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Manaslu Trek

Home / Nepal / Nepal Trekking / Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek / Manaslu Trek

4.95 - Excellent
Based on 5 Reviews

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Manaslu Trek - Days

Trip Route

Soti Khola - Jagat - Lho - Pungyen Gompa - Samagaun - Larkya La Pass - MBC - Dharapani

Trip Facts

Group Size
2+ PAX
Trip Grade
Moderate to Strenuous
Accommodation
Guesthouse/Lodge
Max. Elevation
5,125 M/16,810 FT
Meals
B/L/D with hot drinks
Transportation
Private Jeep/Public Bus
Best Season
Autumn/Spring

Manaslu Trek Highlights

  • Less crowded trekking route in the Himalayas that offer charismatic culture of the mountain people and and Buddhist pilgrimage sites
  • Trekking into the deep gorge, lush green forest, moraine of glacier and crossing high altitude Larkya La pass (5,153 m)
  • A stunning day trek to Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Rui La Pass, Kal Tal, Seren Gompa, Ponker Glacier etc
  • Get close-up mountain view of the Mount Manaslu, Peak 29, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna mountain range, Larkya Peak, Himal Chuli etc
  • Discover unruffled turquoise color mountain lake Kalchhuman Lake, Birendra Lake, Ponker Lake and Dona Lake

Manaslu trek AKA Manaslu Circuit Trek off the beaten hiking route that blends infinite nature diverse and mixed Nepalese culture. The trek lead through multiple countrysides on foot of Mount Manaslu. Then crossing ultimate Larkya la (5135 m) pass that provides a dramatic view of glacier and snow peaks. Manaslu trek is officially opened in 1992 AD then it categorized as a restricted trekking route. Manaslu circuit trek permits are only obtained through government resister trekking agencies. The trek must do with a licensed trekking guide. Must have 2 trekkers to get the Manaslu trek red permits. The history said Manaslu Larkya La Pass trek route was explored by Bill Tilman in 1950 AD. Then a few years later Japanese expedition team scaled Mount Manaslu in 1956. From then to now many mountaineers have climbed mount Manaslu. On the Manaslu base camp side trek witness climber acclimatization at base camp in tented camp. Earlier period not easy to complete the Manaslu circuit trek because of limited infrastructure en the route. After 2010 most of the campsites built the basic teahouse then more trekkers have done the Manaslu circuit trek. In the present days, all the campsite have a basic and standard accommodation with common and private toilet. Manaslu circuit trek meals, you may choose the meals/foods from the menu-card with hot drinks. 

Manaslu circuit trek rated moderate to difficult, the trail contains steady climb up and unstable descending. And any novice and experienced trekkers can join this trek to experience another unique mountain trek. 12 days Manaslu circuit trek commences from Kathmandu with a continuous drive to Soti Khola. A trail passes through a lush green steamy valley and rice terrace along the Buri Gandaki River. We do cultural explore excursions into the ancient Nepalese villages. Also passing natural hot spring next to the wild Buri Gandaki River. On way Manaslu circuit trek side trip to Pung Gyen Gonpa, Manaslu base camp, Syarang Gompa, Kal Tal, Rui la Pass, Lajyung Bhanjyang/Pana Danda, and Hinang Gompa. You’ll be discovering numerous of the Buddhist monasteries Ribum monastery and Nupri Pema Decho Ling monastery. Also, get marvels view of turquoise Birendra Lake and Ponker Lake. The Larkya la pass (5,135 m) is the highest point in the Manaslu circuit trek.

From Larkya la pass descending to Marshyandi valley where Annapurna circuit trek joint. From Dharapani the trek can be extended to Thorung la pass and Nar phu valley. The Manaslu circuit trek rambles into two beautiful nature conservation zone. The park is home to animals, bird’s flora, and fauna. Short Manaslu circuit trek itinerary can be customized to 9 days for the tied scheduled travelers to and from Kathmandu.  

Daily itinerary

We welcome you arrival gate of Tribhuvan international airport then transfer to hotel. On way to your hotel, the airport representative gives brief information about Kathmandu. After room check-in has leisure time until the official meeting with the guide in the evening. At the meeting brief about the Manaslu trek and Manaslu trek guide check trekking gear.

A full day Kathmandu valley sightseeing and permit arranging day A day to explore the Kathmandu valley, home of the Newari architecture and cultural theme of Buddhist and Hinduism. You will be showing major attraction of Kathmandu valley which also enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage sites. The Kathmandu day tour begins after breakfast at hotel then drive to Kathmandu durbar square also known Hanuman Dhoka, ancient royal palace with home of the living goddess "Kumar". Then visiting cultural blended temple, swayambhunath also located atop of Kathmandu valley where numerous chhorten are available. Then next destination discover largest Buddhist stupa with Buddhist flavor in Bouddha also known as little Tibet in Kathmandu where numerous of beautiful monasteries are available. Pashupatinath temple highlights of guided tour with witness traditional cremate on bank of holy Bagmati River also meeting with smear sadhus. While you exploring the mysterious Kathmandu valley, administration will be completed official paperwork like obtained trekking and conservation permits.

The drive begins from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. It is an overland trip and the journey offers ultimate sceneries of the mountains and diverse countryside. We are driving on a blacktop road and bumpy dusty road to Soti Khola. We stopped for the night at Soti Khola aside from the Buri Gandaki river. After room check-in at the local lodge roaming around the village and enjoying to see an expanded view of the steamy valley.

It is a fairly easy path on the canyon to Dobhan village, a trail that follows the reverse of Buri Gandaki River. The traditional Nepalese villages passes Khorla Besi that expose ancient and charming Nepalese culture. We are trekking in a sub-tropical climate that offers a good view of the rice terrace and waterfall. We also view natural hot spring aside of crystal clear Buri Gandaki River.

The trek from Dobhan village to Phewa is beautiful hiking in a temperate environment. A trail ahead with gentle climbing up to Thulo Dunga (Big stone) then steep ascend up to Yaruphant. A flatten trail continues aside the wild river to Jagat (entrance point of Manaslu restricted area) where checking restricted permit. En the route, you will be enjoying see waterfall and green landscapes with delightful Nepalese culture. From here follow flatten trail through the village with crossing a suspension bridge. The trail stretches into the pristine forest of rhododendron, pine, and fire to Phewa village. We also see a branch trail leading to Tsum valley from Chisopani.

After breakfast set off from the lodge then walk into the forest to Deng village. The Buddhist confluence culture and highland topography begin. En route passing beautiful Chhorten, Gompa, Stupa and monasteries also Buddhist flags are fluttering in the blue sky. From Deng village brief descend to Buri Gandaki River then stroll uphill thru Ranagaon, Bhi Phedi to Ghap village. A trail approach a thrilling waterfall that is in opposite direction. A branch route taking to Prok village, from here day trip to Kal Tal and Syarang Gompa. From Ghap village walking through dense forest of Zanthoxylum, rhododendron, and get a glimpse of Himalayan monal and deer. Also get a glance at Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, and Buddha Himal before reaching Namrung village.

After breakfast set off from the lodge then walk into the forest We check the Manaslu trek permit then trek ahead into the dwarf forest also passing the Tibetan cultural influence region. We see the branch trail near Lhi village that leads to Hinang monastery and Hiuchuli base camp. A path continues on foot of the mountains throughout villages to Lho village and visits Rimbum monastery. We snap the best view of Mount Manaslu together with the gold polis Buddhist monastery. Then walking into the blossoming rhododendron forest to Shyala village. Shyala village is one of the best places to have a mountain panorama on the Manaslu circuit trek.

