Nepal Expedition: Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 Days
From CAD 2205 Was CAD 2450
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Challenging

Rating


(3 reviews)

Experience Overview

Immerse yourself in the stillness of the Himalayas on a 16-day adventure along the Manalsu Circuit Trek. This quieter, less-travelled route takes you through blooming rhododendron forests, remote Buddhist monasteries and through the shadow of the world’s eight-highest mountain. Embark along a trail that follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing above its flowing waters by day and staying in teahouses by night, taking in the grandeur of the Himalayas as you reach altitudes of over 5000 m. With plenty of chances to spot the area’s protected wildlife and an experienced guide leading the way, this is a trek that must be seen to be believed.

Highlights

  • Reach an altitude of 5106 m as you cross the Larke Pass along the Manaslu Circuit. Testing your mind and body this is quite the accomplishment.
  • Pass through the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to 11 types of forest and over 2000 species of plants, on a far less busy route than the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp.
  • Get to know the unique culture of the small communities along the Nepali and Tibetan border, meeting locals and other trekkers in teahouses along the way, as you weave through the wildly rugged and less-explored landscape.
  • Discover Nepal’s compact capital in Kathmandu. With a limited amount of time spent here to discover its bazaars and temples, why not extend your stay beforehand to get a real feel of Nepalese culture?
  • Be accompanied by an experienced trek leader along with assistant guides and porters, who will not only give you all the support and guidance you need along the way, but also introduce you to the rich local culture.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Sagarmatha Next. Donations help them remove waste responsibly and turn rubbish into art in the Everest region.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2168

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Private vehicle

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: HNXM

StartStarts: Kathmandu, Nepal

FinishFinishes: Kathmandu, Nepal

DurationDuration: 16 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Challenging

Includes


Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Teahouse (12 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2205 (CAD 138 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal’s colourful capital. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Moonlight (Number of Nights: 1)

2
Day 2: Kathmandu

Get your bearings in Nepal as you embark on a full day of sightseeing. Start by exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square – said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal, home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. Then visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Finally, take in the sight of Bodhnath Stupa – one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world – where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Included Activities:

  • Bhaktapur - Walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Moonlight (Number of Nights: 1)

3
Day 3: Barpak

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Barpak. Needless to say, you should arm yourself with your favourite book or music for the journey! When you arrive, you can stretch your legs with a walk around the hilltop village. Located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, almost every household has a connection to the legendary Gorkha army units. Settle into your accommodation, which from here on will be small, basic teahouses. These cosy, remote houses are operated by the mountain Nepalese to cater for trekkers and offer simple yet filling and delicious meals to sustain your efforts.

4
Day 4: Gumda

Get excited for your first day of trekking! Say farewell to Barpak as you begin walking east to Gumda. Pass through rhododendron forest on your way to a viewpoint looking back over Barpak, and take in the incredible sights of the Ganesh Himal Range and Buddha Himal. Then, continue to your Gumda teahouse.

Included Activities:

  • Manalsu Circuit – 12D/11N Trek
  • Manalsu Circuit – Porterage of One Bag (10kg/22lbs max)

5
Day 5: Khorlabesi

This morning, you’ll pass through small villages like Yamgaun and Lapsibot, before meeting the classic Manaslu route in Machhakhola. A long descent will take you to Khorlabesi, where you'll stay for the night.

6
Day 6: Salleri

Today’s trek continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, visiting Tatopani (where a dip in a natural hot spring can provide a refreshing break) before ending in Salleri.

7
Day 7: Deng

Begin your day with a descent to the valley floor, before making your way to the Ghatta Khola River. Cross over a long suspension bridge to Philim village, where you’ll pause for a spot of lunch. After, head to the grassy slopes of a gorge before crossing back over the Budhi Gandaki River. Follow the river‘s west bank, then head over to the east side, then back over to the west side before passing through bamboo forests. A final river crossing will then see you to Deng, where you’ll be staying for the night.

