Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Total Duration : 18 Days
  • Trek Days : 15 Days
  • Max Altitude : 5130 Meters
  • Accomodations : Lodges or Camping
  • Start/Finish : Kathmandu/ Kathmandu or Pokhara
  • Trekking Grade : Moderate

Manaslu Circuit Trek

has been one of the top rated trekking routes recently. The trekking route has lots of villages with stone houses, deep valleys, dense forests, high Himalayas, smiling people and beautiful old monasteries. Manaslu circuit trek is named from the mountain called Manaslu, it is the 8th highest peak in the world. The trek lies on the north of central and mid western region of Nepal. The area is a remote and has undisturbed culture and natural vegetation. Manaslu circuit trek is one of the very less trekked place in Nepal though the popularity of the place is growing every day.

The Trek

The trek starts after a drive from Kathmandu to Arughat which can take 7-8 hours on a rough road.  Manaslu circuit trek is a fresh trekking paradise for the trek lovers. The trek follows the Numbri Valley by the Budi Gandaki river, Nubri mean “the north valley” in Tibetan language. The route of this valley changes the altitude of goes up. The highest point of the trek is larke-la pass and this is @ 5130 meters above sea level. People living on this trekking route are called the Gurungs and Bhotes but they look very similar to Tibetans and some of them are descendant of Tibetans too. While trekking in this region you come across the old villages, monasteries which are very close to Tibetan culture. You can visit inside the monasteries to see the old paintings or see the monks praying. Some of the festivals that are celebrated in this region are Lhosar, and Dumje. The people in here have tough life but also called as happy valley. Most of their work and earning is from farming by the help of their transporters the yak and the horses. The trek ends in Beshishar after meeting the Annapurna circuit trekking on the 15th day. The pictures of trek from our posting in Instagram and facebook speaks for itself itself

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Season and option:

During October and November the vegetation in here are very colorful and the weather is very clear, so is the best time to trek. April and May are also good season for trekking when the area has rhododendron blooming. An option of combining the Manaslu circuit trek with Tsum valley trek for long trek can also be done. The tsum valley is even remote. Joining both treks, you will enjoy the culture and the nature of two Valley’s. Devo Adventure has been running and organizing the trek for the best experience and has kept it on the top list for the trip.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlight

  • Trek next to the world’s eighth highest mountain Manaslu (8156m).
  • Trekking to Larkya-La Pass (5130m) between two peaks Larkya (6219m) and Cheo Himal (6820m).
  • Visiting world heritage sights, Tibetan cultural introduction.
  • View of other high Mountains like Himalchuli (7893m), Nagdi Chuli (7879m), Annapurna Second (7937m).
  • Trekking in the remote part of Nepal.

Info about the trek.    

  • Starting point: Kathmandu bus station.
  • Ending point: Kathmandu hotel.
  • Best season for trekking: Trekking March to mid of June and October to mid of December.
  • Total trip days: 15 days, 2 two days drive.
  • Walking hours: 6 hours on average. 7- 8 hours on some days.
  • Trekking difficulty: 4 out of 5.
  • Accommodation during the Trek: Tea houses/ lodges.
  • Highest point of the trek: 5140 meters/ 16860 feet.
  • People in the trek: Chhetry, Gurung and Tibet descended.  

Trip Itinerary:

  • Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m), Drive 8-9 hours, lodges.
  • Day 02: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m), 5-6 hours, 200m uphill, lodges.
  • Day 03: Machha khola to jagat (1410m), 6-7 hours, 540m uphill, lodge.
  • Day 04: Jagat to Pewa/Deng (1810m),
  • Day 05: Deng to Ghap (2000m), 4-5 hours, 430m uphill, 110m downhill, lodge.
  • Day 06: Ghap to Lho (3180m), 6-7 hours, 1210m uphill 280m downhill, lodge.
  • Day 07: Lho to Samagaun (3520m), 4-5 hours, 550m uphill, 220m downhill, lodge.
  • Day 08: Samagaun Acclimatization Day.
  • Day 09: Samagaun to Samdo (3850m), 3hours, 330 uphill, lodge.
  • Day 10: Samdo To Dharmasala (4460m), 4-5 hours, 610m uphill, lodge.
  • Day 11: Dharmasala to Larkya-La Pass (5130m) then to Bhimthang (3730m), 8-9 hours, 670m uphill,  1400m downhill, lodge.
  • Day 12: Bhimthang to Gowa (2515m), 5-6 hours, 1370 downhill, 180m uphill.
  • Day 13: Gowa to Tal (1700m), 5-6 hours, 700 m descend, lodge.
  • Day 14: Tal to Jagat/ (1300m/1100m) then to Beshishar by Local Jeep, 3-4 hours, ascends 110m, descend   400/600m, and lodge.
  • Day 15: Beshishar to Kathmandu Drive for 6-7 hours.

