- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
- Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m/9 hrs)
- Day 03: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,300m/5-6 hours)
- Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6-7 hrs)
- Day 05: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900m/7-8 hrs)
- Day 06: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3180m/4-5 hrs)
- Day 07: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3520m/4-5 hrs)
- Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun (3520m)
- Day 09: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3875m/4-5 hrs)
- Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m/4-5 hrs)
- Day 11: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimtang (3590m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m/8-9 hrs)
- Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang to Gho (2,515m/5 hrs)
- Day 13: Trek from Gho to Dharapani (1860m/4 hours)
- Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar (1400m/9 hrs)
- Day 15: Final Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to your designated hotel. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel and after that we have a quick pre-trip meeting to discuss on the necessary formalities and the trekking itineraries. You may then check in to your room and freshen up. In the evening, you can stroll around the vicinity of your hotel to get a superficial glimpse of this great city. Of course, you will know Kathmandu better, when you head out for a sightseeing tour tomorrow. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m/9 hrs)
We have to go through Arughat and Soti Khola on our way to Machha Khola today. The nine-hour drive offers a variety of scenery, including rivers, hills, villages, and rice farm settings. The Machh Khola is located in Mid-West Nepal's Gorkha district. As one travels into warmer climates, they pass by numerous farming communities and cities along the Trisuli and Budi Gandakii rivers. Spend the night in a nearby guest home overlooking a stunning valley. Overnight at Lodge in Machha Khola (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 03: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,300m/5-6 hours)
Today’s trail follows the course of the Buri Gandaki River. The route necessitates us to traverse up and down the ridges. Eventually the river valley widens and then we proceed for a pleasant walk along the easy trail to Jagat (1300m), a compact village with a beautiful flagstone square. We camp slightly below the village at the vicinity of Bhalu River. Overnight at Lodge in Jagat (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6-7 hrs)
This is the day that you will encounter multiple settlements. You will first ascend a valley to arrive to Sirdibas settlement. Enjoy the top of the Shringi Himal hills from here. Philim is the next village you will come to. Here, keep an eye out for the terraced fields. Proceed on foot towards Chisapani, our typical lunch stop.
The majority of the villagers are Tibetan native people, whose primary means of subsistence are agriculture and animal husbandry, with oats and nuts serving as fruits and barley and maize as crops.
Afterwards, you will hike through Pewa hamlet and on into the valley, passing a small campsite before arriving at Deng, the little town that is your destination for the day. Overnight at Lodge in Deng (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 05: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900m/7-8 hrs)
The hike will begin early from Deng and take you across a river and up a hill. Mani stones can be seen in the little settlements along the trail as it continues.
Every stone bears a Buddhist mantra, signifying that you are approaching an area influenced by Tibetan culture. Today, we journey through several villages, including Ghap, Ghapsya, Bihi Phedi, and Rana Gaun. Savor the customary lifestyle and communities.
With the sounds of insects and mules, the road continues into the deep woodlands. It will take a few hours to arrive at Namrung. Overnight at Lodge in Namrung (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 06: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3180m/4-5 hrs)
You will be treated to a breathtaking view of the mountains during today's climb, including Himalchuli, the Shring Range, Mount Manaslu, and others. We hike through Sho Gaun and Lihi.
Ultimately, the settlement of Lo Gaun will recognize you thanks to a lengthy stone Mani wall. We set up a lunch camp today along with a quick hike. You could climb to Ribung Gompa in the afternoon. Overnight at Lodge in Lho (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 07: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3520m/4-5 hrs)
The trip begins from Lho Gaun and travels along a trail to the 3500-meter-high Shyala hamlet, which offers breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu.
The path continues in the direction of Samagaun's village. Throughout the walk, this is one of the most picturesque settlements you will come across. free this afternoon. Overnight at Lodge in Samagaun (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun (3520m)
You will spend today at Samagaun getting used to the altitude. You will go to the Manaslu Base Camp (4800m) if you would like to hike for the entire day to acclimate. You can finish this round-trip in roughly seven or eight hours. If you choose the half-day hike, you can reach Birendra Tal or the glacier that spans the valley. You'll spend the night back in Samagaun. Overnight at Lodge in Samagaun (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 09: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3875m/4-5 hrs)
The trail will quickly pass fields today and then progressively climb. When you arrive in Samdo, a tiny Tibetan refugee settlement, keep an eye out for the breathtaking view of the Manaslu. This community is quite near the border with Tibet. Overnight at Lodge in Samdo (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4460m/4-5 hrs)
After breakfast in Samdo, there's a Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar, which is open during specific seasons.
