A1 Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route, Culture and Geography

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route, Culture, and Geography information will be provided by our company A one Trek. It is a very interesting and wonderful thing around the Manaslu region.


Mt. Manaslu Circuit Trek Route is one of the most exciting and enjoyable high-altitude walks in harmony with picturesque scenery. An adventure from low farm areas to cooler hills covered in lovely woods, lined with rhododendron, firs, and pine trees. Follow the raging Budi Gandaki River to its glacial source at high scenic Manaslu valley near Sama Gaon. Located en route to Mount Manaslu Base Camp and Larke-La Pass, as well as the border of Nepal & Tibet.

Mount Manaslu Circuit Trek Route is the most spectacular, once a forbidden country that was opened to outside visitors in 1992. A Restricted Area of Nepal, where trekkers require a special permit to enter the enchanting country of Upper Manaslu.

Truly a great adventure traversing from one beautiful area of the upper Gorkha district around the Manaslu Himalayas to scenic Manang areas. Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty, Culture, and Geography information will be provided by our company A One Trek. It is a very interesting and wonderful thing around the Manaslu region.

A complete trek of much uphill facing a stupendous panorama of the Mid-West Himalayas from Ganesh, Lamjung, and Annapurna with the Manaslu range.

Besides delightful scenery on walks, trekkers can enjoy exploring traditional villages adorned with age-old heritage. It is festooned with Buddhist prayer monuments and monasteries in the backdrop of the majestic Mount Manaslu.

The Routes & Altitude of Manaslu Circuit:

Total distance of approx. 180 kilometer/112 miles on treks only. Drive from Kathmandu to Machha-Khola via Arughat and Soti-Khola.

Now trekkers can enjoy a long-distance drive from Kathmandu, reaching the low warm farm areas of the Gorkha district. In the early days, most Mount Manaslu Circuit treks started in the town of Arughat at 561 m. A low sub-tropical heavily farmed country, present a few years back, motorable tracks have reached as far as Machha-Khola. Past the village of Soti-Khola, a total distance of 138 km or 80 miles, using a short via Dhading district. Most trekkers stay overnight at Machha-Khola after a long drive of 7-8 hours from Kathmandu.

Situated at an altitude of 900 m high, near a fresh running stream, the word Machha-Khola means a fishing stream. Manaslu Circuit trek difficulty level is moderate and challenging. for the beginners, it is very difficult. Experienced hikers can trek to Manaslu Circuit or Manaslu Tsum Valley trek.   

Jagat village:

The walk leads on pleasant following the Budi Gandaki River for a few hours reaching Tatopani, (hot spring). Then head high to mid-hills at Jagat village after 6 hours of good walks. Jagat is a nice moderate-sized village at 1,350 m / 4,429 feet high. Which is also the entrance and checkpoint to high areas of Upper Manaslu. 

At Jagat, your special permit and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) will be checked. A place with nice simple lodges and guest houses for trekkers' comfort. 

Deng:

Leave Jagat village and enter the restricted areas of Upper Gorkha around high Manaslu. The trail leads along scenic sides of Ghatta and Deng Khola / streams and takes about 6 hours to Deng. A distance of 21 k.m. for the first overnight in restricted areas of the Upper Manaslu area. 

Namrung:

It's a lovely walk with a steep uphill walk to Namrung, as elevation gains from 2,660 m to the small village of Namrung. Enjoy an overnight stay in the comfort of a nice lodge facing views of Mount Manaslu. After covering a distance of 19 km.

Lho-Gaon:

A short distance walk from Namrung to the beautiful village of Lho-Gaon takes about 5 hours covering 11 km. One of the largest and most lovely scenic villages amidst pine woods with views of Mount Manaslu North Face. 

Take time in Lho-Gaon to explore the village festooned with prayer flags, Buddhist monuments, and a monastery. The Gaon is above 3,280 m high within scenic surroundings.