Cost Includes:

  • 01: Transportation by local bus from Kathmandu to Arughat and Jagat to Kathmandu, Private Jeeps are available on client’s interest.
  • 02: Guide and porter for the trek.
  • 03: Sightseeing entrance fees for mentioned places.
  • 04: Meals for guests during trekking days (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • 05: Annapurna and Manaslu conversation permit, TIMS card for trek.
  • 06: Manaslu restricted area permit.
  • 07: Insurance, Transportation, Wages, Equipment’s and all meals & Lodges for the trekking staff.
  • 08: First Aid Kid Box (for Normal Treatment only).
  • 09: Government taxes & Other Applicable Fees.

Cost Excludes:

  • 01:Accommodations in twin bed on BB plan basis in Kathmandu for 4 nights.
  • 02: Tea house lodge during trekking days.
  • 03: KTM International airport arrival & departure transfer.
  • 04: Travel & Health Insurance- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance.
  • 05: Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
  • 06: Extra accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early return.
  • 07: Tips for trekking staff.
  • 08: Any kind of drinks, phone calls, laundry service, hot shower, battery charges and WiFi.
  • 09: Unforeseen cost such as flight cancellation or delayed cost due to bad weather.          

For Price, additional adventure trips, cultural tours, jungle safari in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet. Please mail us at: [email protected]

 

 

  • Day 01: Arrival day:
  • Our representative will be in airport to receive you, briefing about the activities during your stay in Nepal. Hotel If you arrive early we will make permit the same day. Which will save us a day.
 
  • Day 02: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m), Drive 8-9 hours, lodges.
  • Permit making day then drive to Soti Khola. The drive passes through the beautiful villages and you will also see the Manaslu ranges from the road. The lunch will be in a local restaurant highway. The last stop will be in Soti Khola, a small village area that will be our starting point of the trek. Our final         destination for the day is Soti Khola: after you can walk around the river, take a bath and watch the Langur monkeys, who are the frequent visitor.
 
  • Day 03: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m), 5-6 hours, 200m uphill, lodges.
  • The first day of the trek is easy and flat. Walking next to the major and a bluish river Budi Gandaki the trail is picturesque. The people in here are more of Aryan type and most of their houses are colored with red mud. The trail passes by the forests and beautiful villages waterfall and a small hot springs settled in the slope of the hills. We will have some climb to do on this day. We will also pass the suspension bridges; which are the most import infrastructure built in the Himalayas. Machha Khola is a main place where locals also do fishing.
 
  • Day 04: Machha khola to jagat (1410m), 6-7 hours, 540m uphill, lodge.
  • The second day of the trail also follows the Budi Gandaki. The valley is narrower and the walk is another beautiful day walking just next to the river. The day is long and tough. Jagat is the place where our special permits are checked and then we are allowed to trek in there. As we get close there are few straight climbs that we have to do and as we get to the top of the climb the valley widens. From Punngpu the climb we cross again few suspensions bridges and get to Jagat.
 
  • Day 05: Jagat to Pewa/Deng (1810m).
  • Now we have entered the restricted area. The trail gradually climbs to Sridibas and after crossing a long bridge we come to place called Philim. Philim is the head quarter for villages around that area, with government offices and school. The people now look very different to the Aryan from below. They are more Tibetan looking people who are Buddhist. From Philim we continue to Chumjet for our lunch.
 
  • Day 06: Pewa/ Deng to Namrung (2600m), 7-8 hours, 1030m uphill, 110m downhill, lodge.
  • From Deng we start our beautiful walk to lower Bhee. The Upper Bhee is 1 hour away from the Lower place. The upper village is larger, with more houses, monastery and government services. From Bhee we will go to Ghap for Lunch. After Ghap we trek to Namrung through the dense forest of pine and walnut.
 
  • Day 07: Namrung to Samagaun (3520m), 6-7 hours, 1210m uphill 280m downhill, lodge. The Number valley known as valley of the north gets much more stunning as we go up. Once we get closer to Lho we will see the worlds 8th highest mountain just behind the monastery. After crossing the Lho the landscape changes to semi moraine area on the western side. The view of 360 follows all the way to Samagaun.
 
  • Day 08: Samagaun Acclimatization Day. Samasaun is an old village where people are mostly the Tibetan descendant and the culture is very similar to Tibetan. 900 old monasteries and great scenery make this place an Ideal place where people can spend day's just observing people, and the Himalayas. We will climb the Manaslu base camp and come back to Samagaun, which will be 8 hours work. A close-up view of glacier and the valley from the height is mesmerizing.
 
  • Day 09: Samagaun to Samdo (3850m), 3hours, 330 uphill, lodge.
  • Samdo is just 3 hours away from Sama gaun and the trail is fairly easy. The landscape changes to sub alpine vegetation. Samdo was a market place for Tibetans, Nepalese and Indians. Tibet border just a day away from Samdo. A small hike after lunch in Samdo is better for acclimatization.
 
  • Day 10: Samdo To Dharmasala (4460 m), 4-5 hours, 610m uphill, lodge.
  • As we go up from Samdo to Dharmashala, the view of Himalayas and glacier are amazing. It takes 4 hours to get to Dharmashala. Dharmashala is just a place to stay for a night before crossing over the Larke La Pass. The view of Milky Way from Samagau, Samdo are worth to check out at night.
 
  • Day 11: Dharmasala to Larkya-La Pass (5130 m) then to Bhimthang (3730m), 8-9 hours, 670m uphill, 1400m downhill, lodge.
  • The climb is slow but beautiful and tough as the air is thin.  It takes around 4 hours to get to the to top of the pass. On the top of the pass is you will see the Prayer flags. Once you are on the top of the pass at 5130 meters, the Himalayan peaks all around you will greet you. After the pass we go down all the way to Bhimgthang. On the way three glaciers can be seen joining and forming Ponkar Lake.
 
  • Day 12: Bhimthang to Gowa (2515m), 5-6 hours, 1370 downhill, 180m uphill.
  • From here on wards most of the trail is mostly going down though there are still climbs. On the left side you will see the west side of Manaslu. The trail passes through dense pine and rhododendron forest. Gowa is in the mid of the valley and the lodges are new in here, as the tourism has picked in few years.
 
  • Day 13: Gowa to Tal (1700m), 5-6 hours, 700m descend, lodge.
  • From Gowa we still travel through the forests and come to the old village called Tilje mostly built by rock and wood. From here we cross 3 suspense bridges walk for 1:30 for lunch in Dharapani, which has the jeep facility. From here it takes 2:30 hours to hours to Tal (lake). Tal where the village is settled is believed to be a lake before the water drained out.
 
  • Day 14: Tal to Jagat/ (1300m/1100m) then to Beshishar by Local Jeep, 3-4 hours, ascend 110m, descend 400/600m.
  • From Tal we have some climbs and down hill to go before we get to Jagat and from Jagat to Beshishar we drive by jeep.
 
  • Day 15: Beshishar to Kathmandu Drive for 5-6 hours. Hotel in Kathmandu.
 
  • Day 16: Rest day in Kathmandu or Kathmandu sightseeing World Heritage sights
 
  • Day 17: Departure Day.
 
  • If you have any plans for the remaining days in Nepal and you would prefer, lets us know we are always here to help you so that you can enjoy your day by visiting wild life National park or Jungle Safari, Rafting, paragliding, Sightseeing etc. please mail at [email protected] or [email protected]
     

Before Booking with Devo Adventure:

Devo adventure is an Adventure company and it is important for people/ clients to know in details about the booking agreements. While booking it should clear to both the parties that there should be flexibility. We plan and make an itinerary on day to day basis and in case there is any delay caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. We will help to plan a different trip with different itinerary or an alternative program that will be decided by both the parties agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Devo Adventure shall be only responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.

01: Is Nepal safe? Do I need to worry about earthquakes or aftershocks?

The trek is perfectly safe. The route has been checked and validated by the people of geological department of Nepal government. We have also taken measures to ensure your safety. Few places got affected but that wont has any effect in the trek.

02: How can I get to Nepal?

You get to Nepal by air or by land. If you are flying then you will be entering from Tribhuwan International airport, which is the only international airport in Nepal, if you are entering by land then from north it will be from Kathmandu-Lhasa border and if you entering by land then you will be entering from,

03: Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

All foreign nationals, except Indians, need visas to enter Nepal. Multiple entry visas for 15 days (US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency), 30 days (US$ 40) or 90 days (US$ 100) can be obtained from any Nepalese embassy or consulate.

You can also get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu or at the Immigration Office at the entry points of Nepal.

Tourist visas can be extended for a period of 120 days at the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

04: Do I get visa on arrival?

Yes you can, please bring 5 passport size photos and 40 $ for 30 Days Visa.

05: Are there power supplies in main cities of Nepal?

Yes there electricity supplies in Kathmandu but there are also frequent power cuts in a day. Standard hotels do have generators as backup power.

06: Can anyone join the trip?

Anyone can join this trip; Age is not a barrier too provided you possess a basic level of mental fortitude and physical fitness. A regular jogging for two months before trekking is advised for little comfort during the trek.

07: What is the basic level of fitness required (Early preparations, mental and physical fitness)?

The trip will cover an average of 5-6 hours of high altitude trekking each day. The higher we go, thinner the air gets. But that is what makes it fun (Some might call this challenging!) For those who aren’t used to this, the first few days will be difficult. The trek is designed in the way to let your body acclimatize slowly so we advise number 2 should be followed to enjoy the trek.

Do note:  All couch potatoes and people out of shape, you guys need to attain a basic level of fitness. We would suggest warming up for the trip at least two months before the trip by jogging for an hour or hitting some weights.

08: Are the flights to Lukla regular and what happens if the flight gets delayed?

Flights to Lukla are operated by few airline companies and should be booked in advance. Due to unpredictable weather so some time the flight can be delayed or cancelled form few hours to couple of days so we suggest you to have few back up days.    

09: Insurance?

We highly recommend you get yourself insured for the trip. We recommend “world nomads”. Do ensure your insurance policy that applies at an altitude of 6300 meters above sea level, and covers accidents, emergency medical costs and evacuation including helicopter evacuation and theft or loos of belonging, The reason we advise this is because if something untoward happens sometimes the best way to get out quick is in a helicopter which can be very expensive if you are not insured.

10: Food provisions and accommodation?

Accommodation: In Kathmandu, pokhara or any big cities we will stay in a standard category hotel. During the trek, we shall stay in local basic lodges and tea houses as they are called locally.

Food: Kathmandu has good options. While on a trek, access to fancy food is limited. However, the meals will be nutritious, wholesome and soul strengthening.

11: Preexisting medical conditions or allergies?

Do let us know if you have any allergies or medical conditions, when you sign up. Access to medical facilities and hospitals will be limited during the trek, however during a life threatening contingency when aid is required, an evacuation can be arranged for to transport you to the nearest hospital. Please make sure that are insured.

12: How to reach Kathmandu?

International flights operate regularly everyday to Kathmandu. By road from India we do have open borders in east west and south and from China the border from Zangmu or Khasa.

13: Do I need to worry about altitude acclimatization?

We will be ascending gradually towards the base camp and the ascent is spread over a long period. So acclimatization shouldn’t be a problem. However for those who do feel difficult to acclimatize we suggest the drug Diamox that helps in acclimatizing, if you are allergic to sulpha-based drugs then do consult your doctor for alternatives. Drinking more water or at least 4 liters a day is advised.

14: How many people will be accompanying me on the trip?

A maximum of 15 and a minimum of 2 people are advised. For more than 6 people we provide two guides and for more than 12 people in a group 3 guides are provided.

15: What kind of bag should I bring?

Do I need to carry my luggage myself or will there be porters to carry my bag for me during the trekking days? We would recommend a haversack or a trekking bag and we provide 1 porter for two people.

16: What will be the weather in Kathmandu, and in the trek?

During spring and summer (March- June the temperature in the trek from 0 to 28 Degree at day time depending on the heights and 0 to -10 at night depending on heights.

17: What safety measures will be taken?

