11 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek
Highlights
- Trekkers will navigate through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, rugged valleys, and high-altitude passes
- The highest point of the trek at 5,106 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.
- The route goes through traditional Tibetan villages, where trekkers can immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyle
- The region is rich in biodiversity, with a chance to witness unique Himalayan flora and fauna.
- Being less traveled compared to other popular routes in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit offers a more solitary and authentic trekking experience.
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular journey that takes trekkers around the world’s eighth highest mountain, Manaslu, in Nepal. This 11-day trek is an ideal choice for those looking to experience the beauty and challenge of the Himalayas away from the more crowded trails like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. The trek is not only a physical adventure but also a cultural experience, as it winds through remote regions rich in Tibetan culture.
The trek provides an opportunity to experience the rich culture of the region, influenced by Tibetan traditions. Trekkers will pass through villages with Buddhist monasteries, chortens, and mani walls, offering insights into the spiritual practices of the local communities.
The best times for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is most favorable.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be done in 11 days, starting from Jagat and finish at Dharapani. It’s good for all trekkers because you get to rest for a day in a place called Samagaun. This rest day helps you get used to the high mountains and enjoy the local area. The trek takes you through beautiful forests and mountains. If you walk at a steady pace, you can finish this amazing trek in 11 days.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu
• Elevation: 1,400m
• Activity: Transfer to hotel and briefing session
• Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will take you to your hotel. You’ll have time to explore or rest. In the evening, we’ll discuss the trek details. - Day 2 - Kathmandu to Jagat
• Elevation: 1,400m to 1,340m
• Distance: 140km
• Duration: 8-9 hours (drive)
• After breakfast, we drive to Jagat via Arughat and Soti Khola, enjoying the scenic hills and local markets. Overnight in Jagat. - Day 3 - Jagat to Dyang
• Elevation: 1,340m to 1,800m
• Distance: 15km
• Duration: 6-7 hours (trek)
• Cross suspension bridges and pass through Philim, a village rich in Gurung culture. Overnight in Dyang, known for its agriculture - Day 4 - Dyang to Namrung
• Elevation: 1,800m to 2,630m
• Distance: 19km
• Duration: 6-7 hours (trek)
• Ascend through forests to Namrung, enjoying views of Manaslu and encountering diverse bird species. Explore local monasteries. - Day 5 - Namrung to Samagaun
• Elevation: 2,630m to 3,530m
• Distance: 17km
• Duration: 5-6 hours (trek)
• Trek to Samagaun with views of Himalayan peaks. The trail leads through Lhogaun, a Tibetan-style village. - Day 6 - Acclimatization ( rest day) in Samagaun
• Elevation: Up to 4,800m (optional hikes)
• Duration: 2-6 hours (optional hikes)
• Acclimatize in Sama Gaun with short hikes to surrounding areas, including Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Taal. - Day 7 - Samagaun to Samdo
• Elevation: 3,690m
• Distance: Approx. 8km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Leaving Sama Gaun, we ascend through a desert-like path to Samdo, passing through Lela Kharka and Khermo Kharka. Overnight in Samdo, a hub for trekkers - Day 8 - Samdo to Larkya La Phedi
• Elevation: 4,460m
• Distance: Approx. 12km
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• A challenging trek from Samdo to Larkya La Phedi, passing through Larkya Bazar. Prepare for the ascent to Larkya La Pass tomorrow. - Day 9 - Larkya La Phedi to Bimthang
• Elevation: 5,106m (Larkya La Pass) then down to 3,720m (Bimthang)
• Distance: Approx. 10km
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Climb to Larkya La Pass for stunning mountain views, then descend to Bimthang, passing icy lakes along the way. - Day 10 - Bimthang to Dharapani
• Elevation: 1,800m
• Distance: Approx. 15km
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Descend through rhododendron forests and visit Tilche village. Overnight in Dharapani. - Day 11 - :Dharapani to Besisahar and kathmandu
• Elevation: Kathmandu (1,400m) / Pokhara (822m)
• Distance: Kathmandu (211 km) / Pokhara (143km)
• Duration: Kathmandu (9-10 hours) / Pokhara (7-8 hours)
• Complete the journey with a drive to either Kathmandu or Pokhara, where you can rest and reflect on your trekking experience.
- • 2-night accommodation in 3-star category hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast.
- • Set breakfast menu during the trek featuring a variety of dishes such as cereal, porridge, rice pudding, egg dishes with bread and toast, Tibetan bread with jam and honey, and pancakes, accompanied by tea or coffee.
- • Ground transportation bus ( KTM/PKR to Machhakhola ) and Jeep from (Machhakhola to Jagat) and from the ending point to (Dharpani to KTM/PKR) by jeep.
- • All the required permits, such as the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS Card(Trekkers Information Management System).
- • A professional, local, and friendly Guide with conversational English
- • Trekking gear includes a duffle bag, sleeping bag, and trekking poles
- • Water purification tablets for safe drinking water and some seasonal fruits along the way.
- • Immediate evacuation arrangements in case of unfortunate circumstances or health hazards (funded by travel insurance).
- • All government taxes, local charges, and other entry expenses.
- • First-Aid Kit and oximeter carried by Guide.
- Lunch & Dinner during the trek is excluded.
- Anything related to International flight airfares such as Nepal entry visa fees, excess baggage charges, International flight tickets, and so on.
- Extra night in Kathamndu due to early arrival in Nepal or late departure, or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses during the trek (any shopping, boiled drinking water, tea coffee, cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, hot showers, Wifi, cell-phone, camera battery re-charges and so on).
- Travel insurance, which covers high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation along with medical costs.
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters.
- Additional costs, such as additional days due to delays caused by natural/uncontrollable phenomena such as bad weather, landslides, and change of plans(itinerary modifications) due to safety concerns, illness, and so on.
- Lastly, all of the costs and expenses that aren’t listed in the “What’s Included?” section.
Important Information
Physical Demands and Preparation
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its high altitude and the physical endurance required. Trekkers should be in good physical condition and have some prior trekking experience. Acclimatization days are essential to adapt to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodation and Logistics
The trek is typically completed in teahouses, which offer basic lodging and meals, adding to the authentic experience of the trek. The starting point is a drive from Kathmandu to Jagat, and the trek concludes with a drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani.