marsyandi valley opens with its terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides. The trail then descends through rhododendron and pine forests to Syange via Jagat.

  • Day- 16 - Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar 8-9 hours

    The drive from Syange to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers one an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes. The drive is often along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. We also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road.

  • Day- 17 - Leisure day in Kathmandu

    After the long trek you need a day for relax and refreshment. You can go for massage and buy souvenirs etc. We meet in the evening for farewell dinner.

  • Day- 18 - Departure Transfer

    We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. You must leave hotel 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel -1350m
Day 02 : Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu 1350m
Day 03 : Drive to Sotikhola via Arughat-710m (6-7 Hours)
Day 04 : Trek to Machhakhola- 900m (5-6 Hours)
Day 05 : Trek to Jagat-1410m (5-6 Hours)
Day 06 : Trek to Deng-1800m (5-6 Hours)
Day 07 : Trek to Namrung- 2630m (5-6 Hours)
Day 08 : Trek to Samagaon- 3530m (5-6 Hours)
Day 09 : Acclimatization day at Samagaon
Day 10 : Trek to Samdo-3860m (3 Hour)
Day 11 : Trek to Dharamsala- 4460m (3-4 Hours)
Day 12 : Trek to Bhimthang via Larke pass 5106m (6-7 Hours)
Day 13 : Trek to Tilche- 2300m (5-6 Hours)
Day 14 : Trek to Tal- 1700m (3-4 Hours)
Day 15 : Trek to Syange-1880m (5-6 Hours)
Day 16 : Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar (8-9 Hours)
Day 17 : Leisure day in Kathmandu
Day 18 : Departure

Cost Included/Excluded

     Cost Included

  • Airport picks up and drops off by private transport.
  • Accommodation: bed and breakfast basis at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu. (According to Itinerary)
  • Kathmandu city tours, including all entry fees, tour guides, and private vehicle transfer.
  • Surface transfer on private transport/ tourist bus. (According to Itinerary)
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Best available twin sharing room at  lodge/tea house accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide)
  • Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Salary, insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation for the guide and porters.
  • A comprehensive first aid medical kit
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS)
  • All government and local taxes.

     Cost Excluded

  • International flights and Nepal entry visa.
  • Nepal entry visa. (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa)
  • Travel insurance.
  • Foods, beverages and bar bills.
  • Dinner and lunch at Kathmandu and Pokhara except as in the itinerary.
  • All kinds of Personal equipment and expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Emergency evacuation.
  • Gratitudes to the guide and porters.

 

Trip Highlights

Trip Highlights:

  • Arughat-7,10m
  • Jagat-1410m
  • Namrung- 2630m
  • Samagaon- 3530m
  • Samdo-3860m
  • Dharamsala- 4460m
  • Larkya- La pass- 5,106m
  • Tilche- 2300m 
  •  Tal- 1700m                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
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