Manaslu Circuit Trek

 Nepal Fair Step Trekking(p) Ltd, as a Kathmandu base guiding company, our representative will be waiting for your arrival with the company board. The service starts welcoming you with garland and transfers you to a previously booked hotel, and you will get more information about the next schedule.  

The day would be cultural, historical, religious, architectural, daily life, and many more explorations. An experienced linguistic city guide will escort you to explore three world heritage sites Pashupatinath, Patan Darbar squre, and Swaymbunath. Our representative will bring you to the welcome dinner, and brief you on the trek overview, services, and other logistics. You will enjoy local food with a local family or, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. 

The first day of the Manaslu trekking tour is driving to Sotikhola via Aarughat. Following Prithvi highway till Dhading and the road separates Aarught Bazaar. Kathmandu to Arughat bazzar takes about 6–7 hours.  From Arughat to Sotikhola takes another 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  Travel makes a more enjoyable viewing of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Lantang Himal. 

The trek begins by crossing the Soti Khola. Spectacular waterfalls and beautiful nature fully cheer the trekker’s soul. Trekkers need to cross the dirt road beyond the soti. 30 minutes of dirt road walking can reach a small settlement and a former camping site with a lodge. Across the Budhi Gandaki on the top of the hillside are views that bring to mind the Annapurna Circuit between Bahunndhara and Syange. Can observe the attractive farmhouse and terrace field above the raging river. If someone is interested in photography, then you can capture the beauty of the waterfall. It takes almost 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach Lapubesi, but it may take longer than 2 hours (for slow walkers, it is based on walking capacity). High above the laprubesi, there is an overhanging rocky ridge called “Hawa Danda,” which means windy hill. Which catches the refreshes. Ahead, there are three great steps climbing up and down over the high bluff to the west bank of Budhi Gandaki. This reminds me why the Manaslu trek is so much harder than the Annapurna Circuit: Budhi Gandaki Gorge is much deeper than the Marsyangdi River. Years ago, it was hard to pass these trails, but nowadays it is a bit easier.

The way is very narrow; it’s literally carved out of the solid cliff face, and it is only one meter wide. East is the high valley of Richet Khola. Especially, there is a passing glimpse of Shringi Himal. From Lapubesi, it’s only an hour’s walk to Khanibesi. The most populous areas of that place are Ghale and Gurung. There are good facilities for lodgings and footings, but we can rarely find health posts or drinking water. Buffalo farming is very high, and every local shop often sells yogurt, milk,  and curd. There are good facilities for lodges. Across the river, there is a landslide area. The dark and hard cliffs of Dharche Danda lie high above on the left. Khanibesi is quite a separate place, and the route continues to Nauli Khola over a long suspension bridge. Near Nauli Khola, there is a prominent rocky outcrop where people pray to the river below and a hill above. Eventually, the trail passes beside three isolated chortens and can reach the Macha Khola. Macha Khola, meaning “fish river,” is a rapidly expanding village of two parts: upper and lower.

It would be a quite longer day. The distance from Machha Khola to Jagat 22 kilometers or 13.67 miles. The distance may vary slightly depending on the specific route taken, as there are multiple trails that can be followed between these two points. This portion of the trek usually takes around 7-8 hours to complete, depending on the fitness level and pace of the trekker. Can reach to Khorlabesi from Machakhola in about 1 hours. There are severals lodges who provides a good accommodation, lodging fooding facility. Again an hour of walk, the trekkers can reach to Tatopani.  The trails heads into a narrow gorge where Budi Gandalki is compressed.  Banana are found in this moist area.  The east is the narrow George of Rumchet Khola. Before lodges developed porters, mule caravans and local people used to stay overnight at overhanging cliffs. A side trail at Tatopani to Kerauja links to the Ganesh Himal/ great Himalayan route, passing through the settlement of Thingle and Hulchuk.  About 15 minutes from tatopani, cross the east bank to avoid a huge cliff folds with waterfall. After 3/4 hours of hiking trekkers can reach to Dovan. (riverside). We can found a lot of marijuana   near Dovan. Dovan khola originated from the southern glaciers of Ganesh IV (Pabil). The trail crosses a suspension bridge and continuous on the east bank with more landslide. Furthermore, we can found red berry peppermint trees. However walk of 1 hour from Dovan you can reached to Thulo Dhunga. There are few lodges to take rest and have a launch. There is a high conical shaped hill and to the west the Budhi Gandaki is falling more sloped between big rock and bluff.  As the river falls, almost hidden under the rock so that the trekkers need to climb again.  About 1 hour from Thulo Dunga “Big Rock” the trekkers can rerach to the yareuphant.(1170m). it is also commonly called Bagar. The village is located below a new and frightening looking landslide. 

