Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

DAYS

18

DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Strenuous

MAX ALTITUDE

5,318 M

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouses

DAYS

19

DIFFICULTY

Moderate/ Strenuous

MAX ALTITUDE

5100 M

ACCOMMODATION

Tea House/ Camping

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek over the Larky La Pass is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets.  Following remote trails which are little touched by the modern world and which see relatively few visitors throughout the year, it offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range, with the magnificent Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world almost in the palm of your hand.

The trek begins in a small stone-paved village called Arkhet Bazar on the banks of the river Budhi Gandhaki and continues following the river upstream, through small villages and settlements of different Himalayan ethnic groups, from Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, Magar, Gurung, and Tibetan. Just as diverse as the ethnic population, so too the scenery varies from the lush, low elevation valleys growing rice and bananas, inhabited predominantly by the Hindu ethnic groups of Indo-Aryan origin, through rhododendron and bamboo forests, where you begin to encounter communities of Tibeto-Burmese origin who practice Hinduism, Buddhism or a mixture of both.

Heading northwards from the starting point, the Budhi Gandhaki Valley opens up to reveal delightful alpine meadows, lush rhododendron, and bamboo jungle and small, typical Tibetan villages in the Nubri Valley, which cluster beneath Manaslu’s sweeping North Face. The trek passes small villages with rows of prayer wheels and spectacular mani stones and prayer flags, which mark the passes and religiously important sites. After a few days walk, the trail reaches Samagaon, the largest and most important village in the region. From there we head west and cross the Larky La Pass at 5,100m, one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalayas. We walk along a classic but tough trail linking the Buri Gandaki with the Marsyangdi Valley, where we reach the old salt routes, which still operate as the main trading routes between the Tibetan plateau and little settlements on Nepal’s side of the great mountain range.

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The descent from Larky La passes through beautiful alpine meadows at Bimtang, before joining the main Annapurna Circuit route and heading to the trailhead at Besi Sahar. The region shelters endangered animals such as snow leopard, red panda, and blue sheep – especially in the northern reaches, as Buddhist Tibetans prohibit the killing of animals.

The Manaslu Conservation Area was closed to foreign trekkers until 1991, with the exception of climbing expeditions such as the Japanese expedition, which managed to summit its peak in 1956. The mountain’s name comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa, meaning “wisdom” or “soul”, which leads to the most common translation of the name as “The Mountain of the Spirit”.

On the eastern side, we get occasional glimpses of Ganesh Himal, the mountain named after the elephant-headed Hindu God of Good Fortune, Ganesha, also worshipped as the ‘Dispeller of Obstacles’. The peaks of the Ganesh Range – Yangra/Ganesh I, Ganesh Northwest/Ganesh II, Salasungo/Ganesh III, and Pabil/Ganesh IV, form a stunning subsection of the Great Himalayan Trail and the name comes from a ridge on the south face of Ganesh IV, which is reminiscent of an elephant’s trunk.

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quests

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Bus or jeep to Arugath, change jeeps to Arkhet (760m)

Day 4: Trek to Lapubesi (884m), approx 4hrs

Day 5: Trek to Tatopani village (930m), approx. 5/7hrs

Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1,410m), approx. 5/8hrs

Day 7: Trek to Philim (1,590m), approx 3 hrs

Day 8: Trek to Deng (1,800m), approx 4.5 hrs

Day 9: Trek to Namrung (2,660m), approx 7/8 hrs

Day 10: Trek to Lho (3,180m), approx 4.5hrs

Day 11: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m), approx 4hrs

Day 12: Rest day with optional day hikes

Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3,860m), approx 3hrs

Day 14: Trek to Dharmasala (4,480m), approx 3hrs

Day 15: Trek to Larky La Pass (5,100m) and descend to Bhimtang (3,720m), approx 9hrs

Day 16: Trek to Tilije (2,300m), approx 7hrs

Day 17: Trek to Jagat (1,300m), approx 6hrs

Day 18: Drive Jagat to Besi Sahar, approx. 3 hrs and continue to Kathmandu approx. 5hrs

Notes:

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers.

In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quests

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Early morning departure by bus/jeep towards Arugath, where we change vehicle to Arkhet Camp in Arkhet Bazar (760m) by the Buri Gandhaki River.

