Short Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 Days

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
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Short Manaslu Circuit TrekShort Manaslu Circuit Trek Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
  • Duration:13 Days
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Moderate to Challenging
  • Max. Altitude: 5106 M.
  • Starts at: Kathmandu
  • Ends at: Kathmandu
  • Best Time: March-May, and September-November
Highlights
  • Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machhe Khola
  • Views of the world's highest peaks- including Manaslu mountain (8,156m), LamjungHimal, Mt.Annapurna II, etc.
  • Trek along the Budhi Gandaki River Gorge
  • The highest point on the trek - Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,751ft)
  • Rich biodiversity and beautiful natural scenery
  •  Flora and fauna
  • Insight into Hindu and Buddhist Culture
  • Possibility of Spotting Wild Endangered Species

The short Manaslu circuit trek takes place in the once-restricted area of the Manaslu region. Manaslu trek revolves around the mighty Manaslu Mountain which locals consider a holy deity. From the giant soaring mountains to the diverse wildlife and amicable hospitality of the locals, Manaslu has so much to offer.

It is a classic trek and is considered to be the best of its kind by experts. There are many mysteries that the Manaslu region quietly covers in its shadows. Manaslu Circuit Trek is a less tourist and remote area of Himalayan Nepal. We Highly recommended traveling and trekking in the Manaslu region.

Our 13-day Manaslu circuit trek begins as you arrive in Kathmandu, and explore Thamel yourself. The next day, we drive to a village named Machhe Khola in the Gorkha district. A private vehicle will take us there through the beautiful Prithivi highway with a dazzling view of rivers, landscapes, forests, and many picturesque villages.

Along the driving,  you will Cross, Sotikhola, and Lapubesi and you will find yourself in the vicinity of Maccha Khola.
Rest for a while in Tatopani and after some heavy climbing, you will reach Jagat. With the extreme isolation and influence of Tibetan Buddhism, you proceed toward Deng. Move past Mani walls and prayer flags to reach the quaint settlement of Namrung.

Breathe in the Tibetan culture and admire the tranquil scene of the Himalayan Mountains like Manaslu and Ganesh Himal to reach the stopping point Samagaon. The Manaslu trek trail takes a steep turn to the Manaslu base camp, which is simply magical. Observe the Himalayan panorama and find yourself hiking to Samdo.

As you hike on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River, we reach the stone cottage called Dharmashala. Rest here for a day and finally head out to conquer the Manaslu Larkya-La Pass. The descending path now takes us to Dharapani via the Dudh Khola River. The road leads us to Shyange and from there; we take a bus that leads us to Kathmandu where this trip will end.

What Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek Special?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trek that offers an authentic experience in the remote regions of the Himalayas. The key highlights of this trek are:

  • The trek takes you through the beautiful Manaslu region. You can witness the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, including the eighth-highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163m).
  • Unlike the Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded. This allows travelers to experience off-the-beaten-path in the Nepalese Himalayas.
  • The trek includes several high passes, including the Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Larkya La Pass is one of the most challenging in the Himalayas.
  • The Manaslu region has diverse wildlife, including snow leopards, musk deer, blue sheep, and Himalayan Thar.
  • Manaslu Circuit Trek provides an authentic trekking experience. You can explore ancient monasteries and observe the traditional culture.

Benefits of Bookings Manaslu Circuit Trekking with Ace Vision Treks

Ace Vision Treks is a local reliable tour trekking agency based in Kathmandu. We specialize in organizing adventure trips in the Himalayas. With our long history of service, we take pride in offering the Manaslu Circuit Trek as one of our top packages. When you choose to trek with us, here are some benefits you can enjoy. We have different Travel packages for your vacation!  Are you planning 2 week to Manaslu Circuit trek? So, visit our Manaslu Circuit Trek package to complete the Himalayan trekking experience.

  • Our team of experienced trekking guides is well-versed in the local context. So they can provide valuable insights into the places you will visit during the trek.
  • We offer customized itineraries tailored to your preferences.
  • We put safety first. Also, we ensure that all safety measures are in place during the trek.
  • Our pricing is competitive. We provide transparent pricing without any hidden fees.
  • We provide 24/7 customer support, ensuring all your queries and concerns are promptly addressed. We also provide pre-trekking and post-trekking support.

Itinerary

On your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative from Ace Vision Treks & Tours will pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You can rest for the day and enjoy your own time. 

Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1, 400m
  • Accommodation:Hotel

We drive out early from the Kathmandu Valley following the road alongside the Trishuli River. View of rivers and lush forests with beautiful villages will ease your eyes. The drive is comfortable at first and a little bumpy towards the end of the 8-9 hours journey. We drive to Machhe Khola in Gorkha district, which resides right next to the raging Budi Gandaki River.

