The thrilling Manaslu Circuit Trek leads the explorers passing through an adventure remotely off–the–beaten path into the heavenly landscapes, awesome white waterfalls, inside the gorge of Budi Gandaki River and the dense forests of bamboo, rhododendrons as well as alpine woods in the lap of the Mt.
Manaslu (8,163m/26,758ft), is the eighth-highest peak in the world. The trek was opened in 1992 as it was a restricted area before and now it is taken as the most famous trekking trail in Nepal, because of its uniqueness that captivates the natural essence, exclusiveness, and virgin unexplored Himalayan gems.
The trail goes along the border of Nepal and China letting us a wonderful experience of the diverse cultures, and lifestyles of both Hindu and Buddhist religions. En route, the trekkers walk through the beautiful rich forestry gardens of rhododendrons, pine, cedar, birch, and Juniper woods including delighting verdant grassy land.
Normally, the Manaslu round trek completes within 16 days accommodating the tea houses that navigate the world’s eighth highest peak which has carried the features of some other trekking in Nepal.
This is the prosperous traveling section to observe the rich Hindu and Buddhist cultures, fantastic flora and fauna, the nicest rhododendron flowers antique bridges, majestic mountains, and the prettiest sloppy mountain terrain.
The trail is positioned inside the eastern side of Ganesh Himal and west in the Mt. Annapurna and the peaceful trekking routes, just two percent of people who visited Nepal step their feet in this hidden treasure of Mountain land.
Perhaps, the region behind this can be the remoteness, and higher physical demand, but the trip once you do it will never be swiped out from your mind surely placed in your mind into your whole life section which is culturally enriching and provide scenic verities of the snowline horizon of glistering snowcapped mountains.
Moreover, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best options for adventure lovers who want to hike in a peaceful environment. The trail gets less crowded as only a fewer people do this challenging trek in the mountainous region.
This trek is the best alternative trek for Annapurna Circuit Trek and the trip is more flexible so, can be optimized as per your choice up to 22 days for an additional hike to Tsum valley or can shrink only for 14 days as per your flexibility and planning for the trekking journey.
This trek might be another adventure activity for the alternative trekking of Everest Base Camp which will complete your adventure passion in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.
• Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Adventure drive from Kathamndu to Machha Khola
- Stunning sceneries of Lamjung Himal, Mount Annapurna II including the world’s eighth highest peak Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), and many more.
- Trekking through the bank of the Budi Gandaki River like canoeing through the tunnel
- Undisturbed virgin trail
- Combination of nature and culture
- Enjoy the Himalayan flora and fauna
- Prosperous biodiversity with attractive lure to nature
- Opportunity to observe Hinduism and Himalayan Buddhism
- Rich in wildlife and higher possibility to encounter snow leopard and blue sheep which are endangered animals in the world
• Comprehensive guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The trek is starting from Kathmandu by driving to Machha Khola taking through the border of Nepal and Tibet allowing the experience of varieties of local cultures including both Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
The trail leads through the tunnel track along the side of the Budi Gandaki River inside the beautiful forests of rhododendron, pine, cedar birch, juniper, and bamboo with delightful verdant mountain dry land like a desert.
Similarly, the main attraction of the trekking trip is the 8th highest majestic peak Manaslu with a mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism simultaneously.
In the same way, extraordinary Himalayan landscapes, wilderness, wildflowers, pristine rivers, and, stunning mighty Himalayas are the pride of this area which are undiscovered.
The Circuit is surrounded by the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal in the west, and Annapurna Mountains in the west and ornamented by the most precious 8th thousand higher mountain Manaslu. Despite the Manaslu trek’s demanding physical stamina, the tour is enriching in unique typical cultures and scenically significant.
The trekking route Manaslu region leads you to the holy Budi Gandaki River gorge included its turquoise water and mesmerizing waterfalls on the way. Likewise, during your adventure to the Manaslu region, you will cross the numerous suspension bridges over the Gandaki River that are highly located against the rock.
