The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a comprehensive trekking experience, offering a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, rich wildlife, and diverse vegetation. This pristine region was only opened to foreigners in 1991. Situated east of the Annapurna Region, many consider this trek an alternative to the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek - From low valleys to the high mountains
The trek begins in the lowlands and ends in the high mountainous regions exceeding 5000 meters in altitude. You will walk through beautiful villages, terraced fields, splendid mixed forests, lakes, gorges, high passes, and thrilling suspension bridges.
The first 4 to 5 days follow the ancient salt trading route along the Budhigandaki River. Then, after about a week of walking, it concludes in the Annapurna region via the traverse of Larke La (5106 M). During the trek, you can see wild animals like the Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Langur, Himalayan Marmot, Blue Sheep, etc. You will often pass by caravans of Yaks and mules as well.
The trek offers superb views of Himalayan peaks like the Manaslu, Annapurna, Himlung, Kangguru, Nemjung, Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal, Shringi Himal, and many more. Each day, you will be greeted with impressive mountain scenery, especially after reaching the higher villages. The serene views from places like Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Lho, Shyala, Samagaun, Dharmasala, Bhimtang, Larke La, etc., cannot be expressed in words but only experienced.
An immersive and intimate cultural experience of the Manaslu
One of the beautiful aspects of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the varied cultural experiences. The Gurung community inhabits the lower part of the Manalsu - the people around here practice Bon, which includes Shamanism and Animism beliefs. The upper part is inhabited by the Nubri people, who are close to Tibetan culture and practice Buddhism. Stupas, ancient monasteries, mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens can be seen in this region.
During the trek, one can experience the well-preserved culture and traditions. Each day, you will have the chance to interact with the locals and be a part of their lifestyle.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Our Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is 15 days. It includes 10 days of walking from Machhakhola and ends at Tilje. However, this itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences, time frame, fitness level, budget, etc. Our experts will help you craft a perfect itinerary that ensures a top-notch experience with safety.
Note: The roadway has already reached Pangsing village, opposite Philim village. From Machhakhola to Dobhan and from Jagat to Ghattekhola, you'll need to walk on the jeep track on several occasions. On the other side of the pass, the jeep track has arrived at Surki Khola.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost depends on factors like hotels in Kathmandu, vehicle transfer types, duration, size of the group, and inclusion/exclusion of porters, food, accommodation, etc, during the trek. We can organize the trek as per your budget. Just let us know, and we will provide you with the best option.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Variations
There are plenty of ways to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, depending on your time frame. Below are some of the variations:
1. Manaslu Circuit from Barpak
This particular itinerary is 2 days longer than the usual one. The trek passes through the beautiful Gurung and Ghale villages of the Lower Manaslu region, like Barpak, Laprak, Gumda, Yamagaun, and Lapsibot, and joins the trailhead of the Manaslu Circuit at Machhakhola. The first village, Barpak, was the epicenter of the devastating 2015 earthquake, and all these villages were heavily affected. Trekking through this region offers beautiful panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
2. Rupina La and Manaslu Circuit
The combination of these two different treks takes around 20 days. For those who have plenty of time and are looking to do a bit of adventure, it's an ideal one.
The trek starts from Barpak and then heads west towards Boudha Himal, crossing the Rupina La (4720 M). Then, it finally joins the Manaslu Circuit Trek Trail at Nyak Phedi. The Rupina La Trek includes the remote and untouched region, which requires 6-7 days of camping.
3. Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit
If you have enough time, this is one of the best ways to explore the Manaslu Region. The trek takes 22 days, including 18 days of walking.
The trek starts from the Machhakhola and then heads to the Tsum Valley. After exploring the valley for a week, we trekked back on the same route and continued our journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trail.
