Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is challenging that takes around two to three weeks to complete. The journey begins in Arughat, A small town on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki, Where the trail leads to the north, And adventure awaits the curious and the lucky. The trail takes you through various landscapes, ranging from lush green forests, rocky terrain, high-altitude passes, and glacial lakes. The trek passes through remote villages, where trekkers can experience the rich culture and traditions of the local people.

The route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is as follows:

• Day 1: Kathmandu to Arughat (640m) The trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat, a small town in the Gorkha district. The drive takes around 8-9 hours, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the countryside and the Trishuli River.
• Day 2: Arughat to Soti Khola (730m) The trek starts from Arughat and goes through small villages and lush green forests. The trail is relatively easy and takes around 6-7 hours to reach Soti Khola.
• Day 3: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m) The trek continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The trail is relatively easy and takes around 5-6 hours to reach Machha Khola.
• Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,350m) The trek goes through rocky terrain and small villages, and trekkers can experience the rich culture and traditions of the local people. The trail takes around 6-7 hours to reach Jagat.
• Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1,860m) The trek goes through lush green forests and small villages, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes around 6-7 hours to reach Deng.
• Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,660m) The trek goes through dense forests, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal. The trail takes around 6-7 hours to reach Namrung.
• Day 7: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m) The trek goes through small villages and lush green forests, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Manaslu range. The trail takes around 6-7 hours to reach Samagaon.
• Day 8: Rest day in Samagaon Trekkers can rest and explore the local village and the surrounding area. They can also take a short hike to the Pungyen Gompa, a famous Buddhist monastery located in the area.
• Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m) The trek goes through high-altitude terrain, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Manaslu range. The trail takes around 4-5 hours to reach Samdo.
• Day 10: Rest day in Samdo Trekkers can rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. They can also take a short hike to the Tibetan border and explore the local village.
• Day 11: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m) The trek goes through high-altitude terrain, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes around 4-5 hours to reach Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi, the base camp for the Larkya La Pass.
• Day 12: Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160m) The trek goes through high-altitude terrain, and trekkers have to cross the challenging Larkya La Pass. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Manaslu range. The trail takes around 8-9 hours to reach Bimthang.
• Day 13: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m) The trek goes through small villages and lush green forests, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes around 5-6 hours to reach Tilije.
• Day 14: Tilije to Tal (1,700m) The trek goes through small villages and lush green forests, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes around 5-6 hours to reach Tal.
• Day 15: Tal to Jagat (1,350m) The trek goes through small villages and lush green forests, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail takes around 6-7 hours to reach Jagat.
• Day 16: Jagat to Besisahar (760m) to Kathmandu The trek ends in Besisahar, where trekkers can take a bus back to Kathmandu. The drive takes around 6-7 hours, and trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the countryside and the Trishuli River.

Scenery:

The scenery on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is truly breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests. You'll pass through a variety of landscapes, from terraced farmland and traditional villages to high mountain passes and glacier lakes. One of the highlights of the trek is the view of Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. You'll also get to see other stunning peaks, such as Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. The trail takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, and musk deer.

 Food and Accommodation:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a range of accommodation options, from basic tea houses to more luxurious lodges. You'll be staying in tea houses for most of the trek, which are basic guesthouses that provide a bed and meals. The food is typically Nepali or Indian, with a focus on rice, lentils, and vegetables. Meat is available but can be expensive due to the remote location. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and energy bars, as you'll need the extra fuel for the long days of hiking.

Best Time to Visit:

The weather can be fickle, with sunny days and cold nights, and monsoon rains in the summer can bring challenges to new heights. But the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offers opportunities aplenty, to connect with nature and people, and create memories. The best time to visit the Manaslu Circuit is from September to November and from March to May. During these months, the weather is stable, and the visibility is clear, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The temperature during these months is moderate, and the skies are clear, making it perfect for trekking.

Permits Required:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires two permits: the Manaslu Restricted Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The Manaslu Restricted Permit costs USD 70 per person for the first week and USD 10 per person per day for every additional day. The permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency and requires a minimum of two trekkers in a group. The ACAP costs NPR 3,000 per person and can be obtained at the ACAP counter in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The permit is valid for the entire Annapurna Conservation Area and is required for all trekkers.

However, the trek is also incredibly rewarding, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu, and the chance to experience traditional Nepali culture in the remote villages along the way. The trail is also much quieter than other popular treks in Nepal, which means you'll have more opportunities to connect with the local people and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Important Information:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trek and requires a certain level of fitness and preparation. Trekkers are advised to train and prepare themselves before embarking on the trek. It is also essential to have proper trekking gear, including warm clothes, trekking boots, a sleeping bag, and a backpack. Trekkers are also advised to carry enough cash as ATM and credit card facilities are limited on the trek. It is also essential to carry a water bottle and water purification tablets as bottled water is not readily available on the trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, culturally rich remote villages, and a unique trekking experience. The trek is an opportunity to explore the unexplored regions of Nepal and witness the natural beauty of the Manaslu range.

The trek takes trekkers through lush green forests, raging rivers, high-altitude terrain, and remote villages, offering a diverse and immersive experience. While the trek is challenging, it is a great adventure for trekkers who are up for the challenge and want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. With proper preparation and guidance, trekkers can enjoy a safe and unforgettable trekking experience.

Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a must-do for adventure seekers and nature lovers who want to explore the hidden gems of Nepal and experience the beauty of the Himalayas. The trek offers a unique and immersive experience that cannot be found elsewhere, making it one of the best treks in Nepal.