Manaslu Circuit Trekking 12 Days

Early morning drive-over Prithivi Highway till to Malekhu Pul and turn right-hand side to Dhading Besi (district headquarters of Dhading); continues to drive off-road to Salentar and Arughat Bazar continue drive to Sotikhola. We follow the Budigandaki river, the country changes, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested. We pass a number of small villages, tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Buri Gandaki. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapu Besi. Trek descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machhekhaola 870m, Machhekhola means "Fish stream", 10–12 hours drive by Bus/Jeep, overnight at Guest House.

We cross the MachheKhola, head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi and the hot spring at Tatopani . The valley sides steepen until they are impassable, and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path, we reach the single Guest House at Doban. Above Doban, the Buri Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we re-cross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat 1340 m, where we stay in a Guest House, 5-6 hours trekking.

Jaget has a Manaslu check post for your special trekking permits. The special contoll area starts from Jagat. Asian Hiking Team guide will check the permit. After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, trek up a terraced hill to Salleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal 7187m. Crossing Buri Gandaki River again at Gatte Khola, our route continues upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. We cross the river more than three times in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley side and then climb up over a further steep spur to cross Philim – Ekle Bhatti, Nyak then reach the village of Deng 1860m (Dyang), where we overnight lodge, today 5 hours trekking.

The valley is still steep-sided and most impressive. We cross to the village of Lana, and start to see Mani stones, a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist region. After only about four hours, we reach the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan areas and the cultural change is obvious, and the climate change is also obvious. The trekking is pleasantly cool now. We gain altitude to take us into alpine territory and increase mountain views. There are more Mani walls after Ghap and 3 more times crossing of the Budi Gandaki on our route to Namrung (2630m), 5-6 hours trek, overnight at lodge/Hotel.

Today is a short day in our trekking because there are so magnificent views on the way to Lho. After breakfast start trekking pass Lihi cross Hinang river and climb to Sho then gradually up a large village at 3150m where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous Chortens and Manis wall, it's called Lho village. Looking back, Ganesh Himal I is visible. Overnight in Guest House/Hotel.

After breakfast, leaving the village of Lho Gau, you follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. At a fork in the trail, we take a detour to the left, which leads up to How Sansho Gompa and the Punggen Glaciers, from where there is a stunning view of Peak 29, Himalchuli and Manaslu. As you continue on the main trail, you soon reach the fields of Sama Gau, 3520 m, 4-5 hours, overnight hotel/ guest house.

This is a day for rest at Samagaon to give you some acclimatization. Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, you take a breather to acclimatize and relax. You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli); Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall, and you can see Birendra Kunda which is an ice lake nearby the Manaslu Base Camp. You can talk with your guide and decide on a day tour because we do not know what you want and how your situation is at that time, stay overnight at Lodge/Hotel.

You trek gently uphill all the way to Samdo through a desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers away from Samdo, but visitors are not allowed to pass the border. If you want to visit Tibetan border, you need one extra day. There is a Tibetan refugee village at Samdo. This is an excellent view point for Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Sonam Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and several other majestic peals. Stay overnight at Lodge in Samdo (3875m).

Dharmashala or Larky Phedi or Larke base camp takes about 4/5 hours. The trail is rocky and zigzags all the way to your destination. Before you reach Larke Phedi, there is a market called Larkya Bazaar, where seasonal fairs are held for the local folks. People bring goods from Tibet to sell and exchange it here. Stay overnight at a basic tea house in Dharmasala/Larkya phedi.

It takes about 8/12 hours. Early in the morning you begin to trek a steep ascending path until Larkya La through a rocky and windy trail. Today, you carry a packed lunch. From the top, you can enjoy the views of Larke peak, sunrise at Mt. Manaslu, Ratna chuli, Cheo Himal and a good deal of other snow capped mountains and peaks. Crossing this pass, you hike to a steep downhill path through rock and ice. If you are planning on Dec or early March, we recommend bringing mini crampons. Trekking polls also may help to go down in other seasons. On the way, you will encounter many icy lakes. We recommend you be careful going down. Bimthang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses. Stay overnight at Guest house in Bimthang (3590m) 8–12 hours trekking.

The Trek from Bimthang to Tillje takes about six to seven hours. Crossing this high pasture, you descend the valley of the Purdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp for the West side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150 meter, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, you descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meter. Walking down, you cross a stream to reach Tilje. Here is an apple orchard which is quite famous for local wine, overnight at Guest house.

Leaving Tilje, you trek uphill for nearly 1-1.30 hours to reach Dharapani, crossing a bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Check out the Manaslu special permit again and continue to walk Annapurna trail to Katre (Khotro) continues to Tal village to Besi Sahar 800 m, 4-6 hours drive by local Jeep or bus. From Besi Sahar continue to drive to Kathmandu 5 hours by bus or Jeep, transfer to hotel, end your trek. If you are interested to go Pokhara also possible to drive from Besi Sahar, 4 hours.