Manaslu Circuit Trek

We’ll go for a 7-8 hour drive on a local bus from Kathmandu this very day. With an initial advance across the rustic countryside, terraces, and lush greenery on the paved highway till Dhading Besi; we’ll continue on a rough road to Aarughat (5,70m). We can catch the sight of Manaslu, Langtang Himal, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal while coping with the rugged path. Commencing our trekking venture from the lovely town of Aarughat, we’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki River then trek on the stone paved trail along the riverside to Mangaltar (610m). Past Shanti Bazaar, the path turns out to be abrupt and difficult before ranging over to another side of Arkhet Khola via a suspension bridge to reach Arkhet Bazaar (620m).

Today, we’ll move further on the primary pathway pass by a waterfall and cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Kuerepani (820m), a settlement of Magar and Gurung communities. Progressing alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, we’ll again encounter a waterfall and suspension bridge to emerge at Soti Khola (700m). Afterwards, we’ll walk past the villages of Armala and Liding before ascending up to the Gurung village of Labubesi (884m).

We’ll further climb up on the rocky trail across land slide suspension bridge to Nauli Waterfall then continue up to Nauli Khola Village (920m). Moving uphill past the sandy river bed, we’ll advance Khanibesi (970m) and stay with the track to a suspension bridge, from where we can witness the North East view of Ganesh Himal. Overcoming several ups and downs along the route, we’ll finally cross this man-made arch over the river to end up at Machha Khola (869m). Moreover, the lush tropical vegetation adds charm to this segment of this trail.

In day five, we’ll pursue the beaten path up along the river.  Narrow at first, the trail makes multiple ascents and descents, finally traversing Tharo Khola to set our feet on Khorlabesi (970m). Subsequent to a short trek, we’ll make it to a viewpoint of Ganesh Himal and forge ahead through a hot spring at Tatopani (990m). Beyond a ridge, we’ll cross a suspension bridge spanning over Budhi Gandaki River and move up via a set of stairs to Dobhan (1,070m). We’ll then ascend stone steps to Tharo Bharyang after crossing another suspension bridge above Yaru Khola. Eventually, we’ll climb our way across thick woodland to Jagat (1,340m).

This morning, we’ll proceed towards the top of a craggy slope to Salleri (1,353m) then press on to Sirdibas (1,420m). From here, we can look at splendid views of the Shringi Himal. We now descend down to the Ghatta Khola River, range over a long suspension bridge and scramble up steeply to the Gurung settlement of Philim (1,570m). We’ll find a checkpoint and MCAP visitor centre here. The route now passes beyond relatively levelled terrain to Ekle Bhatti (1,600m). We’ll cross and re-cross the suspension bridges to enter the valley where the path widens. At last, we’ll traverse a bamboo forest and Deng Khola to show up at the small hamlet of Deng (1,860m).

Experience the Manaslu Conservation Area’s grandeur en route. We’ll first ascend abruptly then descend to cross the Budhi Gandaki River and continue through Rana (1910m) and Bihi Phedi (1,990m). Heading to the west, we’ll move further through alpine forest and quaint villages to Prok (2,397m), a village with a viewpoint to witness the majesty of Siringi Himal. Past numerous Gompas; we’ll traverse Budhi Gandaki multiple times making it to Namrung Village (2,630m) at long last. Namrung is a popular rest spot for trekkers trekking into Manaslu Region.

Taking pleasure in the awe-inspiring spectacle of snow-clad mountaintops of Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal and Himalchuli from a viewpoint at Namrung Village, we’ll steadily move up and trek past the woodland to Lihi, a magnificent village with many stupas and terraced barley fields. Accompanied by the Ganesh Himal, we’ll make gradual progress across the villages of Sho, Lho, and Shyala prior to our arrival at Sama Gaun (3,520m). In Lho, you can discover remarkable vistas of Mt. Manaslu and visit Ribung Gompa; whereas, Shyala renders a window of opportunity to contemplate Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu and other neighbouring peaks as well as glaciers.

The day nine is allocated for rest and acclimatization. Repose and adapt to the surrounding environment.  Walk up to a ridge near the settlement and get to Pungen Gompa where you can find sublime outlooks of mountains and massive glaciers. In addition, we’ll go for a short hike along a rough track to Birendra Tal aka Green Lake. A dreamer’s ecstasy, this turquoise lake casts back the splendid view of nearby snow-clad mountains. Click some pictures and explore around the lake. Later, we’ll hike back to Sama Gaun.

Every split second during this trek is a moment you’d treasure for eternity. Watching enchanting sunrise views from Sama Gaun, we’ll move down to the Budhi Gandaki River.  Passing by the Mani walls, we’ll notice that the valley starts to widen up. Constantly chased by the Himalayan outlook; today’s fairly easy journey proceeds via many ascends and descends, taking you all the way through the juniper and birch forests to Samdo (3,875m), a picturesque village offering a soul-stirring experience of the Himalayan countryside. 

We’ll be exposed to less trekking hours (4-5 hours) this day, which will provide us with more time to put our feet up and acclimatize. But don’t get me wrong here because short does not necessarily mean undemanding. We’ll navigate past Larke Bazaar (4,090m), a seasonal Tibetan market and pass over a wooden bridge to carry on our climb beyond numerous traditional monasteries to Dharmasala (4,460m) while fixating our eyes at formidable Larkya Glacier.

As the trek can be longer, we are required to devour a generous breakfast. Early in the morning, we’ll embark on a strenuous course to a valley negotiating rugged countryside comprising villages and glacier lakes. En route, you’ll encounter a diversity of flora and fauna aside from noteworthy snow-covered summits including Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. A steady ascent to the other side of glacial moraines will lead us to the final segment of the Larkye La Pass (5,160m). From this point, we can gaze at the exquisite outlooks of elegant Annapurna II (7,937m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), Kang Koru (6,981m) and Cheo Himal (6,820m). Now, all you have to do is perform an abrupt descent to Bimthang (3,590m), making an appearance inside the territory of Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

As we leave Bimthang behind, the captivating landscapes will follow throughout the way. Walking along serene pine woods, we’ll descend down to agricultural lands and settlement areas. Adjacent to the Dudh Khola, we’ll advance down the small villages of Habu, Yak Kharka, Surki Khola, to enter Gho (2,515m).  Covering more distance will land us at Tilche (2,300m). You’ll love this region; No horde of people, no hint of infrastructures yet presence of humanity and warmth. As we push ourselves further, we’ll make it to the bank of Masryangdi River and trek alongside to reach Dharapani (1,963m).

The day fourteen marks our final hours of travel by foot. We’ll arrive at Karte (1,850m) to traverse a bridge above the sparkling river Masryangdi. Appreciate the Mani walls that we can observe while on the move to the village of Tal (1,700m), positioned at the base of a massive waterfall. Succeeding the steep descent on the stone trail, we’ll reach our endmost destination i.e. Jagat (1,300m) for an overnight stay.

Through the picturesque rhododendron and pine woods, we’ll get to Syange (1,100m). Thereupon, we’ll go for an abrupt descent to Nadi Bazaar (930m) and continue down to Besisahar (760m) via Bhulbhule (8,40m) where we need to sign-out at ACAP checkpoint. From this point onward, we’ll drive back to Pokhara; ultimately turning up at Kathmandu.