Trekking around Manaslu and Ganesh Himal areas
Manaslu circuit
Days: 18-24 depending on itinery
Difficulty: 4/5 – difficult
Maximum altitude: ~5100m
Seasons: October > May
Accommodation: Some lodges, camping equipment required
Permits: Restricted area – you must go with a registered trekking company in a group of 2 or more (at least 2 permits should be purchased). See permit fees page for more info. ACAP permit also required.
Maps: Manaslu map and see also this rough map of the route.
© Jamie McGuiness - project-himalaya.com
If you want to walk a fairly remote and high section of the Great Himalaya Trail with easy access from Kathmandu, then the Manaslu circuit could be ideal. The complete circuit of Manaslu (8163m) over the the Larke Pass is one of Nepal’s best kept secrets, following remote trails which see hardly any other trekkers.
The trek begins in either the town of Arughat Bazaar or Gorkha Bazaar – it is not actually a complete circuit and the trek ends in Besi Sahar which is also the starting point for the Annapurna circuit. It would also be possible to extend this trek and walk in from Dhunche meaning even more days on the GHT high-level route.
From Arughat, heading northwards for several days the valley opens up to reveal the delightful alpine meadows and small Tibetan-style villages which cluster beneath Manaslu’s sweeping North Face. The trek passes Jagat, Ghap, Pu and Sho, typical Tibetan villages with rows of prayer wheels and mani stones. Eventually the trail reaches Samagaon, the largest and most important village in the region. From here head west and cross the Larke Pass (~5100m), a classic and tough route linking the Buri Gandaki with the Marsyangdi valley. The descent passes through the beautiful alpine meadows at Bimtang before joining the main Annapurna Circuit route and heading to the trailhead at Besi Sahar.
Commercial responsible tourism companies offering this trek:
If you can recommend another company, or want to recommend this trek, please add a comment below and we will amend this page.
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Namaste, I was a physician with the UMN (Amp Pipal hospital) in the Gorkha district for 3 yrs. during the mid-80′s and have memories of many wonderful treks in this area. Ramro sunga janose.
[Reply]
Comment by David Stengel, D.O. — November 19, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
In 2002 started at Arughat Bazar and trecked North to Mugumb and back as a party of six with 30 sherpas. Never to be forgotten scenery and challenging paths and bridges. Delightful people and at the monestry at Mugumb we were said to be the first Europeans they had seen for more than 20 years. Promissed to learn to suture and always carry more wet-wipes next time!
[Reply]
Comment by John Lawrence — March 11, 2010 @ 1:28 pm
Thanks for your comment John. Nice to hear about this.
[Reply]
Comment by admin — March 11, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
I’d also recommend this account of the trek: http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/trek/itinerary/manaslu+circuit.html
[Reply]
Comment by admin — March 14, 2010 @ 3:50 pm