Shyala village used to be summer settlement of Lho people but now became a touristic place where around a dozen nice lodge providing hospitality facilities to the trekkers. The village itself is vantage point thus see more than 10 mountains around you namely Mt Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli, Kutang, Siringi Himal and several other mountains. Upon walk over the suspension bridge, a source of the river is Pung Gyen glacier then follows an uphill path on the bottom of a huge cliff. An hour walk brings summer yak graze the pasture, during the autumn season seldom see yak around. The Manaslu north and Pungyen glacier sparking in front also see old Pungyan gompa on the cliff. Some old monastery built based on a cliff where the monks used to do meditation and retreat which called chham. The monks choose Pungyen valley for the retreat because of the beyond the human residence and peace-calm environment. After taking a close picture of crystalizing mountains trek continues to Samegaon.

It is mandatory to have an extra night at Samagaun in the Manaslu circuit trek. The body needs more than 24 hours to adapt to the surrounding atmosphere. Your spare day can be spent in a varied way. We recommend ascending a few hundreds meter above the sleeping place. Manaslu circuit trek day trip, you may climb up to Manaslu base camp (4,520 m). Side trek to Manaslu base camp provides close-up sights of Mount Manaslu, the conch shape valley, and glacier. It is also the best viewpoint to admire the emerald Birendra lake. For an easy day, visit Nubri Pema Decho Ling Monastery and Birendra lake the discover the Sama village.

A trail to Samdo village is gentle ascending up on the mountain shrubs. The trail passes thru dwarf rhododendron, juniper, and birch forest with an exceptional view of Mount Manaslu. We spot blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan pheasant, and Himalayan marmot. The samdo village is the highest elevated human hamlet in Nupri valley and is only a day trip to a nearby Tibetan village. The local crossing the Rui la pass and shopping provision from Tibet.

After breakfast, the trek begins, thru villages and buckwheat farm also passes beautiful carved stone and mani wall. Local supplies energy from Micro hydropower which was built near Buri Gandaki River. From here short steady climb up to Larkya Bazar, where often spotted locals selling Tibetan handicrafts. A small trail on the west bank of Buri Gandaki River towards Rui La pass, get way to Tibet. From here walk towards Dharamsala on barren ridge often spotted marmot and blue sheep on grassy terrain also get the stunning view of Larkya Glacier. Three basic lodges are available on Larkya Phedi. After room check-in and lunch short hike higher than Dharamsala for acclimatizing your body. After dinner goes early bed then pack your bag before sleep.

Awaited day in your Manaslu circuit trek, we crossing dramatical Larkya la pass (5,135 m). It is about 7-8 hours trek and covers 23 Km distance from Dharamsala to Bumthang. A walk contains solid up and steady descend on crumble and pebble trail. An entire path rewards amazing Mountain View also gets stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. The Larkya La is set between two mountains one of them is a popular trekking peak Larkya peak (6249 m). The larky pass summit is decorated with five color Tibetan flags also have singed board written Larkya la pass. On way down to Bimthang get a panoramic view of Annapurna mountain range and turquoise Ponker Lake. Bimthang is surrounded by greeneries on side of Ponker glacier.

The muscle might be tired and pain after a long walk on Larkya la pass. The glorious sunrise is seen over Mount Manaslu and Himlung Himal. Then after breakfast trek begins and walking down through pine and varied trees forest to Kharche. Our trail passes the historical cave of Tibetan poetry Milarepa. It is a romantic walk into the forest seldom hear birds chirping and encounter monkeys. We then passing dense populate Tilche and Goa village before the joint Annapurna circuit trek route at Dharapi village.

Today is the last day of your Manaslu trek, the drive starts in the morning from Dharapani. It is a scenic drive on a bumpy road, it provides exhilarating waterfall sceneries on the canyon and rice field. From Besisahar drive continuously on a paved road which takes around 5 hours. On arrival, in Kathmandu transfers to your hotel. Then we organize a farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant with a live cultural show.

Your Himalayan journey the Manaslu Larkya La pass trek ends up with us by today. Our team hopes you had enjoyed your mountain vacation with us. We, Musical adventure trekking arrange airport transfers 4 hours before your flight schedule.

What's included?

  • International airport pick-up and drop-off service
  • All the required ground transportation as mention in the Itinerary
  • Manaslu Trekking Permits (Annapurna and Mananslu conservation area entrance fees)
  • Experienced English speaking licensed guide with salary, accommodation, food & Insurance
  • Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with hot drinks)
  • Seasonal fresh fruits where available
  • Musical Adventure Trekking complimentary trekking equipment's like four seasonal sleeping bag, down Jacket and duffle bag (should be returned upon completing the trek)
  • Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu by bus/jeep with together your guide
  • First aid medical kit, oximeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
  • Normal lodges base accommodation during trek in the mountain
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at typical Nepalese restaurant

Add On:

  • Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Dharapani/Chamje to Kathmandu by private jeep
  • High altitude Sherpa porter for carrying bag pack
  • Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour with private transportation

What's not included?

  • Nepal visa fees 15/30 Day in cost of U$D 25/40
  • Travel and medical insurance which should cover emergency helicopter rescue
  • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses (battery charge, telephone call, laundry, hot shower, internet etc)
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing entrance fees, guide and transportation
  • Bar and beverage bills
  • Gratitude (Tips) to guide and porters

Fixed Departures

Sorry, No fixed departure dates availabe, Please request for Private Trip

Essential Information

Best Available Side Trips In Manaslu Trek

Syarang/Saran Gompa
Syarang/Seran Gompa, a traditional Buddhist monastery lying above the Buri Gandaki valley on the lap of Siringi Himal. Bhi village is the nearest the large human residence from the monastery. The Gompa is located a far distance from the village because of the peace and harmonious enviroment. There no accommodation for outsiders unless spend the night in the tented camp. Syarang Gomba, have great religious value for local where more than 3 dozen kids from nearly villages practice Buddhism. We do Sarang Gomba day trek from Bhi village or Ghap village. Set off early from the lodge with drinking water and food. We climb up into the pine forest. Syarang Gompa is one of the hidden attractions of the Manaslu Circuit trek where hardly a handful of trekkers are visited. A day trip provides amazing scenery of the lush and green valley and crest of Mount Manaslu. You'll be rewarded with a close view of rare musk deer and Himalayan pleasant. If you have camping gear trek continued to Tsum valley. The monastery is supported by the local community and Kathmandu-based Kopan monastery.

Kal Tal (Kalchhuman Lake)
Kal Tal (3700 m), One of the fresh watery isolate lakes lying above Prok village en route of Manaslu trek. The lake has great value for the local people also believed abbot of gods. The beautiful traditional-style Buddhist stupa was built near to sacred Lake. A large number of the Buddhist flags are flattering against Mt. Manaslu and blue sky. It is off the beaten route and hardly seen any other trekkers along. The Kal Tal day trip offers unparalleled views including the pinnacle of Mount Manaslu and lush green nature. As we trek in peace forests commonly spot varied birds and animals. The route to Kal Tal long climbs up through the forest and it rewards panoramic view of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, and Siringi Himal.

Pung Gyen Gompa (3980 m) and glacier
Great place for a side trip en route of the Manaslu circuit trek. Beautiful green plateau on foot of Mount Manaslu, Hiuchuli, and Dr. Harka Gurung peak. Pung Gyen gompa has a Buddhist temple and some private compartments for monks. Also individual quarters for the monks' meditation and retreats. Pung Gyen Gompa, a huge yak pasture is surrounded by several high mountains. No accommodation facilities here but occasionally can accommodate with monks in a dormitory bed with simple meals with butter/salt tea. Worth spending overnight either in a tented camp or in monks hostel can rent a tent from Shyala or Samagaon. The nearest human settlement of Pung Gyen Gompa is Shyala and Samagaon. A detour will be around 4/5 hours and the trail contains up and down. Day trek to Pung Gyen Gompa is pretty tranquil with short ascending on alpine terrain.

