Be ready to immerse in the untouched hidden gem of Nepal's well-protected Manaslu Conservation Area on a noteworthy journey through the pristine nature and Tibetan-influenced Buddhist cultural villages along the impressive mountain vistas!!!
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Let’s go on a mythical and mystical journey to the abode of the world’s 8th tallest mountainMt. Manaslu (8163 m). Explore the hidden valleys, immerse into the traditional Tibetan culture, and relish the chance to witness wonders of Mother Nature in one single trekking trip inside Manaslu region of Nepal. The Himalayan Trekking Path Pvt. Ltd has knitted an amazing trekking itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek. The travel planners and trekking crew members for this trip are selected among highly qualified guides and Sherpa hailing from the same region. Therefore, trekking with us means that trekkers get authentic information about local landscape and culture.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Explore the hidden beauty of the Manaslu Trekking region
- Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Trail Head (Machhe Khola) with experiencing wonderful scenery
- Admire the gigantic waterfalls and cross the suspension bridge several times along the journey
- Discover the vast flora and fauna as you cross the different climates
- Immerse into the rich culture and tradition of the ethnic communities including Gurung, Ghale, and Tibetan.
- Visit the most preserved natural and cultural heritage of the Manaslu region
- Walking through the vibrant monasteries and Chortens
- Stay at the Serang Monastery and learn about the deep inside the Buddhist Culture
- Visit the Pungen Monastery, Manaslu Base Camp, and Birendra Lake for the best views
- Explore the local villages En route the trek and learn the profoundness of the culture and way of life.
- Conquered the Larky La -5106m and captured the mesmerizing mountain views
- Walk along the moraine, glacier, and snow-covered path on the Larky La Pass Day
- Captivating views of the Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna Ranges every step of the journey.
- Spend the rustic night at Dharmasala (4400m) before the Larky la Pass (5106m)
- Spend a night in Bhimthang Village with the best accommodation and a close-up view of the Manaslu
- Concludes the Manaslu Circuit trek in Dharapani village
Restricted Trekking Routes of Nepal
Many trekking routes in Nepal are classified as restricted zones. The major reasons behind keeping these places as restricted regions are to protect the unique traditions and culture of the place and to preserve the integrity of Nepal’s northern border area connected with Tibet (Autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China). Nepal’s foreign policy with China is that the country recognizes as “One China Policy”. Therefore, all the places bordering Tibet are under the restricted regions of Nepal. Upper Mustang region, Kanchenjunga Region, Nar Phu Region. and Manaslu region are the major restricted regions of Nepal. If you are planning to do trekking in these places you will have to follow certain protocols. In order to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Serang Monastery you will have to obtain special restricted area permit from immigration department of Nepal. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited. Trekking is possible when you are in a group of at least two trekkers accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and operated by Nepal Government registered trekking agency.
Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
The Himalayan Trekking Path has a team of travel planners who are from the Manaslu region of Nepal. Moreover, the agency always sends its trekking guides and travel planners to research about the current condition of the trail. The trekking route of Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal frequently changes as it is high landslide and flood risk area. In addition, the construction of road on the trail has curtailed the number of trekking days. Get the most updated itinerary of Manaslu Trek with us.
The trailhead of Manaslu Circuit Trek is Machha Khola. Earlier, before the construction of Aarughat – Larke Highway the trailhead of the trek used to be either Soti Khola or Aarughat. Our itinerary consists of Serang monastery as well. Most of the trekking itinerary presented by lots of trekking agencies of Nepal don’t include this monastery. However, our itinerary consists of one night’s stay in the monastery. This is the best way to experience the traditional Tibetan traditions and spiritual aspects of the region.
How to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu?
The best way to reach Machha Khola is by road. There is an option of using helicopter flight to Machha Khola but it is not highly recommended. There is no airport on this trekking route. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is the guaranteed departure trekking destination. The joyous jeep ride from Kathmandu to Aarughat is on the black topped road but the road section from Aarughat to Machha Khola is bumpy. The road is along the Budi Gandaki River. Machha Khola is a small town located on the banks of river where trekkers can experience tranquility and serenity. Trekking starts from this place and heads towards Serang Monastery via Jagat, Deng, and Kwak Village. Entire trekking on this section is on the low altitude area through terraced farmlands, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and green lush forests.
The itinerary of the Himalayan Trekking Path is different from regular trekking agency’s Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. Our itinerary will not follow the regular path but the trek traverses towards Serang Monastery before continuing the journey towards Larke La Pass via Sama Gaon.
Serang Monastery
There are 12 major monasteries inside the Manaslu region of Nepal. Among these iconic monasteries the Serang Monastery is one of the significant religious shrines alongside Rachen Gompa of Nile Village and Mu Gompa Monastery. Locals call the Serang Monastery the Sancen Rabten Norbuling Monastery. This is not only a monastery but also a school. There are more than 100 monks and nuns living inside the monastery. In addition, the monastery runs a school too where students are taught modern educational syllabus as well as spiritual teachings. In the Kyimolung Valley of Gorkha district of Nepal the monastery was built 500 years ago. It is believed that the monastery was revered by religious figures like Guru Rinpoche and Jetsun Milarepa too. Once the visit is concluded, trekkers head back to meet the Manaslu Circuit Trek route in Shyala village via Ghap.
Trek to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake
Sama Gaon is the last densely populated village in the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route. The village is inhabited by Gurung and Tibetan Nepalese people. It is the acclimatization village where trekkers spend two nights to get adjusted to the demanding high-altitude places. The principle of proper acclimatization is to trek higher altitude places and returning to low altitude places for overnight stay. In doing so, trekkers trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m) via Birendra Lake (3700 m). Do you know that Birendra Lake is the most famous lake of the Manaslu region of Nepal? Yes, recently lots of domestic vloggers and travel enthusiasts explored the lake and posted online. It created the momentum for all the hikers to visit this beautiful lake. The location of the lake is like a natural amphitheater created by mountains and hills surrounding the lake. On the way to Manaslu Base Camp, trekkers spend at least 10 to 15 minutes exploring the lake and trek uphill to the base camp.
How to reach Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Gaon during Manaslu Trek?
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach the Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Gaon. This is the major acclimatization activity highly recommended for Manaslu Trekkers. The location of the base camp is in the inclined snowy surface above Birendra Lake. There are many prayer flags and a small flat surface. The trail passes through narrow valleys, green lush forests, and glaciers.
Manaslu Base Camp is harder or the Everest Base Camp?
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is much easier than trekking to the base camp of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). The trail up to Everest Base Camp is one of the commercial trekking routes of Nepal but the Manaslu Base Camp Trek route is still in the wilderness region inside the restricted zone of Nepal. There are no tea houses and eateries in the base camp. Trekkers have to trek from Gorakshep to reach Everest Base Camp whereas trekkers have to trek from Sama Gaon to reach Manaslu Base Camp.
Larke La Pass (5106 m)
The most iconic activity to do during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is the crossing of Larke La Pass. In this trekking journey, trekkers spend a night before crossing the pass either in Larke La Phedi or Dharmasala. The trail is rocky and full of pebbles but most of the trail section is covered by snow. From the top of the pass, trekkers can get splendid scenery of mountains like Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, etc. Upon crossing the Larke La Pass (5106 m) trekkers enter the Annapurna region of Nepal.
What are the permits required for Manaslu Trek in Nepal?
The permits required for Manaslu Trek in Nepal are the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, Special Restricted Area Permit (SRAP) issued by Nepal’s Immigration Department, and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit is not in use nowadays. Please note that you are not allowed to trek solo and independently on this trekking route.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Distance
On average, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking takes about 14 to 21 days depending upon the itinerary of the trek. The total distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek is about 177 to 180 kilometers excluding the road trip from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Tilche to Kathmandu via Besisahar and including the Tsum Valley excursion. However, the total trekking kilometers is about 125 kilometers.
How Difficult is Manaslu Trek?
The journey of Manaslu Trek is fairly challenging. Imagine walking on the trekking trails above 3500 m from sea level that include several uphill and downhill sections. You will have to walk for about 6 to 7 hours every day. Therefore, you must have good physical fitness and the best cardiovascular abilities.
What is the average cost of Manaslu Trekking?
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from USD 900 to USD2000 per Trekkers depending on duration, service, season, group size, company policy, and way of traveling. The 17 days Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalayan Trekking Path Pvt. Ltd provides a comprehensive service that deals with all the facilities that are quoted in the Package. The Package of the Manaslu Circuit Trek includes the service from Arrival to Departure. Moreover, in the package, you will have airport transport (Pickup and Drop), Hotel in Kathmandu, Transportation (Kathmandu to Machhe Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara), Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), All the permits (TIMS, ACAP, MCAP, and Local Rural Municipality Fees), Guide, Porter, Mountain Accommodation, etc. Additionally, in the package, you will have an opportunity to spend a night at Serang Monastery which is the most valuable night stay during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The Cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalayan Trekking Path Pvt. Ltd is always reasonable and unbeatable. Let’s get the best deal on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package as per the participant number in a Group.
- The Manaslu Circuit Trek is USD 1,700 (one person) in a Group
- For groups of 2 to 6 participants, the cost per person for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is USD 1,500.
- If traveling in a group of 7 to 10 people, the price per person for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is USD 1,400.
Can I do Tsum Valley Trek during Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
It is possible to do Tsum Valley Trek during Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal. However, you need to add at least 3 to 4 days to the regular Manaslu Circuit Trekking itinerary. Trekkers trek to Chumling village from Philim and reach Mu Gompa monastery via Chhekampar and Nile village. They will return to circuit trek route in Namrung village. Therefore, contact our travel planners if you wish to add Tsum Valley. In fact, you can book our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek package to do the entire trekking inside the Manaslu region of Nepal.