12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

The 12 days Manaslu circuit trek is the experience of the unspoiled trekking region in Nepal. The trekking trail is popular after the Annapurna base camp trek and Everest base camp trek.

Mt Manaslu (8163m) is the world’s eighth highest mountain in Nepal. This is the off beaten and remote beautiful trekking trail located on the northern side of Nepal.

During the trek, you had spectacular mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas and massif along the trek. The trekking trail across the Budi Gandaki River valley with diverse landscape leads you the Highest point Larke-La pass (5154m). From where you enjoy the breathtaking views of a snowcapped mountain in your surroundings.

The Manaslu circuit trek offers the outstanding beauty of nature, diverse landscape, typical villages, and biodiversity. It makes your journey fascinating as well as absolutely memorable.

Besides, trekking trail you will experience the unique culture of different ethnicity and their tradition and ancient monuments are the major attraction of the trek.

 

12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Route 

The Manaslu circuit trek is the combination of the Annapurna and Manaslu region trek. The trekking trail begins from the Low land Hilly region with lush green forest, Villages, waterfalls, River, biodiversity and alpine level of majestic Himalayan views. It begins from the Arughat/Sothi Khola of Gorkha district and end with Bsheshir Lamjung Nepal, it covers around 177Km.

Our trekking trail flowing the bank of Buddhi Gandaki River, paddy field, animals grazing land and Nepali traditional villages. Moving on across the diverse landscape towards the higher altitude until the Tibet China border. In the Manaslu region, higher altitude local inhabited people are influenced by the Tibetan culture, language, and lifestyle.

Passing through the different beautiful villages such as Jagat, Phidim, Deng, Namrung, Lo, Sama, Samdo and Dharamsala. Sama (3500m) is the acclimatization place, where you can walk around and explore the Manaslu base camp trekking trail, Birendra Tal and the ancient monastery of Buddhist culture.

From the Dharmasal you will across the highest point of the trek Larla la pass and arrived at Bhimtang Phedi. This is the longest day of the trek, where we have to cross the mountain range with amazing views. Then you will be heading towards the Dharipani mostly the downhills. You will catch a jeep and drive back to the Kathmandu after the 12 Days Manaslu circuit trek.

Manaslu circuit trek is a restricted trekking trail and from the 1991AD open for the foreigner traveler. Also, the trekking trail is no more crowed by the traveler. This region trek is far from modernity and you can experience the ancient local culture and lifestyle. Thus you will enjoy the fresh beauty of ancient culture and natural beauty.

 

Highlights of the 12 Days Manaslu circuit trek 

• Scenic drive to Arughat and Sotikhola
• Trekking through the amazing beauty of nature and diverse landscape of Budi-Gandaki valley.
• Explore the local villages along the trekking trail
• Experienced the Diversity of flora and fauna
• Pass Larke- La (5,145m)
• Visit an ancient Buddhist monastery
• Stunning mountain views like Ganesh Himal, Siringi, Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayan range.

 

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat/ Soti Khola (710m/2328 ft.) 7 – 8 hour’s

Day 02: Trek from Soti Khola – Maccha Khola (900m/2952 ft.) 6 – 7 hrs.

Day 03: Trek from Maccha Khola -Jagat (1410m/ 4625 ft.) 6 – 7 hrs.

Day 04: Trek from Jagat – Deng (1,804m/5917 ft.) 6 – 7 hrs.

Day 05: Trek from Deng – Namrung (2630m/8626ft) 6 – 7 hrs.

Day 06: Trek from Namrung – Samagaon (3530m/11,578 ft.) 6-7 hrs.

Day 07: Acclimatization day (Samagaon – Pungyen gompa – Samagaon) – exploration

Day 08: Trek from Samagaon – Samdo (3860m/12,660 ft.) 4 – 5 hrs.

Day 09: Trek from Samdo – Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4460m/14, 628 ft) 4 hrs.

Day 10: Trek from Dharamsala – Larkya la (5160m/16, 924 ft.) – Bimthang (3720m/12, 201 ft.) 8 – 9 hrs.

Day 11: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1920 m) 5- 6 hrs.

Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besishar by local jeep/ bus 8-9 hrs.

 

Detail itinerary 

 

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat/Soti Khola 

Altitude: 710m/2328 ft.

Activity: 7-8 hour drive 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Your journey begins after having breakfast in the hotel. And your trekking guide pickup to the bus park drive to the Soti-Khola. Scenic drive through the Prithivi high way until Mlakhu and went through the Dhadhing Beshi road flowing paved road and some of the dirt road till Arughat. Along the drive, you will enjoy the greenery you’re surrounding with some of the parts that can see the amazing beauty of Himalayan peaks.

From the Arughat flowing the Gorkha road 13 Km drive to arrive at Sothi Khola. It is located at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight at tea house

Day 02: Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola 

Altitude: 900m/2952 ft.

Activity: 6 – 7 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Today’s our trekking journey flowing the beautiful typical villages with greenery surrounding the valley. Maccha Khola it took around 15KM from the Soti Khola. You have to walk around 5-6 hours to arrive at your destination.

Walking from Soti Khola further few minutes arrive at Khurshani Bari, which is across the army’s lighting camp.

From the Khurshani Bari, you will enjoy the views of 100m waterfall. Trekking trail flows the wayside of river valley trek, having a beautiful nature. Along the trekking trail, you can side views of landslide areas because of the 2015 earthquake.

You will across the beautiful villages and agricultural field with amazing nature arrive at Maccha Khola. The village has located the bank of the river. And here is plenty of tea houses for the traveler. Overnight at tea house

Day 03: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat 

Altitude: 1,410m/ 4,625 ft.

Activity: 6 – 7 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Police checkpoint checked your permits and having breakfast and heading towards the Jagat village. Trek through the many more up and downhills and you will take to you Tatopani.

Tatopani is the natural hot spring site and having a shower a few minutes. It will make your body and muscle relaxation and comfortable to walk.

After further few minutes’ walks, you will cross the cantilever bridge from Yaru Bagar, it takes around 20 minutes. This is the first bridge in Nepal and 158m long.

You will trekking distance 22 KM approx. 7 hours to reach Jagat. Overnight at tea house

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng 

Altitude: 1,804m/5,917 ft.

Activity: 6 – 7 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Jagat is the checkpoint of the Manaslu conservation permit. You will start a walk early in the morning after having breakfast. You will walk around 7 hours arrived at Deng village, here a few lodges for the trekkers.

Walking 45 minutes you will arrive at Salleri village, where you have to cross a river and you can see the old Hydropower.

Then you will be heading towards the Sirdibas, from where you will enjoy the first glimpse of Sringi Himal. Here you cross the suspension bridge and walk a few minutes ascent toward the Phidim village. This place you will find the different government offices like revenue office, police stations and many more.

From the Phedim you will walk towards the Chisapani village, where we have lunch. You will flow the beautiful trekking trail passing toward Nayak Phedi. This the intersection of Tsum valley trek and Manaslu circuit. Then you will be heading toward the Manaslu circuit trek towards the Pewa village.

You will across the two suspension bridge and arrive at Phew village, which is cross the beautiful forest and bank of the river. Here After a few minutes’ walks, you will arrive at DENG village. Overnight at tea house

Day 05: Trek from Deng to Namrung

Altitude: 2,630m/8,626ft

Activity: 6 – 7 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You will start your journey early in the morning having breakfast from the Deng village. The trekking trail flowing the Budi-Gandaki valley after 45 minutes walk a few uphill and gradually arrive at Rana Gaon.

After a beautiful walk leads the gradual walk from the Rana to Bhimphedi. You will be flowing the beautiful natural valley until Gap. Here you had lunch.

After enjoying the delicious food, you will be heading Namroung village. Along the trekking trail, you will enjoy the green forest and pleasant sound from the river and chirping birds, which was an amazing walk-in the Himalayan region.

In Namrung village tea houses provide beautiful cottage accommodation, which is very pleasing and comfortable to spend a night.

Overall Namrong approx. 21 KM away from the Dang village. Overnight at tea house

Day 06: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon 

Altitude: 3,530m/11,578 ft.

Activity: 6 – 7 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is our beautiful trekking trail that leads you to the famous village of Manaslu circuit trek Samagaon. You will reach Samagon passing amazing villages like Banjam, Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Sayla.

Besides, you will enjoy crossing through the beautiful green alpine forest, Mani walls, Chortens, and barley terrace fields.

While you reach LHO, you can rest and have lunch and explore the Buddhist monastery. Also, you will enjoy the amazing views of the Manaslu and mountain range.

