Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a heavenly trekking journey that takes you to the isolated and less-trodden region of Manaslu- home of the majestic Manaslu Peak, the eighth highest Himalayan peak in the world. It is a thrilling trip that takes you through the coulee of the Manang-Gandaki River and through pristine valleys to present the ethnic presence of the Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The trip is filled with monasteries, Gumbas, traditional costumes, prayer flags, and prayer wheels among many more cultural facets. It is an experience filled with beguiling natural beauty and a rich cultural environment all serrated by the towering Manaslu Peak. Moreover, the Manaslu region is also under the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to a wide array of endangered species of animals and birds.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a drive to Soti Khola; the valley of Kathmandu gets left behind to instead be replaced with circumambulating ridgelines and terrace farms running alongside the Prithivi Highway. Further on, the trekking trail then takes you through many ethnic villages and settlements that each present breath-taking views of the Manaslu Range. Home to two major ethnic groups- the Nubri and the Tsum people, the valley presents trekkers with a chance to enjoy the cultural ethos of the Gurung, Bhutia, and the Sherpa populace.
Likewise, Mount Manaslu is another highlighted attribute of the trip; getting its name from the Sanskrit word "Manasa" that means "the Mountain of Spirit", Manaslu Peak's nomenclature is an alliteration of the word soul in the Sanskrit language. Located about 64 kilometers east of the Annapurna peaks, the Manaslu Himal serrates the Budi Gandaki River valley. The terrain is thus also embedded with long ridges of the peak and abundant glaciers that originate from Manaslu. Much of the valley's glacial lakes and rivers culminate in or from the Manaslu Peak.
Additionally, since trekking in the region has only been recently opened in 1991, the region is visited by fewer trekkers compared to other destinations of Nepal. As such, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect option for trekkers looking for fewer crowds. For those who seek the less-beaten paths, this is one of the best choices. The trail follows the ancient salt-trading route along the Budi Gandaki River, where along the way, you will be presented with awe-inspiring views of Mount Manaslu, the Sringi Himal Range, and the Ganesh Himal Range, as well as occasional monasteries and Stupas decorated with prayer flags. Mani stone walls carved with Buddhist mantras also decorate the pathways.
Similarly, at each step of the way, you will be presented with the best available services at all times, from transportation and meals to accommodation and guidance. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is crafted keeping the satisfaction and comfort of our customers in mind. We guarantee an unforgettable trip filled with amazing features that is sure to stick to your mind for years.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft.)Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley and Trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft.)
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m/2,395ft) 5-6 hours
Day 04: Trek from Sotikhola to Machha Khola (930m/3,051ft)5-6 hours
Day 05: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m/4,625ft) 5-6 hours
Day 06: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,800m/5,905ft) 5-6 hours
Day 07: Trek from Deng to Ghap (2,160m/7,086ft) 5-6 hours
Day 08: Trek from Deng to Lho (2630m/8626ft) 5-6 hours
Day 09:Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft) 5-6 hours
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft)
Day 11: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,530m/11,581ft) 4-5 hours
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Larkya Rest House (4,470m/14,665ft)4-5 hours
Day 13: Trek from Larkya Rest House to Bhimtang (3,720m/12,204ft) via Larkya La pass (5,106m /16,752 ft) 8-9 hours
Day 14: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft)7-8 hours
Day 15: Trek from Dharapani to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,297ft) 6-7 hours
Day 16: Trek from Bahundanda to Besisahar (7,60m/2,493ft) 5-6 hours
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure day