Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal

19 Days, Multiple Departures

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Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal
  • About
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  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

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The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a heavenly trekking journey that takes you to the isolated and less-trodden region of Manaslu- home of the majestic Manaslu Peak, the eighth highest Himalayan peak in the world. It is a thrilling trip that takes you through the coulee of the Manang-Gandaki River and through pristine valleys to present the ethnic presence of the Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The trip is filled with monasteries, Gumbas, traditional costumes, prayer flags, and prayer wheels among many more cultural facets. It is an experience filled with beguiling natural beauty and a rich cultural environment all serrated by the towering Manaslu Peak. Moreover, the Manaslu region is also under the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to a wide array of endangered species of animals and birds.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a drive to Soti Khola; the valley of Kathmandu gets left behind to instead be replaced with circumambulating ridgelines and terrace farms running alongside the Prithivi Highway. Further on, the trekking trail then takes you through many ethnic villages and settlements that each present breath-taking views of the Manaslu Range. Home to two major ethnic groups- the Nubri and the Tsum people, the valley presents trekkers with a chance to enjoy the cultural ethos of the Gurung, Bhutia, and the Sherpa populace.

Likewise, Mount Manaslu is another highlighted attribute of the trip; getting its name from the Sanskrit word "Manasa" that means "the Mountain of Spirit", Manaslu Peak's nomenclature is an alliteration of the word soul in the Sanskrit language. Located about 64 kilometers east of the Annapurna peaks, the Manaslu Himal serrates the Budi Gandaki River valley. The terrain is thus also embedded with long ridges of the peak and abundant glaciers that originate from Manaslu. Much of the valley's glacial lakes and rivers culminate in or from the Manaslu Peak.

Additionally, since trekking in the region has only been recently opened in 1991, the region is visited by fewer trekkers compared to other destinations of Nepal. As such, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect option for trekkers looking for fewer crowds. For those who seek the less-beaten paths, this is one of the best choices. The trail follows the ancient salt-trading route along the Budi Gandaki River, where along the way, you will be presented with awe-inspiring views of Mount Manaslu, the Sringi Himal Range, and the Ganesh Himal Range, as well as occasional monasteries and Stupas decorated with prayer flags. Mani stone walls carved with Buddhist mantras also decorate the pathways.

Similarly, at each step of the way, you will be presented with the best available services at all times, from transportation and meals to accommodation and guidance. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is crafted keeping the satisfaction and comfort of our customers in mind. We guarantee an unforgettable trip filled with amazing features that is sure to stick to your mind for years.

About

1-hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.

3 star accommodations in Kathmandu

A porter and his entire expenses.

Airport pickup and drop facility.

All monument entrance fees.

All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)

Company duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.

Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).

First aid medical kit

Fresh seasonal fruits after dinner (while on the trek).

Full-day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle.

Insurance of guide and porter.

Licensed, experienced and English-speaking trekking guide

Lodge expenses during the trek.

Manaslu special permit

Medical insurance and emergency insurance

Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.

Airfare for international flights.

Cost for additional trips.

Extra night accommodations in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trip(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

Medical insurance and emergency insurance.

Nepal arrival visa.

Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).

Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.

Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).

"An unforgettable experience! Starting with the Boss-Sittal, continuing with an extraordinary guide-Saffal that took care of every detail of the trek, and last but not least a very capable sherpa-Pandee, we had a really strong team.
I will most definitely return for more trekking with them!"

- Adrian D, Oct 2023

"The service is excellent, they are mindful and also think ahead of their clients need. We feel safe in our journey through their service."

- Hoo T, Oct 2023

"The trip was so wonderful that it cannot be explained simply in words. The trip to was definitely one of the most memorable ones in my life. Thank You."

Vadim C, Aug 2023


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About The Host

We are a team of young, energetic, and hardworking professionals, assisting people from across the globe, to experience and explore Nepal, one of the natural and cultural destinations in the world. We have been working in this field for more than 6 years with a new vision and direction. We organize adventure trips to the Himalayas, mountains, Tarai, and even outside the country, Everest Base Camp being the most preferred and popular one.

We feel proud to be one of the leading trekking companies in Nepal. We deliver the best travel activities such as Inbound, Outbound, Domestic, tour guide, interpreter, transportation, air ticket, accommodation, etc. We are an official member of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN), Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP), and many more local tourism bodies. With the motto “Your Satisfaction and Safety is our first priority“, our experienced professional team leaves no stone unturned in providing quality service to our clients.

