Short Manaslu Trek - 10 Days

Overview

Short Manaslu Trek for fit young adults aged 18 to 40 years old seeking a life-changing trekking adventure in Nepal, through a naturally blessed and culturally unique area, away from the congestion. This is probably the shortest Manaslu Circuit Trek we offer for active hikers looking for an altitude trek with a budget-friendly package in Nepal. Even if this demanding adventure trek tests your physical endurance, hike 8 hours a day on a mountain trail without major problems. Our best customized 10-day fast itinerary for expert hikers involves 2 days of driving and 8 days of hiking into the magic Manaslu region. The hard work will be well worth it when you see the amazing view that lies ahead. Picture yourself encircled by soaring, snow-capped peaks, with 8,163-meter-tall Manaslu—the eighth-highest mountain in the world—rising above the clouds.

Top Highlights of the Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal

• A restricted area and a less touristic trekking route in Nepal.
• Spectacular mountain views, including Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), one of the 8th-highest peaks in the world.
• Trek through the thrilling Larkya Pass (5160 m) that creates goosebumps on your skin.
• Explore and discover the historic and cultural Tibetan settlements on the way.
• Best customized 10-day itinerary for experts and young hikers.
• A budget-friendly cost with an inclusive trip package for the Nepal Manaslu Trek.  

Our fast-paced, 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is a multi-day hiking tour in the restricted area of Nepal, allowing access only after attaining a restricted area trekking entry permit from the Department of Immigration. There must be a minimum of two parties. Foreign trekkers must be accompanied by a registered local guide, arranged by a certified Nepali trekking agency. This trek is regarded as a "less touristic trekking route in a controlled area," which makes it a less-traveled route compared to other well-known, more popular treks in Nepal. The area is classified as a restricted zone and requires a specific permit for admission. Trekking was first permitted there in 1991.

This restricted access aids in preserving the trail's natural, unspoiled beauty. You can have a more tranquil and pleasant experience without the crowds that are usually present on other well-known treks because there are fewer trekkers on the path. Genuine cultural interactions with the Nubri and Tsum Valley ethnic populations, who have managed to maintain their traditional ways of life, can be had via the Manaslu Trek.

Spectacular mountain views, including Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the 8th highest peak in the world.

In this 10-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, you'll be astonished by seeing such towering, snowy peaks, including Mount Manaslu (8163 meters or 26775 feet), which is the eighth-tallest mountain in the world. This 10-day walking tour encircles the mighty Mount Manaslu, and the adventure ends at Besishahar, Kathmandu, followed by a day-long drive. You will feel as though you could touch mountains like Mt. Himalchuli (7,893 m), Mt. Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), and, of course, Mt. Manaslu itself. The mountain view from the Larke Pass is the top highlight of the entire route.

Trek through the thrilling Larke Pass (5,160 m | 16748 ft.), which offers one of the best altitude trekking experiences.

A trek through the thrilling Larke Pass (5160 m) is adventurous and life-changing, and it is regarded as an adrenaline-filled hike. Larkya La Crossing is a magnificent mountain pass in Nepal's Manaslu region, renowned for its challenging yet rewarding nature. At 5,160 meters (16,800 ft) above sea level, it provides stunning, all-encompassing vistas of snowcapped summits like Manaslu and Annapurnas. One of the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is crossing the pass, which puts hikers' physical and mental fortitude to the test.

It facilitates cultural contacts and provides insights into the local populations by acting as a cultural bridge between the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. It is necessary to navigate carefully over snowfields and rocky terrain on the ascent and descent. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, climbing atop Larkya La Pass is an experience of triumph and amazement, despite the hardships.

Explore and discover the historic and cultural Tibetan settlements on the way.

10-day Manaslu Trek is not just about the mountain but also a very unique cultural and historical discovery. Learn some important facts that will enhance your travel experience in Nepal. We begin our walk at Machha Khola and finish the adventure at Besisahar. You will find mixed ethnic groups and religious believers at low altitudes. Most are Hindus and Brahmins, with minor groups of low caste in the first two days. As our trek goes higher in Nupri, also known as Kutang in the Manaslu area, we find people whose customs and traditions are very similar to Tibet, as the area is close to Tibet. For several centuries, they have had a strong bond with Tibetan Buddhist culture and way of life. There are centuries-old Buddhist monasteries and retreat centers along the route.

You can meditate in some of those highly sacred sites to give your mind a calm and tranquil feeling. You will find many walls with prayers engraved on them and a kani (Buddhist entrance gate) in every small village. You will reach Lho hamlet, an ancient Tibetan settlement, as a result of your trip, where the spirituality and extensive history of the area will captivate you. As a sign of respect and devotion, keep the shrine on the right side while passing; that brings us good fortune and positive vibes, generating compassion and loving kindness within our hearts. 

Geographical diversity and natural beauty in the 10-day Manaslu Trek

The journey starts at a mere 700 meters, reaches 5160 meters at Larke Pass, and drops down to Besishahar at 760 meters. The vegetation ranges from subtropical plants to the alpine zone and reaches up to the tundra at higher altitudes. Firstly, you'll travel alongside the trail that winds through the scenic Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing rivers, to arrive at the magical Pungen Glacier. The scenery is awe-inspiring, taking you through deep gorges, lush forests, terraced fields, and high alpine terrain with stunning views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding peaks. The remote villages along the trail provide an intimate and genuine experience, as they are not heavily influenced by tourism. Likewise, all these factors combine to make the Manaslu Circuit Trek an off-the-beaten-path adventure, perfect for those seeking a unique and less touristy trekking experience in Nepal.

Can I make the Manaslu Circuit Express Trek my story in 10 days? 

The short Manaslu Trek is a moderately challenging trek that involves long hours of continuous hiking, steep ascents and descents, and high altitudes. And you are out of your comfort zone, but adventuring to enrich your adventure trekking spirit. To prepare for the trek, it's important to engage in regular physical activity, such as cardio exercises and strength training, to build your stamina and endurance. This 10-day short version is a hiking tour of the usual 12- to 14-day traditional Manaslu Trek itinerary.

If you are not sure of your confidence in tackling high altitude sickness, we strongly advise you to follow a proper acclimatization protocol, allowing a couple of days to rest and let your body adapt to the mountain environment to ensure your trek goes smoothly and is well-enjoyed. Check our traditional 12 to 13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

9-day short Trekking to Manaslu Circuit itinerary for experts and young-aged group hikers (group joins cost USD 750 per adult). 

Day 1: Pick up from the hotel in KTM and ride a public bus to Machha Khola (910 m) (8/9 h)
Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m) Trek. Walking distance: 6 to 7 hours.
Day 3: Jagat to Deng (2095 m) Trekking. Walking distance: 7 hours.
Day 4: Deng to Namrung (2900 m) Trekking. Walking distance: 8 hours.
Day 5: Namrung to Samagaun (3500 m) Trekking. Walking distance: 7 to 8 hours.
Day 6: Samagaun to Dharmasala (4600 m) Trekking. Walking distance: 7 hours.
Day 7: Cross the Larkya La Pass (5106 m), then trek to Bhimtang (3700 m) for 7 to 8 hours.
Day 8: Bhimtang to Dharapani (1860 m) trekking. Walking distance: 8 to 9 hours.
Day 9: Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara via Besisahar (1350 m) for 9 to 10 hours.