The Short Manaslu Trek feels like a land from different time frames, with each village having its own adventure. The trek offers great views and knowledge of the snowy peaks, not to mention the ancient monasteries. This Short Manaslu Trek…
Overview
The Short Manaslu Trek feels like a land from different time frames, with each village having its own adventure. The trek offers great views and knowledge of the snowy peaks, not to mention the ancient monasteries. This Short Manaslu Trek…
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival Day to Kathmandu
After you arrive in Kathmandu, your representative will wait for you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to provide hotel transportation. Our team members will describe to you the Manaslu Trekking Itinerary. After that, you will rest and then prepare your gear and equipment for the upcoming adventure. You can decide to visit three famous attractions Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath Temple. You can spend the night observing Thamel’s lively shops and dining venues during the evening walk. You can feast on a traditional Nepali dinner experience at a cultural restaurant. Activity: Drive for 30 minutes Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. Kathmandu Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Day 2 :
Kathmandu to Macchakhola (930m)
A drive that feels just like a roller coaster will be your start today. You’ll leave Kathmandu’s busy streets behind you and ride to the countryside, through spectacularly lovely hillsides and along rivers such as the Trishuli. You will pass beautiful rice terraces, a quiet little village of Arughat, where everything is relaxed and moving at a slow pace. At times, the ride is bumpy, rivers cut through green hills, and sometimes you get a glimpse of Ganesh Himal on clear days, and Soti Khola. Through subtropical forests and small villages like Lapu Besi, the drive follows the Budhi Gandaki River. When you get to Machha Khola, a small town on the river’s banks, you’ll stop for the night with the pleasant sounds of flowing water and birds chirping. Activity: Driver for 7-8 hours Max. Altitude: 930m/3,051ft. Macchakhola Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 3 :
Machha Khola to Salleri (1,410m)
Today, the trail goes deeper into the gorge, surrounded by tall, huge cliffs. Tatopani, a village boasting natural hot springs will be the spotlight today, where you can take a quick soak for sore muscles. The trail goes through slim sections along the Budhi Gandaki River and some impressive suspension bridges. Just as you are near Salleri, terraced fields and views of the near by peaks come to view. Your trip officially begins in Salleri, with its stone-paved streets, which mark the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you will officially register before you continue. Activity: Trekking for 6-7 hours Max. Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft. Salleri Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 4 :
Salleri to Bihi Phedi (1,985m)
Today, you truly enter the wilderness of the Manaslu region, entering the conservation area with lush forests and terraced fields. The path passes through a few villages like Jagat, and Deng with unique views over Shyar Khola Valley. You’ll also see farms growing millet, wheat, and potatoes, along the way. The trail climbs gradually, moving along the river and crossing rivers, following ridges, with sweeping valley views. Bihi Phedi is a peaceful little village located in a valley surrounded by mountains, that is set against terraced slopes for you to stay overnight and enjoy the local hospitality. Activity: Trekking for 6-7 hours Max. Altitude: 1,985m/6,512ft. Bihi Phedi Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 5 :
Bihi Phedi to Lho (3,180m)
From Bihi Phedi, the trail continues its sluggish ascent up to small, pretty Tibetan-style villages like Shyaula and through beautiful forests. The climb isn’t too steep and the trek isn’t insurmountable. As you reach the village of Lho the surroundings start to widen out and you get your first proper view of the great Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters). Lho is a unique little village with modern houses made of traditional stone, encompassing a beautiful little monastery. It is an excellent place to rest your legs for a bit and take pictures of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Activity: Trekking for 5-6 hours Max. Altitude: 3,180m/10,433ft. Lho Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 6 :
Lho to Samagaon (3,520m)
Today’s Trek leads you to a beautiful valley and presents a backdrop of Manaslu Glacier and towering peaks like Ngadi Chuli and Manaslu, Sama Gaun. Sama Gaun is also one of the biggest settlements in the area, and the entry point to the high-altitude trek to Manaslu Base Camp. While walking through, you will pass through dense forests of Rhododendrons and Junipers, cross rivers, and encounter more Tibetan-style villages. You will acclimatize here and get ready for the next trek point. Activity: Trekking for 4-5 hours Max. Altitude: 3,520m/11,549ft. Samagaon Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 7 :
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Today is a day to relax, as well as acclimatize. For those with lots of energy, there’s an optional hike up to Pungyen Gompa, a centuries-old monastery with a view over Manaslu and its glaciers. You can also take up the more difficult option of climbing to Manaslu Base Camp, a high-altitude place with a great view of the mountains. You’ll have a rare chance to connect with local Tibetan culture at Samagaon. Chat with villagers, and view traditional houses as well as nearby yak pastures, also allowing your body to get used to the altitude. Activity: Rest Day Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 :
Samagaon to Dharam Shala (4,470m)
Today’s trek is higher into the Himalayan realm. The climb is gradual over the trail to Dharamshala, the final stop before we cross Larkya La Pass. On the way, you’ll be treated to up-close views of the gigantic Larkya Glacier surrounded by huge mountains like Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal. The beauty of the landscape from this height is amazing. Camp at Dharamshala is basic but cozy, with trekkers getting ready for the big day up ahead. Rest and enjoy the camaraderie around here before tomorrow’s big challenge. Activity: Trekking for 5-6 hours Max. Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Dharam Shala Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 9 :
Trek to Bimthang (3,720m) through Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)
It’s the most difficult day, but it’s also the most exciting. You will start early for the highlight of the trek to cross Larkya La Pass at 5,160m. It’s tough going, but the 360-degree views are worth it. Every direction is filled with mountains such as Kang Guru, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. Soaking in the scenery you’ll start descending to Bimthang, past glaciers, moraine fields, and finally dense forests. After a long trek, the Bimthang between the pine forest and the snowy peaks, feels like a paradise. Activity: Trekking for 9-10 hours Max. Altitude: 3,720m/12,205ft. Bimthang Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 10 :