It would be our great opportunity to organize and assist your adventure holidays in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. For us, client satisfaction matters a lot and we guarantee you that.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your Hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, thus you may check into your Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2

Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

This day is reserved for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city's World Heritage Sites. You will visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the Bouddhanath shrine, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Each of the sites holds revered religious and historical importance, presenting amazing artwork and architectural integrity. Each of the sites is built in a traditional style and is crafted with beautiful woodworks, stone masonry, and metal moldings. They provide deep insight into the historical and religious context of Nepal. After the tour, you will then be dropped back at your hotel where you can prepare for tomorrow's trekking trip. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (730m/2,395ft) 5-6 hours

Driving on a dirt-laden road towards Sotikhola, you can get fleeting glimpses of the countryside life of Nepal where vast fields are cultivated into mustard farms. As a result, the environment is mostly painted in a bright yellow tincture due to the mustard flowers. Green terrace rice farms also uplift the terrains along the ravines. Finally, you will reach Sotikhola, a small settlement that is the starting point of the circuit trek. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Sotikhola.

Day 4

Trek to Machha Khola (930m/3,051ft)

The trekking trail from Soti Khola is rather rocky and narrow. The path winds through the stunning countryside where you will be following the trail as it passes through Sal woods. You will cross many small rivulets, streams, and waterfalls, trekking onwards until you finally reach the small village of Ghale Gaon. Further from the village lays the Nyali Khola that flows through the edges of tall mossy cliffs. Following the river trail, you will then ascend across hillocks and walk past pastures. Finally, you will reach Machha Khola. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Machha Khola.

Day 5

Trek to Jagat (1,410m/4,625ft)

Today, you will trek on the winding dirt pathway that will take you to the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. The path enters cedar and pine forests where you can spot many Langur Monkeys. Once the forest clears, the path materializes out towards the village of Khoralbesi, a small Gurung village situated on the lower ridgelines of the valley. You can see many locals clad in traditional attires, called Bakkhu. Continuing, the path then takes you to Tatopani where a natural hot spring is located. You can have a short respite here and have a dip in the hot waters. The path follows the river from here, and you will trek across a suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki to reach Doban. Finally, you will reach Jagat, a village of flat stoned houses with thatched roofs, occupied by the ethnic Gurung people. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Jagat.  

Day 6

Trek to Deng (1,800m/5,905ft)

Today, you will be trekking towards the village of Salleri, one of the first villages after Jagat. From Salleri, the trail descends towards Sirdibas where you can see several Gompas and Buddhist Mani walls. You can also try the local alcohol here that people ferment barley. The path then branches further out towards Philim, which is where you will have to show your trekking permits. As you traverse along the river, you can see many unique sculptures crafted from the boulders by the local people. You will then ascend towards the valley hills covered in rhododendron blossoms to finally reach Deng. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Deng.  

Day 7

Trek to Ghap (2,160m/7,086ft)

Passing through beautiful bamboo groves, you will follow the path as it winds along the ridges towards Rana and Bihi Phedi where panoramic views of the valley below can be seen. You will find that there are lots of monkeys here that like to sit atop village rooftops, making mischief. Trekking through several landslide-prone zones, you will reach Ghap, a small settlement made out of old rustic houses. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ghap.  

Day 8

Trek to Lho (2630m/8626ft)

From Ghap, the landslide areas give way towards Namrung. You can witness the unique lifestyle of the Nubri people here; they get their influence from neighboring Tibet where traditional practices and costumes are concerned. Namrung has many Mani walls as well, and the village is surrounded by lush terrace farms and Fir woods. Further from Namrung, you will reach the Banjam settlement. Passing through forests of oak, you will finally reach Lihi. Further still from Lihi, the path takes you to Sho. Along the journey, you can see many local people clad in traditional Tibetan dresses. The path also passes under gorgeously decorated Kaani (gate arches). Finally, you will reach Lho, from where the views of the Manaslu Peak are quite mesmerizing. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lho.  

