Manaslu Circuit Trek

Quietly tucked away in the centre of Nepal along the Tibetan border, between two of Nepal’s more popular national parks is the protected Manaslu Conservation Area. Despite being situated above Nepal’s most historic city, Gorkha (origins of Nepal’s first king) and being home to its namesake Himalayan giant, Manaslu, this region is only just beginning to gain trekking popularity.

 

Unlike other popular trails in Nepal, this trail begins close to sea level in a subtropical climate at 530m! We follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream into Upper Manaslu via a deep and narrow gorge trail with countless cascading waterfalls that feed into the river in summer and autumn. The trail meanders through traditional Gurung farming villages and dense sal forests on both sides of the river by crossing suspension bridges. We steadily climb into low and high alpine climates, to lands inhabited by Bhotia people (Tibetan descendants). In Sama gaon we take an extra day to acclimatise and explore Sama gaon monastery, or for those feeling energetic, a day hike to the base camp of the 8th highest mountain and a beautiful glacier lake. We cross the long glacier traverse of Larkya La pass (5106m) from which you will enjoy a panoramic vista including Manaslu, Cheo and Himlung. Over the pass we walk out through the Marshandgi valley, following the Dudh river in now the Annapurna Conservation Area in Manang through Magar villages.

 

TECHNICAL GRADING

The significant altitude range involved in this trek requires good fitness. Some days include long steep ascents and descents, through remote and less tourist serviced sections. Prior trekking experience is recommended to join this trip.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spectacular views of Manaslu

• Beautiful gorge trek through subtropical forests

• Traditional farming villages of Gurung and Magar hill tribes

• Buddhist Tibetan culture of Bhotia people

• Manaslu base camp

• Crossing Larkya pass

Itinerary

Arrive Kathmandu

In Kathmandu

Drive to Arughat

Trek to Khursani Bari

Trek to Machha Khola

Trek to Dobhan

Trek to Philim

Trek to Deng

Trek to Namrung

Trek to Sama Gaon

In Sama Gaon

Trek to Samdo

Trek to Dharmshala

Trek to Bimthang via Larkya pass

Trek to Tilje

Trek to Tal

Drive to Besisahar

Drive to Kathmandu

In Kathmandu

Depart Kathmandu

Day 1           

Day 2      

Day 3          

Day 4       

Day 5      

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20