Manaslu Base Camp Trek blog

Manaslu Base Camp Trek is a Challenging trek in Nepal Himalaya inside Manaslu Region. Also famous as Manaslu circuit trekking; Manaslu base camp trek is done along with Manaslu circuit Larkey pass trekking in Northen Gorakha district of Nepal.

The eighth highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu, peaks to 8,163 meters (26,781 ft.) above sea level. It is situated in the western central part of Nepal in Mansiri Himal range. Manaslu Base Camp lies at the altitude of 4800m. Most part of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek is restrict trekking route. You need special trekking permits for those areas listed under restricted trekking region by Nepal government.

Manaslu is the highest peak in the Gorkha District and eighth highest peak in the world which is located 64 km (40 mi) east of Annapurna circuit trail. Manaslu circuit trekking connects with Annapurna circuit trekking at Dharapani village.

The mountain’s long ridges and valley of glaciers offer feasible approaches from Larkey pass. It’s all directions has made crossing of Manshiri himalaya range a stunning spot for trekkers.

Crossing the range is possible only from Larkey pass. This Larkey pass makes trekking famous as circuit trekking to Manaslu base camp. And connects Manaslu base camp with famous Annapurna circuit trekking.

Good season to visit manaslu base camp

Manaslu circuit Trekking can be successfully done during all four seasons but the best time to trek in Manaslu Base Camp trail is considered during 2 major seasons. Spring (March, April, May) and Fall (September, October, November). Also monsoon (June July august) can be one of the greenest possible trek to Manaslu in Nepal Himalaya.

Until you have a good trekking agency in Nepal or excellent experience of hiking in the alps or Himalayas – please skip the winter trekking to Manaslu base camp. Snow of winter (December, Janaurary, Feb) makes trail from Samagaun to manaslu base camp very slippery. Makes close to technical walking.

The best season is spring season because in this time temperature is cool newly blooming the buds with nice smell environment and beautiful scent of nature. Most of the trekkers love this time for the trekking.

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 How to get to Basecamp ?

Manaslu Base Camp hiking can begin from two or three locations, although it is most commonly done from Sotikhola Bazar. Trail to base camp walks by Budhi Gandaki river valley, traveling through enormous-incredibly steep valleys to the contrasting world of himalayas.

Once you reach to samagaun the steep valley suddenly turns into flat land & ascending to the Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 meters begins from Samagaun village. And returning the same way to join Manaslu circuit trekking trail to get to Marsyangdi Khola after crossing another Challenging Larke La 5213m Pass.

Trail from Samagaun to manaslu Basecamp

Samagaun to manaslu base camp is the side trip of manaslu circuit trekking. A trail should be narrow and slowly upward trail once trekkers reach at Birendra lake. The lake is named after Late King Birendra. He in his life used to visit this lake and samagaun, frequently.

On the way we get the beautiful Birendra lake. After Birendra lake, trail to manaslu base camp is uphill and you can see the awesome view of Birendra lake, Samagaun and Chumbri river valley. On the way back you should follow the same trail – but downhill.

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Larkey pass – a stunning passage over Manaslu range with stunning view

Larkya La is one of the longest passes in Nepal’s Himalaya. The temperature of larkey pass is -15°C to 25°C in the average, through out the entire season. In the manaslu base camp there is no tea house facility in general; but in expedition season ( that is spring season) trekkers can ask for tea with expedition tents but for accommodation you need to have your own tent.

Before larkey pass – trekkers stay at Dharmashala. But you can also start trekking to cross Larkey pass from Samdo itself.

The starting point of manaslu circuit trek is soti khola and finishing point of manaslu circuit trek is Besi sahar.

Trek difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit trek is rated as moderately challenging. To fulfill goal of completing the Manaslu Circuit, hikers must travel across challenging terrain between Dharmashala to Bhimtang. The region’s wildness and isolated landscapes requires a lengthy trek.

Physical fitness is the one of the essential elements for any trek and same applies for Manaslu circuit trekking. It is recommended to you to increase your fitness level by morning and evening walk, swimming, cycling and hiking in the nearest destination etc.. There are many indoor and outdoor activities to increase your physical fitness level. You should do these activities, at least, before two to three months prior to your trek departure date. Starting training for manaslu circuit trekking before 6 months is better ides, however.

Trek days

Basically trekking days for Manaslu base camp circuit trek depends upon your physical fitness level. A manaslu base camp trek should be finished in 10 to 14 days. But you require to walk long duration and lengthy trekking trail.

