Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking journey through the Himalayas of Nepal. It encircles the majestic Mount Manaslu, offering stunning landscapes, from lush forests to high alpine terrain, and an opportunity to explore traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. This moderate to challenging trek provides a unique cultural experience and requires a special permit, making it a less crowded alternative to more popular treks in Nepal.

Day 1

When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll likely land at Tribhuvan International Airport, the country's primary international gateway. After completing immigration and customs procedures, you'll step into the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Nepal's capital city. For most international travelers, obtaining a tourist visa on arrival is a common procedure, but it's important to have the required documents and fees ready. Kathmandu offers a wide array of accommodation options, catering to various budgets and preferences. Booking your accommodation in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons, is advisable to ensure a smooth stay. Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu, is a fantastic hub for travelers. It features bustling streets filled with restaurants, shops, and travel agencies. Thamel is an excellent place to shop for trekking gear, arrange your necessary permits, and gather any last-minute supplies. To embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, acquiring the essential permits is crucial. You can facilitate this process in Kathmandu through authorized agencies or the Nepal Tourism Board. These organizations will assist you with the necessary paperwork and provide guidance on the applicable regulations. Before venturing out on your trek, take some time to orient yourself in Kathmandu. Explore its rich culture, indulge in local cuisine, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this vibrant city. This preparation will ensure that you're well-prepared and equipped for your Manaslu Circuit adventure.

Day 2

The drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, one of the starting points for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, is approximately 135-160 kilometers and typically takes 7-10 hours. The road conditions can be challenging, with both paved and unpaved sections, so a 4WD vehicle or one with good ground clearance is recommended. Commonly, travelers head west from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, passing through towns like Trishuli and Gorkha on their way to Arughat, where Soti Khola is located. Upon arrival in Arughat, there are several guesthouses and lodges for overnight accommodation before commencing the trek the following day. Travelers have the option of hiring a private vehicle, such as a jeep or small bus, or taking local buses or microbuses, but road conditions may affect transportation availability and travel times. It's essential to check road conditions, weather forecasts, and ensure you have the necessary permits before starting your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 3

The trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola is a segment of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, and it's typically done on the first day of the trek after leaving Soti Khola. Here's a brief description of this trekking leg: Starting from Soti Khola, you'll head north along the Budi Gandaki River, following well-marked trekking paths. The trail gradually ascends and descends as it weaves through lush forests, terraced fields, and small villages, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, you'll encounter suspension bridges that provide an exciting crossing experience. After several hours of trekking, you'll reach Machha Khola, a small village situated along the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours, covering a distance of approximately 14-16 kilometers. Machha Khola offers a variety of accommodation options for trekkers to rest and rejuvenate before continuing their Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 4

The trek from Machha Khola to Jagat is another segment of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Here's a description of this trekking leg: Leaving Machha Khola, you'll continue your journey north along the Budi Gandaki River. The trail ascends and descends, passing through a series of picturesque Gurung and Tamang villages, lush forests, and terraced fields. The path often crosses suspension bridges over the river, providing a thrilling experience. As you continue, you'll gradually gain elevation and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. After several hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Jagat, a village located in the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trek from Machha Khola to Jagat typically takes around 6-7 hours, covering a distance of approximately 13-15 kilometers. Jagat is a common resting point for trekkers, and it offers a variety of accommodations and amenities to cater to their needs as they explore the Manaslu Circuit.

Day 5

Leaving Jagat, you will continue your trek northward along the Budi Gandaki River, following the trail that takes you deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area. The path involves ascending and descending, and you will pass through various villages and terraced fields. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with locals and witness their traditional lifestyles. As you progress, you'll gradually gain elevation, and the scenery will change from subtropical to alpine. After several hours of trekking, you'll reach Deng, a picturesque village in the Manaslu region. The journey from Jagat to Deng typically takes around 6-7 hours, covering a distance of approximately 15-17 kilometers. Deng is a common resting place for trekkers, offering accommodations and a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the Himalayas as you continue your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 6

Leaving Deng, you'll continue your northward journey along the Budi Gandaki River, following the well-marked trekking paths. The trail involves both ascents and descents as you move through pristine forests and terraced fields. You'll pass through several charming villages along the way, each offering insights into the local culture and traditions of the Gurung and Tibetan communities. As you gain altitude, the landscapes will become more alpine in nature, with stunning mountain views. After around 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Namrung, a village located in the Manaslu Conservation Area. The distance covered is approximately 14-16 kilometers. Namrung is a common stopover point for trekkers and provides accommodation options for those continuing their journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It also marks the entry into a more distinctly Tibetan-influenced region of the trek.

Day 7

Starting from Namrung, you'll continue your journey north, further into the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trail ascends gradually, taking you through rhododendron and pine forests and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu. As you trek, you'll pass through the picturesque villages of Lihi and Sho, which are known for their Tibetan-influenced culture and architecture. After about 6-8 hours of trekking, you'll reach Samagaun, a beautiful village nestled in the high Himalayas. The distance covered is roughly 15-17 kilometers. Samagaun is a crucial stop on the Manaslu Circuit, as it's a good place for acclimatization before heading into higher altitudes. It's also the gateway to Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa, which are popular side trips for trekkers. You'll find various lodges and teahouses in Samagaun where you can rest and enjoy the stunning mountain views before continuing your trek.