Manaslu Base Camp Trek (4450 m)
One of the fabulous day trek to Manaslu base camp (4530 m). it is a long and hard day trek with steeply climbing up in the thin air. It is a recommended day trip in the Manaslu circuit trek that preparation against Larkya La pass. We suggest hiker should carry a pack lunch and energy bar as well as sufficient drinking water for a day trip.
The trail starts through the moraine, dwarf shrubs, and follows a solid up trail on the ridge. The trail provides a good view of the mountain, Manaslu glacier, lake, and wider valley. A path over the ridge is tinny as well as grit but it offers one of the close-up views of Mount Manaslu. Manaslu base camp signed written on the stone and also the Buddhist flags are flapping against the air. During the autumn and spring come cross with mountaineers in the Manaslu base camp. After taking an amazing photoshoot and picnic walk down on a thrilling path to Sama.

Milarepa Cave (3750 m)
It is one of the unexplored Milarepa caves in the Himalayas. It is one of the secret places where Buddhist saint Milarepa had done meditation while roaming across the Himalayas. It is a short day tour in the less-visited area thus spot wild animals and birds en route. At the beginning follow the Manaslu Bc route then the branch trail leads into the bushes to the cave.

Birendra Tal (3640 m)
One of the beautiful glaciers melt turquoise lakes in the Himalayas. Manaslu glacier is the water source and exit to Buri Gandaki River. The lake name is driven from our late King Birendra. The beautiful blue and green color Birendra Lake is situated 60-min away from the lodge. It is one of the easiest physical exercise acclimatizations around Samagaon. The walk contains mostly flat thru the alpine forest and Nubri Pema Decho Ling monastery. Rui La Pass (5000 m) Rui La pass, border of Nepal and Tibet, the frontier is separated by fence and iron pole. Also, have some concrete pillars where Chinese and Nepalese characters are written with some numbers.

Most probably there will be no security from both sides then walk further Tibet side. Rui la pass day hike is another interesting day trek in Manaslu trek. There is no human residence beyond the Samdo village that's the reason have to organize from Samdo unless overnight at tented camp. Departure early morning from Samdo with sufficient drinks and food for the day. We follow a gentle uphill trail west bank of the Serkhu Khola for about 2-3 hours. Upon crossing, the huge boulder and walks over a single wooden bridge. Our trail leads into the rocky path on the ridge, it is long ascending with an exceptional view of the trans-Himalayas. The steady climb ends up at the summit where we sight the borderline. If there is no Chinese frontier walk on the Tibet side a few hundred meters that approach village down on the bottom. After achieving the goal retrace to the Samdo village in grace's face.

Lajyung Bhanjyang/Samdo Ri/Pana Danda (5100 m)
Lajyung Danda is the highest point among the three viewpoints and stands right above Samdo village. Lajyung Bhanjyang side trip organize from Samdo village. A trailhead ascends on the pebble path as well as short grasses. The journey provides breathtaking sceneries of the mountains including Rani Peak (6693 m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), Simnang Himal (6251 m), Naike Peak (6211 m), Mount Manaslu (8163 m), Larkya Peak (6249 m) etc.
Not only mountain view also get the widest view of Tibetan plateau and Buri Gandaki valley. Lajyung Bhanjyang day trek is tough hiking among the other side trek. And the path is also not clear, request do a trip with experienced and local Manaslu trek guide.

Accommodation and foods in Manaslu Trek

From 2010, Manaslu trek transferred to tea house trek (Lodge to Lodge). The basic accommodation is available through the journey both inside and outside the toilet. The wooden room has two single beds with clean bed shit and shinning pillow cover. We do our best to accommodate you in the best available guesthouse along the way.
In regards to meals can choose any foods from an open menu where various food items are listed. Like a Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, and Continentals with hot drinks. We are having lunch on the way around midday then dinner and breakfast in the same lodge where we sleeping.

