Untouched wilderness trek and a full-on adventure to a spectacular region with the main attraction, the iconic Mount Manaslu (The Spirit Mountain).
This trek has everything you would wish for and more in just 12 days: incredible mountain views, astounding natural beauty, and rich in Tibetan culture. You will trek through lush farmland and stunning rhododendron forests and across rugged mountain trails. This off the beaten path trek means isolation and time to reflect on an amazing landscape that takes your breath away. This trek, as the name suggests, circles the world’s 8th highest mountain - Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and has recently become as popular as the other well-known trails, such as Everest, Annapurna & Langtang. Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning "intellect" or "soul".
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers glimpses of wildlife, wildflowers, pine, cedar, birch, and juniper forests and of course stunning panoramic views of towering snow-covered peaks. You will get an understanding of how different cultural ethnic groups in the region exist and how Buddhism plays a major role in their lives. You will have stunning views of Himal (6983m), Annapurna (8091), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Himalchuli (7893m), and Yangra Peak (7422m) in the Ganesh Himal sub-range.
This is a trek to a region where time has had little influence on the lives of the villagers. Nepalese Himalayan, so trek to Manaslu will be a time-travel understanding.
Our journey begins with an 8 to 9-hour drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and then on to Khola Bensi. The trail takes us over the Budhi Gandaki River to Philim and Ghap villages. Along the trail, we will see native wildlife, such as Langur monkeys and of course the ever-present hardy Yak that carries goods from the Tibetan Plateau to Nepal. Tibetan influence is everywhere with prayer flags flapping in the breeze, Mani stones piled alongside the trail and Tibetan monasteries. We continue on the trail passing Lho Village and further on the trail Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala, Bhimthang, Dharapani, and finally Besisahar where we leave and head back to Kathmandu.
In order to minimize altitude sickness, we will stop at Samagaun to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. A side trek to Manaslu Base camp (4500m) or Birendra Lake will also assist us to acclimatize. Another interesting trail takes us to Larkya La Pass (5160m) where we have stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and the Larkya Glacier. From Larkya La Pass there are stunning panoramic views of soaring snow-covered peaks, such as Himlung Himal and Kang Guna.
Around the Manaslu circuit trek gives you an insight into both Buddhist and Hindu cultures and how they live in these remote and isolated regions and their everyday lifestyles.
We will take a public bus, stopping along the way for a lunch break. Tonight we will stay at Soti Khola. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today our trek begins as we cross the Soti Khola and then trek towards Khorla Besi which lies above the rapids of the Buri Gandaki. The trial continues and passes farmland growing rice before we reach Lapubesi. Along the trail we see the snow-covered ranges making up the Shringi Himal and makes its way down to Nauli Khola over a long suspension bridge before arriving at Machha Khola. Continuing we find ourselves in the scenic Buri Gandaki Valley and then ascend to Lapu Besi and finally to Khorla Bensi where we stay the night.. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The trail today first takes us to Korsani Village and then follows along the banks of the Buri Gandaki until we reach the Gurung village of Labishe. We follow the trail through the Buri Gandaki Valley with the river beside us and as we progress we have wonderful views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Tonight we stay at Philim. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
As we head on today’s trek of 6 to 7 hours we follow the Budhi Gandaki River towards Chisapani until we reach the junction of Shar Khola and Tsum Valley where they connect with the Budhi Gandaki Valley. We continue through a bamboo forest until we reach Deng. Our trail leads us to Ghap with its distinctive Tibetan style houses. Tonight we stay at Ghap. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
A 5 to 6 hour trek today takes us across the Budhi Gandaki River and exposes us to numerous wildlife, that includes the Danphe (pheasant) and Langur monkeys. The trail makes its way uphill through fir, rhododendron, and bamboo forests before reaching Namrung Village and on to Upper Nupri. Views of the majestic Manaslu, Manaslu North (7,157m), and Naike Peak (5515m) are visible at the head of the valley. As we reach Lho we can see a large valley opening up before us along with its Gompa (monastery). Tonight we stay at Lho. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we trek for 7 to 8 hours and on the trail are blessed with some awesome views of Ngadi Chuli Peak (7879m), Hiunchuli (7893m). We pass through the village of Shyala village we continue on the trail passing chortens and Gompas and of course the ever-present prayer flags. From here we emerge from the Thosang Khola and descend across a rugged moraine before reaching Samagaun where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
At these higher altitudes, it is necessary to get acclimatized, for at least one day, before attempting climbs to higher altitudes. Health specialists suggest that you move about and don’t sit idly. A good way to stay active is to explore the Gompa at Pugyen (4070m), a one day hike that leaves the trail between Syaula and Sama. If time permits, it is possible for you to carry on up this valley to the rugged rocks and terrain of the Pugin glacier. Another option is a trip to the glacial lake at Birendra Tal (3450m) and a demanding ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m). It is believed that north of Birendra Tal is Milarepa’s Cave (famous Buddha) claimed to have been used as a meditation retreat by the Buddhist saint. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Today the trail descends and heads back to the Buri Gandaki River passing the junction of Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley expands before reaching Kermo Khadka and then continuing to the white Kani Gateway signaling the entrance to Samdo (3860m). If time permits we may trek to the peak above the village for impressive views of Mount Manaslu. If it is necessary to further acclimatize, there is a 6 t0 7 hour trek climbing 640m to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier, where you will be rewarded with far-reaching views towards several passes used by locals to cross over into Tibet. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
A relatively short day sees us descending through fields prior to starting our climb towards the Larkya-La Pass, a trek offering dazzling views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier, and a likelihood of spotting Himalayan blue sheep on your trek to Dharamsala (4480m). This is as high as we go today without risking altitude sickness. This is the last safe haven before reaching the pass. This sector of the trek is often subject to snowfall and from mid-December to mid-March, when snow blocks the Larkya-La Pass, the Samdo Lodge is typically closed. Your guide will know in advance if the lodge is closed. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
A 3 to 5-hour trek will see us cross Larkya-La Pass (5100m) and is the highest elevation on this trek. The climb is wintry and blustery and can often be hazardous, especially if there is snow on the pass. Your guide will check the condition of the crossing before leaving Samdo. The trail passes many cairns that are often covered in snow. It then traverses the moraine to four frozen lakes before ascending to the pass where a majestic number of peaks take your breath away. These include Himlung Himal(7126m), Cheo Himal(6820m), Gyaji Kung(7030m), Kang Guru(6981m) and Annapurna II(7937m). After this fantastic photo opportunity, we descend in a westerly direction along a dangerous track before reaching Taboche where the trail becomes less demanding. The valley gradually opens up and then descends to Bimtang (3720m), one of the many trading posts along the Tibetan salt route. An appealing detour leads to a trail follows a trail above Bimtang to the translucent glacial lake of Pungkar Tal (4100m). Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we descend to Dudh Khola and Soti Khola(2700m) also known as Khare, following a trail directly below the enormous Phunki Peak(6258m). We then take a trail across the ridge heading downhill to the river before reaching Gho village. At this lower altitude, it is noticeable greener as we descend through cultivated fields and forests and take the trail on the north bank of the Dudh Khola before reaching Tilche (2300m) the largest village since leaving Samdo. The village is well known for its flagstone paved streets and the home of Gurung. After passing Tilche through the Kani (gateway arches) we, then cross the stream before reaching Thonje. The trail to Dharapani (1920m) requires crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. We are soon at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit trek where the going gets easier before descending to Bensi Sahar and ultimately Kathmandu. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
We leave Dharapani by jeep heading to Besisahar – the final leg of our trek. You will take with you memories that will last a lifetime and photos. Breakfast and Lunch included.
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses at lower altitudes. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food in the mountainous regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We take the bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu. In the past Arughat used to be the starting point of the trek but nowadays, due to better road conditions we can travel by bus direct to the Soti Khola. We will travel along secondary (rough) roads all the way to Soti Khola by local bus and from Dharapani to Besisahar we will be traveling by private jeep
We provide you trained & certified trekking guides and porters who will take care of all logistics and a porter for every two trekkers who will each carry about 20 kg (10 kg for each trekker). An experienced guide and porter will be the difference between success and failure. They will also save you from taking unnecessary risks during poor weather conditions.
Some days can be challenging where you often have to walk 6-8 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is usually done in autumn (Sept. to November) and spring (March to May) when you are much more likely to get to have crystal clear views of the mountains and can also enjoy the lush vegetation in the lower regions of the trail - particularly during spring..
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Yes, you can. No matter who you are, as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 5-6 hours a day and trek/hike a few uphills, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking team will support you to the fullest to transform your dream into reality.
Spring and autumn are the best season for Manaslu Circuit trek. Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (September, October and November) are the best months for trekking as weather will be clear and calm. Also you can get opportunity to view High mountains including Manaslu with the full of Snow.
The permit cost depends on the month and number of days you will spend in the Manaslu region. You will need three kinds of permits issued by the Government of Nepal. Manaslu Restricted Permit Manaslu trek permit costs USD 100.00 for the first seven days and USD 15.00 each additional day during September to November Manaslu trek permit costs USD 75.00 for first 7 days and USD 10.00 each extra day from December to August. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Entry fee for SAARC Nationals is Nepali Currency 200 per person and for other Nationals is Nepali Currency 3,000 per person. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Entry fee for SAARC Nationals is Nepali Currency 200 per person and for other Nationals is Nepali Currency 3,000 per person. Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (Optional: if you want to go to the Tsum Valley) If you choose the Tsum Valley trek, it costs USD 40 for each person per week.
No, there is no age limit for the trek to Manaslu Trekking but, you need to be in good physical shape and have a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the excursion though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the excursion.
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are noodles, rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as breakfasts include egg, pancake, bread, porridge, muesli, and toasts with peanut butter and honey.
Accommodation is not an issue in Manaslu Trek as trails are usually less crowded and new and improved tea houses are opening up all the time. The tea houses and lodges are ready to serve trekkers.
Most of the teahouses on the Manaslu Trekking trail have squat toilet facilities but recently built lodges have western-style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with number of increasing trekkers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Do not expect full bath or daily showers while on the Manaslu trek. If you insist on taking a hot shower daily, spare a lot of money for that. For hot water showers in the trek, you have to pay a few dollars at a time.
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you wear warm clothes during the Manaslu trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking may also accompany and assist you if required.
During the Manaslu trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffle bag and a day bag for personal items. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide you with a duffle bag (which is need to refund after the trek) that you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterward. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers, etc.
If possible, we suggest you bring your own equipment. However, sleeping bags and down jackets will be provided to you by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. With regards to trekking poles, if you are used to walking with it then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference. If you prefer to take the trekking poles with you on the trekking then you can either bring your own pole or buy it from numerous options available in Kathmandu itself.
Yes, if you have a bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trekking, you will be able to store it safely in Kathmandu at Sherpa Expedition and Trekking office. Also, the storage facility is provided by most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu or you can also store it in our office for the duration of the trekking.
Our itinerary has been specially tailored to prevent any kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while moving up to higher altitudes. Normally, altitude sickness starts from 3,600 meters and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slow and gradual pace as part of the acclimatization process. Cut off caffeinated, alcoholic and smoking items. Drink at least 4 liters of water a day. Trek slow. Don't skip the acclimatization days. Better to continue with Diamox (if any symptoms show up). Drink Garlic Soup. In the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes. Our expert guides will advise you on how to avoid AMS and treat it when/ if required.
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Manaslu trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while traveling to a Himalayan country like Nepal as some insurance companies may make special exceptions for adventure travel. If you are confused about the insurance, please inform us and we will help you. It is usually better to arrange your insurance in your country before travel.
The trekking will be 5-7 hours a day depending upon the landscape and destination.
It takes 6 to 21 days to complete Manaslu Trek depending upon the mode of transportation and packages of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offers.
We at Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued customers as our foremost priority at all times, and we assure you a wonderful and unforgettable time with us in our beautiful country. Sherpa team members of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will be carrying all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits and they have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick on high altitude, the leader will decide whether to continue the trek. In case of emergency, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking have a rescue helicopter to bring you back from the higher elevation. Moreover, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also provides oximeter to monitor the oxygen level at high altitude and offers regular health check-up facilities.
As Manaslu has recently gained popularity among trekkers, not many facilities are available on the trails. Due to its isolation and off-road trails, the region is not yet connected to the outer world via proper roads. So, you will need to take local buses or hire a private jeep to reach the starting point of the trek to Arughat or Sotikhola. A local bus would cost around US $10 per person whereas a jeep would cost between $150 and $200 each way but is worth the convenience than the packed buses. If you are traveling in a group, the cost can be shared by all and would be around $30 per person. The same rate would apply to your return trip from Tal or Besisahar to Kathmandu.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 20 kgs of luggage (maximum 10 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection, and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination.
Garlic soup is a must while trekking. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking recommend trekkers to drink green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon ginger tea and drink at least 2-4 liters of water a day. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages, caffeinated items, and hot-chocolates at high altitude.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume them during the trek. Our packages are suitable for both vegan and vegetarians.
Your guide and porters are a big reason why you got a chance to feel something very few can have. Apart from guiding and carrying your necessities and being mindful of your safety, they want to see you happily succeeded more than anyone like family and help you successfully complete the trek safely. So, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. So, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guide in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will introduce dozens of shops selling knock-off gear in Kathmandu. You can also barter those gears at the knock-off places but be sure you keep the receipt safely. Moreover, you can rent the needed gears if you do not want to buy them.
You can have WiFi few places such as Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Bhimthang, Dharapni etc.
ATM services are not available only during the trekking. SO be sure you carry enough cash with you.
Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from 1 USD to 3 USD per hour.
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Based On 20 Reviews
We had a great time on this trek. The guide and porter made us feel lucky to have signed on with this company. The trek itself we highly recommend. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking seemed to do their best to make this trek the best experience possible.
The owner Devi Lal was very great and quickly responded to emails. Guide was also very informative and knowledgeable. It was all seamlessly organized through Sherpa Expedition and Trekking and was much more enjoyable than the bus alternative. We would absolutely request him on a future trip.
We had a great trip. The hike was very beautiful and quiet, since we started the trek at the beginning of March. This was an awesome day since the views were stunning and it was completely quiet. Not many tourists were on the trek which made it perfect. We had a great time with guide Furungi who was always in for jokes and good game of carts. We even helped the only local there to make his lodge snow free for us.
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Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
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