Guide for manaslu trek

In the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, local trekking guide is compulsory. Without guide you cannot get your trekking permit to go to manaslu base camp trek. Because of this reason – Manaslu circuit trekking is called restricted trekking trail and its permit is specail permit.

Permit to Manaslu is issued by department of Immigration in Kathmandu. However, Porters is not compulsory, it is the optional. But porter can help decrease your bag weight and make your trekking way more fun than with bagpack.

Village on trekking trail

On the Manaslu Base Camp Trek trail there are many village for your trekking easiness. On the way, villages such as a Seti khola ,Machha khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung , Lho, Samdo, dharmasala etc. are destination villages. In these places we will spend night.

Apart from these destination villages there are more than 100s of villages on the trail and many more villages far and beyond. From the trekking trail of Manaslu circuit you will see vertical hills but – interestingly these vertical hills will have villages on the top or over the hills – on the other side.

Length of Manaslu Base Camp Trek

Before the larkey pass – trail length from Dharmashala to Larkey pass top is around five kilometer and you need around 7 to 8 hours to cover this length. It takes the long-time due to trail goes on upward in high altitde. Walking in the high altitude is harder than normal altitude walking.

In total, Larkey Pass length is around 13 kilometers. You should cover the circuit trail in around 9 to 12 hours.

Other side of Larky pass is trekked faster as it takes you downhill. Walking downhill in high altitude trekking is easier.

Road to manaslu trekking start point

You should travel 160 kilometers from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola via Soti Khola to begin the trip. By private jeep, it takes 7 hours, and by local bus, it takes 8 to 9 hours.

Recommended itinerary – Manaslu Base Camp Trekking Outline daily schedule

• Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)

Soti Khola – 700 m / 2296 ft – 7 hrs

• Day 2: Soti Khola to Maccha Khola

Maccha Khola – 930 m / 3051 ft – 6 hrs

• Day 3: Maccha Khola to Jagat

Jagat – 1340 m /4396 ft – 6 hrs

• Day 4: Jagat to Pewa

Deng – 1804 m / 5918 ft – 6 hrs

• Day 5: Pewa to Namrung

Namrung – 2630 m / 8628 ft – 6 hrs

• Day 6: Namrung to Lho

Lho – 2957 m / 9701 ft – 4 hrs

• Day 7: Lho to Sama Gaun

Sama Gaun – 3530 m / 11581 ft – 4 hrs

• Day 8: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)

Sama Gaun – 4400m / 14435 ft – 7 hrs

• Day 9: Sama Gaun to Samdo

Samdo – 3865 m / 12680 ft – 3 hrs

• Day 10: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)

Samdo – 5000 m / 16404 ft – 8 hrs

• Day 11: Samdo to Dharmasala

Dharmasala – 4460 m / 14632 ft – 4 hrs

• Day 12: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass

Bimthang – 3590 m / 11778 ft – 10 hrs

• Day 13: Bimthang to Dharapani

Dharapani – 1970 m / 6463 ft – 7 hrs

• Day 14: Dharapani to Kathmandu (Drive)

Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft – 10 hrs

Helicopter tour

The Manaslu Helicopter day tour is specifically made for people with limited time.The greatest option for exploring the Manaslu region is a helicopter because it is an isolated, confined location with limited access to transportation.

It is challenging to navigate the roadway because of the ongoing road construction. Similar to how muddy the roads will be during the rainy season and the possibility of landslides makes a helicopter journey preferable.

During helicopter tour to Manaslu – you will be taken to Birendra lake and Manaslu base camp before landing at Samagaun village. After brunch at Samagaun village – helicopter will take you back to Kathmandu or pokhara.

What time to start for larkey pass?

In the day of larkey pass, you need to get up early morning around 3 am. One hour for ready to move.  And in the morning easy to hike and low wind and you can see the beautiful sunrise view. If you thinking to go in the afternoon you should be faced the windy with sand and it is really hard to hiking in this time.

Which is the Best starting point for manaslu circuit trekking why?

The best starting point for manaslu circuit trekking is soti khola rather than other because soti khola has best access facilities to spend a night after long off road drive from Kathmandu. Also the next days walk from Soti to Machhakhola is shorter so you can train your legs before stretching very long the next following few days.

Some people also start from Machhakhola but it is not preferred by Nepalgram as we want you to see the trail in between Machhakhola and soti khola; where the local villagers come to these small towns of hilly Nepal for shopping. In these local market you will be witnessing the life of Neplese.