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Nestled close to the Tibetan border, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an extraordinary 12-day cultural hike along the Budi Gandaki River in the Mansiri region of the Nepal Himalayas that will leave an indelible mark in your heart. This trek starts in Arughat Bazaar and ends in Besisahar.
The most beautiful add-on as you trek around Manaslu is a trek into the ancient Tsum Valley, where the enchanting Tibetan heritage and profound Buddhist culture come to life.
The best season for this circuit trek is spring, starting in March, April, or May, just before the monsoon season begins. During this period, the trekking trails are dry, the weather is stable, there is excellent visibility, and there are long trekking days. Similarly, autumn, that is, September, October, and November, is another good season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the post-monsoon season.
The highlight of this trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass, the longest pass in the Nepal Himalayas. It serves as the apex of the Round Manaslu Trek, offering unparalleled views that will leave you breathless.
Easy and flexible as per your convenience
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INDIA
Farouttrek
Upper Chiboo Approach Road,
Kalimpong-734301
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Farouttrek & Adventures,
Regn.#:10/TD/10/TA
Yuksom Bazaar,
P.O. Gyalshing-Sikkim
NEPAL
Climb High Himalaya,
1st.Floor, Sagarmatha Bazaar,
Mandala Street, Kathmandu-Nepal -
INDIA: Call/Whatsapp: +91-9933975902 /+91- 6294972671
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Email us:
info@farouttrek.com
Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Trek Around Manaslu in remote Mansiri Region of Nepal Himalayas
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten-track adventure that covers an impressive distance of 177 kilometers in the stunning landscape of Nepal. This ultimate classic trek revolves around the majestic Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Spanning the breadth of Manaslu National Park, the trek begins in the sub-Himalayan foothills of Arughat and takes you through the breathtaking Budi Gandaki Gorge. The journey reaches its pinnacle at the awe-inspiring Larkya la Pass, standing tall at an elevation of 5,106 meters. Finally, the trek concludes by circling around the magnificent Manaslu in Besisahar.
Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek means immersing yourself in a long-distance expedition that offers a sense of isolation and tranquility. As you traverse the rugged terrain of the Mansiri Region, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas, untouched beauty, and close proximity to the Tibetan Plateau.
However, what truly sets this trek apart is the opportunity to explore small Himalayan villages and interact with the diverse tribes that call these villages home. This cultural exchange adds an unforgettable dimension to your journey, leaving a lasting impact on your memories.
As you trek, be prepared to be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views of the glacial circle formed by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung Himal, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru. The crystal-clear streams flowing from the glaciers, with Annapurna II gracing the horizon, create a picture-perfect backdrop that will leave you in awe.
An Excellent Add-on: A Trek to Tsum Valley
By adding a few more days to the regular Manaslu Circuit Trek, you get a chance to visit Tsum Valley. A small, beautiful valley inhabited by the Nubri People of Tibetan Descent where the ancient Buddhist culture is still practiced.
Trekking on the old Salt Route
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route used to be the ancient salt trading route to Tibet, and this area was closed to foreign nationals until 1991. It is now open to outsiders on a limited basis, and one needs to have a restricted area permit to trek here.
Why should you do this trek in Nepal?
Discover the allure of trekking around Manaslu and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of one of the most dramatic and stunning mountain ranges in the entire Himalayas. Each day of this remarkable trek will lead you to awe-inspiring mountain passes, reaching heights over 4000 m and adorned with pristine snow.
As you traverse through the trail, you’ll encounter enchanting turquoise lakes, all while being embraced by the majestic presence of Manaslu and Himlung Himal. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty of this exquisite part of the Nepal Himalayas.
Getting in and Out on the Manaslu Trek
The trek starts with a drive to Arughat and then to Soti Khola. Kathmandu to Arughat is 138 km, and Arughat to Soti Khola is just 13 km, and to cover the total distance of 151 km, it takes a nine-hour jeep ride. It is advisable to hire a Jeep from Kathmandu to Soti Khola.
Pokhara to Arughat to Soti Khola is 155 km and takes a 6-hour Jeep ride.
Besisahar is the point where this Circuit Trek around Manaslu ends, and Besisahar is 176 km from Kathmandu. There are daily bus services available.
The best way to travel from Besisahar to Kathmandu with ease and comfort is to hop on a tourist bus, conveniently departing from the Bus Terminus in Besisahar. These tourist buses go to Kathmandu via Pokhara. This hassle-free option offers a comfortable journey that typically takes around 8–9 hours.
For those seeking more flexibility, renting a car allows you to take charge of your travel arrangements. Embark on a scenic drive, enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences and embark on a memorable journey from Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Kind of Trek
Experience the captivating beauty of the Around Manaslu Trek, a mesmerizing fourteen-day tea house hike in Nepal. This incredible journey covers a total distance of 177 km, with an average of 18 km of hiking per day. Along the way, you’ll be accommodated in cozy lodges run by local families, offering an authentic experience.
Although the lodges are basic and have shared washroom and restroom facilities, they provide a comfortable resting place for trekkers. Indulge in local Nepalese cuisine, including delicious rice, dal, and curry, which are readily available in these charming lodges and tea houses.
Permits required
- Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek; therefore, you will need a restricted area permit to trek in this area, which will be issued to a local company.
- Restricted area Permits will be issued to a group of two trekkers and above only.
- Over and above the restricted area permit, one will also need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
The best time to trek in Nepal
Manaslu Circuit Trek is best done from April to May, when the temperature is mild, the sky is clear, and the mountains will be filled with wild flower blooms and colorful rhododendron flowers.
September to November is also a perfect time to go on this trek when the skies are crystal clear for views of the mountain range.
Twelve Essential Tips to prepare you for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
1. Prioritize Training: Before starting the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is crucial to train your body for the 14-day hike in high altitudes, covering around 10 km per day. Improve your stamina and fitness by engaging in activities like long walks, running, cycling, or any other physical exercise.
2. Varied Terrain Training: The Trek Around Manaslu involves navigating diverse terrains, from riverside trails to steep, snowy mountain paths. Therefore, incorporate training on different terrains to prepare yourself for this trek in Nepal.
3. Maintain Muscular Fitness: After long walks, remember to stretch your muscles, focusing on your calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and back to keep them in good shape.
4. Ensure Comfortable Feet: Invest in a pair of ankle-high trekking boots for optimal comfort. The ankle cuff should not be too high to avoid injuring your Achilles tendon. Try out the boots well in advance and break them in to prevent blisters during the trek.
5. Supportive Socks: Choose trekking-specific socks that provide extra protection for your feet during long-distance hikes. It’s worth investing in these socks.
6. Proper Acclimatization: To prevent altitude sickness while trekking to higher altitudes, ensure proper acclimatization. Take regular breaks and spend extra nights at higher altitudes, allowing your body to adjust.
7. Pack Wisely: Pack essential items for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, such as warm clothes, woolen caps, gloves, a sun hat, waterproof gear, comfortable trekking shoes, and a first aid kit. Include items like a water bottle, water-purifying tablets, sunscreen lotion, Vaseline, sunglasses, and snow spikes.
8. Practice with a Day Pack: While your main baggage will be carried by porters or pack animals or porters, You’ll need a day pack to carry your camera, water bottle, personal medical kit, umbrella, light fleece, and wind stopper.
9. Respect Local Culture: The villages on this trek around Manaslu are home to the local people, who have their own unique culture and traditions. Show respect for their beliefs and culture, and be mindful of the impact you have on their environment.
10. Stay Hydrated: To avoid altitude sickness, it’s crucial to stay hydrated at higher altitudes. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine during the trek.
11. Take Your Time: Remember that this trek is not a race. Take your time, enjoy the scenic views, and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
12. Prepare for Unpredictable Weather: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with rain, snow, and cold conditions. Therefore, come prepared with appropriate gear to tackle various weather conditions.
13. Be Flexible: Conditions, including weather, can change rapidly. Stay flexible with your plans and be ready to adjust your itinerary accordingly.
The importance of Travel Insurance when Trekking in Nepal
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal, as it is a high-altitude trek. Your travel insurance plan should cover all medical and travel issues. Accidents may occur. In such cases, you may take advantage of the facilities of air ambulance, evacuation by helicopter, helicopter rescue, clinical attention, etc. In short, every hiker will need travel insurance for adventure travel or hiking in Nepal.
You will need to ask your insurance company for a policy that will cover high-altitude sickness, accidents, and sickness. The insurance policy should cover the evacuation by helicopter in case of an emergency.
Your insurance policy should also cover general issues like delays or even cancellations of all flights due to bad weather conditions or natural disasters. In such cases, sometimes you will need to take a chartered helicopter flight, and these charter flights are not cheap. Therefore, your insurance policy should cover all these aspects.
The Best Insurance Company in Nepal:
- Alpha Global Solutions
For Indian citizens, given below are the recommended insurance companies from India that have a good record for policy claims in Nepal:
- Bharati Axa Travel Insurance
- ICICI Lombard
- HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance
- Reliance Travel Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance
TRIP FACTS :
- Minimum No. Of Participants : 2 Persons.
- Type of Trek : Tea House / Lodge.
- Highest point : 5016 m ( Larkye La Pass)
- Highest Sleeping Point : 4460 m (Larkya Phedi)
- Trail grade : Strenuous.
- Total duration : 14 Days.
- Starting Point : Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- Ending Point : Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- Best Season : February to May and September to December.
- Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cold and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
- Trek availability: Private treks only for minimum 2 persons on request. No group departures available.
- Customized private Treks can also be arranged for a minimum of two persons on request on a date of your choice.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Arughat to Soti Khola (700m/158 Km/5 hrs).
Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Arughat (158 Km/5 Hrs). Drive further more by Jeep to Soti Khola (13Km). Overnight Lodge in Soti Khola.
Day 2: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (900m/23.3 Km/ 6 hrs). Overnight Lodge
Day 3: Maccha Khola to Jagat (1340m/23 Km/ 8 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
3rd.Day of the Around ManasluTrek from Jagat starts with a twisting trail besides the banks of the Buri Ghandaki through Sal forest inhabited by Macac and Langurs.
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1600 m/20.7 Km/ 6 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2630 m/19.4 Km/ 6 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Namrung a small village on the Around Manaslu trek has some of the best teahouses, a restaurant and rest houses with modern cappuccinos and WiFi too.
Day 6: Namrung to Lho (2957 m/10.5 Km/ 4 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Lho is a big village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek with a Buddhsit Monastery and a sizable population inhabited by Nubri People of Tibetan Origin. From Lho catch the stunning views of Manaslu (8163 m) and Manaslu North (7157 m).
Day 7: Lho to Samagaon (3540 m / 17 Km/4 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Samagaon is the principal village of the Nubri people which has a Buddhist Monastery, some shops, a health post, a helipad and telephone booths.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day.
Side trip to Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base camp or Birendra Tal. Overnight Lodge. Take a side trek to Pungyen Gumpa (2 Hrs) which lies to the east of Nubri Valley or hike up to Birendra Tal (3450 m) a glacial lake and to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m) which lies to the North of Samagaon. This side trek on the rest day is a perfect hike to get acclimatized while on a Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Day 9: Sama Gaon to Samdo (3865 m/16 Km/ 4 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Once at Samdo, you can explore the nearby villages or you can hike to Samdo Peak. The Larkya La trail is on the left above the valley. You can also see the main track leading into Tibet over the Larjyang La forming slopes on the Larkya La trail.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460 m/12 Km/4 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Trek to Dharamsala also known as Larkya Phedi is short but adventurous. Do take your time while trekking as your body needs to get acclimitized. Enjoy the wonderful Himalayan Vistas while you trek to Dharamsala.
Day 11: Dharamasala – Larkye La Pass (5016 m) – Bimthang(3590 m /25 Km/10 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Trek to Bhimthang on the 11th. Day of the Trek Around Manaslu is perhaps the longest and the most challenging ten hours of gruelling trek. You will need to cross the Larkya La Pass (5016 m), highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trek with the trail passing through scree and moraines. But the best part of trekking Around Manaslu on this day is that, you get to witness the stunning views of Himlung Himal (7126m) near Tibet, Cheo Himal (6820 m), Gyaji Kung (7030 m), Kang Guru (6981 m) and Annapurna II (7937 m), this view is perhaps the best part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Day 12: Bimthang to Tilje (2300 m/26 Km/6 hrs). Overnight Lodge.
