Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Tea house Trek, Larke Pass Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit is a beautiful trek is a lesser-visited area that still sees enough visitors to warrant decent lodges, for your comfort. While it crosses a high pass and some villages at high altitude, this trek is suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness, including families with older children.

Climb from the sub-tropical forests and farm-land of the Himalayan foothills to the arid landscape and high pastures of the mountain areas bordering Tibet. See the cultures changes from the Hindus of the lower lands to followers of Tibetan Buddhism deeper and higher in the mountains. Manaslu Circuit trek is a beautiful trek is a lesser-visited area that still sees enough visitors to warrant decent lodges, for your comfort. While it crosses a high pass and some villages at high altitude, this trek is suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness, including families with older children.

Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Close-up views of Mt Manaslu (8163m), one of the world’s eight highest peaks
The Buddhist culture en route, with stupas, chortens and mani stones
Cross the Larkya La (5135m), which separates the Annapurna and Manaslu regions, for incredible mountain views

The Manaslu region is in the western-central part of Nepal and is east of the Annapurna Circuit. In fact, parts of Manaslu are passed on the Annapurna Circuit trek, but this Manaslu Circuit route is much less visited.

The landscapes passed on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are very varied, from narrow gorges and ravines to wide pastures and meadows; lush valleys and glacial moraines; Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas and chortens.

A major benefit of Manaslu Circuit trek is that, as a circuit, you won’t need to retrace your steps. All landscapes and experiences are new.

The Route Followed
As with many treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins in the sub-tropical lower altitudes, where villagers tend fertile farmland. The trek starts at Sotikhola, at just 530m.

The trek progresses up, following the Budi Gandaki River, to alpine meadows and pastures. While following the river, you will cross many suspension bridges, which are a classic Nepal experience.

At the higher altitudes, the majority Hindu people from lower down give way to people of Tibetan origin, who largely follow Tibetan Buddhism. After the town of Phillim, you will see an increasing number of mani walls, which are carved with Tibetan Buddhist mantras.

The main trail after Phillim passes through pine forests, pastures, and numerous villages, before reaching Samdu, the last settlement in the valley. Some acclimatization days are built into the trek from this point, so you don’t ascend too high, too fast and risk altitude-related problems.

The Larkya La (5135m) awaits at the end of the valley. This separates the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. From the pass, there are amazing views of Cheo Himal (6621m), HimlungHimal (7126m), Kang Guru (6981m), Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV (7525m).

The Manaslu Circuit Trek ends at Dharapani, a day and a half’s walk down a steep track from the Larkya La.

Accommodation available on Manaslu Circuit Trek
Although the Manaslu area is still much less visited than the Annapurna region to the west, it is not as remote and isolated as it once was. There are now reasonably good lodges (teahouses) in the area, and while the level of comfort may not quite be as high as in more popular trekking regions, you can still stay in good places on this trek. Camping is not necessary, although it can be arranged if you prefer.

Manaslu Circuit Trek’s short Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters).
Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Sotikhola (530 meters).
Day 04: Trek to Machha Khola. (930 meters).
Day 05: Trek to Jagat. (1120 meters).
Day 06: Trek to Deng. (1860 meters).
Day 07: Trek to Namrung. (2630 meters).
Day 08: Trek to Lho (3180 meters).
Day 09: Trek to Sama Gaon (3525 meters)
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Sama Gaon (Make a side trip).
Day 11: Trek to Samdo (3860 meters).
Day 12: Acclimatization day at Samdo (Make a side trip).
Day 13: Trek to Dharmashala (4460 meters).
Day 14: Cross Larke la (5106 meters) and Trek to Bhimtang (3610 meters).
Day 15: Trek to Tilche (300 meters).
Day 16: Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar (760 meters).
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure.

Detail Itinenary

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. (Overnight at Hotel)

Day 02

Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.

