Manaslu Circuit Trek

From the green rice fields of the Nepalese countryside to the Base Camp of one of the highest peaks on the planet, Altaï Nepal brings you a superb trek. In comparason to the neighbouring Annapurna circuit, the lesser well known Manaslu trek has a wilder side. Complete an exemplary circuit around the world's 8th highest peak, an authentic adventure away from other tourists. Our trek begins in the heart of the tropical Nepali countryside; we progress through rice fields, forests and small villages. We climb up through Budhi Gandaki valley to the high glacial valleys of the Himalayas. Enjoy countless magnificent panoramic views and soak in the majesty of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Himlung Himal ... Once we pass through the village of Lihi, we enter a different universe, a Tibeten world with omnipresent Buddhist influences. Highlights include the climb up to the base camp of Manaslu and the Larkya Pass at more than 5000 m altitude! Mythical summits, forgotten villages, prayer wheels and centuries-old monasteries... This journey around the Manaslu presents all the faces of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu! Your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps your trip leader can show you the old streets of Ason Tole and Indra Chowk and introduce you to the Nepalese way of living.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals not included
Day 2 Kathmandu - Gorkha - Barpak (1000m)

After breakfast, we head towards Barpak. We leave Kathmandu valley via the Thankot Mountain Pass (1400m) revealing our first stunning views of the Himilayas. We drive through green hills and the Dhorandi Khola valley up to Barpak. This is not the traditional starting point of the Manaslu circuit - Barpak enables us to enjoy a pleasantly different two days crossing authentic Gurung villages like Laprak and Singla and walking through the magnificent rice paddies which are scattered across the beautifully hilly landscape.

Transport: 7 hours drive
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 3 Barpak - Laprak (2200m)

Through a calm forest trail, we reach the Pushu Danda at 3000 m altitude. Our effort is rewarded with superb views of Himal Buddha (6672 m) and the various peaks of Ganesh Himal (7100 m). Then, we descend to Laprak, another authentic Gurung village. We sneak in and out of stone houses receiving warm welcomes from our hosts.

Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation: + 1100m / -700m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 4 Laprak - Singla - Khorla Bensi (970m)

Todays' hike begins with a short descent to Machha Khola River, then it is a gradual ascent to Singla. Discover beautiful views of Laprak and Gumda villages which cling to the mountainsides and the terraced rice fields which stretch as far as the eye can see. From Singla, the imposing massif of Ganesh Himal once again captures our hearts. We walk down to Khorla Bensi, and join the classic Manaslu Circuit trail.

Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: + 450m / -1300m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 5 Khorla Bensi - Jagat (1370m) - Sirdibas (1420m)

From Khorla Besi, we trek along the Budhi Gandaki River for several days. We go through the hot springs of Tatopani and reach the first gorges. We settle down in a local lodge in Sirdibas,

Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: + 450m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 6 Sirdibas - Dyang (1860m)

This area is mainly inhabited by Gurungs and Tibetans. With the increasing altitude, tropical vegetation gradually gives way to a more alpine atmosphere. We walk between dense woodlands and rocky outcrops to Dyang.

Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: + 440m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 7 Dyang - Namrung (2540m)

We walk through the gorges to Ghap village. A Tibetan ambiance greats us; manis walls and chortens decorate the entrances and exits of the villages. Prayer flags flutter from stone houses with slate roofs and it is clear from the local dress and traditions that we are approaching Tibet

Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: + 680m / -60m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 8 Namrung - Syala (3330m) - Samagaon (3390m)

Our trek crosses many Tibetan villages. As we arrive in Lho, we are greeted by our first views of the summit of Manaslu culminating at 8163 m. We continue to Samagaon, a Tibetan village at the foot of the Manaslu mountain range.

Hiking: 7 hours
Elevation: + 870m / -150m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 9 Manaslu Base Camp (4400m) - Samagaon

A day of acclimatization in preparation for the ascent to Larkya La pass (5100 m) which we will cross in 3 days time. We walk to Lake Birendra (3 hours round trip), fed by the glacier of Manaslu. Conditions depending we can then continue to the base camp of Manaslu (optional - 3 more hours of walking). The first part of this climb follows a wooded path, but very quickly we find ourselves immersed in the mineral high mountain atmosphere. Discover an unobstructed view of the impressive glaciers of Manaslu. Return along the same route to Samagaon.

Hiking: 3 to 6 hours
Elevation: + 1200m / -1200m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 10 Samagaon - Pung Gyen Monastery (3870m) - Samdo (3690m)

Morning departure to Pung Gyen Monastery. Found at 3870 m this magical place is just a few steps from gigantic glaciers. The monastery was built in a large meadow at the foot of the majestic Manaslu massif. Our morning effort is largely rewarded by breathtaking 360 ° views of the surrounding high peaks and Manaslu summit. We descend to Sama Gaon, then continue to Samdo, the last inhabited village before the collar of Larkya La.

Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation: + 920m / -550m
Accommodation: Lodge.
Day 11 Samdo - Dharmasala (High Camp - 4335m)

Samdo is only a few kilometers from Tibet; here an improvised market is organized between Tibet and the locals. We climb up the glacier valley to reach the foot of the Larkya glacier.

Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation: + 550m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 12 Col of Larkya (5100m) - Bhimtang (3600m)

Today we reach the highest point of our trek, the Larkya pass (5100 m). It is a long steady climb upwards and the show is grand. The long descent presents sublime views of the circus of Peri Himal. Overnight in the paradisaical Bhimthang.

Hiking: 8 to 9 hours
Elevation: + 750m / -1500m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 13 Bhimtang - Dharapani (2000m)

We descend quietly along a pastoral trail of woodland, rhododendrons and conifers to Tileche village where Tibetan Manangis live. Then, we continue to Dharapani, where we join the beginning of the Annapurna Circuit.

Hiking: 7 to 8 hours
Elevation: -1300m
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 14 Dharapani - Besisahar - Kathmandu

This morning, we take local transport to Besisahar and then continue on to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: 7 hours drive
Meals not included
Day 15 End of stay

End of our services

The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the programme may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation in this programme at any time if your technical level or fitness are deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.

Dates & prices

International departures:

No departure for now

Trip code: NEPMAN-EN

Included

All in-country transfers by private vehicle as detailed in itinerary
Accommodation in 3 * hotel or B&B in Kathmandu (Hotel Tibet, Manaslu or similar)
Trek includes full-board and lodging
Full accompaniment by an English speaking Altaï Guide
Visits as per itinerary: with a cultural guide in a private vehicle
Luggage transport - up to 12kg maximum per person during the trek
Trekking support team: assistants and porters
Trekking permits: the Manaslu region, ACAP and TIMS
Staff Insurance
All local taxes

Not included

Entrance to historical sites & monuments
Meals in Kathmandu - Lunch Day 1 & Dinner Day 13
Nepalese visa: US $ 25
International flights
Insurance: Repatriation, Medical & Helicopter Services
Drinks, tips and personal expenses - all that is not in "THE PRICE INCLUDES"

Notes

For many years, we put our know-how and our experience of Himalayan destinations to the service of travelers from different horizons. You may find yourself in an international group with participants from our various partners.

Level 4/5

This trips demands a very good physical condition, suitable clothing and good hiking boots. Regular and serious training (running, swimming, brisk walking...) during the 2 to 3 months prior to your trip is recommended. This trek includes an average of 5 to 6 hours of hiking per day and daily elevations of +/-1000m.

Terms and conditions

Inscription

Booking a trip with Altaï Nepal implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 35% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Facturation

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Nepal reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Annulation

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Nepal require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.

Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Nepal receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Modification du contrat

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact us in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Nepal may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Prix et révision des prix

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. Altaï Nepal reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Cession du contrat

If you are unable to travel with Altaï Nepal for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out personal travel insurance for your trip with Altaï Nepal as soon as your booking is confirmed. We advice you to purchase a travel insurance policy which covers flight cancellations, luggage loss and emergency health care. Please look carefully at which activities are covered by your insurer and do not forget to bring all necessary documents and information with you (name of the company, name of the contract, insurance policy number, telephone number...)

Practical info

Staff

Based in Kathmandu for many years, Altai Nepal guarantees you an active travel experience, thanks to our guides and our logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you are accompanied by our Altai trekking guides, 100% mobilized to help you discover unusual places in the heart of nature. Let yourself be guided…

• This trip is led by an English-speaking Nepalese trekking guide

• A local team assists you during the trek. Here is its composition (variable depending on the size of the group and the logistics required):

- Porters: during the trek, our belongings are carried by porters. Porterage is a historical tradition in Nepal, necessitated by the very rugged topology of the place. Thus, it is not uncommon to come across locals carrying loads of more than 50 kg on the trails! Being very concerned about the working conditions of our teams, we ensure that our porters work in the best possible conditions (a fair salary, limited charges, insurance, and suitable equipment are made available to all). On our trips, we provide one porter for every two travellers. The load is limited to 30 kg per carrier on our trips to lodges.

- Assistant-guides: in addition to the guide, assistant-guides are present too. They are responsible for providing active assistance to travelers, and make sure all participants to walk at their own pace.

Food

The traditional Nepalese dish is 'dal bhat', rice and lentils, accompanied by some spicy vegetables. In Kathmandu, it is possible to eat a good variety of dishes, but in the mountains, the choice is relatively limited: the lodges (local tea houses) offer menus that are often similar and less varied (e.g. dal bhat, fried noodles, mo:mos, fried rice, pasta with tomato sauce, fried potatoes, etc).

