Manaslu Circuit Trek: 18 Days Adventure through Budhi Gandaki Valley and Gurung Ethnic Regions
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Embark on an 18-day adventure through the stunning Budhi Gandaki Valley and Gurung ethnic regions on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Explore unexplored country, cross the Larkya-La pass, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Annapurna circuit.
Duration: 18 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel

Kathmandu - It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the arrivals and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square

Kathmandu - Today is the day for a delightful visit to some heritage sites of Kathmandu, which starts soon after breakfast. First we visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Not only for Nepali, it is one of the holiest shrines for all Hindu round the world. Then after, there is a guided tour to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and popular pilgrimage site that includes over a huge number of Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. At last, we take a tour to Patan also called as Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Arughat Bazaar in a private vehicle and Drive to Soti Khola by local jeep (Approx. 775m/ 7-8 hrs.)

Soti Khola - After breakfast we start our journey to Arughat Bazaar. Leaving Kathmandu city behind, we drive along Prithivi Highway passing through the beautiful river view and small clusters of highway settlements. After about 5-6 hours’ of drive, we will reach Arughat Bazaar, from where we continue to Soti Khola in a jeep. After another 1:30 -2 hours’ drive through terraces and picturesque hamlets along Budhi Gandaki, we reach Soti Khola, where we accommodate tonight. Overnight at teahouse.

Trek to Machhakhola (Approx. 900m/ 5-6 hrs)

Machhakhola - Today is the first day of our trek. We walk by the dense forest passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, till we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Budhi Gandaki River. The terraced cultivated fields belong to the upper village of Lapubesi (880m). Descending down through the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side, we then climb again to a ridge to Almara. Further a few walk will lead us to Machha Khola, which literally means “Fish River”. Overnight at teahouse.

Trek to Jagat (Approx. 1300m/ 5-6 hrs)

Jagat - The trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small hotspring in Tatopani. The valley sides remain steep until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach Dobhan. Above Doban, the Budhi Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat. Overnight in teahouse.

Trek to Deng (Approx. 1860m/ 5-6 hrs)

Nepal - We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri with impressive views of Shrigi Himal (7187m), and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest houses in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank to cross back once again. As we continue through the trail the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in teahouse.

Trek to Namrung (Approx. 2560m/ 5-6 hrs)

Namrung - After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From a bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks), a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist region. After about 4 hours, we reach Ghap, which straddles the river. We cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route. As we move ahead, we can feel a perceptible change in the climate and culture with gain in altitude. The higher altitude takes us into alpine territory and increasing mountain views. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung where our special permit is checked. Overnight in teahouse.

Trek to Lho (Approx. 3180m/ 6-7 hrs)

Nepal - After crossing Budhi Gandaki, we trek through the forest, passing through a stone arch and reach to Lhi. Lhi is a village well known for its chortens and barley terraces. Above this village the Simnag valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing gently now, and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. We get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead of Sho. After we pass through Sho, we continue to Lho, a large village at 3150 metres where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and manis. We can have an impressive view of Ganesh I from here. Overnight in teahouse.

Trek to Samagoan (Approx. 3580m/ 4-5hrs)

Acclimatization day Excursion around Samagoan (Approx. 4400m/ 6-7 hrs)

Trek to Samdo (Approx. 3875m/ 4-5 hrs)

Nepal - The thundering Budhi Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. We are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. Manaslu is particularly impressive. We can also have the views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier and several other awesome peaks of the region. The trail passes through wide pasturelands, juniper trees and mani walls. After crossing to the east bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Samdo, a village of yak-herding community. Overnight at teahouse.

Acclimatization /Excursion around Tibetan boarder via Samdo Village

Mount Manaslu - We can either hike to the back of Samdo village through a trade pass to Tibet, or (if we want a longer hike), take a trip to Gya-La pass to the north of the village, a more frequented trade route than the earlier one. In both cases, we can savor the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo etc. En route we pass through seasonal herders’ settlements. Overnight at teahouse.

