Activities: | Trekking & Sightseeing | Fitness Level: | Adventurous |
Max Elevation: | 5,135m/16,847ft at Larkya La pass | Transportation: | Private Transportation |
Best Month: | March to May & Sep to Dec | Group Size: | 2 - 10 Persons |
Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Kathmandu |
Meal: | Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek | ||
Accommodation: | Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek | ||
Price: | USD:1775 |
Manaslu Circuit Trek Via Larkya Pass can be categorized as one of the ideal treks to collect the wonderful experience of trekking the rich Annapurna and Manaslu region. The trek provides a great chance to explore the Upper Manaslu region deeply in the lap of the eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu(8,163m) and cross the most sensational Larkya Pass(5,160m). The trekking route of the trail encompasses beautiful vegetation, diverse flora and fauna, and different wildlife, all conserved and protected in the Manaslu Conservation Areas.
The Manaslu trek can be a most satisfying remote trek in Nepal taking you through the Tibetam-influenced and Indo-Aryan habitations, Marsyangdi, and Budhi Gandaki Valley which can further move towards the beautiful Tsum Valley if you want to extend the trek. Usually, the trekking trails are less crowded in comparison to the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek. As the trek is remote, you must keep in mind that the trek might be physically demanding and adventurous.
The Manaslu Circuit in 14 days lets you gain an authentic experience by passing through the ancient routes and multiple rivers with the surreal view of mountains. At the lower elevation in the lower Manaslu region, the trail passes through the subtropical jungle. Then, the Himalayas follows you from the lower to Upper region moving forward towards the freezing Larkya La Pass. The breathtaking views of Shringi Himal(7,161m), Cheo Hima(6,821m), Himlung Himal(7,126m), and Ganesh Himal II(7,118m) mountains besides Mt. Manaslu can be seen along the trail to make your every step divine. Buckle up for the majestic trek in the Manaslu region.
1st Day: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
2nd Day: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
3rd Day: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola: 5-6 hours walk
4th Day: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
5th Day: Trek from Jagat to Deng
6th Day: Trek from Deng to Namrung
7th Day: Trek from Namrung to Lho
8th Day: Trek from Lho to Rest day/acclimatization at Samagaon
9th Day: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
10th Day: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya La Base Camp
11th Day: Trek from Larkya La Pass and descend to Bhimthang
12th Day: Trek from Bhimthang to Tilje
13th Day: Trek from Tilche to Chamje
14th Day: Drive from Chamje to Besisahar then drive to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
End of our services
#@#Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
#@#Welcome to the beautiful country of the Himalayas, Nepal. One of our representatives from Nepal Vision Treks will be waiting for you at the Tribhuwan International Airport to help you get transferred to your Hotel. We will have a short briefing about the tour in the evening.
#@#Day 2: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)
#@#We will start the trek from Kathmandu. We will either take a direct bus to reach Arughat or take the optional road the Prithivi Highway taking us through Malekhu. We can also take a local bus or jeep thereafter. Despite the road may be dusty and bumpy, we will catch the best view of the amazing landscapes from the window seat. You can stop at the rest stops for short breaks and meals. Overnight in one of the tea houses in Seti Khola.
#@#Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola: 5-6 hours walk
#@#After taking a warm and early breakfast at Soti Khola, we will start the trek for the day. The road from Soti Khola to Machha Khola is rocky and narrow, unlike other trekking trails. Following the trail, you will then pass through Sal forests, where you can take short rests during the tiring walks. Youâll encounter a few Gurung villages in the region. We will follow the trail with Nyagi Khola where we might need to climb several ascends and descends across the winding road. You might encounter hundreds of mules on the route. So, you must be careful if you see them approaching you. You will reach Machha Khola after about 6 hour's walk to find teahouses for a comfortable nightâs stay.
#@#Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (Trek)
#@#We will start walking across the twisting road on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River in the morning. As you enter the forest trail, you might witness some species of monkeys and langurs. After the forest areas, you will walk to the Gurung villages, like lower Khorlabeshi. Here, you will notice the shepherds clad in a typical smoke-browned cape called Bokkhu. Walking further, we will reach Tatopani, where we can take warm showers and relax our soaring bodies. After getting refreshments for the short time, we will cross the Budi Gandaki River to reach Doban. Following the waves of the Budi Gandaki River, we will reach Yaru, the point where the river starts flattening. We will then cross a long cantilever bridge to reach a neatly flagstoned Gurung Village named Jagat. We will need to verify our trekking permits at the check post at Jagat as we will be walking in the restricted region after the day.
#@#Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (Trek)
#@#After an overnight stay at Jagat, we will head off on the trail that leads us through the valley to Sirdibas, a place that offers a great view of Shringi Himal. We will then climb a steep to Philim. Philim is a beautiful valley with cascading waterfalls on both sides. We will reach a village named Ekle Bhatti after a few hours. We will then continue the walk till we arrive at Deng Village, where we will be spending the night at a guest house for the night.
#@#Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung
#@#Our trek for the day will begin with a quite steep climb. The trek remains steep till we head back down to the Budi Gandaki River. We continue the trek along the trail passing through the valley and several small settlements. Going further, we will get closer to Namrung, where we will notice stones carved with Tibetan Mantras and Mani Stones. This indicates that you are getting further into the territory occupied by the Tibetan people. We will take a short tour around the villages on the way and head back to Namrung for a night stay at one of the guest houses.
#@#Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon
#@#We will walk to the Mani stones wallas of Lho Village which might make you feel like you are stepping back. We can get an amazing view of the snow-clad mountains of Ngadi Chuli (7871m, also known as Peak 29). We will then take another detour to the Pungen Glacier for a close-up view of Mt. Manaslu. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Samagaun.
