Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Rugged, Remote Trek for True Adventurers
Regarding trekking in Nepal, there are countless alternatives available. From the famous Annapurna Circuit to the mythical Everest Base Camp, there are numerous trekking routes from which to pick. However, for those who are looking for a more isolated and wild adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides an experience that is unique. Situated in the center of the Himalayas, this walk will give you breathtaking views, cultural interactions, and the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This blog will cover head-on all the details about the Manaslu Circuit Trek, like what you will get, how to get ready, and why this trek is a gem for those who are true adventurers.
What Is It That Makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek So Special?
Less crowded compared to the other trekking circuits in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great option for a peaceful walk. The trek goes around Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world that is 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) high. The area is famous for its difficult terrains, remote villages, and magnificent views of the peaks around.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek shines as one of the most isolated trails on the planet. Unlike Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu remains quiet and nearly reserved. This gives hikers and supporters the possibility to witness the natural splendor of Nepal and the locals’ culture unreservedly.
Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days Itinerary
The number of days for trekking can be different, depending on the days you shall take for ascending and including some more days for acclimatization. However, a basic Manaslu Circuit Trekking itinerary is described here.
Day 1: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (6-7 hours)
Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, and your walking adventure is officially started. The first day walks through forests, on waterfalls, and river crossings; then you reach a small village called Machha Khola to stay overnight and be ready for the follow-up day.
Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat (6-7 hours)
The trail mostly follows the Budhi Gandaki River through villages and some very precarious sections of the route. The path is a combination of woodland and rocky areas leading you to Jagat village for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Jagat to Deng (6-7 hours)
The trail from Jagat rises easily to the access point of more secluded areas with raw beauty toward small Sherpa village Deng. This is the first village to offer the taste of the new culture of Manaslu.
Day 4: Deng to Namrung (6-7 hours)
The trail by now will start providing pretty decent views of the Manaslu range. Trek through villages like Bihi Phedi, Namrung, enjoy local food, and have short talks with the friendly villagers.
Day 5: Namrung to Lho (4-5 hours)
The walk stretches through alpine forests but also gives better views of Manaslu, one of the most beautiful peaks in this region. Lho village gives a great view of other peaks all around; it is, therefore, an ideal place to relax and view natural beauty.
Day 6: Lho to Samagaon (5-6 hours)
Walking to Samagaon today, a big village lying just below Manaslu—great place for acclimatizing. The view from here is spectacular, with the mountain shadowing the village.
Day 7: Acclimatization and Rest in Samagaon
One rest day in Samagaon for acclimatization to the elevation before further advancing up to the Larkya La Pass helps very much. There are two options: one can walk up to Pungyen Gompa, an old monastery, or visit the Manaslu Base Camp, which is not very far and gives closer views of the mountain.
Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (4-5 hours)
The walk then goes down to Samdo, a small Tibetan village. Underfoot, things were not going to be dramatically rougher, but the air might have been starting to thin out enough at this point. It is one more essential acclimatization stop.
Day 9: Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4-5 hours)
It further leads to Larkya Phedi, basing camp at the bottom of Larkya La Pass. The view from here is just breath-taking, with snow peaks and glaciers all around.
Day 10: Larkya Phedi to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (8-10 hours)
This is known to be the most strenuous day of the trek. One has to go up to the Larkya La Pass, at an altitude of 5,160 meters, while the highest point one can get on this trek will be reached. This pass is a vantage point for some of the most enthralling views of Manaslu and Annapurna, despite hosting a profusion of other snow-capped peaks. Later on, as you walk down from this place, you will hit Bimthang—an area with some small habitation where you can rest.
Day 11: Bimthang to Dharapani (6-7 hours)
From Bimthang, the trail takes you through forests and villages, and you’ll descend towards Dharapani, a larger village in the Annapurna region.
Day 12: Dharapani to Jagat (5-6 hours)
The trek continues downhill to Jagat, where you can reflect on the challenging yet rewarding journey you’ve just completed.
Day 13: Jagat to Soti Khola (6-7 hours)
On the final day of the trek, you’ll descend further to Soti Khola, where the trek ends.
Day 14: Soti Khola to kathmandu(6-7 hours)
From Soti Khola, you can take a drive back to Kathmandu.
