Manaslu circuit trek- Best Trekking in Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best alternative treks to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is a wonderful journey to the world’s eight highest mountains at a height of 8163 m above sea level, located in the Gorkha district.  Trekking in Manaslu is a much-loved trekking adventure with landscape views of the Himalayas. It offers a genuine outing in the outback as well as incomparable beauty with cultural heritage.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is all about the journey from the lowland with the terraces of rice and millet, passing through the gorges of Budhi Gandaki and waterfalls. It is considered to be one of the best trekking destinations of Nepal, with an unusual experience in a sublime territory. It provides you great opportunity to experience cultural diversities, natural scenery with high altitude glacier lakes, as well as flora and fauna.

Manaslu circuit trek highlights

Manaslu trek is a golden opportunity for travel seekers to experience the stunning views of high mountains as well as the lowland. We can view important peaks like Manaslu with Ngadi Chuli, Himchuli, and Baudha. Breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Budhi Gandaki River, as well as Gorkha town, are the center of attraction. This reason is important for endangered species, including snow leopards, Red panda, Himalayan Musk deer, Blue sheep, and so on.   Manaslu trekking is the best way to know the culture and lifestyle of people in the border region.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary:

Trekking in Manaslu can be completed in 12-16 days, which starts from Arughat Bazaar and ends in Besisahar.  The trek requires a permit, and the trek lies on a development Great Himalayan Trail.

 Day 1- Arrival in Kathmandu and Soti Khola:

For international tourists, the trek to the Manaslu circuit starts after arriving in Kathmandu. Before starting the wonderful journey, we need to prepare for adventure, as well as need to have some guidelines for trekking. The Manaslu circuit trek starts from Kathmandu, where we can get a bus to Arughat. The road is quite bumpy, but the landscape views are awesome to see. Day 22- Soti khola to Machha khola:

It will take almost 6-7 hours to reach Machha Khola from Soti Khola, which has stunning views. The road is quite narrow and rocky and passes through the Sal forest with the eye-catching beauty of rivers, gorges, waterfalls, and cliffs, as well as beautiful small villages. After passing a zigzag path and crossing a rocky road, we reach Machha Khola and stay there.

Day 3- MachhKholala to Jagat:

Following a twisted road on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, we enter a forest trail with views of wildlife. After passing the forest, we reach Gurung village, Lower Khorlabesi, and we notice smoke-browned cape Bokkhu. On walking further, we reach Tatopani and, crossing the new suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki, we reach Doban. After crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we trek along the river and climb to Jagat.

Day 4- Jagat to Deng:

On this day, we start our journey early in the morning and reach Philim after crossing the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki. We can experience the lifestyle of Gurung communities, Monasteries, and prayer flags fluttering in the sky in Philim. Deng is a tiny village from where we can view cascading waterfalls. It will take almost 7 hours to reach Deng at a maximum altitude of 2095 m.

Day 5- Deng to Namrung:

Namrung is almost 6 hours away from Deng at a height of 2900m, also a beautiful place to have breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu as well as green glens and monasteries during the Manaslu circuit trek. Before we reach Namrung, we walk through a flat, leveled path and move uphill, passing long forests. From here, we can also view Ganesh Himal and Siring.

Day 6- Namrung to Samagaon:

From Namrung, we head to Samagaon, passing through a forest and a village with barley terrace fields. Before we reach Samagaon, we head through Lho and Shyala villages with a closer view of Ganesh Himal. Shyala is surrounded by mountains with large glaciers and snow summits.

Day 7-Samagaon to Samdo:

We move to Samdo at an altitude of 3865m and should be aware of the cold.  After crossing the wooden bridge of Budhi Gandak i we reach Kani. Almost walking slowly for 4hourss, we reach Samdo where we can hike Samdo Peak. We can view the Larkya la trail on the left, as well as the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang la, forming slopes.

Day 8- Samdo to Larkya La Phedi:

After trekking for about 4 hours from Samd,o we reach our destination, passing through a zigzag rocky path and Larkya Bazaa. We reach Larkya lo Phedi and rest overnight.

Day 9- Larkya la Phedi to Larkya pass-Bimthang:

With a great view of the Himalayas and the valley, we continue our trek from Larkya la Phedi. We can see the Larkya glaciers and great views of Larkya Peak. There are outstanding views of Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal, along with the huge Mount Annapurna. We will walk to the highest point of the trail with stunning views of the mountains in the Annapurna range. After spending some time, we move to Bimthang and spend the night.

Day 10- Bhimthang to Tal:

After a beautiful view of the mountain and a successful trek to the peak point, we start our journey back. We walked for about 9 hours to reach Tal. During this, we can enjoy great views of Lamjung Himal along with other Himalayas, as well as the beautiful stream Dudh Khola. We walk through a small, narrow, and rocky path crossing the Rhododendron Forest. Before we reach Tal, we can enjoy the small village of Tilije and continue to Dhorapani.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

Manaslu circuit trek cost may vary as per your priority for transport, hotel stay, and group size, as well as the travel agencies you have chosen. Also, the cost may vary as on your nationality and the number of days for trekking. However, if you allocate $1000 per person, it will cover all the expenses like accommodation, travel, as wwelll permits to the Manaslu circuit. In addition to these, we suggest you carry a few extra amounts for any emergencies.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The optimum seasons to walk the Manaslu Circuit and throughout the valley are typically spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather would be clear and pleasant. The weather has been clear, with more greenery and less dust, from September to October. The weather would be pleasant until mid-October, and the varied scenarios are astonishing.