Manaslu Circuit Trek: Explore Manaslu circuit 16 days

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Manaslu
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    14 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Manaslu
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    5,106m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Tea House
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/spring

Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek opened in 1992 and very quickly became one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The Manaslu trek takes you close to the border with Tibet. The area is home to both Buddhists and Hindus and will give you an insight to their lives in this remote region. It is stunningly beautiful and trails will lead you through the ubiquitous flowering rhododendron trees, pine, cedar, birch and juniper forests. Of course there is always the immense mountain ranges with their snow covered peaks that glisten in the morning sunlight.

The Manaslu Trek (or Manaslu Circuit Trek) is a 16day tea-house trek which circumnavigates the 8th tallest mountain in the world at (8,156m). This trek has all the features of many treks in Nepal and includes insights into both Hindu and Buddhist culture. The scenery is spectacular and with rhododendron forests and and unique high altitude wildflowers. The rivers that cascade down from the mountains are stunning in their velocity and power. This off the beaten track trekking adventure is visually spectacular.

On this trek around Manaslu you will be flanked by the Annapurna's in the west and Ganesh Himal in the east, an 8000m giant. Only 2% of trekkers take this trek, even in the high season, which is great if you want a little more privacy and solitude. Manaslu is remote and has so much to offer anyone seeking to see massive mountain ranges and peaks.

Your trek naturally begins at lower altitudes, in a hot environment with rice and millet being grown on the terraced hillsides. Your trail will take you by the magnificent turquoise coloured waters of the Budhi Gandaki and its numerous waterfalls and suspension bridges.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts in Kathmandu and then heads to Soti Khola – via Arughat. The following day we head to Machha Khola (meaning fish river). After 4 days on the trail we come to Deng where we have some awesome mountain views. Next stop is Namrung where we can see some real giants, such as Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Mt. Himalchuli (7,893m). Trekking onward we come to Samagaon in the beautiful Budi Gandaki valley. From here we continue on to Samdo and then Dharamsala where we can see the Larkya Glacier and Mt. Larkya. Prior to heading across Larkya La Pass (5100m) we will rest and acclimatise before coming to Bhimthang and then to Gho. From here we continue on to Dharapani trekking through numerous fields and towns, before joining the Annapurna Circuit trail until coming to Besisahar from where we will drive back to Kathmandu.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m).

After breakfast we will drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi through fields of rice and other grains. We will cross streams and traverse along rugged roads before arriving at Arughat. From here we have another 2 hours before arriving at tonight’s destination, Soti Khola.

Day 2 : Trek to Machhakhola (870m).

Today we trek for around 6-7 hours and along the way cross the famous suspension bridge over the Soti Khola. The trail passes through Sal woods before arriving at the raging Budhi Gandaki River. Next we head to Khursane along a rough trail next to cascading rapids and deep crevices. We will pass through the terraced rice fields before arriving at the Gurung town of Labubesi. From here we continue along a sandy riverbed moving higher before again descending to the river and then continue to Machaa Khola for the night.

Day 3 : Trek to Jagat (1340m)

From Maccha Khola we follow the trail to Tharo Khola and finally to Khorlabesi. After a series of undulating hills we come to the famous hot water springs of Tatopani (meaning hot water) wehere we can sooth those aching muscles. Next stop is Doban and then cross several suspension bridges before having to climb some stone stairs before arriving at Thado Bharyang. Here we cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki until we come to jagat where we will stay the night.

Day 4 : Trek to Deng(1860m)

First stop today is Salleri and then on to Sirdibas. We follow the Ghatta Khola and head upstream crossing a suspension bridge before coming to Philim. From here we head north to Ekle Bhatti where we stop for refreshments before heading down the canyon to cross the Budhi Gandaki – on several occasions from west to east and vice versa. The trail takes us through bamboo groves until we come to the Deng Khola (river) and the town of Deng where we stay the night.

Day 5 : Trek to Namrung (2630m).

Today we have a relatively easy trek to before crossing the Budhi Gandaki before arriving at the town of Rana and then head west to the Budhi Gandaki valley. On the trail we pass through forests and the ubiquitous Mani stones until arriving at Ghap. Next stop is Prok, a small town from where we have great views of the mountains range of Siring Himal. We follow the river and pass Gompas on the trail. It levels out somewhat before a steep ascent to Namrung where we stay the night. Namrung is known for its fantastic views of the Siring and Ganesh Himal, including Mt Himal Chuli.

Day 6 : Trek to Lho (3180m).

From Namrung we have a tough trek while passing through forests before coming to Lihi, a town remembered for its chortens and grain storage facilities. We then head through the valley of Simnang, then on to Sho and finally tonight’s destination at Lho.

