Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu

  

  After passing through immigration at Tribhuwan International Airport and collecting your baggage, you can find our airport representative waiting for you outside the airport. You will be taken to the vehicle that has been sent for you, which will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you might have time to discover the surrounding area or visit some of the heritage sites nearby.

• day 2

  Free day in Kathmandu for preparation of trek and optional sightseeing

  

  Today is a free day so that we can process your special permits to the restricted region of Manaslu, while you enjoy the heritage sites around the valley of Kathmandu. We suggest the program below for your free day in Kathmandu. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and you will head to Kathmandu Durbar Square. You will visit the temple of the living goddess – Kumari – and many other temples and monuments that form a cluster in this area. After this, you will head to the Monkey Temple, which is situated on a hilltop and offers a bird's-eye view of the city of Kathmandu. Then, you will drive to Patan, another part of the Kathmandu Valley, which is famous for its arts. You can find numerous idol shops and craftsmen here in small alleys, working on their crafts.

• day 3

  Drive to Arughat and then to Machha Khola 900m

  

  Early in the morning, we can catch our buses and leave for our destination of the day – Machha Khola – 900m. We follow the river to the point where the Budhi Gandaki meets the Tirshuli, from where we turn north. Upon reaching Arughat, which is the biggest settlement in the area, we change our vehicle and then head towards our lodge in Machha Khola – 900m.

• day 4

  Trek to Jagat – 1410m

  

  Crossing the river, we head upstream to the village of Khorla Besi and then continue to Tatopani. The valley becomes very steep here and is impassable. Our route switches to the left side via a suspension bridge. After going through a short section of forest, we reach Dobhan, which makes for a good lunch spot. We then continue and make a short, sharp climb to Lauri. Here, we cross the Vana River on the suspension bridge, and after an hour of walking, we reach the village of Jagat.

• day 5

  Trek to Deng – 1900m

  

  After passing through permit checks, we descend stone steps until we meet the river and then ascend via terraced hills to Saguleri. Views of Sringi Himal – 7187m – make their appearance now and then. At Gata Khola, we cross the river via a suspension bridge and then make a steep ascent to Philim, where we shall arrive in 3 hours. After an hour more of trekking, we reach Chisapani. From here, the trail goes across the hillside on a contouring path. Pine trees become evident as we enter a more alpine zone. The trail then heads via the junction for the steep trail towards Nyak and shortly enters a section of the gorge where the trail ascends and descends across vegetated walls of the canyon. In places, the trail is cut into the cliff walls. Here, occasional views of Ganesh 4 are possible. Crossing the river, we have a short ascent before an easier stage to the next bridge, where we cross to the southwest and climb up via Phewa to reach Deng.

• day 6

  Trek to Namrung – 2630m

  

  Today, we leave Deng behind and descend to the river. Then, we make a steep climb to Rana. An hour ahead, with quite a number of ups and downs, we reach Bihi. Beyond the village, we cross the Serang Khola and ascend to a trail that rises high above the Budhi Gandaki river. After around 2.5 hours of walking from Bihi, we arrive at Ghap. From this point, we can see strong Tibetan influence in the surrounding villages. The walk is cooler now as we gain altitude and enter an alpine forest of pine and juniper. We cross the river again and make a long ascent to the village of Namrung.

• day 7

  Trek to Samagaon – 3520m

  

  Upon leaving Namrung, we pass by many fields and grasslands as we go via Banjam village. Then, we make a steep climb to reach the beautiful settlement of Lihi. Here, we cross a stream and pass by the village of Sho. Just above this village, splendid views of Manaslu itself greet us. After 3 hours of walking, we reach Lho, where we shall have lunch with great views of Manaslu. Then, we follow the river, and after a few hours of climbing through the forest and crossing a few streams, we reach Shala. Ahead, we cross the outflow of Pungen Glacier. We then go downhill as we reach the area of Samagaon. Upon reaching Samagaon, we can enjoy splendid views of Mt. Manaslu, which is one of the major highlights of this trek.

• day 8

  Acclimatization day in Samagaon

  

  It’s a free day for acclimatization. You have the option to climb up to Manaslu Base Camp today or simply take easy strolls around the village of Samagaon. The views of Birendra Tal are also spectacular from midway to Manaslu Base Camp, which makes the hike even more tempting.

• day 9

  Trek to Samdo – 3860m

  

  Today is a short trek day to the smaller village of Samdo. Samdo, with its small settlement and Gompa, is surrounded by mountains, making it an interesting stop. Enjoy the second half of your day exploring the small village and its surroundings, or relax around the lodge.

• day 10

  Trek to Larke Phedi – 4450m

  

  Leaving Samdo behind, we cross a small stream that originates from Gya La (a pass that takes you to Tibet). Passing by the ruins of Larke Bazaar, we arrive at Dharmashala. Here, we check into a very basic lodge. Meals are served in the stone-constructed lodge, but we sleep in the many tents that have been set up for travelers here.

• day 11

  Trek to Bhimthang - 3700m via Larke Pass – 5135m

  

  Early in the morning, we will get our packed breakfast and head for the Larke Pass. After an initial climb, we reach the ablation valley north of Larke Glacier. From there, it's a steady plod upward. We pass by small frozen lakes and then Larke Peak. We cross fields of rocks and icy landscapes. After around 4 hours of leaving the lodge, the cairn and prayer flags are a welcoming sight. Great views of mountains (Himlung Himal and Annapurna II) will greet you. We then make a steep descent to a welcoming lodge in Bhimtang.

• day 12

  Trek to Dharapani – 1900m

  

  Leaving behind the high pastures of Bhimtang, we now descend into the valley of the Burdin Khola. We pass through beautiful forests of cedar and rhododendrons on our way to Karche. Beyond the ridge of Karche, we see more greenery and dense forests as we continue to descend in altitude. Passing by the villages of Gho and Tilje, we arrive at Dharapani by late evening.

• day 13

  Drive to Kathmandu via Jagat and Besisahar

  

  Today, we board our jeeps and head down the gravel road to Besisahar. Upon reaching Besisahar, we will have lunch. Then, we will board our vehicle and, upon reaching Tirshuli, make a turn towards Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel.

• day 14

  Final Departure

  

  Be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule. We wish you a great journey and look forward to welcoming you to Nepal again.