MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKKING 

The Manaslu circuit trek was officially opened to tourist in 1991, but mountaineering expeditions have had long access to the area. In 1950, a party led by HW. Tilman trekked from Thonje to Bimtang and Col. Jimmy Roberts crossed Larkya La looking for an interesting mountain to climb. Japanese Expeditions attempted Manaslu (8,156m) every year from 1952 until 1956, when the first ascent was made. Having come to be known as Japanese Mountain, much of the information about the area was available in Japanese. The Japanese continued to dominate the climbing scene of Manslu until 1971. A few trekkers, including peripatetic Hugh Swift, managed to obtain the trekking permit for the region. But otherwise this trek always has been the domain of the mountaineering expeditions.

This trek is a well-loved trekking route, providing with pristine mountain views, rich culture and genuine adventure sum up the trek experience around the 8163m Manaslu. This area offers a combination of rich culture heritage, unsurpassed beauty and biological diversity.

Manaslu at 8163 meters (26, 937 ft.') is the 8th highest peak in the world and is located near to the border of Nepal and Tibet. The name Manaslu means "The Spirit-Mountain" in the local dialect, referring to the benevolent and strong deity, which dwells within. Trekking in Manaslu is one of the most delightful adventures.

If you would like to sample both extremes of the trekking experience in Nepal, and really get to see what all the fuss is about in terms of the most breath-taking mountain scenery on earth, then look no further than the circuit of Manaslu via the Larkya La.

The Tibetan enclave of Nupri, north of Manaslu at the head of the Buri Gandaki, was closed to foreigners for years on account of its proximity to Tibet. The area was surreptitiously opened in 1991, but it took several years for the word to get out.

Nepal alternative treks has been operating this remote area  as Manaslu tea house trekking. Lodge are well built and facilitated in all around the Manaslu circuit route. Lodge trekking is being one of the most trekker's choice to reduce the cost and light travel. 

 

FACT OF THIS TRIP
Trip Duration      13 days Trekking
Max. Altitude: 5,135m./16,847ft.
Minimum Altitude: 550m/1,804ft
Grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner 
Transportation: Overland 
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the Month
Group Size: 2 person to 20 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov.
Available Time: All months
Per day hiking: 4 to 6 hours

 

Suggested  Itinerary

Day 1 : Kathmandu-Arughat-Sotikhola ( 750m./2461ft.) 8 hours drive
Early morning, We leave Kathmandu for our trek to Manaslu. We reach Arughat through the beautiful Nepalese countryside after 6 hours drive. Arughat is the largest village of this river basin then drive continue to Soti Khola-river another two hours . Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Sotikhola-Machhakhola ( 930m./3069ft.) 6 hours walk
We head toward Machhakhola today . In the beginning, We cross Machha River and head upstream along the river's edge. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Machhakhola- Jagat ( 1410m./3990ft.) 6 hours walk
The trail leads us to Jagat . After crossing Khola besi, we pass by hot spring "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area toward Doban. Below Doban, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. The rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation as the elevation increases. Stay overnight in Jagat at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Jagat- Deng ( 1960m./6430ft.) 6 hours walk
After breakfast, we ascend to Deng. We climb up a rocky ridge up to Salleri then to Setibas. The trail follows the best and new route to Manaslu via Ngyak and the trail reaches to Serson. Now, the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall Pine trees via Budhi Gandaki. Further on, after crossing a bamboo forest arrives a tine village Deng. Stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Deng-Ghap-Namrung ( 2660m./7527ft.) 5 hours walk
We head to Namrung. After breakfast, we cross Budhi Gandaki again and climb up, pass a waterfall, cross a stream, and continue to climb ahead to Shringi Khola, cross it and reach Ghap (Tsak) then continue  walk to Namrung. Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Namrung-Lho gaun ( 3100m./10230ft.) 4 hours walk
We walk today to Lho Gaun . We will cross over Budhi Gandaki after entering woods climb up to Budhi Gandaki valley. After climbing over a big rock, the trail continues through deep rhododendron forest, and then enters Lho. We stay here overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lho Gaun-Sama Gaun ( 3530m./9989ft.) 5 hours walk
At begining of walk, we drop down across Damonan Khola. Ascend again to a plateau at Shya. Crossing a ridge the trail descends onto a rock - strewn moraine and goes onto a ridge overlooking pastures and fields of Sama gaon. The Sama Gompa is nestled against a wooded moraine at the end of the valley. We stay overnight there at lodge.
Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Acclimatization day
Today is rest day for acclimatization. We have choices of day hike to Birendra lake, Pugen Gompa (monastery) or by relaxing and exploring Sama Gompa village. This is big Tibetan community. We will see fabulous view of Manaslu. Stay overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Sama gaun-Samdo ( 3780m./12402ft.) 4 hours walk
We trek to  Samdo. At first, we descend to Budhi Gandaki. The Larkya La trail passes several Mani walls and reaches Kermo Kharka. The trail then climbs steeply to find Samdo nestled behind a ridge. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Samdo-Dharmashala ( 4200m./13780ft.) 5 hours walk
We ascend to Dharmashala. The trail climbs in and out of the gorge and reaches Dharmashala. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Dharmashala-Bhimtang ( 3540m./11682ft.) 8 hours walk
We trek to Bimtang. Today, you have very early breakfast and start in time. You will reach at the top of the moraine at 4,700m. (15,420ft) and climb steeply to the pass at (5,135m./16,847ft) then descend to Bimtang (" Plain of Sand" in Tibetan Language). This huge valley surrounded by high peaks. We stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Bhimtang-Dharapani ( 1992m./6535ft.) 6 hours walk
We trek down to Dharapani .We descend to Dudh Khola and cross Pine and Rhododendron forests. At the foot of the valley, part of Lamjung Peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight. The trail continues to Dharapani. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Drive to Besisahar - Kathmandu ( 1295m./4273ft.) -10 hours drive