Day 7 : Trek to Samagaun (3500m).

The first place we come to today is the town of Shyala and then Samagaon where we have some awesome views of Mt. Manaslu. In Sama there is the Ribung Gompa. There are stunning views of the massive mountains and the icy glaciers. Tonight we stay at Samagaon.

Day 8 : Acclimatizing day at Samagaun.

This day is setaside to rest and adjust to the increasing elevation. This is very important and can reduce the issue of altitude sickness. Today we will remain in Samagaon and investigate the surrounding areas, or alternatively we may visit Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa. The main attraction today is a visit to the Pungyen Gompa and amazing views of the mountain glaciers. The climb today may be quite a challenge, and we will jointly decide on our plan for today. We return to Samagaon for the night.

Day 9 : Trek to Samdo (3860m).

We follow the Budhi Gandaki River upriver before crossing a suspension bridge and then head along the path to Larkya la Pass. It is an enjoyable trek passing through Mani stone walls, juniper and birch forests. Once again we cross the Budhi Gandaki and then head to Samdo for the night.

Day 10 : Trek to Dharamasala (4480m).

We start our day by once again crossing the Budhi Gandaki River before climbing higher, crossing streams and simultaneously enjoying the view of the Larkya ice fall. We skirt the valley before arriving at our destination of Dharamsala where we stay the night.

Day 11 : Cross the Larke pass (5213m) trek down to Bimtang (3720 m).

Today we ascend to the valley on the north side of the Larkya ice flow and enjoy some amazing views of Larkya peak. The trail leads us across the steep moraines of an ice fall before coming to Larkya La Pass. Once at the pass we can see Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna Ranges. Today is physically challenging, but eventually we reach Bhimthang, from where we have majestic views of Mt. Manaslu. At the pass we have impressive views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna Range. Tonight we will stay at Bhimthang.

Day 12 : Bimtang to Tilije (2300m).

From Bhimtang, we head toward the Dudh Khola River and after crossing a suspension bridge pass through rhododendron forest and trek through the valley and fields before arriving at Gho and later to Tilije where we stay the night.

Day 13 : Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besishar (760m).

Today we head toward the Dudh Khola passing on the way the Mani walls and a police checkpoint before entering Dharapani where we join the Annapurna trail. At Dharapani we travel by jeep to Besisahar, a journey of around 4 to 5 hours. We will stay here overnight.

Day 14 : Drive back to Kathmandu from Besishar.

Today we travel along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers with views over the terraced rice fields and lush green landscape. This is a typical mountain road that is rough and bumpy. We eventually arrive back at Kathmandu where you are dropped off at your hotel.

SERVICES

What is Included

Fresh fruit every night after dinner.
Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
Trekking lodge (Tea House) accommodations during the trek.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit & Tourist Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
Shared Jeep to Sotikhola and regular bus back to Kathmandu from Besishar.
Shared Jeep from Dharapani- Besishar.
English speaking guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people).
Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Use of Sleeping bags, Down Jacket, Duffel bag and Walking Poles (if you do not have your own, to be return after you complete the trip).
Government taxes and official expenses.
Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
Assistant guide group size above 8+ person.

What is Excluded

Meals and hotel whilst you are in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee.
International airfare.
Your personal expenses.
All the alcoholic and non alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Battery charging and hot shower during trek on the tea houses.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).

EQUIPMENTS

Trekking equipment

The Following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek as the backpack for the hiking in Nepal and the gear play a vital role for the successful trip and we suggest you to have all the necessary gear for the trip and not to have unnecessary equipment/things that you will not be using for the trip and list of the gear you need for the trek are:

Good down Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you do not have on your own and it is to be returned after the trek.
Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters.
Daypack bag for yourself
A down Jacket
Shade hat
Warm wool hat to cover your ears
A pair of lightweight warm gloves.
T-shirts 2- 3 pieces
Lightweight thermal tops.
Fleece jacket.
Fleece Wind-proved jacket (optional).
A pair’s nylon hiking shorts which are quick drying one
Underwear
Two pairs of lightweight long underwear.
Two pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
Four pairs of liner warm socks
A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
A pair of light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
A pair sandal (Optional)
A water bottle.
Head/Torch Light.

Medicines and First Aid Kits

Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches like DMX.
Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
Imodium or Peptone besom, Flexon capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
Diamox 125 or 250mg or 400mg tablets for altitude sickness.
1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.(Uma Holidays Travels and Tours company's team also provide first aid kits)

Miscellaneous but Important

Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)
Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
Lip care (Balm) At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
Sun’s cream with SPF 40 is recommended
Pocket knife.
Water purification Iodine tablets
Toiletry kits and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.

Note Regarding Itineraries:
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan and their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Uma Holidays Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is safe and successful. Your safety is paramount