Manaslu Circuit Short Trek
Highlights
- The scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
- Walk through the beautiful Budhi Gandaki Valley
- Charming views of Mt. Manaslu and surroundings Himalayas
- Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m from where you will serene views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II
- Explore traditional village lifestyle and culture
- Breathtaking views of the glaciers, rivers, and mountains
- Discover the Tibetan culture, tradition, and lifestyle
Manaslu Circuit Short Trek is one of the exciting and marvelous adventures where you will get a chance to soak within the beautiful mountain scenery and fascinating unique culture and traditions. You can complete this short trek within 12 days with one acclimatization day at Sama Gaon. It is a mini version of popular 18 days Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The Manaslu Circuit Short Trekking starts from Soti Khola and reaches its highest point in Larke La Pass at an elevation of 5,160 m. The trekking route offers superb views of Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, Himalchuli, Mt. Manaslu (8th tallest mountain in the world), Larke Peak, Cheo Himal, and Mt. Annapurna range.
This amazing journey passes through several charming settlements, ancient Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chortens. It is being as popular as the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. But you will see few trekkers than other popular trekking regions like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang.
Also, the trek lies in a restricted area, the solo trek is prohibited. You need special trekking permits and licensed trekking guide in order to this trek. In addition, you can also join this short Manaslu Circuit Trek with challenging Tsum Valley Trek along the remote trail in the Manaslu region
Drive from kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m) 6-7 hours via shoti khola.
Today after breakfast in the Kathmandu, you will take a bus ride to Maccha Khola (700 m). This scenic drive takes about 8-9 hours by public bus. Once you reach Machha Khola, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trek. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Jagat (1410m) 6-7 hours
Today you will start your trek crossing the Machha river and Khrolabesi. You will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. Following the forest trail, you will cross the Dovan Khola and continue your trek to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. After 6-7 hours of a walk along with the white sandy areas with great scenery, you will reach Jagat at an altitude of 1,410 m above the sea level.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Bihi Phedi/Deng (1990m) 5 to 6 hours
Early in the morning, you will get your trekking permits checked in Jagat and start descending to the river and climb the terraced hill to Salleri. From here you will get awe-inspiring views of Sringi Himal (7,190 m). After passing through Sirdibas you will reach the beautiful village of Phillim. From here leaving the Tsum Valley trail you will head toward the Deng (1,990 m). Beautiful mani walls welcome you to Deng. Today you will walk for 5-6 hours from Jagat to Deng. Overnight stay at Deng village.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Namrung (2630m) 5 hours
Leaving behind the Deng, you will cross Budhi Gandaki river and climb uphill to Rana (1,910 m). Then the trail extends to Bhi and then up to Budhi Gandaki Valley. Walking through the lush green forest and passing through the several mani walls you will reach Ghap village. Along the way, you will enjoy the great view of Shingri Himal. After crossing Budhi Gandaki river several times you will traverse through narrow gorges and arrive at Namrung (2,630 m) for an overnight stay.
Today’s 5 hours trek is fascinating in terms of culture and people. You will enter into the Nubri state. Here you will encounter the people, culture, and lifestyle which is heavily influenced by Tibetans. So, the culture and lifestyle of the people here are completely different from the people from the lower valley.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Sama Gaun (3520 m) 5-6 hours
From Namrung onwards, you will trek into the higher altitude. So, you need to keep yourself hydrated all the time. After a short walk on easy terrain, you will walk uphill till you reach the village of Shyo. Now onwards, the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) will accompany you. Enjoying the outstanding view of Siring, Himchuli, and Ganesh Himla you will reach Lho (3,180 m).
Further, the trail drops into the river and climb till Shyala. From here the valley starts to open up and you will walk on flat land and pass several pasturelands. Finally, after 5-6 hours of exciting trek, you will reach Sama Gaun at an altitude of 3,520 m. Overnight stay at Sama Gaun.
