Manaslu Circuit Trek is a straightforward uncomplicated trek into arguably the most remote
andrichest cultural areas of Nepal.
A strenuous but highly rewarding trek that takes one through common villages, hillside forest, valley
terraces, and glacial streams to ultimately arrive at the stunning Larkya La Pass.
The trek is a journey of nature, culture, and Himalayan scenery.
The journey begins with a five-hour road trip from Kathmandu to Soti Khola along green hillside,
farm valleys, and small rural settlements and views of unspoiled Nepali villages. The journey goes on
to Machha Khola along the Budhi Gandaki River over suspension bridges, green forests, and
waterfalls plunging down vertical cliffs. For Jagat, the door to the Manaslu Conservation Area, the
trekking path provides rock landscape, rolling hills, and Gurung and Magar villages. The transition
becomes more profound since the path guides one to Deng, where Buddhist prayer flags, mani walls,
and little monasteries introduce the trekker to the Tibetan-influenced culture of the area.
With every rise in elevation, the trek brings one to Namrung, with the initial glimpse of giant hills
such as Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Coupled with the alteration of terrain to yak pastures and
alpine meadows at arrival at Samagaon, it’s a Tibetan Buddhist-occupied town. The other gets a
glimpse of Pungyen Gompa in its pristine state here or takes a short side excursion to Manaslu Base
Camp, where towering peak of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) looms on the far horizon. Acclimatization days
are spent at Samagaon and Samdo resting and acclimatizing, exploring ancient monasteries, and
socializing intimately with local residents, who have preserved their own unique individualistic
Tibetan tradition for centuries.
From Samdo, the trek continues to Dharamsala, the last base camp for the Larkya La Pass trek
(5,106m), the most challenging of the treks. The day is the most difficult on the trek with steep climbs
on glacial moraines and mountain views at high altitude. Reward is a glimpse of Himlung Himal,
Kang Guru, Cheo Himal peaks, and even Annapurna II peaks. The homeward pass route leads to
Bimthang, from which the grim alpine area bursts into a canopy of green forest, rhododendron cover,
and green valleys. The route is continued from Tilije and Dharapani, the villages that are prone to
culture change experienced through country transition from Buddhist domination to customary
Gurung villages of Annapurna basin. The final stretch is a trek from Dharapani to Besisahar and then
to Kathmandu, to end this unforgettable stay among Nepal’s off-the-map Himalayan jewels.
Travelers on the trek are given a chance to experience a dramatic change of landscape. From tropical
rain forest, glacial altitude brings pomp of cultural heritage of Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan people.
Manaslu Circuit is perfect mix of adventure and culture with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal,
Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Annapurna II mountains. Off-the-beaten-villages and un-touched trails
provide life-time experience to adventure enthusiasts who look for an un-common Himalayan
experience.
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