After that, you'll descend to the Budi Gandaki River and over a wooden bridge. Next, you'll hike up and see the breathtaking views of the Larkya Glacier while walking across two streams. Next, you will circumnavigate the Salka Khola valley and ascend once more to arrive to Dharamsala, also called Larke Phedi. You will be preparing for the major, exhausting day—the climb to the Larke-La pass—tomorrow. Overnight at Lodge in Dharmasala (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 11: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimtang (3590m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m/8-9 hrs)
It's going to be an exhausting day. After departing from Dharmasala, you will progressively ascend to Cho Chanda and then continue on to the Larkya La Pass.
From the pass, there are spectacular views of Himlung Himal (7126 meters), Cheo Himal (6820 meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru (6981 meters), and Annapurna II (7937 meters). You will arrive at Bhimtang for the night by walking across the steppe. Overnight at Lodge in Bhimtang (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang to Gho (2,515m/5 hrs)
Today will be a delightful walk on the steady downward to reach our overnight destination at Gho, after a strenuous climb up the Larkya-La pass. The location is surrounded by forests; to get to Gho, walk from Bimthang through immaculate forests with rhododendron, pine, and oak tree lines, passing by various farm shades. Overnight at Lodge in Gho (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 13: Trek from Gho to Dharapani (1860m/4 hours)
It is much simpler to walk in the morning from Gho to the Manang region in Telje village along the Marysangdi River, as the trip is mostly downhill. On the Annapurna Circuit walking circuit, Dharapani is a sizable community with a multitude of exquisite resorts. The internationally renowned Annapurna circuit path is combined with the Manaslu circuit trekking trail. Once the Larkya La pass is completed, if you have enough time, you might head towards the Annapurna circuit. You will have to spend your final day in the highlands in one of the most picturesque settlements, Dharapani. Overnight at Lodge in Dharapani (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar (1400m/9 hrs)
We will travel to Besisahar by local shared jeep after breakfast; the trip takes two to three hours. We will then travel back to Kathmandu, which will take about six or seven hours. We strongly advise taking a private vehicle from Besisahar to Kathmandu in addition to using local transportation. We will end our amazing journey in Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu (Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 15: Final Departure
Today is your final day in Nepal. A representative of Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours to your flight schedule. As we reluctantly wave goodbye to each other, let’s make a wish to stumble upon one another very soon. Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again.
EQUIPMENT CHECK-LIST
Below is the suggested items for packing list and it also depends upon the season you are trekking. We shall provide 75 liters duffel bag and a sleeping bag. You can bring other items from your home country and if you are traveling light and don’t wish to overweight your luggage during international flights then many of them can also be brought in Kathmandu before the trek starts.
Clothing (Core & Lower body)
· Water-proof (breathable fabric) jacket, Poncho or Umbrella
· Hard shell pants (breathable fabric- 1 set), preferably that zips from top and bottom which can be worn over boots without getting undressed, in case of abrupt weather changes
· Fleece jacket or Pullover
· Fleece windcheater jacket
· Down jacket or a Down vest
· T-shirts (2 – 3) and Long-sleeved shirts with collars ( 2- 3 pairs)
· Nylon (cotton ought to be strictly avoided) hiking shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
· Hiking trousers- one that is detachable from the knees so that the it can be folded up as shorts ( 2- 3 pairs)
· Thermal underwear as well as synthetic underwear (3 -4 each – avoid cotton)
· Synthetic sport brassieres for women (2 pairs- avoid cotton)
Head/Eyes & Hand Gears
· Sun hat/cap
· Woolen hat or Balaclava
· Sunglasses/Goggles (preferably the one with 100% UV protection)
· Liner, Synthetic or Thin wool gloves (1 -2 pair)
· Warm gloves (designed to the shield the sub-zero temperatures)- 1 pair
Footwear
· Trekking boots (1 pair) and spare laces
· Running shoes, Sandals or Thongs (flip-flops)- 1 paireach
· Hiking gaiters (1 pair) to do away the rocks, dusts and moist feet
· Liner socks- preferably synthetic (3 – 4 pairs)
· Heavy or wool blend socks (3 – 4 pairs)
Equipment
· Backpack/Rucksack
· Duffle bag (will be provided by Marron Treks)
· Pack cover (to protect your gears from getting wet)
· Day sack/Nylon stuff sack
· Sleeping Bag/ Silk liner (will be provided by Marron Treks but should be returned after the trip)
· Water bottle
· Good head torch along with spare batteries and bulbs
· Maps, compass and a guide book
· Trekking poles
Miscellaneous Bits
The items below could seem trivial, but if you don’t have them, you might just find yourself sticky and stinky, which isn’t actually good for you!