#@#Day 8: Rest day/acclimatization at Samagoaon
#@#We will take a day for accommodation before heading to further higher altitudes. Most people suggest that we should stay active during the day to better improve the process. We get fully prepared to take a full-day trek or a half-day trek on this day. The full-day trek will take you to the Manaslu Base Camp(4,750m), a 6 to 7 hours return trek. If you decide to go for the half-day trek, you will go through the glacier directly across the valley to Birendra Ta. We will stay at the guesthouse in Samagaun.
#@#Day 9: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
#@#We will cross the pastures and descend to the valley below on this day. We will move forward to take the great views of the surrounding peaks, especially Mt. Manaslu with us. We will reach the remote Tibetan refugee village of Samdo after walking for a couple of hours. Samdo Village is a very short distance from the Tibetan border. You can wander around the village and nearby hills if you have some spare time left. We will be staying overnight at the guesthouse in Samdo.
#@#Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya La Base Camp
#@#We will have to cross several rivers before we reach Larkya Bazaar on the day. Larkya Bazaar is a village that serves as a trading post for traders coming from Tibet. After reaching the Larkya village, we will head higher up a steep trail till we reach Dharamsala. We will take an overnight stay at the place.
#@#Day 11: Trek from Larkya La Pass and descend to Bhimthang
#@#This day will be one of the important days throughout the trek as we will be heading via Larkya La Pass (5,106m/17,121ft) to Bhimthang on this day. We will start with the climb to Cho Chanda and continue the steep walk through the snowy pass. You will get a very amazing view from the point. You get a mind-blowing view of the surrounding peaks that include Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Koru (698m), and Annapurna II (7937m). We will take a steep trek down across moraines until we reach Bhimthang Village where we will be staying at the guesthouse for the overnight.
#@#Day 12: Trek from Bhimthang to Tilje
#@#The trail will thoroughly take us to a glacier stream at the Dudh Kholaâs headwaters after passing through Bimthangâs pastures. We will cross several wooden bridges and fall into the pine and rhododendron forests. After walking for a few distances, we will reach the fields of Karcher. We will then ascend steeply to a ridge covered in prayer flags before we descend to the riverbank at Gho. The route continues through the farms and rhododendron forests till we reach Tilje. Tilje is a small Gurung settlement where we will stay overnight.
#@#Day 13: Trek from Tilche to Chamje (Trek)
#@#We will start the trail through the Dudh Khola, descending through scrub woodland. The residence of Dharapani is seen from the distance away as the walls of the Marsyangdi get larger. Dharapani is located over a lengthy suspension bridge that spans the Marsyangdi after passing over Thonje. You will then proceed through the most difficult part of the Marsyangdi Gorge. The trail will then reverse in the direction of the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight at Chamje.
#@#Day 14: Drive from Chamje to Besisahar and then drive to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
#@#In the early morning, we will travel to Besisahar by taking local transportation. We will reach Besisahar passing through the Tal settlement as we follow the Marshyangdi River downstream. A means of private transport will be waiting for you to pick you up from Besisahar. We will then continue our drive to Kathmandu. We will settle into our accommodation at the hotel in Kathmandu.
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Entry fees, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner apart from the trek except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Clothing & Packing Information
Correct Clothing & Equipmentâs are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us.
We are advised to consider the following equipmentâs as essentials while packing for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to our requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip. We can find variety of these gears to buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally is much cheaper and must be tried on carefully and checked carefully for quality, but on the whole it is OK. We can find very high quality branded gears too in some famous stores in Kathmandu; mostly top notch imported gear, Mountain Hardware, The North Face, Marmot, Black Diamond climbing gear plus head torches and others, and prices are reasonable.
The hotel stores free of cost whatever you don't take trekking, and of course they have a laundry service. You might want to plan with a clean set of clothes for your return from the trek.
Who carries what?
You carry a daypack with your camera, a jacket, water and day snacks. The porters will carry everything else, so pack this in a duffel/kitbag rather than backpack. Since, luggage has weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds or 15 kg.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Visionâs Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And thatâs where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety.
Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.
Trip Meal Plan
Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.
When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.
Trip Accommodation
During this trip, we will spend a few nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.
There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.
Best time to visit Nepal
Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations.
The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too.
Leader(s) & Staff
The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:
Altitude Information
What is Altitude?
Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.
Acclimatization
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.
Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness
Treatment
The only cure for mountain sickness is either acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.
What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness?
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from ailments like altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, major hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a clientâs life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.
Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are traveling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.
Our expert and trained guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously and conducted the operation swiftly and didnât panic for a second to come up with a proper operation.
Vaccination:
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while traveling to prevent possible diseases. For traveling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must to have but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.
Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, a cold beverage, mineral water, extra meals, and drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services which are not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc. to withdraw local currency.
COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days prior to arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. In case you are entering through the land border, you will need to do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.
Things to Consider
There are a few important things you need to know before traveling to Nepal so that you can have a smooth journey to Nepal.
#@#Why is Manaslu called Killer Mountain?
#@#Manaslu is named "killer mountain" because more than 60 people have died on its treacherous slopy path.
#@#Is a guide mandatory for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
#@#Yes, a guide is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is because the trail follows the area from Jagat to Bimthang, which is declared a restricted region.
#@#Is Manaslu difficult?
#@#Climbing Manaslu Circuit is more challenging than is stated in many social media posts, articles, and papers. It is a sloppy trek that must be climbed very carefully.
#@#What is the height of Mt Manaslu?
#@#Mt Manaslu is located in the west-central part of Nepal at the height of 8163m.