Around Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option in Kathmandu & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade:	Challenging
Max Altitude:	5,106m/16,752 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle
Meals:	As Indicated In The Itinerary
Duration:	16 Nights/17 Days
Group Size :	2 to 15 People

Highlights of The Trek

Enjoy Trekking to the Off The Beaten Trail and the Wilderness of Manaslu Region
Manaslu at 8,163 m is the Eight Highest Mountain in the world
Enjoy the beauty of Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Himalchuli , Ngadi Chuli, Shringi, Langpo, Saula and Other peaks
Trek Into High Pass of Larkya La at 5,106 m, Budi Gandaki Valley and Marshgandhi Valley
Rich in Bio Diversity as Manaslu Trek Region ranges from 700 m to 5,106 m.
Experience Hindu and Buddhist Culture in Lower and Middle Region and Tibetan Culture in Sama Goan and Samdo
Optional Hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m and Birendra Lake
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Sotikhola (7,10 m/2,330 ft) via Arughat-8 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Macha Khola (900 m/2,955 ft)-6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Jagat (1,410 m/4,625 ft)-7 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Deng (1,810 m/5,940 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Namrung (2,620m/8,595 ft)-7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Sama Goan (3,525 m/11,565 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 09: Rest Day in Sama Gaon

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,850m/12,630 ft)-4 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Dharmashala/Larkya Rest House (4,480m/14,698 ft)-4 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Bimthang (3,700 m/12,140 ft) passing Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft)-8 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Tilije (2,300m/7,545 ft)-6 Hours

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani and to Tal (1,700 m/5,575 ft)-6 Hours

Day 15: Trek to Jagat and to Syange (1,080m/3,540 ft)-6 Hours

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar by 4W Drive-7 Hours

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Around Manaslu Trek often called as Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the challenging and off the beaten treks. This area is being so popular but visited by only few trekkers. It is considered as untouched to experience the local culture and nature in comparison to other established trails in Annapurna and Everest Region. Manaslu is the eight highest mountains in an elevation of 8163m in the west central part of Nepal falls in Mansiri Himal range. This is one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal which is enriched with rich culture, bio-diversity and the natural beauty, was opened in 1991 A.D and need special permit. Other peaks like Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), Shringi (7,187 m), Langpo (6,668 m) and Saula (6,235m) are the major attractions of this region. Further, Tibetan Styled Buddhist Villages, unspoiled mountains, various monasteries, Budi Gandaki River, natural pools, lakes and waterfalls added the beauty of this region. The highest pass is the Larkya La Pass in an elevation of 5,106m.

This Manaslu Trekking follows Budi Gandaki River from Arughat all the way to its origin just below Larkya La Pass. Along the trail, you will witness vast changes in landscape and vegetation as it starts at 700 meters in Soti Khola to highest point of trek, Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. Mixed Hindu Villages in the lower area and upper Tibetan Styled Buddhist Villages are another wow factors to experience the great culture of Manaslu Region. Crossing of Snow Capped Larkya la Pass is challenging but the views of the spectacular mountains and glaciers down rewards the trekkers.

This trek starts with a city tour in Kathmandu valley and next day drive to Sotikhola. Earlier this trek used to start from Arughat but the recent development on roads; trekkers prefer to start from Sotikhola which is further 3 hours off road drive from Arughat. It ends down at Marshangdhi Valley in Besisahar which is starting point of Annapurna Circuit Trek. There are tea houses/lodges along the trekking trails and the best time for trekking is Spring and Autumn.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we will receive,welcome you and will transfer to hotel. In the evening, we will have trek briefing and equipment check. Then we will take you for Dinner to introduce you with Nepalese food habits and culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will take you for guided city tour of Kathmandu valley to see few monuments. First, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square and pay homage to living Goddess, Kumari and walk around the square. Then we drive to Pashupatinath Temple which is a Hindu Temple for Lord Shiva at the bank of Holy Bagmati River. Then we end our day by visiting Boudhanath Stupa which is the biggest Stupa of Asia. In the evening, you can buy or hire equipment at Thamel if you need.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive to Sotikhola (7,10 m/2,330 ft) via Arughat-8 Hours

Our journey starts from scenic drive to Kathmandu Pokhara Highway for 3 hours. We will leave this highway from the middle to get to Dhading Besi which is headquarter of Dhading District. From here, Sotikhola is another 4 hours Off Road drive.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Sotikhola.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Macha Khola (900 m/2,955 ft)-6 Hours

Our trek starts with crossing the bridge to a Sal forest and eventually climbs on a ridge above rapids of Budi Gandaki. Our trail continues with many ascends, descends and goes through narrow and rocky terrain. Passing of beautiful waterfalls and a Gurung Village of Labubesi takes us to Macha Khola.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Machakhola.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Jagat (1,410 m/4,625 ft)-7 Hours

We continue our trek with narrow ups and downs and cross Tharo Khola to get Khorla Besi. Eventually we pass a hot spring at Tatopani. From here, our trail climbs another ridge and crosses Budhi Gandaki on suspension bridge. To get to Dovan which is confluence of two small rivers, we climb on a wide crafted staircase over a ridge. After several ups and downs, you get to Tharo Bhanjang. We then cross the west bank of Budi Gandaki River, ascend over a ridge to get to the village of Jagat by walking along the river and climb of the small village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jagat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Deng (1,810 m/5,940 ft)-6 Hours

