Trek around one of the highest mountains in the world! Manaslu is the 8th highest at 8,156 meters and is also in one of the more newly opened and less trekked areas of Nepal. This 14-day tea house trek takes you deep into the Himalayas, climbing to a high point at Larkya Phedi (4480m). If you have time, you can also explore the relatively newly opened Tsum Valley. Only open to trekkers since 2008 this is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley, close to Tibet.
The best time to come to this area is in late spring (March to May) and in the autumn (late September to mid-December). Winter snow and lodge closures at Larkya Phedi and Bimtang mean trekking should be avoided from mid-December until early March.
Trek Grade: This is a challenging Grade 3 trek as you have days of 6-7 hours walking including one long day when you climb up to 5160m. Regardless of age or fitness, it is recommended that some preparation is needed before you arrive.
Inspired? Royal Mountain Travel also offers the Tsum Valley Trek that can be easily added to this itinerary.
Days | Activity |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Kathmandu sightseeing |
Day 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and Soti Khola (600m, 7-8 hrs drive) |
Day 4 | Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hrs, 890m) |
Day 5 | Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hrs, 1410m) |
Day 6 | Trek from Jagat to Deng (6 hrs, 1800m) |
Day 7 | Trek from Deng to Namrung (7 hrs, 2660m) |
Day 8 | Trek from Namrung to Lo Gham (7 hrs, 3180m) |
Day 9 | Trek from Lo Gham to Samagaon (4 hrs, 3530m) |
Day 10 | Rest Day Samagaon (3530m) |
Day 11 | Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (4-5 hrs, 3860m) |
Day 12 | Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4 hrs, 4480m) |
Day 13 | Trek from Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (8 – 9hrs, 3720m) |
Day 14 | Trek from Bimthang to Tilje (7 hrs -2300m) |
Day 15 | Trek from Tilje to Chamche (6 hrs – 1410m) |
Day 16 | Drive back to Kathmandu (8-9 hrs) |
Day 17 | Departure |
Trekking: Additional information
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail cond
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Arrive in Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport is an experience in itself. Don’t let it put you off, as our airport representative will be waiting to welcome you with your name written on a placard. Depending on traffic, the drive to your hotel takes about 20-30 minutes.
Kathmandu sightseeing
The day is spent visiting some of the major World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. More…
You will have plenty of time in the afternoon to prepare for your trek and check that you have everything you need. You might want to visit Thamel, the tourist hub of Nepal, where you can easily find all you need for trekking. Or if you just want to relax, there are many cafes and bakeries serving excellent local tea and coffee. It is best to avoid the street food, however, unless you have a very strong stomach. It is recommended that you have an early night as you will have an early start in the morning.
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and Soti Khola (600m, 7-8 hrs drive)
After an early start, you are driven to Soti Khola where you start your trek. Travelling by private jeep, this takes 8-9 hours. The road passes through Dhading Bensi and Arughat, and then to Soti Khola. The roads get a little rough from Arughat.
Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hrs, 890m)
Starting from Soti Khola, you trek past rice paddies, fields, and waterfalls through lush and green scenery, passing through villages with houses that have dark slate roofs. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, the first part of your trek follows the narrow, deep Budhi Gandaki valley through dense forests and terraced farmland.
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hrs, 1410m)
Following the narrow trail and crossing the Tharo Khola you reach Khorlabesi. You climb for much of the day, passing more villages and always accompanied by beautiful mountain scenery. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki, you climb a well-made staircase and head towards Dobhan. After crossing another suspension bridge, you climb more stone stairs and then descend to crossing to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki where you enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and arrive at the beautiful paved village of Jagat.
Trek from Jagat to Deng (6 hrs, 1800m)
After an early breakfast, you start by following the river, crossing bridges several times along the way. You pass through Salleri, Sirdibas and Ghatta Khola and after crossing the river at Eklee Bhatti, the route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. The trail passes through bamboo forests before it gets to Deng Khola. After crossing this river, you reach the tiny village of Deng, where the people are ethnic Tibetans.
