On arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal international airport, received by our staff and guide for short drive to your hotel. Located amidst the main city, check into your rooms and join in for trek briefing with other members of the trip. Our guide provides information about the trekking trails, local lodge, and culture and so on. Evening group dinner an introduction to Nepalese meals and traditions.
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Manaslu Circuit Trek
Overview
Mt. Manaslu Circuit trekking an adventure around both sides of Manaslu Himalaya range from the district of Gorkha to the Manang region.
Extends as far as Lamjung and Annapurna Himalayas and close to massif Ganesh Himal in the east direction. Where trekkers can view the giant peaks of Mt. Manaslu its North and South as well as the West Face.
Which makes a complete circuit, with an adventure crossing high and scenic Larke-La Pass the highest point of the trek. Larke-La pass forms a boundary between the Manaslu valley of Gorkha districts and the Manang area.
Mt. Manaslu stands as the world’s 8th highest peak at 8,163 m / 26, 781 feet. The first ascent by the Japanese Expedition in 1956, since then the Upper Manaslu were closed for outside visitors till 1992. But remains a Restricted Area, where trekkers require to obtain special permits to enter the beautiful Manaslu valley.
Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trekking begins taking a long and exciting overland journey from Kathmandu to the lower areas of the Gorkha district. Located in Nepal Mid-West, where the walk starts from a village of Machha-Khola, around a warmer agricultural farm region. Walk follows the Buri-Gandaki River upstream heading towards a higher cooler hill following a forested path to Jagat, a lovely village.
From here onwards within Restricted Areas of Upper Manaslu, where walk follows higher cooler region past Philim, and Namrung villages.
Reaching the lovely village of Lho-Gaon, right beneath the majestic North Face of Mt. Manaslu, with time to explore the village monastery.
After a pleasant time at Lho-Gaon into a wide scenic Manaslu valley enclosed by an array of towering snow peaks. The walk leads to a large village of Sama-Gaon, an interesting settlement adorned with an age-old culture of Buddhism.
Sama-Gaon is situated on the trail to Manaslu base camp, as well as towards the old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route. Where a caravan of mules and yaks laden with goods passed through Sama Gaon to Nepal and Tibet border.
Spending an extra day at Sama Gaon for acclimatization, and exploring the village of great cultural interest. The adventure continues heading to the end of Manaslu valley at Dharmasala and Phedi, the base of Larke-La Pass. A small settlement tucked in the far corners of the valley with few simple lodges to offer for trekkers comfort.
The next morning a steep climb on a rocky winding path leads to the top of Larke-La Pass. From here end of Manaslu valley and Gorkha district, the pass is festooned with thousands of colorful prayer flags.
Enjoy a breathtaking panorama from the highest point of the adventure, facing Manaslu Himalaya with Annapurna peaks. The view extends as far as Himlung Himal in the west with arrays of the surrounding mountain range.
On achieving the major highlight of the trip, a long descent leads to a nice small settlement of Bhimthang. Located within Manang areas, surrounded by dense woods of rhododendron and pine tree lines.
Slowly walk leads downhill through a beautiful forested path to Dharapani village and beyond at Tal Besi. A nice village at the end of Manang district, here our wonderful adventurous trekking completes.
The next morning an interesting drive back to Kathmandu, after a memorable experience on Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.
Day 03: Drive to Machha-Khola 930 -08 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m- 22km - 07/08 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Deng 1,800 m -20km- 06/07 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Namrung 2,160 m- 19km- 06/07 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Lho-Gaon 2,957 m-11km - 05 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m-7km - 05 hrs.
Day 09: Rest day at Sama-Gaon for acclimatization.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,865 m -9km- 05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi 4,460 m -12km- 05hrs.
Day 12: Cross Larke-La 5,106 m and to Bhimthang 3,700 m-24.7km - 08/09 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Gho 2,560 m - 05 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Tal Besi 1,645 m via Dharapani 1,860 m - 07 hrs.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisar town-06 hrs.
Day 16: At Kathmandu free day for individual activities.
Day 17: Depart for international departure
Trip Highlights
“Adventure around scenic and cultural high country of Mt. Manaslu range. An amazing bio-diversity of beautiful landscapes, vegetation and cultures. From low sub-tropical to cooler hills and towards arctic zone ice and glaciers. Explore the traditional villages of Upper Manaslu of strong Tibetan heritage Crossing high Larke-La pass to another wonderful areas of Manang region”
Trip Brief Summary:
Trekking Mode: Staying in best available Lodges on treks.
Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest Spot: On top of Larke-La Pass 5,106 m / 16, 752 feet high..
Activities: Exciting drives and scenic walks. Trekking
duration: 12 Nights and 13 Days with drives both ways.
Total Trip: 16 Nights and 17 Days from arrival to departure.
Best Seasons:
Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trekking, the best seasons are in spring and autumn/fall, where days are crystal clear for views and pleasant walks.
The springtime’s begins from March till May, the high seasons for trekking around Nepal Himalayas and to Langtang Valley.
Most days are clear fine and bright with sunshine, which can get overcast in the late afternoon. Chances of snowfall sometimes on higher terrain, cold in the morning late afternoon, and nighttime. The mid-hills are lively with wildflowers in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendron of various species from trees to short bush.
The next best time is in autumn/fall, one of the peak seasons. For trekking around the Himalayas and to Manaslu Region, most days are crystal clear for views and scenic walks. However, the days are shorter due to fewer sun-light hours, much colder morning and late afternoon till night time. Chances of snowfall sometimes during the walk around higher areas above 2,000 m high, but with a clear starry night sky.
Religion, Culture around Manaslu Himal region:
The highlanders of Manaslu Himalayas are known as Gurung, Lama or Bhotia of Tibetan descendent. Quite different to Gurung of lower middle hills of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal region. The main inhabitants of Upper Gorkha around high Manaslu as far as to Tsum Valley areas.
Populated by the Bhotia tribes with various title as Gurung, Ghale or Lama follows Tibetan Buddhism known as Mahayana or Greater Wheel. Established by great Guru Rinpoche Padamasamba in the 7th Century, reforming Buddhism which was near to extinct.
The culture, tradition, and heritage are similar to its Tibetan predecessors, the Manaslu native are farmers and raise livestock. As well famous craftsman and artist painting Thangka the religious arts of Buddhism religions.
Interesting villages on this trek are Ghap, Lo-Gaon, Sama-Gaon and Samdo village, other places are temporary settlements from Samdo onwards till Tilje and Dharapani villages.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 2:
At Kathmandu for trek preparation and sightseeing tour.
Enjoy the free day for trek preparation and join for an interesting sightseeing tour around historical, cultural and religious places. Kathmandu is steeped with World Heritage Sites, our city / cultural guide will takes you around the great places of historical wonders of great interest. Afternoon free for individual activities and trek preparation.
Day 3:
Drive to Machha-Khola 930 m and trek to Khorla Besi-08 hrs
An early morning departure for the Manaslu Circuit adventure, a long interesting drive on a private coach or comfortable tourist standard bus.
As group size, drive leads beyond Kathmandu city and the valley heading down on winding main highway towards Gorkha district. Drive follows past town and farm villages as route divers heading Mid-West around Gandaki Zone. Drive leads to mid-hills, heavily farm areas of paddies. Finally drive reaches Arughat town.
Arughat town, situated on low warm areas close to Buri Gandaki River, from here another few hours of drive. Following the dirt rough road to Soti-Khola and then finally ending the long drive at Machha Khola.
After a long drive, start the refreshing short walk of few hours to Khorla Besi for overnight halt. Situated close to Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring
Day 4:
Trek to Jagat 1,340 m - 05 hrs.
After an exciting long drive of previous day, feeling glad to start the walk, as morning walk through number of smaller farm areas. As climb leads up to cooler hills. Walk into forested on leaving Khola Besi and then to Dovan, a nice farm village, climb continues to Jagat for overnight stop. Jagat a nice moderate size hill village with time to observe the local culture and way of local farm life.
Day 5:
Trek to Deng 1,800 m - 05 hrs.
From Jagat village, enjoy the fresh morning walk as climb heads to higher areas walking through farm villages. As route leads downhill to cross a bridge and then reach Nagjet a nice farm village. After a short break, an hour walk to Philim, another lovely and a large farm village with spread out typical farm houses.
Philim with nice tended farm terraces of golden agriculture fields of wheat, barley and millets. From here few hours walks to Deng. Check into a nice simple lodge,
from here one can notice strong influence of Tibetan culture of strong Buddhism religion.
Day 6:
Trek to Ghap 2,160 m - 05 hrs.
Start the morning walk on leaving the lodge at Deng, the trail follows towards higher alpine terrain. After a short up and then descend to a river side towards Bihi Bazaar a small farm village with shops and teahouses.
From here onwards encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, walk leads on gradual path with few short climb to Ghap village for overnight stop. Overnight in nice simple lodge, having time to explore and enjoy the superb views of rolling hills and snow peaks
Day 7:
Trek to Lho-Gaon 2,957 m - 06 hrs
From Ghap village following Buri Gandaki River, then crossing this river through small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat and millets to Namrung village facing close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face with adjoining peaks. Walk continues past smaller farm villages of Banjham, Lhi and Sho, slowly altitude gains with an hour up to Shrip village then reaching at Lho Gaon for overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge. A lovely village with majestic views of Mt. Manaslu, with time here explore the nice village and its old monastery.
Day 8:
Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m - 05 hrs.
Start the morning facing grand views of Mt. Manaslu, as walk heads further west, on leaving Lho Gaon. Where tree lines slowly fades for short juniper bushes and willow trees, walking on nice trail as the pleasant day trek ends on reaching Sama Gaon for overnight stop. A large and main village of upper Manaslu located on route Manaslu base camp, Larke-la pass as well as to Tibet border
Day 9:
Rest day at Sama-Gaon for acclimatization
At Sama-Gaon, having rest day a perfect height for acclimatization before heading towards high Larke-La Pass. Enjoy short hike and exploring interesting village of Sama Gaon steeped with Buddhist heritage of Tibetan cultures
Day 10:
Trek to Samdo 3,865 m - 05 hrs
a pleasant rest day at Sama Gaon, morning leads west as trail follows to
gradual climb. A short day of few hours, however feels longer due to gain in attitude along with thin dry air. Walk continues on windswept dry valley with last steep short climb to Samdo, the last village of Manaslu valley.
Which is close on route to Tibet border and towards our next day walk to Larke Phedi or Dharmasala. An interesting village of strong Tibetan influence due to its close border to Tibet, where trade still exists.
Afternoon enjoy visiting this impressive cultural village of more than forty houses with typical Tibetan style for two hundreds inhabitants.
Day 11:
Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi 4,460 m - 04 hrs.
From Samdu, a short day walk to the bottom of Larke La pass at Dharmasala, morning walk follows on level path within barren landscapes. As walk continues crossing Gyala Khola / stream, then ascending to a high ridge close to an old ruin village, which was known as Larke Bazaar.
Presumably this village once thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya-La pass, a trade which at present has diminished. Walk leads to cross Larke glacier then ending the walk at Dharmasala for overnight stop as well for lunch. During high trekking season this place is crowded with hundreds of trekkers, have to spend nights in tents provided by the lodge. Rest of the afternoon relax and prepare for next early morning steep climb to cross Larke-La Pass.
Day 12:
Cross Larke-La 5,106 m and to Bhimthang 3,700 m - 08 hrs
Start the adventurous walk early morning on leaving Dharmasala, begins with gradual climb, heading towards north side of Larke Glacier. Facing magnificent views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. As trail follows to cross over a moraines and old glacier, as trail get steeper to the top of Larke-La pass.
From the pass, enjoy marvelous panorama of Manaslu Himalayas, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna-II. After a glorious views, walk leads to a long descent over snow and scree to Larcia valley.
After a short refreshing stop walk further for an hour on a moraine ridge path to Tambuche at 3,900 m high. From here a short distance walk to Bhimthang for overnight halt, a lovely place on a wide valley with several lodge adorned with Buddhist Mani walls and monuments.
Day 13:
Trek to Gho 2,560 m - 05 hrs.
After a long day walk of previous day, today an easy short distance trek from Bhimthang to Gho for overnight. From Bhimthang downhill to a valley of Burdin Khola / stream, which is also the base of Mt. Manaslu west flank, from a high ridge facing grand views of Mt. Manaslu with Annapurna-II towards south west.
Our route leads over Dudh Khola, as walk follows downhill into a narrow valley within forested path then reaching at Gho for overnight stop. Situated amidst dense forest surrounding, a perfect spot for overnight after a tiring day on crossing Larke-La pass.
Day 14:
Trek to Tal 1,740 m via Dharapani 1,860 m - 06 hrs.
From Gho and Bhimthang onwards till Tal Besi within the district of Manang, morning walk downhill into forested trail. As short climb on a terraced fields to Karche-La, and then down to Masrsyangdi River. After few hours walk reach Tilje village, from Tilje an hour climb on crossing a bridge and then reaching Dharapani village, where Annapurna circuit route joins. Dharapani a lovely large village from here walk for another hour with few short ups but more on gradual path to reach a wide river valley at Tal Besi for overnight stop. A nice village on a valley with views of water falls having good lodge which is the end of Manang district
Day 15:
Drive to Kathmandu via Besisar town-06 hrs
Morning an exciting drive to Kathmandu, as road follow downhill to low warm farm country, reaching around Lamjung district and at Besisar headquarter town of Lamjung area. From here change of transport, and then on good road leads to the main busy highway to Kathmandu.
As drive follows the Trisuli River upstream for few hours with climb on winding road towards Kathmandu valley and the city. On reaching at the hub of city, check into your hotel, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities
Day 16:
At Kathmandu free day for individual activities
A leisure day in Kathmandu, after weeks of walking around the high trails of
Manaslu Himalayas. On this day enjoy relaxing with fantastic memories of the
adventure. Take a tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities worth a visit, steeped
with ancient historical monuments listed in the world heritage sites
Day 17:
Depart for international departure.
Transfer to Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, as per your international flight time, our guide and staff transfer you to the airport.
The bidding farewell to staff and guide, enter the airport terminal for homeward bound, after a great wonderful adventure on Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trekking
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