Manaslu Circuit Trek-15 Days
Manaslu Circuit Trek-15 Days
Overview
Manaslu hiking provides breathtaking views of the Budhi Gandaki canyon. The Nepal government only allowed foreigners to hike in the Manaslu region starting in 1991. Along the Budhi Gandaki River, the walking track follows an old Tibetan salt-trading route. From Lho to Bhimthang, trekkers may enjoy the wildness of unknown classic hiking with spectacular mountain views, making them feel as if they are in another paradise of heaven. Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition, were the first to climb Mount Manaslu (8156m) on May 9, 1956.
Samdo village is also worth visiting. Bhotias live in this settlement, which is the highest in the Budhi Gandaki valley. A stunning view of the valley and Pang Phuchi hamlet with the Tibetan border in the background can be seen from this settlement. The Golden Eagle, Eurasian Griffon, Himalayan Griffon, Blood, Impeyan, Kalij, and Koklass Pheasants, Himalayan and Tibetan Snow Cocks, and the Crimson Horned Pheasant are among the 110 bird species found in the Manaslu region. The Manaslu region has a diverse ecotone with nineteen distinct species of woods, the most of which are Rhododendron and Himalayan blue pine. A visit to Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Monastery is well worth it. The view of Himalchuli (7331m) and the glacier from the Monastery is breathtaking.
The highest pass on the Manaslu circuit hiking is Larkya-La Pass (5235m), from which all the trekkers descend to Dharapani, where the main path of the Annapurna circuit walks through Bhimthang joins. The beautiful views of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guru, as well as occasional vistas of the Annapurna mountain, may be seen from Larya pass.
Trip facts:
- Maximum altitude: 5110m
- Group size: 2-10 people
- Best season: March-April-May-September-October-November-December
- Tour type: Trekking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Tea houses
- Arrival on: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Departure from: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Guiding method: Trekking guides
- Language: English
- Minimum age: 12
- Maximum age: 80
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
Group Size | Price |
---|---|
2 – 5 | 2800 |
6 – 10 | 2100 |
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star level hotel for 3 nights in B&B plan.
- All necessary ground transportation in private vehicles.
- All necessary permits, tickets and national park entrance fees.
- All meals during trekking days.
- All necessary accommodation in tea houses during the trek.
- An English-speaking well experienced trekking guide.
- All staff salaries and insurance.
- First aid kit carried by our staff.
- All government taxes.
- Welcome and farewell dinner.
- International airfares.
- Nepal visa fee.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
- Porter service: We arrange porter facilities upon request. Two people can share one porter. Porter wage per day is $20.
- Extra nights accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Any personal expenses during the trek like battery charge, hot shower, laundry, extra meals, tea, coffee, snacks, boiled water, bottled water, alcoholic beverages & soft drinks and internet service.
- Tips for guide, porters, and other staff.
- Anything not mentioned in the 'price includes section.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
At your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, a nature horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will transfer right to your hotel accommodation for the first night. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will meet your guide and get a briefing on your entire tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore around Kathmandu. It is a magical city.
