Around Manaslu Trek

18 days

Duration

Demanding

Trip Level

Group Size

5218 m

Max-altitude

Nepal is the ultimate paradise for intrepid travelers who can enjoy various hiking trails. It is a way to see some of the world’s top ten mountains in a single excursion. The Manaslu region is restricted to go trekking for foreigners until 1992. Around Manaslu Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, offering an authentic glimpse of the stunning Nepalese landscape and culture.

It is considered a real adventure due to its unique combination of scenic beauty, breathtaking altitude, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. The main attraction of this trek is the beautiful sunrise over the towering snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas, and you can get up close and personal with the locals in their homes and villages.

The route generally goes from Arughat toward the Budhi Gandaki River. The source of the river is the massive Larkya glacier which lies below the Larkya Pass. The landscapes are extremely varied as you start low at around 700 and up to more than 5000 meters. It allows exploring the green lush forests to stunning alpine meadows skirting massive glaciers. In addition, you will get proper acclimatization while you begin your trek from a low altitude. Manaslu is an ideal destination for both trekkers and mountaineers. Manaslu Expedition is ideal for the extreme mountaineer, and Larkya Peak for beginners.

The crossing of the Larya – La can be difficult if there is snow. The Larkya – La is the trek’s highest point, and it connects Budi Gandaki with Marshyandi valley. The trail goes downhill towards Bhimthang, which passes through beautiful alpine meadows before joining the main Annapurna Circuit Trek route to the trailhead at Besisahar.

Trekking: Overview

Trekking through the Manaslu Conservation Area, an opportunity to observe a vast range of biodiversities.

It is much less crowded than the famous Everest Base Camp and Annapurna circuits.

The trail follows the spectacular Budi Gandaki, a deep gorge crossing many suspension bridges, and is fascinated by the chilling wonder of the Larkya Glacier towards Larkya – La Pass.

Trekking through the subtropical jungle from lower altitude to the high enables experience natural wonders, fascinating mountain views, and crossing over Larkya Pass 5218 meters at the same time.

Manaslu Circuit Trek at a glance

Min. Duration	18 days
Max. Altitude	5218 meters
Trek starts/ends	Arughat/Bensi Shahar
Difficulty	Demanding
Accommodation	Tea-houses/Lodges

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

18 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Days	Destinations	Altitude in Meters	Walking Distance
1.	Kathmandu to Arughat	710	6h00 drive
2.	Arughat – Labubensi	900	6h00
3.	Labubensi – Khorla Bensi	970	5h00
4.	Khorla Besnsi – Jagat	1400	6h00
5.	Jagat – Deng	1840	7h00
6.	Deng – Ghap	2330	7h00
7.	Ghap – Lho Gaon	3170	5h00
8.	Lho Gaon – Sama Gaon	3530	4h30
9.	Acclimatization day!
10.	Sama – Samdo	3860	4h00
11.	Rest day!
12.	Samdo – Dharmashala	4460	4h00
13.	Trek to Bhimthang via Larkya Pass (5218 m)	3800	8h00
14.	Bhimthang to Tilje	2300	6h00
15.	Trek to Taal	1700	6h00
16.	Taal – Bahun Danda	1340	6h00
17.	Bahun Danda to Beshi Shahar	900	6h00
18.	Bensi Shahar to Kathmandu		6h00

Manaslu Trek is easily reachable from Kathmandu. It usually begins at Arughat; however, many trekkers start at either Barpak or Soti Khola starting a little further up the trail with road construction. The Larkya – Lass is not only that but also a demanding trek highest pass bu. So, it is wise to begin your trek from a low altitude. If you are seeking to explore off-the-beaten, you can add another 7-days more to your plan, allowing you to discover the hidden Tsum valley. Furthermore, this trek is also to combine with Annapurna Circuit Trek too.

So, if you are trekking with your kids or seniors and are concerned about the high altitude, we’ve designed a handcrafted itinerary in the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, Annapurna Manaslu Loop Track provides you an opportunity to explore hidden places that we design specially for kids and seniors. It does not require to go high passes. But it allows you to discover parts of the Manaslu and Annapurna.

For a better travel experience, Himalayan Exploration Treks always help you to tailor your holiday based on your needs.

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of the Arrival gate with a Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.

Day 2: Free day and trek preparation

During the free day in Kathmandu, you may have a chance to visit the heritage site of Kathmandu valley, followed by a pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing where you meet trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment, and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information

Day 3: Kathmandu to Arughat (710 meters) 8h00 drive.

The departure day is by local bus to the Arughat. A drive through Nepal’s countryside will take advantage of the mountain scenery, forests, stunning landscapes, and villages and get Arughat in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Arughat – Labubensi (900 m): 6h00 walk.

We walk through the new roughened road to Sotikhola on the first day of the trek. We then cross a bridge trek along Budi Gandaki River through the forest and pass through many villages, rice fields, and waterfalls.

Day 5: Labubensi – Khorla Bensi (970 m) 6h00 walk.

After breakfast in the morning, we head to Khorla Bensi, passing the rocky trail, descending to the bank of the river Budi Gandaki, walking along the sand, then climbing away and off to reach Machhakhola with some up and down to get to Khorla Bbensi.

Day 6: Khorla Besnsi – Jagat (1,400 m) 6h00 walk

The route leads to a little hot spring in Tatopani, along the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. Take over a slope and get Dovan and Yaru Phant after passing a suspension bridge. We cross a Yaru Khola suspension bridge and walk on the well-managed stairs of stone. At last, on the lap of the river, we get Jagat.

Day 7: Trek to Deng (1,804 m): 6h00 walk.

The trail goes to Deng, passing several towns, settlements, waterfalls, and passing suspension bridges along the path after verifying the entrance permit.

Day 8: Deng – Ghap (2100 m) 6h00 walk.

We go to Ghap, as usual, like other days. About a 20-minutes walk, cross a suspension bridge in Deng connecting Rana and Bihi over small settlements and a fun hike to Ghap. The Tibetan culture begins at Ghap with Mani stones and tsortens all around.

Day 9: Ghap – Lho Gaon (3200 m) 5h00 walk.

Cross the river of Budhi Gandaki and follow the path lined with houses interspersed with arable fields. There is a police check post again at Namrung village. After Namrung, coming from Linda Glacier across the Hinan river and continuing to village Sho. The magical view of Naike peak, Manaslu north (7,774 m), and Manaslu (8,150 m) are visible from here. Lho Gaon is a small settlement whereas it appeared a stunning view of Mount Manaslu itself.

Day 10: Lho Gaon - Sama Gaon (3530 m) 4h30 walk.

Hike on across the village’s stone gate and long Mani stone wall to Lho with a complete view of Peak 29 ahead. A side trip from here to either Pungen Glacier or Manaslu Base Camp will allow you a close view of the Massif Mount Manaslu. Follow moraine and glacier to Samagaun for a walk.

Day 11: Acclimatization day!

Samagoan is a tiny Tibetan village, where we spend a day relaxing and acclimatizing. The city is filled with cultural and traditional communities and is considered the first base camp for the expedition to Manaslu. You will visit Lake Birendra, Monastery Pungen, and Village on this day.

Day 12: Sama - Samdo (3860 m) 4h00 walk.

We walk along the River Budi Gandaki, through several mani walls on the way to the Tibetan Plateau. We end up at Samdo.

Day 13: Rest day!

Set up your proper acclimatization to rest day at Samdo. The day helps you to explore Tibet’s border desert valley and hiking opportunities above the village.

Day 14: Trek to Dharmashala (4460 m) 4h00 walk.

We head to Larkya Base Camp and are also known as Dharamshala to explore Tibet’s wilderness. Today is enough time for acclimatization for a short day trek to Dharmashala. The stone did not make the house a lodge but a type of shelter called Dharmashala.

Day 15: Dharamsala – Bhimthang (3800 m) via Larkya – La Pass (5218 meters) 8h00 walk.

We start to walk in the early morning around 3:00 a.m. The trail goes through a steep climb that leads to the north side of Larkya Glacier. Horizontally, walking along the alpine valley leads to Larkya – La at an altitude of 5,218 m rewarding pristine mountain scenery of Annapurna and Ganesh Himal range, then a long downhill to Bhimthang.