Day 9

Trek to Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft)

You can get mesmerizing views of Mount Manaslu throughout today's trip. Walking slowly because of the altitude, you will follow the path through grasslands and pastures towards Shyapla. From there, the village gives way to pine and rhododendron gully with moss-covered trees drained by sparkling streams. After an hour's from Shyapla, you will reach Samagaon, a village surrounded by yak pastures. This is the traditional home of the Nubri people. Overnight stay at Sama Gaon.

Day 10

Acclimatization Day

This day reserved for acclimatization. You can choose to trek to Pungyen Gompa today. It is located east of the Nubri valley. From the hilltop near the Gompa, you can get breath-taking views of the Manaslu Peak. The cliffs and pastures also harbor the Himalayan Thar and wild yaks. On the other hand, you can also choose to hike to the Manaslu Base Camp, which is located north of Samoa Gaon. Following the trail from Birendra Tal, you can steadily climb the hillock towards the base camp (4,400m), passing by the Manaslu glacier. After exploring the terrain, you will then return to the village. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Sama Gaon.  

Day 11

Trek to Samdo (3,690m/12,106ft)

Today is a short trek towards Samdo. You will follow the path that goes through alpine woods where a wide variety of avifaunal life makes the atmosphere lively. The forest also clears towards a yak pasture where you can see a long Mani stone wall. Leaving the tree line, you will climb to the ridge and walk under another Kaani towards Samdo. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Samdo.  

Day 12

Trek to Larkya Rest House (4,470m/14,665ft)

This is an arduous day of trekking as you will be trekking through the lower ends of the mountain pass. You will wake up early in the morning and make your way towards the foothill of the Larkya La Mountain Pass. Today's trip presents breath-taking views of the sprawling valley below. The view of the Manaslu Peak, the Himlung Himal near Tibet, and the Kang Guru Peak in the distance are also quite amazing. You will then descend the terrain, slowly trudging along the trail that is steep and rocky. After a steady 3 hours descend, you will reach the Larkya Guest House at the foothill of the mountain pass on the other side. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Larkya Rest House.  

Day 13

Trek to Bhimtang (3,720m/12,204ft)

From the Larkya Rest House, you will make your way to Bhimtang, passing glaciers and waterfalls. The terrain is embedded with beautiful features and various water-bodies. The views of the mountain peaks also make the trip a pleat journey. Overnight stay at Bhimtang.  

Day 14

Trek to Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft)

This is one of the final trekking trails within the Manaslu region. Climbing downhill from Bimtang, you will walk through beautiful trans-Himalayan woods back to Dudh Khola passing by the settlement of Karche. From here, the trail becomes a little rough as it descends towards Gurung Goa, a large village compared to other smaller settlements. Staying on the northern bans of the river, the path finally reaches Dharapani. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dharapani.  

Day 15

Trek to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,297ft)

Trekking through the vast pasturelands, you will follow the dirt trail towards Bahundanda. You can get amazing views of the Manaslu Peak that decorates the skyline today. The view is quite surreal as the peak seems to rise vertically from the ground, forming a serrated ice wall that looks like it's hanging from the sky. The path to Bahundanda is leveled and pleasant. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Bahundanda.  

Day 16

Trek to Besishahar (7,60m/2,493ft)

You will be bidding the Manaslu Peaks goodbye for the last time today as you make your way towards Besishahar. The trek is downhill and includes some beautiful Kaani arches and pastures. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Besishahar.  

Day 17

Drive to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

With a pleasant drive along the Marsyandi and Trisuli Rivers, you will make your way back to the city. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18

Departure day

Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.

Location
Things to keep in mind

Cancellations

The cancellation and refund policy of Activ Retreats is previously well-defined. The organization is not liable for any refunds or reimbursements if a customer decides to cancel or withdraw from the trip for any reason. This means that once the trip has started, the company will not return the money you paid for it.

Nonetheless, consumer deposits are valid until the customer is prepared to make another travel reservation. Customers also have the option of changing the individual who will be traveling with them. If the customer must cancel or postpone the trip for personal reasons or because of unavoidable circumstances, the company will not be held liable for reimbursements.

The cancellation of a trip may be caused by unforeseen events including weather conditions, natural disasters, canceled flights, strikes, wars, riots, quarantines, government action, or poor health problems of a group member.

The Company demands written notice from the customer for any cancellations. The day the written cancellation is received by the company will serve as the date of the cancelled trip. 100% of the total fee may be refunded if a consumer cancels the trip one month before the departure date.