After a few minutes’ walks, you will arrive at Sayla from the LHO. Here you can get the spectacular views of surrounding natural environments like 29 peaks, Mt Manaslu Himalchuli, Nadi, Saula and many more peaks. You will cross the yak grazing meadow with Yak.

From Salya it takes 1 hour to reach Samagoun. This the popular place to commence to climbing MT Manaslu base camp trek. Overnight at tea house

 

Day 07: Acclimatization Day (Samagaon – Pungyen gompa – Samagaon) – exploration

Today is an acclimatization day in a higher altitude trek Manaslu circuit. It will help you acclimatize your body to a new environment. You will spend a walk around the Samagon village, Buddhist monastery, Birendra Tal, Manaslu base camp and Pungyen Gomba.

Besides, you will experience the Manaslu region’s cultural and traditional aspect from the ancient monastery with the stunning beauty of the MT Manaslu Himalayan range.

Manaslu base camp is 6 KM from the Samagon and it takes around a 5-hour walk. It is the elevation of 4800m. Here you can also view the Glacier.

The Pungyen Gomba is 6-7 KM far from the Sama Goan. This is the close and better view of Mount Manaslu and neighboring peaks than the Manaslu base camp. Overnight at tea house

Day 08: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

Altitude: 3,700m/12,660 ft.)

Activity: 4 – 5 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trekking trail leads you mainly through the gradual flat land of Alpine valley. However, closer to the Samdo you have to walk a few minute ascent hills.

Samdo is the Tibetan refugee village at the altitude of 3700m. The trekking trail leads you through the juniper and birch forests, which was reflecting the eye witnessing views of the Himalayan range.

You will trek around 16KM to Samdo from Samagoun. Here you will enjoy the amazing views of Mt Manaslu. Overnight at tea house

Day 09: Trek from Samdo – Dharamsala/Larkya B. C.

Altitude: 4450m/14, 628 ft.

Activity: 3 – 4 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek starts with downhill walking until Budhi Gandaki River. Then you will cross the river and walking through the Larky Bazar and valley of Salka Khola heading Dharmsala.

You will walk through the beautiful Larkey valley with the stunning beauty of the Himalayan glacier. Dharamsala is known as Larkey Phedi. It is 12 Km walk around it takes 3-4 hours to reach. Overnight at tea house

Day 10: Trek from Dharamsala – Larkya la (5106m/16, 924 ft.) – Bimthang

Altitude: 3,500m/12, 201 ft.

Activity: 8 – 9 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Early morning start our journey to cross the highest point Larkya la pass trek. It is a challenging and difficult part of the trek. The trek you will cross the glacier with the high stunning beauty of the Himalayan range.

Plus, along the trekking trail, you had a mesmerizing view of Mountains like Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Himlung Himal, Annapurna, Manaslu, and massif.

While crossing the high point of the trek, you mostly flowing grassy down until Bhimtang village. The trek covers 25 Km, it may be walking around 8-9 hours to reach the beautiful village. Overnight at tea house

Day 11: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani

Altitude: 1,920 m

Activity: 5 – 6 hrs. Walk

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Bhimtang to Dharapni is the last day trek with the longest walk, it may cover around 34 Km distance.

However, you will across the easy walk trekking trail mainly pass the downhill with the gradual path.

Manaslu circuit trek extends the Manag district from the Gorkha. The trekking trail passes the villages like Karcha, Goa, Tilche and finally reach Dharapani.

The trekking trail descends to the Marsandgi River valley. You will walk through the dense pine and rhododendron forest. Then you will reach Tilije Gurung village, the place is famous for the locally made brandy.

Finally, you will arrive at Dharapani village. This is the Annapurna circuit trek checkpoint. So you have to enter your permits and exit from the Manaslu circuit trek. Overnight at tea house

 

Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besishar by local jeep/ bus 8-9 hrs.

Today is the last day of the 12 days Manaslu circuit trek. You will catch a jeep and drive to Besisahar. Then you will continue you’re driving journey flowing the bank of Marsyangdi River to reach the Kathmandu valley.

It will take around a 9-10 hour drive to Kathmandu. The total distance of 377Km passes the picturesque beauty of nature across the villages, paddy fields, Rivers and amazing surrounding environments. Having a rest after the long drive in your accommodation.

Overnight at tea house

 

FAQs 

How difficult 12 days Manaslu circuit trek?