Bimthang to Dharapani (1,910m)
After descending from the high alpine zone you will find yourself in the dense valley of Marsyangdi. Many travelers walk through verdant rhododendron forests during the spring season along snowy rivers with sporadic waterfalls during their meandering trek. You will observe the last peaks of Lamjung Himal together with other mountains as you descend to Dharapani. The Annapurna Circuit can be accessed by joining fellow trekkers while recalling fantastic trek memories. After spending time in remote areas you can feel excited to reach populated villages following days of solitary exploration. Activity: Trekking for 7-8 hours Max. Altitude: 1,910m/6,266ft. Dharapani Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Guest House
Day 11 :
Dharapani to Kathmandu (Drive)
The upcoming road trip toward Kathmandu is what you need to prepare for. The drive follows part of its previous trail through rolling agricultural slopes using curving mountain pathways which finally provide one last sight of the Himalayas. When you reach Kathmandu you will look forward to enjoying a tasty dinner while you observe stunning views across the city from your hotel window. This return to Kathmandu marks the end of your Manaslu Trekking Itinerary, and the mountain memories stay with you strongly even after being back among city people. Activity: Drive for 8-9 hours Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. Kathmandu Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: 3 Strar Hotel
Day 12 :
Departure Day
Your Manaslu region adventure concludes by creating beautiful lifelong memories. If you have any leisure time, you can take a stroll through Thamel and purchase products of handmade crafts pashminas, and Thangka paintings before departure. As your Nepali adventure draws to an end, complete your experience by tasting traditional Himalayan cuisine. Our representative will arrange your airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport where you will leave with Nepal’s spirit along with all your special memories. Meal: Breakfast
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost) Best available accommodation Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek Meals & Drinking Water All your standard meals during the trek 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in a guest houses. A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal Purified drinking water during the trek using Water Filter or water purification tablets. Transportation All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle Transportation by bus from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (trekking starting point) and at the end from Dharapani to Kathmandu Guide and Staff Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Nomad Adventure’s trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people) Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients) Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance and medications for all staff Medical Assistance Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance) Medical kits, including an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels in high altitudes Permits TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card Annapurna Conservation entry permits Manaslu Conservation entry permit. Restricted Manaslu Trekking Permit. Benefits and Takeaways Sleeping bags and down jackets, duffle bag (one for every two trekkers) if you do not have your own company’s T-shirt & Cap Trip completion certificate Administrative & Taxes All administrative expenses and government taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Price Excludes Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu International flight fare and airport departure tax Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa) Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek or other itinerary changes Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage Medical check-ups, vaccinations, or medications required for the trek are not included. Any beverages including bottled and boiled water Tips to trekking staff and driver Personal trekking gear and equipment Any expenses other than the Price Include section Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled bottle water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc Personal clothing and gear
FAQs
Can I do the Manaslu Trek 12 days solo, or do I need a guide?
The <strong>Short Manaslu Trek </strong>cannot be done independently. Since <strong>April 1, 2023</strong>,<strong> Nepal’s government</strong> does not permit solo trekking in the Manaslu Region.
Hiring a <strong>licensed guide </strong>is compulsory, as they know the safety regulations, proper navigation, and arrange your stays and permits. <strong>Porters </strong>are also encouraged if the load is heavy on your back.
Do I need travel insurance for the Manaslu Trek 12 days?
<strong>Indeed</strong>, there are really strong reasons to take travel insurance when undertaking the <strong>Short Manaslu Trek</strong>. You’ll be covered by your insurance for <strong>high altitude trekking, </strong>and if a<strong> medical emergency</strong> or<strong> evacuation happens (helicopter rescue), providing safety and a peaceful trek.</strong>
What flora and fauna can I expect to see along the way?
The <strong>Short Manaslu circuit trek </strong>takes you through a range of ecosystems, beginning with subtropical forests of<strong> pine</strong>, <strong>oak</strong>, <strong>rhododendrons</strong>, <strong>flowers</strong>, and so on.
The trail passes through livestock and wildlife, especially<strong> Himalayan blue sheep</strong>, <strong>musk deer</strong>, and<strong> langur monkeys</strong>. High in the mountains, it’s possible to see snow leopards and Himalayan griffon vultures soaring above.
What Kind of Food and Accommodation is Available along the Trek?
Teahouses will be the available accommodation with basic establishments and facilities.
Dal Bhat (<strong>lentil soup</strong> and <strong>rice) </strong>is the best, common, and traditional food along the route that helps you maintain energy throughout the trek.
You can also taste Tibetan-influenced dishes like <strong>momo </strong>(dumplings), <strong>noodle soups</strong>, or <strong>Thukpa </strong>and <strong>Chowmein</strong>, although it will not be in the package and will be your expense.
Are the Guides helpful and Friendly?
<strong>Yes</strong>, as Nepal is known to be a Friendly Country overall, the Guides along with porters are extremely helpful and friendly indeed.
What’s the distance of the Short Manaslu Trek with return?
The total distance of the <strong>12 days of Short Manaslu Trekking</strong>, including the return, is about <strong>177 to 180 kilometers (110 to 112 miles)</strong>.
What’s the Difficulty Level of Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The <strong>Short Manaslu Trek</strong> Has been Labelled <strong>Moderately Challenging</strong> in Difficulty Level.