Toiletries
· Quick-drying camp towel
· Detergent powder/bar
· Toilet paper
· Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 20+) & Lip balm
· Pocket knife
· Sewing/Repair Kit (for tent & mattress)
· Emergency kit including a whistle, waterproof match/lighter
· Padlocks for bags and lodge rooms
· Stuff sacks
· Earplugs
Medicament
It is important that you can include the medicines prescribed by your doctor. Below is just the generic list of medications. We advice you to always consult your travel doctor as you might be resistant or allergic to some medicines
· Anesthetics (Ibuprofen/Aspirin)
· Broad spectrum antibiotics tablets
· Metronidazole and Antacids (for diarrohea /indigestion)
· Broad spectrum ointments (Neosporin/ Clotrimazole/Gentamicin)
· Antiseptic liquids (Dettol/Savlon)
· Assorted band-aids
· Small gauge pad
· Roll of adhesive tape
· Iodine tablets
Optional Carry
Nothing hard and fast about carrying the items in this list as they are not the basics. Yet, though not all, if you still manage to squeeze in some of these items on your carry, you will not regret as they might just come handy during the trek
· Camera, memory card and battery charger
· GPS unit Altimeters
· Binoculars
· Pee bottle for men (leak proof/wide mouth) & Pee funnel for women
· Books and magazines
1. What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular and adventurous trekking route in Nepal that takes you around Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, diverse landscapes, and opportunities to explore local cultures and traditions
2. How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes around 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and days for acclimatization.
3. Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately challenging to difficult trek. It involves crossing high mountain passes, trekking through remote and rugged terrain, and dealing with varying weather conditions. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
4. What is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. These months, from March to May and September to November, offer stable weather, clear views, and favorable trekking conditions.
5. Are there teahouses or lodges along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route?
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is well-serviced with teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses along the trail. However, compared to popular treks like Everest and Annapurna, the teahouses might be less developed and basic in some sections.
6. What is the highest point reached during the trek?
The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larke Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level.
7. Is a permit required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Yes, a special trekking permit called the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is issued by the Government of Nepal.
8. Can I trek the Manaslu Circuit independently?
No, trekking the Manaslu Circuit independently is not allowed. It is mandatory to trek with a registered and licensed trekking company due to the restricted area regulations.
9. What type of physical fitness is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek requires a good level of physical fitness. You should be prepared for long hours of walking, steep ascents and descents, and changing weather conditions. Regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training are recommended to prepare for the trek.
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a Tea House/ Lodge or Trekking Inn. Most of these lodges and teahouses cater good services and are equipped with modern amenities. We will endeavor to provide you the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise with the quality of food and the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available in the Manaslu Region. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional food like Sweet Potato, Buck Wheat Barley etc. . This way, you could not only get the real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala Curry etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitude conditions, are provided with adequate clothing and equipments.
Best Months
The periods between the months of January-June & September-December are considered to be the best for Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Any Experience Required?
There is nothing hard and fast rule about trekking experience. Any adventure enthusiast, with a generic physical aptitude can definitely relish the thrill of this trek.
Difficulties
Difficulty here is actually synonymous to ‘high altitude’. As this trek involves some seriously high altitude climbing above 5000 meters, one is likely to experience some problem in breathing owing to the deteriorating oxygen level. But as this is something which is anticipated, we do have enough precautionary measures to tackle it.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you could actually connect with the nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides, who are fairly literate, multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the Everest region. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining, but also equally informative.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you, makes your trip secure and hassle free.
The provided trip plan by Marron Treks is customizable but subject to unpredictable factors like weather, political unrest, and flight disruptions in Nepal. Delays or changes might occur due to various reasons, and Marron Treks will prioritize client safety. However, they are not liable for resulting consequences, striving to maintain the essence of the original trip plan.
Cost Inclusion
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Kathmandu/Machha Khola & Dharapani/Kathmandu transfers by private vehicle.
- All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
- Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
- Manaslu & Annapurna conservation area permit.
- Four seasonal sleeping bags (to be returned after trip completion) & Marron Treks duffel bags.
- Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.
- All government and local taxes
Cost Exclusion
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.)
- Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected).