• Duration:16 Nights 17 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 5213m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is the ultimate hiking and trekking adventure in the Himalaya of Nepal. This exciting trek leads into a hidden valley of unsurpassed natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. You are not likely to meet other tourists on the Manaslu Circuit Trek as it was opened only in 1991 and still is practically unheard of staying in rustic lodges in stone-house villages is part of the fun. The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins at Arughat, Gorkha, a full-day drive from Kathmandu. The first few days we follow the steep gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River. This may well be the most difficult part of our trek as the trail is not as good as some of the well-travelled trekking trails. Countless streams and waterfalls plunge into the Budhi Gandaki River. When the trail enters the Manaslu Conservation Area just before Jagat, a cultural shift is visible. Below this point Nepalese Hinduism prevails, while beyond here, Tibetan Buddhism is predominant and from here on the villages give you the feeling of being in Tibet.

Deeper into the valley there are fewer and smaller villages, often perched on the steep valley sides. Small terraced fields are farmed with ancient methods and hard labor by farmers who scarcely notice the remarkable panorama of peaks like the magnificent Manaslu and the Himalchuli Massif on the Nepal-Tibet border. This stunning scenery is part of the harsh reality of life for the inhabitants of this rugged land. Manaslu Circuit Trekking gradually acclimatizes by climbing fewer hours per day as we approach the rough glacial moraine. We stop to admire the green glacial lake of Birendra before crossing into mystic Samdo, a village close to the Tibetan border where Tibetan monks inhabit sacred monasteries. The view of the Tibetan plateau against the stark white Himalaya makes this a truly spiritual place.

Crossing Larke La Pass, 5213m on snow is a test of stamina. The scenery is outstanding with major peaks on all sides: Himalchuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal. These mountain peaks tower above us as we descend from alpine into tropical areas, bursting with ferns, bamboo, waterfalls and blue-green lakes bordered by white beaches. At last we reach the heavily forested valley of the Marsyangdi River until we meet up with the popular Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail. From here on we will meet other trekkers enjoying the fantastic views of the Annapurna range. This three-week trek around the Manaslu Circuit will leave you with a sense of awe and respect for the cultural and ecological wonders of Nepal.
 

Planning to do Manaslu Circuit Trekking in 2022 and 2023!!

We have guaranteed departure for Manaslu Circuit Trekking during spring and autumn season. There are trekkers really eager to do the Trek. They would like to join a group of 4 - 6 trekkers. If you are interested in joining this group please let us know. This small group is sure to be a lot of fun, and it is a great saving too.

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trekking

  • remote and offbeat region where few trekkers venture
  • ancient trading route with Tibet
  • tibetan-Buddhist culture
  • majestic Himalayan scenery of mountains on Nepal-Tibet border
  • view from Larke La Pass, 5213m: Himal Chuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal
  • optional side trip into Tsum Valley, home of the indigeonous Tsumba community

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

    The Managing Director of our company will be there to meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

        We pass through a forested area as we approach Dovan. From the trail, you will be able to see the huge rapids at BudhiGandaki - a hot-spot for avid rafters. As the elevation increases, the scenery undergoes a completly transforms from forests to alpine highlands. 

          After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, we climb through the terraced fields to Saguleri. This spot offers stunning views of Sringi Himal, 7187m. The trail crosses the river again at GataKhola where the path splits. We head to the Ganesh Himal and continue upstream passing through a steep gorge section with towering walls. We cross over the river and approach the village of Ngyak.

            We continue to follow the trail to the village of Deng where we will pass through a newly built rock tunnel. Ghap is a peaceful Tibetan village adorned with Mani stones and chortens.

              After crossing the wooden bridge over BudhiGandaki, the trail passes through numerous cultivated fields dotted with tiny houses. We check in at the police checkpoint in the village of Namru. On our way to Lho, we get stunning views of Naike peak 6416m, Manaslu North, 7774m and Mount Manaslu, 8150m.

                After we leave Lho, we make a side excursion to the base of the Pungen Glacier for a fantastic view of Manaslu. The trail then follows the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward the village called SamaGaon. We can walk up to the Sama Gompa monastery in the afternoon, 

                  A day to relax or take leisurely walks in the area. We can walk up to the Sama Gompa monastery in the afternoon or take a short hike to the Manslu Base Camp. 

                    Today, we follow the terraced BudhiGandaki River valley to the region’s most remote permanent settlement called Samdo. Here in this harsh terrain, is a village of about forty houses where some 200 villagers live. We will stay here tonight and enjoy the warm hospitality of the community.

                      We descend on a wide, gentle trail to the river and then begin the climb toward the Larkya La Pass. We climb in and out of a huge gorge before we reach a rest house at Larkya Phedi from where we get excellent views of the Larkya Glacier. 

                        Today, we climb toward the snow covered pass at Larkya La. The hard work reaching this point will be rewarded with an amazing view from the pass. You will be able to see Himlung Himal, 7126m, Cheo Himal, 6820m, Kang Kuru, 6981m and Annapurna II, 7937m. 

                          Today we enjoy a gentle climb through paddy fields toward the small Karcha La Pass. Then we will descend through rhododendron and fig-lined forests to the village of Gho. 

                              Sit back and relax on your way back to Kathmandu. The view from the road is amazing! Pull out your camera and enjoy the natural spectacle.

                                Our staff will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your journey with Annapurna Foothill Treks!

                                  What's Included

                                  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
                                  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
                                  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, 3 Nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis
                                  • Accommodation during Trek ; Local Lodges/ Tea House 13 Nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
                                  • All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
                                  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
                                  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
                                  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
                                  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
                                  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
                                  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
                                  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
                                  • Energy Supplies (Snickers, Mars, Bounty) on the Trek
                                  • First aid medicine kit.
                                  • Special Permit Fee, TIMS permits and all required permits or Official Documentation.
                                  • Ground Transfers Kathmandu - Soti Khola by Sharing Jeep/ Bus (Upgrade to Private Jeep - $180 USD)
                                  • Ground Transfers Tal – Besi Shar – Kathmandu by Sharing Jeep and Bus (Upgrade to Private Vehicle - $ 200 USD)
                                  • All government and local taxes.

                                  What’s Excluded

                                  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
                                  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
                                  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
                                  • Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, boiled water and beer).
                                  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
                                  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
                                  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

                                  Useful Info

                                  If you are interested in the Manaslu Circuit Trekking, it is well worth considering visiting the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. The Tsum Valley is as isolated and untouched as any in Nepal, first opened to foreign trekkers in 2008, home to a small indigenous group known as Tsumbas, and surrounded by mountains that include Himalchuli to the west and the Ganesh Himal to the south.

                                  Why do the Manaslu Circuit Trekking via Larke La with Annapurna Foothills Treks?

                                  When trekking into extremely remote regions, it is important to have trek with an experienced company. Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running trekking and climbing expeditions for over 10 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest standard of ethical business practices.

                                  The Best Time of Year for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking:

                                  The best seasons for Manaslu trekking are spring (February to late April) and autumn (late September to late November).

                                  Temperatures on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking:

                                  The temperatures at night will drop to around 5 C, and during the day will climb to around 25 C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 15 C to 20 C. You should be prepared with proper protection from the sun as well as layers of clothing that can be added or taken off easily.

                                  Manaslu Circuit Trekking via Larke La is a Tea House Trek:

                                  In Kathmandu, our clients enjoy four nights in Hotel Shakti or Hotel Norbu Linka before and after heading into the remote regions. Accommodation is included in the cost of your package and Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay. Due to the low volume of trekkers passing through this region, the guest houses are simpler than on the popular routes, but cozy and welcoming. It is an excellent way to get acquainted with the locals and learn about their ways of life.

                                  Drinking Water on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking:

                                  You will be provided with boiled water during the trek. While trekking, it is important to keep hydrated; you should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. As additional precaution, we suggest you bring a supply of water purification tablets to add to the water.

                                  Fitness/Health:

                                  The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness.

                                  Safety:

                                  When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

                                  Environmental Responsibility:

                                  Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.

                                  Travel Insurance:

                                  It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

                                  Annapurna foothills Treks has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. We will pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Before leaving on the expedition, we will make sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism otherwise you may have a difficult time settling the large claim.

                                  Client Reviews

                                  Wonderful Manaslu cicruit trek - Nov 2018

                                  - Chris Dravers, United Kingdom

                                  Huge thanks to Ngima and all the team at Annapurna Foothills. From the moment we arrived in Kathmandu, they made us feel more than welcome and went above and beyond our expectations. I think you will struggle to find a better service and at a fair price with all money being invested into Nepal rather than paying for Western overheads. The trek itself around Manaslu was both varied and challenging. The crowds were not too heavy in mid to late November and weather very good. The only downside is the long bumpy road to get there. Would highly recommend to anyone considering visiting this unique country. Thank you once again!

                                  Annapurna Foothills Manaslu and Tsum Valleys Trek was wonderful!

                                  - Barbara Cole, United States

                                  The Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition owner, office staff, guides and porters provided excellent customer service for our recent one-month teahouse trek in the Mansulu and Tsum Valleys. Ngima Nura Sherpa, the Annapurna Foothills Managing Director, worked closely with our friend who organized our custom trek ahead of time through the web and emails. Annapurna Foothills staff were responsive, knowledgeable and consistently good-natured. They went the extra mile before, during and after our trek to make it a safe and wonderful experience. The Annapurna Foothills webpage is detailed, accurate, beautiful and easy to use. 

                                  Trekking in Manaslu and Tsum Valleys require special permits and coordination with police along the way at several checkpoints. The Annapurna Foothills staff efficiently organized our permits ahead of time and conducted the stops at checkpoints seamlessly and with no difficulties. We did not have to give the necessary formalities a second thought. 

                                  We especially appreciated Dawa Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Minga Sherpa and Myla Rai, our guides and porters during the trek. Their customer service was excellent. Their skills, strength, courage and experience helped keep us safe, especially when crossing treacherous landslides. Their warm, calm, patient, wise and supportive personalities were unfailing regardless of the circumstances along the way. On several occasions they carried the daypack (in addition to their already heavy loads) for one of our party that was too sick to carry his, someone backtracking for items left at a teahouse or as we crossed unstable steep landslides. When there was any possibility of the teahouse for the night being booked before we arrived, one went ahead to reserve space for all of us. They knew which teahouses in a village would best meet our needs and seamlessly translated our lodging, food, hot water for showers and other requests to the lovey and gracious hosts who in many cases did not speak English. Dawa Sherpa was an excellent guide with good English skills and 25 years of experience. The porters for many agencies do not speak English. We appreciated that the Annapurna Foothills porters on our trek also spoke English. 

                                  Annapurna Foothills staff made it possible for us to squeeze in visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Lumbini into some extra days before and after our trek. We highly recommend making time to visit these amazing and beautiful places during your visit. Tashi Sherpa, an Annapurna Foothills guide, gave us interesting information and took us to places we would otherwise have missed. We appreciate that Annapurna Foothills hired skilled drivers with sound vehicles for portions of our trips that required travel on the roads of Nepal. Tashi also organized the required permits for our trek. His pleasant personality, excellent English skills and knowledge of Nepal and the sites we visited enhanced our experience. 

                                  Though the Manuslu Valley and side trip to Tsum Valley are described in the Lonely Planet Himalaya trekking guide as “challenging,” we are very glad we went and recommend it to others. A road is being built through the Manaslu Valley with plans to extend it through the wonderful Tsum Valley all the way to Tibet in China. Anyone considering these areas for trekking should go now while the region is still only accessible by traditional trails and before the road is finished. Expect some stretches to be adjacent to or on the road being built which can be treacherous in places. A scenic detour trail got us around the worst of the construction activities. Also, expect stretches along the way that are exposed but that can be safely navigated with care. It is worth it to see the upper valleys before they are forever changed by road access. 

                                  We recommend Annapurna Foothills for organizing and supporting trekking and other tours. We will work with them when we return to Nepal.

                                  Around Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Foothills

                                  - John and Erica, Australia

                                  Firstly, we have been to Nepal trekking over a period of 20 years having completed more than 15 treks, some more than once. As it is necessary to employ a guide on the Manaslu trek, we chose Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition company through the internet. They offered a very competitive price and their website was easy to navigate and from the outset, Ngima, was clear and flexible regarding arrangements.

                                  From the beginning to the end, the head of the company, Ngima, our guide, Dawa and porter, Pasang looked after us and every detail was taken care of. We couldn't have asked for a better team. In fact, they all went above and beyond what would have been expected of them.

                                  We have no reservations in recommending them most highly for their expertise, support and genuine care. We would definitely choose to go with them next time.

                                  The trek itself is a "Wow" if you are considering it!

                                  A spectacular trip in every way

                                  - Merrick Kingston, Denmark

                                  My wife and I trekked the Manaslu Circuit with Ngima's Annapurna Foothills in late 2014. The trip, from start to finish, was nothing short of spectacular. Ngima and Tenzin were the warmest, most gracious hosts, and showed single-minded devotion to ensuring the trip's success, safety, and joyfulness.

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