Photo Courtesy: Kelsie DiPerna.
If you are looking for a proper expedition, meaning traditional style trek, in a non-commercial fashion, then Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for you. The trek route of Manaslu offers great all-round expedition which includes rustiest and unexplored places of the Himalayas. So, an adventurer like you is in for a treat.
Manaslu Circuit is shaped-up around Tibetan culture, mainly in the upper part of the region. And in the lower region, you will find Gurung and Magar villages. Whilst you are there, be ready to observe jaw-dropping panoramic view of mountain ranges such as Himchuli Himal, Siringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Larke Peak, and of course, Manaslu Himal.
The main highlight of the trek is Larke La (the top pass of Manaslu), Manaslu Base Camp, and Pungen Glacier. So, you don’t want to miss them, do you? On your way, if you are lucky, you will be encountering snow leopard. Besides, blue sheep and red fox are your common passersby in a snow-paved route.
Due to heavy cultural influence, the region is a home for renowned festivals like Loshar and Ghode Jatra as well. You can witness the popular Samdo dance while on rest after a daylong trek.
Day 01:
Drive from Kathmandu - Arughat (600 m) 7-8 hrs drive.
Day 02:
Arughat (600 m) - Lapubeshi (970 m) 8-9 hrs trek.
Day 03:
Lapubeshi (970 m) - Tatopani (990 m) 6-7 hrs trek.
Day 04:
Tatopani (990 m) - Jagat (1350 m) 6-7 hrs trek.
Day 05:
Jagat (1350 m) - Ekle Bhatti (1610 m) 6-7 hrs trek.
Day 06:
Ekle Bhatti (1610 m) - Bihi Phedi (2000 m) 6-7 hrs trek.
Day 07:
DBihi Phedi (2000 m) - Namrung (2650 m) 6-7 hours trek.
Day 08:
Namrung (2650 m) - Lho (3180 m) 4-5 hrs trek.
Day 09:
Lho (3180 m) - Sama Gaon (3530 m) 8-9 hrs trek.
Day 10:
Acclimatization - rest day in Sama Gaon (trip to MBC, Birendra Lake) 4-5 hrs trek.
Day 11:
Sama Gaon (3530 m) - Samdo (3700 m) 8-10 hrs trek.
Day 12:
Acclimatization - rest day in Samdo (side trip to Tibetan border) 5-6 hrs trek.
Day 13:
Samdo (3700 m) - Dharmashala (4450 m) 4-5 hrs trek.
Day 14:
Dharmashala (4450 m) - Larke Pass (5160 m) - Bhimtang (3700 m) 8-9 hrs trek.
Day 15:
Bhimtang (3700 m) - Dharapani (1963 m) 5-6 hrs trek.
Day 16:
Dharapani (1963 m) - Beshisahar 5-6 hrs jeep drive.
Day 17:
Beshisahar - Kathmandu 8-9 hrs drive.
Day 01:
Drive from Kathmandu – Arughat (600m) 7-8 hrs drive
Our representative from Rustic Himalayan will be there at the hotel for the pick up . We will be going through Prithivi highway till Dhading where the roads are quite good and from that onwards the roads are quite bumpy and muddy till be reach Arughat.
Day 02:
Arughat (600m) – Lapubeshi (970m) 8-9 hrs trek
Today you cross the suspension bridge over Soti Khola and trek through the forest on a narrow and rocky trail. There are many waterfalls along the trail. You make your way ppast the paddy fields and finally ending up in the beautiful Gurung village,Lapubesi.
Day 03:
Lapubeshi(970m) – Tatopani (990m) 6-7 hrs trek
Today we start out trek further to the sandy riverbed and stone ridges finally reaching to Maccha Khola. Then continuing uphill towards the village of Khorlabesi and crossing over it we will reach the natural hot spring called Tatopani. We will spend some time in the hotspring and then overnight at Tatopani.
Day 04:
Tatopani (990m) – Jagat (1350m) 6-7 hrs trek
As we ascend more and face new challenges,we will cross Budi Gandaki through a suspension bridge. Then,we will come across some forests,and walk over ridge leading to Dobhan. After few more ascend and descend,we will finally reach the village of Jagat.
Day 05:
Jagat (1350m) – Ekle bhatti ( 1610m) 6-7 hrs trek
On this day, you climb over the rocky ridge to reach Salleri. You then head towards sirdibas and continue the trek passing a long suspension bridge to reach Philim, Crossing the fields, you will finally reach Ekle Bhatti which we will be our stay for the night.
