Manaslu Circuit Larke La Pass Trek
Itinerary
Your Journey, Step by Step
SIGHT-SEEING AND TREK PREPARATION
After having our delicious breakfast, we will visit the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The city life is vibrant as the culture and heritage reflect their ethnic identity. Later, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader, guide, and other team members. Bold Himalaya will give us brief detail regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. You can also go for last-minute shopping for your trek. You will find each and every branded trekking gear at Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO SOTI KHOLA
The Manaslu region’s adventure starts today. We will begin our journey driving along Prithvi Highway which runs alongside the beautiful Trishuli River towards Soti Khola. We will pass through dense forests, green terraces, lush hillsides, and past various old and new settlements. After reaching Arughat, we will begin to drive off-road amongst traditional settlements until we reach Soti Khola which is located in the Bhuri Gandaki Valley. It is also the starting point of Manaslu Larke Pass Trekking and several other treks of this region. It is a beautiful yet thrilling one.
TREK TO MACCHA KHOLA
We will begin our trek after having breakfast. We will begin this trek up and down through different landscapes including forests, rice paddies, a cliff-face ridge, a rushing river, and numerous beautiful waterfalls. We will shortly cross a bridge and trek through the beautiful Sal forests. The trek continues onto a ridge above the Budhi Gandaki river. We will climb steep terrains to Kyoropani and descend towards the river to Khursane. The path leads to rocky terrains, tropical waterfalls on a sharp cliff and eventually we will walk our way down to Labubesi (885m)
We will have lunch at the Gurung village of Labubesi. The trek will continue shortly after to a steep climb behind a rocky terrain. The path prolongs through the rocky terrain and opens up a beautiful view of Budhi Gandaki. We will descend to the sandy river banks of Budhi Gandaki and hike along with the rounded stones. The trail leads to the suspension bridge over the river and finally after 6-7 hours of the hike, we will reach Maccha Khola. We will stay for the night at Maccha Khola.
TREK TO JAGAT
After having our breakfast in Machha Khola, we will begin our trek, which follows the gorge and continues up the river. The path is constricted at first and gently ascending and descending, eventually crossing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi. After more ascending and descending, we will reach a small hot spring in Tatopani- the best place to take a break.
From here, we will ascend over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. We will then climb up a staircase and head over a ridge to Doban. Upon crossing another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we will climb a stone staircase and then drop to the river and ascend more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Keep an eye out for neat Gurung villages in the jungle high above, as well as Langur monkeys that walk around in the region.
Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we will ascend over a ridge, trek along the river and then ascend towards the village of Jagat.
TREK TO DENG
After having our breakfast in Jagat, we will make our way through various landscapes and dense sub-tropical forests as well as small rivers and rustic villages to get to our final destination.
We will begin the trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. The village welcomes us with several Gompas and Buddhist prayer flags. The valley broadens a bit as the path continues to the Ghatta Khola river. We will continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. From here, the trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairy level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti.
Then the route will invade a steep, uninhabited gorge where we will descend to the grassy slopes, and then cross the Budhi Gandaki river. Trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank before we return to the west side again. The path broadens through the valley and we will pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola river. After crossing, we will reach the tiny village of Deng.
TREK TO NAMRUNG
After breakfast in Deng, we will begin one of the most important and culturally significant parts of the trek. First, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki river and climb up to the bridge, where we will climb a bit further to join a trail from Bihi. On the trail, we can see white faced monkeys visiting villages on the lookout for a free feed. Then, head west up the valley passing through dense forests, alpine vegetation, and unusual villages housing ethnic groups of the Manaslu region with major peaks starting to appear in the distance.
Even though there is another route, we will take the trail through Prok. This village has a beautiful blessing point of the snowcapped Shringi Himal. We will take a break here and then continue to cross the Budi Gandaki several times, running into several Gompas along the way. The path then chases the river upstream through a dense forest and leads to a narrow gorge. We will keep on moving until we notice the forest becomes less dense. The rewarding part of the walk is an impressive way to experience the Manaslu Conservation Area. We will eventually reach one last steep climb to get to the village of Namrung.
TREK TO SAMAGAON
After having breakfast in Namrung, we will walk around the village for a better viewpoint of Shringi, Ganesh Himal, and also Mt. Himal Chuli to the south. Once on the trail, we will first ascend regularly and pass through forests to reach Lihi, a fine village with many stupas and barley terraces. The path then drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal close by.
Further along, we will pass through the villages of Sho, Lho, and Shyala before reaching Sama Village. We can relish extraordinary views of Manaslu from Lho and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village, we will be enclosed by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead. Other snowcapped peaks can be seen to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where we will spend the night.
