Overview
Nepal is the ultimate paradise for the adventure junkies that get their thrill from the numerous trekking routes and options to see some of the top ten tallest mountains in the world in just one trekking journey. This trekking is growing in popularity as an alternative to Annapurna circuit trekking. So, it is no wonder that hundreds and thousands of people from all over the world visit Nepal every trekking season to experience a trip that allows them to experience a beautiful mixture of nature, culture, art and adventure. Though Nepal is a famous trekking destination now that allows tourists to enjoy the diverse terrain along with its variety of flora and fauna, it wasn’t always so. It wasn’t until 1991 that all parts of the trekking regions were open to the tourists. Since then a number of the trekking regions on the border of Nepal and Tibet have opened for tourism. One of such lovely treks is the Manaslu circuit trekking.
The Manaslu circuit trekking is one of the best treks known for its solidarity and preservation. This region sees very few visitors so that the trails are less trodden making the journey a peaceful, natural and beautiful experience perfect for those seeking a getaway from the everyday busy lives. Not just the spellbinding natural beauty, but the traditional Tamang and Sherpa settlements with their unique cultures are another highlight of the trip. The Manasli Circuit Trek tour starts from Kathmandu where we visit the UNESCO world heritage sites and then to Arughat from where the actual trekking begins. The entire route is adorned with the perfect views of the snow-clad mountains, unique combination of rich cultural heritages and adventure amidst vantage points with incomparable beauty and rare bio-diversity. Mt. Manaslu standing at 8156m is the highest peak in the area which is also the eighth highest peak in the world. The Manaslu region is famous for its high altitude glacier lakes, fascinating flora and fauna, cultural diversity and richness which make it one of the favorite destinations for trekkers around the world. The standard circuit trek begins at Arughat and ends at Besishar and requires a trekking permit to travel all the way through the Manaslu area.
The total during of the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be 14 days with trekking and hiking as the main activities. It is considered to be a moderate level trekking with cultural, historical and natural tours and a maximum elevation of 5160m. The best season to visit the region is from March to May in spring and September to December during the winter.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trip Highlights
- Visit the famous town Gorkha.
- Charming views of Manaslu & surrounding Himalayan range.
- Long walk up through the Budi Gandaki valley.
- Traditional village lifestyle and culture.
- Terraces of crop fields.
- Tibetan culture and high pass crossing Larke la (5210m).
Itinerary
Day 1
Drive Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m). We will start the day early after breakfast. We take a drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi on a nice, paved road enjoying the views of the hilly areas, terraces, fields and rivers. The drive from Dhading Besi to Arughat is a little rough one on rocky trails. From Arughat 2 more hour driver to reach Soti Khola or to drive there and rest the night.
Day 2
Trek to Machhakhola (870m). We start the day early to reach our destination which will take about 6-7 hours. After crossing a popular suspension bridge of Soti Khola, we trek through Sal forests to reach a ridge above the splashing rapids of the Budhi Gandaki River. After reaching Khursane, the trail becomes rocky, passing through waterfalls and cliffs. We make our way past terraced rice fields and up to a Gurung village of Labubesi. we climb behind a rocky cliff where the valley opens up. Walking through a sandy river bed, climbing over stone ridges and then again moving down to the river and crossing the suspension bridges, we climb behind a rocky cliff where the valley opens up. Walking through a sandy river bed, climbing over stone ridges and then again moving down to the river and crossing the suspension bridges, we reach Machcha Khola village and overnight at tea house.
Day 3
Trek to Jagat (1340m) The next day, From Machhakhola we follow a narrow trail that takes us to Tharo Khola and finally to Khorlabesi. After a few ascends and descends, we reach a popular hot-spring, Tatopani. We will spend sometime here and can enjoy the natural sauna in the hot -spring and relieve all our tiredness and stress of the trek.we climb another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on another suspension bridge. After this, we climb a staircase and then cross a landslide and a ridge to reach Doban. After crossing a suspension bridge, we again climb stone staircase then go down to the river and climb some stairs again to reach Thado Bharyang. Then we cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki, climb over a ridge, walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat where we spend the night.
Day 4
Trek to Deng(1860m) On this day, we first reach Salleri after climbing a rocky ridge and then go towards Sirdibas. We continue to Ghatta Khola and then walk upstream through a long suspension bridge to reach a Gurung village in Phillim. From the lower points of the village, the trail turns north and through leveled trails amidst maize fields, we reach Ekle Bhatti, where you will have lunch and continue our trip from a steep gorge and then descend through grassy slopes to cross the Budhi Gandaki and then cross bridges from west to east bank and back again. As the trail widens, we pass through bamboo forests to reach the Deng Khola. After crossing the river, we reach the tiny Deng village where we spend the night.
Day 5
Trek to Namrung (2630m). We take a brief walk from Deng and then we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to reach Rana. From here we climb for a while and then head west to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through forests and painted Mani stones and a corner from where we reach Ghap. Then we take the trail through Prok village which allows us to witness the beautiful view of Siring Himal. We follow the river, crossing it at many places and pass through dense forests and Gompas along the way. After crossing the river at a gorge, the trail becomes leveled and after a last steep climb, we reach Namrung where we stay the night. Namrung is the best viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal as well as Mt. Himal Chuli.
Day 6
Trek to Lho (3180m). From Namrung a steep climb and passage through forests take us to Lihi, a village well known for its chortens and barley terraces. After crossing the side valley of Simnang, we pass through Sho and then reach Lho where we spend the night. Late afternoon visit the local monastery after you reached there.
Day 7
Trek to Samagaun (3500m). After crossing the Shyala village, we reach the Sama village where one gets to witness the amazing views of Mount Manaslu and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. The breathtaking view of the high mountains along with glaciers is the highlight of the trip. We stay in Samagaon for the night.
Day 8
Acclimatizing day at Samagaun. This day is set aside to rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitudes. We stay in Samagaon and explore the surrounding areas or visit Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa. The main attraction of the day is the Pungyen Gompa with a spectacular view of the glaciers but it rather log day only recommended for the fit hikers. It is situated on a hill near Samagaon. We hike up to the Gompa named after the two peaks of Manaslu which means bracelet. It was destroyed when the Japanese first tried to summit the peaks. It was believed that the expedition to reach the summit might have angered the Gods. After the detour, we come back to Samagaon and spend the night there.
Day 9
Trek to Samdo (3860m). We follow the Budhi Gandaki River up to a stream which we cross on a suspension bridge. From here we take the trail on the right to Larkya la. It is a fairly easy trail, passing through Mani walls and juniper and birch forests. We again cross a bridge over Budhi Gandaki and continue forward. From a stone arch, we can see a kani and after crossing it, we reach Samdo where we spend the night.
Day 10
Trek to Dharamasala (4480m). We start our day trip by crossing a wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki River and begin a hike upwards. After crossing a few streams and seeing a glimpse of the Larkya glacier, we go around a valley and make our way upwards again to reach a guesthouse called Dharmashala. This short walk to Larke Phedi provides enough time and rest to acclimatize for the further trek.
Day 11
Cross the Larke pass (5213m) trek down to Bimtang (3720 m). On this day, we make a short climb and reach a valley on the north side of Larkya glacier with exquisite views of Larkya peak. We ascend the moraines of a glacier which becomes quite steep at the end before reaching the pass. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna. It is a longer walk than other days and you reach the guesthouse among the low pastures at the dim lights of dusk. When we finally reach Bhimtang, the exquisite view of Mount Manaslu makes every step worth it.
On this day, we make a short climb and reach a valley on the north side of Larkya glacier with exquisite views of Larkya peak. We ascend the moraines of a glacier which becomes quite steep at the end before reaching the pass. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna. It is a longer walk than other days and you reach the guesthouse among the low pastures at the dim lights of dusk. When we finally reach Bhimtang, the exquisite view of Mount Manaslu makes every step worth it.
On this day, we make a short climb and reach a valley on the north side of Larkya glacier with exquisite views of Larkya peak. We ascend the moraines of a glacier which becomes quite steep at the end before reaching the pass. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna. It is a longer walk than other days and you reach the guesthouse among the low pastures at the dim lights of dusk. When we finally reach Bhimtang, the exquisite view of Mount Manaslu makes every step worth it.
Day 12
Bimtang to Tilije (2300m). After enjoying the splendid views of the mountains from a ridge in Bhimtang, we make our way down towards a high pasture and then a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forests, narrow valleys and fields before making a climb to the river bank that leads to the village of Gho. A short walk takes us to Tilije with better accommodation options where we spend the night.
Day 13
Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besishar (760m). We move in a stone paved path passing through a beautiful village and then cross a bridge over Dudh Khola, move past an arch and Mani walls to get to the Thonje village. After passing through a police checkpoint we make our way towards Dharapani from where we enter the Annapurna circuit section. From Dharapani we take Jeep or bus from Dharapani to Beishar. which takes 4-5 hours. We spend a our last night of the trek at Besishar.
Day 14
Drive back to Kathmandu from Besishar. We drive along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli River, witnessing the beautiful scenery of rice fields, terraced farms, rivers and valleys and refreshing views of the hilly areas and mountains. After a few hours’ journey we reach Kathmandu where we will spend the last night in Nepal.
What is Included
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit every night after dinner.
- Trekking lodge (Tea House) accommodations during the trek.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit & Tourist Information Management System (TIMS) permits.
- Shared Jeep to Sotikhola and regular bus back to Kathmandu from Besishar.
- Shared Jeep from Dharapani- Besishar.
- English speaking guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people).
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Use of Sleeping bags, Down Jacket, Duffel bag and Walking Poles (if you do not have your own, to be return after you complete the trip).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Nepal Eco Adventure branded t-shirt and cap.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
What is Excluded
- Meals and hotel whilst you are in Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and non alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
- Battery charging and hot shower during trek on the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
Departures
Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date
| TRIP DATES | AVAILABILITY | PRICE | SPACE LEFT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
May 20, 2022 - June 2, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
May 24, 2022 - June 6, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
May 27, 2022 - June 9, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
May 31, 2022 - June 13, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
June 3, 2022 - June 16, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
June 10, 2022 - June 23, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 7 Available | |
September 2, 2022 - September 15, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
September 6, 2022 - September 19, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
September 9, 2022 - September 22, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
September 13, 2022 - September 26, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
September 16, 2022 - September 29, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 12 Available | |
September 20, 2022 - October 3, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 17 Available | |
September 23, 2022 - October 6, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
September 27, 2022 - October 10, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 14 Available | |
September 30, 2022 - October 13, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
October 11, 2022 - October 24, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
October 14, 2022 - October 27, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 7 Available | |
October 18, 2022 - October 31, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
October 21, 2022 - November 3, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
October 25, 2022 - November 7, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
October 28, 2022 - November 10, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
November 1, 2022 - November 14, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
November 4, 2022 - November 17, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
November 8, 2022 - November 21, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
November 11, 2022 - November 24, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
November 15, 2022 - November 28, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
November 18, 2022 - December 1, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
November 22, 2022 - December 5, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
November 25, 2022 - December 8, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
November 29, 2022 - December 12, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 12 Available | |
December 2, 2022 - December 15, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
December 6, 2022 - December 19, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
December 9, 2022 - December 22, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available | |
December 13, 2022 - December 26, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
December 16, 2022 - December 29, 2022 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
December 20, 2022 - January 2, 2023 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 6 Available | |
December 23, 2022 - January 5, 2023 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 11 Available | |
December 27, 2022 - January 9, 2023 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 9 Available | |
December 30, 2022 - January 12, 2023 | Guaranteed | $ 1,300 | 10 Available |
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Manaslu Circuit TrekAmazing Food & Views Plus Best Guide in Nepal (Manaslu Circuit Trip)
Although we set off during the beginning of May which is near the end of the trekking season, we still had amazing weather with no rain in the day. The tea houses were all very hospitable and the food (mainly Dal Bhat) was outstanding. Raj our guide and was like a walking encyclopaedia as he was able to answer all our questions about the surroundings! His knowledge and humour never failed even when we were 5100m high. He always put our safety first and was very reliable (except when it came to cards, don't trust the Nepalese shuffle ) He went the extra mile by carrying dozens of pomegranates and apples up the mountain so we could have them for pudding! The views throughout the trip were incredible and Raj was happy to do some extra side trips such as visiting local Monastries or Lakes. The local people are so welcoming and the children that run around in little posies are great entertainment. The trip was a perfect balance between walking and recreation. I highly recommend this trip and especially Raj, who's the best guide in Nepal! Nepal Eco Adventure always replied to our emails immediately and were able to facilitate all of our needs. We planned to do a 17 day trek but ended up walking a bit further each day so finished 2 days earlier. They happily changed the itinerary and presented us with a certificate at the end. -
Manaslu Circuit TrekManaslu circuit trek/Kathmandu/Everest mountain flight I researched the internet for Manaslu circuit trek and Nepal Eco Adventure was the most responsive and the least expensive company. I like that everything on the trek was included in the price, I ended up spending very little money. They provided me with some gear so I didn't have to buy that too. All in all great value. For me, at first Kathmandu was a very chaotic place and it was nice to have an airport pickup included. Also I had a private whole day tour of Kathmandu and it was awesome! I learned about the culture, arhitecture and history. The guide was very knowledgeable and a great photographer! Also I send home aproximately 40 postcards and the he kindly helped me with all the stamps and sending them (it is hard to get around Kathmandu main post office). After 2 days in Kathmandu we finally got on the bus to Arkhet Bazar where we would start our trek. We drove with the local bus and it was a great insight on how the lives goes on in the rural parts of Nepal. We were a trekking group of 3 and our guide was Ram Karki "Ramu". He was not only the best guide ever, but also a great motivator and friend. He never pushed us, but was very supportive, advised us on what food to eat to stay healthy and get enough energy. When we got higher and trekking became more difficult, he was telling us to go "slowly, slowly", to enjoy the nature and the views. It was a true pleasure having you as a guide! I ended up the trip with Everest mountain flight, which was ok, but definitely not worth the price. I would one day like to return to Nepal, it is truly an amazing country. And would again choose to go trekking and ask for Ram Karki "Ramu" to be my guide. - Manaslu Circuit TrekTrek in Manaslu Circuit I would definitely recommend this company since they have brilliant guides and they treat everyone they work with very well, including paying the porters a fair wage, which not every company does! In March my best friend and I attempted the Manaslu circuit with the brilliant guidance of Jiba Sherpa and wonderful organisation from Nepal Eco Adventure! The trek was amazing but was made all the more incredible thanks to our guide. He was extremely friendly and clever and with him we always felt safe in a circuit that has many dangers. Unfortunately when we got to 3000m high it snowed around 40cm in 24 hours and we had to turn around as all the camps higher up were closed. However Jiba managed to organize for us to get down the circuit quickly and get a keep to the Annapurna region to complete a short 5 day trek around Poon Hill. As a result we could trek for all the 17 days that we had booked! Also my friend and I were already in Nepal and were staying in different places and Nepal Eco Adventure were brilliant in accommodating this since we didn't need their transport and other things offered in the trek.
