Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

Larke La Pass 5106m During Manaslu Short Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration8 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude5106m
  • ActivityRestricted Region Off The Beaten Trail
  • Group Size1-12
  • StartsKathmandu
  • EndsKathmandu
  • Best SeasonMarch,April,May and September,October,November
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
  • Walking alongside Budi Gandaki river and its steep cliffs and George. 
  • Traversing through the villages with the ancient culture of Nepalese and Tibetan group
  • Larkya La Pass (5167 meters), the highest point on the trek
  • Astonishing view of some of the highest peaks in the world- Manaslu, Himlung, Annapurna II
  • Exploring Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa

 

Considered the pioneer of expeditions, the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek 8 Days takes you through the restricted region inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. From a classic trekking experience of walking in the sub-tropical to the trans-Himalayan region bordering Tibet, the Manaslu trek offers you all. You get to witness the transition of the culture as the region transitions from Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic groups.

The journey takes you through steamy lowlands with cultivated terraces and into the mighty gorges of Budi Gandaki where the turquoise waters perform their dramatic splashes making the mesmerizing waterfalls from the cliffs look calm and pleasing. Your journey towards the trans-Himalayan region awaits you to unfold the ancient cultures and glaciers. 

Walking the high pass, Larkela Pass 5,167 meters, offers a spontaneous view of Mt. Manaslu. During the trek, you also get to witness ranges like Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru.  

Itinerary

Meet your crew members and begin your journey to Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek. The journey takes you through winding roads along bumpy roads with beautiful landscapes. 

Once you reach Arughat, get on a local jeep to Machha Khola to Jagat. The drive takes you along the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. Once we reach Jagat, we check into the local lodge and prepare for the trek for the following day. 

Begin Driving on a winding trail on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. Then, walk into the forest trails. Make sure to keep your watch on the Himalayan Langur. 

Once you cross the forest, you will enter a small Gurung village followed by Tatopani, meaning hot water. You can take a warm shower or deep your feet to relax your muscles. Continuing forward, you will reach Doban and cross the suspension bridge, followed by some uphills and downhills leading you to Jagat. 

Upon entering Jagat, verify your trekking permit. Once you enter Jagat, you enter the Restricted region of Manaslu. 

 

    Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. Today, trek to Deng.  

    Begin your trek ascending to the rocky ridge of  Salleri. Descend to Sirdibas, where the valley widens, and start following the trail led by the Gattakola River. Later we leave the river trail and cross a long suspension bridge leading you to Philim. 

    Once you cross the village, walk on the mesmerizing hillside and along the millet field. Later you reach Ekle Bhatti, a ‘lonely teahouse ‘. Then we cross another river and enter the gorge. The gorge in the suitable environment is orchids making this part of the trail stunning. 

    Then ascend on a steep path west of the valley, and you will reach Deng.

      Start with a local breakfast, and continue your journey traversing the  Budi Gandaki River. Then make your way uphill to Bhi. Once you reach Bhi, walk through the valley and a lush pine forest that will eventually lead you to a  charming village of the ethnic group with a view of the Himalayas in the background. 

      Traversing through the village, head to Prok village, with yet another delightful and magnificent view of Mt. Siringi. From here again, walk along the Budi Gandaki River. You will realize that the vegetation has changed, along with the settlements with rustic charm, and Chortens welcome you along the way. 

      Walk past a dense forest and into a narrow canyon, and as the forest fades, the view of Mt Manaslu becomes clearer, leading you to Namrung once you make your final ascent of the day. 

      Namrung means a place where it rains. 

        We begin our walk enjoying the typical lifestyle of the Nubri people in the traditional Tibetan dress. Pass through several Mani walls, lush terraces, and Tibet-style houses. Once you leave the settlement, walk past the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest. As you ascend, you reach Lhi, and then Sho welcomes you with a masterful piece of art in Kani, gate arches. 

        Walk along the rocky hillside to Shalaya with spectacular views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m).

        From Shalaya, walk past a pine and rhododendron canyon with moss and a stream you reach Sama Gau. 

        The central village of the Nubri people, Sama Gaun, is a tourist hub with beautiful yak pastures, magnificent Gompas, and facilities with many shops, a health post, a heliport, and telephone/wifi access. 