TREK TO PUNGYEN GOMPA
Today, we will explore Sama Gaon, an idyllic village with a stone gate and Mani stone wall, so it’s the perfect place to explore the Sherpa culture in the village. In order to acclimatize, we will hike through yak pastures and large grasslands to Pungyen Gompa, which is a beautiful Buddhist monastery and the oldest Gompa sitting in the lap of Himalayas. This is the best viewpoint for the beautiful landscape and surroundings. We can also visit Chorten, and spend some time soaking in the breathtaking beauty of Manaslu (8,163m) along with the other peaks of the region. It also offers splendid views of glaciers. Then, we will hike back to Sama Gaon for an overnight stay.
TREK FROM SAMAGAON TO SAMDO
After having breakfast in Sama Gaon, we will leave the village to continue our trek. Samdo is not so far from Sama Gaon so, it will be another slow and easy trek day. We will slow down our trek and enjoy each and every view that we can witness. We will love everything up there around Samdo. As we leave the village, we will get a sight of beautiful pastures, high hills, and mountains at the top of the view.
The Budi Gandaki river will come across once again and we will use a wooden bridge to cross the river. Just before reaching Samdo, the other village i.e. Kani will be there to host our short break. It is a neighbouring village to Samdo, a very beautiful village dedicated to Yak herding. We will boost our energy by having organic snacks at the village. As we will reach Samdo earlier, we can explore the village thoroughly and we can go up to Samdo Peak. If we want to do this then we shouldn’t waste our time much before reaching Samdo. Samdo is known for traditional yak herding and it portrays the traditional Tibetan lifestyle- breeding sheep and goats, training horses and planting barley. The Larkya La trail is on the left on top of the valley. We can also see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La forming slopes on the Larkya La trail. It offers excellent views of Mt. Manaslu, Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Samdo, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall, and several other peaks.
TREK TO DHARMASALA/ LARKYA PHEDI
After having breakfast, we will hit the trail to Dharmasala. Today’s trek is not so long so, rather than rushing, we will trek slowly by glancing at every scenic view around the trail. The mountains will start to appear closer than before and we will be mesmerized by the views of the Manaslu Region Mountains. However, the path will be a bit rougher now and we should watch every step forward.
We will start climbing down the river, before ascending to Larkya Bazar. The trail passes through several Mani walls and stone huts, and also walk on the gorge of Syacha Glacier to reach Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi. Larkya Phedi provides stunning views of the Larkya Peak (6,249m) and Naike Peak (6,211m). Along the route, we will see many traditional monasteries.
TREK TO LARKYA LA PASS AND BIMTHANG
Maximum altitude: Larkya La Pass (5160m)
Undoubtedly, the trail to Larke Pass is a rough, steep, and challenging one but the views of sunrise at Mount Manaslu (8156m), Larke Peak and Cheo Himal are spectacular. And, we should reach the Pass by afternoon as we have to reach Bimthang before nightfall. We will have the most wonderful day of life while approaching the Larke Pass. The trail passes through the moraines of Larkya Glacier and continues climbing up the steep and icy trail until we reach Larkya La Pass. And all of the struggle and sweat will be paid off from the top. It stands at a surreal height of 5,160m and from there we can get enough views of all the Manaslu region and the neighbouring Annapurna region’s mountain and landscape views. From the top, we will have a panoramic view of Manaslu (8,163m), Himlung (7,126m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Larkya Peak (6,249m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Ratna Chuli (7,128m).
After a glorious time at the top, we will now descend towards Bimthang. Though the trail is descending and easy, the rough and slippery stones can slow down the trek. It will take around 3 hours to reach the night’s destination and along the way, we will come across various glaciers of the region. A much deserving good night in Bimthang.
Today is the most exciting day of the Manaslu Larkya Pass Trekking as we will reach the Larkya Pass. The day is overwhelming as well as exciting one but also a long trek as we will encounter the number of rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, beautiful valleys, and a wide range of flora and fauna.
TREK TO DHARAPANI
From Bimthang, we will descend down to Dharapani, leaving behind the spectacle of the Himalayas. We will climb down Yak Kharka and pass through rhododendron forests to reach Kharche. Then, we will cross the fields and sub-tropical forests as we pass the Gurung village of Gho, en route to Tilije, enjoying the view of Manaslu and the Annapurna ranges along the way. We will cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through an arch- shaped Chorten, pass a Mani wall and reach the Thonje village. We will go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. Following the trail Marshyangdi River downstream, passing through the scattered villages and crossing the iron bridge, we will reach Dharapani village. We will then stay overnight in Dharapani.
DRIVE TO BESI SAHAR
After spending a good time, we will drive to Besisahar for around 3 to 4 hours. We will witness beautiful waterfalls and lush landscapes during the road drive to Besisahar. Enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surrounding, we will reach Besisahar and will take a good rest.
