Registration No: 359804/81/82
Email: [email protected]
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Himalayan Escape Adventure. After a brief introduction and an overview of your upcoming trek, you will be transferred to your hotel. This day is free for rest and relaxation after your journey. You may take a short stroll around Thamel, a vibrant district in Kathmandu, or simply enjoy the comforts of your hotel. In the evening, your guide will meet you for a trek briefing, answering any questions you have about the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
This day is dedicated to preparing for your trek. You will spend the day in Kathmandu, where your guide will assist you in finalizing the necessary paperwork and permit requirements for the trek, including the special Manaslu Trekking Permit. Afterward, enjoy a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. You will visit iconic landmarks such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the historic Durbar Square. This tour offers a unique cultural experience and helps you become acquainted with the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu before heading to the mountains.
Today, after breakfast, you will begin the overland journey to Machha Khola. The drive is around 6-7 hours long and offers beautiful views of the Nepalese countryside. You will travel through terraced fields, cross rivers, and pass by small villages, all while seeing the first glimpses of the lower Himalayas. Upon arrival in Machha Khola, a small village located by the river, you will check into your lodge and take in the serene atmosphere of the area. This will be the start of your trekking adventure in the Manaslu region.
The trek begins with a short but steady ascent through the hills. The trail passes through the village of Macha Khola and continues along the river. You will cross several suspension bridges and trek through dense forests. The path climbs gradually until you reach Dovan, then ascends further to the village of Jagat. Jagat is a beautiful village that sits on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trek today is relatively moderate, taking about 6 hours.
From Jagat, you will continue your trek along the Budhi Gandaki River. As you pass through forests, you will reach the picturesque Philim village, which is known for its Tibetan-style houses and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail continues to ascend, and after around 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Deng, a small village situated at 1,860 meters. Deng is a peaceful settlement and an excellent place to rest and immerse yourself in the local Tibetan culture.
Today’s trek takes you higher into the Manaslu region, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks. You will pass through dense forests of rhododendron and oak, cross suspension bridges, and enjoy the serene surroundings. The trek takes around 6 hours, and you will reach Namrung, a village located at an altitude of 2,660 meters. Namrung offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu, and provides a great place for acclimatization.
The trek from Namrung to Lo-Gaon is a relatively short but scenic one. You will pass through alpine meadows, small Tibetan-style villages, and enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu and other peaks along the way. The village of Lo-Gaon is known for its Buddhist monasteries and vibrant culture. It sits at an altitude of 3,180 meters, making it an ideal place to rest and acclimatize as you continue to ascend. The trek today takes approximately 5 hours.
Today, you will continue your ascent to Sama-Gaon, a traditional Tibetan village located at 3,500 meters. The trek takes about 5 hours, and along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of snow-capped peaks such as Manaslu and other neighboring mountains. Sama-Gaon is a peaceful village with a rich cultural heritage, and it offers incredible views of the surrounding Himalayas. The village is a great spot for acclimatization, and you will have the rest of the day to relax and explore the area.
Today is a rest day to help you acclimatize to the increasing altitude. While resting in Sama-Gaon, you can take a short excursion to the nearby Manaslu Base Camp or explore the local surroundings. You can visit the local monastery and enjoy the views of glaciers, valleys, and peaks. Acclimatization is crucial on this trek, and this day will help ensure that you’re ready for the challenging days ahead. The day is free to explore and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Sama-Gaon.
Today, you will trek from Sama-Gaon to Samdo, a small Tibetan settlement located at an altitude of 3,875 meters. The trek is relatively short but still offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After around 4 hours of trekking, you will reach Samdo, which is a peaceful village with a distinct Tibetan atmosphere. Samdo is the last village before crossing the Larkya La Pass, and it’s a great place to rest and prepare for the next part of the trek.
Today, you will continue your journey to Dharmasala, a small settlement located at 4,450 meters. The trail to Dharmasala takes about 4 hours and passes through rugged terrain with occasional views of the surrounding peaks. Dharmasala is located near the base of Larkya La Pass, and it is a place where trekkers often rest before crossing the pass the next day. Once you arrive at Dharmasala, you will have time to relax, rest, and prepare for the challenging ascent to Larkya La.
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. After an early breakfast, you will begin the ascent to Larkya La Pass, which sits at an altitude of 5,106 meters. The climb to the pass is steep, but the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys. After crossing the pass, you will descend steeply towards Bhimtang, located at 3,590 meters. The trek takes about 8 hours, and Bhimtang is a peaceful village surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Today, you will descend from Bhimtang to Gowa, a small village located at 2,535 meters. The trek takes around 4 hours and offers beautiful views as you descend through forests and past small villages. Gowa is a great place to relax and unwind after the challenging day at Larkya La.
