The Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an iconic and challenging trekking route around Mount Manaslu, Nepal’s eighth-highest mountain. Offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and breathtaking Himalayan views, this trek attracts adventurers who seek a more remote and less crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit.
Key Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
– Remote Trails & Cultural Experience: The trek takes you through untouched trails, offering a glimpse into the authentic lives of Nepalese mountain communities, particularly Tibetan-influenced villages. You’ll experience diverse cultures, unique monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes.
– Manaslu and Larkya La Pass: The highest point on the trek is Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, offering stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters). The pass is the most challenging section, requiring careful acclimatization.
– Natural Beauty & Wildlife: Trek through lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and the spectacular glacial terrains of the Manaslu region. Along the way, witness rich wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan Thar, and musk deer.
– Tea House Trekking: Unlike many remote treks, the Manaslu Circuit features comfortable tea houses, allowing trekkers to enjoy a comfortable stay with meals provided, making it accessible and less demanding than camping-based treks.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – Trip Facts:
– Duration: 14 Days
– Difficulty Level: Difficult (Requires a good level of fitness)
– Highest Point: 5,160 meters at Larkya La Pass
– Accommodation: Tea Houses
– Meals: Provided (as per the itinerary)
– Transportation: Private basis (from Kathmandu to starting points)
Best Time to Visit:
– Autumn (September to November): Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stunning views make autumn the best time to visit.
– Spring (March to May): A good season as wildflowers bloom, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
Detailed Trekking Itinerary:
Here is a 14-day trekking itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which provides a comprehensive and detailed guide for each day of the trek. This itinerary is designed to help trekkers gradually acclimatize while experiencing the stunning beauty and remote culture of the Manaslu region.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593 ft)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, you will be greeted by a representative from our team at Tribhuvan International Airport. After a short transfer to your hotel, you will have time to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, you will meet the trekking group for a briefing about the trek, the itinerary, and any necessary paperwork. If you arrive after 5 PM, the briefing will take place the following morning. You may also take this time to explore some of Kathmandu’s famous landmarks, such as the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, or Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m / 2,297 ft)
After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 6-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The journey takes you along winding roads with scenic views of rivers, valleys, and terraced fields. You’ll pass through the town of Arughat and cross several small settlements before reaching Soti Khola, a small village that marks the start of the trekking adventure. You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse or lodge in Soti Khola.
Day 3: Hike from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m / 2,952 ft)
The first day of your trek involves a 6-7 hour journey to Machha Khola. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests and small villages. You’ll cross several suspension bridges and gradually gain elevation as you make your way through the rugged landscape. Machha Khola, named for its fishing village, offers a peaceful stop for the night, with local lodges and a chance to unwind.
Day 4: Journey from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m / 4,396 ft)
On this day, you will trek for approximately 7-8 hours to Jagat. The trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually ascending through forests and terraced fields. You’ll pass through small villages like Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where you may have the chance to rest and enjoy a refreshing drink. Jagat is a small village with a mix of traditional stone houses and beautiful views. You will spend the night here in a local lodge.
Day 5: Trekking from Jagat to Deng (1,860m / 6,102 ft)
Today’s trek is approximately 6-7 hours and covers about 19 kilometers, leading you to Deng. The trail takes you through dense forests and terraced farmland, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. As you approach Deng, you will notice the Tibetan Buddhist influence in the architecture and culture of the area. The village itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu.
Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m / 8,629 ft)
From Deng, you’ll trek for 6-7 hours to reach Namrung, which sits at 2,630 meters. The route takes you through rhododendron forests and small Tibetan villages, offering beautiful scenery along the way. Namrung is a small settlement with an excellent view of the Manaslu range. The altitude begins to increase, and you may start to feel the effects of the altitude. Namrung’s lodges provide a cozy stop to rest for the night.
Day 7: Journey from Namrung to Lho (3,180m / 10,433 ft)
On Day 7, you’ll trek for about 5-6 hours to reach Lho, situated at 3,180 meters. The trail continues to ascend through forests and past scenic valleys, and you’ll start to get closer to the towering peaks of the Manaslu range. Lho is a charming village with incredible views of Manaslu (8,163 meters) and Peak 29. The Tibetan Buddhist culture is prevalent in Lho, and you’ll get a chance to experience the local traditions and lifestyle.
Day 8: Trek from Lho to Samagau (3,520m / 11,549 ft)
Today, you will continue your trek to Samagau, a village located at 3,520 meters. The trek takes around 5-6 hours, and you will pass through beautiful forests with rhododendrons, as well as small villages along the way. Samagau offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu and other peaks. You’ll rest here and have an opportunity to acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Samagau
Acclimatization is important as you approach higher altitudes, and this day is set aside for rest and exploration. You can spend the day doing a short hike around Samagau, visiting nearby monasteries, or simply resting to allow your body to adjust. There are several viewpoints around Samagau that offer excellent views of Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. This acclimatization day helps to reduce the risk of altitude sickness as you move forward in the trek.
Day 10: Trek from Samagau to Samdo (3,875m / 12,713 ft)
After acclimatizing in Samagau, you’ll continue to Samdo, a Tibetan-style village at 3,875 meters. The trek takes around 5-6 hours and passes through a stunning valley with fantastic views of the Himalayas. You’ll see remnants of old Tibetan settlements and nomadic herders along the way. Samdo offers an authentic experience of the Tibetan-influenced culture and stunning mountain vistas.
Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m / 14,633 ft)
Today’s trek will take you to Dharmasala, situated at an altitude of 4,460 meters. The trek takes about 5-6 hours and follows a gradual ascent through the rocky terrain. Dharmasala is a basic stop with only a few simple lodges. It serves as the final rest stop before the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Take the evening to rest and prepare for the big day tomorrow.
Day 12: Trek from Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft)
The highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek comes on Day 12, when you cross Larkya La Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 5,160 meters, and it provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. The trek to the pass is long and challenging, taking 8-9 hours to complete. After reaching the top, you’ll descend to Bimthang, a village located at 3,590 meters. The descent is steep and can be tough, but the beautiful rhododendron forests and breathtaking views make it worth the effort. You will stay overnight in Bimthang.
Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m / 6,430 ft) – A Scenic Descent
On Day 13, you’ll begin your descent towards Dharapani, located at 1,960 meters. The trek takes around 6-7 hours, and the trail passes through beautiful forests, small villages, and scenic landscapes. You’ll continue to lose elevation as you move from the high altitudes of the Manaslu region back into the lush greenery of lower altitudes. Dharapani is a popular village along the Annapurna Circuit and offers a comfortable place to stay for the night.
Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
On the final day of the trek, you’ll take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani. The drive takes approximately 7-9 hours, and you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes and small towns.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, giving you the opportunity to unwind and reminisce about the unforgettable journey you’ve just experienced. You may also spend the evening shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants.
This 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a comprehensive experience of the majestic Himalayas, with opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture and landscapes of the remote Manaslu region. The itinerary ensures proper acclimatization and provides ample time for rest and exploration. It’s a physically demanding trek but incredibly rewarding with its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spectacular mountain vistas.
Experience the Beauty:
– Trekking through alpine forests, villages, and remote valleys offers an authentic Nepali experience. The region is rich in culture, and the villages you pass offer an immersion into the local lifestyle. The stunning views of the Manaslu range and its surrounding peaks are awe-inspiring.
– Larkya La Pass is the most anticipated moment on the trek, offering 360-degree views of towering peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude landscapes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Region:
– The trek covers diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high mountain terrain. The route is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards and Himalayan Thar, and plants such as rhododendron and alpine meadows.
– The Manaslu region is culturally rich, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism. The Gurung, Rai, and Magar communities reside in these regions, offering trekkers an opportunity to learn about their customs, traditions, and festivals.
Special Permits & Guidance:
– As the Manaslu region is a restricted area, a special trekking permit is required. Trekkers must also hire a local guide and porter as solo trekking is not allowed in the area.
Summary:
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable trekking experience, combining high-altitude challenges with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural insights. Whether you’re seeking adventure, serenity, or a combination of both, the Manaslu Circuit is an adventure of a lifetime.