DRIVE TO KATHMANDU
We will enjoy a crisp view of hills and mountains on our drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. The drive will follow the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers, enjoying the countryside view that comprises markets, rivers, bridges, green hills, mountains, farming terraces, and colorful villages along the way. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel and you can take a good rest. Also, you can feel free to explore and enjoy. We will celebrate the successful completion of our trekking with a pleasant farewell dinner.
FINAL DEPARTURE
After wishing you a goodbye, our representative from Bold Himalaya will assist you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your next destination. If you have any intention of extending your stay in Nepal for an adventurous experience like Safari, Rafting, Biking Tours, Peak climbing, and more trekking in other regions, then we would be more than happy to be of help. We also welcome you to visit our country again for more experiences. It would be our bliss to help you plan your next trip to Nepal. Take care and goodbye from Bold Himalaya.
Inclusions
What’s Covered in Your Adventure
- All ground transportation (including trekking starting/ending point, airport pick up/drop) by private tourist vehicles as per itinerary
- Three-star category hotel in the city(Kathmandu) in twin sharing bed with breakfast basis & standard trekking lodge in Manaslu Base Camp trekking route.
- Kathmandu sightseeing with private vehicles & experienced city tour guide
- Whole accommodations during trips as per itinerary
- Some necessary types of equipment sleeping bag & Down jacket (if you need, return after trek)
- Full meals during trekking as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with tea or coffee )
- First aid medicine items
- Manaslu Conservation Area Trekking permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit & TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Experienced, licensed one trekking guide up to five trekkers in the group including their salary, accommodation, meals, and their insurance
- One assistance guide if trekkers are more than five in the group including their salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance
- One porter to carry your luggage (for two guests one porter to carry baggage) including their salary, accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance
- One special cultural show and farewell dinner program
- Duffle Bag to use in trekking, T-shirt, and Trip certificate (after trip completion)
- Our government/Local taxes and official expenses
- Extra Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Dessert & any types of drinks during the trip
- Kathmandu city tour entrance fee
- Your international air ticket & travel insurance
- Tips for the trekking crew members
Good to Know
Your Journey, Step by Step
Before Trekking on Manaslu Circuit, you should be fully prepared. You will require documents that includes passport and permit from ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project). You should pack all these things along with your clothes to get ready for Manaslu Circuit Trekking. In addition, as Manaslu Circuit trekking is in higher altitude you shoul be prepare physically and mentally too. You should join gym classes, do running, swimming and short hiking for better physical strength as well as you can join yoga class to prepare mentally.
Citizens from every country requires visa to enter Nepal except the citizens of India. You will need to fulfill following requirements to get visa of Nepal.
· Your original passport valid for at least next two months and two blank visa pages.
· Photocopies of the personal information page of your passport.
· At least one recent passport size picture of yourself.
· The completed and signed Nepal Tourist Visa Application form.
· Valid return flight or travel ticket.
· Proof of sufficient financial means.
· Proof of having paid the Nepal visa fee.
As Nepal is popular in trekking, government of Nepal has focused on Health and Safety measures of the trekkers. Regarding your safety always be updated with the weather and carry first aid kit, medications and paracetamol along with you. Always walks mountain side while passing by mules and yaks. Be sure to have proper acclimatization as you are trekking on higher altitude.
Insurance
Insurance is must in order to do trekking in Nepal. You have to make travel insurance that covers altitude levels of your trekking. Besides, it should cover sufficient medical facility, natural disasters and Avalanches. Sometimes, trekkers might get into serious medical issue that requires helicopter evacuation. If you don’t have travel insurance for Nepal, you might be in danger.
There are two best seasons Autumn(September, October, November) and Spring(March, April, May) for the Manaslu Circuit Larke La Pass Trek/ Round Manaslu Trekking. Autumn and Spring are the best seasons because these two season offers the best view of the Himalayas, less cold and no rain. Likewise, this season offers clear visibility to the valleys and high mountains, falls some popular festivals that you can experience local culture and festivals.
Manaslu Circuit Trek for Solo Traveller
Manaslu circuit trek is restricted area trekking in Nepal because of the open border with Tibet. In the restricted areas, solo travelers cannot get permit and you cannot travel yourself, need to get a special area permit and must trek through the legal agency’s guide. If you are a solo traveler and interested in Manaslu Circuit Trek contact us for a group join tour. It is easy to get trekking permit in group including one guide to trek on Manaslu circuit.
We suggest you drink 3-4 liters per day while you are at a high altitude. Some locals drink water directly from the tap, but we don’t recommend for trekkers to drink water directly from a stream or tap but you can purify tap water by using purification tablets or life straws. You can purchase bottled water or boiled water from a tea house along the trekking route.
