MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 8 DAYS
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 8 DAYS
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and rewarding adventure that takes you through the pristine landscapes of the remote Manaslu region in Nepal. This trek offers a unique and less crowded alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit, allowing you to experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas in a more secluded setting.
Starting in the bustling city of Kathmandu, the journey to the trailhead is an experience in itself, showcasing the vibrant culture and rich history of Nepal. As you begin trekking, you will gradually ascend through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
The highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is crossing the formidable Larkya La Pass, standing at an elevation of 5,106 meters. This challenging ascent rewards you with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the pass is truly unparalleled.
Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by our experienced Sherpa expedition teams, who will provide support, guidance, and a wealth of knowledge about the region. You will have the opportunity to interact with local communities, gaining insight into their customs and traditions.
As you descend back to civilization, you will carry with you memories of rugged mountain landscapes, serene alpine lakes, and encounters with yaks grazing in the meadows. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a test of endurance and a journey of self-discovery, offering a truly transformative experience for those willing to take on the challenge.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Dovan & trek Jagat (1300m) Duration: 9-11 hours.
Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dovan, passing through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road may be rough and bumpy, but the journey offers stunning views of the Budhi Gandaki River and the surrounding mountains. After a 7-hour drive, reach Dovan and begin a 3-hour trek to Jagat.
Day 2 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Trek from Jagat to Deng, a journey that takes you through the picturesque valley to Sirdibas with views of Shringi Himal. Cross a suspension bridge and ascend steeply to Philim, where cascading waterfalls greet you. Pass through Ekle Bhatti and Pewa Village before reaching Deng for an overnight stay.
Day 3 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2630m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Embark on a trek from Deng to Namrung. Experience a mix of steep climbs and descents along the Budi Gandaki River, passing through small settlements. Encounter Mani stones, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture, as you approach Namrung. Take a detour to Prok village before settling in for the night at a guesthouse in Namrung.
Day 4 : Trek from Namrung to Samagaon, (3,530m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Continue your trek from Namrung to Samagaon, immersing yourself in the ancient ambiance of Lho Village. Enjoy close-up views of Ngadi Chuli and Mt. Manaslu from Pungen Glacier before reaching Samagaon for an overnight stay.
Day 5 : Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala (4,460m) Duration 4-5 hours.
Trek from Samagaon to Dharamsala, crossing rivers and reaching the historic Larkya Bazaar. Climb a steep trail to Dharamsala, a vital stopover for traders heading to and from Tibet, where you will spend the night.
Day 6 : Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m) Duration: 8-9 hours.
Prepare for a challenging day as you trek to Bimtang via Larkya La Pass. Marvel at the panoramic views of surrounding peaks from the high-altitude pass before descending to Bhimthang Village for an overnight stay.
Day 7 : Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,900m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Descend from high pasture lands, crossing the Dudh Khola river on a suspension bridge as you make your way to Dharapani. Pass through rhododendron and oak forests before reaching Dharapani, a gateway to the Annapurna region, where you will spend the night.
Day 8 : Drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani Duration: 8-9 hours.
Conclude your Manaslu Circuit trek with a drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes you encountered along the way. Arrive back in Kathmandu after an 8-9 hour journey, where you will be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of your remarkable adventure.
SERVICES
Costs Include In Your Package:
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Dovan by Private Jeep & Dharapani to Besisahar By Sharing local Jeep & Besisahar to Kathmandu By Local bus
- All standard meals (lunch, dinners & breakfast) during the trek.
- Best possible teahouses, lodge accommodation (generally twin share rooms)- during the trek
- Government licensed holder English speaking trek leader (10 or more trekkers an assistant guide) and porter to help carry your luggage.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Guides and porters provided by Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions, including their meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Manaslu special permit to travel within the Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Assistance in arranging rescue operation in case of complicated health conditions such as altitude sickness (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions t-shirt
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s certificate of appreciation & completion after the successful trek
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- International airfares
- Lunch and dinner & Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Extra night’s accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
- Tips for guide and porters (recommended in our culture – and well deserved too!)
- Additional costs or delays caused by events beyond our control, for example, landslides, severe weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies & strikes.
- All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "costs include" will be counted as exclusions.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
- Sleeping Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Duffel Bag (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker or windcheater
- Thermal underclothes
- Rain poncho
- Down jacket (Sherpa Teams will provide but need to return after completing the trip)
- Fleece or wool trousers
- Sun hat or scarf
- Trekking pants (two pairs)
- Mittens or woolen gloves
- Hiking socks (several pairs)
- Moisture-wicking shirts, including t-shirts
- Trekking shoes or boots with spare laces
- Flip-flops or sandals for relaxing in the evenings
- Underwear (several pairs)
- Swimsuit or swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight/torch
- Sleeping bag (Sherpa Teams can provide this for you)
- Trekking poles (if desired)
- Hiking backpack with a capacity of at least 40 liters
- Small lock for your backpack
- Reusable water bottles (at least two liters)
- Water purification tablets or filtration device
- Wash towel
- Basic first aid kit
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfortable and better quality teahouses at lower altitudes. It should be noted that at higher elevations the quality of accommodation may not be as good, with more basic rooms with the bare necessities.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food in the mountainous regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Physical fitness
Some days can be challenging where you often have to walk 6-8 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Best season to travel
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is usually done in autumn (Sept. to November) and spring (March to May) when you are much more likely to get to have crystal clear views of the mountains and can also enjoy the lush vegetation in the lower regions of the trail - particularly during spring..
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We take the bus from Bensisahar to Kathmandu. In the past Aarughat used to be the starting point of the trek but nowadays, due to better road conditions we can travel by bus direct to the Soti Khola. We will travel along secondary (rough) roads all the way to Soti Khola by local bus and from Dharapani to Besishahar we will be traveling by private jeep
Guide and Porter on the trek
We provide you trained & certified trekking guides and porters who will take care of all logistics and a porter for every two trekkers who will each carry about 20 kg ( 10 kg for each trekker). An experienced guide and porter will be the difference between success and failure. They will also save you from taking unnecessary risks during poor weather conditions.
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FAQS
How long does the Manaslu Circuit Trek take?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes around 12-18 days to complete. However, if you have limited time, there are shorter versions of the trek available that can be completed in 7-10 days.
Is a permit required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, a special restricted area permit is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. In addition to the restricted area permit, a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card is also required.
What is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is generally clear and stable, offering the best views of the mountains and comfortable trekking conditions.
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and long walking days. It is recommended for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and have previous trekking experience.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,929 feet). Acclimatization days are included in the itinerary to help trekkers adapt to the high altitude.
Are there teahouses or lodges along the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, there are teahouses and lodges available along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. These provide basic accommodation and meals for trekkers. However, it is recommended to carry some extra food and snacks in case of limited options in certain areas.
Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide can provide valuable information about the route, culture, and history, while a porter can carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with ease and enjoy the experience.
What are the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Some of the highlights include the majestic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass, exploring remote villages and monasteries, and immersing in the local Tibetan-influenced culture.
Is it possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently?
Yes, it is possible to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently. However, as mentioned earlier, a special restricted area permit is required, which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. It is also important to be well-prepared, physically fit, and have prior trekking experience if choosing to trek independently. Hiring a guide and porter is recommended for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 5 Reviews
Olivia Ashley
Australia
August 21, 2024
Seamless and Enjoyable Trek
Our experience with Sherpa Expedition on the Manaslu Circuit was seamless and enjoyable thanks to their exceptional team. Our guide, Pemba, was knowledgeable and supportive, offering insights and encouragement throughout the trek. The porters were diligent and friendly, ensuring our gear was well-handled. The trek was organized flawlessly, with excellent food and comfortable lodgings. Sherpa Expedition’s attention to detail and care for their clients ensured a smooth and stress-free journey. Their professionalism and dedication are highly commendable.
Emerson Asher
Denmark
August 2, 2024
Top-Notch Service and Expertise
Sherpa Expedition’s team delivered top-notch service during our Manaslu Circuit trek. Our guide, Mingma, was a true professional with a deep understanding of the area. His expertise significantly enhanced our trekking experience. The porters were efficient and always ready to help. The organization was impeccable, with every detail thoughtfully managed, from the logistics to the quality of food and accommodations. Sherpa Expedition’s commitment to their clients’ comfort and safety made our adventure unforgettable. We wholeheartedly recommend them for a well-managed trek.
Daiana Ulisses
United States
May 21, 2024
Professional and Friendly Guides
Our trek with Sherpa Expedition on the Manaslu Circuit was enhanced by their professional and friendly team. Our guide, Tenzing, was knowledgeable and engaging, providing fascinating details about the trek and the local culture. The porters were hardworking and always had a positive attitude, making our experience more enjoyable. The trek was well-organized, with excellent food and comfortable lodgings. Sherpa Expedition’s team went above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction. Their dedication made our trek smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
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