Manaslu Circuit Trek (GHT)

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

On arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal. You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.

Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Then we drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit the Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: 900 m

Driving duration: 9–10 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you start a long scenic drive by private vehicle. You drive west on the main Kathmandu to Pokhara highway towards the village of Macha Khola. Further, you turn off to head North, following Buri Gandaki to Arughat Bazaar. The drive passes through beautiful hamlets, green terraces, lush hillsides, and small towns. . Eventually, the road becomes bumpy and dusty. Along the way, you can see a glimpse of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.

Altitude above sea level: (1,440 m) Jagat

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast in Machha Khola, you’ll continue the trek, which follows the canyon and continues up the river. The trail is narrow at first and gradually treks up and down, finally traversing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi where there is a small natural hot spring.

From here, you’ll make your way up over another ridge, then cross the Budi Gandaki via a suspension bridge. At this point, you will hike up a wide stone staircase all the way to the ridge of  Dobhan. Once you cross another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, ascend a stone staircase and then hike down to the river and climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang.

Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you’ll climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then hike up towards the village of Jagat.

Altitude above sea level: (1,860 m) Deng

Hiking duration: 6–7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast in the village of Jagat, you’ll make your way through numerous landscapes and thick subtropical forests, along with small rivers and rural villages to get to your final destination.

As you leave Jagat, you cross a rocky ridge that takes you to Salleri village. Thereafter, you descend to Sirdibas, then cross, using a large suspension bridge, the Buri Gandaki River. Further, take a steep to ascend to Philim, a local Gurung village.

After passing through a hillside, you come across Ekle Bhatti (“lonely tea house”) before crossing the river again. Then the trail enters the stunning part of the gorge, surrounded by orchids on the top. Subsequently, a steep ascent to the west side of the valley will take you through bamboo forests to Deng.

Altitude above sea level: (2,540 m) Namrung

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

You will hit a trail to Namrung, after a hearty breakfast.  You set off for today’s trek crossing the Budhi Gandaki and hiking up the bridge. From here you will ascend a bit further to connect to a trail from Bhi. Further, continue west up the valley traversing verdant forests, alpine vegetation, and picturesque villages of ethnic groups of the Manaslu region, with major peaks starting to loom in the distance

Thereafter, you will take the trail through Prok. This village has a spectacular viewpoint of the snow-capped Siringi Himal. You can savor the view here and then continue to cross the Budhi Gandaki passing through several gompas.

The trail then follows the river upstream through a dense forest and takes to a narrow gorge. Keep an eye out for gray Langur monkeys roaming around. The forest becomes less dense, and the trail is levelled once you cross the river at a gorge. This rewarding part of the walk is a superb way to experience the Manaslu Conservation Area. After a pleasant walk, take a final steep ascent that will take you to the village of Namrung. Namrung is a perfect vantage point for Siringi and Ganesh Himal as well as Mt. Himal Chuli.

Altitude above sea level: (3,020 m) Lho

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast in Namrung, you can stroll around the village to catch a spectacular view of Sringi Himal, and Himal Chuli. Once on the trail, initially, you take an ascent gradually and pass through forests to reach Lihi. This village is renowned for its chortens and barley terraces. Then you take a descending trail and cross the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by.  Further along, you will pass through the villages of  Sho and before reaching Lho village. It is a big village with a monastery and a Lama school, along with a majestic view of Manaslu and Kutang Himal. Once you arrive at Lho you can visit the monastery and explore the Tibetan culture.

Altitude above sea level: (3,450 m) Samagaon

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you will leave Lho behind and head towards Samagaon. Today, you will pass through Shyala village, followed by a river originating from the glacier of Pungyen and several chortens and monasteries. As you traverse the ridge, you will reach the fields of Samagaon.

Once you reach Samagaon, you will see the potatoes and barley fields. Also, weaving is the main occupation of the people of Samagaon.

Altitude above sea level: (3,450 m) Samagaon

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a day for proper acclimatization. After breakfast, you can either have a rest or take a day hike to a tiny hill near Sama village.