A half day guided tour to several of historical and spiritual attractions enlisted under the World Heritage Sites. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 03

Drive to Sotikhola (530 meters)

We leave early in the morning for Sotikhola via Arughat. We stay on a highway in the morning but most part of the driving is done on the dusty newly built roads. We camp at Sotikhola.(8 to 9 hours drive) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Dinner included)

Day 04

Trek to Machha Khola. (930 meters)

The trek heads north and follows the Budhi Gandaki River for the whole day. The trek stays close and follows the Budhi Gandaki River all way up to the base of the pass, and crosses and re-crosses the river several times through suspension bridges. The trail undulates through Lapu Beshi, then continues on the sandy banks of the river, and finally reaches Machha Khola. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 05

Trek to Jagat. (1120 meters)

The trail stays relatively easy in the morning and goes through Khorlabesi. A brief stop at Tatopani, to check out the hot spring is followed by a steep climb through Dobhan. The trail drops down into the banks of the Yaru Khola at Yaru Beshi, campsite for the day and is followed by couple of good climbs until Jagat, a small village by the banks of Budhi Gandaki River. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 06

Trek to Deng. (1860 meters)

The trail once again enters the sandy banks for a brief period. The path gets steep near Sirdibas and after crossing a dramatic suspension bridge, another good climb leads to a beautiful village of Phillim, the biggest village until the pass. The trail steadily loses height and heads into a new valley, leaving the trail to Tsum Valley behind. The path gets steeper for a while and then steadies near Pewa. After Pewa, another uphill walk continues for the rest of the day and ends at Deng. The change in culture can be experienced at Deng. The people, culture and the houses in the villages from Deng are heavily influenced by Tibetans and completely differ with the people and their culture from the people lower in the valley. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 07

Trek to Namrung. (2630 meters)

A quick drop down to the river is followed by a steep climb until the village of Rana. The trail yet again drops and gradually ascends to Bihi Phedi and then undulates into the valley and finally reaches Ghap. The trek continues gradually gaining more height through the forest following the now much smaller Budi Gandaki River. A steep climb through the forest until the village of Namrung ends the day. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 08

Trek to Lho. (3180 meters)

From Namrung onwards, the trek now enters into the higher altitude. After a brief walk on an easy terrain, the trail starts to go uphill until the village of Shyo. View of Manaslu (8163 meters) appears towards west as the path drops into a river and yet again gets uphill until it reaches Lho. (4-5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 09

Trek to Sama Gaon. (3525 meters)

The trail once again drops into a river and yet again, is followed by a climb. The climb ends at Shyala and the valley starts to open up with the trail turning into an easy walk through the pasturelands. (4-5 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 10

Acclimatization day at Sama Gaon (Make side trip)

The options at Sama Gaon are a short hike to the nearby beautiful lake named Birendra Taal or a full day hike (6 hours) to the Pungyen Gomba, Pungyen Glacier, or Mount Manaslu Base Camp. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 11

Trek to Samdo. (3860 meters)

The trail gradually climbs through the valley and continue to follow the river. The path then gets steeper at the end of the day and reaches the village of Samdu, with Samdu Ri (6335 meters) towering on the east direction. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 12

Acclimatization day at Samdo (Make side trip)

The best option from Samdo is to hike towards the valley into the northeast of Samdo. This hike also provides spectacular view of a towering Samdu Ri (6335 meters). (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 13

Trek to Dharmasala. (4460 meters)

The trail gradually descends briefly and then starts to ascend afterwards towards the Larke Glacier. The path becomes easier and ends at the start of the next day’s climb at Dharmasala. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 14

Cross Larke La (5106 meters) and trek to Bhimthang. (3610 meters)

An early start and a gradual ascend into the Larke Glacier only ends at the top of the pass. The top rewards with the views of Himlung, Annapurna II, Kangguru and several other pinnacles standing above 6000 meters. A steep drop starts on the snow and later on, the glacial moraine continues for the rest of the day. The descent finally ends with the view of Bhimthang located on a huge flat ground. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 15

Trek to Tilche. (2300 meters)

The trail quickly drops in and out of a glacier and then starts to drop towards the lower valley through the forest. The path once again follows the river by its banks and finally passes through Surki Khola and Goa while consistently losing more altitude. The path continues to get downhill and finally ends at Tilche. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 16

Trek to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar (760 meters)

Short walking lead us to Dharapani we connected popular Annapurna Circuit trail, not trails are much more busier then Manaslu part because driving road is accessing now from Dharapani. Now take local Jeep land transport take us to Besisahar and stay overnight at Besisahar. About 4 hour’s durt road drive to Besisahar. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 17

17: Drive to Kathmandu.

After Breakfast we will drive to Kathmandu with our private Car along the Marshyangdi river valley. Following the Prithivi high way and enjoy the afternoon in Kathmandu. (5-6 hours drive) (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 18

Departure.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Digene	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache