Manaslu Circuit Trek

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, is in a valley surrounded by picturesque green hills on all sides. Assume you enter through the flight (Airways). The Mystic Adventure Holidays representative will be in the airport terminal with our company flag. The traditional greeting is to press one's palms together in front of the chest and utter "Namaste" (which means "I greet the god within you").

Depending on the level of the person you are welcoming, you may greet them with a nod of the head or a bow, as well as khadas (Buddhist shawls) or garlands and a crimson tika (tilak) on your forehead. Garlands and tilaks are used in Nepal to signify honor when someone come to wish you a hearty welcome.

After welcoming you, our representative will drop you off at your hotel and assist you with the check-in process. If you come by road, our representative will greet you at your location.

There will be no activities scheduled for you. You can relax, and if you wish to explore, you may do so on your own. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

On this day, you will be introduced to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Changu Narayan Temple. 

Each of these sites represents the ancient architecture and heritage of Nepal. You can get the insights into the cultural historical importance of the Kathmandu Valley. 

After the sightseeing, we will gather in the one place for the trip briefing. There, all our guides, trek leaders, and other staff will be present to brief you about the trip ahead. They will help you in the final preparation for the trek. 

Later in the evening, we will go to a restaurant or some lively place for dinner. This evening will be accompanied by the cultural dances and delicious Nepali meals. 

The starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking is Machha Khola, which takes a long drive to reach. The drive begins from Gongabu bus park to Arughat. From here, we will drive towards Dhading and continue the ride on a bumpy road to reach Machha Khola.

Enjoy a warm breakfast in Machha Khola and begin the trek. This is the first trekking step on the Manaslu Circuit. The trail features the steep stone staircases and suspension bridges. During this trek, the total altitude gain will be around 440m+. 

We will drive along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing the Khorla Besi, Tatopani hot springs, and Doban. During the drive, you will see the heartwarming countryside views, lush sal forests, rivers, and waterfalls.

Be ready for the steep stone staircase, especially on the Thado Bharyang. After crossing the Thado Bharyang, you will see a stone-paved village named Jagat. Jagat is also an entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. 

This trekking part from Jagat to Deng village is an important section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. During this journey, you will see a transition from the lower subtropical river valleys to the more remote and Tibetan-influenced Himalayan highlands. The elevation gain is about 520 m–550 m.

As usual, we will have breakfast and leave for the Deng village. The trails to the Deng village feature the ascents and descents through the deep gorges and rocky ridges. There are lush bamboo, pine, and rhododendron forests. This area also offers the Shringi Himal and Mount Manaslu views. 

On the way, you will see several beautiful Gurung and Tamang villages, including Salleri, Sirdibas, Philim, and Ekle Bhatti. We will cross the multiple steel suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. Upon reaching the Deng village, you can rest in your room. 

The trek from the Deng village to the Namrung village marks a transition into the higher and culturally Tibetan-influenced region of Nubri. The elevation gain during this part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 770 m to 800 m. 

As we start the trek from the Deng village, the trail follows the varied terrain. The trails on the way include a mix of bamboo forest, rhododendron forest, and fir and pine forest. We will also cross the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times via suspension bridges. The suspension bridges are all decorated with the beautiful prayer flags. 

Some key villages we will cross during this trek are Bihi Phedi, Ghap, and Prok. There are many walls and chortens in the Bihi Phedi area. Similarly, you can see the ancient stone and carvings of Buddha in meditative poses in Ghap, and from the park, the Shringi Himal and ancient monastery are visible. Stay hydrated till we reach the Namrung village. 

Cultural etiquette:

• Always walk clockwise around mani walls, chortens, and other religious monuments.

The Namrung to Shyala Gaun trek is a beautiful part of the Manaslu trek. The part includes a gradual ascent through the alpine forest and traditional Tibetan-style villages. 

We will trek from the Namrung Gaun, passing through the Lihi, Sho, and Lho. Each village has unique features. From the Lho village, you can see the panoramic views of Mount Manaslu. There is also the Ribung Monastery in Lho Village. 