Includes: Accommodation
Day 2: Trek preparation day
Today you will have a 2nd briefing about the trek during breakfast. We will do a complete gear check to ensure you have brought with you all the necessary equipment and gear for your trek. If there are any items you are missing and need, we will head out into Kathmandu to buy them, so you are prepared for your trek. It is now time to relax, and your trek starts tomorrow.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 3: Drive to Dobhan
After having an early breakfast we will head towards Dobhan. Drive to Dobhan will be approximately 150 km which will take us around 7 hours.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Trek to Philim (1580m)
Today we will trace the trail to Philim. Trail today is gradual uphill. In some sections we will have to cross landslides. We will be stopping at Jagat for lunch break. On the trails we will be passing through some beautiful waterfalls.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Trek to Deng (1890m)
For the first part of the trek, we will be climbing over a rocky ridge to reach Salleri before the route descends downwards. The trail starts to get wider until Ghatta Khola. Along the way, we will pass by the Gurung village of Philim. After a steep climb over a gorge and passing by a few sections of the bamboo forest, we will reach Deng.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2660m)
Walking at a gradual pace the route takes us across the river Gandaki. It turns uphill and then passes through dense forest, rows of many gompas, gradually leading upwards towards a thick forest area.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Trek to Lho (3180m)
Witnessing the lifestyles of the Nubri people, you will start the day. Exploring their Tibet-influenced typical lifestyle you will walk past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses through Banjam to enter the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lihi then to Sho. As you start walking, you will see most of the locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress. As you start further, you will notice some fine paintings in the Kani (gate arches) that you pass before Sho. Walking across the rocky hillside routes, you will finally reach Lho.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Trek to Samagaun (3525m)
The next morning, you will start with a short trek because of the altitude reasons. On walking, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala on passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear stream. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Sama
Gaun. Once you enter the village, mountain views fade, however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you. Sama Gaun is the principal village of the Nubri people which holds a large gompa, many shops, a health post, heliport, and telephone/wifi access, etc.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Rest day (Optional day hike to Pungen Gompa)
Today is an acclimatization day, so take it easy and sleep in. After a delicious breakfast, relax at Samagaon for the rest of the day. There is an optional day hike that exposes some fascinating Sherpa culture for those who wish to go exploring. Thousands of mani stones with Buddhist writings, as well as images of Sherpa women dressed in traditional clothing and decorations, may be seen. You can locate an old gompa,Pungen Gompa,a monastery with magnificent views of the glacier if you go up a little hill near the Sama hamlet.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3875m)
You’ll descend to the Budhi Gandaki River after breakfast in Samagaon and follow it to a bridge over a minor stream. As the valley widens, you’ll come across additional mani walls. The scenery along this path is spectacular, and it takes you near to the Tibetan border. In Kermo Kharka, there is an easy hike on a ledge above the river that travels through juniper and birch trees. Drop down to a wooden bridge across the Budhi Gandaki, then climb steeply to a point between two branches of the river. Continue trekking until you reach a stone archway, where you will find the settlement of Samdo.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Trek to Dharamshala (4460m)
After breakfast in Samdo, you’ll walk through the Larke Bazaar, a seasonal Tibetan bazaar, and descend to the Budi Gandaki River. Cross the wooden bridge and start going uphill, passing through two streams and seeing the Larkya Glacier. You’ll circle the Salka Khola valley and hike back up to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Many traditional monasteries may be found along the way. The shorter walk today allows visitors more time for acclimatization and relaxation in the afternoon.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Bhimthang (3590m) via Larkey La (5110m)
You’ll be going on a longer walk today, so eat a substantial breakfast in Dharamsala. Though it is a more difficult path, you will pass through several rustic towns, pristine glacial lakes, lovely valleys, and a diverse range of flora and wildlife, as well as several significant snow capped summits.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Goa (2000m)
This is the final day you will be walking on the trails of the Manaslu region. On climbing downhill, you will walk through the lush forests full of flora and fauna including rhododendron bushes. Walking back across the Dudh Khola, you will walk to Karche for lunch. In the next hour, you will see many signs of a glacial flood, with tree trunks smashed and banks undermined, the track becoming quite rough. And, the trail drops to Gurung Goa, the first real village since Samdo. The valley becomes more agricultural and lush as you pass fields and crops of oak and rhododendron, staying on the north (true right) bank until Tilije. From there, you will continue your stroll towards Dharapani.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 14: Trek to Tilije and drive to Kathmandu
You will take a jeep from Tilije to Beshi Sahar. From there, you will take a ride back to Kathmandu. After the 6 to 7 hours’ drive from Beshi Sahar, you will get to rest in the hotel in Kathmandu.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch
Day 15: Final Departure
Wake up and prepare to get on your flight home! Your guide will be with you up until we drop you off at the airport. End Tour
Includes: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
How much weight can I carry on the flight to Lukla?
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
Where can I leave my extra luggage?
Should I bring altitude sickness medicine?
Do I need to carry a sleeping bag?
Should I hire a porter?
What if I fall sick?
Do I need to have contingency days to book my flight back home?
Trekking Packing List
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching a cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by
- Day rucksack to be carried
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main
- One or two-liter water
- Personal first aid kit to include essential
- Sleeping bag, 4
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick-dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
You may like
Inquire this Tour
Book Tour Now
Book Manaslu Circuit Trek-15 Days
[wppayform id=”9302″]
Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares.I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 63 reviews