Professional trekking & expedition
guides & support services

Saturday, March 13, 2010   -  Login   -  Register

Nepal - Manaslu Circuit Trek

Mountain Consult | Nepal | Manaslu Circuit Trek
Mountain Consult | Nepal | Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit; trek around the spectacular Manaslu mountain range

The Manaslu Circuit is a beautiful trek round one of Nepal’s most spectacular mountain ranges of which Manaslu (8153m) is the highest point. The range that also contains other giant peaks, like: North Peak (7154m), West Peak (7540m) and Himal Chuli (7893m) will be the center point of this trek. Other than the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is off the beaten track and is because of the restrictions to visitors, still authentic and not packed with tourists!

To reach the starting point of this trek, you will drive to the old, famous Gorkha town, the ancestral home of the ruling house of Nepal and the original home to the military force that came to be known as the Gurkhas. From here you follow the nice trails to the Buri Gandaki and trade center Arughat Bazar. These are the green low lands of Nepal, hot and humid, but the climate changes as you continue to climb to the North. The circuit takes you slowly to higher altitudes and wilder landscapes. You will come along huge waterfalls as many suspension bridges across the Buri Gandaki have to be crossed. The heat disappears and the Tibetan culture becomes present and starts to dominate at higher altitudes. Eventually, you will leave civilization behind on the way to the glaciers of Lharkya La (5120m), the highest pass in this trek. Across giant glaciers and snow fields you will descend all the way to green Marsyangdi valley where the Manaslu and Annapurna trail join. Snow and cold are history now. You will find yourself trekking through old forests and lively Hindu settlements. The heat returns and you will be able to enjoy all the luxuries that the developed and touristic Annapurna trails has to offer. The Manaslu Circuit trek is a relatively easy trek through different landscapes and different cultures. A great classic trek with lot’s of variety!

General trip description

Trek route: Kathmandu, Gorkha, Ghap, Lho, Samagoan, Larkya La, Khudi, Besi Sahar, Kathmandu.

A short bus ride brings you to village of Gorkha, the starting point of this trek. Good, wide trails lead you through little Hindu villages, green fields, wild forests, deep gorges across suspension bridges and wild rivers to colder Buddhist areas. The trails can get very hot and muddy in lower areas, while suspension bridges and small trails next to steep walls are common higher up the main trail. You will be able to visit several famous Tibetan villages along to trail. Grass fields, moraines and snow & ice will form the terrain on the way to Larkya La. At this high pass deep snow may make the crossing difficult. From the pass you will have to descend a long way across good trails to Marsyangdi valley. From here the trails are easy again. However, the slopes in this trip can be steep so now and then. Landslides and falling rocks are possible at certain stages.

Team composition

This trek is organized in classic expedition style only or in combination with lodge style. Classic expedition style means that camps will be established (at camp sites) along the trails. Simple guesthouses may be available and used, too.

Within our full trekking service - package, the trek is led by an experienced Nepalese trekking leader, supported by a team of Sherpa’s, cooks and porters or yaks. The trekking leader has managed many treks & expeditions and knows the route very well. The trekking leader and the Sherpa’s lead the way and establish al camps. A strong team of porters or yaks carries all equipment & food. Check the different, available service packages to see what is included and not included.

Well developed and proven trekking and acclimatization schedules with sufficient rest & acclimatization days guarantee the safety and the highest chance to reach the different goals in this trek. The strategy and all options will be discussed on the way.

Minimum / maximum group size:
- Private treks: no limit
- Fixed departure treks: minimum 3 members / maximum:12 members

Experience & skills

This trek does not require specific experience or skills, although you should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain. Crossing high passes may involve some scrambling across rock and snow sections.

This trek is open for anybody who is fit. View the trip’s difficulty for more details. However, as you’re part of a group during demanding activities, you must prepare yourself for working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal! An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.

Equipment list

After booking all members will receive a final equipment list detailing all necessary clothing and (climbing) equipment to be individually provided. You may download an example list on this page (right top).

Best season, climate, temperatures

Indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views):
- Spring: March, April, May
- Autumn: October, November

Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)
- Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
- Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +10ºC. Night time: -8ºC / -15ºC

Rain may be expected in the lower areas. Mountain storms are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.

Important: The described terrain and weather conditions are based on experience and judgments of Mountain Consult guides, clients and local people. Be aware that terrain conditions may change and that weather conditions might influence the trips difficulty.

Total days
Active days
21
18
B0-C0
Max. climbing altitude
Max. camping altitude
5214 meter
4400 meter

Available service packages Prices
Full Trekking - Pro (?)
Full Trekking - Basic (?)
Lodge - Pro (?)
Lodge - Basic (?)
Click to see
all package prices
Sorry!Prices are not available online, yet. Please send us your request and we'll contact you asap!
   
Tailormade possibillity? Fixed departures dates
Yes! You can book this trip as
a private, tailormade program.
Request a quotation
Not planned as a fixed departure trip, yet!
Book a fixed departure

Suggested itinerary

[ Arrival in Kathmandu / free days ]

  1. Kathmandu - Briefing
  2. Gorkha
  3. Khanchok
  4. Arughat Bazar / Simra
  5. Soti Khola
  6. Macha Khola
  7. Jagat
  8. Ekle Bhatti
  9. Deng
  10. Ghap
  11. Lho
  12. Samagoan
  13. Samagoan
  14. Samdo
  15. Samdo (Samdo Peak)
  16. Larkya La Base Camp
  17. Larkya La - Bimtakothi
  18. Tilje
  19. Jagat
  20. Khudi
  21. Besi Sahar - Kathmandu

[ End of services / free days / departure / continue travelling ]