Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our team will warmly greet you and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel. Once you've checked in, take some time to relax and rejuvenate. In the evening, join us for a delightful welcome dinner hosted by Touching Mountain Treks. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow travelers and kick off your Nepal journey on a memorable note. Enjoy your overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today, we'll start our day with a delightful breakfast before delving into a guided tour of Kathmandu's rich historical and spiritual landmarks. Our itinerary includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the iconic Durbar Square, the revered Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), and the impressive Bouddhanath Buddhist shrine, renowned as one of the largest stupas globally.

At noon, we'll gather for a pre-trip discussion where we'll meet our trek leader and fellow team members. Touching Mountain Treks will provide us with a detailed briefing about our upcoming trek, giving us the opportunity to ask any questions and ensuring we're fully prepared for the adventure ahead. We'll spend the night in Kathmandu, ready to kickstart our trekking journey.

A scenic journey westward along the Prithvi Highway, passing through lush hills, takes us to Malekhu. Continuing past Dhading Besi, the road winds uphill to Gola Bhanjyang, offering captivating views of snow-capped mountain peaks. Descending, we cross Ankhu Khola before reaching Arughat, where the Budhi Gandaki River awaits. Following the west bank of Budhi Gandaki, we arrive at Machha Khola, where we can stay overnight at a lodge.

After traversing several ridges, you'll reach Tatopani at 930 meters, named for its hot water springs that offer a refreshing evening shower. Crossing a ridge and a rickety suspension bridge over the Buri Gandaki, you'll ascend marble stairs in a narrow valley, passing through Doban (1000m; also known as Duvan). About an hour later, Shyaule Bhatti offers scenic views and a spot for tea amidst wild gorges. Continuing on, you'll cross a landslip and the Yaru Khola bridge (1363m), reaching the river flats for lunch at Yaru (1140m).

Crossing to the left bank after Yaru, you'll have an easy trek with gentle ups and downs to Jagat (1410m), a charming Gurung village with flagstone paths. Jagat, meaning 'tax,' reflects its historical role in collecting taxes on Tibetan trade. Ensure you have your MCAP permit here, as required. In this area, farmers plant potatoes, maize, and climbing beans simultaneously: potatoes for food and weed control, maize for food and bean support, which is a protein source. Marijuana poses a significant weed challenge. The trek continues along the riverbed, then over a rocky ridge to Salleri (1440m) with stunning views of Sringi Himal (7187m). Spend the night at a lodge in Jagat.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours, Trekking distance: 12.3 miles (19.9 km)

After breakfast at Jagat village, your trek begins with a diverse journey through varied landscapes, dense sub-tropical forests, small rivers, and quaint villages leading to your final destination.

You'll start by ascending a rocky ridge to Salleri, then descend to Sirdibas. As you continue, the valley widens, taking you along the Ghatta Khola river. Following the upstream path, you'll reach a long suspension bridge in Philim, a sizable Gurung village. From there, the trail turns north above the village's lowest house, passing through millet fields to Ekle Bhatti.

Next, the route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge, leading you down to grassy slopes and across the Budhi Gandaki river. After trekking along the west bank, you'll cross to the east bank before returning to the west side again. The trail then widens through the valley, guiding you through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola river and eventually to the small village of Deng after crossing it.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours, Trekking distance: 12.1 miles (19.5 km)

After breakfast in Deng, you'll embark on a significant and culturally rich segment of the trek. Begin by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river and ascending to a bridge, where you'll merge onto a trail from Bhi. From there, proceed westward up the valley, passing through vibrant forests, alpine flora, and charming villages inhabited by ethnic communities from the Manaslu region. As you trek, the prominent peaks will gradually come into view in the distance.

Opting for the route via Prok, you'll discover a picturesque village offering stunning views of the snow-covered Siringi Himal. Take a moment to rest here before continuing your journey, crossing the Budhi Gandaki multiple times today and encountering several gompas (monasteries) along the way. The path follows the river upstream through dense forests, leading to a narrow gorge. As you progress, you'll notice the forest thinning out, providing a scenic perspective of the Manaslu Conservation Area. The final stretch includes a steep climb that brings you to the village of Namrung, marking a rewarding phase of the trek.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours, Trekking distance: 10.9 miles (17.7 km)

After breakfast in Namrung, you can take a stroll around the village to get a great view of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Himal Chuli to the south. As you start on the trail, the path leads uphill through forests until you reach Lihi, a charming village adorned with numerous stupas and barley terraces. The trail then descends, crossing the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always in sight.

Continuing onwards, you will pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before arriving at Sama Village. Along the way, you can admire stunning views of Manaslu from Lho and visit the renowned Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village, you'll be surrounded by towering peaks like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) on the left, with Manaslu and expansive glaciers straight ahead. To the right, you can see other snow-capped peaks, while Ganesh Himal stands prominently at the far end. Your day's journey concludes in Samagaon, where you will spend the night.

Today is a day dedicated to acclimatization, allowing you to rest and rejuvenate. You can start by indulging in a leisurely breakfast and then spend the day in Samagaon, focusing on relaxation.

For those interested in exploration, there's an optional day hike that offers insights into the rich Sherpa culture. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous mani stones inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and have the opportunity to admire Sherpa women dressed in their traditional attire and adorned with ornaments. A hike to a nearby hill from Sama village reveals Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery offering splendid views of the glacier.

Trekking time: 4 hours, Trekking distance: 10.1 miles (16.4 km) 

After breakfast in Samagaon, your journey will take you downhill towards the Budhi Gandaki River, tracing its path until you reach a bridge spanning a smaller stream. Along the way, you'll encounter several mani walls as the valley gradually expands. This section of the trek offers breathtaking mountain vistas and brings you near the Tibetan border.

The trail from here is relatively easy, meandering along a shelf above the river and passing through juniper and birch forests in Kermo Kharka. Descend to cross the Budhi Gandaki using a wooden bridge, then ascend steeply to reach a promontory nestled between two branches of the river. Look out for a stone archway marking your path as you continue onward until you reach the village of Samdo.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization. After breakfast, you have two choices:

Option 1 involves an easy hike up the valley behind Samdo, leading to trade passes towards Tibet. This path offers stunning views of Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks like Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and possibly Kang Guru. Along the way, you'll encounter seasonal herding settlements called doksas and may spot beautiful mountain birds such as the Lophophorus (Nepal's national bird), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin.

Option 2 is a more challenging trek to Gya La, the large pass north of Samdo, which is a well-used trading route to Tibet. This full-day hike is longer and not recommended for those looking for a restful day.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours, Trekking distance: 7.2 miles (11.7 km)

After having breakfast in Samdo, you'll continue your trek by passing through a seasonal Tibetan market known as Larke Bazaar. From there, you'll descend towards the Budi Gandaki River, crossing a wooden bridge and then starting your ascent again. This path takes you across two streams with views of the majestic Larkya Glacier. As you traverse the valley of the Salka Khola, you'll eventually climb up once more to reach Dharamsala, also called Larke Phedi. This area is adorned with several traditional monasteries that add to the cultural richness of the journey.

Today's trek is relatively shorter, allowing for better acclimatization and offering time to relax in the afternoon.

Trekking time: 7-9 hours   , Trekking distance: 15.3 miles (24.7 km)

Today's trek will take you on a more challenging journey, so be sure to have a filling breakfast in Dharamsala. Along the trail, you'll come across several quaint villages, crystal-clear glacier lakes, picturesque valleys, and a diverse range of plant and animal life. The landscape is dotted with impressive snow-covered peaks that add to the scenic beauty.

As you ascend, you'll reach a valley on the northern side of the Larkya Glacier, offering stunning views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Traversing the glacier's moraines, the path gradually inclines, becoming steeper towards the pass's final stretch. From here, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the majestic Annapurna II. The day concludes with a delightful walk-through misty meadow as evening approaches, with the majestic Mount Manaslu visible in the distance.

The final day in the Himalayas marks the time to bid farewell. Before leaving, take a moment to connect with locals and share your experiences. Starting from Tilje, hop on a local jeep in the morning for a bumpy off-road ride to Besisahar, covering approximately 45 to 50 kilometers and reaching Besisahar by 12 or 1 pm. From there, it's essential to be prompt in the morning to catch the private vehicle to Kathmandu from Besisahar. The journey from Besisahar to Kathmandu spans about 150 kilometers, typically concluding late evening.

Today is the culmination of our amazing adventure in Nepal! A knowledgeable guide from Touching Mountain Treks will accompany you to the airport, ensuring we arrive about three hours before your flight. During our journey back home, we'll have ample time to reflect on our unforgettable experiences and begin dreaming about our next adventure in this captivating country of Nepal.