How is the weather at Manaslu circuit trek?

Trekkers should consider the weather of Manaslu circuit trek while embarking into this isolated Manaslu circuit trek. The best time for Manaslu circuit trek is considered to Spring and Autumn season. You can choose the Manaslu circuit trek during March-May & September-November. Avoiding Manalsu circuit trek during winter is highly recommended. Crossing Larkya Pass during winter can be risky. Heavy snowfall is encountered during winter which makes trekking difficult.

How difficult is the Manaslu circuit trek?

Manaslu circuit trek, being a high altitude trek with long and rough trekking trails, is considered as a difficult trek. Due to the high level of difficulty, trekkers are required to achieve a certain level of physical fitness without which this strenuous trek is near to impossible. This trek demands well experience in trekking. Beginners are not recommended for the Manaslu circuit trek.

Is Solo Trekking possible in Manaslu circuit trek?

No, solo trekking is not possible in Manaslu circuit trek. A group of minimum two or more trekkers are required. Solo trekking is prohibited in Manaslu circuit trek.

What are the required permits for Manaslu circuit trek?

The mandatory permits for Manaslu circuit trek are (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) ACAP, (Manaslu circuit Area Project) MCAP. Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (MRAP) is required if you choose to visit Tsum valley.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal | Best Circuit Treks 2024

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Faqs

Review

Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal

Are you an avid trekker seeking a challenge in Nepal? If so, the Manaslu circuit trekking in Nepal awaits you. Nestled in the Himalayas, this isolated trek offers unparalleled beauty and challenging trails, yet it remains relatively undiscovered on the global trekking scene.

The Manaslu circuit trek is a gem in the Gorkha district of Nepal, boasting the youngest conservation area in the country. Encompassing 1,663 sq. km, the trek traverses 11 wildlife forests, showcasing diverse flora and fauna. The Manaslu Ecotourism Development Project, initiated in 1997, aimed to protect the Manaslu Conservation Area. Today, local communities actively contribute to its preservation.

While the Manaslu circuit trek remains relatively unknown, its allure is growing. In 2018, 7,000 trekkers ventured into its challenging terrain, drawn by its stunning landscapes and towering peaks.

Standing at 8,163m, Mount Manaslu dominates the skyline, with the trek reaching a maximum altitude of 5,140m at Larkya Pass. This pass, the longest in Nepal, offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif.

Exploring Tsum Valley

For an alternative trek, consider the Manaslu circuit trek via Tsum valley. This route leads to the remote village of Tsum, once a kingdom with remnants of its ancient glory. Immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture and architectural heritage of Tsum valley, and partake in vibrant festivals like Lhosar and Dhachyang.

Start your adventure of a lifetime with the Manaslu circuit trekking in Nepal, where every step unveils the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights:

Spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m.
Dudh Koshi River, Budhi Gandaki Rivers.
Rhododendron forest, Bamboo forest.
Longest Pass Larkya Pass (5,140m).
Gurung village and Tibetan culture.

Day 1 :

Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive) 700m 7-7:30hrs

On the first day, we will drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola which will take around 7-7:30 hours. We will stay overnight at Soti Khola. Nice and comfortable hotels are present in abundance at Soti Khola.

Day 2 :

Soti Khola to Machha Khola 930m 6hrs

On the second day, our trek starts. We will walk from Soti Khola towards Machha Khola. You’ll cross Khursane village, Lapubesi village, and Naulikhola. It will probably take 6 hours to reach Machha Khola. We will stay overnight.

Day 3 :

Machha Khola to Jagat 1340m 7hrs

It was an easy trek till now. The trekking trails from Machha Khola to Jagat is a little challenging. Up and down trekking trails encompasses Tharokhola and Khorlabesi. You can enjoy a hot sauna at Tatopani. After a quick walk along the bank of BudhiGandaki river, we ill reach Jagat (1,340m).
It will take us around 7 hours to reach Jagat. You will now enter the protected Manaslu conservation area. Jagat is the first checkpoint in the Manaslu conservation area.

Day 4 :

Jagat to Deng 1860m 6hrs

After spending overnight at Jagat, the next day, we will start our trek from Jagat to reach Deng. Our trekking trail will be encompassing Sirdibas and Phillim village. We
will cross narrow suspension bridges, bamboo forests, and Budhi Gandaki river along our path. From Ekle Batti, the trekking trail to Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit trek splits. Within 6 hours, we’ll reach Deng village.

