Among overall trek in Nepal, Manaslu trek is considered as the best circuit trek due to its circumnavigated trail towards Mount Manaslu. The trek starts from Soti Khola and ends at Besi Sahar, which is a starting point for a route of Annapurna Circuit. Depending on the length and walking strength, trek can be either longer or shorter however, the average duration for trekking is 14 days. Along with the tea houses on the way, a trekker can also encounter villages that are mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist. The highest and thrilling point of the trek is Larkya La Pass (next to the Tibetan border), situated in altitude of 5167 metres. From this point, the mystical view of Manaslu can be sighted. While leaving the pass, there are still more views to spot. Along with Manaslu, the stunning panoramic view of Cheo Himal, Himal Chuli, Nemjung, Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang and Kang Guru is seen on the way.
The recommended seasons for Manaslu circuit are from March to June and September to November. For the transportation, local bus (takes 9 hours) and private jeep (takes 7 hours) are available from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. Local bus is often pack so, private jeep is suggested for travel ease and safety, although it is comparatively costly. Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) has restricted solo traveler because of safety protocol, so there should be at least two travelers going on a trek together. There must be a permit from ACAP and MCAP to enter Manaslu region for a trek. There is no luxurious lodging and fooding, but there are tea houses with simple beds and foods. Most of the tea houses has telephone and wifi which requires extra money. While completing a trek, jeep is available from Dharapani to Besishahar (6 hours) then, change to another transportation, local bus or private jeep that takes you to Kathmandu.
Itinerary of 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek:
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
Other trekking destinations in Manaslu region are Tsum valley and combined Tsum Valley + Manaslu Circuit.