Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days

Today we drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola driving through Dhading Beshi and Arughat. The road deteriorates and is quite rough and bumpy from Dhading to Arughat. This afternoon we follow a trail through the woods heading upriver along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River and then across the mountains from where we have frequent views down to the river far below. Tonight we will stay at a guesthouse at Machha Khola.

Today we cross the Machha Khola River and pass Khorlabesi (920m) before arriving at Tatopani, famous for its therapeutic hot springs. The trail then passes through a forested area as we make our way to the Dovan Khola (river) and to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As we head higher you will notice a change in the vegetation right up until we arrive at Jagat Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.

Today we head off on a 6-hour trek, first reaching Salleri where we have magnificent views of Mount Sringi before descending to Sirdibas, a traditional Buddhist village. The trail continues until we reach Lokpa Village, just north of Philim and then go through Ekle Bhatti and climb to a ridge along a trail through a pine forest. We come to a junction where we take the trail heading to Tsum Valley. We stay the night at Lokpa.

Today we have a 5-hour trek ahead of us to Tsum Valley. The first sights of Tsum Valley appear as we head down to along with mountain Chumling Village. We then climb up to Rupchet and a short time later reach the authentic Buddhist village of Chumling, well known for its ancient monastery, traditional Tibetan style houses, prayer flags, mani walls, and its stone-paved streets. We stay here overnight.

Today we start our 5-hour trek by crossing a suspension bridge where we have amazing views of the Ganesh Himal. The trail continues and takes us past Rainjam and across Seru Khola before arriving at Gho Village. After a total of 5 to 6 hours trekking, we reach Chokhangparo Village from where we have views of Himalchuli (7893m) and Ganesh Himal (7140m). We stay here tonight.

Today’s trek of 6 to 7 hours follows the trail to Rachen Gompa and to the Shir Khola (river). After leaving the river we pass by Phurbe and Pangdun villages before arriving at Nile where we stay the night. Mu Gompa is the largest monastery in the region and the highest point in the Tsum Valley.

From Gompa, the descent begins. We descend to Rachen Gompa, then Chhule and reach Phurbe. Rachen Gompa lies in the border area of Nepal and Tibet, and it sits surrounded by humongous mountains. But the destination for this day takes you through a forested area and finally at Chhokangparo.

After breakfast, we descent from Chhokung Paro continues as we reach Gho. You will be crossing a suspension bridge near Gho and hiking forward to reach Rainjam Village. We leave Rainjam village, descend to Tsum Valley and finally reach Chumling – our destination for the day.

Today we have a 6 to 7-hour trek ahead of us as we descend from Chumling to Lokpa after first crossing a suspension bridge. The trail follows a rocky ridge where we have a great view of Sringi Himal. We then pass through Ghatta Khola passing by farms growing maize, millet, potatoes, and vegetables. As we continue we follow the trail along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki passing through a bamboo forest before coming to the Deng River. Tonight we stay at Deng next to the river.

Today we initially have a steep climb and then have to head back down to the Budi Gandaki River. The trail heads through the valley and past several small settlements. As we get nearer to Namrung you will see Mani stones (stones with carved with Tibetan mantras) a reminder that we are venturing into territory occupied by Tibetan Buddhists. In the afternoon we will take a short and interesting detour to Prok village (2 hour round trip) and then follow the trail to Namrung for our overnight stay at a guesthouse.

We is like stepping back in time today as we walk between the Mani stone walls of Lho Village, a place where there are few signs of modernity. From Lho we can see the snow capped peak of Ngadi Chuli (7871m aka Peak 29). Another short detour takes us up to the Pungen Glacier from where we have stunning close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. We will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Samagaun.

This morning we cross several rivers before coming to Larkya Bazaar, a village that survives as a trading post for traders heading down from Tibet. From here we climb up a steep trail until we come to Dharamsala where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

This morning we cross several rivers before coming to Larkya Bazaar, a village that survives as a trading post for traders heading down from Tibet. From here we climb up a steep trail until we come to Dharamsala where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

We have a tough day ahead of us as we take the trail via Larkya La Pass (5106m/17,121 ft) to Bhimthang. We first have to climb to Cho Chanda and then up to the steep snow covered pass. The views of many surrounding peaks are truly exceptional from this high altitude vantage point. The Himalayan mountains of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are clearly observable from the pass. We then descend a steep trail and trek across moraines until we come to Bhimthang Village where we will stay at a guesthouse overnight.

Today we descend from high pasture land and then cross the Dudh Khola (river) on a suspension bridge. Along the trail we head through rhododendron (flowering in spring) and oak forests. After trekking for 6 to 7 hours we come to Dharapani in the Annapurna region. This is also a common gateway to the Annapurna circuit trek. If you are thinking of extending your trek, then we can head along the Annapurna trail. Tonight we stay at a guesthouse in Dharapani.

This is our final day on the trail of our Manaslu Circuit trek. Across the river, we will take a local jeep to Besisahar and then a bus back to Kathmandu where you will be taken back to your hotels.