Touch Kailash Travels & Tours
Nepal Based Tibet & Kailash Tour Operator
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Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip Price

Per Person

Total Duration:18 Days

Destination:Nepal

Trip Grade:Moderate

Meals:Breakfast in Kathmandu and all the foods during trekking

Transportation:Tourist Bus

Accommodation:Hotel and Guest Houses

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a far less crowded Off-The-Beaten-Path trek in Nepal and totally a true remote adventure featuring all the great aspects of a classic trek, including epic scenery, spectacular suspension bridge crossings and a Himalayan pass (5,100m). This trek is among the best treks in Nepal as it takes you around Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest mountain at 8,163metres (26781ft).

Though the trek is wild and remote, teahouses at everyday stages can be found and also the trailhead, the closest to Kathmandu of the major Nepalese treks, is reached over land, avoiding the need for domestic flights. The scenery provides all Nepal has to offer and you’ll trek from the subtropical jungle at lower elevations, through the Himalayan foothills to the high, cold and challenging crossing of the Larkya La above 5,100metres (17,000ft). During the trek, you will be exploring the Manaslu area with the very best local specialists in Nepal readily helping to organize your trek.

Accommodation

While in Kathmandu, you will be staying in 3 - star hotels, whereas along the trek you will be accommodated in teahouses run by the locals. The teahouses are quite basic but comfortable with a common area for meals and relaxing and separate bedrooms. The guides will help you choose the best available teahouses or lodges or homestay and ensure you the quality service.

Heading from Kathmandu with the provided breakfast, three meals per day will be served from the tea house or lodge menus or local homes. As per experiencing remote adventure, a variety of foods will not be available hence we mainly eat Tibetan bread, dal bhat or tsampa porridge and other simple local foods, making most out of the remote experience.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

The Manaslu Circuit Trek usually requires 5-6 hours of walking every day and up to 8-10 hours in high passes some days. Getting prepared with about 12 km of walking or jogging every day before 3 months of the trekking trip is suggested so as to be able to sustain hours of regular walk in the high altitude conditions and remote areas. In joining the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we must have a strong willpower, ability to tolerate harsh conditions, very high level of fitness and good health. Participants should take the responsibility of medical and evacuation expenses and it’s suggested to consult the doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for the trip.

Best Time to Trek

It is not suggested to take the Manaslu Circuit Trek during winter and summer time. The best months for the trek are March to May in spring and September to mid-December during autumn.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01:Kathmandu Arrival

Day 02:Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola [710m/2328ft] 8 - 9 hours

Day 04:Trek from Sotikola to Maccha Khola [900m/2952ft]: 6 - 7 hours

Day 05:Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat [1410m/4625ft]: 6 - 7 hours

Day 06:Trek from Jagat to Deng [1804m/5927ft]: 6 - 7 hours

Day 07:Trek from Deng to Namrung [2630m/8626ft]: 6 - 7 hours

Day 08:Trek from Namrung to Samagaon [3530m/11578ft]: 6 - 7 hours

Day 09:Acclimatization Day in Samagaon [3530m/11,578ft]: 7 - 8 hours’ exploration

Day 10:Trek from Samagaon to Samdo [3860m/12,660ft]: 4 - 5 hours

Day 11:Acclimatization Day in Sambo

Day 12:Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala/Larkya B. C. [4460m/14628ft]: 4 - 5 hours

Day 13:Trek from Dharamshala to Larkya la [5160m/16,924ft] to Bimthang [3720m/12,201ft]: 8 - 9 hours

Day 14:Trek from Bimthang to Tilije [2300m/7544ft]: 5 - 6 hours

Day 15:Trek from Tilije to Tal [1700m/5576ft]: 5 - 6 hours

Day 16:Trek from Tal to Syange [1080m/3542ft]: 6 - 7 hours

Day 17:Drive from Syange to Kathmandu: 8 - 9hours

Day 18:Depart Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Kathmandu ArrivalAfter being welcomed and greeted in the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), we will be dropped off at our hotel. Taking a rest at the hotel, we may stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, we will be attending the welcome dinner that includes Nepalese cuisine which will introduce us to the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner

Day 02Sightseeing and Trek Preparation Right after breakfast, we will be starting a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu, which includes some landmarks such as Durbar Square, Sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath, famous monkey temple i.e. Swoyambhunath and the Buddhist shrine i.e. Bouddhanath. Then we will be ending the day with a brief pre-tip group discussion followed by trek preparation. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meal: Breakfast

