Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a neighbor of the Annapurnas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a massif of aestheticism without comparison Its secret valleys have always seen yak caravans trading with Tibet. Landscapes of high mountains and valleys sinking in the heart of glaciers. The gigantic walls of the Himal Chuli, and traditional villages are the ingredients of this beautiful route.
This crossing of the different Himalayan stages is also a real journey of discovering ethnic families. Therefore, we pass the villages inhabited by Gurung, Tibetans, or Tibetans Manangis. We walk in classic route to make a tour through the Gurung villages which constitute a real highlight of this trip. Manaslu circuit trek itinerary is a beautiful approach to the Nepalese Himalayas, in the secret of the remote valleys.
This 15-day adventure provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of Nepal. It features the hidden beauty of Nubri Valley, the challenging Larkya La pass, and rich cultural experiences with local Gurung, Bhutia, and Sherpa communities. The breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks are the highlights of the trek.
Key points to remember
It's recommended that you arrive a day before your trip begins to rest and get any gear you need for the trek. When booking international flights, consider adding extra days in Nepal before and after your trek in case of weather delays or cancellations. You can also customize your trip by adding a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
You will need a special permit to conduct this entire trek. You have to acquire ACAP and MCAP permits for the trek and also a special permit trek as Manaslu is a restricted area. Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Manaslu Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 13,50 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
We leave by bus in the direction of Dhanding. The road offers great views of the Trisuli River Valley, but shortly after the road turns away from it, we turn north through beautiful tropical scenery. At Arughat Bazaar, we change vehicles. We go up the course of the Burhi Gandaki, through fields and rice paddies, to Macchakola, passing through the villages of Arkhet, Almara, Lapubesi, and machhakhola
Drive in a private vehicle for 7 hours.
Final Altitude: 930m
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
We continue our progress along the river to Kanigaon and Khola Bensi, with at times beautiful views of the peaks of Ganesh Himal and the Machha Khola valley. We reach Tatopani fairly quickly, on the same bank of the river, where there is a hot spring, then we cross the Budi Gandaki by a suspension bridge to reach Dobhan (1,300 m). The Budi Gandaki valley then narrows before arriving at Jagat.
Walk 6hrs
Final altitude: 1300m
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Ascend right bank, crossing the villages of Saleri and Sirdibas, to the bridge under Philim. The path turns into a balcony path with a beautiful view of the village of Pansing. For an hour, the trail is carved into the cliff above an impressive gorge. At Pewa (1750 m), the valley opens up to offer a beautiful panorama of the Ganesh Himal massif. Crossing the deep gorges of the Budi Gandaki on an iron bridge. The path evolves between wooded areas and rocky areas, and the vegetation changes gradually. Arrival at the village of Pewa, where the Tibetan influence is already felt, as much by the architecture as by the faces of the villagers, or the prayer wheels.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1800m
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
The “Tibetan” villages follow one another with their “manis” (engraved stone walls) and prayer wheels, signs of cultural change. The path is sometimes tricky (rockslides). Crossing of humid forest, where we can see some monkeys (without any aggressiveness). Steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung. A beautiful typical village, with its stove built in the middle of the main street and its women working on their looms.
6hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,540m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
The path is sometimes tricky to descend to Gapshe small villages. Crossing of humid forest, where we can see some monkeys (without any aggressiveness). Steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung. A beautiful typical village, with its stove built in the middle of the main street and its women working on their looms. After the superbly cultivated plateau which crosses the hamlets of Baksan, Lihi, and Wangsang, we walk against the backdrop of the immaculate Manaslu, contrasting with the color of the fields. The trail soon arrives at Shyo, offering us beautiful views of the Ganeshs and then the Himal Chuli. We pass a beautiful series of chortens and mani walls. Arrived at Lho, we visit the village, the school, and its small monastery, then settle down at the lodge for the night.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3200m
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
We also have a beautiful view of the Manaslu Himal. We visit Lho Monastery before continuing to Shyala. From Shyala we head towards Sama. This stage is a little-used variant of the Manaslu tour and allows us to perfect our acclimatization. We are in a wild environment between rock and grassy plateaus. The panorama is exceptional and we admire the Manaslu, which is getting closer to us every day. We are not far from the glaciers and the chortens and mani walls remind us of a human presence from a not-so-distant time. We retrace our steps to take the "classic" path and go to the village of Sama.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3500m
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Acclimatisation day. We visit the superb Tibetan village of Samagaon, the monastery, and the cells of the nuns. We make a short detour to Lake Birendra Kund (3,570 m), located at the foot of Manaslu. For the fittest and best acclimatisation, it is possible to climb to the base camp of Manaslu at 4,850 metres (+1,350 m, and about 10 hours of walking). For this, you will have to leave very early in the morning and plan a picnic.
DAY 10: TREKKING FROM SAMA TO SAMDO (3800M)
We continue our progress towards the long Mani wall of Kermo Manan and the village of Samdo (3,800 m), located very close to the Tibetan border, not far from the confluence of the Sama Chu with the Budhi Gandaki, and which is home to a community of Tibetan refugees. A caravan trail joins Tibet by the Lajyung Pass (5,096 m).
4 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,980 m
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: night in the Tea house
Altitude acclimatisation day. It is possible to discover the surroundings of Samdo before continuing our progress towards Dharamsala. A stone hut only. In the highest camp of the trip, the night will be cold.
4 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 4470m
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: night in the Tea house
Departure early in the morning, going up the course of the Larke Khola. The progression is easy at first, then becomes much steeper at the end of the ascent of the Larkya pass, the altitude of which varies quite significantly depending on the sources, from 4,910 m to 5,220 m. In any case, we have a great view of Tibet border peaks such as Cheo (6,812 m), Nemjung (7,140 m) and Himlung (7,126 m), as well as Kang Guru (7,010 m), Gyaji Kang (7,036 m) and even Annapurna II (7,937 m). On the other side of the pass, we often descend on snow, then scree, to reach the glacial valley of Bimtang, from where we can see the west face of Manaslu.
9 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,700m
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: night in the Tea house
we descend the valley of the Dudh Khola River into a wooded area with rhododendrons and conifers to arrive at Surki Khola. We still cross mountain pasture hamlet after 7 hours of walking
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2500m
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: night in the Tea house
After a private jeep drive to Besisahar, we will change vehicles to continue our journey to Kathmandu.
7-8 hours of walking
Meals: breakfast – lunch
Accommodation: night in the Tea house
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you off at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels
Included & Excluded
Included Points |
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AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff. |
PERMITS :
All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Manaslu restricted permit
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Manaslu Region Trekking map.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Land Transportation: Kathmandu – machha khola and while returning Dharapani - Kathmandu (by reserved Jeep/bus, as per itinerary)
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
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GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. |
PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive Medical kit. |
Excluded Points |
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL VISA FEES :
The Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation. |
PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek is not included.
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TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. Notes: Costs may be prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified. Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure. your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from participant to participant. |
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Khopra Ridge
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclonazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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