Trek to Daramashala (Approx. 4460m/ 5-6 hrs)

Trek to Bhimtang via Larkya-La Pass (Approx. 5160m/ 8-9 hrs)

Trek to Tilche (Approx. 1963m / 4-5hrs)

Gorkha - Today’s trek of around 5 hours follow the trail downstream of Marshyangdi River, passing through the scattered villages. As we walk through the pasture of Sangure Kharka, we have the great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. After crossing a bridge over Dudh Khola, we descend into the rhododendron forests and pass through a narrow valley to reach the high cultivated land at Karche (2785 metres). As we continue, we pass across fields and make a steep climb over a ridge to reach Tiliche. Overnight at teahouse.

Trek to Jagat (Approx. 1300m/ 5-6 hrs)

Jagat - Leaving Tiliche, we cross the Marshyangdi river and join the main Annapurna Circuit with the hoards of trekkers and soon reach Dharapani. We have a gradual descend all day along the bank of Dudh Khola and Marshyangdi River. On the way, an initially narrow gorge briefly opens to Tal, a beautiful village. The area here was formed when the valley was blocked by a landslide and a dam formed behind the lake. The lake has long dried up and now the village of Tal sits on the flat land. Eventually, after crossing Tal, we reach Jagat for the overnight. Overnight at teahouse.

Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar

Kathmandu - After about two weeks’ of trekking in the Himalaya, we return back to Kathmandu. A seven hours’ drive to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes. The drive is often along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli. We also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road. Upon recahing Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your respective hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Depart Kathmandu

Kathmandu - Our office representative will take you to the airport. With all the wonderful memories of Manaslu trek, you will fly back to your home. Have a nice journey!

What's Included
  • Private vehicle transfers in Besisahar and Kathmandu
  • Airport transfers with escort in a Private Vehicle (Non-A/C)
  • Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley with entrance fees included
  • Local Jeep transportation between Jagat-Besisahar and Arughat-Sotikhola
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • All meals provided during trek
  • Insurance for all staff & porters
  • Equipment and clothing for porter & staffs
  • Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation area permit fees
  • Private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu to Arughat
  • Accommodation and services of an English speaking local guide and porter during trek
  • Medical kit bag carried by guide
What's Not Included
  • • Nepal Visa and any flights fare
  • • Any International & any extra airfare
  • • Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu
  • • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • • Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason,
  • • Extra expenses table drinks, snacks while walking
  • • Hot water shower, battery charge, WiFi etc during Trek
  • • Any trek or tours other than mentioned in the itinerary
  • • Your Insurance and Medical expenses:
  • • Any other tours, transfers and services other than above.
Additional Information

Start your Manaslu Circuit Trek by traveling to the historical heart of Gorkha, a 7-8 hr journey from Kathmandu. We embark up the Budhi Gandaki River valley, an uncharted territory predominantly occupied by the Gurung ethnic group. You will circumnavigate the fascinating Manaslu peak [8156m.], traverse Larkya-La pass at 5106m, and eventually follow along the Marshyangdi river valley, picking up the main Annapurna circuit trail. The trail then maintains a descent, taking you through the Marshyangdi river valley and the rhododendron & oak forests, until it ends at Jagat. From there, a drive via Besisahar will take you back to Kathmandu.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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449colinw
Apr 24, 2024
Explore Himilaya toke care of our every need from the time we landed in Kathmandu to when we boarded our plane. - This was the 2nd trek that we have completed with Explore Himalaya and Anuj and his team were fantastic. I can highly recommend this company for all your trekking needs in Nepal.
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Bbangali
Jan 11, 2022
Top class adventure travel company - I strongly recommend Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure. Very professional team, all arrangements were spot on, and I really enjoyed this challenging trek. I am looking forward to engaging them again for my next trek in Nepal!
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