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Considered one of the best treks in Nepal, the circular trek around Manaslu is a less busy alternative to the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. Hiking from the steamy terrace fields of rice in the lowlands to the snowbound Larkya La Pass near the Tibetan border is a physically challenging trek. Being remote, rich in local culture, and stunning scenery, we think it’s worth it. Some of the highlights include the Budi Gandaki River gorge, where icy turquoise water flows over waterfalls and under suspension bridges. And the 5,167m Larkya La pass, where crampons may be needed. From the pass, stupendous views lay behind and ahead – including a great glacial cirque and Annapurna II towering above other mountains. This remote area still has a pioneering expedition feel, much different from the more trekked routes. If you like more isolation and less trekkers on the trail, inexplicable natural beauty, and are physically fit, this trek is worth exploring.
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Please see your name card at the arrival gate of the airport. Magical Nepal Representative will be there to pick you up
Itinerary
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1
You can take a bus or a bus/ local jeep combo to the starting point of the trek. A private jeep is also an option you might want to consider as the road is long, dusty, and bumpy. The local buses and jeeps will stop on the highway for lunch and toilet breaks. Your own jeep is more flexible, of course.
8 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
After the bumpy ride yesterday, it’s great to get out and start walking today. Already you feel like you are in the wilds as the road is rocky and narrow as you pass through sal forests, along rivers, passed waterfalls, and high cliffs. Some villages are on the way, mainly of Gurung and Ghale peoples. Lunch will be taken in one of the villages, perhaps with fresh local milk and yogurt. At Nyali Khola (river), there is a rocky edge where locals and others come to pray to the local river and mountain deities to keep them safe on the trail. As the river trail winds up and down, you will encounter mule trains. Please stand at the trail's hillside (not the drop side) when they pass to avoid slipping downhill! Overnight in Maccha Khola (literally ‘fish river’).
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
Today we follow the Buri Gandaki River on a trail that twists along the river. In the forests, there is a chance to see monkeys and langurs. Walking on, we reach Gurung villages, home to many shepherds, until we reach Tatopani (‘hot water) where you can soak in the warm waters. But don’t get too relaxed; the day is not finished yet! Crossing the Bhuri Gandaki by a suspension bridge, there is another cantilever bridge to cross further on to reach Jagat. Jagat is a flagstoned Gurung village, significant as it is from here you are entering the Manaslu Restricted Area. Overnight at Jagat.
7 hours • Admission ticket free -
4
n case you didn’t know it, this trek goes through areas heavily influenced by Buddhist traditions. Prayer flags are seen fluttering in the wind as we descent to Sirdibas from Salleri. Gompas can also be found in Sirdibas. Further along the trail we reach a checkpost at Phillim where your permit will be inspected before continuing along the western bank of the river. The trail continues along the river with its uniquely water-formed boulders and through rhododendron and pine forests. At Pewa we overnight in a teahouse and enjoy dal bhat for dinner.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
5
Today the trail goes across a landslide zone, so extra care is needed when walking. Please pay attention to your guide’s instructions. On a positive note, there will be more monkeys on the route today, providing us with some entertainment, and our final destination of Namrung village has a treat in store. One of the local businessmen worked in Hong Kong and has returned to build a hotel and restaurant with great coffee and wifi!
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
6
Today we walk past several mani walls (stone walls with Buddhist mantras carved into the stones) as the villagers are heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. With Tibet being so close, many locals wear Tibetan dress and follow a traditional Tibetan lifestyle. Lush terraces, fir, oak, rhododendron forests, and rocky hillsides are the order of the day. There are also some fine paintings on the gate arches that we pass through before Sho village. Overnight at Lho, where the views are stunning of Manaslu (8,163m) and Manaslu North (7,157m).
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
7
Today’s hike is shorter as we are now gaining altitude. The morning starts with glorious views of Mt Manaslu until we enter Sama Gaun, where the mountain views are overtaken by yak pastures. On the way, pass through pine forests and a moss gully. Sama Gaon is the principal village of the Nubri people, and here is a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, and telephone/wifi access.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
8
Acclimatization helps prevent altitude-related illness. But that doesn’t mean a day of rest! The best way to acclimatize is to remain active. There are some choices as to where you can hike today - Pungyen Gompa on the east of the Nubri Valley, Manaslu Base Camp, or Birendra Tal (lake). The hikes will take around 2 hours, and a packed lunch can be eaten while relaxing alongside the trail. If you feel particularly tired, opt for the lake walk, which is shorter. Manaslu Base Camp requires a bit more effort as it is 4,400m. But we walk slowly and keep well hydrated.
7 hours • Admission ticket free -
9
Today we see many yak pastures in a broad valley as we trek towards Sambo. You can explore neighboring villages from this village or hike up to Samdo Peak, from where you can see the trail to the Larkya La pass and on to Tibet.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
10
As we are now at quite a high altitude, we have another acclimatization day. Here is a chance to go to the Tibetan border to look over into Tibet. Unfortunately we cannot actually go there but we might see yak caravans passing over the border. We might also see blue sheep, pica’s and marmots if we are lucky. Looking south we see Samdo Glacier with a hug serac near its top.
8 hours • Admission ticket free -
11
Walking slowly in the high altitude, we are enthralled by the chain of Himalaya mountains and rugged terrain. Tonight overnight in the picturesque village of Dharamsala with its wonderful views.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
12
Today we reach the highest point of the trail. We will cross the Larkya La pass (5,160m). In bad weather or snow, it is very challenging but still doable. But we must pass before the afternoon, so we will get up early this morning. The views from the pass are amazing - Himlung (7,126m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m) in the Annapurna Range. After taking in the views, it’s about a 3-hour walk downhill, viewing huge icefalls and mountains on the way. We can also see Pongkar Tal between the Pongkar and Salpudanda Glaciers. We overnight at Bimthang.
10 hours • Admission ticket free -
13
On this last day in the Manaslu region, trek downhill through lush forests and rhododendron bushes. We stop for lunch at Karche Village after having crossed the Dudh Khola. We see signs of glacier floods in this area, and the track becomes quite rough. Then the valley becomes lusher, and we can see signs of agriculture as we pass fields and forests.
10 hours • Admission ticket free -
14Kathmandu
This is the final day of your trip. There is the same choice of transport: local jeep and bus or private jeep to each Kathmandu by the evening.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)
Soti Khola to Maccha Khola
Maccha Khola to Jagat
Jagat to Pewa
Namrung to Lho
Namrung to Lho
Lho to Sama Gaun
Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
Sama Gaun to Samdo
Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
Day 11: Samdo to Dharamasala
Dharamasala – Larkye La Pass – Bimthang
Bimthang to Tal
Tal to Kathmandu
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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