Manaslu Circuit Trek - WOMEN ONLY (15 days / 14 nights)
15 days / 14 nights
2024 GROUP DEPARTURE DATES
APRIL 29 TO MAY 13
(as part of ght women leaders campaign)
november 10 to 24
2025
april 27 to may 11
october 4 to 18
Photo credit: Robin Boustead
Manaslu is the 7th highest peak in the world located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The circuit treks allows hikers to experience diversity in the landscapes from forested hills to alpine high passes while visiting villages near the Tibetan border where locals are mainly Buddhists. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is stunning and a worthy rival of the more popular treks like Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. The trek takes you to Larke La Pass where you immerse yourself in the grandeur of the mountain ranges of Annapurna II, Kang Garu peak and Cheo peak for a view of a lifetime.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is world class for good reasons. To make the experience more meaningful for hikers, we are organizing a trek that is for WOMEN ONLY led by a Nepali female trekking guide to create equity and inclusion in the trekking tourism industry. This trek is supports the mission of the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice Collective (PVC), which advocates for Workforce Equity for porters in Peru, Nepal & Tanzania. Hence, the trek ensures porters and guides receive fair wages, accident and illness insurance, essential gear for the trek, and proper meals & accommodations.
Note: Low-budget tour operators often offer this trek at low prices at the expense of mistreating and underpaying guides & porters. By joining this trek, you are supporting the work of PVC to create equity and inclusion for female guides and porters in Nepal.
Read more about Workforce Equity via the following articles: One Step at a Time: Creating Workforce Equity for Porters, Workforce Equity for Porters: Why It Matters & Why Travel Companies Should Be An Ally?
THE PORTER VOICE COLLECTIVE
Collectively, we
Listen.
Celebrate.
Amplify.
Elevate.
The Porter Voice.
HIMALAYAN WOMEN TRAIL LEADERS INITIATIVE
In the Spring of 2024, we sponsored the first Nepali female guide to walk 100 plus days on the Himalayan Trail including the Manaslu Circuit Trek as a way to elevate female guides in Nepal’s trekking tourism industry. You can learn more about the campaign via this page. Our Himalayan Women Trail Leaders Campaign is now a Finalist for the Launch Track of the 2024 Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Competition with a chance to win the Pitching Competition set for November, 2024. At this competition, we are developing an initiative that aims to provide female trekking guides with field training and support in the industry. By joining our treks, you are supporting our efforts to create gender equity in the industry.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
You can arrive in Kathmandu anytime on the first day. Transport is provided to your hotel. You have free day to explore the city.
DAY 2 City Tour & Permit Preparation
For this day, you will enjoy a full day city tour and visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pasupatinath. You will then prepare your gear in the afternoon/evening.
DAY 3 Kathmandu to Machha Khola (2,952 feet / 900 meters)
Today, we will do an all day scenic drive to get to the start of the trek. You will pass through the headquarter of Dhading, Dhading besi, Arughat and Soti Khola. We then drive through the forests and proceed towards the source of the Budhi Gandaki river. We will pass through the villages of Riden Gaon, Lambesi and Labubesi. Up and down the road, we will see beautiful waterfalls, rice terraces, valleys and suspension bridges. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki and along the river bed of the same river after Lambesi, we reach our destination of Machha Khola. Driving time will be around 7 hours.
DAY 4 Macchakhola to Jagat (4,625 feet/ 1,410 meters)
The start of the trek will require some hiking up and down. After ascending along the river and past the cultivated fields and stone steps, you will reach the hot spring in Tatopani village. After enjoying the gushy hot waters and relaxing ourselves a bit, we shall walk through the forest and cross the Budhi Gandaki to reach the ridge of Dobhan. You will cross the Yaru Khola and arrive in Tharo Bharyang by walking through the stone steps. Your destination of Jagat is reached after crossing the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river.