Machha Khola is a well-maintained trail that goes through the fine forests with varieties of flora and fauna. The road takes us to Khursane Bari and past two waterfalls that cling to a rocky cliff. As we proceed forward, we take a quick rest in the Gurung village of Lapubesi. The trail meanders through the rice terraces and it later gives way to the Maccha Khola.

Overnight in Machhe Khola.

  • Max. Altitude:930
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

The road to Jagat takes us across the Tharo Khola and stops at Khorlabesi. The elevated trail takes us to Tatopani, where we can relax for a while. You need to climb well-crafted staircases to reach a ridge that overlooks Dovan. Gradually you make your way up Dovan until you arrive at Tharo Bharyang. Finally, cross the western bank of Budi Gandaki to reach the stopping point for today, Jagat. This is a famous resting point for travelers on the road to the Manaslu circuit.

Overnight in Jagat.

  • Max. Altitude:1, 370 m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Today we trek through the sub-tropical forest of oak, birch, and pine trees which is home to many different species of birds here. This region is ideal for bird watching. We also pass through some villages namely Salleri, Eaklibatti(Chisapani), Nyak, and some others. Suspension bridges every now and then over the beautifully bluish Budigandaki River add to the beauty of the journey. We stay overnight at the village of Deng after 6-8 hours of walk. This small village is home to people that follow Tibetan Buddhism.

Overnight in Deng.

  • Max. Altitude:1, 860 m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

We start walking early after breakfast. The trail is steep initially but gets easy as we go ahead. We cross the Mani walls before reaching the gorgeous village of Ghap. From Ghap we move further ahead following the road through Prok village. Pork is an amazing viewpoint for the Siring Himal. The trail meanders along with the dense forests. Passing the deep intense bamboo forests, we reach Namrung. Take some time to admire the dramatic scenery that engulfs this majestic village.

Overnight in Namrung.

  • Max. Altitude:2, 540 m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

The trek on this day is comparatively easy. The distance we cover is 17.7 km. But, the significant gain in altitude makes it a little tough. We pass through villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho village. Mani walls and prayer wheels add beauty to the trail. The culture here seems to be highly influenced by Tibetan culture. But still remains untouched and uninfluenced by the modern world. We can get unblemished views of mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna along the way. After 5-6 hours of walking, we reach Samagaon for the night stay.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 390 m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

This is the day when we explore some side trips and hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400m). Early in the morning, we hike to the base camp. The journey to base camp is extremely satisfying with views unlike anywhere. Majestic Manaslu with its striking shape shines in glory right in the front, this is serene. It normally takes 3 hours to reach the base camp. You might also enjoy the side trips to Birendra Tal: a glacial lake on the base of Manaslu Peak, and Pungyen Gompa (4,060m): a divine religious institution with amazing serenity.

Overnight in the same tea house.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

The walk is pleasant from Sama Gaon to Samdo on this day. We cross suspension bridges pass through birch and rhododendron forests walking up and down the hills alongside the Budi Gandaki River. The view on the way is soul-satisfying. Samdo is known for its striking view of Manaslu. After crossing the Kermo Kharka, we arrive at Samdo. Tibetan culture prevails here and can be seen in the lifestyle of locals.

Overnight in Samdo.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 690 m.
  • Time:2-3 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Today is an easy day comparatively. Crossing a wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki River, we start our walk for the day. Mani stones and prayer flags add beauty to the trail. After crossing a few streams, along the trail, we get a stunning view of Larkya Glacier. Further up a little, we reach a stoned guest house named Dharamsala. We walk for 4-5 hours this day which provides us plenty of time to rest and acclimatize.

Overnight in Dharmasala

  • Max. Altitude:4,460 m.
  • Time:4-5 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

On this day, we cross the famous Larke La pass. This is the highest point in our trek taking us up to an altitude of (5106m/ 16,747 ft). From here, the view is out of the world. Mountains surrounding us in all directions, and glacial lakes adding colors to the view are all stupendously beautiful. Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Kangaroo Himal, Manaslu, and many more peaks are all around this giant formation. The trail this day mostly passes through moraines. We trek down crossing the pass walking through grassy moraines.

Overnight in Bimthang.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 590 m.
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

From this day, the trek gets easy gradually. Crossing a wooden bridge over the Dudh Koshi River takes us to Sangure Kharka and we will walk into dense pine and rhododendron forests. Expect to see some Langur on your way through. We walk through the banks of the river. Passing villages like Goa we continue our walk to Tilije. Tilije is a village for brandy produced here locally. Mani stones and Chortens can be seen down the way up to Thorge village after crossing the Dudh Koshi River. We check out from Manaslu Conservation Area and check in to Annapurna Conservation Area. Dharapani is an absolutely picturesque village by the banks of Marsayangdi with waterfalls and beautiful colored guesthouses and houses.