Accomodation: lodge
Rest day at Sama Gaun (acclimatization day) or Manaslu Base Camp Hike
Today is set for acclimatization day at Sama Gaun. As almost after a week trek it is a good idea to acclimatize before heading toward the higher elevation. On this day, if you wish you can trek towards the Manaslu Base Camp (4,750 m). It is approximately a 7-8 hours walk to and back. Also, you can visit ancient Pungyen Gompa which offers great vies of Pungyen Glacier or Birendra Lake. Sama Gaun is a very interesting village to learn about the Tibetan culture of this region. Overnight stay at Sama Gaun.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Samdo (3,690m) 4 hours
Today after acclimatization day at Sama Gaun, you will head towards Samdo at an altitude of 3,690 meters above the sea level. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you will walk through the forest of birch, juniper, and rhododendron. On the way to Samdo, you will pass by the left side of the long Mani walls at Kyonggma Kharka. Samdo is a small settlement and perhaps last one before Larkya La Pass. This settlement lies very close to the Tibetan border. In the afternoon, you will explore the village and the surrounding hills and come back to Samdo for an overnight stay.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Dharamsala (4,470m) 4 hours
Today you will head towards from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,470 m) also known as Larkya Phedi. After crossing a couple of streams you will reach the Larkya Bazaar. You ‘ll continue your walk along the traditional trade way to Tibet. Walking through the ridges to the right you will find a trail that traverses over the top of two gorges. As you climb high you can see the huge Larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu.
After 3-4 hours of climb, with panoramic mountain vistas, you will reach Dharmasala. This place is beautifully surrounded by the breathtaking views of mountain scenery and barren hillsides. You will feel the altitude overnight stay at Dharamsala.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Bimtang (3,720m) via Larke Pass (5,200m) 8 hours
After morning breakfast, you will head towards to the north side of the Larkya Glaciers where you will get the wonderful views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Then after walking for four hours, you will get to the top of the Larkya La (5,200 m). The top offers enthralling mountain views of Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Kang Kuru (6,981 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), and Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m).
Further, you will descend through steep trail towards Bimtang (3,720 m) for an overnight stay. It is a small beautiful village which offers a fantastic view of Lamjung, Manaslu, and Himlung Himal.
Accomodation: lodge
Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m) via Gho (2560m) 6/7 hours
Today you will trek down from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,860 m). The trail leads you through the Bimtang glacier and continues the walk through the forest of rhododendron and pine and passes Sangure Kharka. Continue your trek till the cultivated land of Karche. From Karche, you will head the towards the west bank of Dudh Koshi River and head towards Tilije.
Furthermore, you will cross the viewpoint of Manaslu and enter into the valley of Gho (2,560 m). Now crossing the bridge over the Dudh Khola and walk on the south for about a half an hour you will reach Dharapani for an overnight stay.
Accomodation: lodge
Drive to Kathmandu
Today is the last day of the trek you will descend from Dharapani to Kathmandu on a local bus. The drive will take you from Bahundanda, Besisahar, Dumre, and finally Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be guided to your hotel where you can rest or explore the nearby places. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
Accomodation: lodge
Cost Includes
- Restricted area permits,(ACAP, MCAP) Permit, and TIMS card fees.
- Kathmandu to Soti Khola local bus ticket.
- Dharapani to Beshishahar local shared Jeep ticket on share basis.
- 11 Nights accommodation during the trek
- English spoken trekking guide with their necessary insurance, and accommodation meals allowance and salary.
- Porter with their necessary insurance, and accommodation meals allowance and salary.
- 3 meals per day and overnight accommodation in tea house lodge along the trek.
- Overland transport by BUS/JEEP/CAR/VAN as per mention in the itinerary.
- Free use company’s duffel bag, and NHA T-shirt.
- First aid kid box for emergency use.
- All kinds of taxes and government fees.
- Company’s service charge.
Cost Excludes
- International flight ticket, airport tax, and Nepal Entry Visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and way of driving.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost(this is compulsory for emergency use)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and donations
- All kinds (Tea/Coffee, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, including cold drinks and mineral/hot). alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral/hot).
- Additional costs- extra days stay, in case of flight cancellation due to the natural calamities, bad weather forecast, and other unforeseen circumstances
- additional tour not included in the itinerary.
- tips for guide/potter/staff.
Useful Info
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Short Trek
The classic Manaslu Circuit Short Trek is doable all round of the year. However, spring and autumn are best in terms of weather and visibility. During the autumn from September to November, you will get clear views of Himalayas as there is less chance of rainfall. In a similar way, during the spring from March to May, the weather is warm and also colorful wildflowers bloom making the trail more alluring.
Difficulty Level of Manaslu Circuit Short Trek
Manaslu Circuit Short Trek is basically graded as a moderately strenuous trek. You need to prepare yourself to walk at least 6-8 hours per day to cover 10km to 18km distance. Thus, previous hiking experience, positive attitude, and strong determination will help you to complete this Manaslu Circuit Short Trek. So, if you are physically fit and wish to explore Nepal’s high Himalayas in the shortest time, then Manaslu Circuit Short Trek, would be a perfect option for you.
Our History in Service Excellence