Hiking time: 6.5 hours
DAY 5 Jagat to Deng (5,922 feet / 1,805 meters)
Jagat will impress you with the tidy slate-pave street. After getting our trekking permit and MCAP ticket checked at Jagat, we climb over the hills of Salleri and then pass through the village of Sirdibas. Soon after, we cross over the Ghatta Khola past the water operated mill and through a suspension bridge to reach to the Gurung village of Philim. Philim has the MCAP head office, micro hydropower plant, school supported by Japanese nationals and a health post. The trail turns north above the village and soon passes the village of Ekle Bhatti. We continue on past a narrow gorge, beautiful waterfall, occasional glimpses of wildlife and the smaller settlements to the opposite side of the gorge. After around two hours, we depart from the main trail and proceed further north after crossing a river. Further along the trail and past the dense rhododendron forests, flowers and views of the Ganesh Himal, we cross Dyang river and arrive in Deng village.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 6 Deng to Namrung (8,628feet / 2,630 meters)
Today, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki River several times on suspension bridges. Beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend to Rana village. We further ascend and join the trail of Bhi pass to reach Bhi Phedi and then pass through Mani walls and forests to get to Ghap. The trail from Prok village gives the view of Siringi Himal. The trail further goes upstream next to the river. We cross the river at a spot where river flows into a gorge, and from there the trail becomes easier again. We reach Namrung after a steep climb.
Hiking time: 6 hours
DAY 7 Namrung to Samagaun (11,581 / 3,530 meters)
Today, you will explore the gompas, barley terraces, chortens and Mani walls along the beautiful villages. We pass through the side valley of Simnang Himal with the close view of Ganesh Himal. Through the Sho, Lho and Shyala village we reach the Sama village. Views of Mt. Manaslu, ancient Ribung Gompa shall enrich our trekking experience. Shyala village provides the view of Himal chuli, Peak 29, glaciers and other treks including the Ganesh Himal seen far away. Ahead lies our destination for today, the Samagaun.
Hiking time: 5.5 hours
DAY 8 Acclimatization day in Samagaun
This day is set aside for acclimatization. You will explore the surroundings of the village and hike through the grazing wall towards the Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake. Dense forests, rhododendron and juniper trees welcome us as we move further up to be welcomed by the lake and icefall of Manaslu Glacier. Samagaun is a lovely village that has houses aligned in a row. I't’s the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp. We also visit the ancient Pungyen gompa that provides an extraordinary view of the glacier. There are several folklores that narrate the faith of the locals towards the gompa. We also explore the nearby Sherpa village and have an insider’s view into the local culture and lifestyle.
DAY 9 Samagaun to Samdo (12,664 feet / 3,860 meters)
Today, we continue our journey along the Budhi Gandaki river that has turned north from the village of Samagaun. We move past the trail leading to the Manaslu Base Camp along the Larke La Pass where the Mani walls radiate the faith of the locals. On the way comes the Kermo Kharka and from there we continue by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river. We ascend towards the stone arc where below we find a large white Kani. Finally, we reach the destination of Samdo. Samdo has two hiking options; one hike heads to the back of the Samdo village and the other towards the Gya La pass.
Hiking time: 3 hours
DAY 10 Samdo to Dharmashala (14,632 feet / 4,460 meters)
The mighty Budhi Gandaki river is again our companion of today where we walk down the edge and cross the river moving up the trail. We reach the stone guest house in Larke Phedi or Dharmashala after crossing a couple of streams and witnessing the Larke glacier and the valley of Salka Khola. Today, we do a short walk which leaves us plenty of time for acclimatization. This further enhances our ability to adapt to the altitude and prepare us for the next day’s hike up towards Larke pass.
Hiking time: 3 hours
DAY 11 Dharmashala to Bhimtang (16,929 feet / 5,160 meters)
This is one of the most interesting and challenging days as we climb up to the Larke La Pass. We do an early start as this is a long day. The hike up takes us to the north side of the pass to witness the Larke Peak. You may find blue sheep, marmot, pika and Tibetan snow-cock tracks and snow leopard paw prints if you are lucky. Across the accumulated earth and stones deposited by the glacier, our slow ascent will take us further to the steep and last section of the pass. At the top, we get to see the mountain peaks of Annapurna II, Kang Garu and Cheo. Afterwards, we start our descent and walk past the pastures until we reach Bimtang village in the mist dominated afternoon.
Hiking time: 7 hours
DAY 12 Bhimtang to Karche (8,858 feet / 2,700 meters)
Today, we hike past the pastures of Bhimthang and make our climb over the moraine, through the wooden bridge and the dense forest of rhododendron, pine, juniper, and spruce. The authentic view of the Manaslu , Larke, Nadi and Chuli Himal can be observed on the way. You will pass Hampuk and Sangure Kharka. Following the intersecting glacier, we cross the steel Bailey’s bridge to reach the small village of Karche.