The journey to Manaslu province is not a joke as it offers high stamina and endurance of your body for a long journey in an elevated spot. It is one of the remote trekking journeys in the mountainous region of Nepal that already offers your higher body stamina with a large trekking distance.
The trek resumes from Machha Khola heading towards Dobhan (1,070m 3,510ft), through the Thado Khola flowing the hard rock cavetto to reach Khorla Besi featured by the traditional Gurung settlement.
The trail again goes towards Tatopanin, after crossing the suspension bridge then we reach Dobhan which is the confluence of two rivers. The next day our journey will be in Philim or Deng depending on your walking speed, as the way is quite rugged, steep, and down.
The exploration let you the chance to witness the wonderful views of Sringi Himal that takes you to Philim the hub of the Gurung ethnic group. The main products of this province are corn, potatoes, buckwheat, millet, and wheat on the farm.
The destination to Deng is filled with impressive waterfalls passing through several suspension bridges reach to Deng village, the place is spiritually rich and contained by the holy monasteries, rivers, and enchanted glorious Himalayas on the horizon.
The next day’s journey is head forehead towards Namrung more curiously descending and ascending through the uphill and downhill by Deng to Rana Gaun. The trial is fully covered by Mani walls, and Mani stones which give you the Buddhist spiritual vibes as after crossing the suspension bridge you will reach Ghap.
We follow the rocky and trodden wild path then it takes us to the beautiful typical village of Namrung where you can get the 4-star level hotel named Four Season, which provides Shawna and a steam bath that makes relax your body after a long day of walking.
The Himalayan journey passes through the famous Prok village on the route and witnesses the astounding view of Mount Sringi. Similarly, after spending our night at the Namrung, we set our next destination to the Samagaun which is the starting point for Manaslu expeditions as the Namrung already offered the breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) and, Himalchuli (7,893m).
The travel around Manaslu takes quite a long time, every day you may need to walk around 6 to 7 hours from one stop to another but there will be an acclimatization day in Smagaun, that day you can hike to the Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake.
Before reaching Samagaun you have to pass along the Thusang Khola towards Syala village from where you can behold the mind-blowing views of Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal in the zenith.
So, on the rest day at Samagaun, you will take some relaxation for the other day trekking to Samdo which is the settlement of Tibetan refugees. The journey pleasantly goes through the pasture land crossing by the Mani walls leading us to the birch and juniper woodlands.
The Samdo village offers charismatic vistas of gorgeous mountains including beautiful silver snowcapped Mount Manaslu.
Moreover, when you get to this typical Tibetan village, you have just one day more to cross the Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16,929ft) is the main attraction of this trek.
During our blissful journey to the Himalayas heading towards Dharmasala, the day is filled with more excitement and curiosity because the mountain is opening one after another with every step of our walking activities.
The trail is decorated with prayer flags and Mani walls catching the view of Larkey Glacier in your eyesight and after ascending the rocky trail following through the footprint, we reach Dharmasala which is known as the Larkya La Phedi too.
Eventually, our patience to pass the Larkya La Pass (5,106m) going to blast soon after the night stay in Dharmasala, is the highest pass point of this adventure tour. The extreme adventure journey begins early in the morning through the Larkya Glacier moraine track passing by some frozen lakes.
When you reach the top you will be awarded by the awesome sceneries of the towering mountains, such as Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Ponker Himal, and other numerous snow peaks. We continue our walk on a steep descent through the looser rocky trail down the Yak grazing pastureland to arrive at Bhimthang.
We have almost circled the Manaslu when we reach Bhimthang and our return trip to Kathmandu begins and continue our walking to Ghoa. The journey is easy after these days and you will be excited because you have already completed your challenging adventure of Mighty Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The trail goes inside the dense alpine woods and on the way, you may have a glimpse of a sheep herd, horses, and jackanapes (a kind of monkey).
The last day trekking trip takes you to Taal via Dharapani as the way to Annapurna Circuit Trek then go along the roads then go left side there is the beautifully settled town Taal as you will end your adventure tour here.
Finally, on the last day of your trek, you will take the local jeep here and drive to Besisahar passing by the several beautiful traditional villages like Bhulbhule and Khudi Bazaar, after getting in Besisahar we will take our lunch and drive back to Kathmandu and, overnight stay at the luxurious accommodation for relaxing where the Manaslu Circuit trekking journey ends.
The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most adventurous epic journeys in your lifetime experience in Nepal. It is spiritual travel to the remote areas of the mountains of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) world’s eighth-highest mountain.
Trekkers have experienced unique Gurung cultures, and their happy life even in the difficulty over the Himalayas. Manaslu circuit trek offers an outstanding view of many Himalayan ranges such as Ganesh Himal, Mt. Himlung, Pawar Himal, Larke peak, and Annapurna II.
This trek is also significant to explore the high altitude, glacier lakes, majestic waterfalls, and unique categories of flora and fauna in its virgin nature. An ancient monastery, Tibetan cultures, and beautiful landscapes are the main highlights of this trek including scenic verities of the Manaslu mountain series.
Trek over the Manaslu circuit is the adventurous step for every explorer where you lust by extraordinary mountain scenery along with the trail. The Larke La Pass (5106 m) is another challenging pass in Nepal which is one of the heroic parts of the trek.
Nomads who want to discover undisturbed nature by the human can choose this route for their trekking. Less than two percent of trekkers visit the Manaslu circuit, so if you want peace and no crowd on the way sure we recommend this trek to fulfill your ideal journey in your life.
The circular trek around the Manaslu is the most magnificent Himalayan journey in the world. In comparison with other treks, the Manaslu circuit trek is a little remote physically demanding but culturally enriching and scenically highly rich.
Furthermore, the circuit trek starts from the low land of Budi Gandaki River with the landmark rice and millet, barley through the great gorges of the Budigandaki River with its turquoise water and amazing waterfalls.
As the trek was only opened to a maximum of 400 trekkers in 1992 is the trailblazer expedition still for visitors? For the Manaslu circuit trek, you need to do physical exercise before preparing for the trip.
Specifically, the Manaslu circuit trek features all things for the classic treks, amazing scenery of deep green rivers and typical villages, intimate encounters with local people their ancient art, and architecture. In the back, this trek is a recently opened trek for explorers from all around the world.
The trail starts from Soti Khola and goes through the lush green forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and marijuana and different wild plants on the way. Apart from the Himalayan scenery, this trek also serves religious and cultural diversity. Overall this trip blends with the natural splendor and cultural facts of Nepal.
Manaslu province trek is one of the magnificent trips for all the trekkers who love peace and nature. You have an awesome journey over Manaslu Trek with a mixture of natural and cultural vibes of the Himalayan region.
Most things you impress by are the friendly behavior and respect of the local people of Manaslu even though they are living remote life there, you can see smiles and happiness on their faces. To sum up, mentioned below are the prime reason to choose the “MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK” virgin legendary trail of Nepal.
1. Experience of best adventure remote trek in Nepal
Manaslu circuit trek is located in the lap of the different Himalayas as the trail mostly goes along the Kaligandaki River, somewhere goes deep inside the gorge and cross over the dense forests of rhododendron, alpine and bamboos, and different wild plants.
You encounter the friendly people they welcome with their smiley faces. As the way is really adventurous and remote, the way is quite narrow somewhere, and need to walk on the rock.
Manaslu circuit trek is under the Manaslu conservation area which is a habitat of 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 211 species of butterflies, 2,000 species of flowers, and 11 types of forests for your lifetime experience In the remote area.
The Manaslu trek differently stands out from the off-beaten trail available for trekking in Nepal.
2. Peace and undisturbed trail
Two percent of whole trekkers who visit Nepal do this trek means meet fewer people on the way as the trekkers who are loveless or not crowed on the way choose this trail.
There are some other famous trekking trails in Nepal such as Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek have much crowed in the season but this trek is the alternative for the peaceful and undisturbed trail for the explorer.
However, October and April are considered the busiest month of the region where the track is filled with trekkers opting in the place.
3 Highly prosperous cultural experience
The Manaslu circuit trek passes by the Mani wall and Mani stones and Chortens prayers wheel where the Buddhist mantra (OM MANI PADME HUM) written on it is the religious vibes of the trail.
There is also another place to explore Tsum Valley for the pure original Tibetan cultures and Himalayan Tibetan Buddhism. The valley is filled with its unique cultures and language and maintains the practices the ancient Buddhism.
The main facets of this place are the inhabitants in the highlands trek influenced by Tibetan cultures, therefore the trek serves as a phenomenal opportunity to enrich your cultural knowledge in such totter views of mountains and beautiful sceneries.
You may visit many trekking places but Manaslu circuit trekking is different than other trails in that you give the chance to take to the journey of the past where you inundate with the perfume of isolated foothills, traditional typical villages of Himalayas cultural phenomena, traditions, people, lifestyle, and values of This region have the good thought of school and friendly behavior.
4 Moderately formidable
Even though the trek is under the off-beaten path of the country, the trek requires well fitness. It doesn’t mean that you require an athletic body or ability in order to embark on to journey in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
However, trekkers need to consider their health issues especially concerning ankles, knees, and joints because the unpleasant trek might cause such a problem sometimes. The trek needs to walk about 6-7 hours per day means quite longer than a normal walk.
That is why some prior hiking and trekking experiences get an advantage to the explorers. Moreover, those who have a habit of less exercise need to grow up their exercise level per day prior to exercise for a few weeks for this trekking. This trek is best to make a fit and fine body in a slim shape in the proper condition.
5. Safe and Secure
Manaslu region is reconstructed, well-managed, and restored after the devastating earthquake in 2015. The government of Nepal has effectively restored all the routes with the support of local people as well as tea houses.
So, there is no problem with the accommodations who visit these trails and the province is really safe to trek. However, travelers may get altitude sickness because high altitudes have less oxygen level, so we suggest you have proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness altogether.
You are going higher elevation day by day which means your body gets less oxygen then may have chances of altitude problem, it is because every traveler walks slowly and take proper rest rather than being excited about the destination of the adventure journey.
You must attend to personnel hygiene throughout the journey so that you can avoid any kind of health mishaps along the trek. At last but not least, you can take some medicine and the purification drops or tabs along with you on the route in the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
• Length of Manaslu Circuit Trek and Terrain
The Manaslu round trek is settled on the well-trodden trail all the way as they are rocky and uneven terrain in the remote area of Nepal.
The path does not offer climbing as it is not precipitous that requires technical equipment and it is way covered by hiking though some parts of the trek can be steep and the regular descent is about 180 kilometers, possibly 120 miles.
Similarly, you will be impressed by the friendly hospitality of the locals but you have to respect the rules and regulations followed by the local people, and, the rule of the road is while you encounter the Yaks or mules let them go first and keep your stay just on the side of corner otherwise you will be pushed by them to downhill, trekking poles are supportive equipment to avoid your knees problems.
Hence, It is already mentioned that the Larkya La Pass is the highest point of this trek and should ascend at the same time track might be slippery, you need to take care well but the ascent is not that much tougher.
The trail after Larke Bazaar is strenuous, you will get high elevation and, it is difficult to walk uphill which makes it possible for altitude sickness unless you wall slow and steady but a rest day at Samagaung and hiked Manaslu Base Camp will be beneficial.