The 12 days Manaslu circuit trek is a moderately strenuous trekking trail in Nepal. You have to walk 6-7 hours a day. Trekking trail mostly flows the off beaten, rocky, narrow, ups and downhill makes hard to walk. Thus you have to physically strong and good fitness levels of the walk.

If you are a beginner of the trek, you have to physically preparation like walking, hiking, running, cycling, swimming as well as you can go Gym for physical fitness. Also the trek you may have to face the challenge during the time you have to get ready to struggle in a challenging situation.

When is the best time to trek the Manaslu circuit?

For the 12 days, Manaslu circuit trek spring and autumn is the best season. During the season weather is clear and stable to get the amazing beauty of snow-covered mountains.

Spring is the expedition season in Manaslu. This season falls the March, April, and May. This season after the ending of the winter season. You may encounter the snow along with the trekking. The weather and temperature getting day by day warm and clear visibility. During the season wildflower and rhododendron blooming the flower along the trek, which makes the colorful journey.

Autumn is another best season trek in the Manaslu circuit. The season start post of monsoon, so it became a dust-free environment and clear beauty of nature. The temperature getting pleasant and calm while walking the mountain region.

Winter and summer is the off-season trek in the Manaslu circuit. During these seasons you have to face some difficulty along the trek. Monsoon season mostly rainfall and it became a trekking trail muddy and sleepy. Also, block the visibility of the mountains range by the cloud. You may also suffer from the leaches and insect. Plus winter season snowing along the trek with suffering from the coldness in higher altitude trek. At higher altitude, most of the tea house is closed. However, if you want to explore a unique nature you can trek throughout the year.

What are the necessary permits?

For the Manaslu circuit trek, you have to proceed with three types of permits. Without a permit, you can’t permit to enter the Manaslu conservation. This is the restricted trekking trail in Nepal.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit;

From Sept. to Nov: US$ 70 per week. And after 7 days per day per person US$ 10 (since these months have good and favorable weather condition for trekking, there would be a greater number of tourist)

From Dec. to Aug: US$ 50 per week and after 7 days per day per person US$ 7 (since the weather there are not so favorable for trekking)

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) =30USD per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) =30USD per person

 

I can solo trip to the Manaslu circuit trek?

No, you can’t solo trip in Manaslu circuit trek. Because of the restricted trekking trail, you are not allowed individual trekkers by Nepal’s Governments. List two people with a local trekking guide. They have a government licensed holder. It will more safety to travel with trekking agencies in Nepal. Otherwise, you cannot be allowed a trek in the Manaslu region.

When the Manaslu circuit is trek buggiest?

Autumn season October month is the buggiest trekking trail in the Manaslu circuit. And second, best season spring (March-May) is the crowed along the trekking trail by the tourist.

How is the accommodation and food service in the Manaslu circuit trek?

Accommodation in Kathmandu you can get a variety of Star service by the hotel. But you can’t get such accommodation during the remote place of the Himalayan region in Nepal. Manaslu circuit trek also bases tea house accommodation with twin sharing room. And you have to share a bathroom service. They provide comfortable and clean room common service. The trek can be a possible Camping trek. Nowadays plenty of tea houses built.

The tea house provides a healthy and local food service. They have a limited food item choice. Higher altitude trek local Nepali food will be a more energetic and healthy Dal Bhat with curry service. Also, the tea house provides different continental food like Italian, Chinese, Indian, French, etc.

Do I need Travel insurance for the Manaslu circuit trek?

Yes, you have travel insurance for the Manaslu circuit trek. As you trek in higher altitude, you may have some problems during a trek like an altitude sickness, illness or accidents. Thus it makes more secure your travel.

While in higher elevation trek you might be the emergency scenario, where you will injure and you have to rescue as soon as possible. At that time you have to helicopter rescue to Kathmandu.

Plus, travel insurance must cover the emergency evacuation, Mountain sickness, Medicine for the bad health, luggage loss, cancellation of flight, etc. you have to conform while starting a journey in your home town. You are going to trek in higher altitude in the Himalayan region in Nepal, you must include in your Insurance policy. Sometime it might be a problem, so you have to conform to the insurance company. Travel insurance helps you to overcome the bad situation in mountain trek.

 

Conclusion 

The 12 days Manaslu circuit trek offers the off beaten and unspoiled, amazing landscape of best trekking region in Nepal. The trek can be adventurous who are strongly dedicated to the destination with mental and physical preparation.

You had a great opportunity to explore the ancient culture and amazing beauty of nature.

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