Manaslu Circuit Trek

Cost from:
US $1999/person

Duration:20 Days

Destination:Nepal

Trip Grade:Moderate to Strenuous

Meals:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Transportation:Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus

Accommodation:Lodge to lodge

Max. Altitude:5213 m / 17,103 ft

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The Manaslu Circuit Trek is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and requires more permits for a visit than most other regions. Secrets of the Himalaya takes care of all permits and logistics leaving you to enjoy the experience with splendid scenery, marvelous panoramas and cultural insights along the way.

From the lush lowlands to alpine landscape of isolated villages nestled under the mountains, the actual high point of the Manaslu Trek is Larkya La (5160 m / 17,200 ft), a Himalayan mountain pass. The path then descends to a section of the Annapurna Circuit along the famed Marsyangdi River. (Some trekkers even choose to extend the adventure by following along the Annapurna Circuit at this point. Please inquire for more details about this option.)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek journey starts with a scenic drive through lush landscape and fertile fields. We then begin hiking along the Buddhi Gandaki River and gradually climb to the highlands surrounded by soaring peaks.

The best season for this region is considered to be October to late November and March to early June for the clearest weather and views, and all seasons are open to visit The Manaslu Circuit. Secrets of the Himalaya offers regular departures year-round, and we can customize the journey according to your preferences. This trek can be designed to include other options (and shorter/longer journeys are possible, too) with much more to explore in and around the Manaslu area including remote Tsum Valley.

Please contact us anytime for questions and concerns and details on booking. We truly look forward to hearing from you, and ultimately, Secrets of the Himalaya truly hopes to be given the pleasure of guiding you along one of Nepal’s most exhilarating treks.

Adventure in the Manaslu Region is calling, and Secrets of the Himalaya is here to answer that call with you. We are  honored that you are considering the Manaslu Circuit Trek with us and are sure that you will be satisfied with the experience and our services.

Special note: the epicenter of the April 25th 2015 earthquake was in this area and many homes were destroyed and lives lost. The area is recovering, and the people are hoping to revive their lives and economy through tourism, and very much looking forward to your visit. The following article about Nepal's earthquakes and their aftermath was written by SOH founder Alonzo Lyons and published online with Foreign Policy Journal--Nepal's Lost Horizon

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Day to Day

Day 01Arrival at Kathmandu’s International airport (1350 m/ 4,450 ft)Welcome to Nepal. You will be greeted at the arrival area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu's international airport by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Take time to refresh yourself after your international travel. The first evening is open to enjoy as you like, rest and relax at the hotel or explore the surroundings.

Day 02Full Day Tour, Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley After a leisurely breakfast, our skilled guide leads a tour of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights and attractions, including magnificent World Heritage Sites of cultural and historical significance. After the tour, we will hold a pre-departure discussion with our Trek Leader and staff.

Day 03Drive to Arughat Bazaar (570 m/ 1,900 ft) After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu Valley on a scenic drive through rural farmland, lush jungle and picturesque villages along the way to Arughat Bazaar along the Buddi Gandaki River.

Day 04Trek to Soti Khola (530 m/ 1765 ft)The pleasant trail follows the Buddi Gandaki's riverside and passes through terraced fields and scenic villages. We break for lunch at Arket Bazaar about the halfway point of the day and then continue to serene village of Soti Khola.

Day 05Trek to Machha Khola (890 m/ 2,965 ft) The trekking trail meanders through rural landscape with lush scenery as we make our way up the river valley and climb to Lapu Besi and then continue to Macha Khola.

Day 06Trek to to Jagat (1350 m / 4500 ft) We continue through lush landscape passing the small village of Khorla Bensi and hot springs at Tatopani. The valley narrows and passes a forested section, crossing the river and streams with some challenging sections and eventually we ascend to Jagat, beautifully surrounded by farmland.

Day 07Trek to Philim (1695 m / 5,650 ft) It is a pleasant, leisurely trek today as we continue up the river valley and reach the Gurung village of Philim. The Buddhist culture here with monuments of chorten and prayer flags, monasteries and more leaves a lot to explore.

Day 08Trek to Deng (2095 m/ 6,985 ft) The trek continues up the Buddi Gandaki through forests of pine, fir and rhododendron. We pass several side valleys to reach the majestic village of Deng, where higher elevation crops of potatoes, barely, buckwheat and more are grown.

Day 09Trek Namrung (2900 m/ 9,670 ft) We continue first on a pleasant, level stretch and then a steady climb through thick forests and sights of towering Manaslu ahead as we reach the Buddhist village of Namrung in a beautiful natural setting.

Day 10Trek to Lhogaon (3100 m/ 10,335 ft) Today we experience a feast of views including Manaslu, Gorkha, Dwijen, Saula, Lajing, and many other snow-capped peaks. Spectacular views of the Himalaya as well as the scenic landscape through which we are trekking will be memorable. The trail passes chorten, mani stones, and prayer flags before we reach Lhogaon with a monastery above and a Buddhist run school, too.

Day 11Trek to Sama Gaon (3390 m/ 11,300 ft) The surrounding glory of the natural beauty of the Himalaya is majestic as we continue to picturesque Sama Gaon, surrounded by fields in an unforgettably scenic location.

Day 12Day of Rest and Acclimatization at Sama GaonA day of rest in the serene setting surrounded by mountains and forests. If you have the energy and interest, we have an optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp and a cave said to have been used by the 11th century mystic, Milarepa with Birendra Lake shimmering below the peaks.

Day 13Trek to Samdo (3690 m/ 12,335 ft) It is a pleasant journey uphill through the stark, sometimes windy valley to Samdo. We have more great views at Samdo itself. The village lies close to the Tibetan border linked by a high pass to the northwest (crossing restricted to tourists). Samdo has a nearby village of Tibetan refugees.

Day 14Trek to Larkya La Phedi (4460 m / 14,625 ft) We follow a rocky, rugged trail to Larkya La Phedi, our stopover point before tackling the pass. Nearby is Larkya Bazaar, site of seasonal fairs and where vendors have set up a market with goods from Tibet.

Day 15Trek to Larkya La (5160 m / 17,200 ft) and Bimthang (3590 m / 11,970 ft) Today will be a long day with a rigorous climb up to the Larky La pass. We will have a packed lunch along with us and will take breaks along the way. From the pass we enjoy views of Larkya Peak, Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, Cheo Peak and much more. The trail passes down steeply by icy-cold ponds to a broad valley with many walls and continued sensational views along the way. The rugged trail takes us to Bimthang in a spectacular setting.

Day 16Trek to Dharapani (1860 m / 6,200 ft) Trekking through high pastures we have more sensational mountain views on our way through rhododendron forests to the cultivated fields at the village of Kharche. We continue down to splendid Tilche just before reaching the bustling village of Dharapani.

Day 17Trek to Jagat (1800 m/ 6,000 ft) Now we begin to follow the Marsyangdi River Valley downriver, passing the idyllic village of Tal with a monastery and scenic waterfall then down to Chamje before reaching Jagat, a former trading post.

Day 18Trek to Bhulbhule (840 m/2800 ft) After more than two weeks on the trail we have reached the final day of trekking. The trail descends and follows the pleasant Marsyangdi Valley to Bhulbhule. Our final destination on this wonderful trek.

Day 19Drive to KathmanduWe take an early morning departure on a tourist bus to Kathmandu passing through scenic fields and villages along the way to the ancient capital of the Himalaya, Kathmandu. The rest of the time is available to explore the city on your own, search for souvenirs for friends and loved ones back home, and relax and enjoy yourself after the remote, high elevation trekking. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 20Transfer to the international airport for your final departureOur representative will escort you to the airport for your departure back home. We are sure that you will have enjoyed the experience and our services. As you travel to your own country, hopefully you will remember us and Nepal very fondly. Farewell friend.

Cost Include

  • Vehicle transportation to and from  your trip arrival point, for example, from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel in the city; Pokhara airport or bus station to hotel in Pokhara.
  • Three-star (or above) accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast meals are included).
  • A sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley with professional guide and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites, Palace Squares and temples.
  • Tea–house lodging during journey.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the journey.
  • Trained, certified and experienced guide with assistants (we typically have one porter per two clients).
  • Fees for entering National Parks, Conservation Areas and other reserves.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card (necessary in all trekking areas).
  • First Aid Kit and supplies
  • Farewell Meal following the journey and typically, on the eve of your international departure

Cost Exclude

  • International travel to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals other than breakfast while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Personal Expenses, for example, laundry expenses, extra drinks and extra snacks, telephone calls.
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Personal toiletries.
  • Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance with rescue coverage.
  • Extra fees at tea-houses and trailside lodges, for example, extra fees for hot shower, fees for recharging electronic equipment, alcoholic drinks, laundry and similar personal expenses.
  • Tips for crew and staff along the journey.
  • Unforeseen expenses due to cancellation of events and activities because of circumstances beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail changes, political disruptions, illness of a group member and similar events beyond our control.

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