Manaslu Circuit 15 days
Duration: 15 days
Trip level: strenuous (info?)
Maximum altitude: 5200 m
Accommodation: teahouse/lodge
Season: March, April, May, September, October, November
The Manaslu massif is located north of the city of Ghorka, next to the Annapurna mountain range. The Manaslu Circuit is just as varied as the Annapurna circuit trek. The great advantage of the Manaslu Circuit is that you can hike through a tranquil region. As a trekker, you are obliged to hire a guide and only a registered trekking agency may issue a trekking permit for you. Due to this measure, many backpackers stay away from this circuit. Therefore this region maintains more of its authentic and spectacular character.
The Manaslu Circuit begins and ends amongst the green rice fields. In between, you pass wild gorges, waterfalls, and subtropical forests and eventually you pass the Larkya La pass at 5200 meters altitude. This is situated in a desolate landscape of rocks, snow and ice. After this high mountain pass, you will descend down to the warmer region of the rice fields. You finish the trek on a small part of the Annapurna Circuit.
The Manaslu Circuit itinerary begins with a day drive to Macha Khola which is situated 35 kilometres from Ghorka. For the last kilometres, you travel on an unpaved road through the rice fields. From the little village of Macha Khola, you will hike through small villages and open wide trails. Here it is warm and tropical and you will pass through several bamboo forests. The closer you get to the swirling Burhi Gandaki, the more you walk into a gorge. Once into the canyon, you will hike past high rock walls and beautiful waterfalls. You cross the Burhi Gandaki river regularly by suspension bridges, and during other parts of this trek, you will hike right beside the river. The earthquake of April 2015 destroyed a critical part of the trail. This section of the circuit was restored by donations from foreign foundations in 2016. A 200 meters steel cantilever pathway has been built, and both trekkers and locals can safely travel along the trail again. Eventually, you hike out of the gorge and the valley opens up to you. The landscape is also marked by the local Buddhist culture. You will notice this when you pass by the characteristic Buddhist mani walls and Buddhist chortens. More and more the snowy mountain peaks are showing themselves. Starting from the village of Samagoan the mountain slopes are overgrown with birch and juniper. From here on it is still a couple of days of hiking to the Larkya La pass. From Larkya Phedi you will leave early in the morning with your guide to climb the high pass. While crossing Larkya La you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snowy peaks. You will see the famous Himalaya peaks including the Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. After passing the Larkya La, the Manaslu Circuit trail descends steeply downwards. The alpine vegetation will again be replaced by the warm forests of rhododendron. Once descended the last part of the Manaslu Circuit trail follows the trail of the Annapurna Circuit.
Day 01 Private drive Kathmandu to Macha Khola via Arughat Bazaar (930 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 02 Trek to Jagat (1340 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 03 Trek to Deng (1800 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 04 Trek to Ghap (2160 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 05 Trek to Lho (3180 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 06 Trek to Samagoan (3530 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 07 Resting day at Samagoan for acclimatization. Optional day hike to Birendra Lake (3760 m) or Pung Gyen Gompa (3870 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 08 Trek to Samdo (3860 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 09 Trek to Larkya Phedi (4460 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 10 Cross over Larkya La pass (5200 m) to Bimthang (3720 m – 8 hrs.)
Day 11 Trek to Gho (2560 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 12 Trek to Tal (1700 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 13 Resting day at Tal
Day 14 Trek to Syange (1080 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 15 Drive by jeep to Besisahar, and tourist bus to Kathmandu (8 hrs.)
During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Please inquire about the price.
We have noticed the ways of travelling and booking are changing rapidly. Many customers book a hotel or a guesthouse themselves prior to their journey. However, we would happily like to arrange accommodation for you. We have excellent contacts with various hotels and guesthouses and will be able to offer a good price rate for any budget.
When you arrive at the International Airport we will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation. Here we will give you a short briefing about the trek. In addition, we will give you advice about hygienic food, customs, and sightseeing in Kathmandu
Cost include:
-Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
-Private car drive Kathmandu to Macha Khola via Arughat Bazaar; taxi to Syange to Besisahar; tourist bus Besisahar to Kathmandu
-Certificate of CO2- emission free return drive to start and end trek
-Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
-Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for mountain guide
-Free use of waterproof bag ( only available with porter service)
-ACAP (Annapurna area) fee, MCAP(Manaslu area) fee and local taxes
-Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost exclude:
-International flight to Kathmandu
-Nepal entrance visa
-Accommodation and all meals in Kathmandu
-Lodging and food during trek
-Porter service for carrying luggage. One porter for two persons, maximum luggage 10 kilograms per person
-All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
-Personal travel insurance
-Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
-Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
-Gratitude and tips for mountain guide (and porter)