Day 5 :

Deng to Namrung 2630m 6hrs

The trek from Deng to Namrung will be more of exploring Tibetan culture. We can witness the Tibetan influence as we’ll come across several Mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. We’ll visit Ghap village as well. At last, we’ll reach Namrung village.

Day 6 :

Namrung to Lho 3180m 4hrs

Trekkers usually face difficulties from the sixth day as the altitude increases to over 3,000m. From Namrung, we’ll trek uphill for only 4 hours. We’ll reach a beautiful Lho village where we will visit local monasteries and observe the stunning landscape of Lho village.

Day 7 :

Lho to Sama Gaun 3530m 4hrs

From Lho, we’ll trek up to the highest village in Budhi Gandaki valley and that is
Sama Gaun. Sama Gaun is yet another graceful village with scenic views. Chances
of causing altitude sickness are high at Sama Gaun so be careful.

Day 8 :

Acclimatization Day - Side trip to either Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Tal 4400m 4hrs

Our eighth day of Manaslu circuit trek is set apart for acclimatization. We will have
reached a height where we would require to acclimatize with the altitude. During
acclimatization, we will be exploring the Sama Gaun. A popular and artistically
beautiful monastery at Sama Gaun is the Pungyen Monastery. Exploring Pungyen Monastery will be fruitful. We’ll hike to Kharka village which has an
extraordinary landscape to view. We’ll hike uphill to witness Birendra lake and also reach Manaslu Base Camp. Stay overnight at Sama Gaun.

Day 9 :

Sama Gaun to Samdo 3865m 4hrs

We’ll cover quite a distance on a ninth day. We’ll be walking only 4 hours uphill to
reach Samdo village. While trekking from Sama Gain to Samdo, you’ll see a chain of
yaks on the path. Samdo village is known for yak herding. Stay overnight at Samdo.

Day 10 :

Acclimatization Day - Side Trip to Tibetan Border 5100m 8hrs

We’ll leave this day for acclimatization. We’ll try to reach an altitude of 5,100m to adjust with the elevation. We’ll hike towards Tibetan Border. Within 8 hours, we’ll get back to Samdo village.

Day 11 :

Samdo to Dharmasala 4460m 4 hrs

We’ll trek up to Dharmasala which is located at the foot of Larkya Pass. We’ll achieve a height of 4,460m on his day.

Day 12 :

Dharmasala to Larkya Pass - Bimthang 3590m 9hrs

The 12th day of our Manalu circuit trek is going to be hectic. Get ready to trek for a
massive 9 hours. We’ll leave early morning from
Dharmasala. We’ll reach the
highest altitude of the Manaslu circuit trek today.
Crossing the longest Larkya Pass (5,140m) can be dangerous and tricky at times.
Stay with the guide. The guide will make sure you’ll cross the dramatic Larkya Pass with less risk and more thrill. Observe the stunning view of Mount Manaslu in the
vicinity from the altitude of 5,140m. Alongside the view of Mt. Manaslu, you’ll get a
bonus view of other high peaks like Annapurna II, Namjung Himal, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Lamjung Himal, Gyaji Kang, Pang Phuchi, and so on.

After spending once in a lifetime moment at Larkya Pass, we will be returning. We’ll hike down to Bimthang where we’ll stay overnight.

Day 13 :

Bimthang to Tilje 2234m 6hrs

From Bimthang, we’ll descend towards Tilje village. We’ll cross the Dudh Koshi river
and dense rhododendron forest. You can explore the Tilje village which is a Gurung
village. Exploring the Gurung culture here will be exciting.

Day 14 :

Tilje to Jagat 1400m 5:30hrs

It is the last day of our Manaslu circuit trek. Descending from Tilje to Jagat will be scenic as the trekking trail will be
continuously accompanied by the beautiful scenario of the mountain ranges and dense forest. We’ll stay overnight at Jagat.

Day 15 :

Jagat to Kathmandu drive 8hrs

We’ll drive back to
Kathmandu from Jagat. After an 8 hours long drive to Kathmandu, we’ll rest at a nice hotel in Kathmandu.