Why Opt for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Less Crowded: Unlike Annapurna and Everest, the Manaslu Circuit trail is rarely visited, hence you will have a more serene and exclusive experience up in the mountains away from the traffic of other travelers.
Stunning Views: The road is one of the most fascinating ones in Nepal. As you keep on walking you will obtain spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and other towering peaks.
Cultural Experience: The Manaslu area is culturally enriched. Through various localities, you will get the chance to meet the inhabitants, get to know their way of life, and understand their culture. The area comprises different ethnic groups such as Tamang, Sherpas, and Gurungs.
Adventure and Challenge: The rough landscape and the high altitude that the Manaslu Circuit trek provide are idyllic for the people who have a real adventure in their minds and they want to feel the true essence of the Himalayas. The trek’s far-off location also contributes to the sense of adventure, making the journey one for the books.
Wildlife and Nature: The trek traverses the Manaslu Conservation Area where many kinds of flora and fauna are resident. You might get lucky to see wildlife like the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and the different species of birds. Not only that, but the animals also have a diverse habitat, from the alpine meadows to the dense rhododendron forests.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is an extended version of the Manaslu Circuit, and it combines both the rugged beauty of the Manaslu Circuit and the cultural depth of the Tsum Valley. If you’re someone who craves both adventure and cultural immersion, this trek provides the perfect blend.
This combination trek will lead you through the beautiful landscapes of the Manaslu Circuit and then take you into the faraway Tsum Valley, where the culture is distinctly Tibetan and relatively intact. The itinerary also features a stop at places like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa, two major Tibetan Buddhist sites of the region.
One of the key attractions of a hiking trip through Manaslu-Tsum Valley is connecting with the local residents who have preserved most of their traditions and lifestyle for years. The place houses Tibetan Buddhist communities, which retain traditional customs, and outsiders can often partake in the festive occasions, chat with the locals, and get spiritual gains from the Himalayan corner of this secluded place.
Inserting the Tsum Valley into your Manaslu Circuit Trek will not only allow you to have a varied experience of trekking but also to juggle between populated parts near the circuit and the calmness of the valley in terms of nature.
Key Highlights of the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Trekking into Remote Villages: You’ll be able to step into so many more untamed hamlets than the busy time leaving you the chance to explore places like Chumling, Tsum, and Chhekampar where tradition is still very much alive.
Sacred Monasteries and Gompas: The valley is the location of numerous monasteries and sacred sites like Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa where you can be a witness of the Buddhist traditions and practices being performed.
Tibetan Culture: You will see first-hand the authentic Tibetan life through the food they eat, the festivals they celebrate, the unique architecture and their customs.
Stunning Mountain Views: The trek offers panoramic views of Manaslu, Boudha Himal, and other peaks, as well as the lush valleys and alpine landscapes.
Preparing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Getting properly prepared is the first step to making Manaslu Circuit Trek a memorable adventure. The following are some crucial points to consider before going to this magical place:
Physical Fitness: The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not the walk in the park, you have to be physically fit. Being fit is the most important, preferably with enough cardio to ensure strength for the long and exhausting walks at high altitudes.
Acclimatization: Mountain sickness is frequent at high altitudes so acclimatization is a must. It would be great if you set a slow pace of climbing and take both your well-deserved rest days.
Packing: Apart from being careful about the amount of things you take with you, it is necessary to be well equipped: a quality pair of boots, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and a filtered water bottle should be in your backpack. A head torch is a must-have for the night.
Guides and Permits: For those trekking around the Manaslu Circuit, such required documents like the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit as well as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are needed. It is also highly recommended to go trekking with a guide or a porter since the route is much more difficult to recognize as compared to more popular trails.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible experience in itself, and to make it a truly unique experience for those who are willing to go off the beaten trail, the Tsum Valley Trek can be added. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek mixes wild nature with Tibetan Buddhist culture, which makes it one of the most satisfying treks in Nepal.
If you are a hardcore adventurer who is up for a real challenge, then the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is definitely the answer. The stunning mountain views, serene villages, and the spiritual ambience all have contributed to its well-earned status as a hidden paradise in the Himalayas. No matter if you decide to do just the Manaslu Circuit or the full Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek you are sure to have the time of your life in one of the most remote parts of Nepal.