Day 8

Samagaun is a picturesque village situated in the Manaslu region of Nepal, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and as a gateway to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Exploration and acclimatization in Samagaun are essential for trekkers. This process typically involves taking short hikes or walks around the village and its surroundings to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Trekkers can visit local monasteries, interact with the friendly inhabitants to learn about their culture and lifestyle, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The Birendra Tal, a serene glacial lake, offers an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness when ascending to higher altitudes in the Manaslu Circuit Trek, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

Day 9

The trek from Samagaun to Samdo is a segment of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, and it typically takes around 3-4 hours to cover the approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) distance between these two villages. The trail initially descends from Samagaun, following the Budhi Gandaki River through a forested area. You'll then cross a suspension bridge and begin ascending gradually. The trek offers beautiful views of the Manaslu range and the surrounding landscapes. Samdo, a small village, is situated at a higher altitude and serves as a crucial acclimatization stop on the trek. Trekkers use this day to adjust to the altitude and prepare for further ascents on the Manaslu Circuit.

Day 10

The journey from Samdo to Dharmashala is another important leg of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, covering a distance of approximately 9 kilometers (about 5.6 miles) and usually taking around 3-4 hours to complete. The trail continues to ascend, passing through rugged terrain with remarkable mountain views. As you trek further, you'll notice a change in the landscape as it becomes more barren and rocky. Dharmashala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a basic tea house or lodge accommodation area situated at a higher altitude than Samdo. It's a common acclimatization stop before making the challenging ascent to the Larkya La Pass, which is one of the highest points of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Trekkers spend the night here in preparation for the pass crossing the following day.

Day 11

Crossing the Larkya La Pass is one of the most challenging and exciting parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. This high mountain pass stands at an elevation of approximately 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) and offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range. To cross the Larkya La Pass, you'll typically start early in the morning from Dharmashala. The ascent to the pass is quite strenuous, and you should be prepared for varying weather conditions, including snow and high winds, especially if you're trekking during the colder months. The pass is marked by prayer flags and cairns, and once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views. After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Bimthang, which is on the other side of the pass. This descent is long and can be challenging as well. It's essential to take your time and be cautious while descending to prevent altitude-related issues and ensure a safe trek. The scenery along the way is fantastic, with dramatic landscapes and the chance to see wildlife like blue sheep. Bimthang serves as a welcome resting point after the pass, providing trekkers with basic lodging facilities and a sense of accomplishment after a strenuous day.

Day 12

The trek from Bimthang to Dharapani marks the final leg of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. This segment involves descending from the high mountain terrain to lower elevations and gradually merging with the Annapurna Circuit. The distance from Bimthang to Dharapani is approximately 15-18 kilometers (9-11 miles), and it usually takes about 6-8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and trail conditions. The trail descends through lush forests and passes several small villages as you make your way down. You'll encounter a beautiful landscape, terraced fields, and the Dudh Khola River valley. The path eventually connects with the popular Annapurna Circuit Trail in Dharapani. Dharapani is a relatively larger village compared to the ones you've encountered on the Manaslu Circuit, and it offers more facilities for trekkers, including guesthouses, restaurants, and shops. At this point, you can choose to continue on the Annapurna Circuit or conclude your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 13

The drive from Dharapani to Besisahar is a common route for trekkers completing the Annapurna Circuit or Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. This journey takes you from the higher altitudes of the trekking routes to lower elevations and is typically done by local buses, jeeps, or private vehicles. The distance between Dharapani and Besisahar is approximately 20-25 kilometers (12-15 miles), and the drive typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions. The road from Dharapani to Besisahar is mostly unpaved and can be bumpy, so the journey might be a bit rough. However, it offers beautiful scenery as you descend from the mountains to lower-lying areas. Besisahar is a larger town compared to many of the smaller villages you encounter on the trekking routes, and it serves as a transportation hub. From Besisahar, you can catch a bus or hire a vehicle to take you to the city of Pokhara or other destinations in Nepal.

Day 14

The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu is a common route for travelers heading back to the capital city of Nepal after trekking in the Annapurna region or other destinations. Besisahar is the gateway town to the Annapurna Circuit, and Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. The distance between Besisahar and Kathmandu is approximately 175-185 kilometers (about 108-115 miles), and the drive usually takes around 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The journey typically involves traveling on winding mountain roads, and the quality of the roads may vary. The route takes you through scenic landscapes and rural areas, and you'll pass through several towns and villages along the way. Be prepared for a long and sometimes bumpy drive, but it's an opportunity to enjoy the picturesque views of the Nepalese countryside. You can take a local bus or hire a private vehicle for this journey. Make sure to plan your departure time to account for any potential delays due to road conditions or traffic.

Day 15

After completing your Manaslu Trek, you'll need to arrange transportation from the trek's endpoint, such as Dharapani or Besisahar, to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The journey can be quite long, taking anywhere from 6 to 10 hours or more, depending on road conditions and traffic. You can opt for private transportation for more comfort or take local buses for a budget-friendly choice. It's advisable to have accommodation in Kathmandu pre-booked, especially if you anticipate a late arrival or travel during peak tourist seasons. Several hotels in Kathmandu offer airport pickup services to ensure a convenient transition from your trek to your lodging and, eventually, your flight home or to your next destination.