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Trip Highlights
- Amazing Larke Pass, Gurung People and Their Culture
Introduction
The Manaslu Trek (also known as Manaslu Circuit Trek) is a remote trek around the world's eighth highest peak, situated in Manaslu region. With newly developed small tea houses on the trek, Manaslu Trek has become a lot easier for trekkers to acquire accommodation and meals. Manaslu circuit Trek explores small villages of Buddhism with spectacular scenery of snowy peaks, thundering rivers, high passes, wildlife and different Himalayan flowers including the beautiful rhododendrons. Manaslu trek will lead you to the highest land attached to Tibet with some opportunities to experience Tibetan-influenced cultures and faiths.
While the Annapurna Circuit Trek is now disrupted by on-going construction of motor roads, Manaslu Circuit Trek is known as the perfect alternative for Annapurna Circuit. For those who do not want to walk on the dusty roads of Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trekking is the perfect alternative with a similar route, similar views, and similar experiences. Manaslu Circuit Trek is getting more and more popular as a new trekking route among trekkers. Manaslu Trekking is a restricted trekking route, you need to use a government licensed trekking agency with private staffs. You can not do independent trekking in this area. Larke (Larkye) La Pass (5,106 meters) is the most difficult point of the trek but it's not worse, weather conditions allowing to cross and meet Annapurna circuit route.
For a trekker with more available time, we suggest to include virgin Tsum valley area experiencing far fewer trekkers. Manaslu Circuit Trek is the premier moderate - difficult grade trekking route left in Nepal in terms of mountains, authentic culture, and enjoyment. Manaslu Circuit Trekking gives you untouched beauty of nature, gives you own pace for the walk and lets you experience the life of people in the mountains. After the latest road construction in Annapurna Trek route, Manaslu Circuit Trekking has been attracting more are more visitors who prefer to avoid walking on the dirt roads. Join us for a memorable adventure trek to Manaslu!
1
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel
Welcome to the city of temples and the country of Himalayas. Himalayan Leisure Inc. will happily welcome you at the only international airport of Nepal; Tribhuvan International Airport. Our airport representative will be waiting for your arrival with a placard written Himalayan Leisure Inc. outside the airport terminal. From there you will be transferred to the Hotel by an air-conditioned private vehicle. Depending on the flight time and activities we will be joining for a cultural dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant. Enjoy cultural shows, singing, dancing and typical Nepali meals before heading back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotels
Altitude: 1310M
2
Free day in Kathmandu to prepare your permits
We will collect your passports and photos to prepare your immigration permits. You can explore the town on your own to see the typical town of Thamel. We will introduce you with your guide and have the trip briefing on this day. (Breakfast)
Accommodation: Hotels
Altitude: 1310M
3
Drive to Soti Khola, stay overnight
We start our drive early in the morning to the northwards following Budi Gandaki River. It's a beautiful drive through the beautiful Nepalese villages. We have a comfortable ride until Dhading Besi as the road is paved. We will then leave for Arughat and then to Soti Khola which is a dirt road with lots of bumpy rides. We will be driving through beautiful green hills, dense forests, thundering rivers and traditional settlements of Nepalese communities. We will stop at Soti Khola for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 710M
4
Trek to Machha Khola
Our day will start after having a breakfast in the hotel. We will cross the bridge then climb to the ridge. It is a beautiful day hike through beautiful villages of the region. We will be passing through Armala, Liding, Apubesi and Khani Besi before reaching Machha Khola. Various ethnic villages, towering waterfalls, green hills, thundering Budi Gandaki river and various rice paddies make this day beautiful. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 930M
5
Trek to Jagat
Once we reach Korlabesi we will have a steep ascent to the ridge and then descent to a natural hot spring (Tatopani). Soon we cross Budi Gandaki river then continue climbing stone stairs to Dovan. We will continue ascending towards the small place called Duman then we will cross some landslide areas. Continuing several ups and downs will take us to Thado Bhanjyang then continuing further will take us to Jagat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 1370M
6
Trek to Deng
As we walk next to the cliffs we will have some good views of Shringi Himal. We will descend towards Setibas following some Buddhist Mani Walls. We will continue through terraced fields, green hills and bamboo forests of Nupri Valley. We have few ascending and descending as well as have to cross few suspension bridges to reach Deng. We will have walking through various villages such as Salleri, Sirdibas, Phillim, Eklebhatti, Nyak and then finally reaches Deng (Dyang) following beautiful Bamboo forests of Deng Khola. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 1860M
7
Trek to Namrung
