The Manaslu trekking circuit has only been open since 1991, making it a Himalayan adventure well off the so-called beaten path! Those yearning for the unspoilt beauty of pristine wilderness and authentic culture will adore this itinerary, which has been crafted to maximize scenic views and diversity of trekking terrain while remaining manageable for moderately-fit trekkers and avoidant of altitude-related health concerns. Spectacular mountain views and virgin landscapes are yours to discover when you set out along the Nepal/Tibet border. The Manaslu circuit is a restricted route, allowing only groups with special permits to trek its phenomenal paths and passes.
Fairly Strenuous
5215m/17,209ft
17 Days
teahouse
Manasalu Region
Itinerary
Elevation: 1,350m/4,428ft
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will be there to welcome and transport you to your hotel in Thamel. The tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to shop for last minute trekking gears and grab your first local Nepalese meal. Then, if it’s not too late, (depending on your arrival time), you can explore the city. In the evening, your trek guide will also organise a trek briefing to talk about the essentials of your trek.
Elevation: 1,350m/4,428ft
Accommodation: local hotel
This is a free day in Kathmandu and will give us time to process your permits as Manaslu requires a special restricted area permit. Afternoon and early evening bring a final briefing and preparations for trekking.
Elevation: 700 m/2,296 ft
Driving Distance: 8 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Your trekking guide will meet you at 7:00am to ensure you catch the bus to Arughat, from where our trek begins. It’s an eight hour drive overland, half of which is over bumpy dirt roads! The pavement ends after Dhading Bensi, opening up to the wilderness we’ll soon be hiking!
Elevation: 870 m/2,854 ft
Walking Distance: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
It’s a journey between rivers today as we depart the Soti River and climb towards Almara. A wending forest trail alive with colorful blooms brings us to RidenGaon, and the valley of Lambesi. Here, we’ll follow the riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki before arriving alongside the Machha River where we will spend the night.
Elevation: 1,410m/4653ft
Walking Distance: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
We’ll cross the Machha Khola as we leave camp, and then the Kharola Besi. The Tatopani hot spring, which comes next, is a popular stopping point with trekkers – a soak in the springs is a deliciously reinvigorating treat! The forest trails welcome us again as we walk towards Dovan, and then some raging rapids at Budhi Gandaki. The elevation is increasing quickly, and you’ll notice the landscape changing accordingly.
Elevation: 1860m/6,138ft
Walking Distance: 5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
The terraced hill of Saguleri, with its view of Shringi Himal, is our first challenge as we walk upwards today. Sirish Gaon is our first landmark as Gandaki valley narrows, and we tackle the precipitous footpaths leading us to Dyang.
Elevation: 2,660m/8,778ft
Walking Distance: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Following the Deng River will bring us this morning to a miniature village – just four houses! A newly-constructed rock tunnel helps circumvent the steep climb to Ghap, where Tibetan culture is seen everywhere in the chortens and abundance of mani stones around you.
Elevation: 3,180 m/10,433 ft
Walking Distance: 4 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Sho is the next village, and getting there affords tremendous views of Naike, Manaslu North, and Manaslu. The Pungen Glacier is an outstanding side trek from here, affording outstanding views of Manaslu in its snow-capped glory!
Elevation: 3,530 m/11,548 ft
Walking Distance: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
We follow the lateral moraine of the glacier to reach the village of Sama, and then a bit longer to get to our campsite at Sama Gompa.
Elevation: 3,530 m/11,548 ft
Accommodation : Teahouse
You’ll have the chance to learn more about the people and culture of Stone Hut as we linger here for another day. The air is thin at this altitude, and a day of acclimatization is necessary to stave off altitude sickness. Rest, write, or explore the small village.
Elevation: 3,875 m/12,713 ft
Walking Distance: 4 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.
Elevation: 4480m/14,784ft
Walking Distance: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
Only one tea house in dharmashala tea house owner will set up tents when its busy. Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
Elevation: Cross Larke Pass 5,106 m/16,751 ft and Bhimthang 3,720 m/12,139 ft
Walking Distance: 8 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
Elevation: 2,300 m/7,544 ft
Walking Distance: 5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse
We trek for five hours today, walking downstream along the river. The path is easy and the trekking is pleasurable – even more so given the views of Chamje village and Himalpani.
Elevation: Trek to Dharapani 1,960m/6,430 ft drive to Beshisahar 760m/2,493 ft
Accommodation: Teahouse
We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani.
Elevation: 1350m/4428ft
Accommodation: Local hotel
Our entire party – trekkers, guides, porters, and staff – will hop a bus this morning for the long, bumpy ride back to the capital. Your journey is done, and all that’s left is reflection and a bit of leisurely fun. We’ll bring you to your hotel in the city, and take our leave so you can indulge in a hot shower for the first time in a couple weeks!
Farewell from all of us at Himalayan Wonders! It’s our pleasure to bring you to the airport in time to catch your flight home, or bid you bon voyage as you depart for new adventures.
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