HIGHLIGHTS
→ Crossing the highest point at Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
→ Unspoiled and less commercialized trekking route
→ Typical ethnic villages and magnificent views of the Himalayas!
→ Challenging yet one of the worth adventurous treks, and an enthralling endeavor.
OVERVIEW
Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you on an incredible journey through the adventurous Himalayan terrains of Nepal. The Everest Sherpa Adventure allows you to explore the virgin natural beauty of the hidden landscapes. Get ready to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of remote villages, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, high-altitude base camps, and towering peaks.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and challenging trekking routes, known for its stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences. The trek takes trekkers through the remote and less-visited region of Manaslu, home to the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mt. Manaslu standing at an altitude of 8,156 m/26,759 ft.
The journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek embarks from Machha Khola, located about 7- 8 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. From there, trekkers follow a trail that winds through various landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, high mountain passes, and traditional villages where the ancient traditions meet rugged landscapes that glimpse the rich cultural tapestry.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes around 14-16 days to complete, depending on the route taken and the pace of the trekker. The trek is considered moderate to quite challenging and requires good physical fitness. The trek invites nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers to experience the raw grandeur of the Manalsu region firsthand.
Along the way, trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli. They can also experience the unique culture and hospitality of the local communities, including the Gurungs, Tibetans, and Sherpas.
This trek is an oasis of biodiversity that is home to about 2,000 species of plants, 33 mammals, 110 species of birds, and 11 species of butterflies as well as snow leopards, grey wolves, musk deer, blue sheep, considerable numbers of Himalayan Tahr and Himalayan Marmot.
Oaks and blue pines dominate the forest along the Budi Gandaki area whereas, above the Sama villages and high-place Samdo villages a few species of ground-hugging rhododendrons persist almost to the snowline. Edelweiss, gentians, anemones, and stellar flowers characterize these alpine meadows.
Moreover, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers trekkers a chance to experience the rich culture and traditions of the region. It’s going to be a lifetime highlight and an unforgettable journey.
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The most favorable time for this trek is during;
- Spring season (March – mid-May): The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for trekking in the lower elevations, and the skies are clear, providing beautiful views of the mountains.
- Autumn season (September – mid-November): With the end of the monsoon season, the skies are clear, and the weather is dry, making for ideal trekking conditions.
The Winter season (Dec – Feb) turns out to be very cold and the snow might make it difficult to travel above Samdo. Likewise, lodges may be closed above these altitudes.
Similarly, Monsoon season (June – August) on the other hand, the weather during this time can be challenging, with the frequent heavy rainfall and high humidity levels causing landslides.
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great option for those seeking a challenging and rewarding trekking experience in Nepal. Close to the border of Tibet not only will you experience authentic Nepali villages and life in the area but you will also feel the crossover of the Tibetan traditions on this side. Compared to the Everest Region or the Annapurna Region where foot traffic is heavy, the Manaslu area gives travelers a more authentic feel and opportunity to engage with their surroundings and interact with locals.
If you have already done the Manaslu Circuit Trek and are looking for more options in the Annapurna region then you can check the link on our page Annapurna Region Trek.
PS. Depending on the client’s preferences, the Manaslu Circuit Trek can also be customized.
Credit: Miss Dali Sherpa (Travel enthusiast and Planner)
Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu (1,400m) and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley: exploration day around the UNESCO Heritage Sites like Swoyambunath Stupa, Baudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Machhakhola (870m) by private Jeep | Distance: 7 – 8 hrs.
Day 4: Trek from Machhakhola (870m) to Jagat (1,380m) | Hike Duration: 8 – 9 hrs.
Day 5: Trek from Jagat (1,380m) to Dyang (1,870m) | Hike Duration: 8 – 9 hrs.
Day 6: Trek from Dyang (1,870m) to Namrung (2,660m) | Hike Duration: 8 – 9 hrs.
Day 7: Trek from Namrung (2,660m) to Syala Gaun (3,500m) | Hike Duration: 7 – 8 hrs.
Day 8: Trek from Syala Gaun(3,500m) to Samagaun (3,530m) | Hike Duration: 2 hrs.
Day 9: Acclimatization day – side trip to either Manaslu Basecamp (4,800m) or Birendra Tal/Lake (3,640m), and overnight stay at Samagaon.
Day 10: Trek from Samagaon (3,530m) to Samdo (3,875m) | Hike Duration: 4 – 5 hrs.
Day 11: Trek from Samdo (3,875) to Dharamsala (4,460m) | Hike Duration: 4 – 5 hrs.
Day 12: Trek from Dharamsala (4,460m) to Bhimthang (3, 720 m), crossing the Larke Pass(5,106m) | Hike Duration: 9 – 10 hrs.
Day 13: Trek from Bhimthang (3,720m) to Tilje (2,300m) | Hike Duration: 7 – 8 hrs.
Day 14: Drive from Tilje (2,300m) to Kathmandu (1,400m) by private Jeep |Duration: 9 – 10 hrs.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport for final departure.
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle.
- Four-star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a BnB basis.
- Trekking lodge/Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his/her salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
- Twin-sharing Tea house/Lodges Accommodation during the trekking.
- Daily Meals are chosen from the Menu (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- All necessary permits for the trek.
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid for by your Travel Insurance company.
- Strong, helpful porters with proper equipment (one porter for two people).
- Welcome/ Farewell Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
- All necessary paperwork, office Service charges, and all Government Taxes.
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
- The Nepal entry visa fee is USD50 for 30 days visa on arrival.
- Your Trekking and medical insurance (compulsory).
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
- Laundry, telephone, and personal trekking equipment.
- Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
Tour Reviews
We spent a fantastic time with Pasang Sherpa and also Dawa Sherpa on the Manasulu Trek.
This company is the best.
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