Hiking time: 5 hours
DAY 13 Karche to Dharapani (6,102 feet / 1,860 meters)
Today, on the rocky terrain along the river bed we contour along the sliding hillsides as we descend and reach the village of Tilije. Tilije has the diverse coexistence of Ghale Gurung, Manangis and Chhetri community. This has also created a blend of cultural and architectural elements. Walking down the Dudh Koshi river and Marsyandhi valley, you will cross a suspension bridge and climb a chorten shaped arch before reaching Thoche (Thonje) village. After Thonje village, we will reach Dharapani where our trek ends. (Dharapani is the starting point of the Annpurna Trek)
Hiking time: 4 hours
DAY 14 Dharapani to Kathmandu
Today, we will drive about 6 hours towards Kathmandu after a long trek. The group will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
DAY 15 Fly home.
You will be taken to the airport to catch your flight home.
*Please note the hiking times above are estimated times; the actual hiking time can be less or more than the times noted above.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Watch the recording of our trip meeting on GHT & all our treks in Nepal via this link.
TREK STYLE
This is a STRENUOUS trek. Recent hiking and/or backpacking experience is highly recommended. You will need to prepare for a cardio workout and consult with your doctor before joining the trip given the high altitude reaching up to almost 6000 meters / 20,000 feet. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the hazards and risks of high-altitude trekking, and sign a liability waiver and terms & conditions forms. However, this is a supported trek; hence, you only carry a daypack with your essentials (porters are hired to carry your belongings). You will be staying in teahouses each night.
pricing
Per person for a group of
2-12 persons: $2950
This trek requires a minimum of 2 persons with a maximum group size of 12.
HOW TO BOOK
You must fill out an application form and send the trip deposit of $950.
The trip balance is due 60 days before the departure date.
For solo hotel and/or teahouse stays, a single supplement fee applies.
Private tours with your date of choice are available upon request.
For questions, send us an email at equity@browngaltrekker.com.
Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS and LIABILITY WAIVER before booking.
Click on BOOK NOW to reserve your spot!
INCLUSIONS
3 nights hotel stay in Kathmandu with breakfast.
City tour in Kathmandu.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
All teahouse accommodations during the trek.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Guide and porter salaries.
Guide and porter insurances.
Assistant guide salary & insurance for a bigger group.
National Park entry fee.
All trekking permits
First-Aid Kit.
Equipment for staff.
Land transportation and airport transfers.
Online pre-trip consultation & support prior to your trip departure.
EXCLUSIONS
International airfare.
Visa fee.
Laundry and dry cleaning services.
Water, beverages & snacks outside of the itinerary.
Tips for guides and porters.
Internet and phone services.
Travel & medical insurance.
Meals in Kathmandu.
Trekking equipment (available as rentals).
Any other expenses outside of the scheduled itinerary.
GEAR LIST The gear list will be provided to confirmed participants. Please note that the gear list is comprehensive and covers all seasons as the weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas.
FLIGHTS
International flights are excluded. You must fly to Kathmandu Airport from your home country. Clients must book their own flights and send a copy of their flight itinerary by e-mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
After making a deposit, you are required to obtain appropriate travel and medical evacuation insurance through Global Rescue. Proof of travel insurance must be provided via electronic mail to equity@browngaltrekker.com no later than the trip balance due date. Failure to obtain travel insurance by the trip balance due date will result in cancellation and no refund of your trip deposit and/or applicable cancellation fees as noted in the Terms & Conditions.
Note: If you opt to buy your insurance from a company other than what we recommend, please ensure that the insurance you purchase covers high-altitude trekking as there is a limited number of companies that provides such type of coverage.
VISA & VACCINATIONS
Please check ahead of time as to the visa requirements. You are responsible for securing your own visa if required. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on vaccine requirements.
COVID-19 TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Please consult with the U.S. State Department, the CDC website, or the website of your embassy for up-to-date information on travel.
TRIP NOTES
Upon booking, you will receive trip notes that include the recommended gear list and specific trek information.