        Explore Samagaon for altitude acclimatization, where you can either rest or hike to Pungyen Gompa, east of Nuburi Valley or Manaslu Base Camp, north of Nuburi Valley. 

        Pungyen Gompa 

        The Gompa nestles on the edge of extensive grasslands surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The Gompa has a small chapel, a monk's dormitory built remarkably into the mountains. 
        During the hike, across the river, you reach an ancient settlement with Himalayan tars and Yaks grazing along the meadows, lapped on the giant Himalayas. 

        This is a perfect alternative hike to Manaslu Base Camp. 

        Manaslu Base Camp 

        Start your early hike to Manaslu Base Camp.

        First, walk along the trail to Birendra Valley and continue to the Manaslu Base Camp trail. Make your way to the top slow and steady. During the trek, you start to fall short of breath pretty quickly since you are walking at a high altitude.

        Manaslu Base Camp is 4800 m, and hiking up to the point is quite challenging, but the reward it offers is worth a million. But don't push yourself too much. If you find it difficult, you can alter your hike to Birendra Glacier. 

          Today, First short hike to Samdo. 

          After a leisurely breakfast, we travel through yak meadows and long Mani walls. Once you reach the forest line, cross the Budi Gandaki River from a wooden bridge and ascend to Kani, leading you to Samdo. 

          Samdo is a picturesque village known for its vast grazing land with yaks. 

          After Lunch in the Samdo through Larke Bazaar, which is a seasonal Tibetan market. You will come across many traditional monasteries on the way.  

          Descend to Budhi Gandaki River to cross the river and ascend crossing another stream. During this part, you will see glimpses of Larkya Glacier. Once you reach Salka Khola, make your final climb to Dharamsala.

          Dharmasala is also known as Larke Phedi. Remaining day rest enjoying the view over the rugged terrain. Make sure to stay hydrated, and energized since you have a challenging day tomorrow. 

            Today, you encounter the most challenging and longest hike of the trek. 

            After an early breakfast, start your journey to Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek, 5,167 m. Remember, we are not here to win a marathon. Take slow and steady steps with a sip of water and a little rest with the magnificent views. The top awaits you to reward you with phenomenal views of the Himalayas - Himlung (7126m) near Tibet and Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m) in the Annapurna Range. 

            Spend some time admiring the view, and begin your journey steep downhill to Bimthang. You will be descending approx 1500 m. From the high mountainous region, you will reach the subtropical region. 

            As difficult it is to climb, the tricky it is to descend, so be careful. Along the way Pongkar Tal and Salpu Danda Glaciers, with huge icefalls and mountains in all directions.

              On the last day of the trek, hike downhill to Dharapani. 

              Note that you have now entered the Annapurna Conservation Area. 

              From Bimthang, cross the glacial stream, climb the moraine, and descend into the rhododendron and pine forest with a view of Manaslu. 

              Continue your journey downhill Dudh Khola,  leading you to Karche. On the way downhill to Goa, a Gurung village and the first village after Samdo, you will come across many glacial floods, with smashed tree trunks making the trail rough. 

              Your journey continues towards cultivated land and through forests leading to Tilije and finally to Dharapani. 

                Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu. The drive takes you along the bumpy road of Annapurna Circuit. Once you reach Besisahar, drive through the busy Prithwi Highway along river Trishuli and finally inside the Kathmandu valley.  

                  NOTE: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, considering the current situation of the itinerary. But please note that the changes might occur at any time despite our best efforts to improve our program or due to logistical regions such as traffic jams, flight schedules, weather conditions, governmental policies, or any external reasons.  

                  If you are not satisfied with the above itinerary please you can customize it yourself and follow the below Customize Link.


                  B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner 

                  What's Included
                  • Airport/ Hotel pick up and drop by private tourist vehicle. 
                  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner while on trekking days.
                  • Transportation throughout the duration of the trek from Kathmandu-Arughat by Bus and Aarughat to Jagat by Jeep.
                  • Standard Guest House accommodation during the trip on a twin-sharing or triple-sharing basis.
                  • Government Licensed Experienced Guide / Trek Leader with high language proficiency.
                  • Porter Service(1 Porter For 2 Travelers).
                  • Food, Accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment for every involved staff.
                  • Manaslu special permit along with conservation area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Fees (ACAP fees).
                  • Free Mount Glory Duffle and T-shirt.
                  • Government, Hotel, and other applicable taxes.
                  What's not Included
                  • International Taxes and Airforce.
                  • Personal Travel Insurance.
                  • Cost for Nepal Entry Visa.
                  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
                  • Personal Expenses.
                  • Guide Tips, Porter Tips, and Driver Fees.
                  • Additional expenses are not included in the section termed "Price Includes".

                  Dates & Availability

                  Select a Departure Month
                  Starts: ThursdayMay 02, 2024
                  Ends: ThursdayMay 09, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: MondayMay 06, 2024
                  Ends: MondayMay 13, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: FridayMay 10, 2024
                  Ends: FridayMay 17, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: TuesdayMay 14, 2024
                  Ends: TuesdayMay 21, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: SaturdayMay 18, 2024
                  Ends: SaturdayMay 25, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: WednesdayMay 22, 2024
                  Ends: WednesdayMay 29, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: SundayMay 26, 2024
                  Ends: SundayJun 02, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable
                  Starts: ThursdayMay 30, 2024
                  Ends: ThursdayJun 06, 2024
                  PriceUS$890
                  StatusAvailable

                  Useful Information

                  About Restricted Region

                  Trekking in the Restricted Region has its different charm. Restricted Region trails are less crowded and usually in the most rural part of the country with untouched nature and ancient cultures. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking is also the part of Restricted Region trek that's why travellers must book through a reliable trekking company. Without a guide not get a permit and a minimum of 2 travelers are required.

                  Nepal has allocated a few parts as restricted regions. This is to prevent the overflow of international tourists. These regions are susceptible due to various reasons, including the climate and ethnic values, and hence Restricted Regions are carefully monitored by government officials. 

                  Apart from the general trekking and Conservation Area or National Park fees, if you are travelling to a Restricted region, you will also have to pay additional Permit fees, varying from place to place. Further, single travellers are not allowed to trek in this region. There need to be at least two travellers travelling in the Restricted Region apart from your guide and crew members.

                  The permits are issued by government-registered Trekking Companies in Nepal.  While the trekking permits can be issued before you arrive in Nepal, issuing the Restricted Region permits requires a hard passport copy of the traveller. So make sure you plan to stay for additional days in Kathmandu. 


                  Accommodation and Facilities During Short Manaslu Circuit Trek 8 Days

                  Like the other trekking areas, there are simple lodges in the Manaslu Circuit. Manaslu is rural, but the accommodation is surprisingly comfortable despite having limited facilities. The warm local hospitality is itself a charm of every local tea house. 

                  The bathrooms are common sharing facilities of hold and cold showers. You have a charging station in the main dining hall, which is the most happening place, where you get to bond with strangers with similar interests. 


                  Who can join this Short Form Of Manaslu Circuit Trek 8 Days?

                  The Manaslu Circuit trek is challenging. 

                  Trekking in Manaslu will take you back in time to the ruler and ancient setting, and that's the beauty of it and the very reason why this trek is challenging too. You will be on the highlands, cross Larkela Pass, 5167 m, and descend straight approx. 1,000 m down and other steep ascend and descend. 

                  So, one should be physically and mentally prepared for this trek. We recommend indulging in fitness activities before the trip and consulting a doctor if you have any issues regarding respiration, joints and injuries. 


                  Guide & Potters for the Trek

                  Manaslu is a restricted region, so it is important to have a guide. Further, Manaslu does not have many visitors, so it's best to have a local friend by your side who will not just guide you in the rural area but will also help unfold many facts and mysteries of the place. 

                  Also, be mindful that now, it's compulsory to hire a guide while trekking anywhere in Nepal.

                  Hiring a potter is recommended. You will have to trek at a high altitude which can be physically demanding. Travel freely and enjoy your journey. 


                  Safety and Security During Manaslu Trekking 8 Days 

                  It might be subdued when we say Manaslu does not have many visitors, and it lies in the ruler area. But we have been mentioning that Nepalese are among the most friendly locals and you will surely experience it.

                  The trails are marked well, and with a guide and potter as your local friend, you do not need to worry much. 

                  Also, being a restricted region, the region itself is guarded by friendly local government officials, so rest assured it's all safe.  

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