On our group trips: three meals and a snack per day will be served. On long trekking days, you will also have an energy supplement (cereal bars and/or dried fruits).

During lodge treks, we try to offer you the most varied meals possible, with the dishes or ingredients available in the lodges. Some examples: dal bhat (Nepali daily meal), stir-fried rice with vegetables, potatoes with cheese, fries, pasta with tomato sauce, and sometimes even pizza! Note that fresh meat is rare and sometimes not recommended for Western stomachs.

Here are examples of the meals served on our trips:

• Breakfast: toast, pancake or Tibetan bread with butter/jam/honey + eggs + tea or coffee.

• Lunch: a main dish.

• A small snack at the end of the day is offered (biscuits and tea).

• Dinner: a soup, a main course, and a dessert (eg fruit in syrup)

+ a cup of tea and/or coffee is offered with all meals.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, we often exclude meals, so that everyone can enjoy the variety of restaurants in the cities according to their tastes.

In the mountains, you can fill your water bottles at the tap or at the water sources (on the advice of the guide), but it is essential to filter it or treat it with purifying tablets. The purchase of bottled mineral water may also be possible in lodges, in town, or in restaurants. However, we encourage all to minimize plastic consumption: there is no recycling on site.

Accommodation

In Kathmandu and other cities, you will normally be accommodated in 3 * hotels. In more rural areas, we use homestay accommodation with varying comforts (they all have functioning beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, toilets, etc.) We love using homestay accommodation options which offer insights into Nepalese life and support local families. In addition, the use of lodges considerably reduces the number of porters and cut down the infrastructure of trekking.

Transportation

Transport/transfer by bus, private minibus & plane.

Budget & exchange

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee NPR.

Visit http://www.xe.com for the latest currency converter and exchange rates.

You can withdraw Nepalese Rupees from in-country ATMs in Kathmandu and credit cards are accepted except in shops and hotels. Please budget for meals in Kathmandu, drinks, tips and other personal expenses.

Tips

Tipping is very present in Nepal. It is an integral part of the 'tourism' culture of the country: independent of salary levels, your tip is seen as a sign of appreciation. The amount depends on your satisfaction with the services rendered and your generosity. Your guide will help you on this subject. Like money, if you have clothes to give, do not hesitate to seek advice from your guide who will make a fair distribution. We ask that you do not to give sweets and / or energy bars / chocolate to local children as there are virtually no dentists here in the mountains. The same rules apply to medicine, western medication is not necessarily adapted for the Nepalese and, moreover, following the correct dosage is extremely important.

Vital equipment

Warm Sleeping Bag
Water purifiers (micropur, aguatabs ...)

From head to toe:

A cap or sunhat
1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, preferably in quick-drying technical material
A light fleece or equivilent (plus extra warm layers if necessary)
A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
Lightweight waterproof over trousers
Suitable shorts
Walking trousers
A pair of high-rise walking boots - strength, good grip of the foot and ankle (high stems) and impermeability are essential. Choose shoes with non-slip soles (vibram).
A pair of trainers/sandels or equivilent casual shoes for cities, villages and evenings
Thick walking socks
Warm gloves, hat and scarf (it can be chilly in the mountains)

Do not forget

Your personal toiletries and a fast drying towel

Water bottle(s). Min. 2 litres, light and isothermal

A good pair of sunglasses (think min. category 3)

Sun-cream, face and lips

Head torch and spare batteries

A pocket knife

A pair of hiking poles

A waterproof bag cover (or plastic bags) to protect your belongings

Toilet paper

Anti-bacterial hand gel

Your camera

Notebook or travel diary

Material

We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool.

The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax. Soft shell layers are effective against the wind.

Our advice for keeping warm

Weather conditions in the high mountains can be variable, please think carefully about what clothes you pack especially for our winter trips and remember that the layers you wear next to your skin can make the biggest difference.

We recommend:

No cotton
Always carry dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves

Wear multiple layers including:

A warm breathable base layer
A second thermal layer
Wind and water proof protective outer layers

Luggage

Your luggage must be divided into two bags:

A rucksack (35-40L or 45-50L) for use as a day bag. This will contain your (vital) personal belongings for the day (sweater, spare t-shirt, water bottle, picnic-lunch, sunglasses, small things ... )
We use porters to transport our other belongings when trekking. Please bring a flexible travel bag with zips for easy access max 80L and max 13kg (16kg with camping gear). Please do not bring suitcases or other hard bags which the porters cannot transport.
You may also be able to store some belongings securely at the hotel in Kathmandu.

