Around Manaslu Circuit Trekking

The morning starts with a scenic, interesting drive beyond Kathmandu Valley towards a winding road. They drive past many farm villages and towns within warm areas following the Trisuli River to reach around Dhading district.

As the drive continues heading uphill and down within warmer areas to reach Arughat within the Gorkha area. From here, the rough dirt road follows the Budi-Gandaki River upstream to the overnight stop at Soti-Khola. And, it’s where our walk towards higher Manaslu Valley begins.

Start the first day of walking from this interesting place Soti-Khola. Walking past smaller villages, it leads us toward the steep valley within a thick forest, And then reach a wide valley opposite a large tributary stream that runs into the Budi-Gandaki River.

As our walk descends to a wide, sandy riverbed, we get nice views of the cultivated terrace of Lapbesi upper village. Then, it follows a trail that meanders below a steep, craggy valley side.

Then walk progresses, to a climb towards Machha Khola for an overnight stop. It’s a village with several tea shops and a small lodge where Maccha Khola means Fish Stream.

From here onward, you will encounter many interesting farm villages and neatly cultivated fields as vegetation changes slowly due to altitude and climate in Manaslu trekking. Next, our morning walk leads to cross over a stream from which Machha Khola's name comes. And then walk upstream towards Khola-Bensi village with Tatopani, a place with a natural 'hot spring.'

Similarly, the walk continues, and the valley becomes narrower and steeper. Then our trail switches to the left bank of the river. And then cross a suspension bridge, after a short walk, entering a patch of forest. And then reach Doban, located on the high shelf of the Budigandaki River.

Our long day walk continues across a broad field towards the stream and over a suspension bridge. Then, leads to a climb on high trails to descend into an open valley of Yara Khola.

And then, our journey continues for another hour to reach Jagat for an overnight stop. Jagat is a nice farm village with a mix of tribes of Magar, Chettries, some Newar, Brahman, and Manaslu Bhotia (Tibetan-looking tribes).

Next day, downhill from Jagat on stone steps to reach a river. Where the path climbs to a terraced hillside at Sagul, from here, one gets superb views of Sringi Himal, which is above 7,187 m high. Then, the walk continued with ups and down the trail, as our route reached a bridge over Budi-Gandaki.

After crossing a bridge, our trail winds up to reach Philim village for a short break. So, observe this nice farm village with rich cultivated fields and terraces.

With a refreshing stop at Philim, a walk from here leads higher past scattered farm villages. Climb through terraces of golden fields of wheat and barley in the Manaslu circuit trek. Then reach a rocky ridge top covered with a bamboo forest area towards Eklai Bhatti, which means a lonely Inn. At present a few more shops have come up.

After a rest, walk towards the higher Manaslu area, where our route diverts toward North West to reach Dyang. Stop at Dyang for an overnight stay, a small, nice village of Tibetan culture.

The morning walk leads to entering into sheer cliff walls within dramatic sections of the walk. Then  Manaslu circuit trek route continues passing the farm village. We see houses and terrains completely change into Tibetan culture from Dyang onward.

From here walk leads to Bihi, a small village with people of more Tibetan origin and with strong Buddhist culture.
Villagers of the area grow buckwheat, wheat, barley, and potatoes as staple crops. Since trekking gain popular around the area, spinach, carrots, and cabbages are also grown.

After the Bihi walk continues for another two hours to a steep-sided and scenic valley, we will encounter Mani prayer stone walls as the walk leads to Ghap, a village with a stop for a possible lunch break.

As the walk altitude gains, enter into alpine and coniferous woodland where the path meanders steep up, as the valley opens with extensive pastures. And then cross a large stream flowing from the glacier of Lidana.

On the walk, enjoy grand views of Manaslu with its native name Kutang (Manaslu) Himal range. Also, Pang Phuchin is 6,335m, Saula Himal 6,235m, with many unnamed peaks above 6000m.

Walk from here with a gradual uphill as the altitude gains slowly. Thus, pass the farm village to reach Namrung for an overnight stop; the village is also called Sho Namru.

With overnight at Namrung, a walk leads to spread out farm fields within Yak country around the high Manaslu valley. The locals here are engaged in farming. Then move to a nice village in a high and scenic valley for an overnight stop.

This is one of the most attractive villages around the Manaslu region. At Lo Gaon, enjoy close views of the towering Manaslu North Face. Also, visit its monastery with numerous corten and Mani walls with views of Ganesh Himal towards the east.

Now onward, walking is much easier, but depending upon altitude route leads to a slow and gradual climb. During this time , you will encounter endless views of the mountain with Peak 29 ahead. After a couple of hour climb, reach a patch of forest and then at Shala village. Also, enjoy excellent views of Phungi, Manaslu, and Himal Chuli.

Walk for a few hours further, where the day completes reaching Sama-Gaon village, with a superb view of Mt. Manaslu.

Sama-Gaon is one of the largest villages within the high Manaslu Valley. Where natives are mostly farmers cultivating buckwheat and barley, the main crops in this high and harsh terrain. But together potatoes and some high and cold vegetables are also grown. Villagers around the high Manaslu valley descended from South West Tibet way back more than 400 years of history. Thus, the customs and culture of ancient Buddhist heritage are similar to its original Tibetan predecessor.

The local villagers are still active in trade and bartering across the border with Tibet. It takes a few days to reach the frontier of Nepal and Tibet.

Today have a free day to support acclimatization before heading towards the high Larke-La pass. So, explore around Sama-Gaon with houses adorned with a similar style of Tibet with grand views of peaks. One can visit this village's old Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

After a marvelous time and rest day in Sama-Gaon, a walk leads to four hours or more to reach the last village within Gorkha and Manaslu region at Samdo. So, the morning walk begins with a slow climb as elevation slowly gains within the dry country. Walk slowly with a short break and enjoy surrounding beautiful views of peaks and dramatic landscapes.

Then reach Samdo village with a short climb to a small flat plateau. This last village incorporates more than fifty houses sheltering two hundred villagers around this high, harsh, dry country.

On leaving the final village of scenic Manaslu Valley, the walk continues to the end of the Manaslu area. Thus eye on great views of snow-capped peaks, including Mt. Manaslu, the world's 8^th highest at 8,163 m.

As the walk continues, cross a few icy streams to reach Larke Phedi, where phedi means the bottom of the pass, also called Dharmasala (travelers' rest house/shade). In the old days, it was also known as Larkey Bazaar because trade and bartering used to take place between merchant traders and locals of Gorkha-Manaslu-Manang people and Tibetans in this remote, isolated spot.

At Larke Phedi, with free time in the afternoon, go for short walks and prepare for the next morning's long climb. Today's day ended with an overnight stay at Larke Phedi.

An early morning walk leads uphill past a few huts of Dharmasala. Walking over a moraine of rocks and boulders in snow conditions can be arduous, to find the right path.

However, the walk follows our lead guide past the ablation of north Larke glacier, facing views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. As the walk continues, the gradual climb gets steeper to reach the top of Larke-la, adorned with thousands of colorful Buddhist prayer flags.

From the top eye on the excellent panorama of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II include a series of Manaslu peaks.

Now, a long descent takes you to a valley called Larcia, with another walk on moraine ridge to Tambuche at 3,900m. Then a short walk leads to Bhimthang for an overnight stop after a long, tough day walk.

Bhimthang is a lovely place on a wide green valley with several lodges adorned with prayer Mani walls. Green tall trees of rhododendron pines and oaks surround the area.

The rest of the journey is much easier downhill, but long walks with short climbs take on route to Gho and Tilje villages. In the morning, catch views of peaks and walk into thick alpine woodland in  Trekking around the Manaslu circuit.

Next, head into beautiful forested areas to reach a small clearing amid woodland at Gho. Gho is a small cattle and yaks herders' summer pasture and temporary settlement area. Due to trekkers passing this route, few lodges have been built to cater to the needs of travelers.

After Gho, take a few hours of walking to a Tilje village beside the raging Marysangdi River for an overnight stop.

Today will be the adventure's last walk, leading towards much descent following the Marysangdi River to Tal and Chamje villages. And then reach another Jagat village in the Lamjung area.

From here, a steep descent takes you to the river valley at Syange village for a final overnight stop before heading back to Kathmandu or other destinations.

After enjoying a marvelous time and experience on Around Manaslu Circuit Trekking and over the high Larke-La pass, it‘s time to return. Morning board in a vehicle for an exciting and interesting overland journey to reach Kathmandu again for the last moment within amazing Nepal and its Himalayas.