Manaslu Circuit Trek

Our journey starts the next day, we will be taking either a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to the district of Gorkha. After arriving at Aarughat Bazaar, which is at an elevation of 570m (1,870 ft) we will take a short break. From Aarughat Bazaar, we will be making our trip to Soti Khola. From there we can take either of bus route or trek to Machha Khola. If we are taking the bus route the duration of the trip should be around 9 hours.

Machha Khola is a village that serves as the starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is a small village located on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River at an elevation of about 870 meters (2,854 ft). Our first day of the journey ends in this beautiful village. We will provide you with the accommodation and the meals as included in our service package.

While staying in this village it is necessary to take a good rest and have a sound sleep as from the next day our physical capabilities will be constantly checked. And it will get harder as we get towards the higher elevation. It is true for the upcoming nights too.

Duration

8-9 hours

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Lodge

As our journey continues, the next day you can expect to have lots of ups and downs. Also, make sure to have your cameras ready as we can come across many beautiful moments that you will definitely want to capture.

The trek to Jagat village should take us around 7 hours including the small breaks for launch, tea breaks, and photo breaks. En route, we will come across many beautiful waterfalls, suspension bridge, and even a hot spring.

Jagat is a very pretty village at the entrance of Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a village with traditional stone-walled houses. We also need to register our entry permits at the checkpost of the village. We will be spending our night in this village. After dinner, head for the bed early as there is another long walking day tomorrow.

Duration

6-7 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Another day of the journey, another day in nature. We will start our trek to Dang with all the positivity in our minds as it is going to be another long journey. Just like the previous day, we will find ourselves in the route with several waterfalls and suspension bridge. We will also come across Ekle Bhatti(“lonely teahouse”) in this trail.

On some of the sections of the trail, we will meet with herds of mules carrying provisions to the upper region or returning back from the upper region. We recommend you to be cautious of cliff edges.

On the trek, you will also come across a green pine forest overlooking the blue water of the Budi Gandaki River. The winding trail also takes us through a cool and relaxing bamboo forest before reaching Dang. We will be staying in the wooden lodge in the Dang for the overnight stay.

Duration

6-7 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

As we are moving to higher elevations every day, it is going to get colder and colder. Though the body will heat up as we move along make sure to prepare a warm set of clothes. After leaving Dang, the trails gradually ascend to Rana, then Bihi Phedi village. In about 3 hours we should reach Ghap where we can have our usual meal.

The hike from Ghap to Manrung should take another 3 hours. We will come across Buddhist prayers-encrypted mani walls on the trail. Depending on the time of the visit we can see various colors of nature.

Namrung is a small village situated at an elevation of about 2630 meters above sea level. Nested in the laps of the Himalayas, Namrung is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Namrung is inhabited mostly by the Gurung community, an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage. Namrung will also provide you with basic guesthouse or lodging facilities.

After walking across the dangerous edge near the end, the Namrung village will appear in sight. At this point, the long walk can take a toll on our body, so it is necessary to take a proper rest. The accommodation in Namrung will provide you with necessary facilities to rest your tired body.

Duration

6-7 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

With daily long hikes, it is bound to get harder. Furthermore, moving towards higher altitude things are going to be more difficult. So, instead of long hikes like the previous few days, we will change our pace. We will be moving from Namrung towards the ascending trail.

On our hike, we will pass through Lihi, Shyo village. Moving along the scenic trail, we will be arriving at Lho where we will be staying overnight. If you were to come at the right time you can find some delicious local apples.

Lho is a beautiful settlement in the Nubri valley. It is situated at an elevation of about 3,180 meters (10,433 ft) above sea level. This village is characterized by its rugged landscapes, deep valleys, and towering snow-capped peaks in its background. You can find yourself a marvellous scene of the eight highest peak in the world Mt. Manaslu from the Lho village.

Lho village is generally inhabited by the Nubri people, who are of Tibetan origin. The village also reflects Tibetan architecture, with houses made of stone, wood, and mud. The village also has strong ties with Tibetan Buddhism.

The village has several monasteries and chortens (Buddhist Stupa). One notable monastery is the Ribung Gompa, located on a hilltop offering a panoramic view of surrounding mountains and valleys.

Duration

4-5 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Another day to move your tired body around. Of course, this time we will take our time. The journey this time is short and sweet. With the altitude being a factor we will be taking things slower. We will follow our trail for about 2 hours before reaching Shyala along a pine forest with a crystal clear stream. With the stunning view in the background, we will push ourselves for descent before reaching Sama Gaun (Sama Goan)

At an elevation of about 3,530 meters (11,580 ft) above sea level, Sama Gaun is another beautiful village of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is a popular acclimatization stop for the trek, and that’s what we will be doing.

Similar to Lho village, Sama Gaun is also mostly inhabited by ethnic Nubri people. So, you will be greeted with the familiar hospitality and environment

Although Sama Gaun is located at a high altitude, it holds many necessities for the trekkers from various goods, foods, guesthouses, lodges, and small shops. This village also holds a breathtaking view of the nearby mountains.