Sama-Gaon:

From Lho Gaon, enjoy a pleasant overnight in a nice lodge facing grand views of snow peaks with Mount Manaslu. The trail covers about 18 k.m. distance from Lho-Gaon to Sama-Gaon at 3,530 m / 11,581 feet. A major village in Upper Manaslu. 

As well as the route to Manaslu base Camp, and Larke-La pass, the walk leads through the nice village of Shyala. Overlooking magnificent views of Manaslu, Cheo Himal with an array of peaks.

Sama-Gaon, enjoy a rest day for acclimatization:

Enjoy a free day at Sama-Gaon before reaching higher ground and towards Larke-La Pass. A wonderful place to explore the local immense culture of Buddhism religion and visit an interesting Pungyen monastery.          

Samdo village. Leaving Sama Gaon towards a higher elevation, from Sama-Gaon onwards tree lines disappear for windswept terrain. Reaching Samdo village at 3,690 m high covering a distance of 16 k.m. or 10 miles.

Samdo is another large and last village in the Gorkha and Manaslu areas, where the route leads to the Tibet border.

Dharmasala:

From Samdo walk to the end of Manaslu Valley for the last overnight stop around the district of Gorkha. Dharmasala is also called Larke Phedi, the walk covers a distance of 12 k.m. from Samdo. A pleasant walk on a gradual path through a series of Mani walls with a short climb to Dharmasala, taking about 4 hours. Cross Larke-La Pass to Bhimthang.

Early morning starts to cross the highest point of the adventure. The trail follows a steep up to Larke-La Pass at 5,106 m high, facing a breathtaking panorama of snow peaks.

Enjoy the views of the whole Manaslu Himalaya range with the peaks of Annapurna and Damodar Himal. The long downhill trip to Bhimthang to overnight around Manang district covering a distance of 24 k.m. of more than 8 hours of walking. Bhimthang at 3,890 m, is a lovely settlement surrounded by pine and rhododendron tree lines with several good lodges.

Tilje from Bhimthang:

A long day walk but easy on a gradual downhill with a few short ups, the trail amidst beautiful rhododendrons and pine forests. Walk to Tilje, a nice village close to the end of the trek to Dharapani, a distance of 17 km. taking more than 6 hours of enjoyable walks reaching Tilje at 2,300 m / 7,546 feet. 

Last day walk to Dharapani village.

Last day walk of the adventure from Tilje to Dharapani village distance of 8 k.m. Almost 3-4 hours of trekking. Dharapani, at 1,669 m / 5,476 feet, stands above the Masryangdi River. Located on the main popular trail of Annapurna Circuit on the motorable road having nice good lodges for overnight halts.

Time permitting, you can take a drive further down to Besisahar town to make it a shorter drive to Kathmandu the next day. Which is about 186 km to Kathmandu from Besisahar, and from Dharapani it will be more than 221 km.

Interested trekkers with more time in Nepal can extend their trip to the hidden Tsum Valley. Requires a week to be included on the Mount Manaslu Circuit trek an extra distance of 70 k.m. Cover all the best in Tsum Valley and then join Manaslu Circuit near Namrung village.

HISTORY, CULTURE & RELIGION AROUND MANASLU TREK:

Trekkers will be amazed to observe the rich culture of Upper Manaslu from Jagat village onwards to Dharapani village. Dominated by Buddhism religion of age-old heritage traditions similar to its Tibetan predecessors across the border.

Every large village from Lho and Sama-Gaon with Samdo to Tilje and Dharapani is adorned with Buddhist monuments. Marked with colorful prayer flags in every house, bridge, and on top of Larke-La Pass.

The name Manaslu, although a Sanskrit word that means soul and spirit of a god, in the local language is called Kutang. This means a flourishing country for yielding high-altitude crops and raising livestock.

Mount  Manaslu is listed as the world's 8th highest peak at 8,163 m / 26,781 feet, the first ascent by Japanese Expeditions. With the support and guidance of Nepalese Mountaineers Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa on May 9th, 1956.