To protect your bags, we will provide solid waterproof Altaï Bags.

Medicine

Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers. And of course, do not forget to bring medicines that you have to use regularly. And of course, do not forget to bring medicines that you take regularly, if any.

Passport

Your passport should be vaild for at least six months after the last day of your stay. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.

Visa

It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements. Please bring valid passport photos with you to obtain a visa upon arrival.

To obtain trekking permits, your passport and photo ID is also required. Please provide us with good quality scans of your passport and 2 photos of identity.

For an individual visa, obtained on the spot as you arrive in Kathmandu, rates are as follows:

- 15 days : 30 US$

- 30 days : 50 US$

Mandatory vaccines

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Recommended vaccines include Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Influenza.

Health information & recommendations

It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip and we advise you to visit your dentist too as untreated cavaties have an annoying habit of waking up with altitude.

Hygiene Recommendations

Water is not drinkable in Nepal. It is always possible to buy bottled water but in order to limit pollution and preserve natural areas, we strongly recommend that you drink purified water. For that, think to bring a water bottle of minimum 1.5 liters and purifying tablets (micropur, agua tabs ...). Consume only treated water or water which has been boiled for 30 minutes and then filtered.Be sure to wash your hands frequently, and definitely before each meal (anti-bacterial hand gel is recommended) and take care to disinfect any skin wounds. Avoid drinking natural drinks like pressed fruit juice and do not consume ice cream or "lassi" (a milk-based beverage) bought in the street. Meat and fish / shellfish should be well cooked before consumption.

Weather

From the eternal snows of high peaks to the tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

- In autumn (October to mid-December) the days are very beautiful but can be fresh at altitude. At 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C (14°F) at night.

- In winter (mid-december to mid-february): The nights are generally cold and the climate is dry. If night time temperatures drop easily below 0 ° C (31°F) to 3000 m, the days are often sunny. Treks below 4000 m are very pleasant. There are very few tourists at this time.

- In spring (March to end of May): in this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom and the rhododendrons are magnificent. The weather is pleasant, it is getting hotter with some night storms. Temperatures vary between 10 and 28 ° C (50 - 83°F), but can rise to over +30 ° C (+86°F). Between 2000 and 3000 m, temperatures rarely drop below 0 ° C (32°F). A few rare frosts or snowfalls are possible in March from +4000 m.

- In summer: it is the monsoon season. This interrupts the majority of trekking from June until the end of September. However, certain regions of the "Trans-Himalayan" zone, Mustang and Dolpo remain sheltered from the monsoons - these are the only circuits available in Nepal in the summer.

Electricity

In recent years, due to a lack of hydropower facilities, electricity and water outages are becoming more frequent in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu (mainly in winter and spring). The hotels have generator but the electricity is limited. It is the same for the consumption of water.

Local time

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +5.45. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not observed here.

Sustainable tourism

As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously. We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.

Since the beginning, we have advocated for responsible tourism and the importance of equitable and sustainable principles. Harmonising these fundamentals ensures a fair distribution of economic benefits, improved working conditions for local teams and an increased awareness of the importance and practice of environmental protection. We hope that all of our clients will respect our philosophies and embrace these attitudes.

The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...

1. Be prepared

2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right

3. Stash your trash and pick up waste

4. Leave it as you find it

5. Be careful with fire

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of other visitors

Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.

Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.

Request a quote

My local agent
Anup

From Kathmandu
A trekking guide for over 20 years
Specialist of Annapurnas, Ladakh, Bhuthan and Tibet
Languages: English, French and a little Spanish

Request a quote

Region: Annapurnas, Manaslu & Dhaulagiri
Activity: Trekking
Duration: 15 days
Group: 2 to 12 people
Code: NEPMAN-EN
Price: From €1,425
Level: 4/5
Comfort: 3/5
Language(s): English

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu

Day 2 Kathmandu - Gorkha - Barpak (1000m)

Day 3 Barpak - Laprak (2200m)

Day 4 Laprak - Singla - Khorla Bensi (970m)

Day 5 Khorla Bensi - Jagat (1370m) - Sirdibas (1420m)

Day 6 Sirdibas - Dyang (1860m)

Day 7 Dyang - Namrung (2540m)

Day 8 Namrung - Syala (3330m) - Samagaon (3390m)

Day 9 Manaslu Base Camp (4400m) - Samagaon

Day 10 Samagaon - Pung Gyen Monastery (3870m) - Samdo (3690m)

Day 11 Samdo - Dharmasala (High Camp - 4335m)

Day 12 Col of Larkya (5100m) - Bhimtang (3600m)

Day 13 Bhimtang - Dharapani (2000m)

Day 14 Dharapani - Besisahar - Kathmandu

Day 15 End of stay