“No such trekking trip is as spectacular as Manaslu Trek if it is blended with Annapurna Circuit Trek or combined in a reverse way” said one of the foreign tourists who visited both regions. So, we did start offering Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek and, frankly telling, people who love instilling the absolute thrills of adventure in off the beaten and remote area of Nepal, are hugely rejoicing this trek as it is a lifetime experience.
Then, why Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek is distinct from any other treks in Nepal? Definitely, there are a few reasons that make this trekking trip a very special and astoundingly popular among the adventure enthusiasts around the world.
First, this trek is very special because only those who dare to challenge the top level of adventure trekking in Nepal above 5000m above the sea level venture on this trekking trail.
Second, the highest arid landscapes with breathtaking mountain setting at the Tibetan Border, local people and their age-old civilization and astonishing culture, thrilling suspension bridges and deep gorges, holy and historical monasteries and caves etc. make one enthralled to experiencing them during Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Third, the most important one: mighty mountain peaks: Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and Mt. Annapurna (8091m), two of the world highest mountains and other majestic summits including Machhapuchhre( Fishtail), Ganesh Himal, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and nemurous other alluring peaks are conspicuously visible.
Most adventurously, trekkers who are undertaking Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek are going to cross Larke –la Pass (5106m./16751ft.) and Thorung la Pass (5416m./17769ft), which are two of the world highest passes. Let’s go together and triumph over them and earn a lifetime achievement.
Since Machhakhola next to Sotikhola and Arughat Bazaar is the trailhead for Manaslu Circuit Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek, one has to go there by private jeep or public bus from Kathmandu. It takes around 7-8 hours to get Machhakhola from Kathmandu. Initially, you will follow Prithvi Highway and then to country road to get the final destination that is Machhakhola. You will have some stops for snacks and toilets.
You will arrive at Pokhara via Jomsom by private jeep or public bus ride once you complete your Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek. Pokhara is, actually, one of the most popular tourist hubs and the gateway for Annapurna Region Trekking and the ending point as well. We end this trek in Pokhara and get tourist bus or private car/jeep for Kathmandu following, mainly, Prithvi Highway passing through Mugling, Trishuli River and Malekhu. Finally, we pass Thangkot and arrive in Kathmandu.
What is the best weather for Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek? This is one of the most common questions to be asked by the trekkers who are preparing their Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek. One must venture in the best weather in order to triumph over Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek since it is completely wilderness adventure trekking above 5000m from the sea level. If it is rainy and snowy on the trail, one really cannot accomplish this trek.
The best time to travel to Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek is between Sep-Nov. These months in Nepal not only offer best time for Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek but they also are the finest times of the year for trekking and hiking. The temperature is mild, the region and the trail receives no rain and snowfall and the mountain breathtaking during the months September, October and November.
Similarly, people who are willing to travel to Manaslu and Annapurna region can find the months March, April and May equally beautiful as September, October and November. The flowering rhododendron and cascading natural water falls in lower Manaslu and Annapurna region make the entire trail and the trip more enchanting during the trek.
Since Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Area Trekking are remote and less crowded treks specified as restricted area treks by the government of Nepal, the trekkers who are undertaking this trek will be having a very basic food and accommodation at local teahouses and lodges. The local lodges and teahouse are run by the local people and they offer only ordinary accommodation because they are very remote from the modern cities. However, the beds you are using will be comfortable and clear enough to spend a single night. If you are wondering about the cost of one accommodation, the cost ranges between Rs. – 500-1000. During the peak trekking seasons Autumn( Sep-Nov) and Spring ( Mar-May), the cost may rise up to Rs. 1500.
Now, let’s talk about Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek Foods. Again, the food items are presented in the menu by the local teahouses/lodges. Actually, they don’t offer many items of food in their menu and you have to find some of the items from it. They, normally, offer Nepali Daal Bhat, Curries, Noodle Soup, French Fires, Tibetan Bread, Dumpling etc. Don’t expect to enjoy your favorite food item of food like you do in modern restaurants in the cities. In fact, you make one local item favorite during the trek. Can’t you? Or Nepali Daal Bhat can be your favorite.
You are suggested to bring some light snacks for the trek so that you don’t go starved on the trail if you even don’t want to have the food items mentioned in the menu.
Vegetarian? Yes, vegetarian will have the options of foods. They will offer you only vegetable items if you don’t want to have meat on the trail. You don’t need to panic about it.
You are allowed to have your own item of snacks or food during the trek at teahouse/lodge.
Once you are in Kathmandu (1400m), you are at 1400m and you will transfer to Machhakhola which is located at an elevation of 930m. /3151ft. So, in the first, drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola passing through Thankhot, Trishuli River, Malekhu, Dhading Bensi, Taribesi, Salyantar, Aarughta Baazar and Sotikhola.
Then, you will pass Jagat and slowly get to the core Manaslu Region that is Deng and Namrang where you get an elevation of (Namrung) 2660m. Next, you switch to Samagaon through Salyagaon which is 3550m. Then, a big switch to Punggen Gompa takes you to an elevation of 5039m. After passing through to Dharmashala (4550m), you will ascend up to Manaslu Base Camp (5160m/16929ft.) Before you go to cross Larkya La Pass.Now, you will get the highest elevation of the trek that is Larkya La Pass (5106m./16751ft.). Now, you will witch your tre from Tilche (2300m. /7545ft.) to Timang (2750m./949022ft.) from where you enter into Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail. Passing via Manang (3540m./11614ft and Thorung High Camp (4925m./16185ft, you will cross Thorung La Pass (5416m./17769ft) and trek down to Muktinath and Jomsom. Finally, you drive to Pokhara from Jomsom and back to Kathmandu.
To sum up, the trekking beginning from 1400m in Kathmandu, takes you to two of the highest elevations, Larkya La Pass (5106m./16751ft.) Thorung La Pass (5416m./17769ft) and again ends in Kathmandu. Since you are going above 5000m to cross Larkya La Pass and Thorungla Pass, two of the highest passes of the world, you need to prepare very well and do accordingly.
Definately, Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging trek above 5000m. Simply put, it’s not a joke and an easy task to cross two of the highest passes of the world, Larkaya La Pass ((5106m./16751ft.) and Thorung La Pass (5416m./17769ft) . However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. It is still doable because hundreds of people accomplish Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek successfully.
You need to accompany with right and reliable trekking gear with prior trekking experience. One should have the stamina of trekking at least 7-8 hours a day at higher elevation like above 4000m. If you lack these preparations, don’t dare doing this trek. Also, find the right and the finest weather of the year that is autumn and get ready to encounter the extreme wilderness with basic foods and accommodation on the trail.
Since acclimatization is required while going above 5000m. in the mountain, we will have two days acclimatization on the trail beforehand crossing Larkya La Pass (5106m./16751ft.) and Thorung La Pass (5416m./17769ft) . However, some people prefer to have three rest days to acclimatize their body with elevation well during Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek. Also, we get the elevation gradually by ascending with the proper pacing. If you ascend quickly while trekking in the mountain, there is high possibility of getting acute altitude sickness. We will have one whole day for acclimatization day (Birendra Taal ((3691m. / 12109ft)/ Or Manaslu Base Camp (5160m/16929ft.) beforehand crossing Larkya La Pass ((5106m./16751ft.).
Next, you will have another day Acclimation in Manang (visit Millarepa Cave,(4099m./13450ft.) or Kicho Tal (Ice Lake) before going to cross Thorung La Pass (5416m./17769ft) . If you want to add another day for acclimatization during Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek., we will set Itinerary accordingly.
Yes, there are some cases of altitude or acute mountain sickness with the trekkers every year. Then, what happen to them? They are evacuated safely or made okay with some first aids taking them to the lower elevation. Acute mountain sickness is sudden so that one has to adopt some important precautions:
You can simply install local Nepali SIM card in your cellphone and take it to the mountain. You can also buy data pack to run internet on the trail. In fact, for some days at higher elevation, it may not work, but, it will help you a lot during the trek. You can buy either NT or NCELL Sim car and install call and internet on your phone. It will take no more than Rs.100 for you to get it.
You can also have the access of internet or Wi Fi on the trail at local lodges/teahouses. They may charge you Rs. 200-500 per password or per device.
You can even talk to your family, relatives and the friends from the Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail very easily and can share your images and the videos instantly.
No. Solo traveler is not permitted to do Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek. No solo traveler is allowed to do trekking in restricted area like Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trekking area in Nepal by the government. One has to find at least 2 people or can join the bigger group to do Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek. Also, the group has to be accompanied at least a guide during the trek. It means, without hiring an authorized and licensed guide, the group is not allowed to go in Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Those adventure lovers who are planning for their Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek require obtaining four different trekking permits. These permits are: TIMS Card, Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit and Special Area/ Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Entry Permit. TIMS Card cost Rs. 100, Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit cost each Rs.3000 and Restricted Area Permit cost USD 100 for the first week and has to pay USD 15 per day. Restricted Area Permit Cost from December to August is low because December to August is off season or a low time for Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The trekking or travel company with whom you are planning your Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek will arrange or help you obtaining these permits. Ask them to get them for you beforehand the trek.
Trekkers who are planning their Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek are going to use two kinds of road transportation. They are: Local Bus and Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and back to Kathmandu via Jomsom and Pokhara. Also, trekkers can use domestic flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and also from Pokhara to Kathmandu which is optional but still available. Even no tourists’ buses can be used to go Machhakhola initially from Kathmandu by the travelers like people use for Pokhara and Chitwan. It is total 8-9 hours drive to get Machhakhola from Kahtmandu. If you choose to drive with private jeep, it will be a bit comfortable and quicker. However, while returning back to Kathmandu from Pokhara after you your trek ends, you can enjoy luxury tourists’ buses.
You have to hire at least one guide/porter to do Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trekking because one is not allowed to go there without guide/porter by the government of Nepal as it is a restricted area trekking in Nepal.
The guide you are hiring will be highly experienced and professional. If you choose to hire porters, they will be helping you throughout the trek in many ways. The porters will speak just a little English but still they can communicate with the foreign tourists.
The guide and the porters will not leave you alone from the beginning to the end of the trek. The will continuously be helping you by carrying your luggage, serving you foods, arranging your accommodation and helping your accommodate in new culture and environment.
You just have to pay their wages and don’t have to worry about their insurance, food and accommodation during the trek. Normally, the cost of a guide ranges between USD 25-30 and the porter costs between USD 15-25 per day.
Estimated Budget for Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek
The expenses goes for different titles like Permits, getting Equipment and Clothing, guide and porter, transportation, food, drinks and tips.
TIMS Card- USD 10- equivalent to Rs.1000
Manaslu Protected Area Permit- Rs. 3000
Annapurna Protected Area Permit – Rs. 3000
Special Area Entry Permit Costs:
If you choose to use public bus it costs Rs.700 to get Machhakhola from Kathmandu. If you go with private jeep on sharing basis, it costs Rs.12000-14000. 8 people can share the same jeep While, you will be paying Rs. 1000-1500 for tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu while returning back. IF you want to fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu, you can ask the cost and the seat availability to your travel partner.
Food and Accommodation Cost
Normally, one accommodation costs between Rs.800-1500. The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
One item of food cost ranges between Rs. 500-1000.
You can arrive in Kathmandu via any international flight that people recommend for you. Optionally, you can take a drive if you are using road to enter Nepal. You can use Indian and Chinese border for this. Whatever way you use for arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you and takes you to the hotel. The representative will let you know about the short orientation meeting regarding your Everest-Gokyo Lake Trek. Since we do not have any scheduled activities to do for today, you just rest and relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the city if time favors you.
Today, largely, you will spend your time with astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu. You will go to explore them one by one after your breakfast. The private vehicle will come to receive you along with a professional and experienced city guide at the hotel where your stay and transfer you to the historical and religious sites which includes Swyombhunath Stupa( Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. You end this trip at around between 3-4 pm and prepare well for your Tsum Valley Trekking.
You will either be with public bus or private jeep along the trip today.The road from Kathmandu passes through Thankot and connects the mountain road along Prithvi Highway. We enjoy driving along Trishuli River and cross a bridge laid across it. Next, we get to Dhading Bensi and again pass through village road till we get to Arughat Bazaar. Before getting to Arughat Bazaar, we pass via Jyamire, Golabhanjyang, Taribesi and Salyantar. Our further drive from Arughat Bazaar for half an hour will finally take us to Machhakhola passing through Sotikhola.
You have breakfast and you will begin trekking through incredible landscapes and get to the place called Tharo Khola. You will cross Tharo Khola and switch your trek to Khorlabesi. Next, you will reach Tatopani. Tatopani refers to hot water in Nepali and you will see some natural hot springs there. At Tatopani, you will enjoy trekking in a spectacular valley which leads you to the trail along Bhdhi Gandaki River. You cross the suspension bridge and ascend up hitting the stone steps with colorful prayer flags. You follow the trail and finally reach to Thado Bharyang. As you follow the trail paved with stones, you will get to Jagat, the village located towards the west of Budhi Gandaki River.
Today we get registered our all required and obtained permits at the entry checkpoint at Jagat to enter into Manaslu and Tsum Valley Region. Then, we will ascend a ridge which leads us to Salleri. Salleri offers us a magnificent view of Mt. Sringi. Next, we descend to Sirdibas. At Sirdibas, we experience crossing the longest suspension bridge in Nepal to enter Philim. After crossing this bridge, we continue our walk through beautiful landscapes and finally arrive at Ekle Bhatti.
Relatively, it is an easier walk today. Walking through picturesque landscapes and some magnificent woods, we, finally, get to the village Dyang . The village Dyang has a few lodges/teahouses where you stay overnight.
We head towards the west from Budi Gandaki River passing through forest and Mani. We cross Budi Gandaki River several times and have an opportunity to see monasteries. We enter into the core section of Manaslu Area today. After passing through several local settlements, we arrive at Namrung. The village of Namrung has some monasteries to explore.
Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli greet you with a stunning sunrise today. Initially, we have a comfortable walk until we get to Lihi Village. On the way we head to Himal Chuli Base Camp ((4020m) and also visit Hinang Gumba and trek back to the route which takes us to Lho Gaon.
After you pass Lho Gaon, it is initially 2-3 hours walk through local settlements and picturesque landscapes until we get to the village Samagaon.
After we leave Samagaon once we have breakfast , we walk towards Birendra Lake, a freshwater lake in the lap of Manaslu Himnalayan range and walk back to Samagaon for overnight stay. Or, we can walk to Manaslu Base Camp and walk back to Samagaon. Both Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp do not offer any kind of accommodation to us.
Today’s walk is relatively easier. We walk through beautiful chortens and mani wall. You will walk for 3-4 hours only to get to Samdo from Samagaon.
Today’s walk is also shorter than your usual walk. You will cross a wooden bridge and forward towards Dharmasala. Previously, there would be only one traveler’s rest at Dharmasala but these days, there are few isolated teahouses wher you stay overnight. On the way to Dharmasala, you will witness Larkyay Glacier. Dharmasala is also known as Larkay Phedi.
Today’s walk is very important and challenging as well. The more you climb, the more the trail gets steeper. Once we arrive at the apex of Larkya La Pass ( 5140m), we are mesmerized to witnessing of Kangguru, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Namjung Himal, Ratna Chuli and Annapurna II. Next, we have a descent towards Bhimtang. On the way, we witness alluring giant Mt. Manaslu. The decent may be challenging for you and you have to be very careful while going down to Bhimtang. If the layer of ice is heavy, you can use crampons too.
Have breakfast and begin this section of journey today. The landscapes and the pasturelands you pass through will mesmerize you tremendously all the way from Bimtang to Tilche. We also encounter the suspension bridge over Dudh Khola river. At the same time, you will relish a beautiful walk via rhododendron woods. By passing through narrow fields and ridges that takes you to the bank of Gho. For the bank of Gho, you will ascend up to the village of Tiliche, where you stay overnight at local teahouse/lodges.
You have got an easy day today. You start your walk following the rough road track. Next you will pass through manis, some picturesque landscapes, local settlements, wooden bridge with a natural water fall on your left and some ridges till you arrive at Timang. Now, you are in Annapurna region switching your walk to Chame.
You are already on the Annapuran Circuit Trekking Trail now. We have total 12 kilometers to cross today form Timang to Chame. And we have to pass through two places before getting to Chame from Timang. These are: Thanchowk and Koto. Overall, it’s a wonderful walk through mountain landscapes viewing mountain summits and the local settlements with manis and prayer flags. This is an easier walk because you will walk only for 3-4 hours today.
It is total walk of 14.5 kilometers from Chame to Upper Pisang. To cross this distance, we spend around 6-7 hours. You pass the incredible valleys and arid landscapes while moving towards Upper Pisang. After you leave Chame, you will walk for 2-3 hours and get to Bhartang . Walk past Bhartang and enjoy magnificent mountain landscapes and arrive at Dhukur Pokhari. Our further move from Dhukura Pokhari with an increased elevation of 600m, we arrive at Upper Pisang.
It is total 10 kilometers walk from Upper Pisang to Ngwal spending 5-6 hours. The more you ascend the more picturesque landscapes and views you will view. The place you pass through, today, is Ghyaru. Ghyaru is a small settlement with a few lodges and local teahouses. Walk past Ghyaru and move ahead towards Ngawal. Arrive at Ngawal getting an elevation of 360m.
You will have a descent today. The elevation will be decreased by 120 meters today while you get to Manang from Ngawal. The places you pass through today are: Humde and Braka. The total distance you cover today is 10 kilometers spending around 4 hours.
You have got three options today for acclimatization in Manang. You can either visit Millarepa’s Cave or Kicho Tal or Hundred Rupees Gumpa in order to adjust your body with newly gained elevation during Manaslu Trek with Annapurna Circuit Trek. Or, you can simply walk around the city of Manang and relax.
It gonna be a bid day for you because you are going to get an elevation of 660m today all the way up to Leder. You will spend total around 6 hours to get Leder from Manang. The landscapes and mountain views will be more mesmerizing since you are getting close to Thorung La Pass. Arrive at Leder and take a long and deep breath after a day acclimatization at Manang.
After you leave Leder, you will head to Thorung Phedi. Within 1-2 hours you will arrive at Throung Phedi and move ahead for Thorung High Camp. As you leave Thorung Phedi, the trail gets steeper and after facing and hitting the steep trail all the way going up finally takes you to Thorung High Camp where you stay at local teahouse. Today, you will get the elevation of 725 meters.
This is another big day for you. You know you are going to cross Througla Pass (5416m./17769ft) and enjoy magnificent mountain panorama including Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and many other alluring summits located in the same region.
The trail gets steeper as you approach to the apex of Thorungla Pass. You will totally be mesmerized to get the top of the Thorungla Pass since you can believe your eyes to witnessing breathtaking mountain panorama and experiencing the absolute thrills of adventure. Now, you walk down to Muktinath. Arrive at Muktinath and explore Muktinath Temple, a holy Hindu site located at the lap of mountains with incredible natural flame and 108 water taps.
Walk along the rough road, you will also encounter numerous jeeps and motorbikes heading and returning to and from Muktinath. Enjoy the local settlements and arid landscapes while walking from Muktinath Jomsom.
You can take local bus or private jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara. Optionally, the domestic flight lasting 25 mins. also available if you want to avoid road travel. Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy exploring Pokhara city with your favorite restaurant and dishes.
It’s 7-8 hours drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You also can take short flight lasting 35 minutes to get Kathmandu from Pokhara. You will be driving with luxury tourist bus passing through Damauli, Maugling, Trishuli River and Thangkot. Arrive in Kathmandu and get refreshed and go for a beautiful farewell dinner with typical cultural show.
Today, you will leave Kathmandu for your home or for other trips that you are going to undertake. For this, we receive you from the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport and we bid farewell and you will depart. Have a wonderful time ahead.
All set dates are guaranteed departures. If the following dates are not suitable for your travel plans then contact us for your custom trip dates. The private trips are available on any date of your selection at any time of the year.
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Milan and his team made our trip to Kathmandu unforgettable. My travel partner and I got to the country having no idea what to do and how we would navigate the city until Milan came in and saved the day. His team went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t have to do any logistics and could just enjoy our vacation. With knowledgeable tour guides and the best hospitality in the city, Milan gave us an insider’s view of Nepal with an experience that left us feeling like family.