The trail after Jagat goes downhill to the Dudh Pokhari. After that, you will pass through the rocky bluff to a viewpoint of Salleri. The cultivation of rice and millet fields makes your journey enjoyable. After that, you have to move towards Budi Gandaki, which has a very beautiful view of Shringi Himal to the north. Again, the trip drops towards the Sirdibas. Typical two-storey houses

Deng to Namrung trek distance is 19.5 kilometers (12.1 miles). It takes 5 to 6 hours from Deng to Namrung via Ranagaon, Bihi, and Prok villages. Trekkers can start early from Deng and trek through the forested trail. You need to pass through the quaint village of Rana and continue along the Budhi Gandaki River. There are many sights to see along the trail from Deng to Namrung, including beautiful waterfalls, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain views. Some of the popular sites include the Bihi Phedi suspension bridge, the Shringi Himal mountain range, and the Namrung Monastery. The main inhabitants of that place are Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans. Trekkers can learn about the unique cultures and traditions of these people by visiting local villages, attending cultural festivals, and interacting with the locals. Walking for 6–7 hours, you can reach the village of Namrung and stay overnight there.

The trek from Namrung to Samagaon is a beautiful journey through rugged mountains and lush green forest. Along the trekking route, trekkers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with locals, including the Gurung and Tibetan communities. Trekkers can learn about the local culture, traditions, and way of life. Along the trekking route, trekkers can meet and interact with locals, including the Gurung and Tibetan communities. There are several monasteries along the trekking route, including the Pungyen Monastery and the Samagaon Monastery. Trekkers can visit these monasteries to learn about the Buddhist religion and culture. Trekkers can take breaks along the way to appreciate the scenery, take photographs, and relax in the peaceful surroundings. Trekkers can enjoy the local cuisine of the region, which includes dishes like dal bhat, momos, and thukpa. These dishes are made from fresh local ingredients and are delicious and nutritious.

Samagaon is a beautiful village located in the Manaslu region. Start your day with a warm cup of tea or coffee and breakfast at your lodge, where you stay overnight. Then start to visit the Kargyu Chholing Monastery, located in the heart of the village. This monastery is one of the most important religious sites in the region and is home to several Buddhist monks. You can attend the traditional Buddhist puja ceremony and learn about the Buddhist religion and culture from the local monks. Since then, you can trek to Birendra Lake, also known as Samagaon Lake. This is a beautiful alpine lake located at the base of the Manaslu peak. The trek takes around 3–4 hours from the village and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. In the evening, you can explore a local market where you can purchase traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and locally made goods like yak wool blankets and clothing. After that, you can enjoy a warm dinner at your lodge and relax by the fireplace or under the starry night sky.

Just wake up early in the morning and have breakfast at the lodge in Samagaon. Then begin trekking towards Samdo, which is approximately 8–10 kilometers away and takes around 3–4 hours to reach. On the way, you will cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, and the trail gradually ascends through the rugged terrain. You will pass several small settlements, including the villages of Kermo Kharka and Larkya Bazaar. You can take breaks on the way to rest and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After an hour of walking, you will arrive in Samdo in mid-afternoon, where you will have lunch and rest for a while. In the evening, you can explore the village and interact with the locals, who are mostly Tibetan refugees. You have another option for a short acclimatization hike to a hill for a better view of the mountains. You might be ready for a good night.

Samdo is located at 3,860 m (12,660 feet), and it’s recommended to ascend to the higher elevation. During the rest day in Samdo, trekkers can explore the village and its surroundings, which offer stunning views of the Himalayan range. You can also take short hikes to closer places or relax and rest to reserve your energy for Larkya Pass. It’s important to note that altitude sickness can be a serious concern, so it’s important to follow proper acclimatization. You might hear your body and mention it to your guide.