Food and Accommodation in Manaslu Trek

From the start to the end of trekking most lodges on the route are simple and basic lodges and guest houses. The food and accommodation in Manaslu Circuit Trek are similar to the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek which Provides nice clean rooms with mostly common baths and toilets. Needs to carry your sleeping bags for your comfort, and the food is served in a big warm dining room. Having a big iron stove to heat the dining room and to enjoy dinner. The food in many lodges serves a wide range of food menus from Nepali famous Dal-Bhat and Tibetan. Includes Chinese, Continental, and Indian food and snacks, some larger village lodge also serves fresh bakery products.

But at Dharmasala or Larke Phedi, the lodges are few for hundreds of trekkers during high season. Sometimes trekkers have to spend overnights in tents on the lodge premises, while food is served according to the menu.

For electricity facilities to charge electronic gadgets, most lodges have hydroelectricity power. But in some places like Dharmasala, and Bhimthang the lodges have solar power. Wi-Fi and internet connections are available in Dharmasala, Bhimthang, and Dharapani villages. After crossing the Larkey Pass, you will enrich the Annapurna Region which is a very popular trekking Destination in Nepal. from the Dharapani the route heading up to Mnanang for Annapurna Circuit Trek, Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto pass trek, and Nar-phu trek. 

But due to bad weather, with a cloudy afternoon, the internet line got disturbed and interrupted in some high areas. The internet and local cell phone lines get obstructed, around deep gorges and valleys, blocked by high hills and mountains.

For charging every item, you need to pay a fee per hour basis, as well as using hot showers and bathing.

FAQ

1. What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and scenic trek in Nepal that circles Mount Manaslu, the 8th highest peak in the world. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

2. What is the geography of the Manaslu region like?

 The region features diverse landscapes, including lush green valleys, terraced farmlands, dense forests, and high-altitude deserts. The trek passes through the Budhi Gandaki River valley and crosses the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II.

3. What is the cultural significance of the Manaslu region?

 The Manaslu region is culturally rich, with a mix of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu influences.

Villages like Samagaon and Samdo are home to Tibetan refugees, and you’ll find ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags along the trail.

4. What ethnic groups live in the Manaslu region?

 The region is primarily inhabited by the Nubri and Tsum people, who are of Tibetan origin.

Their culture, language, and traditions are deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

5. Are there any monasteries to visit on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

 Yes, the trek includes visits to several monasteries, such as:

Pungyen Gompa in Samagaon, dedicated to Mount Manaslu.

Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa in the Tsum Valley, which are ancient and culturally significant.

6. What is the Tsum Valley, and can it be included in the trek?

 The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan valley known for its ancient Buddhist culture and pristine beauty.

It can be included as a side trip during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, adding 4-5 days to the itinerary.

7. What is the best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit?

 The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

These seasons offer clear skies, stable weather, and vibrant landscapes.

8. How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

 The trek is considered moderately challenging due to its remote trails, high altitude, and long duration (14-18 days).

Proper physical fitness and acclimatization are essential.

9. What permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

 Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (if visiting Tsum Valley)

These permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.

10. What is the Larkya La Pass, and how challenging is it?

The Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) is the highest point of the trek and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Crossing the pass is challenging due to its altitude and steep ascent/descent, but it is a highlight of the trek.

11. What kind of accommodation is available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

 Teahouses and lodges are available along the route, offering basic facilities.

Accommodation becomes more basic as you ascend to higher altitudes.

12. How does the Manaslu Circuit Trek compare to the Annapurna Circuit?

 The Manaslu Circuit is less crowded and more remote than the Annapurna Circuit.

It offers a more authentic cultural experience and pristine natural beauty but requires restricted area permits.

13. What are the major highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

 Stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and other peaks.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass.

Exploring Tibetan Buddhist culture and ancient monasteries.

Visiting the Tsum Valley (if included).

14. Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek suitable for solo trekkers?

 No, solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu region. You must trek with a licensed guide and obtain the necessary permits through a registered agency.

15. What is the food like on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

 The food is mostly Nepali and Tibetan, with dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), momo (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup).


Teahouses also offer basic international dishes like pasta and pancakes.

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal