Here is an opportunity to return to the wild on this 16 day Manaslu Circuit Trek, an adventure to a region where fewer travelers visit. Those who go to this region of the Himalayas will see well-preserved natural beauty, isolation and witness the peaceful lifestyles of the deeply spiritual Tibetan Buddhists and their smiling faces. This is a great escape from the jostle and commotion of suburban lifestyles. The trail will take you through remote Tamang and Sherpa villages where you will witness their everyday lifestyle in this rugged region of the Himalayas. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is like stepping back in time. It will leave you with a greater appreciation of what is really important in life. These people endure severe extremes of weather yet somehow remain content while living a spiritually rich life.
On the trek you will have regular views of many magnificent snow capped peaks, particularly the iconic Mt. Manaslu (8156m), meaning “Spirit of the mountain”- and the world’s 8th highest peak. The trail offers a incredible variety of photo opportunities, such as glaciers, moraines, exposed barren landscapes, waterfalls, wild alpine rivers and of course Buddhist Gompas (temples), mani stones and the ever-present Tibetan prayer flags.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows the impressive Budi Gandaki River as you head north to Deng village. The valley becomes narrower which necessitates having to walk on narrow paths above the river. As we head further north the valley widens and reveals unspoiled views of alpine meadows and small Tibetan villages at the base of Manaslu's unparalleled north face. We then come to Samagaun, the 3rd largest village in the region. We will then head west and cross the Larkya La Pass at (5213m), a trail that connects the Budi Gandaki and the Marsyangdi rivers. We then head lower and pass through the beautiful alpine meadows at Bhimthang before linking with the main Annapurna Circuit route. We then head back to Besisahar.
The trek begins at Soti Khola and passes through numerous alpine villages in the Manaslu region before finishing at Besisahar. We will pass through the village of Arughat and then head to Soti Khola where we begin our trek to: Machhakhola, Jagat, Deng, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo and Dharamsala. After heading to Larke La Pass (5106m), the highest altitude of this trek we descend to Bimtang and then drive to Besisahar before heading back to Kathmandu.
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will take care of all paperwork required for this trek. A trekking permit is necessary before you can enter this region. We have more than 40 years experience in Trekking and can be trusted to take good care of you and ensure your experience is memorable one. Your safety is paramount!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek can be tailored to suit your needs and can be from between 18-20 days. The ideal time to do this trek is in spring, from March to May, or in winter, from September to December.
On your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met by a representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking who will take you to your 3-star hotels. You can rest at your hotel or wander around Thamel and do some last-minute shopping and take in the sights.
After breakfast, you will meet your trekking leader when he will go over what is required for the trek, such as your Manaslu trekking permit. You will also need 3 passport size photos and a copy of your travel insurance policy. The rest of the day is free and will allow you to explore Kathmandu and visit many famous landmarks, such as Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. If you wish to have a guided tour then the cost will be USD 95.
Your guide will pick you up at around 5:30 am from your hotel for an approximate eight-hour drive to Soti Khola. For the first four hours, the road is sealed to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarters of Dhading (1050m). After Dhading the road to Arughat deteriorates and is quite rough going. From Arughat, you will drive for another hour and a half until reaching Soti Khola. You will stay in Soti Khola overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
The trail today follows a mule track and ascends on a spectacular path cut into the face of the cliff and then descends to Lapubesi (880m). Some care is required here! We will then continue to Nauli Khola, crossing a suspension bridge on the way and then follow the trail beside the Budi Gandaki River before reaching Machha Khola (900m). This is where many trekkers were stranded after the earthquake in 2015 and had to be rescued, Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The trail today follows the river to Khorlabesi and the hot spring at Tatopani (meaning hot water) (930m), and then continues on the eastern bank of the Budi Gandaki River to Doban, Thulo Dunga and Yara Bagar (1370m). The trail zigzags across the river with a number of suspension bridges to cross before we reach the entrance gate to Manaslu Conservation Area and Jagat (1410m) - with its unique flagstone village square. Permits are checked by authorities. Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will check that the route is passable, and may suggest we take an alternative route taking a much higher path on the east side of the river before descending to the old trail near Doban. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
After leaving Jagat the trail ascends to Salleri and Sirdibas before reaching Philim. The landscape becomes progressively more barren as the trail winds past several waterfalls until reaching a crossroads at Ekle Bhatti where the trail leads to Lokpa a village on the trail to the Tsum Valley. We then climb above the junction of the Buri Gandaki and Shar Khola Rivers and head to Pewa and finally reach Deng (1860m) where we will stay the night. Many villages in this area suffered widespread damage in the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Today we ascend above the Tom (tum) Khola to Longa Chuta and then come to a fascinating fir and rhododendron forest alive with birds and Langur monkeys - located on the north side of the Buri Gandaki River. We then re-cross the river before reaching Namrung (2660m), which was a previous customs post, in the days when this was a route for transporting salt from Tibet. Namrung, like many mountain villages, also suffered extensive damage from the 2015 earthquake, but today it has been restored to its previous charm. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Our trek today is about 5 hours and along the trail, we have fantastic views of Sringi and Ganesh Himal. Namrung village is where you will see Tibetan religious symbols and monasteries. We will then pass through forests and farmlands where barley is grown on the terraced slopes of the hills. The trail gradually opens up and exposes the giant peak of Manaslu and views right up to Lho Gaun Village where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.
Today we pass through several Tibetan villages and past several Gompas (monasteries). After a 4 hour trek, we reach Samagaun where we will have a break before heading to higher altitudes. The architecture here is distinctly Tibetan and their costumes reflect their Tibetan origins. We can also take a short walk up to a Gompa above the town or wander the streets and chat with the locals – a very gratifying experience. Tonight we stay at Samagaun. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
At these higher altitudes, it is essential to get acclimatized, for at least one day, before ascending to higher altitudes. Health specialists suggest that you stay active. One 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 we have time, 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 trek to the lake at Birendra Tal (3450m) and then a challenging ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m). It is said that north of Birendra Tal is Milarepa's Cave (famous Buddha) said to have been used as a meditation retreat by the Buddhist saint. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Today we descend and head back to the Buri Gandaki River passing the cross-road to Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley then opens up before reaching Kermo Khadka and then continues to the white Kani Gateway signifying the entrance to Samdo (3860m). We may also trek to the peak above the village for remarkable views of Mount Manaslu. If there is a need to further acclimatize, there is a 6 to 7-hour trek, climbing 640 meters, to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier, where you will be pleased with the extensive views towards several passes used by locals to cross over into Tibet. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
We have a short day on the trail. We first descend through fields before starting our climb towards the Larkya-La Pass, a trail that offers amazing views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier. You are likely to see Himalayan blue sheep on your trek to Dharamsala (4480m). This is as high as we ascend today without risking altitude sickness. This is the last safe shelter before reaching the pass. This sector of the trek is often subject to snowfall between mid - December to mid -March when snow often blocks access through the Larkya-La Pass. Samdo Lodge is usually closed. Your guide will know in advance if the lodge is closed. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Today we are on the trail for about 8 to 9 hours. We begin with a short climb to the north side of Larkya Glacier from where we have excellent views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The climb to the Larkya La Pass (5100m) is initially a gradual ascent but gradually becomes steeper as we reach the pass. After arriving at the top of the pass we are blessed with unbelievable panoramic views of various mountain ranges. The descent from the pass is also physically demanding. We will stay at Bhimthang the night in a tent. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Walking up through paddy fields we will head towards the small Karcher La Pass. The trail descends through fig trees and rhododendron forests before reaching Tilje Village. We will stay in Dharapani at the guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
On our last day of this adventure, we take a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar from where we will take a bus to Kathmandu. We will then take you to your hotel where you can relax and take a moment to reflect on what you have achieved and the memorable moments on the trek to Manaslu. Tonight you will stay at a 3-star hotel. Breakfast included.
A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking team will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Breakfast 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.
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..
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We take the bus from Bensisahar to Kathmandu. In the past Aarughat 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 Besishahar 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.
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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 a 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 14 Reviews
I was already fixed with my dates in Nepal and was looking for a trek relatively close to Kathmandu to fit in November 2018. I contacted Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team to ask for suitable options and the Manaslu Circuit Trek was suggested.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking has a nuance that allows one to be completely at ease with them. Because of this brilliant character of the agency, it was no surprise that I did the Manaslu Circuit Trek with them.
I have completed the Manaslu trekking with Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team and I can just say it has been a phenomenal and incredible experience! We had an incredible guide, educating us continually regarding the trip, nature and mountains - yet in addition the remainder of the group was neighborly and supportive and made the trip awesome. Particularly as we had the chance to converse with numerous different trekkers during the trip and barely discovered anyone with a practically identical all around educated and experienced guide!
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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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