Located in Gorkha district is an often-overlooked but incredibly magical trek: the Manaslu Circuit. From culture to mountain vistas to physical endurance, it offers visitors everything they might want from a Himalayan adventure.
First opened to hikers in 1991, the trail follows what was once a salt-trading route running along the Burhi Gandaki River. Lasting anywhere from 14 – 17 days and covering roughly 177 kilometres, the trek is named after the 8th highest peak in the world, Manaslu. Also known as Mountain of the Spirits, Manaslu holds a particularly special place to Nepalis, as it is one of only three 8,000 metre peaks sitting entirely within the country’s borders.
PERMITS
With the establishment of the Manaslu Conservation Area in 1998, the circuit came under the management of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), which works to preserve not only natural resources but the cultural heritage that exists within Nepal. Every trekker in the area must obtain a permit, and it’s necessary to enter with a party of two or more members and a registered hiking guide.
The basic permit to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area costs around NPR2000, which is roughly US$20. This money goes directly toward maintaining the region and supporting community development.
In addition to MCAP’s fee, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation requires a payment of US$50 per week that you will trek there, with an extra US$7 for every additional day there. And if you hope to travel through or around Annapurna, you’ll need an additional permit costing NPR2000. While this might seem expensive, it does keep the number of visitors down, giving you a far quieter experience.
GETTING THERE & BACK
From Kathmandu you can either take a local bus or organize private transportation to the town of Arughat. The trip takes anywhere from five to six hours, but delays are inevitable. The circuit ends in Besisahar, from where you can take a bus back to Kathmandu or on to Pokhara.
TYPICAL ROUTE
- Day 1: Arughat to Soti Khola, 5 hours, 800 meters
- Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola, 5 hours, 1000 meters
- Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat, 6 hours, max. 1400 meters
- Day 4: Jagat to Deng, 6 hours, 1860 meters
- Day 5: Deng to Namrung, 6 hours, 2600 meters
- Day 6: Namrung to Lho, 4 hours, 3100 metres, or to Shyala, 3500 meters
- Day 7: to Samagaon, 2 hours, 3500 meters
- Day 8: Rest day in Samagaon – optional Manaslu Basecamp excursion
- Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo, 4 hours, 3800 meters
- Day 10: Rest day in Samdo – optional excursion to Tibetan border
- Day 11: Samdo to Larkya Phedi (aka Dharamsala), 4 hours, 4460 meters (Note that this lodge may close during November. If accommodation is not available here then a very early start from Samdo and long day of walking is necessary to reach Bimtang.)
- Day 12: Cross Larkya La (5106 metres) to reach Bimtang, 8 hours, 3700 meters
- Day 13: Bimtang to Tilje, 6 hours, 2100 meters
- Day 14: Tilje to Jagat, 6 hours, 1300 meters
- Day 15: Jeep from Jagat to Besisahar, and onward transport to Kathmandu or Pokhara
You can, of course, add additional rest days or cut them out depending on your time. It’s recommended to take at least one acclimatization day at higher elevations. You also have the option to break some of the longer days up. One great option is to go from Deng to Ghap, and then reach Namrung the following day.
To discover the other seven tidbits needed to know in order to successfully plan and complete the Manaslu Circuit, check out the complete article at Inside Himalayas.
And consider adding Bhutan to your journey, as Nepal is one of the easiest entry points into the country!
This sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your comment 🙂 Manaslu is truly a worthwhile adventure!