Manaslu Circuit Trek

Start off with a visit to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Then is a visit to the Pashupatinath temple, a Lord Shiva temple, sacred to devotees of Hindu religion in Nepal and India. Finally, a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, an important Buddhist shrine, sums up the tour. While an off-the-beaten-path trek, Manaslu Circuit trek requires trekking permit. This trek is carried out in a restricted region, hence a permit is mandatory while solo trekking is forbidden with a minimum of two members in a group. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Our journey starts off with a drive to Arughat. The drive past Trishuli bazaar and Dhading Besi is a regular road trip along the valleys and Trishuli River. However, roads from Dhading Besi to Arughat is tumultuous (especially in Monsoon). The trek starts with a hike to Sotikhola. A fairly easy start means you’ll hike past low lying valleys and terraced fields to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at Soti Khola.

Heading out of Soti Khola, you cross a bridge over Soti River and cut through thick Sal forest onto huge crevasses along the Budhi Gandaki River. On the way, two major stops are Khursane and Lapubesi. The trail meanders over winding terrain passing by rice fields on alluvial banks of the river. Finally, crossing a suspension bridge over Machha Khola, you arrive at Machha Khola. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.

Heading upstream along the river, you cross a suspension bridge over Thado Khola. The village of Khorlabesi lies beyond and after another stretch of the trek, we arrive at Tatopani. Finally, climb along the west flank of Budhi Gandaki to the village of Jagat. Along the way, well-kempt Gurung villages prove the holistic beauty of this community. Overnight stay at Jagat.

The trail runs along a wide Budhi Gandaki river with stone paved steps perched by the west bank. Stops on the trek today include Sirdibas which is followed by Salleri. Views on offer include that of Shringi Himal (7161m) and the gorgeous valley. The terraced crop fields of Ekle Bhatti will lead to crossing Budhi Gandaki couple of times as we are lead through a Bamboo forest to Deng. Overnight stay at Deng.

The day starts with a hike along a beautiful trail. Shortly reaching the top of a ridge descend by the Budhi Gandaki River. As the trail from Bihi coincides with our trail, the valley unravels while you cross pocket settlements. Observe the influence of Tibetan culture as you pass by Mani walls with inscriptions. Onto a narrow gorge and then a steep climb will eventually lead to Namrung. Overnight stay at Namrung.

With gorgeous views of Shringi (7161m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), and Himal Chuli (7863m), we start the day with a gradual climb. With a strong Tibetan vibe, the village of Lho offers a vantage point for Manaslu while Sho and Shyala village house a host of stupas and the Ribung Gompa. Eventually, we arrive at Samagaon. Overnight stay at Samagaon.

Wake up to a great view of Mount Manaslu (8163m) as the snow-capped peak lies at a touching distance. An emotional and inspirational moment this, we head on a hike to the Manaslu Base Camp (4400m). Explore the surroundings and Sherpa culture as you take a hike up to the camp. Around the camp, tour across the Manaslu glacier and icefall while enjoying great views of Ngadi Chuli, Simnang Himal, and Pang Phu Chuli ranges. Head back to Samagaon crossing the Pung Gyen Gompa. Overnight stay at Samagaon.

Waking up by the glorious mountain range, we start the day’s trek with a descent to Budhi Gandaki River. The trek today entails crossing the river a couple of times and passing Kermo Kharka. As you cross a stretch of Birch and juniper trees, it leads to the Budhi Gandaki River. Cross over a wooden bridge as the trail climbs up the valley before you arrive at Samdo. Overnight stay at Samdo.

The trail from Samdo to Dharmasala is along a paved path that gets rough occasionally. We follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. Glorious mountains fill the backdrop as we cross the river and head to Larkya Bazaar. Crossing yet another stream, we arrive at Larkya Bazaar. Then the trail ascends along the ridge of Larkya Khola with a view of Larkya Glacier. We arrive at Dharmasala hiking up the trail and call it a night at this riverside shelter.

A highlight day this, we hike up the Larkya La Pass (5160m) as we set off for Bimthang. Starting with a short walk, we arrive at a valley with great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak (6249m). The ascent to the Larkya Pass (5160m) begins and enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna II (7937m), Himlung (7126m), and Cheo Himal (6820m) atop the pass. A steep descent along the slippery moraine follows. Arriving at a desolate valley full of Mani walls, we reach Bimthang. Overnight stay at Bimthang.

The trail runs down from Bimthang as we land by a stream. Crossing over this stream on a wooden bridge, we head further down. Vegetation reappears at full glory as we cut through Pine and alpine forests. Views of Manaslu (8163m) beautify the day’s trek as we arrive at Kharche. Now comes a steep climb before heading further down to Tilije. Overnight stay at Tilije.

The day starts with a hike up a ridge along the stone-paved track. With Thonje village next, we walk through a stone hedged arch and pass by Mani walls before arriving at the village. As security personnel updates our permits, we head further along the trail to Dharapani, which falls in the Annapurna Circuit. Crossing over the river on a bridge we walk along a stretch of Mani walls before arriving at Tal. Overnight stay at Tal.

The trail takes us further down along the valley as we head for Syange. First up is the Chyamche Village. This village is beyond Marsayangdi River and crossing over a suspension bridge we arrive at Chyamche. Descending further along a picturesque trail littered with grooves of rhododendron trees, we arrive at Syange village. Overnight stay at Syange.

The final day of the trip in the Manaslu region, we catch a private jeep from Syange to Kathmandu. The drive will take past Besisahar and Mugling as you take on a serpentine track along the Trishuli and Marsayangdi rivers. Arriving in Kathmandu, you can rest and refresh yourself in the hotel or explore nearby areas. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.