19 days
5100 m
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the challenging treks in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit is getting more and more popular as a new trekking destination. But it still sees fewer trekkers compared to the established trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Moreover, trekking around Manaslu offers a unique opportunity to experience a reasonably “untouched” region of Nepal. Not only does it feature the highest mountain range on earth, the foothills and lowlands are equally stunning. Trekking in Manaslu offers all of that.
The Manaslu area in Central Nepal are less travelled as it is opened relatively recently and has been declared a restricted area, limiting the number of tourists visiting in order to preserve the local culture and prevent the type of commercialization prevalent in other popular trekking areas. This trek encircles the whole Manaslu massif supplies. Also, it is the best way to explore the entire variety of Nepal’s herbal and cultural variations.
Furthermore, the superb mountain scenery of Manaslu Himal (8163m), 8th highest mountain in the world and surrounding peaks makes this place even more exciting. The trek is essentially a 160-mile circular pathway around several mountain ranges joining varied villages and following a clear glacial run-off river called Budi Gandaki. This trek introduces the sacred mountains, amazing views, warm hospitality, and culture of the Nepalese people. Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most unforgettable trip in Nepal.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Transfer from airport on a private bus to hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
It takes 10 hours of bus ride to reach Soti Khola in Gorkha district from Kathmandu. On our way we will cross Trishuli River and head towards north to Dhading and Salyantar. We will drive in paved road until Dhading but the drive will be tough road up to Arughat though we can enjoy magnificent view of Shringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. We continue our drive little further ahead to Soti Khola where we will stay overnight. (Local teahouses available/ Good camping spot available)
At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budi Gandaki. Then, take a trail that weaves its way up and down intermittently before leading upwards to a Gurung village of Lapubesi (2.5 hrs). An open walk down to Nauli Khola, cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb to Khanibesi (1.5 hrs) where we take lunch. The rocky trail continues up and down passing a high cascading waterfall in route to Machha Khola, situated right beside the river bank. (Slightly better lodges than previous days)
The day is devoted to walking on the river bank throughout. Cross a suspension bridge leaving Machha Khola. The rocky trail makes some minor ups and downs and crosses a stream in a rocky ravine in route to Kholabesi. More of the same until we find 3 trailside hot springs, where we can also enjoy lunch. A 20 min walk after the hot springs, we cross Budi Gandaki on another suspension bridge. Now on the eastern side of the river, the trail climbs on a wide, well-crafted staircase and over a ridge to Doban. (Basic local lodges.)
Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat which also happens to have a MCAP check-post. And, more importantly, you can get some good Nepali food to replenish your energy stock. After 20 mins walk, views of Shringi Himal get much prominent. The trail eases into a gradual uphill after Salleri with the finale after the bridge again exhausting you with a very steep long climb to Phillim, a large Gurung village and the headquarters of MCAP office. (Fairly good lodges available)
Beyond Philim, you start to get the feeling of being amongst the mighty Himalayas. This day, the trail enters a steep uninhabited yet attractive gorge. At this point, you descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As you continue through the trail the valley widens and you pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in Deng. (Very basic teahouses available)
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. Continue on the trail that zigzags through for an hour to meet a trail from Bhi. Further ahead the route climbs on steps past a waterfall and crosses the stream, then drop to another stream. A numerous ups and downs trails get you to the Shringi Khola suspension bridge. Crossing the bridge, a further half an hour on a gradually rising trail and you're in the mani wall lined village of Ghap where we stop for lunch. Cut across fields and penetrate into deep forest replete with big firs and teeming with bird life and monkeys. The trail climbs alongside the river to a waterfall. Traversing a wooden bridge to get on the south bank, the trail makes a long serious climb through woods, finally entering Namrung (2 hrs). (Basic teahouses/ Very scenic campsites in the forests to the right of the trail)
Witnessing the lifestyles of Nubri people, you will start the day. Exploring their Tibet-influenced typical lifestyle you will walk past several mani walls, lush terraces and houses through Banjam to enter the fir, rhododendron and oak forest. The next big village, Lihi, is reached after a steepish ascent (1.5 hrs). A unique feature of this village is the closely packed stone houses which are grouped together like apartments and share a common roof and courtyard. Beyond Lihi, cross a wooden bridge then ascend back up to another cluster of stone houses of Sho village (1 hr). On the walk up to Lho, Manaslu (8,156m/26,760ft, the mountain of the spirit from the Sanskrit Manasa – ‘intellect’ or ‘soul’, the 8th highest peak), Manaslu North and Naike Peak are revealed for the first time. Further ahead, the trail crosses a small ravine to Shrip and a steep pull leads to the ridge and the large village of Lho. Lho is a big clustered village with a monastery that houses a Lama school with 80-90 resident scholars. The spectacular view of Manaslu is another highlight of this village. (Good teahouses available/ Good campsite above Lho)
The day starts on a steep downhill trail, crosses Thusang Khola and climbs up gradually through damp forests, eventually emerging onto the village of Shyala (3330m, 2 hrs) with an impressive landscape adorned by views of Manaslu, Peak 29 and Himalchuli. Further on, the trail crosses a bridge over the Numla Khola that drains the Pungyen Glacier from Manaslu and a ridge out of the stream valley that drops down to rock-strewn moraine before scrambling across the boulders to reach a ridge overlooking Samagaon. A pleasant walk through the village following a stream will eventually get you to the many buildings and residences of Gompa (2 hrs). Manaslu Base Camp is at a mere 5 hrs distance from the village. Lunch to be taken in the village. (Better teahouses with good variety of food/ Good campsite)
Rest and acclimatization day. Optional hike to Pung-gyen Gompa can be made or you can spend the day immersing yourself in the daily life of Samagaon. For those who want to explore, there's an optional day hike that explores some rich Sherpa culture. You can enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts, as well as photos of Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. If you hike up to a little hill near the Sama village, you'll find an old gompa—Pungyen Gompa—a monastery with great views of the glacier.