Today might be the most challenging day of the whole Manaslu trek. We recommend starting the trek early in the morning to cross the high passes. The trek from Samdo to Dharamsala Base Camp is about 14 km and takes around 6–7 hours. The first part of the trek involves a steady climb through rocky and rugged terrain. You will pass through a beautiful valley and cross several streams before reaching the Larkya La Pass. At the Larkya La Pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From the pass, you will descend toward the Dharamsala Base Camp, which is located at 4,460m.

The distance from Larkya La to Bimthang is a long and arduous descent, which requires a lot of energy and stamina. As this is a long and challenging distance, it is advisable to start early in the morning. The trek can take about 8–9 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, and it is advisable to take short breaks along the way to soak in the beauty of the landscape. The stretch from Larkya La to Bimthang is a long descent and requires a lot of care and caution while trekking. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, and trekkers need to watch their steps to avoid slipping or falling. Stop at a teahouse along the way to have a meal. It is important to stay hydrated and energized throughout the trek. Take short breaks along the way to rest your legs and catch your breath. Bimthang is a small village located at an altitude of 3720 m. After a long and tiring day, trekkers can relax in the village. There are teahouses and lodges in the village where trekkers can stay overnight. Take a short walk around the village and explore the local culture and lifestyle. Bimthang is home to the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna. After a long day of trekking, it is important to rest and prepare for the next day’s trek. Make sure to eat a nutritious meal and get a good night’s sleep before continuing the trek the next day.

Trekking from Bhimthang to Dharapani in one day can be challenging, as the distance is around 20 kilometers and involves uphill and downhill walking. Wake up early and have breakfast at your lodge. You can start your trek from Bhimthang. The trail offers beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains, lush forests, and traditional villages. The trail passes through several traditional villages, and you can interact with the locals to learn about their culture and way of life. You can try some local snacks at the teahouses along the way. Samosas, pakoras, and chiya (Nepalese tea) are some of the popular snacks. After walking for an hour, you can take a short break and have a meal at a local restaurant. You can try some authentic Nepalese cuisine, such as dal bhat or momos. Arrive at Dharapani and check into your accommodation.

The drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu is incredibly scenic, with a beautiful view of the Himalayan mountains, traditional villages, and lush forests. Enjoy the natural beauty. This region is famous for its Buddhist monasteries and temples. You can stop and visit some of these monasteries to experience their peaceful atmosphere and unique architecture. While returning, you can find several local restaurants and teahouses along the way, where you can try some local snacks such as momos, samosas, and chiya (Nepalese tea). On the way to Kathmandu, you can take a tour and visit the Manakamana Temple, which is located on a hilltop in Gorkha district and accessible via a cable car ride. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati and is a popular pilgrimage site. The Trishuli River runs along the highway from Dharapani to Kathmandu, and there are several spots along the way where you can stop and enjoy the view. You can also go rafting on the river if you’re feeling adventurous.

Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Newari architecture and ancient temples. You can visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and Dattatreya Temple as well. Bhaktapur is known for its pottery, and you can take a workshop to learn how to make traditional pottery. The workshops usually take a few hours, and you can take home your creation as a souvenir. Bhaktapur is known for its delicious Newari cuisine, which includes dishes such as bara, chatamari, and kwati. You can taste these dishes at the local restaurants and cafes. Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the surrounding monasteries and witness the Buddhist rituals that take place around the stupa. You can also taste some of the delicious Tibetan food that is available in the nearby restaurants and cafes.

Make sure you have your flight details handy, and double-check the departure time and terminal of your flight. Also, check the baggage allowance and other details related to your flight. If you have any Nepalese rupees left, you can exchange them for your home currency at the airport or at one of the currency exchange counters in the city. Make sure you have your passport, visa, and other relevant documents ready for immigration. We advise arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight departure time to allow for check-in, security checks, and immigration formalities. Nepal is a beautiful country with a rich culture and friendly people. Take some time to reflect on your experiences and bid farewell to this amazing country.