Manaslu Circuit Trek – Iess crowded & Isolated in remote Nepal Himalayas
Manaslu Circuit trek incorporates all the features of a classic trek as it takes you from the lowlands of the Budi Gandhaki gorge with terraced paddy fields and white water falls, over long suspension bridges to the snow bound Larkya Pass to the North, close to the border with Tibet. Larkya Pass which lies between Dharamsala and Bhimthang is incidentally the longest pass in Nepal Himalayas and is also the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek circumvates the world’s eighth highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu (8163m). Manaslu Circuit Trek Route used to be the ancient salt trading route to Tibet and was closed to foreign Nationals till the year 1991, but is now open to trekkers on a limited basis. Manaslu circuit Trek route is a little remote as compared to the popular and famous Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek & this trek climbs to a little over 5000m at the Larkya La pass and one needs to be physically fit to do this trek .
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek – Why is it called a classic Trek in Nepal ?
Add a few more days to the regular Manaslu Circuit Trek and venture into Tsum Valley, a remote village near to the border with Tibet inhabited by Nubri People of Tibetan descent and the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek becomes a perfect example of a classic trek. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek provides you with a window to peek into the mixed culture and religion of Tsum Valley.
Can this Trek be customized by adding Tsum Valley into the Itinerary ?
By adding a few more days to the regular trek itineray you get the best of Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is being said, without a trek into the Tsum Valley the Manaslu Circuit trek will be incomplete. Having said that it is to be remembered that the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a strenuous trek, challenging enough to bring blisters on your toes and leave a mark in your memory. A trail that will tire you and even break you but a trail that will change your perspective about trekking and Hiking in the Himalayas. A trail that will give you something to remember for a life time.
Which part of Nepal Himalayas does the Manaslu Region fall ?
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route lies to the east of Ganesh Himal, west of Great Annapurna Range, south of the Tibetan plateau in Mansiri Region of Nepal Himalaya.
What is the Total distance of the Manslu Circuit Trek ?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a captivating fourteen days trek in the remote part of Nepal Himalayas. The Trek route passes through the Manaslu National Park covering a total distance of 177Km. Manaslu Circuit Trek starts at Arughat and ends in Besisahar, with an average of 18Km walking distance per day.
Manaslu Circuit Trek- is it a Tea House Trek or a Camping Trek ?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tea house trek with accommodation in lodges run by local families. These lodges are very basic with two beds in a room with a common washroom and restroom room. These lodges can fit about twenty trekkers at a time. Local Nepal Food are available in these Trekkers Huts viz Rice, Dal and Curry. But there are fewer lodges in the Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek Route not like in the Annapurna or the Everest Region.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – what to expect ?
Manaslu Circuit trek route passes through Sub-Himalayan foothills to the semi arid region of Larkya Pass. Larkya La is one of the longest pass in Nepal Himalayas, situated at an elevation of 5106m above mean sea level. The Larkya La Pass is located between Dharamsala and Bhimtang and is the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Looking down from Larkya Pass one can get a clear view of the terrain that you had come up but the best views are on the west after you cross over the Larkya Pass. A great glacial circle comes into view. A glacial circle created by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung Himal, Gyaji Kang and Kang Guru, looking down on the crystal clear streams from the glaciers, while on the horizon the Annapurna II stands tall. This view alone makes the trek worthwhile.
Permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek therefore you will need a restricted area permit to trek in this area and which will be issued to a local company.
- Restricted area Permit 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).
When is the best time to proceed on the Manaslu Circuit Trek ?
April to May is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek when the temperature is mild and the sky clear. This is also the best time to trek in these area as the valley floors will be filled with flowering plants and and the mountain sides with colorful Rhododendron flowers. September to November is also a perfect time to go on the Manslu Circuit Trek, when the skies are crystal clear after the monsoon rain. A perfect time to view the mountain range.
Before you pack up your travelling bags and put on your hiking boots, please remember, the Manslu Circuit trek is a strenuous Trek through remote part of Nepal Himalayas very close to the border with Tibet and a physical fitness is compulsary.
NOTE: One can also reduce a day by driving from Arughat to Seti Khola. Jeep services are available and the track is little bumpy. This way you can reduce the total distance by 13Km and gain a day.
TRIP FACTS :
- Minimum No. Of Participants : 2 Persons.
- Type of Trek : Tea House / Lodge.
- Highest point : 4460m.
- Trail grade : Strenuous.
- Total duration : 13 Days.
- Starting Point : Kathmandu.
- Ending Point : 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 Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m /8 hrs).
Day 2: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (900m/23Km/ 6 hrs).
Day 3: Maccha Khola to Jagat (1340m/23Km/ 8 hrs).
Day 4: Jagat to Pewa (1600m/20Km/ 6 hrs).
Day 5: Pewa to Namrung (2630m/21Km/ 6 hrs).
Day 6: Namrung to Lho (2957m/10Km/ 4 hrs).
Day 7: Lho to Samagaon (3540m / 7Km/4 hrs).
Day 8: Acclimatization Day. Side trip to Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Basecamp or Birendra Tal.
Day 9: Sama Gaon to Samdo (3865m/16Km/ 4 hrs).
Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460m/12Km/4 hrs).
Day 11:Dharamasala – Larkye La Pass(5016m) – Bimthang(3590m /25Km/10 hrs).
Day 12: Bimthang to Tilje(2300m/26Km/6 hrs).
Day 13: Trek Tilje to Sirichaur (1150m/6Hrs).
Day 14: Trek Dharapani to Besisahar(8Km/3Hrs)and drive to Pokhara / Kathmandu.
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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.
NOTE: One can also reduce a day by driving from Arughat to Seti Khola. Jeep services are available and the track is little bumpy. This way you can reduce the total distance by 13Km and gain a day.
Recommendations: The trek is a relatively difficult requiring good physical fitness. Few weeks training is advised and a physical fitness check-up is a must.
(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).