The Contract

A renowned and fully accredited business, Activ Retreats is officially registered with numerous national and international agencies, as well as with various departments of the Government of Nepal. Our business is located in Thamel, Kathmandu, and we work hard to give our clients from all over the world top-notch services.

Visas and Passports:

Passengers must have their current passport and the necessary visas for the destination country. Also, we urge our clients to confirm that their passports are valid for at least an additional six months after the end of their trip. Travelers’ carelessness with regard to visa paperwork and passports will not hold the company responsible if they are deported or denied entry to the nation while on their trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a major requirement of Activ Retreats that you have your travel insurance covered. Medical insurance, air ambulance service, and helicopter rescue services are all required, for this is a Himalayan nation and there are major issues of unfavorable circumstances in high altitudes. Also to be on the safe side, we also strongly advise our clients to purchase cancellation insurance. Please be sure your insurance policies offer complete protection and include the majority of the trip activities you engage in.

Prior to the trip, we will need a copy of your insurance documentation as evidence. If you are unable to give us with the insurance certificate for different reasons, you will be required to sign a suitable policy or agreement right away. However, if for any reason you are unable to do it, you will be prohibited. If you are unable to give us with the insurance certificate for whatever reason, you will be required to sign a suitable policy or agreement right away. But, you won’t be allowed to continue your journey if you are unable to do it because of unfavorable circumstances. Also, you won’t be eligible for a refund for any services that weren’t rendered.

Flexibility

The unique tours provided by Activ Retreats include demanding activities with inherent dangers. Customers must accept the risks because the company is not liable for mishaps or unforeseen circumstances in the Himalayas. Passengers must respect the authority of the trip leader, be adaptable, and be aware that changes may take place while they are on the trip. Throughout the journey, the corporation has the authority to accept or refuse customers, and those who break the law won’t get their money back. Customers must fill out a form and pay a 20% non-refundable deposit (or 50% for trips to Tibet and Bhutan) to reserve a tour; the remaining balance is required upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Payment Methods

The business provides bank transfers and credit cards (Master/Visa/American Express/Union Pay/JCB/SCT Card) as two practical and secure methods of payment. While completing the booking application form, the client must specify the payment method in full and give the company all necessary credit card information. However, the remaining balance (80% for trips to Nepal and 50% for trips to Tibet and Bhutan) must be paid in cash to the company before leaving for the trip from Kathmandu.

Trip Amendments:

Please note that the following conditions apply to amendments for trips listed on this site:

Amendments requested at least 60 days prior to the trip incur a fee of USD 50/person.

Amendments requested less than 60 days before the trip follow the cancellation policy and charges.

Changes in trip price during booking and amendments may apply and may be levied by third-party service providers.

Additional administration fees of USD 20/booking per change apply for any additions to the original booking.

Amendments cannot be made within 10 days of the original trip departure, and if made, a minimum fee of USD 50 applies.


Health Conditions

The Company requires a well-documented medical certificate from an accredited medical facility prior to the start of the trip in order to assure the safety and health of our travelers. While making a reservation, the company must be advised of any medical concerns or issues. The Company will not pay for any medical or evacuation costs, and it won’t be held accountable for accidents. Prior to making a reservation with us, we advise patients to visit their doctors for a complete examination and vaccination. If necessary, clients may also ask for additional services while on their trip or staying in the destination nation.

Weather Conditions

Customers should be informed that unpredictably bad weather might cause flight delays or cancellations in hilly areas like Everest, Mustang, and Kanchenjunga. The company reserves the right to change the itinerary or mode of transportation without incurring additional costs and will pay for lodging and meals while flights are being booked. The Company is not liable for missing foreign flights, expenses related to altitude sickness, or any other unforeseen events and participants are responsible for all costs incurred. The client will be responsible for any additional costs, although the company will help with alternate arrangements. Although giving information, the company is not liable for unforeseen circumstances and the company chief may, in writing, waive these booking requirements. Legal agreements are controlled by Nepalese law, and the Company Chief alone has the authority to change them.

Note: All of the Terms and Conditions have been prepared in accordance with and are subject to the laws of the Government of Nepal. Hence, the only person with the power to interfere and make changes is the company’s CEO.

Please ensure that you have read, fully understand, and agree to abide by all of the Terms and Conditions before booking a trip with Activ Retreats.