During the trip, you can enjoy the views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and nearbu peaks.

Besides this, the path goes through the fairytale forest of rhododendron, fir, and oak. We may also encounter the wildlife there. As we approach the Shyala Gaun, you can see the traditional houses. 

The Shyala-to-Sama-Gaun trek is considered a short and easy part of the Manaslu trek. You can see the transition between higher-altitude stops.

As we start the trek from the Sama Gaun, the trail takes us through the damp forest. Then, we will cross a ridge and follow the relatively flat path across a stream draining the Punggen Glacier. As you approach Sama Gaon, you can see the yak pastures and fields. There are traditional mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags on the way. 

This section of the trek offers the views of the snowcapped peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli.

Today is the rest day at Sama Gaun. The upcoming days are for the gradual ascent to be able to cross the Laryka La pass. So, rest is a must. You can spend the day in Sama Gaun by resting, nearby trips, exploring the village, visti to the sites like manaslu base camp, birendra taal, and pung gyen gompa.

The Sama Gaon to Samdo village trek is a short part of the trek itinerary.  

We will start our trek from the Budhi Gandaki River through a widening valley, passing through the juniper and birch forest at Kermo Kharka, and cross wooden bridges over the river.

During the trek, we will come across several cultural sites, like the long mani walls, and pass through a stone archway called the Kani Gateway before entering the Samdo village.  

On this course of trip, you will see the views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Naike Peak.

The trek from the Samdo village to Dharamshala is an important segment of the trek itinerary. After this, you will be crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass. So, sum yourself up and keep the spirit alive for the next day. Until now, let's focus on the day.

We will begin trekking by descending slightly from the Samdo edge. The trail passes through the fields and ancient mani walls. Then, we cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and walk along the Larke River and pass through the ruins of Larkya Bazaar.

During this trip, the Larkya Glacier, Syacha Glacier, and Mt. Manaslu North are visible from different points. 

Thereafter, we will have to do a steady climb through the barren and arid landscape of rocky moraine and yak meadows before reaching the stone shelters of Dharamshala. 

The trek from Dharamshala to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass is the most challenging and rewarding part of the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary. You can observe the transition from the Gorkha district to the Manang district.

Early in the morning, between 3:00 AM and 4:30 AM, we will begin our ascent. This time is best to ascend to avoid the afternoon winds. Then, the trail takes us through the north side of the Larkya Glacier. Have some snacks, as this is a strenuous climb over the moraines, rocky ridges, and icy or snowy paths. 

During this ascent, you will be treated to the 360-degree views of Mount Manaslu, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru.

Thereafter, we will descend from Larkya La Pass to Bhimthang. The descent is more difficult than the ascent. The trails are full of steepness and slippery snow. It goes past the Salpudanda Glacier and the turquoise Pongkar Lake before reaching the Bhimthang. 

The trekking from the Bimthang to the Tiliche village is a scenic descent Itinerary part. By this part, we will be concluding the high-altitude trekking section of the Manaslu Circuit. You can see the transition from the barren, glacial environment of Bimthang to lush green subtropical jungles.

The trail goes through the lush forests and traditional villages. Starting from the short climb to a nearby ridge, we will descend steeply through the Sangure Kharka and cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Then, the trail takes us through the dense rhododendron forest, pine forest, and narrow valley. 

With this part of the trek finished, we will trek through the Karche and Gho Village before reaching the Tilije village. 

During this trek, you will see the views of the snowcapped peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal, especially from the Bimthang Ridge. 

The trip from the Tiliche village to Dharapani is the last trekking part. It is mostly a downhill section. We will trek through the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River.

We will trek through the Thonje village before reaching the Dharapani. There, you can see the traditional arch and mani walls. On the whole trip, you will pass through the beautiful mountain villages, fields of barley and potatoes, and lush forests.

From Dharapani, we will drive back to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu.

This day is the last day of the trip. On this day, you will be dropped at the Tribhuvan Airport as the package itinerary ends here. From now on, you are at your own pace and can choose to stay and explore Nepal or go to your destination.