Day 4: On our first actual trekking day, we will start on the stone-paved trail from Arkhet Bazar, climb through fields and pass a beautiful waterfall on the way to the small Gurung village of Soti Khola. From here we will continue to our camp in Lapubesi (884m) (4hrs).

Day 5: From Lapubesi we walk up the Buri Gandhaki Valley and along a dry riverbed to Machhakola (900m). We have the choice of camping here or continuing for another 2 hours to Tatopani village (930m), which offers hot springs, a few rooms, and a very small camping ground. (5-7hrs)

Day 6: The walk to Jagat (1,410m) ascends slowly through lush forest, crossing the Buri Gandhaki by suspension bridges several times throughout the day. Depending on the previous day’s camp – 5-8hrs.

Day 7: From Jagat to the large Gurung village of Philim (1,590m) is a short day walk, mostly along the side of the river, with a sharp ascent towards the end. We will enter the Tibetan area on this day and will start passing mani walls, colourful prayer flags and sense the smell of butter tea in the air. (3 hrs)

Day 8: From the village of Philim we walk through fields of corn and millet, following the gorge to a small settlement called Deng (1,800m). We enter the Nubri Valley on this day and the scenery and folk culture starts changing dramatically. (4.5 hrs)

Day 9: We leave Deng early for a long day to Namrung (2,660m), stopping in the small village of Ghap for lunch. The mani walls start getting their specific ornaments and beautiful carvings here and they become bigger and wider when we ascend up through lush bamboo and rhododendron forest towards Namrung. (7-8 hrs)

Day 10: Departing from Namrung we enter the upper Nubri Valley. The short day to Lho (3180m) offers magnificent views of the mountains and once we reach the village, we get our first look of the snow-peaked Manaslu. (4.5hrs)

Day 11: Lho village to Samagaun (3,530m) is a short ascent during which we are surrounded by spectacular mountains – Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli appear close enough to touch. (4hrs)

Day 12: This day in Samagaun is a rest day, with optional day hikes, either to a nearby glacier and glacial lake in the foothills of Manaslu or to the Pungyen Gompa (7hrs), dedicated to the deity that resides on Manaslu, locally called the Pungyen.

Day 13: We leave Samagaun for a three-hour ascent to Samdo (3,860m), through high mountain grasslands, surrounded by white peaks. The day is short and the rest is welcome as the thinness of the air becomes more apparent. (3hrs)

Day 14: Another short day from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,480m), a high camp before we ascend over the Larky La Pass. On clear days the mountains are breathtakingly close. (3hrs)

Day 15: We leave Dharmasala very early in the morning in order to cross the Larky La Pass (5,100m) by 9 am, before the wind starts blowing strongly and possible storms appear on the pass. The descent to Bhimtang (3,720m) is long, but beautiful. (9-10hrs)

Day 16: From Bhimtang we start descending through the lush jungle towards Tilije (2,300m) or Dharapani on the other side of the river (2,300m).  The rhododendrons appear in a wide range of colors, while sheep, horses, and monkeys fill the forest and the cold of the high mountains is replaced by heat and humidity starts to appear.

Day 17: On this day we leave the stone village of Tilije/Dharapani to join the famous Annapurna Circuit for the last part of the trek. We have a chance to meet many tourists and experience the most popular trail in Nepal. The walk to Jagat (1,300m) takes around 6hrs and is mostly downhill.

Day 18: Drive Jagat to Besi Sahar on a dirt track approx. 3 hrs and then another five hours drive on the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway takes us along the Trisuli River, popular for its scenery and rafting adventures.

Notes:

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers.

In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure.

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

This is a guideline only

UPPER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
T-Shirts  – walking 2 We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly.  No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping 1 This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top) 1 Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers 1 Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest 1
Rain jacket 1
Down Jacket 1

 

LOWER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Underwear Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
Thermal long johns/long underwear 1
Trekking Trousers 2 Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers 1 optional 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in.  No jeans.
Hiking Shorts 1 If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants 1

 

PACKS & BAGS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Day pack 1 Approx. 35ltrs.  HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack 1 Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner 1 Optional

 

FOOTWEAR
Equipment Quantity Comments
Hiking boots 1 Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks 3
Flip flops/Camp shoes 1 Lightweight for evening use

 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Water bottles 2 One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops 1 Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm 1 With SPF factor
Sunscreen 1 We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent 1
Personal first aid kit 1 To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses 1
Bandana/Buff 1 Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch 1 Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel 1 Lightweight and compact
Wash kit Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer 1 Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat 1
Warm hat 1
Gloves 1
Trekking poles Optional
Trekking snacks Good selection available in KTM
Camera With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag
Book/journal
Pack of cards/travel game 1 For evening entertainment
Passport photos Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude Essential – don’t come without it!! J

Your trek cost includes:

  • Pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
  • Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
  • 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
  • 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
  • Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
  • Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
  • During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
  • All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
  • Porters
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
  • Rescue assistance
  • Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
  • Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Sightseeing
  • Gratuities
  • Excess baggage on internal flights
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quests

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Bus or jeep to Arugath, change jeeps to Arkhet (760m)

Day 4: Trek to Lapubesi (884m), approx 4hrs

Day 5: Trek to Tatopani village (930m), approx. 5/7hrs

Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1,410m), approx. 5/8hrs

Day 7: Trek to Philim (1,590m), approx 3 hrs

Day 8: Trek to Deng (1,800m), approx 4.5 hrs

Day 9: Trek to Namrung (2,660m), approx 7/8 hrs

Day 10: Trek to Lho (3,180m), approx 4.5hrs

Day 11: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m), approx 4hrs

Day 12: Rest day with optional day hikes

Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3,860m), approx 3hrs

Day 14: Trek to Dharmasala (4,480m), approx 3hrs

Day 15: Trek to Larky La Pass (5,100m) and descend to Bhimtang (3,720m), approx 9hrs

Day 16: Trek to Tilije (2,300m), approx 7hrs

Day 17: Trek to Jagat (1,300m), approx 6hrs

Day 18: Drive Jagat to Besi Sahar, approx. 3 hrs and continue to Kathmandu approx. 5hrs

Notes:

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers.

In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quests

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Early morning departure by bus/jeep towards Arugath, where we change vehicle to Arkhet Camp in Arkhet Bazar (760m) by the Buri Gandhaki River.

Day 4: On our first actual trekking day, we will start on the stone-paved trail from Arkhet Bazar, climb through fields and pass a beautiful waterfall on the way to the small Gurung village of Soti Khola. From here we will continue to our camp in Lapubesi (884m) (4hrs).

Day 5: From Lapubesi we walk up the Buri Gandhaki Valley and along a dry riverbed to Machhakola (900m). We have the choice of camping here or continuing for another 2 hours to Tatopani village (930m), which offers hot springs, a few rooms, and a very small camping ground. (5-7hrs)

Day 6: The walk to Jagat (1,410m) ascends slowly through lush forest, crossing the Buri Gandhaki by suspension bridges several times throughout the day. Depending on the previous day’s camp – 5-8hrs.

Day 7: From Jagat to the large Gurung village of Philim (1,590m) is a short day walk, mostly along the side of the river, with a sharp ascent towards the end. We will enter the Tibetan area on this day and will start passing mani walls, colourful prayer flags and sense the smell of butter tea in the air. (3 hrs)

Day 8: From the village of Philim we walk through fields of corn and millet, following the gorge to a small settlement called Deng (1,800m). We enter the Nubri Valley on this day and the scenery and folk culture starts changing dramatically. (4.5 hrs)

Day 9: We leave Deng early for a long day to Namrung (2,660m), stopping in the small village of Ghap for lunch. The mani walls start getting their specific ornaments and beautiful carvings here and they become bigger and wider when we ascend up through lush bamboo and rhododendron forest towards Namrung. (7-8 hrs)

Day 10: Departing from Namrung we enter the upper Nubri Valley. The short day to Lho (3180m) offers magnificent views of the mountains and once we reach the village, we get our first look of the snow-peaked Manaslu. (4.5hrs)

Day 11: Lho village to Samagaun (3,530m) is a short ascent during which we are surrounded by spectacular mountains – Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli appear close enough to touch. (4hrs)

Day 12: This day in Samagaun is a rest day, with optional day hikes, either to a nearby glacier and glacial lake in the foothills of Manaslu or to the Pungyen Gompa (7hrs), dedicated to the deity that resides on Manaslu, locally called the Pungyen.

Day 13: We leave Samagaun for a three-hour ascent to Samdo (3,860m), through high mountain grasslands, surrounded by white peaks. The day is short and the rest is welcome as the thinness of the air becomes more apparent. (3hrs)

Day 14: Another short day from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,480m), a high camp before we ascend over the Larky La Pass. On clear days the mountains are breathtakingly close. (3hrs)

Day 15: We leave Dharmasala very early in the morning in order to cross the Larky La Pass (5,100m) by 9 am, before the wind starts blowing strongly and possible storms appear on the pass. The descent to Bhimtang (3,720m) is long, but beautiful. (9-10hrs)

Day 16: From Bhimtang we start descending through the lush jungle towards Tilije (2,300m) or Dharapani on the other side of the river (2,300m).  The rhododendrons appear in a wide range of colors, while sheep, horses, and monkeys fill the forest and the cold of the high mountains is replaced by heat and humidity starts to appear.

Day 17: On this day we leave the stone village of Tilije/Dharapani to join the famous Annapurna Circuit for the last part of the trek. We have a chance to meet many tourists and experience the most popular trail in Nepal. The walk to Jagat (1,300m) takes around 6hrs and is mostly downhill.

Day 18: Drive Jagat to Besi Sahar on a dirt track approx. 3 hrs and then another five hours drive on the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway takes us along the Trisuli River, popular for its scenery and rafting adventures.

Notes:

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers.

In order to obtain your Manaslu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure.

Trekking Gear List

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments which retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain and snow.    

THIS IS A GUIDELINE ONLY

 

UPPER BODY LAYERS

  • T Shirts – walking 2  Merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic, wicking fabric.  No cotton
  • T-shirt – sleeping 1  Can be cotton
  • Base layers 1  Light weight or mid weight thermal long sleeved t-shirt
  • Top insulating Layers 1  Mid weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
  • Fleece Vest 1
  • Rain jacket 1
  • Down jacket 1

LOWER BODY LAYERS

  • Underwear  Sufficient for trek (remember you can wash them)
  • Thermal long underwear 1       
  • Trekking Trousers  2  Lightweight quick dry trousers (no cotton). Zip-offs are good
  • Hiking Shorts  1  If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
  • Rain Pants  1

PACKS & BAGS

  • Day pack  1  35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
  • Sleeping bag & compression sack  1  Minimum 3 season

FOOTWEAR

  • Hiking boots  1  Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
  • Socks  3 or 4  
  • Flip flops/Camp shoes  1  Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

  • Water bottles  2  One litre each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
  • Water purification drops  Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
  • Sunscreen  We recommend SPF 30 or greater
  • Lip Balm  With SPF factor
  • Personal first aid kit  To include any prescribed medications
  • Sunglasses
  • Bandana/Buff
  • Flash light /head torch  Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
  • Travel towel  Lightweight and compact
  • Wash kit  Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
  • Hand Sanitizer   Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
  • Sun hat
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves
  • Trekking poles  Optional, but advised if you have dodgy knees
  • Toilet paper & rubbish bag
  • Trekking snacks  Good selection available in KTM
  • Camera  With charger &/or extra batteries
  • Book/journal
  • Pack of cards/travel game  For evening entertainment
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Passport photos  Always useful and a must have if you want a local sim card
  • Photocopies of all your important documents
  • A great sense of humour & positive attitude  Essential – don’t come without it!! J

 

Much of the above equipment can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. You do not need to spend a fortune on gear.

Your trek cost includes:

  • Pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
  • Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
  • 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
  • 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
  • Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
  • Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
  • During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
  • All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
  • Porters
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
  • Rescue assistance
  • Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
  • Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Sightseeing
  • Gratuities
  • Excess baggage on internal flights
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests

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CONTACT US

Let us help you plan the trip of your dreams

Address

GPO Box: 8974 CPC 437
Kathmandu, Nepal.

Nepal Govt. Registration
11881/424 1134/066

11 + 2 =

CONTACT US

Let us help you plan the trip of your dreams

Address

GPO Box: 8974 CPC 437
Kathmandu, Nepal.

Nepal Govt. Registration
11881/424 1134/066

Email

info@himalayanquests.com

Phone

+977 9849 141067

6 + 13 =

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