Most tea houses provide solar hot showers and electricity for charging your phone but you have to pay extra amount. At higher altitudes electricity is generated through solar power and there might not be charging plug on your room. You can ask a receptionist to provide you a hot water and charge your phone by paying some charges.
As the trekking is in higher altitude and remote place, No ATM, Banking, and Money Exchange facilities are available along the trek, you must prepare for pocket money from Kathmandu.
As Manaslu Circuit trek lies in Manaslu region which is restricted area of Himalayas. It is mandatory to hire a guide and porter during trekking. It is impossible to trek on Manaslu region without guide as you will be required a special permit from MCAP and ACAP and permit will not be given to you if you are not hiring a guide. Porter will carry your luggage upto 10 kg for each porter. You will be trekking with experienced and license holder guide and experienced porter in this trek.
Porters carry maximum carriers of weight about 20 kg for 2 trekkers, so we suggest to our clients to pack necessary items only, The unnecessary items can leave in Kathmandu Hotel or Office.
Clothing items- Caps/Hat, Warm hats (Banie), jackets(Down, fleece jacket, Water Proof), shirts, Thermal Set( Base Layer), t-shirts, trousers/Hiking Pants (warm & waterproof), Neck Gaiter, Gloves (Inner & Insulated), Towel, Undergarments
Bag packs and Bags – Day Pack, at least you have a 45-50 liters backpack or Duffel bag that can put your necessary items
Footwear- Trekking Shoes, sandals, sucks (Warm) at list 4 pairs, Gaiters (for Winter)
Sleeping Bags- sleeping bags at least -15 to -20 for winter, Sleeping bag liner
Electronics items- Camera, Headlamp or touche with batteries, portable charger( Power Bank)
Accessories – Eye wears (Sun Glass), Trekking Poles, Water Bottle (Hydration Bladder), Crampons/ microspikes (For Winter only)
Miscellaneous- Safety and First aid items & medicine (Including Oximeter & Thermometer), Bag cover/pack covers, Money Belt, hand sanitizer, Sun cream, Toothbrush, tooth cream, Shop, Shampoo, Toilet paper, Booties(for winter) Mitten( For winter) Cards, Shanks, chocolates, Money, Passport, Travel insurance
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
The common trekking days for most hikers to complete Manaslu Circuit Trek is 14 days however it depends on your preference, trekking routes starting and ending points. The Manaslu circuit trek covers 177 kilometers (110 miles) beginning from Soti Khola and, ending at Dharapani making one complete anticlockwise circuit that passes through maximum elevation at Larkey Pass 5106m / 16752ft. Generally, Manaslu Circuit Trek can complete within 9 to 16 days depending on preference and trekking route
Check our 9 days Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu circuit trek moderate to difficult level trek, you need much physical effort to complete this trek. you need to walk 4-6 hours in a day and cross Larkey Pass 5106m / 16752ft. physically fit and mentally prepared trekkers who can walk around 6 hours in a day can complete this trek even if they are beginners.
The best month for Larkya La pass in March, April, May(Spring), and September, October, and November autumn. the best month offers a time the temperature is neither too hot nor so cold, great view, clear visibilities blue sky, however some trekkers does in another month too. Trekking in winter (December, January, and February) for the Manaslu circuit may encounter heavy snow, and rain may affect you in September.
Trekking at higher altitude are not recommended for beginners because they might suffer from altitude sickness or could get different problems while trekking. Langtang valley, Ghorepani, Mardi Himal, Poonhill, Lower Dolpo, Upper Dolpo, Helambu, Panchase, Rara Lake, Jomsom – Muktinath, Sikles, Ghandruk village, Mustang and Ghale Gaun – Bujhung are the best treks for beginners in Nepal.
Basically, Most of the trekking requires the walk of
5-6 hours every day. Depending on the trekking trail some are longer route and
some are shorter route. Sometimes you have to sum up few time walking in trekking
trail for longer trekking destinations and lack of enough time. You can prepare
yourself for 7-8 to 8 hours of walking everyday while trekking in Nepal.
There are wide range of places that you can go for trekking in Nepal. If you are looking for a classic and popular trek, Everest and Annapurna region are the best places. Everest Base Camp, Everest Three Passes, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp are the famous trekking trail of this region. If you are keen on isolated trekking route then Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Dolpo and Upper Mustang are the best.
The Manaslu circuit trek trek requires around 18 days including travel and days in Kathmandu too. Besides, it takes 13 days to complete Manaslu circuit trek which treks around eighth highest mountain, beginning from Soti Khola, going up and back along a different path, ending in Syange.
Larkya La pass is one of the longest passes of the Himalaya in Manaslu region, situated at an altitude of 5,106 meters (16,752) above from sea level.
It is impossible to trek solo on Manaslu Circuit. As Manaslu region is restricted region for trekking, at least you will require a guide with you to get special permit to trek on Manaslu region.
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