After breakfast, drive to Besisahar gravel road then take bus to Kathmandu. 

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Trek ends

Manaslu Permit

Manaslu permit is compulsory for Manaslu circuit Trekking. The department of immigration, Nepal fixed the fee $ 100 per person per week and US$ 10 per person for each extra day during September - November and US$ 75 per person per week and US$ 7 per person per each extra day during December- August. You have to obtain with cirtain formalities through government registered trekking company as Nepal Alternative Treks. You are required orginal passport with arrival visa, a passport size photograph and fee in USD cash. 

Manaslu Conservation Area Project ( MCAP)

You are required MCAP for Manaslu circuit Trekking. You will have to obtain from government registered company as Nepal Alternative Treks and fee is fixed by NTNC  Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees ) per person to Manaslu conservation area. You will need a passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in cash Rs. 3000 each. We have included in package. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)

The provision of  ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand  rupees) per person to Annpurna conservation area. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. It is included in our package. 

Trekking Clothing equipment for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Wind proof jacket  and rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Larke la pass which is elevated at 5135 meter. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu  as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Manaslu Circuit trek is moderate level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5106 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Mr. Norm Pringle
Australia

My son , a friend  and myself organized a trek in the Manaslu trea with Nepal alternative treks and I have the highest praise for Tej for the organization and for our hari, our guide who was full of fun and who took very good care of us. I fully recommend this company if you are going trekking in Nepal. P.S. –Ask hari to demonstrate the “shower dance” for you.

Mr. James Rule
Canada

This was very memorable trip! Most of all, the service we received from Nepal alternative was expectative. Everyone in the organization was friendly, flexible and polite. First of all, they were extremely helpful and understanding. They easily adjusted our trip, one day late and attended to my needs while waiting for my daughter to arrive. As well, on our trek, we were treated “royally”. They had a sense of humor. We felt “light at home” and they explained many details to us which enriched our experience. We highly recommend this team for trekking to anyone who is wishing Nepal.

Ms. Denise Galvani
Belgium

- Very well organized agency and excellent guide.  I found flexibility to change the hotel upon and the guide helped out a lot while trekking and settling on tea house.

- Great trekking great guide.

- Would appreciate this whole team.

- I would come next time again to Nepal if time available for me.

-Mr. Jared Pringle, Australia

A wonderful trek! I had a great time walking through the Himalayas. Our guide was fantastic and very easy to get along with although the trekking got tough. He managed to keep it enjoyable. All up it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone. Thanks Hari ! !

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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