Phone And Internet Connectivity In Manaslu Trek

Day by day the cell phone network is improving expressively in Manaslu and Tsum valley trekking region. Two phone company provides services (NCELL and NTC), NTC is more effective in the Manaslu trek. The NTC phone has connectivity throughout the trail till Samdo village, the last permanently human settlement in Manaslu trek also 3G service working. After Larkya La Pass, the phone network gets back from Bimthang. Also, payable Wi-Fi is available most of the lodge as long as no technical issue

Mode of overland transport for Manaslu Trek

Manaslu trek is one of the famous hiking destinations near Kathmandu. The travelers easily access it by overland drive from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Traverse to Soti Khola by private jeep or regular public bus also possible to have share jeep. Any transport will make several breaks en route for toilet and lunch to Soti Khola. The road from Kathmandu/Pokhara is pretty good because of the tarmac coated. Beyond Arughat to Soti khola drive is dusty and bumpy. Plus muddy during in early September or after rain. It will be a very interesting drive on the zig-zag road with dramatic scenario of rugged mountains. The outlook changed rapidly.

Kathmandu to Soti Khola by Public bus
Daily public bus departure early morning from Machha Pokhari, near to Gangabu New bus park Kathmandu. The common bus leaving from 06:00 am to 08:00 am but is nicer to take as early as possible. It is around 7/8 hours bus journey depending on which route is taken through. Shortest drive journey by passing Dhading besi but have to transit vehicle at Arughat or Arkhet for Soti Khola. The bus has around 32-35 seat but basically more passenger has a joyride also bus often stop to pick up and drop off the people. Since begins through the end, the driver always plays typical Nepalese and Hindi songs in laud, if you are lucky also English.

Kathmandu to Soti Khola by Private Jeep Or Share Jeep Traveling by four-wheel jeep to Soti Khola, an obviously good choice. It is smooth and hassle-free that makes the journey content. The jeep non-stop accesses Soti Khola without swap which takes roughly 6 hours.

Dharapani to Beshisahar by Jeep
Dharapani village where our Manaslu trek end-up then a joyful jeep ride to Kathmandu via Besisahar. From early 2019, Besisahar-Chame road condition getting better compared to the past. Dharapani to Besisahar a driving time period is around 2/3 hours, it is a scenic drive that passes alongside Marshyandi River. You will have an amazing view of the stunning waterfall, terrace rice field, and lush-green valley. Both private and shared jeep is available to Besi Sahar, but need to book in advance. Does not have any jeep counter at Dharapani's nearest jeep stand in Chame. All the regular public jeep leaving from Chame, around 17 km far and it passing Dharapani village. Also, need to book a private jeep in advance to Besisahar.

Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by bus
After 3 hours' drive through-out huge ravine arriving Besisahar. Then further drive to Kathmandu. The road to Kathmandu is fully pitch-coated and wider as well. Different type of transportation is an option to go Kathmandu, big (40 seat bus) and small bus (15 seats) plus private car are available to go Kathmandu.

Local Guide and Porter hire for Manaslu Circuit Trek

A licensed guide is compulsory to do a trek around the Manaslu region. Our trek guide is fully trained and obtained various courses in term of training. Musical trek arranges experience and qualified trek guide for Manaslu trek also pay handsome salary. Our trekking guides are highly qualified, professional, knowledgeable, honest, friendly, and passionate.
Our Manaslu trek guide has fluent English and speaks the local ethnic language to interpret. S/he is familiars with nature, culture, mountains, flora, and fauna, of the Manaslu circuit trek. We quoted Manaslu trek guide cost in per day U$D30 and porter salary is U$D20. That salary covered insurance and trekking equipment. On top of that U$D50 (One time pay) per person is a company service charge and government tax.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost

Trekkers should get the Manaslu trek permit before leave from Kathmandu/Pokhara. The permit will be checked en route before entering the conservation area and restricted zone. Three different trekking permit is mandatory for the Manaslu Larkya La pass trek. That includes Annapurna Conservation area (Rs-3000), Manaslu Conservation area (Rs-3000), and Manaslu restricted area U$D100 (September/October/November) then U$D75 (1st December to 31st august).

The Manaslu circuit trek documents are only obtained by using local trekking agencies. We organize Manaslu and Tsum valley trek permits at reasonable service costs.