Manaslu Circuit Trek, world’s eighth highest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163m) in the west part of Nepal. It is an off- the -beaten area trek recommended for those who are interested in Nepal’s authentic village experiences and culture and also want to get away from the hurly-burly of city life. This classic trek is rewarded with its spectacular mountain views, topographically difficult terrain and typical culture and traditional lifestyle of Gurung ethnic group of people of Nepal and Tibetan inhabitants of the region The living Buddhist culture are virtually untouched because of the remote location. The trail that takes you up through the riverside the Budhi Gandaki is one of the most challenging routes in Nepal.
The trail crosses suspension bridges and up and down over ridges and onto shelves to bypass cliffs through fields of barley, following an ancient salt trading route that connects Tibet with Nepal since time immemorial. Climbing higher you will encounter clusters of homes before the mountain wall of the Himalaya and visit a number of monasteries, mani walls, and shortens along the route. Your trekking journey to Manaslu circuit begins with a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar, Gorkha. Then, the following day you hike through the lush rice terraces and thatched huts to the north along with sprawling Gurung villages perched on high, terraced hilltops. At Nupri village, people from Tibet origin inhabit and they speak their own dialect, partly Tibetan and partly Gurung, and live in a Tibetan lifestyle.
Spectacular mountain panoramas, dominated by Mount Manaslu itself, the scenic beauty, perennial sources of water from glaciers, waterfalls and exotic cultural values are majors highlights of the trek of the Manaslu region. The valley above Samdo adjoining the border of Tibet is beautiful. After crossing the snow-covered Larkya La pass (5160m) you will make your way to Bhimthang and Tilje through tropical areas, bursting with ferns, bamboo, pine trees and finally you reach Jagat. From Jagat, you will board a vehicle that transfers you to Kathmandu. Manaslu circuit trek can be done in lodge style.
Staff from Adventure Gandaki Treks will welcome you at Airport. Than you will be Transferred to your Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. You will have a welcome Dinner .
We head out from Kathmandu for the long drive to Soti Khola, driving through Arughat along the way on the dusty road. Soti Khola is set on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, our companion and guide through the Manaslu valley whose source we’ll eventually touch on when we ascend to the pass of Larkya La.
The trek commences with an easy day of walking on the route to Machha Khola, (the name means ‘fish river’) with pleasant views of the surrounding jungle and occasional waterfalls adding their own soothing sound bite to the hike.
We ease through Khorlabesi during the early part of the day and make our way to Tatopani, famed for its natural hot springs. A steep climb takes us up to Dobhan as we enter the Manaslu Conservation area and on to the scenic village of Jagat and its rugged setting and narrow paved lanes.
Our day begins by walking through subtropical rainforest and a series of small hamlets, traversing a couple of suspension bridges along the way, the last of which leads us in to the village of Philim and its beautiful setting amidst terraced fields overlooking the river. Further along the trail we arrive at the junction for Tsum Valley and Larkye La and take the path heading northwest towards Deng.
The first real views of the major mountains near at hand come into view, with Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Kutang Himal and other peaks making their presence known as we make our way up the valley. Lush vegetation greets us as we hit the trail and head west through more quaint villages like Prok and their scenic outlooks, then on and up the last steep stretch that ushers us into Namrung.
Today is the day when we hit the jackpot for spectacular views of the mountains as the valley opens up with our approach to the scenic village of Lho. The lower temperate forests give way steadily as the trail breaks free of the tree line and climbs higher into the mountains, the lush greens of the lower valley giving way to the muted browns and grays of the Himalayan terrain and the vivid blue skies one only experiences at altitude. After our half-day hike to Lho there’s plenty of time left over to fully explore the gorgeous views of Manaslu and visit Rebung Gompa perched atop a hillside nearby.
From Lho we hike to the equally impressive village of Shyala and its own spectacular vistas of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi, Naike, Kutang Himal, and Pangbuche Himal, then climb steadily through yak pasturelands to Sama Gaun. With plenty of time left over from the day there’s ample opportunity to make the short hike to Birendra Lake.
Sama Gaun is our temporary home for the day as we give our bodies time to acclimate to the altitude, and the choice is a fine one as the village provides multiple choices for day excursions, including a short hike to the pretty lake of Birendra Taal nearby, the highly rewarding and dramatic hike to Manaslu Base camp, or the alternative walk to Pungen Gompa and its serene setting amidst the mountains.
Onward and up is the motto of the day as we put our heads down determinedly with the goal of Larke La ever nearer. The trail leads us on a short and gradual climb alongside the river then begins to steepen as it leads us up to Samdo around midday. There is plenty of time in the afternoon to explore and perhaps hike to a higher altitude briefly to help in the process of acclimatization.
We will feel the gain of the altitude with the thin air and challenging trial. The trial to Dharmashala ascends upwards through the Juniper forests which provide the views of Larke glacier. After we cross Salka Khola, we will have to make a final climb to the Larke Phedi.
We will ascend to Larke pass in the morning. We will ascend slowly on the snow covered rock which will turn even steeper as we move forward to the pass. The top of the pass rewards you with the excellent views of Mount Himlung, Cheo peak, Kanggaru Himal and Annapurna II. As we descend downhill from the pass, view of Mount Manaslu from different angle can be captured.
The trial to Tilje from Bimthang is fairly easy and descending is much easier. The spectacular views of different mountains and peaks are captured all over the trial. The trial will pass through pastures, Rhododendron forests, terrace farms and few tea houses. Tilje is a village settlement where most of the populations are Gurung.
The trek to Dharapani from Tilje is approximately 01 hour. Dharapani lies in the Annapurna Conservation area and from here you can drive to Beshi Sahar on a jeep. The road is rough terrain road in a hilly mountain which is winding continuously. We will stay overnight at Beshi Sahar.
The scenic bus drive from Beshi Sahar to Kathmandu is approximately 07 hours. After reaching Kathmandu you will have enough time for shopping and Farewell dinner by the company.
You will be transferred to Airport in Your according time .
Your accomodation in a trek will be on twin sharing basis. Your hotels in mountains while on trek will be very basic standard. We it as a trekkers lodge/tea houses. Tea houses wont be very luxurous as on the cities but beds will be comfortable . we will provide you with the best standard type hotel available in the area.
The Essentials
Optional
Nepal Trekking Season generally known best as two seasons after falls and after the winter. The following month mid of September to mid of December consider ever best season of trekking in Himalayas. During this period of months have pleasant climate condition not so hot and cold and visibility of mountain are crystal clear. There is another best season of trekking Nepal after winter when sun getting more warmer in spring time may trekkers to Himalayas can again enjoy comfortable climate condition.
