Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Early morning after breakfast, we will visit two of the popular and religiously important sites of Kathmandu: Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. Pashupatinath Temple was built during the fifth century, and dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is also a cremation site for the Hindus and Shiva Devotees. Nevertheless, the purity of the aura that surrounds this temple is equally serene and permitted to visitors. Only Nepali and Indian people get passes to enter the main temple. Bouddhanath, on the other hand, is the centre of Buddhism in Nepal. Boudha Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. Since we are going here in the morning, we will get a chance to witness the morning kora of Tibetan pilgrims. Bouddhanath buzzes with tranquil energy. If you haven’t, you can buy trekking gear and other essentials after lunch. We will have a casual day today, only to prepare mentally for the adventure that lies ahead.

Today after breakfast, we will do the long drive to Soti Khola. We will head southwest following the mighty Tirsuli River with its amazing landscape. From Dhading, we will turn right and off the main road and drive towards Dhading Besi. A dusty and bumpy jeep track takes us to Arughat Bazaar, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will drive for about one and a half hours on a narrow jeep track alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. We will finally reach Soti Khola, our first rest house in the mountains.

Our trekking starts today. This day and the next might be a bit long in terms of walking distance. The weather will be hot because of the low altitude. We will walk north of the Budhi Gandaki River, leaving behind the prosperous village and farmlands. We trek through the gorge, where high mountains cliff on both sides. We will get the first glimpse of Shringi Himal. The undulating trail brings us to our lodge at Machhi Khola.

After the morning dawn, we continue our journey by crossing the suspension bridge of Machhi Khola village. An undulating trail brings us to Tatopani which is a natural hot spring. The water of the hot springs is funneled through taps. We will then trek through the gorge of Manaslu valley passing small settlements and stop at a village for lunch. After lunch, we will walk on a slightly difficult trail, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River several times, before finally reaching the beautiful village, Jagat.

This day is more exciting than other trekking days because of the wonderful and widening scenery. The undulating trail goes through numerous waterfalls located on either side of the valley. We will also pass through the nested and prosperous villages called Chisapani and Eklabatti. There is a place where the trail splits into two. The new trail that diverges right leads trekkers to Tsum Valley, another travel destination. However, we will take the trail that narrows to the left, climbing up at first as the trail circles the valley. The undulating trail crosses the river several times within the jungle to Phewa. Further trekking brings us to the small but stunning village of Deng. Overnight at Deng.

Today, our trek leads to an impressive valley, the land of Buddhists, highly influenced by Tibetan culture. We will leave behind Mane walls (prayer stones), bolder carved rocks with Buddhist inscriptions, and strong signs that we are signing into Buddhist territory. The trail ascends and descends throughout the remarkable valley. We will have our lunch at the beautiful village Gap. After lunch, an effortless walk brings us to the Jungle View Hotel. You will admire the beautiful forest with the huge pine tree, profound mountain cliff, and river flowing near our lodge. This day will give you a peek into the village lifestyle of the Himalayas.

Until today, we trekked alongside the river Budhi Gandaki which flowed between two big hills. Thus, very little sky was visible. However, the trail slowly enters an open, wider landscape today. After the morning dawn, our trek ascends throughout the forest to Namrung. Today is quite a strenuous day with a lot of uphill trekking. The extensive farmlands spread everywhere are a wonderful sight for travellers. A short descent followed by another climb brings us to Lihi, where we will have lunch. From this point, you will admire the beautiful surroundings of the high hills and mountains. Another descent to the river and climb brings us to Sho, after which we climb further to Lho. We are now passing through Tibetan-style villages and we start to see the magnificent mountain views all around. From Lho, we get the most awaited views of the world’s 8th highest mountain, Manaslu, and jaw-dropping views of Naike and Larkya Peak.

Today we will do an optional hike in the morning. Your guide will knock on your door early in the morning to see the sunrise. We will approach the Lho monastery lighting the way with a head torch. It takes around 30 minutes to hit the top. After witnessing the phenomenal sunrise, we will trek back to our lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue our journey with great views of Manaslu before us. You trek gently uphill for a couple of hours to Shyaulo village, from where we are surrounded by amazing views with a sip of hot drink. Manaslu is in front of us and we can also see Himalchuli, Peak 29, Baudha Himal, and Larkya Peaks. From Shyaulo village, we will climb a little bit and cross a suspension bridge, after which an undulating trail brings us to Samagaon (3,530m). We will be at Samagaon by lunchtime so there will be ample time to explore the village and visit the monastery in the afternoon.</p>

Unlike on other days, you can avoid early morning packing and preparation today. We will have a late breakfast and hike to Birendra Glacial Lake, which takes about 1 and ½ hours. After exploring the lake we will trek back to the lodge for lunch. You will have enough time to rest after lunch. You can spend the day playing cards and reading books, and you can also explore the village in the evening.

