Manaslu cirucit Trek - Hidden Gems in Nepal
The Manaslu trek is a newly introduced teahouse trek that goes around the eighth highest mountain in the world. Earlier possible only with camping arrangements and sophisticated bureaucratic formalities, the trek remained highly untouched until the date. This trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, as trekkers navigate through charming southern foothills of the Himalayas to the hidden Tibetan settlements in the trans-Himalayan region. The Manaslu Circuit trek is popular for views of majestic peaks and encounter with rich Tibetan Buddhist culture of the Nupri valley known as Kyimolung, the hidden valley of happiness.
Manaslu Trek Guide
Our Manaslu trek starts from Kathmandu with a scenic road trip to the Budhi Gandaki Valley and follows the river upstream to the village of Machha Khola. The trail winds along the Budhi Gandaki River through the sparsely populated, lush, and steep gorge to its confluence with Tsum Khola and then heads west into the Nupri valley. The Nupri valley in the trans-Himalayas region of Manaslu is a hidden gem of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the amphitheater of majestic peaks. After spending a few days with side trips to hidden gems of the Manaslu trek for acclimatization, we will finally cross the Larke La pass and climb down to the Annapurna valley, from where we can drive back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.Highlights of Manaslu cirucit Trek
- Relatively new teahouse trek with restrictions on mass tourism.
- Up Close view of Manaslu and Annapurna massifs.
- One of the beyul valleys (Sacred valley of Guru Rinpoche), known as Kymolung, the valley of happiness.
- Options of off-the-beaten-path side trips.
- Diverse culture and landscape within a short period of time, from the subtropical southern valley to the trans-Himalayan hidden valley.
- Fully satisfying trekking with the adventure of crossing the 5,160 m Larkey La pass.
: Off-the-beaten-path trek: 12 days from Kathmandu
: March - May | October - December
: Difficult Per day 6 - 7 hours walking, rugged off-beaten-path, crossing 5,160 m pass
: SUV / 4WD
: Basic teahouse
: SUV / 4WD
: Basic teahouse
Manaslu cirucit Trek Review
Another amazing tour with Itour Nepal. My wife and I did our second trek with Itour for the Manaslu Trek 18 days and it was amazing. Prabin our amazing guide and our porter did their best to make our experience amazing for the whole time. They succeeded and so much so that I am bringing 3 friends back to Nepal in October for another trip with this company! Can't say enough good things about them, their attitude and how well they take care of their clients. Looking forward to many more treks with them. Two BIG Thumbs up!!
Michael M - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Michael M - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
US 1380 Includes | Excludes
INCLUDES :
- All ground transportation by private vehicle.
- 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast and taxes included based on three start standard hotel.
- Necessary Trekking Permits. (Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Permit and TIMS)
- Trekking with licensed and experienced guide and a porter.
- Teahouse / lodge accommodation with 3 meals a day during the trek.
EXCLUDES :
- Delay and cancellation because of naturl phenomenon.
- Any type of insurances. Rescue and evacuation will be done on your account.
- Bottled drinks and beverages.
- Tea breaks, snacks or anything purchased directly beside the three meals included.
- Lunch and dinner while in city.
Manaslu cirucit Trek Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Our representative will pick you up from the Kathmandu airport. Trek briefing and a familiarization walk in the evening.
DAY 1: Drive to Machha Khola (160 km / 8 hours)
We will drive in a SUV/4WD to Arughat, towards the northwest of Kathmandu, and then follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream to Machhi Khola (900 m).
DAY 2: Trek to Jagat (7 hrs / 1,340 m)
Start trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River valley, flanked by lush mountains with cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams. Sparsely populated, charming Buddhist villages facilitate tea and water breaks with a view of Shringi Himal (7 155m). The trail gradually climbs to the Jagat village, where we officially enter the restricted area of Manaslu.
DAY 3: Trek to Deng (7 hrs / 1,860 m)
The trail continues to follow the Budhi Gandaki valley, rolling over the ledge at times to the village of Ghatte Khola, then crosses over to the eastern bank of Budhi Gandaki to ascend towards Philam village. This relatively larger and thriving village has emerged as a hub for the communities in the higher valleys. It houses a regional office of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project. The trail meanders along the contours through a forest of pine and Rhododendron until it reaches the junction of Kali Gandaki and Shyar Khola, after which it crosses a suspension bridge to the western bank and continues towards the northwest. At this elevation, we arrive in Himalayan villages that exhibit a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence in lifestyle and architecture.
DAY 4: Trek to Namrung (6 hrs / 2,630 m)
The day's walk is mostly along the forested bank of Budi Gandaki. We will ascend high above the river basin to reach Rana village, which offers a view of snow-capped peaks. Afterward, we will descend to Ghap and then cross back to the southern bank to ascend to Namrung village. The day appears more challenging as the ascent of the day is longer in the air.
Around Namrung, the valley starts to widen again, offering the view of snow peaks.
DAY 5: Trek to Shayla (6 hrs / 3,500 m)
The journey becomes increasingly picturesque, showcasing an unobstructed view of the Himalayas alongside vibrant Buddhist villages. We traverse through Khani (Buddhist entrance gates), Mani walls, and traditional monasteries adorned with Buddhist art and symbols. The vegetation gets sparse with the rocky faces of the buttresses of the snow peaks. Along the way, we will get the view of Mt Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing Peak, and Peak 29.
DAY 6: Side trip to Pungyen Gompa (3,900 m / 4 hrs) & overnight in Sama Gaun (3,520 m / 1 ½ hrs)
Pungyen Gompa is a monastery named in honor of the mountain deity Pungyen Ri, the local name of Manaslu. The Nupri valley serves as the sanctuary for the mountain god Pungyen Ri. This journey is considered one of the finest ways to witness the beauty of Mt Manaslu. There are no settlements in the area, only pastures and the monastery standing in solitude.
The path initially ascends to the pasture and then meanders through it, gradually rising towards the monastery. After lunch, return to Syala and trek for an hour and a half to reach Sama Gaun.
The path initially ascends to the pasture and then meanders through it, gradually rising towards the monastery. After lunch, return to Syala and trek for an hour and a half to reach Sama Gaun.
DAY 7: Free day in Sama Gaun | Explore the valley and the village
You can give total rest to your legs and let your lungs adjust to the thin air. Being active and an easy walk to higher reaches helps with better acclimatization. There is a day hike to see Birendra Lake and Manaslu Icefall.
DAY 8: Trek to Samdo (4 hrs / 3,875 m)
The trail gradually climbs along the Kaligandaki River to Samdo, where the Budhi Gandaki River valley braids. The trail is more arid, with just a bunch of juniper and sea buckthorn on the side of the mountains. From Samdo, Tibet is just about 4 km. The village used to be the center of the salt trade. One can see Mt Manaslu, Samdo peak, Nagdi Chuli, and Simnang Himal on a clear day.
DAY 9: Trek to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi - 4 hrs / 4,480 m)
The scenic walk continues across the Budi Gandaki. We finally leave the Gandaki River and gradually climb towards Larkya Pass. The trail passes the grazing marked as Larkya Bazaar, which still signifies the importance of trans-Himalayan trade. Climbing gently, we come to scant ground at 4,460 m, which used to have a Dharamsala (rest house). There is a simple guest house nowadays that facilitates teahouse trekkers.
DAY 10: Trek over Larkya La (Pass) 5,113 m to Bimthang (8 hrs / 3,890 m )
This is not really a place to rest but to wait for the next day’s predawn when everyone comes to a moment. The long stretch of walk through the glacial moraine to an altitude of over 5,000 m and the descent on the snow slope make the day toughest. The view is, however, rewarding to make you forget the difficulty. At Larkya La, the view of the western peaks appears surreal, with the daunting peaks of Himlung Himal, Kangurru, Annapuran II, and Manaslu. Descending is not easier on the snowed slope and loose scree. The slippery descents are leveled off by yak pastures, which finally end at Bimtang (3,590 m).
DAY 11: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (7 hrs / 1,963 m)
Leaving a challenging and memorable trek behind, we again start to descend to the lush southern valley west of Mt Manaslu. The trail follows the Dudh Khola valley through the pine and Rhododendron forest, coming to clearings of meadows with Himalayan views. Tilije is the major Gurung village we come across in the valley. The village has apple orchards and brews brandy. 1 hr down the valley, we join the popular trail of the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani.
DAY 12: Drive back from Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara
Our jeep will come to pick you up at Dharapani. Drive downstream the Marshyangdi valley along the popular Annapurna Circuit trek. The drive is scenic with a view of lush mountains, waterfalls, and charming villages. Tal village has a beautiful waterfall. The drive on a mountainous dirt road takes about 3 hours for 35 km to reach Besisahar. From Besisahar, a smooth ride on a blacktopped road takes about 6 - 7 hours to reach Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Day 13: Final Departure
Freuently Asked Questions About Manaslu Trek
How Difficult is manaslu cirucit Trek ?
The Manaslu Trek is difficult in the category that involves 6 - 7 hours of walking per day on an uneven, beaten trail that continuously undulates on the mountainside. Weather changes from hot and humid subtropical climate zones to harsh trans-Himalayan alpine weather. Altitude gain and the challenge of crossing a high-altitude mountain pass demand sound fitness with trekking experience.
Is the trek safe from altitude sickness?
The Manaslu trek has a challenge of altitude sickness and acclimatization. We recommend trekkers follow the standard itinerary to allow more time to acclimatize before crossing the Larke pass. Keep your itinerary flexible to have an extra day for acclimatization if needed. The itinerary is designed with side hikes to allow the 'Trek high and Sleep low' strategies to better the acclimatization. Moreover, Experienced and professional guides ensure acclimatization exercises, provide preventive medication, monitor development carefully, and change the itinerary to allow more time to acclimatize.
How is accommodation and Food in Manaslu Trek?
Since it is a newly introduced teahouse trek, accommodation and food are simple along the trail. Family-run teahouses provide basic lodging with twin rooms, shared bathroom with western commode, and serve hot meals (mostly Nepalese set - Dal Bhat, Momo or Chowmein) in a warm, social setting.
Hidden treasure Side Trips in the Manaslu Trek
Serang Gompa from Bihi - 2 Day
Serang Gompa at 3,100 m is one of the oldest monasteries in the Manaslu region, known as Kyimolug, the valley of happiness. While Manaslu is one of the Beyul (sacred hidden valleys) of Guru Padmasambhava, this hidden monastery is one of the major retreat centers. The monastery could be reached after six hours of walking from the Bihi village.Sidetrip to Kal Tal (Lake) from Prok - Day trip
A side trip to Kal Tal (Death Lake) is a captivating detour on the Manaslu Trek. It takes about 3 - 4 hours of ascent through the Rhododendron forest to reach the glacial lake, which offers a breathtaking view of Mt Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Shringi Himal.Himal Chuli Base Camp and Hinang Gompa Day Trip
A side trip to the Himal Chuli Base Camp is one of the most overlooked yet incredible off-the-beaten-path detours in the Manaslu Trek. This is a 7-hour round trip past Hianan monastery, through the Rhododendron forest to glacial moraines and rockery. The pristine location and view of the Himal Chuli massif, Nagdi Chuli, and the Ganesh Himal make the rugged climb of about 1,000 m.View of Tibetan Plateau from Rui La Pass Day Trip
A side trip to Rui La Pass at 5,345 m offers awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Tibet side and the Manaslu massif. The day trip of about 7 hours is a bit challenging in the thin air and harsh weather.Manaslu cirucit trek with us:
- Support local company.
- Expertise over 20 years.
- Cost effective Treks.
- Cultural immersion experience.
- High quality services.
- Eco friendly & sustainable practices.
Manaslu cirucit Trek Map
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