Day 13: Trek Tilje to Dharapani (1150 m/7.8 Km/3 Hrs). Drive to Besisahar (35 Km/3 Hrs Drive). Overnight Lodge.
Final day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a hike through lush forests full of flora and fauna made up of Rhododendron bushes till Tal, perhaps an easy day of trekking with a few uphills as compared to the previous days trek around Manaslu .
Day 14: Drive to Pokhara (103/5 hrs) or to Kathmandu ( 186 Km/7Hrs).
If you feel you are done with trekking than you can also take a bus back to Kathmandu from Tal. End of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
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- Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost : US$1100/person
Restricted Area Permit Fees (Extra as Applicable) :
- September to November – US$70/Pax for 7 Days. Thereafter US$10/Day/Pax.
- August to December – US$50/Pax for 7 Days. Thereafter US$7/Day/Pax
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) : NRs.2000 or US$30/Pax
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit : NRs.2000 or US$30/ Pax
- Trekkers Information Monitoring Card : US$10/Person
- Indian Nationals kindly Inquire within for quotes in IRupees
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Trek Services Include:
- Trek guide; porter/s to carry luggage(1 porter for 2 persons);
- Lodge accommodation in twin share rooms;
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the period of the Trek;
- Contribution to guide transport;
- Guide/porter insurance costs;
- Transport by bus from Kathmandu to Arughat and from Sirichar back to Kathmandu;
Excludes:
- Any services in Kathmandu, hotel/meals, etc.
- Airport pickup/drop in Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa fees;
- Manaslu trekking permit and national park fees
- Sleeping bags (can be hired @ $1 per night in Kathmandu);
- Personal clothing/equipment;
- Tips;
- Client insurance of any kind;
- Cost of evacuation (if any);
- Bottled/alcoholic drinks;
- Snacks/desserts;
- Tea/coffee – other than at breakfast;
- Expenses of personal nature.
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NEPAL TOURIST VISA
- Nepal visa is readily available on arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu and all other entry points to Nepal.
- 2 passport photos will be required.
- Single Entry visa: US$ 30 per visa (valid for 60 days).
- Multiple Entry visa: US$ 80 per visa (valid for 150 days).
- Nepal Visas are also available in all Nepalese Embassies and Consulates.
- Visa is not required for Indian Nationals to travel inside Nepal
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Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.
Recommendations: The Around Manaslu Trek is a relatively difficult trek in Nepal requiring good physical fitness. Few weeks training is advised and a physical fitness check-up is a must.
(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).
- Trek Cost : US$1100/person
- Restricted Area Permit Fees (Extra as Applicable) :
- September to November – US$70/Pax for 7Days. Thereafter US$10/Day/Pax.
- August to December – US$50/Pax for 7Days. Thereafter US$7/Day/Pax
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) : NRs.2000 or US$30/Pax
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit : NRs.2000 or US$30/ Pax
- Trekkers Information Monitoring Card : US$10/Person
- Indian Nationals kindly enquire within for quotes in IRupees
Trek Cost Includes:
- Trek guide; porter/s to carry luggage(1 porter for 2 persons);
- Lodge accommodation in twin share rooms;
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the period of the Trek;
- Contribution to guide transport;
- Guide/porter insurance costs;
- Transport by bus from Kathmandu to Arughat and from Sirichar back to Kathmandu;
Excludes:
- Any services in Kathmandu, hotels, meals, etc.
- Airport pickup/drop in Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa fees
- Manaslu trekking permit and national park fees
- Sleeping bags (can be hired @ $1 per night in Kathmandu)
- Personal clothing/equipment;
- Tips;
- Client insurance of any kind;
- Cost of evacuation (if any);
- Bottled/alcoholic drinks;
- Snacks/desserts;
- Tea or coffee, other than at breakfast;
- Expenses of a personal nature.
(All relevant terms and conditions apply.)
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