A short and easy day’s walk starts with the crossing of the Manaslu Glacier, past a trail that forks left towards the Manaslu Base Camp. The trail then enters a small forest replete with birch, juniper and rhododendron to come out onto a ridge, then drop down to a wooden bridge before making an ascent onto the headland and a final push to Samdo. Samdo is also identified as a Tibetan refugee village with the border just a day’s walk away, it is all the more convenient for Tibetans to sneak through to this village. (Basic teahouses)
Descend beyond Samdo on a broad trail, dropping to cross the much-reduced Budi Gandaki at 3850m. Soon, you’ll come across an old mani wall which marks the start of the assault on Larkya La pass. The trail gently rises through tundra and juniper opposite the enormous Larkya La glacier. An hour of ascending high on the ridge to the right on the trail which is now obscure, you’ll be required to put in more effort as the trail starts to get steeper. In a short while, the trail reaches a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge at 4000m. Climb in and out of the gorge and contour to the Larkya Rest House. (Very basic teahouse/limited space to pitch tents)
Today you'll set out on a longer hike so eat a hearty breakfast in Dharamsala. Though it's a more challenging trail, you'll encounter a number of rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, beautiful valleys, and a wide range of flora and fauna, not to mention some notable snowcapped peaks. Begin with a long gradual climb beside a moraine, cross a small ridge, then a short descent to a lake and continue with the ascent to the apex of the moraine (4700m). The trail will be more rough and tough as it crosses the moraine heading to a ridge. Drop down to four frozen lakes and then a final steep climb to the pass at 5100m (5 hrs). Braving the extremely harsh conditions and perilous trail, the worthiness of which is made evident by the rewarding vista comprising of Himlung Himal, Kangurru, Annapurna II, Gyaji Kung. The descent isn’t any less tough either- so don’t loosen up yet! The knee-jerking descent starts along the top of the moraine dropping steeply on scree slopes- a drop of 650m in less than an hour! The following trail eases out, descending along the grassy moraine to a small meadow and a spring (4080m). Finally, the trail enters a wide valley and heads down to a Tibetan village of Bimtang (3 hrs). (Very basic teahouses/ Good camping sites)
The going gets relatively easy with hard days behind us. After breakfast in Bimthang, head out to a nearby ridge where you can enjoy great views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. Keep descending on the trail and cross a high pasture followed by a bridge over the Dudh Khola River. From here, walk through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. Pass through lush fields before making a steep climb over a ridge and down again to the riverbank to arrive at the village of Gho, where a good Nepali meal greets you. Stay on the north bank of the river and continue through fields interspersed with oak and rhododendron before entering a big Gurung settlement of Tilije.
Leaving the village, in a short while come across a bridge over Dudh Khola and continue along the river embankment. The trail, then, descends through scrub forests into the Marsyangdi valley, crosses Dudh Khola again and inclines up past a mani wall to Thonje. The next village, Dharapani, where the Annapurna Circuit trail converges, is not too distant and is reached after the bridge over the Marsyangdi river. (Good teahouses/ Camping spots close to teahouses)
A long but easy day’s walk begins with a gradual uphill (15 mins), then the trail flattens out for 20 mins before a relentless downhill to a suspension bridge over Marsyangdi river. Back again on a level-stretched trail through Marsyangdi valley before a brief climb (20 mins) approaching Bahundanda (3 hrs). After lunch at Bahundanda, the trail goes downhill again for about 1.5 hrs before easing into a flat track for the rest of the way through verdant terraced fields and colourful villages to Besisahar (4 hrs), where we spend the night partying and reveling on our achievement. (Good teahouses available)
Hop on to a bus heading either towards Kathmandu.
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle.
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- 1 day tour in Kathmandu
- All Private transport
- KTM-Soti Khola & Beshisahar-KTM private vehicle
- Guide for all tour/Trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals in trekking
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation, All permits
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 1360 per person
Single supplementary: USD 300
Trekking season in Nepal: The usual trekking season starts from September to May. During the remainder of the year, Monsoon makes travelling difficult due to wet areas and offers little in the way of mountain views. Some treks that cross high passes are better attempted in months other than December and January because of the heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The temperature rises considerably under altitudes of 3000 ft. in April and May in some parts of the country, therefore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aims to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porter come from rural areas and a farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porter work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal is follow:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chief will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs, and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, we using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so its our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
(Up to 5,500 m.)
- 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support)
- 1 Small daypack
- 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C)
- 1 Down jacket/all weather Anorak
- 1 Light water & windproof jacket
- 2 - 1-litre water bottles
- 1 Inner sleeping sheet (?)
- 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
- 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying)
- 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries
- Talcum powder, Blister plasters, Toilet paper
- Bio degradable soap / shampoo
- Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands
- First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication
- 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek)
- 2 Pairs lightweight trousers
- 2 Pair shorts
- 1 Fleece / warm sweater
- 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
- 3 Pairs heavy wool socks
- 2 Pairs light socks
- Walking poles
- Underwear (including thermals)
- Cotton Headscarf / bandanna
- Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat
- Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF), Money belt (?)
- Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
- 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
- Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine)
- Insect repellant
- Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)
Trip Gallery