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola [710m/2328ft] 8 - 9 hours Today, we set off early for Sotikhola. Enjoying the views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries, we will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, the district headquarter of Dhading, and then on a rough road from Dhading besi to Arughat. Finally we drive further down towards Sotikhola, a major town in the region. Overnight in Sotikhola.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04Trek from Sotikola to Maccha Khola [900m/2952ft]: 6 - 7 hours At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through beautiful Sal forests and climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. Reaching upon Khursane, passing the up and down of the rocky trail weaves, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff, it eventually makes its way around the Gurung village of Labubesi. Further, we climb behind a rocky outcrop to the opening of the valley where onwards Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Walking along rounded stones, climbing over a side ridge, then heading down again to the river and crossing another suspension bridge, we reach Maccha Khola village. Overnight in Maccha Khola.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat [1410m/4625ft]: 6 - 7 hours Through the minor ups and downs the narrow trail makes, we cross the Tharo Khola and reach Khorlabesi. A few more ascends and descends and we come across a small hot spring in Tatopani, from where we climb over another ridge, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Now at this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan, and cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, then we climb the stone stairs, drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Upon crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06Trek from Jagat to Deng [1804m/5927ft]: 6 - 7 hours Climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, we begin today’s trek, and then descend to Sirsibas. Now the valley widens up a bit, the trail continuing up to Ghatta hola. Further walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village, the trial turns north and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Now, we enter a steep, uninhabited gorge, descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, and trek along the west bank, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we continue through the trail, the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola, we now cross the Deng Khola to reach the tiny village of eng. Overnight in Deng.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07Trek from Deng to Namrung [2630m/8626ft]: 6 - 7 hours A brief walk beyond Deng and we cross the Budhi Gandaki, climb to Rana at 1920m, climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. We also pass through forests and mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Now we take the route through Prok village, which has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki several times and coming across several gompas en route, the trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08Trek from Namrung to Samagaon [3530m/11578ft]: 6 - 7 hours Enjoying a very beautiful view of Siring and Ganesh Himal, and also Mt. Himal Chuli in the south from the Namrung village, we climb steadily, pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by, we further pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama village. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. So we enjoy extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. Today, the journey ends in Samagaon where we spend the night.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09Acclimatization Day in Samagaon [3530m/11,578ft]: 7 - 8 hours’ exploration Today we spend the day at Samagaon for rest and acclimatization. We get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. Overnight in Samagaon.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10Trek from Samagaon to Samdo [3860m/12,660ft]: 4 - 5 hours From Samagaon we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The Larkya la trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen, while the trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between the forks of the river. Finally passing through kani we reach Sambo. Overnight in Sambo.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11Acclimatization Day in Sambo On this day for proper acclimatization, we have two options. The highly recommended option is a hike up the valley directly at the back of the Sambo village. This hike takes us to one of the trade passes to Tibet for excellent views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiuchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass. En route to these viewpoints we pass many seasonal herding settlements called dorkas and also get sights of beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin. Another option for the day could be a trip to the Gy La (Large pass) to the north of Sambo, a more frequently used trading route to Tibet, but a rather longer hike (whole day) and hence could be a little tiring. Overnight in Samdo.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala/Larkya B. C. [4460m/14628ft]: 4 - 5 hours We continue to walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. We cross two streams, witness the Larkya Glacier, go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house, a kind of shelter called Dharamshala, aka Larke Phedi. The short walk leaves behind plenty of time for us to relax or acclimatize in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharamshala.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13Trek from Dharamshala to Larkya la [5160m/16,924ft] to Bimthang [3720m/12,201ft]: 8 - 9 hours A short climb and we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers and enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Walking across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass, we get to view outstanding Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. Though a longer day than usual to Bimthang, the walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14Trek from Bimthang to Tilije [2300m/7544ft]: 5 - 6 hours Enjoying great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal from a ridge at Bimthang, we descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. Walking through rhododendron forest and following a trail through a narrow valley, we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785metres. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. We end day at Tilije and stay overnight there.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15Trek from Tilije to Tal [1700m/5576ft]: 5 - 6 hours Cross a small ridge, enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village, we then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola, climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. Go through a police checkpoint at the village and we continue to Dharapani, with which we enter the Annapurna circuit section. Further down, we come across Karte village, cross a bridge over Marshyangdi khola and finally reach the Tal village situated at the foot of a large waterfall, and stay the night there.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16Trek from Tal to Syange [1080m/3542ft]: 6 - 7 hours Following the trail to Chyamje village, crossing the Marshyangdi Khola once again, we will get to Mashyangdi valley open with its terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides. We then descend through rhododendron and pine forests to Syangje, andstay the night there.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17Drive from Syange to Kathmandu: 8 - 9hours We now drive from Syangje to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli river enjoying the sceneries of hills and mountain landscapes, and also the terrace farming. Finally back to Kathmandu, we now will be escorted to our hotels. The remaining day can be spent either relaxing or with the last hour shopping. Later towards the end of the day, we will be attending the farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18Depart Kathmandu The adventure comes to an end today. We trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. We will be escorted to the airport and on our way back we will have all out time to plan for the next adventure in the beautiful country of Nepal.
Included meal: Breakfast

Recommendations for Yatra

Embark on your Mount Kailash pilgrimage worry-free with our recommended Mount Kailash Travel Insurance. Tailored for the unique challenges of this sacred journey, it provides coverage for trip disruptions, medical emergencies, and unforeseen events. Prioritize your safety and peace of mind as you explore the spiritual wonders of Mount Kailash with our specialized travel insurance.

High altitudes pose challenges like lower oxygen levels, inducing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, lethargy, and breathlessness. These affect everyone, regardless of age or fitness. Acclimatization is crucial; avoid tranquilizers and antibiotics. Slow down activities, rest frequently, and reduce talking. Walk slowly, keep loads light, and observe silence with a smile. Consume liquids, avoid sudden exertion, and protect against cold. Don't bathe in streams, protect against dust and sun, and follow experienced guides. Prioritize rest, hydration, and warm clothing during winter.

Wi-Fi will be accessible in Kathmandu, but as we venture into the more secluded regions of Nepal, connectivity will be restricted. The tour guide will carry a satellite phone for emergency communication. Wi-Fi connection is more accessible in the Tibet region as well, while there are no such facilities in Mansarovar, and during the Parikrama. 

Options for e-sims are widely available in supported devices for cellular data, while mainstream social media including WhatsApp and Facebook are prohibited in China. The use of VPNs may allow for seamless communication with family back home. 

During May to September, temperatures in Nepal and Tibet range from 10 to 22°C during the day. Despite the moderate daytime temperatures, the intense sun at high altitudes can create a much warmer sensation. Nighttime temperatures may drop significantly, reaching as low as -5°C.

As altitude increases, the body requires time to adapt to lower oxygen levels through a process known as acclimatization. Proper acclimatization is crucial for maintaining health and ensuring a comfortable journey at high altitudes. Most individuals are affected by the reduced oxygen levels at elevations exceeding 2,500 meters. Diamox (Acetazolamide) has proven to be highly effective in facilitating acclimatization and countering High Altitude Sickness. Further details will be provided closer to the journey.

Please consult your doctor and undergo a medical examination before embarking on the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar yatra. Given the high altitudes, it is advisable to begin exercises such as walking, jogging, yoga, and breathing exercises at least a month prior to ensure a successful journey.

The Touch Kailash Team will be providing a Duffel Bag, a 25l Backpack, and a Down Jacket (on a refundable basis), upon your arrival in Kathmandu. 

Documents:
Carry a small waist pouch or document bag to organize essential documents:
- Passport with photocopies
- Photographs
- Identity card
- Diary for addresses and contacts
- Ball pens with spare refills
- Maps/Charts/Books
- Travel cheques, credit cards & currency
- Airline/Railway tickets/vouchers
- Any other personal documents

 

Common Items:
- Big bag for equipment
- Small light trek bag
- Water bottle/Thermos flask (1 liter)

 

Clothing:
- Enough clothing for the entire journey, including trek suits, leisure wear, jogging trousers, T-shirts, polar fleece, shirts, salwar kameez, etc.
- Wool socks, thick tights, wool monkey cap, scarves, warm light gloves
- Wool/thermal long underwear
- Rainwear (umbrella or raincoat)

 

Footwear:
- Sports comfortable shoes/trainers (Nike, Adidas, etc.) with a spare pair
- A pair of light slippers

 

Toiletries:
- Toiletries kit (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet rolls, towels, etc.)
- Sunscreen lotion/cream
- Facial tissues, wet wipes

 

Camping Items:
- Torch/candle/matchbox/lighter/batteries
- Knife
- Plastic mug
- Dusk masks/face masks

 

Personal & General Items:
- Regular medicines
- Dark sunglasses
- Favorite food for energy (nuts, biscuits, powdered juice)
- Kapoor/Vicks/Inhaler, etc.
- Binoculars/Camera/extra batteries
- Milk powder for tea

 

First Aid Kit:
- Typical backpacking kit for minor injuries
- Diamox/Aspirin/painkillers
- Lip balm/Mustard oil/Vaseline
- Plasters
- TCP, salt, mint, Vicks for sore throats

  • The Currency for Nepal is Nepalese Rupee, while there are options to exchange at the airport, you may find better exchange rates at the numerous exchange centers in the Thamel Market. 
  • The Currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan, US Dollars or other currencies are not accepted. 
  • While US Dollars and major currencies, including Indian Rupees, are accepted in Nepal, this is not the case in Tibet. If you intend to convert your money to Chinese Yuan, you can do so either at international airports or in Kathmandu.

This journey encompasses urban, rural, and remote areas in Nepal and Tibet, resulting in varying accommodations and amenities. Whether it's five-star hotels and guest houses or camping in the breathtaking Himalayan regions under the care of our staff, you can be confident that we will consistently offer the best possible facilities in every instance.

All Travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of tour completion. 

  • Indian Passport Holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal
  • All foreign Passport Holders can get their 30 days multiple entry visa to Nepal at the Kathmandu Airport, or online from the Nepal Immigration Website
  • All Visas and Permits along with other needful documents for Tibet will be arranged by Touch Kailash Team

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