MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 9 DAYS
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 9 DAYS
This 9-day Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to an unspoiled region of the Himalayan Mountains. Manaslu is known locally as "The Spirit-Mountain”. The trail circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest mountain in the world and is now becoming more popular and is slowly gaining in popularity compared to Everest, Annapurna and Langtang treks. This more remote region certainly has enough on offer to tempt those trekkers wishing to wander away from the more busy trekking routes.
Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) is the highest point reached on this trek and is physically demanding, especially at these higher altitudes. The trail takes you close to the Nepal/Tibetan border where you will see constant reminders of the Tibetan Buddhist influence in the houses and villages in this vicinity. Along the trail you will frequently be reminded of the Tibetan influence by the constant fluttering Tibetan prayer flags, Mani stones (engraved in Sanskrit mantras) and chortens. The trail passes through the subtropical foothills of the Himalayas and up to the more harsh rocky terrain at the pass. One of the highlights of this trek is the prospect of witnessing the unique and simple lifestyle of the villagers in these out-of-the-way mountainous regions.
You can also add to this trek with a side-trip to the Tsum Valley, where time has stood-still and century-old Tibetan customs persist to this day. This is the ideal trek for nature lovers and for those who want to get off the more busy trails in the Himalayas.
Sherpa Expedition Teams will take care of all permits, meals and accommodation on the trek. All you need is a reasonable standard of fitness and a fully-charged camera.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola (870m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we drive by local Bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola driving through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road deteriorates and is quite rough and bumpy from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon we follow a trail through the woods heading upriver along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and then across the mountains from where we have frequent views down to the river far below. Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola.
Day 2 : Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1340m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we cross the Machha Khola River and pass Khorlabesi (920m) before arriving at Tatopani, famous for its therapeutic hot springs. The trail then passes through a forested area as we make our way to the Dovan Khola (river) and to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As we head higher you will notice a change in the vegetation right up until we arrive at Jagat Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Day 3 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we trek through the valley to Sirdibas where there are fantastic views of Shringi Himal. We then cross the suspension bridge followed by a steep ascent to Philim, with waterfalls cascading down from the mountains into the valley. We next arrive at Ekle Bhatti and then Pewa Village as we follow a trail through the valley until we arrive at Deng Village where we will stay overnight.
Day 4 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we initially have a steep climb and then have to head back down to the Budi Gandaki River. The trail heads through the valley and past several small settlements. As we get nearer to Namrung you will see Mani stones (stones with carved with Tibetan mantras) a reminder that we are venturing into territory occupied by Tibetan Buddhists. In the afternoon we will take a short and interesting detour to Prok village (2 hour round trip) and then follow the trail to Namrung for our overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 5 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon, (3,530m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
We is like stepping back in time today as we walk between the Mani stone walls of Lho Village, a place where there are few signs of modernity. From Lho we can see the snow capped peak of Ngadi Chuli (7871m aka Peak 29). Another short detour takes us up to the Pungen Glacier from where we have stunning close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. We will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Samagaun.
Day 6 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m) Duration 4-5 hours.
This morning we cross several rivers before coming to Larkya Bazaar, a village that survives as a trading post for traders heading down from Tibet. From here we climb up a steep trail until we come to Dharamsala where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 7 : Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) Duration: 8-9 hours.
We have a tough day ahead of us as we take the trail via Larkya La Pass (5106m/17,121 ft) to Bhimthang. We first have to climb to Cho Chanda and then up to the steep snow covered pass. The views of many surrounding peaks are truly exceptional from this high altitude vantage point. The Himalayan mountains of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are clearly observable from the pass. We then descend a steep trail and trek across moraines until we come to Bhimthang Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Day 8 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,900m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we descend from high pasture land and then cross the Dudh Khola (river) on a suspension bridge. Along the trail we head through rhododendron (flowering in spring) and oak forests. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours we come to Dharapani in the Annapurna region. This is also a common gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek. If you are thinking of extending your trek, then we can head along the Annapurna trail. Tonight we stay at a guesthouse in Dharapani.
Day 9 : Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani Duration: 8-9 hours.
This is our final day on the trail of our Manaslu Circuit trek. Across the river, we will take a local jeep to Besisahar and then a bus back to Kathmandu where you will be taken back to your hotels.
SERVICES
Costs Include:
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Machhakhola Khola By Bus and from Dharapani to Besisahar by Sharing Jeep & Besisahar to Kathmandu via public bus.
- All standard meals 3 meals a day (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Manaslu special permit to travel within the Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after the trip is completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
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.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(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)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
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.
Meals during the trek
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.
Physical fitness
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.
Best season to travel
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!
Transportation
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
Guide and Porter on the trek
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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FAQS
What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. It is a remote and challenging trek, offering stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and a unique cultural experience.
How long does the trek take?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes around 9 to 16 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekker. This duration includes acclimatization days and allows for a more enjoyable and safe trekking experience.
Is a special permit required for the trek?
Yes, a special trekking permit and a restricted area permit are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These permits are obtained through a registered trekking agency, and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
What is the level of difficulty?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. It involves long and steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and rugged terrain. Previous trekking experience and a good level of physical fitness are recommended.
What are the highlights of the trek?
The highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek include breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks, crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass, exploring remote villages, experiencing the rich local culture of the ethnic communities, and encountering diverse flora and fauna.
When is the best time to do the trek?
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
Are tea houses available along the trekking route?
Yes, there are tea houses available along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. However, the infrastructure is less developed compared to other popular trekking regions in Nepal. It is recommended to carry some cash and be prepared for basic facilities.
Is a guide necessary for the trek?
Yes, hiring a licensed guide is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It ensures your safety, helps with navigation, provides cultural insights, and supports the local economy.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 45 Reviews
Nadine Theys
Australia
January 1, 2024
EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SPOTLESS
Super attentive and caring, we loved him. We felt he was looking after us like his own children. Thanks to our guide Mingma for the amazing job done. Everything that was being promised before the trek. Overall great experience and fair price.
Alice Williams
Belgium
December 22, 2023
The most incredible experience of my life!!!
Recently we did the 9 days Manaslu Circuit Trek, and loved it so much that we decided to do the EBC trek right after, both with Sherpa Expedition and Trekking and Lakpa Sherpa as our guide. Lakpa always went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible; getting us the best rooms in the tea houses, choosing the less travelled route whenever possible, carrying apples and pomegranates in his pack for the entire trip so that we had dessert every single night, and the list goes on and on. He was extremely knowledgeable about all of the flora and fauna in each area and knew the names of every single peak we were looking at. Our porter Gelu also took such good care of us, doing so much more than we expected, and was simply a joy to be around and spend each day with. Both Gelu and Lakpa never made us feel rushed, they were extremely adaptable, endlessly patient, and gave us our space when we wanted it. We felt like a happy family by the end of the trip, it made it difficult to say goodbye! Ram Barakoti (manager Of Sherpa Expedition) in the office made sure everything went smoothly from behind the scenes from the moment we first contacted him to inquire about the trek months before, to long after our trek was finished, answering all of our questions along the way and truly going above and beyond our expectations of what a trekking company would do for us during our time in Nepal. From permits to route selection, to transport, they took care of absolutely everything. I can’t say enough good things about the team at Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. I am so grateful for them for giving me the most memorable trip of my life. 10/10!
Clement Williams
Australia
December 11, 2023
SMOOTH JOURNEY
With the friendly guides, my journey was a fun one. The Manaslu trek was beautiful. If you're looking for a nice trek like Annapurna but quitter, this is a great trek!
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