For those who want to explore, there’s an optional day hike that explores some rich Sherpa culture. You can enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts, as well as photos of Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. If you hike up to a little hill near the Sama village and visit old Pungyen Gompa. From the ridge, you can enjoy a fine view of the glacier.

You can also walk towards Manaslu Base Camp. En route to the base camp, you will pass by Birendra Lake, a frozen and beautiful lake.

Altitude above sea level: (3,860 m) Samdo

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you hit a trail to Samdo village.  You will trek down to the Budhi Gandaki River and follow it to a bridge over a sidestream. Then, past numerous Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. The mountain views along this trail are incredible and get you close to the Tibetan border. The trail is rewarded with commanding views of Manaslu North, Nike peak, and Samdo peak. Along the way, you may come across mountain goats and yaks grazing on the field along the way.

Further, take a gentle walk on a ridge above the river that passes juniper and birch forests to the stone huts at  Kermo Kharka. Thereafter,  you take a descending trail and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge.  Then ascend steeply onto a cliff between two confluences of the river. You’ll come to a stone archway and keep on trekking all the way to Samdo.

Altitude above sea level: (3,860 m) Samdo

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This is another day to take a break for proper acclimatization. You can either take a rest or walk towards Gya La (‘large pass’) to the north of Samdo.  Gya La Pass (5,300 m) is a frequently used trading route to Tibet.

Alternatively, you can take an easy trail up the valley directly behind Samdo to one of the trade passes headed for Tibet. This route has commanding views of Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges comprising Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and Kang Guru behind the pass. En route to this vantage point, you will pass several seasonal herding settlements called doksas and witness some beautiful birds such as the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin soaring above.

Altitude above sea level: (4,460 m) Larkya Phedi

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll pass a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar (ruin Tibetan market) and drop into the Budi Gandaki River. Further, traverse the wooden bridge and take uphill, crossing two streams while seeing the Larkya Glacier. Then, you’ll head up through Salka Khola valley and ascend again to Dharamsala, also called Larke Phedi. Witness Samdo Peak behind, the entire climbing route of the Manaslu summit on the left, and the Larkya glacier en-route.

Altitude above sea level: (3,590 m) Bhimtang, (5,135 m) Larkya La Pass 

Hiking duration: 8–9 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Leaving Larkya Phedi, you will set out on a longer hike after a refreshing breakfast. Though it’s a more challenging trail, you’ll come across a number of rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, picturesque valleys, varied flora and fauna, and some remarkable snowy peaks.

Your journey begins with a gradual uphill to a small valley north of Larkya Glacier. From there you can savor the mesmerizing sight of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Furthermore, walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gentle ascent, which becomes steeper in the final section of the pass. From here, there is a breathtaking spectacle of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive Annapurna II. You’ll complete a rewarding walk into misty low pastures in the early evening, with Mount Manaslu emerging in the distance. The trail then descends to the low pastures until you arrive at Bhimtang.

Altitude above sea level: (1,900m) Tilche

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Tea House Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a long day at Larkya La Pass, you start the day by trekking down the Budhi Gandaki river. After traversing the wooden bridge over the river, you’ll hike along the dense forest of rhododendron trees. Further, continue towards the narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. Following a few hours of walking on the river banks, you’ll arrive in the village of Gho. Thereafter, keep on hiking all the way to Tilche.

Altitude above sea level: (1,030m) Bandipur

Hiking Duration: 6 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: The Old Inn

Meal: Breakfast, and Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, you take a drive to Bandipur. Bandipur is one of central Nepal’s hidden havens. You will immediately feel like you have stepped back in time- the narrow streets are cobbled and lined on both sides with traditional wooden Newari houses. You will be stunned by the artistic buildings, and humbled by the simple yet happy life of locals as you stroll through the Bandipur bazaar.

Altitude above sea level: (1,302 m) Kathmandu

Driving duration: 4-5 hrs. Approx. 

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast, and Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, you drive back to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, our representative will transfer you to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the wonderful experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.