Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most regarded treks in Nepal, which takes you deep inside the ethereal Nubri Valley. The Manaslu circle trip continues to be highly unexplored and isolated, which enhances its appeal. Eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters, Manaslu, is ringed by the trek. Despite being somewhat under the radar for trekkers everywhere, the trail has been acquiring its much-needed recognition in recent years.

The route leads you from the humid lowlands with their terraced fields of rice and millet through the massive gorges of the Budi Gandaki, which are home to stunning waterfalls and turquoise-colored waters. The Manaslu trek has suspension bridges that are unmatched in length and height.

How Difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Trek is generally considered as fairly challenging. To complete the Manaslu Circuit, hikers will have to navigate over rough terrain. The region’s untamed and isolated landscapes necessitate an extended stroll.

Additionally, trekkers in the Manaslu Circuit need to maintain a basic level of fitness and stamina. Before the trip, they must put in extensive preparation to get ready. This trek will be very difficult for first-time trekkers.

Additionally, the highest elevation along any of Manaslu’s trekking paths is 5160 meters. Trekkers may experience altitude sickness as a result. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness before starting your Manaslu trip, as well as the acclimatization process.

Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit – Nubri Valley

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, Gorkha (Drive 8 Hours)

You depart early on the first day from Gongabu, Kathmandu, towards Soti Khola, Gorkha. The bus drops you off at the Budi Gandaki river’s base after passing by the banks of the Trsihuli and Marsyangdi rivers as it proceeds down the Prithvi highway. You will travel for about 7-8 hours and then spend the night at a lodge in Soti Khola.

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Jagat (Trek 7 Hours)

You set off on your trip from Soti Khola, riding a jeep north along the Budi Gandaki river. To reach Machha Khola, you have one hour. Here, your trek begins. You will reach Dobhan before midday after passing Tatopani, where you will stop for a quick lunch before continuing. Above Dobhan, the valley widens, displaying mountains in the distance, shrouded in clouds. You’ll arrive at Jagat, which is the official entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area, about dusk. At Jagat, you spend the night.

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Pewa (Trek 6 Hours)

Early in the morning, after breakfast at Jagat, you will walk to Salleri and then descend to Sirdibas. Before you arrive in Philim, the community greets you with a number of gompas and Buddhist prayer flags.

You will have your permits examined at Philim before continuing down the river’s western side.

The trail splits off to the Tsum valley on your right as you continue on, after you cross the Siyar Khola bridge. You will eventually arrive at Pewa, your final stop for the day.

Day 4: Trek from Pewa to Namrung (Trek 6 Hours)

Make an early start and ascend the winding paths while crossing the bamboo forest to reach Deng. In order to reach Rana and Bihi Phedi, you must first cross a suspension bridge.

The path then travels through multiple landslide zones before arriving in Ghap. Your walking at this moment needs to be especially cautious. You will ascend a zigzag from the river to Namrung (2660m), a charming village, after about an hour on the unsteady trail.

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaun, Manaslu Circuit Trek (trek 7-8 Hours)

Now that you are in the heart of Nubri Valley, you can see how the Nubri people live. You will pass by a number of mani walls, verdant terraces, and cottages as you explore the people’s usual way of life in this region of Tibet. From Banjam, you will then enter a forest of fir, rhododendron, and oak trees before climbing to Lihi and finally Sho.

After around 4-5 hours of walking up the steep mountain paths, you will arrive at Lho, where you may stop and eat lunch. You are accompanied by a beautiful vista of Mt. Manaslu as you continue walking. After traveling through a pine and rhododendron valley with moss and a gin-clear creek, you will cross the simple trail to Shyala. To go to Sama Gaun from Shyala, you must walk for approximately an hour.

Day 6: Rest, Explore and Acclimatize in Sama Gaun

Today you acclimatize at Sama Gaon to avoid altitude sickness. In addition, you’ll do a climb to Pungyen Gompa in the Nubri Valley’s east side. You’ll have enticing views of Manaslu once you reach the top. 

The northern Manaslu Base Camp can also be reached on foot. If you take the path, you’ll travel to Birendra Tal before returning to Sama Gaon, where you can spend the night.

Day 7: Trek from SamaGaun to Samdo to Dharamshala (Trek 6-7 Hours)

You must proceed slowly because you are at a high altitude. One can observe extensive yak pastures climbing up a major valley. After leaving the tree line, you will climb to a ridge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki, and then arrive to white Kani. The Samdo village is a short distance away, where you can rest and eat lunch.

Then, as you make your way carefully across the rocky terrain of the Manaslu region toward Dharmasala, take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. You spend the night in Dharmasala.

Day 8: Trek from Dharamshala to Bhimtang via Larke-la Pass (Trek 9 Hours)

Larke La Pass (5100 m)

The Larke La Pass (5,100m), the highest point of the Manaslu circuit, awaits today. Make the earliest of starts.  The most crucial element is the weather because it determines whether the walk will be difficult due to storms or strong winds.

Starting off, we descend to a little lake after crossing the moraine.  The prayer flags indicate the path and help us navigate the walk. After carefully descending to four frozen lakes, you finally climb a difficult trail to the Larkya La Pass.

You may take in the expansive views of the magnificent Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru from the pass. You reach a large meadow as you descend, and the trail gets simpler to navigate. As you draw closer to the broad meadow, Mani walls, and modest homes that mark Bhimtang, the valley widens. You have crossed the highest point and have significantly descended to lower altitude. You rest at Bhimtang today.

Day 9: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (Trek 7 Hours)

This will be the last day of walk in the Manaslu circuit. You will pass through lush forests full of flora and animals, including rhododendron bushes, as you make your way downhill.

Staying on the north (true right) bank till Tilije, the valley becomes more agricultural and lush as you pass through fields of oak and rhododendron. You will then continue walking in the direction of Dharapani, your stop for the day.

Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu

From Tilije, a vehicle will transport you to Beshi Sahar. You will then drive back to Kathmandu. You have accomplished one of the most beautiful treks – Manaslu Circuit Trek – Nubri valley.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Either March/April or October/November are the ideal months for trekking in Nepal. Manaslu Circuit, Nubri Valley trekking is no different.

The springtime brings with it lush vegetation and new blossoms, and the weather is typically clear. The months of October through mid-December also qualify as the best times to visit the circuit. The temperature is just right, the sky is blue, and views of the snow-capped mountains are crystal clear. The Larke Peak ascent can be done at this time. If you’re fortunate, snowfall may also occur, but it won’t be cold enough to make the trip challenging.

Also Check: Tsum Valley Trek – Manaslu, Gorkha