Trek from Deng to Namrung (7 hrs, 2660m)
The trail to Namrung starts by climbing to Rana (1910m) passing through a forest. At Prok village, there is a viewpoint where you can admire the Siringi Himal. You cross the river where it thunders down a narrow gorge and as the forest thins out, the trail improves. Finally, after a last steep climb, you reach Namrung village where you have good views of Siring and Ganesh Himal. One of the highlights of this trek, Namrung is a lovely village to explore where you can get a glimpse of the life and culture of the local people.
Trek from Namrung to Lo Gham (7 hrs, 3180m)
Continuing your climb, you have your first stunning glimpse of Manaslu North and Manaslu. The local people here are dressed in Tibetan style clothing. You can visit Ribung Gompa, the Buddhist monastery in this village.
Trek from Lo Gham to Samagaon (4 hrs, 3530m)
As you climb higher, your walking days become shorter. Today as you climb through the forest you are accompanied by beautiful views of the Himalayas. You can see the panorama of the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see, with close-up views of Manaslu. Your trail goes through a rhododendron forest and if you are trekking in the spring, you will see the red, pink and white flowers.
Rest Day Samagaon (3530m)
To acclimatize to the higher altitude you have the day to relax. You can hike to Manaslu Basecamp, visit a little monastery that is perched on a little hill near the village (Pungyen Gompa has great views of the glacier) or you can walk to the glacial lake, Birendra Tal. The village has many mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures inscribed on them.
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (4-5 hrs, 3860m)
Continuing upwards, you trek to Samdo. From here the trail goes on towards Tibet. Your route, however, goes back down to the Budhi Gandaki River and you head towards Manaslu Base Camp. After crossing the river on a wooden bridge, you reach Samdo where you might see caravans of yaks returning with loads from Tibet as you are close to the border with Tibet. If you’re lucky you can visit some of the local houses and drink chang (Tibetan barley beer), or salt butter tea with the locals.
Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4 hrs, 4480m)
After crossing a wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki you start to hike up. You can see the Larkya Glacier as you go around the Salka Khola river valley. Reaching the stone guest house (4450 m), this is not a lodge but a shelter that is called Dharamshala. You feel that you are getting closer to the high mountains as you pass glaciers, all the time accompanied by spectacular views. You may feel the altitude, so take it slowly. The short walk today, however, should give you plenty of time for acclimatization and you have time to relax in the afternoon. Tonight the accommodation here is very basic.
Trek from Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (8 – 9hrs, 3720m)
Lonely Planet states that “the Larkya La is one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalaya”. In every sense, this 5,200m pass is the high point of the Manaslu circuit. Today is the most challenging day. After a very early start, you cross glacier moraines in the dark before reaching the highest point of the trek at the Larkya La Pass. Here you are just 8 kilometres from the Tibetan border. You have time to take in the unbelievable views before you go down the steep, ankle straining drop to the trail that follows the glacial moraine downwards. It’s a long, but spectacular day, and one that you likely will remember forever! You see the superb panoramic view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gaygi Kung and Annapurna II.
Trek from Bimthang to Tilje (7 hrs -2300m)
Starting by going through the dense forest, you cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) and then cross the Dudh Khola (river). You walk down through rhododendron forest and follow the trail through a narrow valley. Arriving at Karche, the highest cultivated land in the valley, you then pass the village of Gho before making a steep climb over a ridge to reach Tilje.
Trek from Tilje to Chamche (6 hrs – 1410m)
This is the last day of your trek and you descend all the way to Chamche, continuing with a rapid descent into the Marsygandi Valley through the forest until you reach the well-trodden trail of the Annapurna Circuit. Finishing at Chamche, you stay here for the night and can celebrate your success in completing the Manaslu Circuit!
Drive back to Kathmandu (8-9 hrs)
After breakfast, you are driven back to Kathmandu. Arriving late in the afternoon, you may want to go out for a farewell dinner in one of Kathmandu’s many good restaurants.
Departure
You transfer to Tribhuvan Airport to connect with your onward flight. Please note that you should check in three hours prior to your flight time.