The trail today crosses the grazing areas of sheep and yaks. On climbing the valley, you will witness fantastic views of the mountains (especially the Himalchuli, Bauddha, and Ngadi peaks). It’s an easy half-day walk to Samdo, the last permanent settlement in the Manaslu valley. From this remote village, it takes a single day of walking to reach the Nepal-Tibet border. In the afternoon, there will be time to acclimatize and explore the village. There is a small monastery for you to explore.

Leaving the village behind us, we cross a stream that later joins the Budhi Gandaki River. We climb steadily to the deserted Larkya Bazaar with a sip of water now and then. We can see the towering Samdo Peak alongside us throughout the journey. We approach our destination when Manaslu comes to our direct left. You can see the whole spectacular climbing route to the summit. We will keep walking, while also admiring the phenomenal views of the mountains. With a few steep sections, we will reach a very basic lodge at Dharamsala (4,480m), which is our last place to stay before the pass. Also, look out for Blue Sheep which often comes down to the small stream near the lodge. In the afternoon, we will do a bit of a hard climb on the hill behind our lodge for acclimatization and even better views of the surrounding mountains.

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We will have an early start, probably in the dark with head torches and proper trekking gear. Today is a long day and it can take us longer to cross the pass if it snows, especially during the descent. The trail leaves Dharamsala and climbs steeply at first but more gradually by the side of the moraine with great views of Larkya Peak. The ascent is gradual most of the way and is fairly easy if there is no snow. However, it’s a long and rocky ascent with some short steeper sections to the top of the Larkya Pass (5,106m). The prayer flags at 5,106m are the official signal of arrival to Larkya La. With a panoramic projection of peaks including Larkya Peak, Cheo Himal, and Hindu Peak, we can see the tip of Annapurna II in a distance. From the top, there is a 10-minute, almost level, walk to the second summit (which is a little higher and is also marked with prayer flags). From here the long and very steep descent begins. Thus, you have to be extra cautious. Moreover, there is a landslide which we must cross ever-so-carefully. The steep part of the trail eventually eases off onto a path that takes us down to the glacial moraine. The views are superb as we descend, and we can spot Pongkar Lake, a brilliant blue glacial lake amidst glaciers below us. We stop for a well-deserved rest at the bottom of the steep section, where you are surrounded by immense snow-capped peaks. From this place, the descent becomes a bit easier, but no less spectacular, as we descend the valley to Bimthang, where we stay tonight at 3,700m our one-night home.

From Bimthang we cross high pasture land and have a magnificent walk down into the valley of the Burdin Khola. The walk from Bimthang is one of the most spectacular of the trek as a wall of mountains lies behind us and in front of us. We pass the terminal moraine of the Cheyo Himal and cross a small wooden bridge. Ahead we have our last magnificent views of Manaslu. We descend into the wonderful jungle and follow a trail through a narrow valley. A short climb past terraced fields brings us to the Karcher La from where we will be in sight of the Marsyangdi River below. Descending through the forest brings us to Tilje, where we spend the night.

Today’s the last day of our trek on the mountain. From Tilje we have an easy descent, and cross two bridges to Dharapani, where we join the main Annapurna Circuit trail and the Marsyangdi River. We descend the valley to Tal for lunch. A short climb out of Tal brings us to a long descent to cross the Marsyangdi River by bridge followed by a short climb to Chamje. A last short walk along the new jeep track to Jagat marks the end of our trek.

After dawn, we will have breakfast and take a jeep to Pokhara. It might take about a one-and-a-half-hour drive on the bumpy road to reach Besisahar. Further drive brings us to Dumre, which is the main junction roadway for Kathmandu and Pokhara. After lunch in Dumre, about two and a half hours drive brings us to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. It is famous as a sightseeing place for its bizarre natural beauty. The World Peace Pagoda, International Mountain Museum, David Falls, Mahendra Cave, Sarangkot, and Fewa Lake are places worth visiting. Also, you can try numerous heart-throbbing adventurous activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, zip flying, and ultralight aviation. and many more.

Today we will catch an exciting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. After landing at Kathmandu airport your trekking leader will escort you to the hotel. You will get free time to wander around Thamel and buy survivors for your friends and family. You can also choose to take a well-deserved rest at the hotel. In the evening, we will go for the farewell dinner with a cultural performance offered by Mercy Holidays.

Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, a representative from Mercy Holidays will drop you at the airport. It is now time to head back to the same civilization but as a different person.

Today we will catch an exciting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. After landing at Kathmandu airport your trekking leader will escort you to the hotel. You will get free time to wander around Thamel and buy survivors for your friends and family. You can also choose to take a well-deserved rest at the hotel. In the evening, we will go for the farewell dinner with a cultural performance offered by Mercy Holidays.

Depending on your flight schedule, a representative from Mercy Holidays will drop you at the airport. It is now time to head back to the same civilization but as a different person.