Crossing over Larke Pass (5160 meters above sea level)
The Manaslu Circuit in Nepal, the country’s best trek, has been very popular for the last decade. Yes, just 10 years ago, the Manaslu trekking route was less known, and hardly a few camping trekking groups were taken to Manaslu Larke Pass by trekking agencies for those who could afford the fully organized camping trek cost. The route just opened in 1992 for foreign hikers, and only limited assigned numbers of people were permitted in the early years. Our first teahouse trek to Manaslu was in 2011, and we could enjoy a basic tea house and spend nights in a traditional homestay, which was amazing because it offered firsthand experience to get to know the locals, their lifestyle, and the untrodden centuries-old trail.
But in 10 years, its popularity has grown so fast that around ten thousand people trek to Manaslu in recent years, and now the route is well established with adequate trekking lodges along the route.
However, along with its popularity, sadly, the government of Nepal is building a road to Larke Pass and has a plan to link with Tibet. The impact of Nepal’s mountain tourism has already affected the area, killing some of those centuries-old trails and displacing lodges and teahouses between Arughat and Machha Khola, and even further to Jagat-Philim. This section previously provided the best geographical and cultural diversity to the tourists. So we have redesigned an 18-day itinerary that covers complete insight into the Manaslu route for those trekkers seeking places of interest and sneak into some of the hidden gems of memorable side trips in Manaslu where very few people hike. These beautiful side trips compensate for the places trodden by road.
Sereang Monastery above Bhi Village in Manaslu is a spiritual center for Buddhist practitioners that provides peace and tranquility
What is the longest itinerary for the Manaslu Trek?
The Manaslu Trek can be extended up to three weeks. There are several side trips worth adding on to the standard 14 Days Manaslu Trek. This trek will last even 28 days if you add a side trek to Tsum Valley, a hidden gem of a less-visited area nestled between the Ganesh Himal range and Sringi Himal. We have a customized Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek in 18 Days. Check this out!
Aerial View of Kaal Taal (Death Lake) in Manaslu
Newly crafted proposed itinerary in brief
Day 1: Drive to Machha Khola (869 m) from Kathmandu by private Jeep, 7 hours.
Day 2: Trek to Jagat (1340 m), 6–7-hour walk.
Day 3: Trek to Bhi Village (2130 m) 7 to 8 hours.
Day 4: Trek to Serang Gompa (3100 m)
Day 5: An extra day in Serang Gompa, A spiritual Buddhist pilgrimage place
Day 6: Trek to Prok (2500 m), 6-7 hours walk.
Day 7: Excursion to Kaal Taal (Death Lake at 3600 meters). 7-hour hike for around.
Day 8: Trekking to Lhi
Day 9: Trekking Hinang Gompa
Day 10: Trek to Shyala (3520 m), a 5-7-hour walk.
Day 11: Excursions to Pungyen Gompa and trek to Samagaun (3520 m), a 6-7-hour walk.
Day 12: Rest day.
Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3780 m), 3-hour walk.
Day 14: Trek to Larke Phedi (4460 m): 4 hours walk.
Day 15: Trek to Bimtang (3750 m), via Larkey Pass (5100 m), 8–9 hours.
Day 16: Trek to Tilche (2100 m). 6 hours of walking down
Day 17: Drive to Besishahar.
Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara
What is the shortest Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary?
The shortest itinerary will be 8 to 9 days of hiking through the main trail without adding any side trips and even skipping a proper acclimatization day but this kind of hiking can be highly risky in terms of altitude sickness for those unexperienced trekkers and advised only for those who are very experienced trekkers
The short and condensed itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Maccha Khola, 930 m (3,051 ft) on a local bus or private jeep, 160 KM / 7-8 Hours
Day 2: Trek to Jagat 1,410 m (4,626 ft): 22 km/6 hours
Day 3: Trek to Deng 1,800m (5,905ft): 19.9KM /6 Hours
Day 4: Trek to Namrung 2,660 m (8,727 ft): 19.5 km/6 hours
Day 5: Trek to Samagaon (3520 m), the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp: 18 KM /7 hours
Day 6: Side trip to Birendra Lake and trek to Samdo 3860 m (12660 ft): 8.5 KM / 4 hours
Day 7: Trek to Dharmasala 4,470m (14,665ft): 12KM / 4 to 5 hours
Day 8: Cross Larkya Pass 5,160m (16,929ft) and trek Bhimthang 3,720m (12,205ft): 24KM / 7-8 hours
Day 9: Trek downhill to Dharapani 1,910m (6,266ft): 18KM / 7 to 8 hours
Day 10: Drive to Besisashar-Kathmandu (224 km) or either to Pokhara is possible.