Duration

3-4 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

As we move higher in altitude, the air becomes thinner and thinner. The oxygen level in the air decreases as we move higher. This can lead to altitude sickness. If left unchecked altitude sickness can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Moving towards the trail after continuous ascent means there is the risk of altitude sickness. So, we will be taking a break for a day to adjust ourselves to the altitude.

You can visit either of Manaslu Base Camp or Pungen Gompa for the acclimatization which are about 3 to 4 hours from Sama Gaun. If you are tired this day can be a great resting day, and if you feel relatively energetic then you can visit around the village, climb hills, or engage with the locals. There is also a glacial lake named Birendra Lake about an hour away from Sama Gaun.

As a caution, we recommend you take notice of any problems in your health. If you notice any symptoms of altitude sickness which includes headaches, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, etc consult it with your guide. They will be able to provide you with preliminary treatment and provide you with necessary advice.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Breathing is more laborious than you can think. You might have already realized it or will realize it soon as we make a steady ascent from Sama Gaun. After checking through our health and equipment and breakfast to put some energy into our muscles we will leave for Samdo.

As we continue through the beautiful mountainous rocky trail, we find ourselves across beautiful yak pastures, mani walls, and some small settlements. After the hike for about 4 hours, we will arrive at Samdo which lies at an elevation of about 3,875 meters (12,713 ft) above sea level.

Samdo is inhabited by the Bhotia community, an ethnic group with clos cultural and historical ties with Tibet. The Bhotia people have been following Tibetan Buddhism and have preserved their traditional customs and practices. In Sambo, you will only find basic accommodation like tea houses or lodges with modest rooms.

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

3,875m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Another day of ascent, the walk will be a lot harder than the previous days. The trail should start showing icy patches as we move toward ever white region. The hike will be without a doubt hard as climbing will take a toll and we will be running out of breath, but the beautiful scenery all around will without doubt remain a memorable image in the mind.

We should be able to reach Dharmashala in about 4 hours. Dharamshala is situated at an altitude of about 4,480 meters (14,700 ft) above sea level. There are no local inhabitants in Dharamshala. The people from other villages are the ones running the lodging and restaurant business. The accommodation choice itself is very limited. If unlucky we might find ourselves sleeping in the tents for the night.

The nights here will be cold and windy. If you were to happen to sleep in the tents we will provide you with warm down jackets and sleeping bags to spend the night without much problem.

Duration

3-4 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

The journey of ours has arrived at its last leg. We will be ascending to the highest point of Manaslu Circuit Trek that is Larkya La Pass at the elevation of 5106 meters (16,752 ft) above sea level. After that, we will descend to Bimthnag for our overnight stay.

The journey itself will begin as early as possible based on the weather. The morning will be freezing cold so you would want warm clothes and will to pull through the ascent. The ascent to pass should take about 5 hours. Depending on the person, it may be longer or shorter.

Reaching the pass, you will be greeted with breathtaking scenery. With white pristine mountains all around you can feel a sense of achievement. Also, be sure to have your camera’s battery fully charged as you will be clicking lots of photos in this scenic pass. Larkya La Pass is without a doubt a major highlight of the entire journey.

After spending some time in Larky La Pass our descent begins. After about 4 hours of continuous descent, we will be reaching our destination for the day, Bimthang. Of course, we will be taking breaks mid-way to not overwork ourselves. Though a descent may seem easier than an ascent it possesses its own risks. More so when our body is tired from all the previous ascends.

Bhimtang is situated at the elevation of about 3,590 meters (11,780 ft). Bhimthang is yet another beautiful place surrounded by majestic white mountains. The major attractions of Bhimthnag include Ponkar Lake, Nayamlo Lake, onkar Glacier, Kechakyu and Suti Glaciers.

Duration

8-9 hours

Max Altitude

3,590m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

If you were tired from all those ascents, then this time we will be continuing our descent. In the long downhill trail, we will come across the bank of the Milky River – Dudh Khola. The trail will further go down through beautiful forests with a variety of flora and fauna.

Passing through Surki, Gowa, Tilche, and Thonche we will finally reach Dharapani after about 7 hour’s walk.

Dharapani is the meeting point of two treks Annapurna and Manaslu, so you can expect it to be a lot crowded compared to the previous few days. We will be spending our night in Dharapani, and you can expect to have a hefty dinner.

Duration

6-7 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Lodge

Finally, all the walks are over, but one shouldn’t underestimate the mountain roads in Nepal. So, you can expect to have a bumpy ride down the mountain. Before leaving we will go through the check post of Annapurna Conservation Area.

On the way to Kathmandu, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery outside the windows.

You will be staying for one night before departing. We will again provide you with the accommodation to stay for the night. Also, as a farewell, we will provide you with a farewell cultural dinner which we hope with satisfy your palate and remind you about the journey.

Duration

8-9 hours

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel

After everything has been sorted out, we will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu where we will say our last goodbye for the time being.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Excluded