This ascending day will let you experience mountaineering up to the Larkya La Pass. Normally, it is warm in the day about 20 degree Celsius and cold in the evening 10 degrees to zero degrees at night you enter the Nupri region after Lho inhabited by Tibetan immigrants which provides you with a unique culture, religion, and friendly local people.
• Special Features of Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a special adventure journey for everyone who has done a courageous experience in their life. The trek follows the ancient salt trading trail along the bank of the holy Budi Gandaki River.
The trail offers stunning views of more than 6,500 meters (21,300 ft) of mountains that are reflected while optimizing the trekking through the Manaslu region as fewer people set their trip to this spot behind its closest another trekking route Annapurna Base Camp.
This region is primarily dominated by two ethnic groups, they are Nubri and Tsum as the Chhikur’s branching off the rivers departed both racial provinces. Likewise, Nubri was frequently met up with Nepal’s 1950 tourism opening while Tsum still own much of its ancient culture art, and architecture.
The area is hugely occupied by the Gurung ethnic group in the central hills of the territory if you want to do Manaslu Round, it is better to find a companion because it is a restricted area that you need to get a special permit and there should be at least two people to get a permit from the beginning.
• Best Season For Manaslu Circuit Trek
There are 4 distinct seasons in the entire Manaslu region, Annapurna region, and Everest region around the whole of Nepal, they are spring (March, April, and April), summer (June, July, and August), autumn (September, October, and November) and winter (December, January, and February).
The months from March to May and September to November are the best time for trekking and hiking activities in Nepal and the rest of the other months like June to August get heavy rainfall and in winter there will be heavy snowfall and it is hard to do adventure trip in the mountain regions in Nepal. In the same way, every month offers a special hiking experience just you need to be prepared the obtaining your destination of majestic mountains.
• Difficulty of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trekking or hiking in the Manaslu region is not a joke, it needs higher stamina and endurance power of your body because you are preparing for a challenging trip in your life. It is not mean that you are not able to obtain this trip and you have to maintain your body by doing hiking, physical fitness, and cardio exercises fewer months before the beginning of the hiking journey to the Manaslu region.
The trip is not tougher but the hiker should be moderately fit to opt for the walking activities. After all, your journey is going up to a higher elevation in the mighty Manaslu mountain territory which is why you have to study the region, geography, cultures, and lifestyle than the difficulty of the trekking trip that gives you the tips for good preparation of your adventure Manaslu region trek.
• Packing lists for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The trekking gear that you are using in your hiking is the best partner ever in your life while you are trekking in the mountain region, in the fact these gears are the key to your journey no matter where you going. In an extreme case, while you are in the game of life and death gear might be played the role of a game changer and save your life.
The gear plays the vital role that the right choice of equipment makes your challenging tour successful and exciting or ends miserably with unfit gear.
First of be well prepared by your psychologically and Physically then now it’s time to plan your trip to the Manaslu area, book your tickets and of course, we are waiting there to welcome you to the Tribhuwan International Airport in Nepal to make your adventure tour for success.
Now, you get ready to rock up your courageous journey but it is better to pack proper trekking gear rather it will just wastage or unfit shoes may get blisters. If you have taken ropes, the chalk, harness, or carabiners are stored in your hotel where you have to accommodate them because we are heading for the trek, not for the climb.
In the down section we have presented the basic comprehensive trekking gear lists that are suitable for all the trekking regions in Nepal including Manaslu Circuit Trek, please check it and be confident for further adventure.
- Hiking Shoes
- Trekking socks
- Back Pack with Rain Cover or Duffle Bag
- Normal Shoes or Sandals for Wearing in the Morning and Evening
- Trekking sticks
- Inside socks
- Thermal Wear
- T-Shirts
- Jacket or Fleece Pullover
- Light Thermal Tops
- Water Resistant Jacket
- Sporty Bra for Ladies
- Trekking Shorts
- Hiking Pants
- Waterproof wears
Of course, there are more options that you can pack as per your needs and choice because everyone is different.
Namaste