Overnight in Dharapani.

  • Max. Altitude:1, 860 m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

On the day, We are heading to Kathmandu by our private vehicle, passing, Taal, Chamja, Jagat, Syange, and Besishar. The drive takes around 8-9 Hours.

  • Max. Altitude:1, 400 m.
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

A representative from Ace Vision Treks & Tours will escort you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight. On our way home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

    Cost Details
    What is Included
    • Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport Pick-Up and Drop by Private Vehicle
    • 3 Night Accommodation in Kathmandu, on BB Plan
    • Kathmandu to Machhe Khola By Private Vehicle
    • Manaslu Conservation Area entry Permits
    • Annapurna Conservation Area entry Permits
    • Manaslu Restricted Area's Special Permits
    • An experienced English-speaking Himalayan trekking-guide
    • Porter (2 gusts= 1 Porter)
    • Meal and Accommodation During Trekking
    • Staff food, accommodation, salary & insurance
    • Dharapani to Kathmandu by Private Vehicle
    • Souvenir a Company T-shirt
    • Ace Vision treks & Tours Achievement Certificate after the successful Trek (if required)
    • All Governmental procedures and Paperwork
    What is not Included
    • Your Travel Insurance
    • Your Nepal visa
    • You will require 2 passport size photos
    • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
    • Personal trekking Equipment
    • Tips for trekking crews
    • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the price include sections
    Useful Information

    Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

    To trek in the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers need to obtain several permits. Here are the permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

    Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

    The Manaslu region is restricted and only open to group trekkers. So, permits are not being issued to individual trekkers. The permit fee for the Manaslu region trek varies depending on the time of the year.

    Between December to August, the cost is USD 50 per person per week. If you plan to stay for more than seven days, you will be charged an additional USD 7 per person per day for each day beyond the first seven days.

    If you plan to trek in the Manaslu region between December to August, the cost is USD 50 per person per week. For each additional day beyond seven days, you will be charged USD 7 per person per day.

    Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

    The cost of the ACAP is USD 30 per person. Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Trekkers must also obtain the TIMS Card, which costs USD 10 for individual trekkers and USD 20 for group trekkers.

    Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

    Trekkers need to obtain a local permit from the MCAP, which costs USD 30 per person.

    Trekking in restricted areas is available only through a travel agency, and we can help manage your trip to Manaslu.

    If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

    Ace Vision Treks & Tours (P.) Ltd

    Paknajol Marg 43 Thamel, (Chhetrapati Chowk)
    Kathmandu, Nepal
    Email: [email protected], [email protected]
    Call: +977-9851025312 [Same Number for WhatsApp]

    Meal and Accommodation

    The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a variety of accommodation options, including tea houses and camping. Here's what you can expect in terms of accommodation and meals during the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

    Accommodation

    The teahouses available during the Manaslu Circuit Trek are simple guesthouses that typically provide a bed, a shared bathroom, and basic meals. The quality of the accommodation can vary based on the location. The teahouses tend to be more comfortable in the lower regions, such as the villages of Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Samdo, and Dharmasala.

    However, as you ascend higher, the lodges become more basic. Despite the varying levels of comfort, you can expect a warm bed, hot meals, and friendly hospitality at these tea houses.

    Camping is also an option for those who prefer a more adventurous experience. The camping sites are usually located away from villages. Facilities during camping include a high-quality tent, sleeping bags, and camping mats for each trekker. The cost of camping during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally higher than staying in tea houses.

    Meals

    Meals during the trek are typically served in teahouses along the route. The food options can be limited, but a variety of local dishes are available. Typical local dishes include Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables). Other popular dishes include chapati (flatbread), omelets, fried rice, and noodles.

    In addition to Nepali cuisine, travelers can find Chinese, Indian, and continental dishes. The food options along the trail may vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients.

    Wi-Fi and Phone

    The Wi-Fi and phone connectivity are available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek but may be limited in some areas.

    Wi-Fi

    Tea Houses: Most tea houses along the trail offer Wi-Fi. But it may not be reliable and may have limited bandwidth.

    Cellular Data: Trekkers can purchase a local SIM card with a data plan. However, the connectivity may be limited in some areas, and the speed may be slow. Nepal Telecom and NCELL are the top mobile providers in Nepal.

    Phone

    Tea Houses: Most tea houses have a landline telephone facility for making local and international calls, but the call rates may be expensive.

    Satellite Phone: Trekkers can rent a satellite phone for emergency use. The cost of renting a satellite phone varies. You can rent it in Kathmandu.

    Best Season for Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking

    The best season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is September to November and March to May. Here's why:

    September to November (Autumn)

    The weather during autumn is stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. This makes the autumn season ideal for trekking.

