Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit  Trek: A Two weeks trek on the Border with Tibet

Trekking around the world’s 8th.highest mountain, the Manaslu Circuit Trek hidden on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau is a stunning and accessible trekking experience in Nepal. The trek route is out of the way, and uncrowded along the Budi Gandaki River in the Mansiri region of central Nepal Himalayas close to the Tibetan border. An off-the-beaten-path circuit trek around Manaslu covering an impressive distance of 177 kilometers in two weeks.

Running across the breadth of Manaslu National Park, the around Manaslu trek begins in the sub-Himalayan foothills of Machakhola and takes you through the breathtaking Budi Gandaki Gorge, to the awe-inspiring Larkya la Pass, standing tall at an elevation of 5,106 meters. The trek concludes by circling around the magnificent Manaslu in Dharapni with a ride back to Besisahar to Kathmandu.

Visiting the Tsum Valley

Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek with a hike into the ancient Tsum Valley means immersing yourself in a long-distance expedition that offers a sense of isolation and tranquility. As you traverse the rugged terrain of the Manaslu Region, you will be rewarded with an untouched beauty of Manaslu, Himlung and Cheo Himal, and close proximity to the Tibetan Plateau.

However, what truly sets the Manaslu Circuit Trek apart is the opportunity to explore small Himalayan villages, specially the Tsum Valley, and interact with the diverse tribes that call these villages home. This cultural exchange adds an unforgettable dimension to the round Manaslu trek, leaving a lasting impact on your memories.

As you trek around Manaslu, 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.

Starting and Ending Points

The trek starts with a drive to Arughat and then to Macha Khola. Kathmandu to Arughat is 138 km, and Arughat to Macha Khola is just 26 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 Macha Khola.

Pokhara to Arughat to Macha Khola is 168 km and takes a 6-7 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

Around Manaslu Trek is a mesmerizing fourteen-day tea house hike in Nepal. This incredible trek route covers a total distance of 177 km, with an average of 18 km of walking per day, with accommodation in lodges run by local families, offering an authentic local experience.

Although the lodges are basic and have shared washroom and restroom facilities, they provide a comfortable resting place for trekkers.

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.

FOOD

Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is hearty and nutritious, primarily served at teahouses with menus that feature a mix of local Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes. The food quality and variety improve in lower regions and become more basic as you ascend due to supply limitations.

• Breakfast: Common choices include Tibetan bread (with jam, honey, peanut butter), eggs (omelets, boiled, scrambled with vegetable options), porridge, muesli, pancakes (plain, apple, chocolate), and hot drinks like tea or coffee. Garlic soup is also popular as an altitude sickness preventive.

• Lunch and Dinner:

  • Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetable curry, pickle) — the Nepali national dish and high-energy staple

  • Noodles (fried or boiled, with vegetables or egg)

  • Momos (vegetable, cheese, non-veg varieties)

  • Pasta and macaroni dishes (plain, fried, with cheese or tomato sauce)

  • Thukpa and Thenthuk (vegetable or non-veg noodle soups)

  • Potato dishes (boiled, fried, mashed, roasted)

  • Pizza and sandwiches sometimes appear on menus in teahouses at lower elevations.

• Local Specialties: Dhido (a nutritious maize or buckwheat porridge) and Gundruk (fermented leafy vegetable pickle) are also available and provide high nutrition.

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 Kathmandu to Arughat to Macha Khola (890m/158 Km/9 hrs).

Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (158 Km/5 Hrs). Drive further more by Jeep to Macha Khola (36 Km). Overnight Lodge in Macha Khola.

Day 2: Trek Starts. Trek 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 3: Jagat to Deng (1600 m/20.7 Km/ 6 hrs). Overnight Lodge.

Day 4: Deng to Namrung (2630 m/22 Km/ 8 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. This part of the circuit is suprisingly green, the high himalayan mountains push moisture upward creating rainfall in the lower valleys.

Day 5: Namrung to Syala (2957 m/10.5 (4 Km/2 Hrs) Km/ 4 hrs). Overnight Lodge.

Leaving Namrung the landscape begins to changes, and Tibetan Buddhism becomes more visible with prayer wheels and prayer flags lining up the trail. Syala is a big village beneath the majestic Manaslu with a Buddhsit Monastery and a sizable population inhabited by Nubri People of Tibetan Origin.

From here watch the sunrise on the Manaslu (8163 m), and Manaslu North (7157 m) as the sunlight ignites the mountain golden red.

Day 5: Syala to Samagaon (3540 m) via Pyungen Gompa (4000 m)-17 km/4-5 hours. Overnight Lodge.

The trek from Samagaon via Pyungen Gompa (1:30 hours) is incredibly rewarding. Pyungen Gompa, standing right beneath Manaslu, exposing its massive north face, is 500-600 years old. The quiet, spiritual atmosphere and close-up view of Manaslu make it the most memorable side trek on this circuit trek.

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 7: Acclimatization Day.  Side trek to Manaslu Base camp, or Birendra Tal. Overnight Lodge.

One can trek up to Birendra Tal (3450 m), a glacial lake, and to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m), which lies to the north of Samagaon. Total distance is 13.2 km or 8.2 miles, round trip.

Day 8: Sama Gaon to Samdo (3865 m/8 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.

PS.NOTE: You can also have a rest day here too, and make a side trek to the Tibetan border- a demanding 19 Km/5-6 hours round trip, or a less demanding 2 hours trek to Samdo Peak.

Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460 m/10 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 10: Dharamasala – Larkye La Pass (5016 m) – Bimthang (3590 m/25 Km/10 hrs). Overnight Lodge.

• Trek Distance(Dharamshala -Larkya pass): 9km | 5-6 hours.
• Trek Distance (Larkya – Bimthang): 15 km | 4-5 hours.

Trek to Bhimthang on the 11th. Day on the Around Manaslu is perhaps the longest, and an incredible ten hours of gruelling trek, and you need to start early (3 am).

You will need to cross the Larkya La Pass (5016 m), highest point on this 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 this Circuit Trek.

Day 11: Bimthang to Dharapani (2300 m/21 Km/7-8 hrs). Overnight Lodge.

Day 12: Drive Dharapani to Besisahar (33 Km/3 hours), and Drive back to Kathmandu by private Jeep/Tourist Bus.

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• Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost : US$1100/person
• Indian Nationals kindly Inquire within for quotes in IRupees

1). Breakdown of the Restricted Area Permit Fees (Extra as Applicable):

2). This permit is mandatory for the Jagat to Dharapani section and varies by the month of your trek.

3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required because the Manaslu Circuit connects and exits via the Annapurna region.

• September to November: US$100/Person for 7 Days. Thereafter: US$15/Day/Person.
• August to December – US$75/Person for 7 Days. Thereafter: US$10/Day/Person
• Manaslu  Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): NPR 3000 per Person
• SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000 per Person
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3000 per person
• SAARC Nationals: NPR 1000
• Trekkers Information Monitoring Card: US$10/Person
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee NPR 1000 for all Nationals.
  A local tax implemented for entering the Upper Manaslu region.

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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).