Manaslu Circuit
17 Days
Strenous
3520m
Spring (March- May) and Autumn ( Sep-Oct)
Manaslu Region
5-7 hours per day
The Tsum valley and Manaslu round trek is taken one of the most adventurous trekking package in the remote area of Nepal. During the trekking, we can have splendid view of mountains – Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himlung, Naike Himal and experience the Budhism culture practiced on the high lands of northern Nepal. It will take us around one of the most famous mountain above 8000m i.e. Mt. Manaslu and will have life time opportunity to explore the hidden treasure of Nepal, which is called Tsum valley. It also offers us the excellent view of Ganesh Himal range, Manaslu rang, Tibetam and Buddha Himalayan ranges. Since the trekking package is one of the strenuous trekking, hence we need to be well prepared, physically fit and properly acclimatized.
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
We will pick up you from the airport and lead you to the booked hotel. We will share information about the trip and after that, it is your own day and can enjoy your time followed by welcome dinner.
Day 02 : Preparation and sight seen program of Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be taken for Kathmandu sight seen program, which includes the visit of Swayambhu temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Day 03 : Kathmandu – Pokhara
Distance: 138km
Duration:8-9 hours
It will take about 8 hours to reach Arughat bazaar from Kathmandu. The famous river of this region called Budhi Gandaki flows from the middle of this bazaar. It is a major town of Gorkha district from where our trek starts. Trekkers used to spend their night at Arughat earlier, but nowadays because of construction of road to Sotikhola, we can reach there within two hours' drive from Arughat. We will spend our night at Sotikhola.
Day 04 : Sotikhola - Machi Khola ( 870m)
Distance:14 km
Duration: 5 hours
While on the way to Machi Khola from Sotikhola, we have to cross the bridge and trek through Sal forest. The trail is rocky and it goes up and down with the view of waterfalls. On the way, we will see rice terrace and then again, we have to move up to reach the village of Gurung community called Labubesi. Now, our trail starts to descend to river bed of sand and it follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. We will stay at Machi Khola at night.
Day 05 : Maccha Khola – Jagat ( 1340m)
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 7 hours
Now, the trail from Machha Khola starts to move up and down and crossing the river- Tharo Khola, we will reach Khorlabesi. If we follow the trail of more ups and downs, then we will reach hot spring called Tatopani. Again, we have to climb over another ridge and then cross Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Then there comes staircase, across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. After we cross on a suspension bridge on Dobhan Khola and we climb up along the trail to Duman. Now another place will come called Yaru Khola and to reach there, we have to ascend to Budhi Gandaki. There is a suspention bridge over Yaru Khola and after crossing over it, we will have to climb more to reach Tharo Bharyang. Crossing to the west bank of Budi Gandaki and then trekking more lead us to the place called Jagat, office of Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and police check post.
Day 06 : Jagat - Deng (1860 m)
Approximate distance: 19 km
Duration: 7-8 hrs
In Jagat, we will show our trekking permit and then afterwards, we will descend to the river. After climbing Salleri, we will have the beautiful view of Sringi Himal (7190m) and pass through Siribas village. You will be surprised to see Pani-Ghatta (traditional water mill) being used for grinding. We can also see people being involved in agricultural works like harvesting and thrashing. We will continue our trekking and walk over a suspension bridge to reach another village named Philim, where we can find the check-post of Manaslu Conservation Area Project. It also has school, which was financially supported by Japanese donor and micro-hydro plant. Now, our trekking goes through attractive pastures on trail over Budi Gandaki river. At the right side of our route, we can see beautiful waterfall, which will refresh us. Nearly after two and half hours we left Philim, we arrive a metal bridge over Budhi Gandaki and we will take left turn of the route for Manaslu circuit.
After climbing down a little bit, we will cross Budhi Gandaki river on a steel Bailey's bridge and walk towards north direction. Then, we will trek to Nyak on the left and ascend slowly along a wide route via pine forest. Crossing over the river two more times by using steel bridge and then, we will trek through dense forest. In the forest, we can find rhododendrons, bamboo and wildflowers. Then we start climbing and if we look back, we can have nice look of Ganesh Himal IV. This is very easy climbing and it is of an hour, then we need to walk over a suspension bridge to cross Deng Khola. We will be now in Deng village at where Ganesh Himall will be at our back side where as if take our eyes to the north direction, then excellent view of Lapuchen and Dwijen mountains can be seen.
Day 07 : Deng to Namrung (2630m)
Approximate distance: 17km
Duration: 6-7hours
We will descend steeply from Deng and climb to another village called Rana village. Our climbing continues through pine forest and when we cross bridge, then we will be Bihi Phedi. We will see many manis built by the local people of Bihi village indicating their great passion towards Buddhism. There is also a monastery popularly called Serang Gompa at the foothills of Sringi Himal. It is considered as one of the major meditation site of Guru Ronpochhe. We will cross Serang Khola following a trail, which continues high above Budi Gandaki river. After walking for two and half hour with the spectacular scenery, we will walk on the bridge to cross Budi Gandaki and we will be in Ghap.
After we leave Ghap, we have to climb and walk through another dense forest of rhododendron, bamboo and oaks. Then, there comes a suspension bridge, which we have to cross built over Budhi Gandaki river. On the trail, we can see the national bird of Nepal- Lophophorus in the forest. Finally, we will arrive our destination for today- Namrung. This is the first village of Nubri and most of the people speak Tibetan language and follow Buddhism. Locally, Nubri means western ridge or western mountains.
Day 08 : Namrung - Shyala (3500m)
Distance: Approximate 14 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
From Namrung, we have to trek through barley field and pasture to get another human settlement i.e. Banjam. Now our climbing starts steep and we will get to Lihi ( 2920m). During the trekking, we can have the splendid view of mountains- Ngadi Himal and Manaslu.north. Then, we will enter another beautiful village, which is locally called Sho. Our walking through the field of buckwheat, wheat and barley continues with the beautiful view of Ngadi Chuli. After descending from Sho and crossing a small river, we will reach Shrip, where we can find the local women busy in weaving. We will now take a short but steep ascent to reach Lho village. In this village also, we can see local women working on the looms. This village has Nyingma Rimjug Gompa, where more than 100 monks stay and study. We can just wander and explore around this village to have look on chorten, prayer flag and mani representing the practice of Buddhism culture and religion. At out backdrop, the spectacular view of Manaslu can be seen.
Our trekking continues on the barley fields, descending and crossing a small river on wooden bridges. Then, we start ascending through forest crossing a small hydroelectric project and our hiking will keep on until we reach Hong Sangbu Gompa. It is at the seasonal herding spot called Musitang Kharka and is surrounded by mountains. Our next destination is Shyala, where we will spend our night. To reach this place, we have to climb down and experience the local women working in an old mill roasting barley to convert into tsampa. It is the place of summer settlement with new lodges and old houses from where excellent view of mountain panoramas can be seen.
Day 09 : Shyala - Sama Gaon (3520m)
Distance: Approximate 12 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
While going from Shyala to Sama Gaon, we see a stream made from Pung Ghyen glacier and it has to be crossed to ascend next to the small river. Now, we can visit Pung Gyen Monastery and its backdrop becomes fascinating because of Mt. Manaslu. Carefulness is needed from our side while walking on icy and slippery path through Numla Khola and debris f Pung Ghyen glacier. While we look down the village from this place, we can see excellent view of glacial lake and Mt. Manaslu.
One important fact we should know about Pung Gyen Monastery that it was destroyed by avalanche in 1953. The current state of the monastery was restored one. In the area of this monastery, we can find a cave gompa from where we can more better panorama of the valley. After spending some time at this place, our return journey to Mansalu starts and trek to Sama gaon to spend our night. It is a bigger village of Manaslu circuit located at the base of Mt. Manaslu. Most of the people living in this place are of Tibet origin and their religion is Buddhism. While wandering around the village, we can see manis, prayers. and chhortens. These establishments are the indications of the local people of this village showing great passion towards Biddhism. The people living in this village grow barley and potatoes for just three months. In the remaining months, they become engaged in trading with lower villages and Tibet. The houses of this village is made of stone, wood and shingles with animal pen underneath their homes.
Day 10 : Acclimatization day at Sama Gauon (Hike to Manaslu Base Camp-14km/8hours)
Distance: Approximate 14 km
Duration: 7-8 hours
On this day, we can take rest, but it is better for us to acclimatize to make our further trip easier. Therefore, we can trek to higher altitude and go towards Glaciel Birendra lake. If we have more capacity and interested to explore more, then we can trek up to the base camp of Mt. Manaslu. It can be reached with the walking time of 7-8 hours. It would be better if we start our journey in the early morning so that we can avoid sun burn and have best views of Mt. Manaslu, Birendra Glacier lake and the village. During the expedition season, the base camp of Mt. Manaslu is crowded with mountaineers, sherpas, porters and tents. As we continue our trip to the base camp of Mt. Manaslu, the mountain landscape becomes more beautiful with the view of Mt. Manaslu, Naike peak and surrounding hills. The highest altitude that we reach on this package is 4800 m, where we feel we are in mountains.
Day 11 : Samagaun - Samdo (3875m)
Distance: Approximate 8km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Today's trekking is very short so we can do comfortably starting from Samagaon. We will cross a bridge and walk west towards Mt. Manaslu base camp and Birendra lake. Going through the forest of past juniper, rhododendron, birch, we will find a lake below us and will move near to the majestic icefall of Manaslu glacier. During our trekking to Samdo, we need to cross a stream moving towards north and will pass by the left side of lengthy mani walls at Kyongma Kharka. Finally, we will be able to locate chortens of Samdo. We will trek back to Budhi Gandaki and do short climb that will lead us to Samdo after crossing a bridge. This village has a small monastery and it is also the village of people, whose ancestors from Tibet following Buddhism culture and they are found in the farm looking after sheep, yaks, goats, horses.
