The beguiling 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the ethereal realm of wanderlust. It is a journey of transcendent allure, beckoning intrepid souls to venture where few have trodden. Walk the secluded path towards the sanctuary of Mount Manaslu. The majestic peak, soaring with regal grace, ascends the Himalayan throne as the eighth highest in the world.
Winding through the ravine of the Manang-Gandaki River, this trek weaves amidst pristine valleys. These valleys are home to a tapestry of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Throughout the journey, ancient monasteries and Gumbas present trekkers with timeless wisdom. Similarly, colourful prayer flags flutter and spread the ethereal message of peace across the winding paths.
The journey, likewise, unfurls the vibrant panorama of small villages; its inhabitants adorned in traditional garb that trekkers cannot find anywhere else. The age-old rhythm of prayer wheels spinning in the breeze compliments the serenity throughout the journey. Here, every step you take presents a cultural pageantry of the ethnic Gurung, Bhutia, and Sherpa populace.
Moreover, Mount Manaslu, or the "Mountain of Spirit," graces the skyline. Nestled some sixty-four kilometers east of the revered Annapurna peaks, Mount Manaslu’s presence adorns the landscape with its tributary ridges and glaciers.
Unveiled to trekkers as recently as 1991, the Manaslu Circuit Trek presents unspoiled sceneries. The journey also offers preserved cultural traditions of Nepal’s Himalayan diaspora. For seekers of solitude, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a coveted passage - a path less trodden, where serenity and tranquility beckon.
You will journey along the ancient salt-trading route and wind your way to the Budi Gandaki River. Additionally, splendid vistas of Manaslu, the Sringi Himal Range, and the Ganesh Himal Range unfold like an artist's masterpiece. To boot, ancient monasteries and Stupas arise amongst the wilderness, adorned with fluttering prayer flags.
This voyage, a symphony of grace and hospitality, is finely orchestrated to unveil the best at every turn. Every moment is etched with an indelible display of interwoven splendor of both nature and culture. No doubt, the 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek will be an epic chapter in the annals of your adventure! Enthusiastic trekkers must simply do this unforgettable journey at least once in their life.
Trip Highlights
- Witness ethereal views of the Manaslu Peak, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
- Immerse yourself in the cultural embrace of the Tsum Valley along the Gandaki River.
- Traverse the enchanting expanse of the Manaslu Valley
- Trek through the diverse landscapes that range from Himalayan foothills to alpine terrains to lush emerald forests to rugged mountain bastions adorned with glaciers, rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
- Visit Kathmandu Valley’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Pashupatinath Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa, the Swayambhunath temple, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Enjoy the elegant dance of long suspension bridges that will guide your passage over the flowing Budhi Gandaki River.
- Embrace the untouched wilderness of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, more than 2,000 species of flora unfurl their vibrant hues. Moreover, more than 201 species of avian songbirds grace the skies. In addition to the avain species, elusive animals like the Musk Deer, the blue sheep, the Himalayan serow, golden eagles, and snow partridges also call this sanctuary their home.
- Take in breathtaking panorama views of Mount Manaslu, flanked by the Himlung Himal, the Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna II.
- Venture through remote ethnic hamlets and small cultural sanctuaries.
- Experience the unique Gurung, Tibetan, and Tamang culture, their authentic lifestyles, and age-old Himalayan customs.
- Perfect for trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-paths journey as the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers respite from heavy crowds.
Route Overview
The journey of the 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek will begin from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Awaiting your arrival, a Nepal Hiking Team representative will stand with a display board. He will be your introductory guide on the expedition.
Before embarking on the trek, however, the trip includes enjoying Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thus, you will have a sightseeing day of the city, venturing to the capital’s sacred sanctuaries - the revered Pashupatinath Temple, the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the timeless Swayambhunath Stupa. Each of these sites bears witness to Nepal’s history and architectural stories.
Then, the journey will commence. Departing from Kathmandu, you will be traversing through mustard and rice fields to Maccha Khola. Journeying along a rugged, dirt-laden road, you can witness the idyllic countryside life of Nepal unfold before your very eyes.
Similarly, venturing through Sal forests, the path meanders, leading the way across quaint bridges. The path similarly spans along small rivulets and streams and is decorated with cascading waterfalls. Finally, the trail unveils the hidden gem of Jagat, a small, scattered village. This place welcomes travelers with its rustic charm and warm embrace. Small Mani walls and chortens also grace your path throughout.