8
Day 8: Namrung

Depart Deng, you’ll again cross the Budhi Gandaki River before the trail takes you through dense forest. Rejoin the river and continue following it upstream, crisscrossing the flowing waters on suspension bridges. Your destination today is Namrung village, where you can explore or visit the local monastery.

9
Day 9: Shyala

Leaving Namrung’s views of Ganesh Himal and Mount Himal Chuli behind, pass through forests before reaching the village of Lihi. Admire the barley terraces, then continue to the villages of Sho and Lho. At Lho, (on a clear day) there will be rewarding views of Manaslu, and you’ll also have the chance to explore Ribung Gompa – a major Buddhist monastery. Finally, make your way to Shyala. Settle into tonight’s teahouse as you take in the sights of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu and large glaciers.

10
Day 10: Samagaon

One of the best ways to acclimatise today is to walk up to a high-altitude point, and then come back down to sleep. Remember, it doesn't matter how fit you are, anyone can be affected by the altitude! An acclimatisation walk is on today’s agenda, as you’ll walk to Pung Gyen Gompa. The monastery lies on a beautiful green plateau with wide-ranging mountain views. Then, head down from that highpoint to Samagaon for that all-important sleep.

11
Day 11: Samdo

From Samagaon, take a short hike to the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake. Find the Budhi Gandaki and again follow it upstream through juniper and birch forests. Cross the river on a wooden bridge, tackling a steep climb until you reach a stone archway. Then, continue walking to the village of Samdo.

12
Day 12: Larke Phedi

Enjoy a short and easy trek today to Larke Phedi, also known as Dharmashala. Start with a descent back to the Budhi Gandaki River, cross over a few streams within sight of the Larkya Glacier, then ascend again to Larke Phedi/Dharmashala.

13
Day 13: Bimthang

While today is the longest trek of the trip, it’s a high point for many travellers! Set out from Larke Phedi/Dharmashala very early to cross the Larke Pass (5106 m) and start a short climb to the north side of Larkya Glacier, continuing to ascend as you walk along the glacier. You’ll have commanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II in the distance, then a descent will take you to Bimthang with Manaslu towering in the background.

14
Day 14: Tilje

Begin your descent along the trail and over the Dudh Khola River, then enjoy a gentle walk through dense rhododendron forest. Climb over a ridge, then head back to the riverbank and pass through the beautiful village of Gowa. Then, continue to your teahouse in Tilje for the night.

15
Day 15: Dharapani to Kathmandu

After a short morning walk to Dharapani, hop into your private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. It’ll be a long journey, giving you plenty of time to rest tired legs or take a well-deserved nap! Once back in Kathmandu, enjoy a final night together reliving the trek and your extraordinary achievements. Why not head out to dinner and find your find your favourite drink to cheers with?

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Moonlight (Number of Nights: 1)

16
Day 16: Kathmandu

With no further activities planned, your trip ends this morning. There's plenty more to see in Kathmandu for those who wish to stay, just speak to your booking agent. If you do, you might like to check out an Urban Adventures tour, like the Rickshaw Night Explorer.

Optional Activities:

  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
  • Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure (76 USD)
  • Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure (60 USD)

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Reviews

 

Michael   -  Traveled, August 2023

Had a terrific time on this tour. You pack a lot in to a small amount of time! Our guide Jitu was terrific - very well planned, always on time, considerate, flexible - can’t speak highly enough of him. Definitely recommend this trip for anyone wanting to explore a lot of India and Nepal in a small amount of time

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/26/2023

 

Jenna   -  Traveled, May 2023

I had an amazing trek. Everything was very organized and safe and the guides made me feel very well looked after. 10/10 would recommend

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/08/2023

 

Claudia  -  Traveled, April 2024

Sehr gut ausgewählte Ziele! In der Kleingruppe hatte man das Glück, trotzdem individuelle Erlebnisse und Freiraum zu haben.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/03/2024

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