Your journey begins as you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Chingu Treks and Tours representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to rest or explore the nearby areas, including the bustling Thamel district. In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide and fellow trekkers for a briefing about the trek. You will also enjoy a welcome dinner, where you will discuss the upcoming adventure and prepare for the journey ahead.
After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and begin our long drive to Maccha Khola, the starting point of our trek. The journey takes around 9 hours, and along the way, you will be treated to scenic views of rivers, terraced fields, and the foothills of the Himalayas. We will drive through the towns of Arughat and Soti Khola before reaching Maccha Khola, a small village located along the Budhi Gandaki River. Upon arrival, we will check into a local lodge and rest, ready to begin the trek the next day.
The trek begins today as we follow the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests and small villages. We will cross several suspension bridges and ascend through terraced fields, gradually gaining altitude. After about 6 hours of trekking, we will reach Jagat, a beautiful village situated at 1,340 meters. Jagat is known for its charming stone houses and the surrounding terraced fields. We will stay overnight in Jagat, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and local hospitality.
Today, we continue our journey along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail takes us through dense forests, past waterfalls, and along steep paths. We will pass through several small villages, where we can observe the traditional lifestyle of the local people. After a 6-hour trek, we will arrive in Deng, a small Sherpa village located at an altitude of 1,804 meters. The village is surrounded by magnificent mountain views, and we will rest here for the night.
Today’s trek will take us further into the Manaslu region. We will pass through several picturesque villages, including Ghap, and cross over suspension bridges. The trail continues to ascend through beautiful forests and offers increasing views of the surrounding mountains. After about 6 hours of trekking, we will reach Namrung, a village located at 2,630 meters. The village is famous for its stunning views of Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks. We will stay overnight in Namrung, where we can enjoy the local culture and hospitality.
Today, we take a short but rewarding trek to Lho, located at an altitude of 2,957 meters. The trail passes through alpine meadows, dense forests, and small villages. Along the way, we will get our first real views of Manaslu (8,163 m), one of the highest peaks in the region. After about 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive in Lho, a picturesque village surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We will spend the night here, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the view of the mountains.
The trek to Sama Gaun today is relatively short, but it takes us to a higher altitude, so we will be gaining more altitude as we head toward the higher reaches of the Manaslu region. The 4-hour trek takes us through beautiful forests, past yak herders’ huts, and offers more incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Sama Gaun, located at 3,530 meters, is a larger village and the primary settlement for trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit. It is the gateway to Manaslu Base Camp and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. We will spend the night here to acclimatize to the altitude.
Today is an acclimatization day, essential for ensuring our bodies adjust to the higher altitudes. We have the option of taking a day trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,450 meters), which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and the base of Manaslu itself, or we can visit Pungyen Gompa, a beautiful monastery located on the opposite side of the valley. Both hikes offer exceptional mountain views and provide excellent opportunities for photos. After our excursion, we return to Sama Gaun to relax and enjoy the evening.
Today, we take a shorter trek to Samdo, located at 3,865 meters. The trail follows a scenic route, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and passing through yak pastures and traditional villages. We will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu, and the landscape becomes more rugged as we approach Samdo. After about 3 hours of trekking, we reach Samdo, which is the last major settlement before the Tibet border. We will spend the night here, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Another important acclimatization day to help our bodies adjust to the high altitudes. Today, we will take a day trip to the Tibet border, located just a short distance from Samdo. The trek takes about 8 hours and offers spectacular views of the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding peaks. We will also see Tibetan herders and get a glimpse of the nomadic lifestyle. After this exciting excursion, we will return to Samdo for the night.
Today’s trek will take us to Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, which serves as the base for those preparing to cross Larkya Pass. The trail takes us through a barren landscape, with dramatic mountain views and a remote atmosphere. After about 4 hours of trekking, we will arrive at Dharmasala, located at an altitude of 4,460 meters. We will rest here and prepare for the challenging day ahead as we get ready to cross the Larkya Pass.
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We will cross the Larkya Pass, located at an altitude of 5,160 meters, which is the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit. The trek takes about 10 hours and involves a steep ascent to the pass, followed by a descent into the valley below. The views from the pass are breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and valleys. After crossing the pass, we descend to Bimthang, a beautiful village where we can relax and recover from the long day of trekking.
After crossing Larkya Pass, we begin our descent toward the lower altitudes. The trail from Bimthang to Dharapani takes about 7 hours and passes through lush forests, traditional villages, and terraced fields. We will gradually lose altitude, and the landscape will change as we approach the more populated areas. Upon reaching Dharapani, we will rest and enjoy a peaceful night in this beautiful village.