Beyond Jagat, the steps will guide us to Deng and Namrung. Inconspicuous Gompas and Buddhist Mani walls blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Along the way, you may also savor the local barley-fermented alcohol in the villages. Ascending towards the rhododendron-covered valley hills, you will then reach Lho Gaun and Samagaon for respite and acclimatization. While here, you can explore the celestial splendor of the Manaslu Base Camp (4750 meters).
Furthermore, resuming your ascent, the path meanders to Samdo and Dharmasala. Further ahead is the grandeur of the Larkya La Mountain Pass. As you stand atop the pass, the entire valley unfolds before your eyes, embraced by the resplendent Manaslu Peak. Its presence, like a benevolent guardian, renders the scene nothing short of awe-inspiring. Beyond the valley, a symphony of peaks graces the horizon - Himlung Himal soaring gracefully at 7126 meters, the regal Cheo Himal at 6820 meters, and the mighty Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru, and Annapurna II.
In like manner, from Bhimtang, your journey will continue to Goa and beyond. With Tilije as the guidepost, the final leg will await. You will bid farewell to the mountains and take a drive back to Kathmandu. The circle of your trek will then be complete.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, a tapestry of enchantment, will forever dwell in your souls. It is an eternal testament to the spirit of adventure and the allure of the mountains.
Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The ideal season to embark on the Manaslu trek is during spring (March, April, or May), prior to the monsoon season. In fact, Nepal experiences its beautiful spring season during the months of March, April, and May. This period is considered one of the prime times to embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Spring arrives immediately after winter, bringing a gradual rise in temperatures. As the season progresses, the high-altitude lakes start to thaw as well, adding to the enchantment of the trek.
Moreover, during this time, villagers who had sought refuge in lower villages to evade the harsh winter begin to return to their homes. The surrounding peaks also still retain a considerable amount of snow. This enhances the already awe-inspiring views. It also creates a truly dramatic spectacle. During this period, hikers can enjoy dry paths, consistent weather, excellent visibility, and extended trekking hours.
Similarly, the autumn season (September, October, and November) is another excellent time to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The region attracts a multitude of trekkers owing to its mild temperatures and breathtaking mountain vistas during this period. Additionally, the warm weather not only brightens the days but also extends the daylight hours. This provides ample opportunities for adventurous explorations. Furthermore, autumn presents the ideal conditions for conquering the Larkya La Pass. The post-monsoon phase offers clear skies, pleasant weather, breathtaking mountain panoramas, and minimal snowfall. These features render it a favorable time for trekking.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is categorized as a moderate-to-difficult-level trek. The journey covers an approximate distance of 177 kilometers (110 mi) and reaches an altitude of 5,165m/16,929ft when crossing the Larkya La pass.
One of the primary hurdles faced during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the high altitude. Trekking at such heights can lead to altitude sickness, where headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue can take over. Thus, proper acclimatization is crucial, involving rest days, hydration, and gradual ascent.
Likewise, another challenge lies in coping with the cold weather. Since the trek takes place in a high-altitude region, the journey exposes trekkers to significantly dropping temperatures during the night.
Moreover, the trail itself in the Manaslu region can be demanding, with steep and slippery paths. Vigilance while walking is crucial, along with suitable trekking shoes featuring a good grip. In certain sections, trekkers may encounter narrow bridges spanning fast-flowing rivers. This necessitates careful crossing.
Additionally, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is characterized by its remoteness. Thus, it demands trekkers be prepared for limited facilities. Accommodations are basic, and food options are rather limited.
Despite these challenges, however, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a truly unique and splendid trekking experience. The journey treats trekkers to awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and traditional villages, unlike anything on Earth.
Here are some effective methods to train yourself:
- Enroll in a gym and focus on strength training.
- Incorporate HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) into your workout routine.
- Add cardio exercises to your daily regimen, such as walking, running, or jogging.
Additionally, you can rest assured that our trekking guides are extensively trained. They possess the valuable experience to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trekking experience for you.
Alternate Treks
There are alternate options to the 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek that you can choose from. Firstly, we present the 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, which covers the same route as the 15-day package. However, it does present one exception - it omits the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Apart from this difference, both packages follow identical routes.
Secondly, for those seeking longer trekking days and a deeper immersion in the Buddhist culture of the valley, the Tsum Valley with Manaslu Trek is the ideal choice, spanning 20 days. This exceptional package incorporates a trek to the scenic Tsum Valley, enhancing the overall journey with its cultural significance.
In conclusion, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable adventure, combining breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling experiences. Inquire and book your trip now to start your adventure in the Nepali Himalayas!