Introduction
The Manaslu Trek (or Manaslu Circuit Trek) is a 14-day tea-house trek that starts in Arughat Bazaar and ends two weeks later in Besisahar, circumnavigating Manaslu, the 8th highest peak in the world. The trek has all the elements of the best treks in Nepal including both Hindu and Buddhist culture, protected wildlife, rhododendrons and wildflowers, raging rivers, precarious bridges and stunning mountain scenery.
Situated in Nepal's Gorkha District and rising an imposing 8,163 meters, Mt. Manaslu lies just at the east of the extremely popular Annapurna Region and shares a fringe with its northern neighbour, Tibet. Opened to trekkers as of late, Manaslu's top-notch excellence and rich social customs offer the committed trekker a fantastic experience. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the spectacular unhindered views of Manaslu.
The trekking trails along this route have been greatly improved in recent years, particularly along the Budi Gandaki river gorge, making it much easier and safer. In terms of difficulty, it is comparable with the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Everest Base Camp trek.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel (1310M/4,297FT)
Day 2 Free day for trekking permit preparations
Day 3 Drive to Soti Khola by public transport (710M)
Day 4 Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (930M)
Day 5 Trek to Jagat (1,370M)
Day 6 Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860M)
Day 7 Trek to Namrung (2,540M)
Day 8 Trek to beautiful village of Samagaon (3390M)
Day 9 Trek to Samdo (3,890M)
Day 10 Rest and acclimatization day at Samdo (3,890M)
Day 11 Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi (4,460M)
Day 12 Cross Larkya La (5,125M) and trek to Bimthang (3,590M)
Day 13 Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300M)
Day 14 Trek from Tilije to Chamje (1410M)
Day 15 Drive to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu (1,310M)
Day 16 Departure from Kathmandu
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel (1310M/4,297FT)
Welcome to the city of temples and the country of the Himalayas. We welcome you at the only international airport of Nepal: Tribhuvan International Airport. Our airport representative will be waiting for your arrival with a placard of our company outside the airport terminal.
From there you will be transferred to the hotel by a air conditioned private vehicle. Depending on the flight time and activities we will be joining for a cultural dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant. Enjoy cultural shows, singing, dancing and typical Nepali meals before heading back to hotel.
Accomodation : 3 Star Hotel
Day 2 : Free day for trekking permit preparations
We will collect your passports and photos to prepare your trekking permits. You can explore the town on your own to see the typical tourist hotspot of Thamel. We will introduce you to your guide and probably join you for a welcome dinner in the evening. (Breakfast)
Accomodation : 3 Star Hotel
Day 3 : Drive to Soti Khola by public transport (710M)
We start our drive early in the morning northwards following Budi Gandaki River. It's a scenic drive through the beautiful Nepalese villages. We will have a comfortable ride until Dhading Besi as the road is paved. We will then leave for Arughat and then to Soti Khola on a dirt road with bumpy rides. We will be driving through beautiful green hills, dense forests, thundering rivers and traditional settlements of Nepalese communities. We will stop at Soti Khola for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 4 : Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (930M)
Our day will start after having a breakfast in the hotel. We will cross the bridge then climb to the ridge. It is a day hike through beautiful villages of the region. We will be passing through Armala, Liding, Apubesi and Khani Besi before reaching Machha Khola. Various ethnic villages, towering waterfalls, green hills, thundering Budi Gandaki river and paddy fields makes this day beautiful. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 5 : Trek to Jagat (1,370M)
Once we reach Korlabesi we will have a steep ascent to the ridge and then descent to a natural hot spring (Tatopani). Soon we cross Budi Gandaki river then continue climbing stone stairs to Dovan. We will continue ascending towards small place called Duman then we will cross some landslide areas. Continuing several ups and downs will take us to Thado Bhanjyang then continuing futher will take us to Jagat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 6 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860M)
As we walk next to the cliffs, we will have some good views of Shringi Himal. We will descend towards Setibas following some Buddhist Mani Walls. We will continue through terraced fields, green hills and bamboo forests of Nupri Valley. We have a few ascents and descents and need to cross a few suspension bridges to reach Deng. We will be walking through various villages such as Salleri, Sirdibas, Phillim, Eklebhatti, Nyak and then finally reaches Deng (Dyang) following beautiful Bamboo forests of Deng Khola. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 7 : Trek to Namrung (2,540M)
