The Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for experienced trekkers who may have already ‘ticked off’ the Everest and Annapurna regions and wish to visit another part of Nepal. This trek takes you away from the crowds right around the north side of Manaslu. We access the Manaslu area via a long jeep drive from Kathmandu which takes us to Arughat, a busy bazaar in the heart of Nepal. The trek takes us from the heart of the lowlands high up to cross the 5135m Larkya La and down to the Marsyandi valley, joining the route of the far more popular Annapurna Circuit for the last day.

We travel back to Kathmandu, initially using jeeps from Jagat to Beshisahar, and then by minibus to Kathamndu.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Depart UK and arrive Kathmandu.  Transfer to hotel close to the famous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu within easy walking distance of the Monkey Temple with its lovely gardens. Day 3 is free for sightseeing

Day 4 After breakfast we travel by private vehicle along to the Burhi Gandaki Valley and the sprawling village of Arughat Bazaar. 6 hours driving.

Day 5 The initial part of the trek takes us through lowland forests interspersed with farms and hamlets upstream along the Burhi Gandaki. As the valley narrows ascents and descents take us over the steep cliffs. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 6 As we are still at low altitude the walk through more forest will be hot. The valley sides steepen and the trail is cut into the hillside to allow passage. At times we are on the sandy riverbed, at other times high above it. Our camp by the river is just past the village of Labishe. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 7 More ups and downs initially above an impressively cascading river in the narrow valley. Eventually the valley widens, the river becomes calmer and we follow a good trail to the well maintained village of Jagat. 5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 8 We descend to the river and ascend again to Saguleri. After crossing the Gat Khola on a suspension bridge, a steep climb takes us to Philim. A wild and wonderful section follows as the cliff-hanging trail passes through an uninhabited and thickly forested gorge which opens out as we approach Deng. 7 hours walking.

Day 9 From Deng we descend to the river and then climb up again to the village of Rana. The trail continues to undulate along to Bihi, a small settlement with a shop and potential camping spot. Beyond Bihi evidence in the form of mani stones show we have reached the Buddhist region and at our night top on the village of Ghap we encounter the Tibetan culture. 5 hours walking.

Day 10 Now we are in a deep, steep sided valley and start to gain significant height as we ascent through alpine forests with cooler air to make progress easier. After passing through Namrung, the valley opens out into fields of barley. Passing pastures grazed by animals we pass the Tibetan village of Lho, shortly after which we get our first views of Manaslu (8163m). We continue to the picturesque village of Lho for the night.  6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 11 The first couple of hours are again up through forest to Shyala from where there are commanding views of Himal Chuli, Manaslu and Phungi. We then continue along the trail to the village of Sama and the impressive Sama Gompa just beyond. 5 hours walking.

Day 12 A rest and acclimatisation day to explore the area, visit the monastery and allow ourselves time to adapt better to the altitude.

Day 13 As we continue up the valley above Sama fresh mountain views greet us at every bend. We cross to the east bank of the river and reach Samdu, the highest permanently inhabited village in this region at 3850m. Shortly beyond here we arrive at the ruins of Larkya Bazaar (Dharmshala). We may stop here for the night or continue on past here to the teahouses at Duwang. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 14 The longest day of the trip as we cross the Larkya La (5135m). An early start is essential. We ascend across glacial moraines through rugged, often snow covered terrain, passing a frozen lake to reach the prayer flags marking the summit. Views across to Annapurna II, Kang Guru and Himlung Himal are our rewards. The descent is initially steep, then  eases off as we descend a moraine ridge leading to the lovely camping place in a lateral valley at Tanbuche. 10 hours walking.

Day 15 Descending past the Manaslu west base camp with more fine views of Annapurna II and Manaslu we drop back into rhododendron forest, walk through a narrow valley to reach civilisation again at Karche. 5 hours walking.

Day 16 An ancient moraine blocks the valley below Karche so we have to ascend again to cross it at the Karche La, from where the route down to the distant Marsyangdi River stretches out ahead. We continue down through the forest to Tilje (2400m) and to Dharapani where we join the Annapurna Circuit route. We head up the valley a short way to camp at Bagar Chaap. 5 hours walking.

Day 17 We are now on the busy Annapurna Circuit trail as we descend, against most of the foot traffic, down to the sub tropical village of Jagat. Exactly where we stop for the night will depend on the state of the road up this valley and how far we need to trek to meet our jeeps. 5 to 6 hours walking

Day 18 We travel back to Kathmandu, initially using jeeps from Jagat to Beshisahar, and then by minibus to Kathamndu. Quite a long day of travellling (timewise not distance) on a mix of dirt and tarmac roads.

Day 19 Free time in Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home, or possible stay an extra night in Kathmandu and take a same day flight home the next day.

Day 20 Arrive back in the UK.

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