Day 06:
Ekle Bhatti (1610m) – Bihi Phedi (2000m) 6-7 hrs trek
Today’s trek is a little longer and harder. There are many mustard fields and waterfalls along the way. After a 6-7 hours trek we finally reach Bihi Phedi .
Day 07:
Bihi Phedi(2000m) – Namrung (2650m) 6-7 hrs trek
As we start our trek from Bihi Phedi , we will cross the Budi Gandaki River several times this day,passing by dense forest and Mani walls,and after a few uphill climbs, we will finally reach the village of Namrung.
Day 08:
Namrung (2650m) – Lho (3180m) 4-5 hrs trek
We leave leave Namrung early in the morning and walk across Honang River. After some hours of walking you reach Lho Gaon,from where you can get a good view of Mt.Manaslu (8156m).
Day 09:
Lho (3180 m) – Sama Gaon (3530m) 8-9 hrs trek
From Lho we will be passing by Shyala and Sama village going through the pine and rhododendron forest. As you move ahead, yak pastureland and stone houses come into your sight. Overnight in Samagaon.
Day 10:
Acclimatization – rest day in Sama gaon ( trek to MBC,birendra lake) 4-5 hrs trek
Today we rest and acclimatize to the altitude. We will be going on a short hike to Birendra lake then afterward, the team will hike up to Manaslu Base Camp where you get a wonderful view of Mt.Manaslu (8156m). Overnight in Samagaon.
Day 11:
Samagaon (3530m) – Samdo (3700m) 4-5 hrs trek
After breakfast, you follow the Budhi Gandaki River and cross a suspension bridge. The trek further is easy as you pass Mani walls and juniper forests. This trek will take 3-4 hours. Your final destination of the day is Samdo village, which is dedicated to yak herding as it has more animals and fodder than the human population. Overnight in Samdo.
Day 12:
Acclimatization – rest day in Samdo (side trip to Tibetan border) 5-6 hrs trek
Today we will have another acclimatization day . We will go on a short trek to the Tibetan border which is home to many Tibetan Refugees.Overnight in Samdo.
Day 13:
Samdo (3700m) – Dharmashala (4450m) 4-5 trek
It will be an early morning trek as you head for Dharamsala. This trek will take around 3-4 hours. Walking past monasteries, you cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki River to arrive in Larkya Bazaar. From there on, you ascend on the moraines of Syacha Glacier as you walk through the Mani walls and stone huts until you arrive in Dharamsala.
Day 14:
Dharmashala (4450m) – Larke Pass (5160 m) – Bhimtang (3700m) 8-9hrs trek
This day is quite challenging as we will cross Larkya La Pass. The trek starts with a steep ascent through a meandering trail. As we reach the top ,we can enjoy magnificent view of Larkya peak,Mt Manaslu,Ratnachuli and many other Himalayan ranges. After we cross the Pass we head downwards to reach the valley of Bimthang.
Day 15:
Bhimtang (3700m) – Dharapani (1963 m) 5-6 hrs trek
Today will be the last day of trekking. After breakfast you will trek downhill through the bamboo,rhododendron, and pine forests. Lunch will be at a small tea house on the way. After around 5-6 hour trek we will finally reach Dharapani.
Day 16:
Dharapani (1963 m) – Besisahar. 5-6 hrs jeep drive
Our private jeep will be ready for us to take us to Besisahar. The roads are mostly bumpy,narrow and muddy. Overnight at Besisahar.
Day 17:
Besisahar – Kathmandu 6-7 hrs ride
From Besisahar we will be going through the hills of the Prithvi Highway and in around 7 hours we will reach Kathmandu. Check in to the hotel. We will have a farewell and celebratory dinner for the successful completion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Airport transfer with an escort in a private vehicle.
- 3 nights’ accommodation or similar in Kathmandu with breakfast in twin accommodation.
- 13 nights’ accommodation at Mountain lodge or tent in a sharing basis during trek.
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by English speaking local guide.
- Welcome Dinner or breakfast at The Temple Resturant & bar with orientation and briefing of the trip.
- Farewell Dinner at authentic restaurant in Thamel Kathmandu.
- Full board meal during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, tea & coffee, seasonal fruits, chocolate/s & biscuits).
- English speaking, First Aid and Eco-trained local trekking guide, Assistance guide as per the group size, porters (2:1).
- All the expenses for guide and porters along with Insurance.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) fee.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card fee.
- Public Bus transfer for Kathmandu/Arughat.
- Public Bus transfer for Besisahar/Kathmandu.
- Exclusive medical kit bag, Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt, Trekking Maps, Adventure Certificate.
- Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek.
- All government and local taxes as applicable.
- Nepalese visa fee
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
