| Group size: | Minimum 2 pax | Max-Altitude: | 5153 m/ 17005 ft. |
| Destination: | Nepal | ||
| Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Kathmandu |
| Meals: | All meals during trek | ||
| Accommodation: | Hotel/Mountain lodge | ||
| Fitness level: | Moderate | ||
Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative walking adventure to famous Annapurna Circuit Trek witnessing rich local heritage in the Lap of stunning Mt. Manaslu and crossing over the most dramatic Larkya Pass (5160 m).
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an ideal trek that holds the blend of wonderful cultural heritage, unparalleled Himalayan vistas, pure Himalayan ecosystem and great walking experience following the ancient salt trading route of the Tiber along the Budi Gandaki river. Since 1992, Manaslu Circuit Trek has been the best alternative trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek begins with a drive to Arughat and chases the traverses uphill beside the rushing Budi Gandaki River. The walk through uneven gorges sliced between Himachuli Peak 7890m, the Manaslu Circuit Trek most of the times covers wilderness walk.
Manaslu Circuit Trek also highlights the beautiful cultural blend of different ethnic tribes. The landscape dominated by wonderful Budi Gandaki River Valley, the views of majestic Manaslu (eighth highest peak in the world), Mt. Himachuli and Mt Ganesh among others are other major highlights of the trek. Moreover, the latter half of the trek caters the challenge of crossing Larkya La Pass 5153m. The culture of Nuri, which manifests little Tibet in the mountains below Mt. Manaslu is a great cultural encounter during the trek. After crossing the wide Larkya pass, it finally enters Annapurna Conservation Area Project and treads along the trails of famous Round Annapurna Trek before it ends at Besisahar.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.)
Day 02: Cultural tour of Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Site and Trek Preparation (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat in a private vehicle(Altitude: 700-m/2296 ft. 6/7 hour’s drive. Meal: BLD)
Day 04: Trek from Soti Khola to Machhakhola (Altitude: 870 m/2952 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 05: Trek from Machhakhola Gaon to Jagat (Altitude: 2340 m/7676 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 06: Trek to Deng (Altitude: 1870m/6170 ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 07: Trek to Ghap (Altitude: 2,160m/7,086ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 08: Trek to Lho (Altitude: 3150m/10395 ft. Trek: 6/ hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 09: Trek to Sama Gaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3-4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 10: Rest day at Sama Gaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Meal: BLD)
Day 11: Trek to Samdo (Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 12: Trek to Larkya Phedi (Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 13: Trek to Bimtang crossing Larkya La Pass (Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 15: Trek to Syange and Jeep/Public Bus drive to Besisahar (Altitude: 60 m/2,493ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. Meal: B)
Day 17: Departure day (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.)
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip.
Day 2 Cultural tour of Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Site and Trek Preparation (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
After your delightful breakfast, you will be introduced with a guide and takes you to UNESCO Heritage sites of the valley where you will observe living heritage of Medieval Nepal - Witness the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath and capture the sacred moments of Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat in Pashupatinath. Stroll the lively streets of Kathmandu Old Market Asan to Kathmandu Durbar Square and visit the home of The Living Goddess Kumari, Nepalese style of Architecture as well as astonishing wooden carving. A short drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square will take you to a hilltop stupa called as “Swyambhu” meaning “self -emerge” and belief that the hill emerged impulsively from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu valley. Also famous as a Monkey Temple.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (Altitude: 700-m/2296 ft. 6/7 hour’s drive. Meal: BLD)
Wake up early morning and get ready after having breakfast at the hotel, also re-check your luggage. Our driver will escort you to the Bus Park to catch a bus to Arughat. You will be driving towards the western part of the valley following a blacktopped Prithvi Highway. Crossing the Trishuli River, you will drive towards Dhading besi from where you will have a bumpy drive of around 3 hours to Arughat. On the way, you can view the beautiful landscape, countryside lifestyle, terraced fields, rivers, and waterfalls. Arughat is a small town mostly settled by the Newar ethnic group.
Resting for a while at Arughat starts a journey towards Soti Khola. Crossing a bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River, you will pass small villages settled by Gurung and Magar ethnic groups, beautiful field of millet and Paddy and landscape along the Sotikhola. Spend overnight at the local lodge.
Day 04: Trek from Soti Khola to Machhakhola (Altitude: 870 m/2952 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Begins trek on few ups/down rocky trail after crossing a suspension bridge passing beautiful Sal forest. Viewing tropical waterfalls and passing terraces, you will walk up to the village of Lapubesi settled by traditional Gurung. Resting for a while, you will start walking uphill along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River till Khanibesi. Here, you can click North-east view of Ganesh Himal and a beautiful waterfall and then starts descending towards the village at Macchakhola. You can take a relaxing dip in a hot spring and explore the surrounding. Spend overnight at the local lodge.
Day 05: Trek from Machhakhola Gaon to Jagat (Altitude: 2340 m/7676 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will start walking in a narrow trail following the Budhi Gandaki River. Just walking in a zigzag trail and crossing a suspension bridge will take you to the Khorlabesi that offers a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal. Now onwards, you will walk in an ascending and descending trail, crosses several suspension bridges, passes landslides, rock falls, and small hamlets; even walk in stone steps along with rocky trail en-route to Jagat. On reaching Jagat, see the fabulous view of Sringi Himal; mani walls and Chirtens representing the Himalayan culture. Spend overnight at the local lodge.
Day 06 Trek to Deng (Altitude: 1870m/6170 ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
After sliding down a long chain of stone steps to the river, you will climb on a terraced hill to Saguleri. See the impressive view of Singri Himal, 7187m from Saguleri. At Saguleri, the path splits. You will continue with the left-hand branch heading upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. Thrice you cross the river in next couple of hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then slide up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng. Spend overnight at Deng local lodge/camping.
Day 07 Trek to Ghap (Altitude: 2,160m/7,086ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will cross the village of Lamaistic Buddhism, see the some Mani walls/ Chortens and flattering flags while entering the elevated Buddhist Community. Since today’s trek is relatively short you reach the village of Ghap in about four hours, which straddles the river. Officially, you have entered the Tibetan Region as you feel perceptible change in the climate and culture. Spend overnight at Ghap local lodge/camping.
Day 08 Trek to Lho (Altitude: 3150m/10395 ft. Trek: 6/ hrs. Meal: BLD)
The clear sighs of gaining the elevation are visible as you move into alpine territory where the mountain views are more than terrific. Myriads of mani stone walls and crossings of the Buri Gandaki thrice en-route will bring to Namrung. At Namrung, you need to issue trekking permits and MCAP permit. Beyond Namrung, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Then, a gradual up climb followed by crossing a bridge over a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, you reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. Beyond Sho, you get first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu Main. A further trek will bring you to Lho, a large village at 3150 metres where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and Manis. Looking back, Ganesh I is visible. Spend overnight at Lho local lodge/camping.
Day 09 Trek to Sama Gaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3-4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Beyond Lho, chase the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. Continuing along the main trail, you will reach Sama Gaon 3500m after a while trek. You can visit Sama Gompa which is just 20 minutes’ walk from Sama. Spend overnight at Sama local lodge/camping.
Day 10 Rest day at Sama Gaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3-4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
It is wise to rest during trek for proper acclimatization before gaining the height. Spend your time at Sama Village enjoying the culture, lifestyle, and people following Lamaism. You can either hike to a ridge to view the stunning mountain including Nadi CHuli, Manaslu, Larke, and Naike. Or, you can also go to visit the Pung Gyen Gompa, capture the fabulous view of Puggen Glacier. Your walk on rest will let you familiarize with height. Retrace Back to Sama Goan for the overnight stay.
Day 11: Trek to Samdo (Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will trek to the Manaslu Base Camp that is incredibly a great trip. You will walk up for around 5 hours to base camp. Explore the surrounding and continue walking for your final destination towards Samdo. Todays’ trail will be a bit longer enjoying the sunlight on the mountains and glaciers. The best part of the trek is the incredible turquoise view of Birendra Lake. Spend some time in the base camp, then trek to Samdo. From now, you will enter the forest filled with birch, juniper, rhododendron, moss and Lichen. The trail will take you towards the Kyonggma Kharka that manifests small huts made with stones and a long Mani walls. Crossing a bridge over Budhi Gandaki River, you will enter the village of Samdo. It is a very close village to Tibet settled by the Tibetan Refugee community, have Taka Choeling Gompa, big Mani wall and close to Sonam Glacier as well as a viewpoint of Naike and Pangboche Peaks. Spend overnight at Local lodge/camping.
Day 12: Trek to Larkya Phedi (Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will gain a significant height. Beyond Samdo 3780m, you will trek along Larke Khola to Dharmashala (Stone Hut) 4460 along the steep trail above the river. At a point on today’s trek, you will be mesmerized with the incredible view of Larke Kunda. Keeping on gaining the height, you will arrive at Larkya Phedi 5105 crossing Larkya-la Pass 5153m. The trail passes through the Mani walls and Stone Huts while walking towards Larke Phedi. Larke Phedi is also called as Dharmasala or Rest House, is a seasonal village that provides rooms and tents for the trekkers. On reaching, you can hike the hills for acclimatization and retrace back to Phedi for the overnight stay at Resthouse/camping.
Day 13: Trek to Bimtang crossing Larkya La Pass (Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be the most exciting day crossing a Larkya-la Pass gaining an ultimate altitude of this trek. Just starts walking in the early morning, you will pass the moraine route of the Larkya Glacier, cross frozen lakes and follow the steep up will takes you to Larkya-La. You will see the flattering colorful flags in a place, make your day a wonderful time catching the magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks including Annapurna II, Kangguru, Himlung, Larkey and many more. Continue walking following the guide in a steep descend on a high moraine ridge of Salpudanda glacier. Now onwards, the trail will be grassy moraine rock fall of Dingboche Kharka. Walking for a while will take you to the beautiful Bimthang Village. From here, you can view the fantastic scene of the peaks like the Lamjung, Manaslu, Phungi, Himlung and Cheo Himal. Spend overnight at Local lodge/ Camping at Bimthang. Today’s trek gains significant height. Beyond Samdo 3780m, you will trek along Larke Khola to Dharmashala (Stone Hut) 4460 along the steep trial above the river. At a point on today’s trek, we will be mesmerized with the incredible view of Larke Kunda. Keeping on gaining the height we will arrive to Larkya Phedi 5105 crossing Larkya Pass 5153m. We will camp for the night at Larkya Phedi.
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Begins the trail to the Hampuk, a rock shelter cave, and crossing a bridge, you will continue walking down through the forest of Rhododendron and Pine, passing several villages and cultivated land, explore the Gho Village settled by the Gurung community as well as the Kilpu waterfall. You will reach Tilje, where you can rest for a while. Explore traditional Gurung Village. From now, you will continue walking towards Dharapani after crossing a bridge over the Dudh River. Explore the village and spend time enjoying the surrounding. Spend overnight at Local Lodge.
Day 15: Trek to Syange and Jeep/Public Bus drive to Besisahar (Altitude: 60 m/2,493ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD
From Today, your trek will officially enter the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and Marshyangdi Valley. Show the TIMS and ACAP at Check Post while leaving Dharapani. Dharapani is a knot of Annapurna and Manaslu Trail as well as a junction of Dudh Khola and Marshyandgi River. Begins walking in a downhill trail passing Tal Village, you will continue a steep stone trail and cross a suspension bridge over Marshyangdi River, you will reach Chamje. From here, a steep descend towards the Syange village and crossing a bridge will take you to the bus stop. Driving for hours down in a snaky road will take you to Besisahar. Spend overnight at lodge.
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. Meal: B)
Wake up and get ready to return back to Kathmandu after breakfast. Catch a bus to Kathmandu. Along the serpentine mountain mishmash road followed by snaky Prithvi Highway the journey longs for 7-8 hours. The journey on this highway is also a highlighting part of the trip. The cultural practices in the semi-urban areas of Nepal, the fast flowing Himalayan Rivers and the ongoing adventurous activities there and most importantly the hilly landscapes on the roadsides represents different Nepal. You will be having your lunch at one of the highway resorts and in the late afternoon, you will be arriving in Kathmandu. Rest of the time in Kathmandu you can unleash your trekking tiredness hunting the souvenirs on the streets of Thamel or simply chill in your hotel room.
Day 17: Departure day (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
It is the last day with us. Our supporting team will take you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to see you again. Additionally, if you have a plan of any adjoining trip, you can let us organize.
During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
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Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes, however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is important that we consult with our doctor before we decide and set up for the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larkya Pass trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Treks Planner Nepal before booking the trek.
Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your own security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protections. Flights in the Himalayan region often get cancelled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want, we can still customize the itinerary according to your wish and preferable time for visit. Feel free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.
During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.