Precautions have been taken for your safety and enjoyable trek. We advise you to fully do the check up before planning so that we know about our clients. We take our time for the trek and the staffs will have first aid medical kit depending on the seriousness of the client, we take rest or also make helicopters available, which will be provided by your Insurance. We will take notes about the trail as we start our trek.

Also: You agree to be part of the group and the leader. The tour leader has the authority of making decisions for the groups benefit and if there are any problems that could affect the trip so by signing the booking form you accept the leader decision. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Devo Adventure.

18: What will the return journey be like?

The trip ends in Kathmandu where you can fly out. However we highly recommend you keep a buffer day. We can arrange an extra night stay for you in Kathmandu. Going down will be quick and as you have already acclimatized. Lots of up hill and long down hill is frequently done.

19: What is your experience level in doing such treks?

A trekking company who have people working in this field for 10- 15 years) who have a great amount of experience doing such treks, as well as trekking to the summit from the base camp. The local guide knows the route thoroughly, hence any issues will also join us and help will be right around!

20: What is the paper work, documentation I need?

We will arrange all the paper work. All you need is the passport, visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Non- Indian passport holders, we shall arrange all permits inside Nepal. Visa for western clients are available on arrival in airport but this takes quite some time so if you already have visa from your own country you wont have to line up in queue for long. To Indian nationals visa is not needed.

21: How does the payment work- Installments/ down payments?

Payment for flight, permits and hotel should be paid in advance 1and half or a month before to insure the bookings so we suggest you to pay 20% advance while doing the booking for trek. Please ask if the bank charges for the transfer and in such charges the clients should the liable charges.

22: How much money to carry on the trip?

Access to ATM’s is limited once outside Kathmandu. Indian currency is accepted everywhere except in trekking area. You will not be spending much money on the trek anyway, as we will arrange everything. We don’t recommend carrying lot of money or valuables. 300 $ would be a good amount to keep with you. The only thing we will be spending on will be munchies, chips, biscuits, juices, water, battery charging and shower etc. All you shopping fanatics can find heaven in Kathmandu, where you will have option of spending for shopping.

Also note due to the agreement between Indian and Nepalese governments it is illegal to carry 500 and 1000 rupee notes in Nepal for an Indian citizen if the amount of cash you are carrying exceeds Rs 25,000.

23: Will I have mobile network and electricity?

Yes mobile networks is available almost in Popular trekking areas but some time if there is any problem it will take few weeks before it works again. The mobile outside the capital will be patchy and non-existent, especially during certain parts of the trek. Electricity or solar lights will be available at most places; some places on the trek will not have it and will rely on solar charged batteries only.

24: How do I charge my phone or camera battery?

We recommend carrying back up batteries for your camera and a solar charger to avoid paying for charging your devices at tea houses on the route (they will charge about Rs 150-400 per battery one device.

25: What if I get really sick or injure myself and cannot continue the trip, will I get a refund for the days of the trip remaining?

If due to unforeseen circumstances, you get injured or really sick and cannot continue the trip the money paid to us will be forfeit in such a scenario.

26: I am a single, solo woman traveler. Is it safe?

Yes. The trip is designed to accommodate single solo women travelers. Accommodation shall be on a twin-sharing basis everywhere and all females shall bunk together.

28 Do I need vaccination before arriving Nepal?

Yes, it is better to have vaccination for Rabies, Malaria, or seek help from http://ciwec-clinic.com/health-information/immunizations-recommended-for-travel-in-nepal/

30: List of Clothing/ Gears:

Down jacket -5-10 c for trek, -15 for climbing.

Full fingers woolen gloves and extra pair of thin glove.

Pair of Shocks. 4 Pairs.

Thermal cap.

Fleece few of them.

Quick drying towel

Quick drying t-shirt or shirts.

Long Thermal inner wares.

Trekking Trousers and trekking shorts.

Wind / waterproof jacket.

Water proof ankle proof shoes:

Equipments:

LED headlight with spare rechargeable batteries.

Water bottle.

Sunscreen 35- 50 plus.

Trekking poles.

Sun glasses.

Trekking bag.

Laundry soap.

Solar charger.

Multi charge adaptor.

Sleeping bag (please bring your own if you have -10 c).

Miscellaneous:

5 Copies of Passport Photos:

Insurance copy

29: When you book any adventure and holiday trip with us we assume that you have read the full detail of booking term and conditions mentioned in our website and you are full aware of it and you have agreed with the agreement.