Day 12 : Samdo - Larkya Phedi/ Dharamsala (4480 m)
Distance: Approximate 6 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Today is also short day trekking of 3-4 hours walking from Samdo to Larkya Phedi. Crossing a small bridge and heading towards west above the Larkya Bazaar, then we will go through field and walk on grassy plateaus of short juniper bushes and rhododendron. The scene of landscape become more beautiful as we move ahead. On the side of the valley, we can have magnificent view of glacier, which comes from Manaslu and Manslu north peaks. Then finally, we will be at the high camp of Larkya La pass called Dharamsala. We can see blue sheep in the barren slopes and the temperature of this place is very cold, therefore, we need to keep ourselves warm in the afternoon. If we are strong and want to wander more, then we can climb more on the ridges of Samdo valley to enjoy the birds flying and blue sheep. At the south side of us, the view of Naike Peak is just fantastic and in front of us, we can see the summit point of Mt. Manaslu.
Day 13 : Cross Larkya La (5160m) - Bimthang (3590m) 16km/8-9 hours
Approximate distance: 16 km
Duration: 8-9 hours
We have to trek longer today, hence, we need to get ready early in the morning for the breakfast. Initial trek of about 30 minutes is little bit easy. Then, we will trek along the right side of debris of Larkya glacier and then through the narrow bottom of the valley. We will arrive the valley, which is at the north side of Larkya glacier. From this place, the view of Ganesh Hima I (at the east side) and Larkya peak (at the west side) can be beautifully seen. We will continue our trek on glacial debris and most of the time, it is snowy. After two hours of walking, we will be at the small hut located at an altitude of 4920m. If we walk two and hours from here, then we will be at the top of Larkye pass. It has small ridges, frozen lake and last portion of the summit is steeper. From the top, we can see Samdo peak and other border peak of Tibet and Nepal. On the west side of Larkye pass, other mountains like Annapurna II, Kang Guru, Himlung and Cheo Himal can be seen very clearly.
It is also very windy place and then climbing high through razor edge ridge followed by a sharp drop. Carefulness is needed very much on this trail since it is slippery and icy. We will walk on the trail that takes us to the left side of Salpu Danda glacier debris. We will locate a comfortable place to have our packed lunch and then descend steeply. During this walking down, we can see pastures with short rhododendron, primulas and azalea. It will be our about three hour difficult descending walk to reach Bimthang. If luck is in our favour, then we can get opportunity to encounter with blue sheep, pika, marmot and Tibetan snow-cock track with the high chance to see snow leopard.
Day 14 : Bimthang – Dharapani ( 1965m)
Approximate distance: 24 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
Today is the day of descending, which starts from Burdin Khola to the highest cultivating area in the village called Karche. Then we again move downward to Gho followed by the trek to Tilje. We will then Dudh Khola on a wooden bridge and arrive at Dharapani.
Day 15 : Dharapani-Syange (1700)
Approximate distance:20 km
Duration: 6-7 hours
We will go south direction from Dharapani and will be at the mail trail leading to Annapurna circuit. Now, crossing Marshyangdi river on a suspension bridge, then we reach Karte village. Again, we will cross Marshyangdi river and trek on high cliff and will find many tea houses on the route. We switch back and walk the steep trail and again cross the Marsyangdi River again. Now, we will be Tal village located at the banks of river. Continuing our trek on the bank of river, we will ascend to mani walls and again descend steeply through the tea houses at Sattale village. Our ascending and descending continues through the forest and cross another bridge to reach Chamje village.
It is very beautiful village with so many tea houses. Then, we will descend on the rough road with beautiful view of river and waterfalls to reach Jagat. Our walking contuse through the forest of rhododendron and pine forest and then reach another small village called Syange. We can find many teahouses and have look on waterfall at this village.
Day 16 : Drive Syange – Kathmandu
Day 17 : Departure
Have a safe journey
Inclusion
- All airport/hotel transfers
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel (Hotel Moonlight) in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Guesthouse accommodation during trekking in the mountains
- Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during trek
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicles
- All necessary staff with experienced leader (guide), assistant guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- All necessary paper works; trekking permits (ACAP, special permit for Manaslu)
- Welcome dinner
- Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
- All government and local taxes
Exclusion
- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance(Should be covered helicopter evacuation incase of problem on the trek and medical also)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Note
We shall not be responsible for any changes and alterations in the itineraries due to avoidable circumstances i.e. landslide, road blockage, floods, snowfall, political unrest, cancellation of flights, delay arrivals, sickness or accidents and any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients themselves at the spot. It is mostadvisable for clients to have full INSURANCE against medical and personal accidents.