    •  Autumn offers clear views of the mountain peaks, making it a popular season among trekkers.
    • The autumn season is also the time for major festivals in Nepal. Dashain and Tihar are the main festivals that are celebrated in autumn.

    March to May (Spring)

    • The spring season also offers stable weather conditions, with moderate temperatures and clear skies.
    •  The spring season is when the flora along the trail starts blooming, adding to the scenic beauty of the trek.
    • The spring season is also the time for the Nepali New Year and the Buddha Jayanti festival, which provide a unique cultural experience for trekkers.

      Altitude of  Manaslu Trek

    The short Manaslu Circuit Trek begins at Kathmandu at an altitude of 1400m and goes up to the highest point of the trek at Larkya-La Pass at 5106m.

    The first day of the trek is spent in Kathmandu at an altitude of 1400m. The second day starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, which is at an altitude of 930m. On the third day, trekkers ascend to Jagat at 1370m. On day four, they ascend to Deng at 1860m, followed by Namrung on day five at 2540m. Day six involves reaching Sama Gaon at 3390m. On day seven, trekkers can hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4400m or visit Pungyen Gompa. Day eight involves trekking to Samdo at 3690m, and on day nine, trekkers reach Dharamsala at 4460m.

    Day               Destination                                                       Altitude (m)

    1                 Kathmandu                                                                 1400

    2                 Machha Khola                                                             930

    3                 Jagat                                                                           1370

    4                 Deng                                                                            1860

    5                 Namrung                                                                      2540

    6                 Sama Gaon                                                                  3390

    7                 Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa                    4400

    8                 Samdo                                                                           3690

    9                 Dharamsala                                                                   4460

    10               Larkya La Pass                                                              5106

    11               Dharapani                                                                      1860

    12               Bimthang                                                                       3560

    13              Kathmandu                                                                     1400

     

    The altitude gains between Namrung, and Sama Gaon is significant, which may cause some difficulties for trekkers. Therefore, so trekkers should take adequate precautions. On day seven, trekkers can hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4400m or visit Pungyen Gompa. Day eight involves trekking to Samdo at 3690m, and on day nine, trekkers reach Dharamsala at 4460m.

    Finally, on day ten, trekkers reach the highest point at Larkya-La Pass at an altitude of 5106m. After that, the trek descends gradually, with trekkers reaching Dharapani at 1860m on day eleven and Tal at 1680m on day twelve before returning to Kathmandu.

    Ace Vision Treks has been organizing treks to Short Manaslu Circuit Trek and many others for the past long time. Local Reliable Tour Trekking Company's experienced trek guide will brief you completely during the treks and ensure you have a pleasant private tour. We offer quality service at a genuine cost.

     

    Client Reviews

    • Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks!!!

      Before I get into details, I really just have to say that the owner Ganesh is amazing. Incredible service, so responsive, and sensitive to his customer’s needs. It’s clear that he has listened intently to customer feedback and integrates it into his service. There were times when I felt like he knew exactly what I was thinking and feeling regarding the planning of my trek.

      I came across Ganesh on a random travel blog about trekking in Nepal. The authors highly recommended him and gave his email. I sent him a message and the rest was smooth sailing.

      Ganesh’s office is conveniently located in the heart of Thamel. This made a big difference. If you’re like me and come to Kathmandu without plans or gear, you’ll likely be walking around shops a lot, buying things, and also considering different options for treks. Ganesh met me at my hotel to discuss my thoughts on the trek multiple times, and I was also able to chat with him at his office on my way back to my hotel after exploring the city once or twice. This was SUPER convenient and allowed him to really understand what I was looking for and customize the trek. It also allowed me to get fantastic guidance on what I needed to buy in real time. I don’t have a great deal of trekking experience, so a 3 week trip in the Himalayas is not a joke. With Ganesh’s help, I was able to put together an amazing itinerary and was totally prepared to go within just a 2-3 days of starting to plan. It was also not a very typical itinerary, which reflected how well Ganesh listened to what I was looking for and the dialogue we had in putting it all together. He shared insights with me that influenced my decisions about where to go, and while I was on the trek, there were multiple instances when I thought to myself, “ooh, this is what Ganesh was talking about!”

      Finally, Ganesh personally came to pick me up and to me off at the airport. He didn’t need to do that. This is probably the most impressive thing about him. He is incredibly professional and friendly, and went above and beyond to make me feel like a valued customer.

      I can’t speak highly enough about Ace Adventures and Ganesh. Everything about my experience was awesome and I definitely recommend this company to anyone who is coming to explore Nepal and appreciates super considerate and earnest service.

      J
      Johnny YangUnited States,October, 2023
      Google
    Tripadvisor5.0Tripadvisor72 reviews
    Price Per PersonUS$1240US$1570
    based on 2 reviews
    Total PriceUS$2480
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