Day 16: Bimthang – Tilije (2300 m) 6h00 walking distance.

As usual, we continue our trek early in the morning, just like other days. Enjoy Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Himlung Himal with a great view once. We descend into Tilje and cross the high pastures, rivers, and forests with rhododendrons.

Day 17: Tilije – Taal (1700 m) 6h00 walk

After exploring the upper Manang villages, you can enter Annapurna Circuit Treks in Dharapani and pass by beautiful villages, stone-paved roads, mani-walls, and Chhortens.

Day 18: Taal – Danda Bahun (1340 m) 6h00 walk.

Come over Chamje after passing a suspension bridge. And the route goes down the valley of the Marsyandi River, leading to Shyange wonders of the countryside, villages, and a dense pine forest. And once over a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River, take a trail in Ghermu Phant’s Marijuana field continues to walk through the small villages, waterfalls, steep vertical rock-face climbing up to Bahun-Danda.

Day 19: Bahun Danda – Bensishahar (900 m) 6h00 walk.

The last day of the walk leads Bensi Shahar passing through Ngadi, a small village that lies on the riverbank of Marsyangdi and gets to Bulbule, and walks along the road to Beshishahar.

Day 20: Drive from Bensi Shahar to Kathmandu (1350 m) 6h00 drive.

It is a picturesque drive through numerous villages, rice fields, greenery, rivers, and magnificent mountains that arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon.

DEPARTURE/RETURN

Kathmandu International Airport.

DEPARTURE

Please report at least 3 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

Hotel/Airport transfer

Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast

All accommodations and all meals during the treks

All necessary documentation and permits

All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)

Professional guide and porters

A First Aid Kits

Applicable Government Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare

Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)

Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)

Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters

Travel Insurance

Gratuity for Guide and Porter

Prices are quoted and payable оnӏу іn (US$ dollars). Aӏӏ prices published оn our websites, brochures, and marketing materials are set as low as possible. Thе trip prices may vary at any time subject to government actions, numbers оf travelers, duration of holidays, standard hotel. An increase in transportation costs due to hike fuel prices before we have accepted your booking. But, we guarantee our prices which have already signed up for your tour. Please consult us to get a custom quote.

Is the water at Manaslu Circuit Trek Trek safe to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Manaslu Trek. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).

Am I going to be sick on my trek at altitude?

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

How can I conquer the altitude sickness?

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).

What happens if an emergency evacuation is required while I am trekking?

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

What about simple medication during the trek?

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.

Do I need to buy travel insurance before coming to Nepal?

Yes, we only provide insurance to our staff. We recommend that you purchase insurance in your home country. Note: Insurance should cover medical and emergency evacuation.

Should I use crampons for this trek?

No. The trails are well-known. You will not need crampons if you are not traveling in the mid-winter. Instead of the crampons, bring non-technical, lightweight spikes, are less costly and suit any shoe size.

Will tents and mattresses use for the trek?

No, we do not need tents or mattresses. There are tea houses along the trek.

What happens if I forget to bring something home with me?

When you forget something, it may be complicated to find something here. Check here for a detailed packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you’re not a regular hiker, you can rent most of Nepal’s trekking equipment upon your arrival.

Can I leave my stuff in Kathmandu while I am on trek?

Anything you do not want for the trip can leave at our office or your hotel. We recommend that you make sure your bag is lockable.

Who will be the guide?

Generally, we use local guides. Our guides have been numerous times on each trek to the relevant areas. All are qualified, competent, versatile, and certified licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.

Do I need a porter for my trek?

If you use a porter, there are two advantages:
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.

How many Kilograms can a porter carry?

A porter can carry an average of 20 kg with his or her bag so that they can carry up to 16 kg of your equipment and gears. But we provide a backpack for them.

Are your staff insured against accidents?

Yes, of course. We ensure that our staff is well insured.

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Tour Reviews

5.00 based on 1 review

Christian VITIPON

30/04/2021

Kumar Lama revealed parts of Nepal to us we had never seen nor known about; I was astonished to discover the new delights and discover more with him as our guide. We could have all spent another vacation in his delightful and informative company.