Today, you will continue your descent towards Dharapani, a small village located at 1,860 meters. The trek takes about 4-5 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes, forests, and local villages. Once you reach Dharapani, you will take a scenic drive to Besisahar, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. Besisahar is the main town in the Annapurna region and offers modern amenities for trekkers.
After breakfast, you will begin the 6-7 hour drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, passing through small towns and villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible trekking adventure. In the evening, you may wish to explore the city further or enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers.
On your final day in Nepal, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. If time allows, you can enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Himalayan Escape Adventure thanks you for joining us on the Manaslu Circuit Trek and wishes you a safe and pleasant journey back home. We look forward to welcoming you on another Himalayan adventure in the future.
I had an unforgettable journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and I owe it to Himalayan Escape Adventure! The team was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the trek. The route itself was stunning, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the cultural immersion was rich and authentic. I felt safe and well-cared for every step of the way. Highly recommend Himalayan Escape Adventure for anyone looking for a memorable and well-organized trek!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding trekking routes, located in the remote Manaslu region. This trek takes you around Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Buddha Himal. The route takes you through diverse landscapes, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, traditional villages, and high-altitude passes. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a true adventure for those looking to experience the raw beauty and cultural richness of Nepal’s less-visited areas.
The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally clear, with mild temperatures and excellent visibility of the mountain views. Spring offers the added beauty of blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn is the peak trekking season in Nepal, with stable weather and breathtaking scenery. It is recommended to avoid the summer monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, especially at higher altitudes, making it less ideal for trekking.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered challenging and requires a good level of fitness and stamina. The trek involves significant altitude gains, with the highest point being the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet). The trek also includes long days of walking, with some steep sections and unpredictable weather conditions. It is a high-altitude trek, so trekkers need to be prepared for potential altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization is essential, and trekkers should have some prior trekking experience in the Himalayas. With proper preparation, however, the trek is manageable and offers incredible rewards.
Along the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers will find a variety of food options at the teahouses and lodges. The menu typically includes both Nepali and Western dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), fried rice, pasta, noodles, and pancakes. As you move to higher altitudes, the food options become simpler, but you will still find hearty and filling meals like soup, eggs, vegetarian dishes, and porridge. Most teahouses offer hot drinks such as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, which help keep you warm in the cold temperatures of the high Himalayas.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is provided in teahouses and lodges along the route. The teahouses offer basic but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms. The rooms typically include beds, blankets, and pillows, but trekkers are advised to bring their own sleeping bags for added comfort, especially at higher altitudes. The teahouses are equipped with common areas where you can relax and enjoy meals with other trekkers. At higher altitudes, accommodations may be more basic, but they still offer warmth and shelter from the cold.
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire both a guide and a porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trail can be quite challenging, and having a guide ensures that you navigate the path safely and with ease. A guide can also provide valuable information about the region’s culture, wildlife, and history. A porter will carry your heavy gear, allowing you to trek more comfortably and enjoy the scenery without the burden of a heavy backpack. Himalayan Escape Adventure offers both guide and porter services to make your trekking experience more enjoyable.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires several important permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: This is required because the Manaslu region is a restricted area for trekking. The permit must be obtained through a licensed trekking agency.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): This permit is necessary to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: This card helps track trekkers for safety purposes. Himalayan Escape Adventure will assist you in obtaining all the required permits, ensuring a smooth trekking experience.
Yes, altitude sickness is a concern on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, especially as you ascend to the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. To avoid altitude sickness, it is crucial to acclimatize properly, which is why we recommend taking rest days and avoiding a rapid ascent. Your guide will monitor your progress and ensure that you are trekking at a pace that minimizes the risk of altitude sickness.
Packing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires careful consideration of the changing weather conditions and high-altitude environment. Some important items to bring include:
Clothing:Waterproof jacket, layers for warmth (including a fleece or down jacket), thermal wear for colder nights, trekking pants, and a hat for sun protection.
Footwear: Comfortable trekking boots with good ankle support.
Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles, gloves, and a headlamp.
Water:A reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, or a filter.
Other Essentials: Camera, first aid kit, power bank, and personal toiletries.
Himalayan Escape Adventure provides a detailed packing list and is always available to answer any questions you may have regarding gear and preparation.
The trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, which typically takes around 7-8 hours by private vehicle or bus. The road is winding and passes through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and beautiful landscapes, offering a great preview of the adventure to come. Himalayan Escape Adventure arranges all necessary transportation for your convenience, ensuring that you start your trek without any worries.
Himalayan Escape Adventure is dedicated to providing a seamless and unforgettable trekking experience. With years of experience, we offer expert guides, reliable porters, and a focus on safety and comfort throughout your trek. We prioritize responsible trekking practices, ensuring that your journey benefits local communities and respects the natural environment. Our well-planned itineraries, excellent customer service, and attention to detail will help make your Manaslu Circuit Trek an adventure of a lifetime.