Soon after we leave Deng we will cross Budi Gandaki River and then continue to Rana Village. We continue towards west following a beautiful waterfall. We will have walking inside the beautiful rhododendron forests guided by white Langur monkeys. We soon do an ascending to reach Namrung for the overnight stay. This village offers some tremendous views of Himalayan peaks including Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 2540M
8
Trek to Sama Gaun
Soon after leaving Namrung we will arrive at Lihi where we will have fine views of Ganesh Himal. This village has a lot of chhortens, mani walls, and barley fields. We will continue towards Samagaon following Sho, Lho and Shyala villages. This is a beautiful day with several viewpoints offers stunning views of various Himalayan peaks such as Manaslu, Himalchuli and Peak 29. We will also have an opportunity to visit Rimbung Gomba (Lho Monastery). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 3390M
9
Rest and acclimatization day in Sama Gaon
We will spend one more night at Samagaon to help our body to acclimatize in high altitude. We will have an opportunity to visit Birendra Tal which is in an hour distance. We will spend rest of the day exploring the village.
For an active adventurer, there is an option to go to Pung Gyen Monastery and return back to Samagon. This is about 7-8 hours return journey from Samagon and offers superb views of Manaslu Himal and Peak 29. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 3390M
10
Trek to Samdo
We have a short day ahead. Trek from Samagaon to Samdo takes about 3 to 4 hours. We will follow the Budi Gandaki river. On a lucky day, we will also have an opportunity to see Himalayan Blue Sheep. The trail is comparatively easy and wide. Continuing through the left and right of the river eventually, we will reach Samdo for the overnight stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 3890M
11
Trek to Dharmashala / Larke Phedi
Before we start our climbing we will do a gentle descending to the river. We will be passing along a glacier followed by beautiful Gorge. Continuing through several Mani walls we will be reaching Larke Phedi for an overnight stay. Larke Phedi has only one lodge for the basic accommodation of the trekkers. This place is also known as Larke Base Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 4460M
12
Cross Larke Pass (5125M), trek to Bhimtang
This is a challenging day. We will start early in the morning and start the gentle climbing to the ridge, a very short descending to a small lake and then make final ascending to the Larke Pass. The last section of the pass is slightly steeper. Soon after reaching the summit of the pass we will stop awhile for taking some photographs before descending to Bhimtang. We will have gorgeous views of several Himalayas including Manaslu Peak, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal and Kangguru Himal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 3590M
13
Trek to Tilije
We will leave beautiful Himalayan peaks behind and start descending to Tilje for upcoming night. Continuing further through rhododendron forests will take us to Karache (2,800M); one of the highest cultivated villages of Nepal. Continuing further will take us to Gho village where few lodges are available for accommodation. Continuing one more hour will take us to Tilije village for the overnight stay as Tilije village has better accommodation options comparing to Gho village. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 2300M
14
Trek to Dharapani, drive to Besisahar
This is the last day of our walking. We will descend to Dharapani where we will meet the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. Probably, we will stop for a lunch here then take a jeep which will take to Besisahar. The drive is an adventurous journey through the cliffs of mountains and the road is bumpy which is not blacktopped. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: GuestHouse
Altitude: 760M
15
Drive to Kathmandu, transfer to the Hotel
We will follow the Besisahar - Kathmandu highway. It's a beautiful countryside driving that makes an end of our unforgettable Manaslu Larke Pass Trekking. Relax and rest in the hotel, have a good shower and try a good cuisine in a good restaurant in Kathmandu before making the preparation for the departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: Hotels
Altitude: 1310M
16
Drive to the airport, end of our services
Here we come to the end of our memorable two-week-long trip. We will conclude our Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Kathmandu and proceed the to airport for outbound flight back from Nepal. If we have time before our flight back we will explore local markets of Kathmandu on our own if not we will proceed to airport straightaway. We are sure that it's not our last time in Nepal, see you again in the Himalayas! (Breakfast)
Altitude: 1310M
Supporting Information
Experience Required
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is popular as adventurous trekking that takes us higher than 5,100M. The trek includes several ups and downs every day including walking on steep and narrow trails. Manaslu Circuit Trek, of course, will need courage and patience as well as it will be a great idea to have previous experiences of trekking / hiking. The trek is not severe for trekkers with previous experiences but it can be a difficult route for novice trekkers. Manaslu Circuit / Larke Pass trekking is an adventurous trail next to popular Annapurna Circuit trek. At Himalayan Leisure, Inc. we recommend our customers to train well at home so that the trail won't make you suffer. Walking more than 2 weeks in high altitude needs a lot of effort and courage from our trekkers.
A fit trekker with no previous trekking experiences can definitely try Manaslu Circuit Trekking, however, training well at home is highly recommended. Cycling, swimming, hiking, running etc. definitely helps you to prepare yourself for a memorable adventure in Nepal. We recommend our fellow customers to have a strong courage and hope to complete the trek which is more important than physical effort. Please let us know at the Himalayan Leisure, Inc. if you have any questions regarding the fitness and training methods at home.
Meals on the Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is relatively less developed trekking route and meals and accommodation inside the lodge weren't much popular until few years. Only basic tea houses and meals are available on this trek. This trekking comparatively requires you to adjust with what is available on the trek. Tea houses are of very low standard and not many meal options are available. Even though some places have better meal options the trek can't be compared with the popular route in Annapurna or in Everest. You will have a small menu every day which will have basic meal options. You can select the meals from the available menu.
Please remember that the taste of the food won't be western standard. The meals are prepared with raw ingredients available and the cook won't be a professional one. Manaslu Circuit Trek is for luxury adventurers, it's for travelers who want to blend themselves with nature with what's available on the trek. Meals are usually prepared fresh once the lodge receives an order from the customer that means you are likely to have fresh meals. Some places are very small with only 1 or 2 lodges where we do not much choice for the meals or accommodation and seek your cooperation to have a wonderful journey in the Himalayas.
Breakfasts are included even in Kathmandu at your hotel. You will have a menu to select your meal or foods will be served in buffet system. The hotel itself will select the appropriate method depending on the volume of customers. If the lodge is using the buffet system then you are likely to have same meals that other customers are having. Some hotels offer both buffet and ala carte options.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kathmandu will be a standard hotel. We will accommodate you in 3-star category hotel. You will be accommodated in an air-conditioned room. We provide one double room for two customers ( unless you are a single customer ). These rooms will have either master bed or two single beds. If you have a special preference for bed selection then please inform us in advance, we will try to book the room appropriate for your stay.
Accommodation is very basic in Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Not all places have high standard lodges for the accommodation of the trekkers. Some places only have 1 or 2 lodges and it might not be possible to have a private room if the place is busy. Most places will give a private room but places not having enough space will make us share the room. Places like Dharmashala has only 1 lodge and are under very basic conditions. We seek your cooperation in case the lodge does not have private rooms available. Even though Manaslu Circuit Trek is an old trekking trail, meals, and accommodation inside the lodge were only introduced recently. Tea houses are in very basic conditions. Manaslu Circuit trekking route is not for luxury travelers.
The route is for travelers who can adjust with very basic facilities available and can adjust with what is available on the trek. Please write us to Himalayan Leisure, Inc. if you have any questions regarding the Manaslu Circuit trekking accommodations.
Best Season
Spring and Autumn are known as the optimal season to visit Manaslu region. The views are usually clear and tremendous during these seasons. March, April, May, September, October, and November are known as best months to visit the region than other months. Even though the trek can be done in other months they are not fantastic for many reasons; the views might not be good, the trail might not be in good condition, the Larke Pass can be close, it can be too cold in high areas, the lodges can be closed etc. Manaslu Trekking is an amazing trekking route during the best seasons. During the monsoon season the trail can be very wet and muddy thus it's not a great idea to trek in monsoon season. Winter can be very cold and the pass can be closed and impossible to cross.
Trip Highlights
Once the road construction damaged the beauty of Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Manaslu Larke Pass trekking has been emerging as the best alternative of the popular Annapurna trail. Manaslu Circuit Trekking is not for luxury trekkers but for everyone else who want to enjoy authentic beauties of the Himalayas including beautiful villages along the route, traditional and culturally rich Tibetan influenced people, thundering rivers, towering waterfalls, green forests, unique wildlife blended together with authentic green hills. Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an amazing trekking route that makes everyone to feel Awwwww...
The Manaslu Circuit trail is rich in diversity plus it is the best alternative for damaged Annapurna trail. Even though Manaslu region was badly hit by the earthquake in 2015, it is still one of the best trekking routes that remain stunning. Come and join with Himalayan Leisure, Inc. where we have experienced trekking guides with longtime experience of guiding in Manaslu circuit / Larke Pass trekking.
Reviews
Anonymous
May 14, 2018
16 DAYS MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK
This was a great trek -- 6-7 hour days at the low elevations, about half that as we got higher, with daily side-treks to keep active and acclimate, all leading up to a big day over Larke pass. The mountain views are incredible, and you pass through an astonishing array of distinct ecological zones, moving from tropical jungles and their different kinds of monkeys up to alpine zones of yaks and blue sheep. When we went, in early May, there were at most 20-25 other trekkers doing roughly the same trip at the same time. This never felt crowded, and we had plenty of time on the trail to ourselves. Despite being completely inaccessible by vehicle, there is plenty of decent food and drink the whole way -- fresh veggies are scarce at the higher elevations, but there is always fresh bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, etc. Parts of the trail, especially between Deng and Namrung, are in somewhat sketchy condition since they have not been fully repaired since the 2015 earthquake. An experienced guide can help you navigate safely through these sections.
ur guide was incredible -- this was his 25th time on this particular trek. We learned so much from him about the plants, animals, and mountains we were seeing, as well as about the cultures of the different regions we passed through, and helpful vocabulary in local languages. He knew all the best places to stay, and went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and trekking safely at all times.
By all accounts, Himalayan Leisure only has very experienced guides. Upendra, the owner, is a former guide himself, and will work hard to resolve any issues that come up. I highly recommend Himalayan Leisure, especially if this is your first time in Nepal, or if you've had a bad experience in the past.
Annonymous
May 14, 2018
16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek
This was a great trek -- 6-7 hour days at the low elevations, about half that as we got higher, with daily side-treks to keep active and acclimate, all leading up to a big day over Larke pass. The mountain views are incredible, and you pass through an astonishing array of distinct ecological zones, moving from tropical jungles and their different kinds of monkeys up to alpine zones of yaks and blue sheep. When we went, in early May, there were at most 20-25 other trekkers doing roughly the same trip at the same time. This never felt crowded, and we had plenty of time on the trail to ourselves. Despite being completely inaccessible by vehicle, there is plenty of decent food and drink the whole way -- fresh veggies are scarce at the higher elevations, but there is always fresh bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, etc. Parts of the trail, especially between Deng and Namrung, are in somewhat sketchy condition since they have not been fully repaired since the 2015 earthquake. An experienced guide can help you navigate safely through these sections.
Our guide was incredible -- this was his 25th time on this particular trek. We learned so much from him about the plants, animals, and mountains we were seeing, as well as about the cultures of the different regions we passed through, and helpful vocabulary in local languages. He knew all the best places to stay, and went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and trekking safely at all times.
By all accounts, Himalayan Leisure only has very experienced guides. Upendra, the owner, is a former guide himself, and will work hard to resolve any issues that come up. I highly recommend Himalayan Leisure, especially if this is your first time in Nepal, or if you've had a bad experience in the past.
