Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most adventurous and least explored trekking areas in Nepal. It features high passes, rugged landscape, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and culturally rich Tibetan community.
Manaslu trekking trail approaches Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest peak in the world and rewards trekkers spectacular panorama of south face of Mt. Manaslu along with Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Cheo Himal, Shringi, Langpo, Saula, and Kang Guru.
The major highlight of this trek is the crossing of Larkya La pass (5106m) and walking through dense forests of rhododendron, pine and birch protected under Manaslu Conservation Area. The area is home to many endangered species such as Snow leopard, Brown bear, Wooly hare, Himalayan marmot, Tibetan snowcock and Chukor partridge.
This trek enters into barren landscape of trans-Himalyan region and reaches up to Samdo, the last village between Nepal and Tibet. You will have opportunity to explore age-old culture and lifestyle of Tibetan communities in Tsum, Nupri and Samdo villages and visit ancient monasteries. Manaslu trek is also called Manaslu Circuit trek as well as Manalu Base Camp trek.
After early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (730m.) via Arughat Bazaar (570m.) takes about 7 hours.
You will drive along well paved road up to Tari Besi along the bank of Khani Khola, Trishuli River and Thopal Khola. It is a beautiful picturesque journey passing through green hill, flowing stream, farming terraces, villages, small market and mountain views. Leaving Tari Besi you continue your drive along gravel path crossing Ankhu Khola all the way to Arughat Bazaar. Arughat is an old market situated at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. You will keep driving along Budi Gandaki River all the way to Soti Khola. Stay overnight in lodge.
The zigzag trail passes through forest, villages, streams, pretty waterfalls and green valley until you reach Lapu Besi. This is a village mainly covered by Bhotia inhabitants. Continue trekking to Machha Khola, which is a small market with a few shops and lodges. Stay overnight in lodge.
You cross the Machha Khola [Fish Stream] and head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. After a challenging section, you will reach Doban and head towards Lauri. Here you will cross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat. Stay overnight in lodge.
You will trek over a leveled path mostly through forest of pine & rhododendron. A little further, you will cross a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki River before entering Philim. Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by the Gurungs. Continue trekking from Philim to Deng. Deng is famous for its potatoes, buck wheat, barley, wheat, cabbage, spinach as people are mostly involved in agriculture in this village. Stay overnight in lodge.
In the beginning, you will walk along a leveled path and then climb forested hill all the way to Namrung. Stay overnight in lodge.
Today the trail offers great views of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other snow-capped peaks. As you climb higher, the vegetation grows thin. The trail is dotted with Mani walls, Chortens, prayer flags and monasteries. You will enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak and others from Lho Gaon. Stay overnight in lodge.
You will follow the right bank of the river, with constant view of Peak 29. Keep walking till you reach Sama Gaon. Sama Gaon is a small but very beautiful village inhabited by Bhote community. This village is popular as the entry point for Mt. Manaslu expedition. Stay overnight in lodge.
Today is a rest day at Sama Gaon for acclimatization. You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400m) for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall. Or you can visit Birendra Kunda, an icy lake nearby the Manaslu Base Camp. Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail gently moves uphill all the way to Samdo through a desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers away from Samdo. This is an excellent view point for capturing Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and several other majestic peaks. Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail is rocky and challenging all the way to Larkya La Phedi. Larkya La Phedi is also called Dharmashala. Visit Larkya Bazaar (a local market) just before reaching Phedi, where seasonal fairs are held. Stay overnight in lodge.
Today is a long and challenging day of your journey. The trail is rocky and full of ups and downs section until Bimthang. Stay overnight in lodge.
Crossing a high pasture the trail descends into the valley of the Burdin Khola to the Base Camp of Manaslu on the west side. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you will enjoy excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. You will further cross the bridge over Dudh Khola, and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach Karche (2785 meters) and later Tilje. Leaving Tilje, you will trek uphill for nearly 45 minutes and then cross a bridge over the Marshyangdi River to reach Dharapani. Stay overnight in lodge.
The trail descends for some time and then follows a leveled path to the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way you will pass through pleasant villages such as Taal where you can enjoy an attractive waterfall. Eventually, you will reach Jagat, a stone village situated on a shelf overlooking Marshyangdi valley. Stay overnight in lodge.
It is a picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and colorful villages.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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Nepal , Manaslu Trek 10 Days
