Manaslu Circuit Trek offers beautiful wilderness surroundings and leaves its visitors speechless. It is considered one of the best treks of Nepal.
On this 14 days trek, as you hike from village to village and tackle challenging terrain, you will experience an array of indigenous wildlife, geological wonders, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and some of the best mountain vistas and panoramas in the world. The hills are home to the most wonderful wildflower blooms that transform this landscape into an explosion of color, making it an unforgettable sight.
Manaslu has formed a natural barrier between Nepal and the Tibetan plateau, and the area is relatively new to the trekking scene, with its trails opening in 1992.The Manaslu Circuit Trek attracts trekkers from all over the world to enjoy the marvels of the pristine environment and to get up close and personal with the eighth highest mountain in the world.
As visitors hike from village to village over challenging terrains, they will enjoy experiencing fascinating wildlife, geological wonders, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and some of the best outdoor adventures in the world. It is home to some of the most spectacular scenery and magnificent wildflower blooms that transform this landscape into an explosion of color.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great amalgamation of diverse cultures, breathtaking scenery, and geographical marvels. It takes you on a journey around some of the highest peaks in the world towering over 8000 meters. The trek is a complete package for all thrill-seekers and adventurers alike, with its memorable scenery and challenging route up to high altitudes, providing the perfect opportunity to leave behind your troubles and stresses and immerse you in this serene and peaceful environment.
On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by White Himalayan Adventure Treks staff and transferred to your respective hotel .
After early morning breakfast, you drive to Soti Khola . You will follow the Budhi Gandaki River towards the northern side and pass through Morder and Simre villages. It will be bumping and winding dirt road drive which will take around 7-8 hours. Tonight we will stay at Soti Khola.
It takes 5 to 6 hrs to reach Machha Khola altitude from Soti Khola via Armala, Lapubesi, Nauli khola, Khanibesi steeply uphill along Bhuri Gandaki River. trek then continues through lush forests and rocky terrain, offering hikers breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu.
Our route today follows the river to Khorlabesi and the tepid spring at Tatopani (meaning hot water) (930m), and then continues on the eastern bank of the Budi Gandaki River to Doban, Thulo Dunga and Yara Bagar (1370m). The trail zigzags across the river with several suspension bridges to cross before reaching the entrance gate to Manaslu Conservation Area and Jagat (1410m), with its unique flagstone village square.
Above Jagat, the trail climbs to Salleri and Sirdibas before reaching Philim. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as the trail winds past several waterfalls until reaching a junction at Ekle Bhatti where the trail leads to Lokpa a village on the trail to the Tsum Valley. We then climb above the junction of the Buri Gandaki and Shar Khola Rivers and then head to Pewa and finally Deng (1860m).
Today we climb beyond the Tom (tum) Khola to Longa Chuta and then come into a captivating fir and rhododendron forest filled with birds and Langur monkeys located on the north side of the Buri Gandak River. We then cross back to the other side of the river before reaching Namrung(2660m), an earlier customs post in the days when this was a route for transporting salt from Tibet.
The trail today leads to Shyaula ,we continue on passing through a number of valleys and trails before arriving at the more remote village of Gompas and continue to Sama Gaun(3530) .The town boasts of several fascinating monasteries in the village.
At these higher altitudes it is necessary to get acclimatized, for at least one day, before attempting climbs to higher altitudes. Health specialists suggest that you move about and don’t sit idly. A good way to stay active is to explore the gompa at Pugyen(4070m), a one day hike that leaves the trail between Syaula and Sama. If time permits, it is possible for you to carry on up this valley to the rugged rocks and terrain of the Pugin glacier. Another option is a trip to the lake at Birendra Tal (3450m) and a demanding ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m). It is believed that north of Birendra Tal is Milarepa’s Cave (famous Buddha) claimed to have been used as a meditation retreat by the Buddhist saint.
Today the trail descends and heads back to the Buri Gandaki River passing the junction of Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley expands before reaching Kermo Khadka and then continuing to the white Kani Gateway signaling the entrance to Samdo (3860m). If time permits we may trek to the peak above the village for impressive views of Mount Manaslu. If it is necessary to further acclimatize, there is a 6 t0 7 hour trek climbing 640m to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier, where you will be rewarded with far-reaching views towards several passes used by locals to cross over into Tibet.
A relatively short day sees us descending through fields prior to starting our climb towards the Larkya-La Pass, a trek offering dazzling views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier, and a likelihood of spotting Himalayan blue sheep on your trek to Dharmashala (4480m). This is as high as we go today without risking altitude sickness. This is the last safe haven before reaching the pass. This sector of the trek is often subject to snowfall and from mid-December to mid-March, when snow blocks the Larkya-La Pass, the Samdo Lodge is typically closed. Your guide will know in advance if the lodge is closed.
A 4 to 6-hour trek will see us cross Lakya-La Pass (5100m) and is the highest elevation on this trek. The climb is wintry and blustery and can often be hazardous, especially if there is snow on the pass. Your guide will check the condition of the crossing before leaving Samdo. The trail passes many cairns that are often covered in snow. It then traverses the moraine to four frozen lakes before ascending to the pass where a majestic number of peaks take your breath away. These include Himlung Himal(7126m), Cheo Himal(6820m), Gyaji Kung(7030m), Kang Guru(6981m) and Annapurna II(7937m). After that we will trek to Bimtang via Taubuche .Bimtang is one of the many trading posts along the Tibetan salt route.
Today we descend to Dudh Khola and Soti Khola(2700m) also known as Khare, following a trail directly below the enormous Phunki Peak(6258m). We then take a trail across the ridge heading downhill to the river before reaching Gho village. At this lower altitude it is noticeable greener as we descend through cultivated fields and forests and take the trail on the north bank of the Dudh Khola before reaching Tilche(2300m) the largest village since leaving Samdo. The village is well known for its flagstone paved streets and the home of Gurung. After passing Tilche through the Kani (gateway arches) we, then cross the stream before reaching Thonje. The trail to Dharapani(1920m) requires crossing a suspension-bridge over the Marsyangdi river. We are soon at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit trek
We leave Dharapani by jeep heading to Besi sahar – the final leg of our trek. You will take with you memories that will last a lifetime and photos of some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. We take the Jeep,hiace or tourist standard bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu.
White Himalayan Adventure Treks representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
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