Manaslu Circuit is one of the thrilling but less travelled treks located in Gorkha, Nepal offering you the mix of unbeatable Himalayan scenery, rich culture and remote trials. This circuit is home to the eighth highest peak in the world Manaslu at 8163 meters, this trek will not only take you to the Himalayas but it will also take you to Buddhist Heritage, traditional villages and diverse eco system where you can immerse yourself in.
Unlike the other popular and busier treks Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit trek remains raw and untouched. While the roads are not developed and can cause trouble travelling on the routes the Manaslu circuit still remains the best for the travelers who are seeking for adventure and spice on their journey. If you are planning to trek or travel in Manaslu Circuit then this blog will guide you to 14 day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary. From the starting of your journey from Kathmandu to Larkya La Pass and back.
Overview of 14 day Manaslu Circuit itinerary
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14 day journey starting from Soti Khola and ending at Dharapani. This whole 14 day trek offers you an immerse experience through the remote village of Nepal and culturally rich regions, from trekking to the high altitude to the mountains to the fight back to capital city.
Reaching at a maximum altitude of 5160 meters at Larkya La Pass and the trek to the world’s eight highest peak Mount Manaslu is totally rewarding. Manaslu routes will take you to the dense forest, deep rivers, high mountain passes and traditional villages influenced by Tibetan culture.
Manaslu shine more bright in its ideal seasons spring March to May and Autumn September to November when the weather condition are more predictable and ideal with crystal clear mountain views. Physical fitness is very much important part for Manaslu circuit trek especially for the long trekking. Physical fitness will help you with endurance, muscles strength and reduce fatigue.
As you get involved in physical fitness you will develop muscles memory and built a positive and new confidence in yourself not only that you will experience the flexibility and positive energy inside you. With Physical fitness you need to have strong mental strength. There are three permits that you need to have while travelling to Manaslu circuit and they are Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
Manaslu circuit is perfect blend between natural beauties, traditional culture, few crowds and beauty along the routes. This trek remains one of the best treks of Nepal.
Here is the guide of the things that you will do on your 14 day Manaslu circuit trek.
Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Your journey starts from Kathmandu, on day 1 you will drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola covering the distance of 710 meters. Through the winds of hills, rivers and traditional village your journey will take you 8 to 9 hours. Be ready for the bumpy ride from Kathmandu to the lush lowlands of Gorkha with changing scenarios and scenic beauty. Major highlight of day 1 is the drive through terraced far and riverside along with overnight stay at tree house in Soti Khola.
Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Your trek officially begins from the trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola covering the distance of 900 meters taking you 6 to 7 trekking hours. In this whole trek you will dive into the dense sal forests, narrow ridges and steep slopes.
Small waterfalls and suspension are the most common things you will see at this route. You will get a chance to cross those suspensions and waterfalls. Major highlight of day 2 is the rotes filled with forested trails and the exposure to Gurung and Magar community.
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Trials to trek from Machha Khola to Jagat is full of ups and downs, you will cover the distance of 1340 meters with 6 to 7 trekking hours in day 3. You will pass through Tatopani or hot springs rather than that you will pass through Budhi Gandaki several times and after that you will reach to the well-organized Jagat Village, known as a check point where your permits will be checked. Natural hot spring at Tatopani and stoned paved villages of Jagat with ancient Buddhist chortens are the major highlights of day 3.
Trek from Jagat to Deng
As you move deeper into the Manaslu region the landscapes begins to change getting more exposure to Buddhist culture and pine forests. As you look back and see you have already covered the distance of at least 1860 meters with 6 to 7 trekking hours in day 4, walking through suspension bridges, riverside paths and beautiful villages like Philim and Ekle Bhatti. Narrow gorges, long suspension bridges, terraced farm land and pine forests are the major highlight of day 4.
Trek from Deng to Namrung
It’s your day 5, and you have already covered the distance of 2630 meters this day trek takes you 6 to 7 trekking hours as the routes follows Budhi Gandaki your trek will lead to the valleys which are truly remote where you start to see the snowy mountains. Namurang is the checkpoint that offers you the first clear view of Manaslu Mountain. Nubri valley and first view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is the major highlight of day 5.
Trek from Namrung to Lho
Covering the distance of 3180 meters in the timespan of 4 to 5 hours you will reach to Lho on day 6. As your trekking starts you will start to feel the influence of high altitude, the routes offers you beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, Buddha Mani walls, and some beautiful villages like Lhi and Sho. Lho village is home to Tibetan culture and large monasteries. Tibetan culture and lifestyle along with the views of Mt Manaslu from Lho monastery is the major highlight of day 6.
Trek from Lho to Sama Goan
Day 7 trek is very shorter than other days, as the days gradually goes on you had already covered the distance of 3530 meters. This whole day trek takes you 4 to 5 hours. Sama Goan is a cultural and acclimatization center of Manaslu Circuit. You will pass by the beautiful and magnificent Pugen Glacier and reach one of the most nature influenced scenic village of the trek.
Acclimatization Day at Sama Goan
After the long days of trekking taking a day off resting is very important. During your acclimatization day you can enjoy many scenic beauty, Buddhist monasteries and yak pastures, if you want to hike then you can hike to Pugen Gompa, Birendra Lakes and Manaslu Base Camp at 4800 meters. This is your whole day in day 8.
Trek from Sama Goan to Samdo
On day 9 you had already covered the distance of 3860, on this day you will trek at least 3 to 4 hours. You will see dramatic mountain landscapes and get the opportunity to spot blue sheep and Himalayan birds. This trek is very easy yet takes a lot of breathtaking walks. Trekking through Samdo village, yak gazed field and alpine forest are the major highlight of this day.
Trek from Samdo to Dharmsala
Look how far you have come on day 10, covering the dance of 4460 meter is not easy. In this day you will gradually ascends to the base camp of Larkya La Pass. Dharmsala also known as Larkya Phedi is the basic high altitude shelter with limited facilities. This path is the resting point for the next day trekking.
Cross Larkya La Pass and trek to Bhimthang
You will cover the altitude of Larkya La Pass at 5160 meters and from there you will gradually trek to Bhimthang at the altitude of 3720 meters. This destination offers you the stunning views of mountains like Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. This whole trek is your day 11 taking you at least 8 to 10 hours of walk.
Trekking from Bimthang to Tilije
On day 12 you will cover the altitude of 2300 meters taking you at least 5 to 6 hours of walk from Bimthang. Routes along with rhododendron forest, river banks and cultivated fields are the major highlight of Tilije. As you walk through the rough you will notice the change in landscapes as you enter habitable elevations.
Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar
This is short trek takes you to Dharapani and exit to the restricted areas. From here you will take jeep or bus to Besisahar this is a gate way town for Annapurna and Manaslu treks. This is your day 13.
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu
This is your final day of the trek day 14 where you will drive back to Kathmandu holding tons of memories and enjoying the scenic beauty from the windows of your bus or jeeps. Your total driving time takes 6 to 8 hours.
Conclusion
Trekking to Manaslu circuit in 14 days is truly amazing and filled with loads of beauty and memories. From the small to high altitude this whole journey will teach you a good lesson and your chapters will be filled with lots of nature photographs captured inside your heart. Are you ready to spend your 14 days in Manaslu Circuit?
14 Day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Trekking