Soon after we leave Deng we will cross Budi Gandaki River and then continue to Rana Village. We continue towards west following a beautiful waterfall. We will walk through the beautiful rhododendron forests and see white Langur monkeys. We soon ascend to reach Namrung for overnight stay. This village offers tremendous views of the Himalayan peaks including Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 8 : Trek to beautiful village of Samagaon (3390M)
Soon after leaving Namrung we will arrive at Lihi where we will have fine views of Ganesh Himal. This village has a lot of chhortens, mani walls and barley fields. We will continue towards Samagaon following Sho, Lho and Shyala villages. This is a beautiful day with several viewpoints offering stunning views of various Himalayan peaks such as Manaslu, Himalchuli and Peak 29. We will also have opportunity to visit Rimbung Gomba (Lho Monastery). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 9 : Trek to Samdo (3,890M)
We have a short day ahead. Trek from Samagaon to Samdo takes about 3 to 4 hours. We will follow the the Budi Gandaki river. On a lucky day we will also have an opportunity to see Himalayan Blue Sheep. The trail is comparatively easy and wide. Continuing through the left and right of the river eventually we will reach Samdo for overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 10 : Rest and acclimatization day at Samdo (3,890M)
Samdo is meeting place of three different surrounding valleys and situated behind a ridge specially known for yak herding. We will spend another night in Samdo for acclimatization. We can hike up to Gya La which is a trending pass with Tibet. This place offers excellent views of Simrang Himal, Hiunchuli Peak, Ngadi Himal, Larkye Peak, Cheo and Kang Guru Himal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 11 : Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi (4,460M)
Before we start our climbing we will do a gentle descent to the river. We will be passing along a glacier followed by a beautiful gorge. Continuing through several Mani walls we will be reaching Larke Phedi for an overnight stay. Larke Phedi has only one lodge for the basic accommodation of the trekkers. This place is also known as Larke Base Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 12 : Cross Larkya La (5,125M) and trek to Bimthang (3,590M)
This is a challenging day. We will start early in the morning and start the gentle climbing to the ridge, a very short descent to a small lake and then make the final ascent to the Larke Pass. The last section of the pass is slightly steeper. Soon after reaching the summit of the pass we will stop awhile for taking some photographs before descending to Bhimtang. We will have gorgeous views of several Himalayas including Manaslu Peak, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal and Kanguru Himal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 13 : Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300M)
We will leave beautiful Himalayan peaks behind and start descending to Tilje for upcoming night. Continuing further through rhododendron forests will take us to Karache (2,800M); one of the highest cultivated villages of Nepal. Continuing further will take us to Gho village where a few lodges are available for accommodation. Walking one more hour will take us to Tilije village for the overnight stay as Tilije village has better accommodation options than Gho village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation : Guest house
Day 14 : Trek from Tilije to Chamje (1410M)
Descending from Tilje we will reach the Marshyang valley and meet the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. Chamje is popular stop place on the Annapurna circuit route having several lodges available for meals and accommodation. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation :
Day 15 : Drive to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu (1,310M)
We will drive through the rugged dirt road to Besisahar and then eventually follow the paved road to Kathmandu. It's a beautiful countryside drive that marks the end of our unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Relax and rest in the hotel, have a good shower and try a good cuisine in a good restaurant of Kathmandu before making the preparation for the departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accomodation :
Day 16 : Departure from Kathmandu
Here we come to the end of our memorable a week long trip. We will conclude our Langtang Valley Trekking in Kathmandu and proceed to the airport for outbound flight back from Nepal. If we have time before our flight back we will explore local markets of Kathmandu on our own if not we will proceed to the airport straight away. We are sure that it's not our last time in Nepal, see you again the Himalayas! (Breakfast)
Accomodation : -
Features Included on Manaslu trekking 15 night 16 days
Features Not Included on Manaslu trekking 15 night 16 days
Things To know
Requirement
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses
- Head torch
Upper Body
- Cotton t-shirts or thermals
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower Body
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Waterproof pants
Feet
- Thin inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Comfortable hiking boots
Hands
- Gloves
Accessories
- Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
- Trekking bag/duffel bag
- Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
- Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
- Water bottle or camel bag
- Toiletries