Manaslu Circuit Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
12 to 15 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
16,930ft
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
170–180 km
BASECAMP
Nepal
BEST TIME
(March -May) - (September -November)
PICKUP POINT
Kathmandu | Nepal
Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Remote Himalayan Circuit Around the Spirit Mountain
One of Nepal's most breathtaking treks (the Manaslu Circuit) encircles Mount Manaslu (the world's 8th highest mountain). The area around Mount Manaslu is remote and less popular than the Everest and Annapurna areas of Nepal, which is what makes this trek so special to most people. This trek provides a truly authentic experience of the Himalayas.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins at the lower end of the Budhi Gandaki Valley and winds along the main river through fantastic deep gorges, suspension bridges, terraced farmland, and mixed temperate forests consisting of Sal, Pine, and Rhododendron trees.
As the elevation/altitude increases, the scenery changes from a temperate rainforest to an alpine environment with glaciers, high altitude pastures, and snow-covered peaks. Throughout the trek, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Cheo Himal.
The route through Gorkha District passes through Traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages; for example, Namrung, Samagaon, and Sam do; that have maintained a particularly strong form of Buddhism through the use of monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and stone buildings. The Larkya La Pass (5160 m) crossing may be one of the toughest parts of the trek, but it has spectacular views of all the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate to challenging trek that is recommended for physically fit trekkers who have prior trekking experience.
It is important to become acclimatized to the altitude and take multiple days of trekking.
Usually, the trek is completed in a period of 14 to 16 days and is in a tea-house style, with lodges available along the entire route.
Trekking in this region is restricted, so trekkers must obtain special permits and hire a licensed guide to participate in this trek.
Spring (March through May) and autumn (September through November) are considered the best months to do the Manaslu Circuit because of stable weather conditions and the best mountain views.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is often described as a complete Himalayan adventure because of its diverse landscape, high mountain passes, rich Tibetan culture, and remoteness, and it is one of the best off-the-beaten-path trekking experiences in Nepal.
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola / Machha Khola
The first day begins with a beautiful drive through rural parts of Nepal, alongside rivers, terraced hills, and small villages.
Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, where you'll cross suspension bridges and see waterfalls, narrow gorges, and small local communities.
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng
You'll experience a gradual head downhill as the trail follows the river and winds its way through dense forests, rustic farms, and into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung
See typical Nepali villages that have begun incorporating Tibetan cultural elements and have views of the mountains looking east as you walk.
Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon
The last section will offer spectacular views of Manaslu while traversing through alpine terrain as you make your way to Samagaon.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Samagao
You have the option to either hike to Manaslu Base Camp or to a nearby viewpoint as acclimatisation for your ascent of the mountain, and also to see the glaciers there.
Day 7: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
A short, but scenic, trek to reach the last permanent village before you begin your ascent over a mountain pass.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Samdo
Rest in Samdo, with an optional hike towards Tibet or the ridges above for further acclimatization to altitude.
Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi (Dharamsala)
Trek to the base camp of Larkya La Pass, preparing for the hike up to the highest point of the trek at Larkya La Pass.
Day 10: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) and Trek to Bimthang
The most demanding and rewarding day, with breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic peaks of the high Himalayan range.
Day 11: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani
Enjoy walking down through the forests and high alpine meadows as you return to the Annapurna Trail.
Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
Enjoy the magnificent sights of the scenery of your return to Kathmandu after having completed your trek.
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