Today, we leave the trekking trails behind as we drive back to Kathmandu. The 10-hour drive offers scenic views of the mountains, rivers, and terraced fields. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to relax, reflect on the incredible trek, or explore the city before your departure the following day.
This is the final day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Chingu Treks and Tours. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination. We hope the memories of this spectacular adventure will stay with you forever. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on another trek in the future!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek was an unforgettable adventure! The breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and peaceful surroundings made it a journey of a lifetime. Chingu Treks and Tours provided exceptional service from start to finish, with knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics. Highly recommend this company for anyone looking to explore the Himalayas!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a thrilling and adventurous trek that takes you around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world (8,163 meters/26,781 feet). Located in the remote western part of Nepal, this trek offers a blend of stunning Himalayan scenery, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. The trek takes you through rugged mountain paths, traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages, lush forests, and high-altitude terrain, including crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters/16,929 feet), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek generally takes around 14 to 18 days, depending on the itinerary and your pace. The trek starts from Arughat or Soti Khola and ends in Besisahar, where you can continue onward to other destinations or return to Kathmandu. This duration includes acclimatization days to help adjust to the high altitude and explore the stunning areas along the way.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek, requiring good physical fitness and stamina. You will be trekking through remote, rugged terrain, with significant altitude gain, and crossing the Larkya La Pass at over 5,000 meters. The trek involves long days of walking with steep ascents and descents, so previous trekking experience is recommended. Adequate training and preparation are key to enjoying this trek. It's essential to build your endurance through hiking, cardio, and strength exercises before your trek.
The best seasons to trek the Manaslu Circuit are during the pre-monsoon (spring) from March to May and post-monsoon (autumn) from September to November. These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and excellent views of the surrounding peaks. The temperature is also more favorable for trekking, especially at higher altitudes. Winter (December to February) can be very cold, with snow blocking the trail in some areas, while the summer monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rains, making the trek more challenging and potentially dangerous.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires three permits:
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, so trekkers must go with a licensed guide and tour operator, such as Chingu Treks and Tours, to obtain the necessary permits. These permits are arranged as part of your trek package.
The trek typically begins with a scenic 6-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Arughat or Soti Khola. From there, you begin the trek on foot, following an ancient trade route that winds its way through villages, forests, and rivers. Chingu Treks and Tours will arrange all transportation logistics, ensuring you have a smooth and safe journey to the start of your trek.
Yes, hiring a guide and porter is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek due to the region's restricted status. A professional guide will help you navigate the challenging terrain, ensure your safety, manage the logistics, and share insights into the local culture and environment. A porter will carry your main pack, allowing you to trek with just a light daypack, making the journey more comfortable. Chingu Treks and Tours provides experienced and friendly guides and porters, who will ensure your trek is safe and enjoyable.
Yes, altitude sickness is a concern, as the trek reaches high altitudes, especially when crossing Larkya La Pass, which is at 5,160 meters. To prevent altitude sickness, acclimatization days are included in the itinerary to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air. It’s important to listen to your body, drink plenty of water, and avoid overexertion. Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Chingu Treks and Tours ensures proper acclimatization and has experienced guides who are trained to manage altitude sickness.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mainly in tea houses or lodges. These are basic but comfortable, with shared rooms and communal dining areas. As you gain altitude, the facilities become simpler, but you will still be provided with clean rooms and nourishing food. Higher-altitude lodges may have more basic amenities, but they provide a warm environment to rest after a long day of trekking. Chingu Treks and Tours ensures that the accommodations along the route meet the necessary safety and comfort standards.
Packing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires careful consideration due to the varied weather conditions and high altitudes. Essential items include:
1. Sturdy trekking boots
2. Warm clothing (layering is key)
3. Waterproof jacket and pants
4. A good quality sleeping bag
5. A backpack for daily essentials
6. Headlamp/flashlight, sunscreen, and sunglasses
7. Trekking poles for stability
8. Personal medications and first-aid kit
9. Water purification tablets
Chingu Treks and Tours will provide a detailed packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and comfortable trek.
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally safe, especially when trekking with a licensed operator like Chingu Treks and Tours. We ensure that you have experienced guides and proper safety equipment. The region has a relatively low risk of natural disasters, though trekkers must still be cautious of weather conditions and trail conditions, particularly in high-altitude areas. Our team will monitor weather reports and trail conditions to ensure the safest experience possible.
Yes, Chingu Treks and Tours offers customizable itineraries. If you have more time or want to explore other regions, we can extend your trek or arrange additional activities such as cultural tours in Kathmandu, visits to the Annapurna region, or side treks like the Tsum Valley or Ganesh Himal region. We can tailor your trip to match your interests and provide a more comprehensive Nepal adventure.