Our journey begins with ascend to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. After having lunch at Philim which is a large Gurung Settlement, we continue our trek by walking to the George and to grassy land slopes. After crossing Budi Gandaki River, dense bamboo forest and Deng Khola, we get to a small village of Deng.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Deng.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Namrung (2,620m/8,595 ft)-7 Hours

We follow the trail after crossing suspension bridge by ascending up to the Budi Gandaki Valley. After few hours of walking to Ghap (2,160m), we listen the sounds of waterfall and witness arts in stones. We can see the Manaslu before getting to Ghap. After Ghap, we make a long climb passing through bamboo and rhododendron forest and crossing river many times. After crossing a river at narrow gorge, the trail become easier and after a final steep climb takes us to the Buddhist village of Namrung.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Namrung.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Sama Goan (3,525 m/11,565 ft)- 6 Hours

We start our journey early in the morning and climbs up from where we see view of Mt. Manaslu. We continue through dense forest of rhododendron, fir, oak until we get to Lihi village. On the way, we will see so many small Buddhist villages of Sho, Lho and Shyala. Along the way we pass chortens and monasteries until we get to a beautiful village of Sama Gaon.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Samagoan.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Rest Day in Sama Gaon

Today, we stay extra night at Sama Gaun for rest and acclimatization as we are going higher. This day, we can roam around the beautiful village of Sama Gaon, know their culture and lifestyle. Or we can go upto Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) from where we get wonderful view of Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu Glacier, Icefall and other neighbor peaks. There is an Old Pungyen Gompa in a small hill from where you can see glacier.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Sama Goan.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,850m/12,630 ft)-4 Hours

Today we walk to the village of Samdo which is famous for Yaks and pastures. Our trail descends along with the Budi Gandaki River and crosses the suspension bridge. We continue through woodland where we might see marmots in the birch and juniper bushes. Further, it climbs up to the village of Samdo and before entering the village; we pass a point from where Budi Gandaki River starts at the confluence of Larkye Khola and a river coming down from Samdo Glacier. Samdo is a village with Tibetan Refugee Camp.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Samdo.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Dharmashala/Larkya Rest House (4,480m/14,698 ft)-4 Hours

We start our journey down passing by monasteries and make a final cross to a wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki River. After crossing the river, we get to Larkya Bazaar. We continue our journey by ascending to the moraines of Syacha Glacier and to a view point from where we see Larkya Glacier. We see beautiful views of snow capped mountains as we walk through Mani walls and stoned huts until we get to Dharmashala. We rest for the whole afternoon as next day we are crossing Larkya La Pass.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Dharmashala.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Bimthang (3,700 m/12,140 ft) passing Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft)-8 Hours

We start early in the morning as this is the most challenging day of our trek to cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. After climbing a valley, we get excellent views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We continue our trek to Larkya la Pass through moraines of the glaciers which takes around 5 hours from Dharmashala. The last section of the pass becomes steeper. From the Larkya la Pass, we get the most rewarding views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Gyaji Kung (7,030 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m) and Annapurna II (7,937 m). We descend down in to pasture and reach the valley of Bimtnang. From Bimthang, we see Manaslu North.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Bimthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Tilije (2,300m/7,545 ft)-6 Hours

After breakfast, we trek downhill and cross a high pasture. We continue through forest of bamboo, pine and rhododendron until we get to Hampuk. We then cross bridge over Dudh Khola to a village of Gho. After further descend, we arrive at a large Gurung village of Tilije which is very famous for its Apple Brandy.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Tilije.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani and to Tal (1,700 m/5,575 ft)-6 Hours

We continue our trek by climbing a small ridge and in to a village through stone paved way. After crossing Dudh Khola and ascend further up, we get to Thonje Village where we go through police checkpoint. We continue to Dharapani (1,920 m) which is a part of Annapurna Circuit Trek. We ended up with our quiet trail of Manaslu and get to the busy Annapurna Circuit trail. From here, the way goes to Manang. After crossing Karte Village, bridge over Marshyangdhi River we reach Tal where river looks like a lake. There is a beautiful waterfall going down to Marshyangdhi River.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Tal.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek to Jagat and to Syange (1,080m/3,540 ft)-6 Hours

We continue our trek to Chyame village by crossing Marshyangdhi village. We descend through forest and pass a waterfall to arrive at Jagat. Further, we walk downhill to get the Syange Village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Syange.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar by 4W Drive-7 Hours

After early breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar and get into the middle of Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway at Dumre. We then drive in highway which takes around 4 hours to get to Kathmandu. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the success of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast at hotel, we will drop you to the airport 3 hours before of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
13 Nights/14 Day All inclusive treks in Around Manaslu Circuit Trek with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local tea houses/lodges.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
White water rafting in Trishuli River with picnic lunch.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Special Permit for Manaslu Region, Annapurna Conservation Area Project- ACAP Fees and Manaslu National Park Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency