TRIP OVERVIEW
Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the popular treks in the Himalayan of Nepal, while on the trip we get chance to see magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), one of the eight tallest mountains in the world. This trek would suit for who is looking for a challenging trek in a remote region of the Himalaya. The trail passes through beautiful local village and a geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating area. The trek start at Shoti Khola after 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu, after trail follow passing through bamboo forest and Gurung village in the narrow Budi Gandaki river gorge. The highest point in this trek is the ‘Larkya La Pass (4930m) which is most dramatic pass crossing the Himalayas. After the lho village we enter to the village inhabited by Tibetan immigrant where you will see beautiful Buddhist prayer flags, mani walls, monastery along the way. After Samagoun we start to approach towards to the Larkya La pas which is challenging and long days but it’s really worthy the view from the pass is breathtaking where you will chance to see Manaslu, Larkya peak, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu city Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m) 7-8 hours trek
Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1370m) 7-8 hours trek
Day 05: Trek to Philim (1570m) 3-4 hrs trek
Day 06: Trek to Deng (1,860m) 7-8 hours trek
Day 07: Trek to Ghap (2380m) 4 hrs trek
Day 08: Trek to Lho (3020m) 7 hrs trek
Day 09: Trek to Samagaon (3390m) 6-7 hours trek
Day 10: In Samagaon exploration around for acclimatization
Day 11: Trek to Samdo (3690m) 4-5 hours trek
Day 12: In Samdo explore around for acclimatization
Day 13: Trek to Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4460m) 4-5 hours trek
Day 14: Trek to Larkya la pass (4930m) and trek down to Bimthang (3590m) 8-9 hours trek
Day 15: Rest day in Bimthang
Day 16: Trek to Goa (2510m) 5 hours trek
Day 17: Trek to Tal (1680m) 5-6 hours trek
Day 18: Drive from Tal to Kathmandu 10-11 hours
Day 19: In Kathmandu
Day 20: Final departure
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Waiba Adventure Trek who will drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu. A full briefing will be given after you check in. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be going for whole day city sightseeing with the Nepali tour guide to most historical attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the biggest Stupa in the world. The tour is likely to finish around 4pm and the rest of the day is free to explore around Thamel around your hotel as well as to pack your baggage for the trek starting tomorrow morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items not needed on the trek. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930m) 6 –7 hours
After early breakfast we drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi and after Dhading Bensi we will drive on a rough road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Machha Khola. Overnight in Machha Khola .
Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1370m) 6-7 hours trek
After breakfast we begin our day. We will follow the narrow trail which takes us ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. And arriving at the Tatopani hot springs. From here, a short climb along a forest ridge will lead you to a suspension bridge above Budhi Gandaki River. Follow a steep set of stairs on the opposite bank to locate your next river crossing: a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola. After traversing this bridge and ascending another staircase, you’ll cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River and follow the watercourse to reach the village of Jagat. All along the way, you’ll notice that the landscape changes dramatically as you steadily gain elevation. Overnight in Jagat.
Day 05: Trek to Philim (1570m) 3-4 hrs trek
After breakfast we leave beautiful sleepy little town of Jagat. Today we begin our trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. Where you’ll find scenic streets lined with traditional stone-built homes. You can also get a great view of the Sringi Himal range from here. We further continue cross the suspension bridge and climb up to Philim, a large beautiful Gurung village. Overnight in Philim.
Day 06: Trek to Deng (1,860m) 4-5 hours trek
Today our trail begins with level walk north throughout Ekle Bhatti, and again you’ll return to the Budhi Gandaki River and use suspension bridges to cross the river twice more. You’ll trek through the village of Pewa a small campsite before reaching to the Deng. Overnight in Deng .
Day 07: Trek to Ghap (2380m) 4 hrs trek
Today we cross the Budhi Gandaki River and ascend to Rana village, from the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bihi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes through the forest and Mani stones to reach the Ghap. Today’s our trail is pretty steep we have to concentrate and walk carefully. Overnight in Ghap.
Day 08: Trek to Lho (3020m) 7 hrs trek
Today the trail follows the river upstream through a beautiful dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung after good lunch at Numrung we continue our trek up and down via beautiful village Lihi and Sho and to Lho. Overnight in Lho.
Day 09: Trek to Samagaon (3390m) 6-7 hours trek
Today we will enjoy extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu on the way to Sama Village.we pass by Shyala village a beautiful village where we will be surrounded by high mountains such as, Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Peak 29 and yak grazing in the meadow is breathtaking. Overnight in Smagaon.
Day 10: In Samagaon exploration around for acclimatization
This is another day set aside for proper acclimatization. As you ascend to higher altitudes with less oxygen in the atmosphere, your body needs time to adapt. However, there are a few interesting sights to see around Samagaon that can easily keep you busy for the day. But we will hike to Birendra Tal, a glacier-fed lake with stunning Manaslu view. After back down to Samagaon relax and rest. Overnight in Samagaon.
Day 11: Trek to Samdo (3690m) 4-5 hours trek
After breakfast, we start heading towards to Samdo which will take 4-5 hours trek. Today’s Mountain views are excellent on this part of the trail; Manaslu looms directly ahead as you approach the village of Samdo a remote settlement of Tibetan refugees and is located just a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. It is an easy trail just above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We cross the Budhi Gandaki on a bridge and climb steeply to Samdoo. When we reach to Samdo we will have plenty of time to explore around the village. Overnight in Samdo.
Day 12: In Samdo explore around for acclimatization
Day 13: Trek to Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4460m) 4-5 hours trek
Today’s trek begins by taking a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and beginning to climb, upon crossing small streams near the Larkya Glacier. We go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
Day 14: Trek to Larkya la (4930m) and trek down to Bimthang (3590m) 8-9 hours trek
Today is our most challenging days of the whole trek. After a short ascend, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. As we ascend towards the pass the trails becomes steeper. Once we arrive at the Larkya Pass (5140M), we are greeted with amazing views of Kangguru, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Lamjung Himal, Ratna Chuli and Annapurna II. We descend steep towards to Bimthang where you need to be careful that some sections while descending are too steep and icy, you are advised to put on your crampons. This long descend will take us across additional moraines before reaching to Bimthang. Overnight in Bimthang.
Day 15: Rest day in Bhimthang
Day 16: Trek to Goa (2510m) 5 hours trek
After enjoying great sunrise view of Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal,we start descending through wide pastures to the riverbed of the Dudh Khola. we walk through beautiful dense forest of big Pine tree rhododendron, Deodar and Fir forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the cultivated land of the valley. Overnight in Goa.
Day 17: Trek to Tal (1680m) 6-7 hours trek
Descending from Karche La, you’ll pass through forest of rhododendron and fir trees. You’ll soon spot the village of Tilje and from here we cross suspension bridge and continue descending to next village Dharapani where we join the classic Annapurna trail. After we follow down Marsyangdi river passing many trekkers on the trail who are heading up towards Annapurna circuit trek. Overnight in Taal.
Day 18: Drive from Tal to Kathmandu, 10-11 hours drive
After breakfast, a beautiful drive from Taal to Kathmandu by jeep, this takes around 09-10 Hours. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 19: In Kathmandu
Day of leisure in Kathmandu, do some souvenir shopping to take memory back home. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 20: Final departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Waiba Adventure Trek representative will drop you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your flight time. Have a safe journey back to home, Namaste & see you again.
PHOTO GALLERY
We want to thank Gopal and his assistant guide for the magnificient trek we have done around the Manaslu peak. At all time they have been aware of the needs and abilities of our group and have encouraged us to reach Larkya La pass regardless the limitations of a group aged above 60’s.
Hope to see you again in the Himalayas