Manaslu Circuit Trek Days: Comforts (and Quirks) of Basic Amenities

19 Dec 2023 Chandra Gurung

Table of Contents

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit trek days can truly be one to remember when you trek around a 177-kilometer journey around the world’s highest peak, Manaslu.

Do you know?

Every year, about 2000- 3000 people around the globe come to explore the raw beauty of Manaslu. It is one of our privileges to witness the wilderness of the Manaslu Conservation Area, stroll through the rhododendron forests and rugged terrain, and learn about the whereabouts of Manaslu.

Imagine waking up to the mesmerizing views of Manaslu and the soothing, crispy, and cool air, unlike usual. Treating yourself to yak butter tea and embracing the daily quest to the mystic killer mountain, Manaslu, won’t that excite you?

Get packing to capture the wonderful vistas in the Manaslu region. Join us to learn about the quirky comforts and rural charm of the Manaslu Circuit Trek days and the basic amenities.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of Amenities:

Manaslu Circuit Trek days can be truly enduring. The sunrises over Manaslu can awaken your soul, reward you, and leave you breathless like never before. Manaslu Circuit brings new enthusiasm each day after day, demanding resilience and making you stronger with each glance at the majestic Himalayas.

Have you thought about how Manaslu will treat you? Quirky comforts to relaxing avenues—all is possible when you plan your trip with a Himalayan guide.

Wondering what our Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary plans are? Have a brief look.

Day 01: Kathmandu – Arughat Bazaar to Sotikhola (710 m altitude/ 7-8 hours’ drive by bus).
Day 02: Sotikhola – Khanebensi to Machhakhola (869 m / 5-6hours)
Day 03: Machha Khola – Khorla Bensi – Tatopani and Jagat (140 m/ 7-8hours)
Day 04: Jagat – Philim – Ekle Bhatti, and Deng (1750 m/ 6-7 hours)
Day 05: Deng – Rana – Bihi Phedi – Ghap Namrung,(2630mtrs/ 6-7hours)
Day 06: Namrung – Lama Gaoun to Lho 3180mtrs/3-4hours.
Day 07: Lho – Syala to Samagoun, 3525 m/ 4-5hours.
Day 08: Rest Day in Samagaun, 3525 m. (Visit somewhere)
Day 09: Samagaun to Samdo 3875mtrs/ 3-4hours.
Day 10: Samdo-Larkye Bazaar to Dharamsala 4460mtrs/ 3-4 hours.
Day 11: Dharamsala – Larkye Pass (5160 m) to Bimthang 3590mtrs/7-8 hours).
Day 12: Bimthang – Yak Kharka to Tilije (1963mtrs/6-7hours).
Day 13: Dharapani – Tal to Chamje to Besisahar (1760mtrs/ 5-6hours drive by jeep).
Day 14: Besisahar to Kathmandu by Jeep or local bus 6-7 hours’ drive

Manaslu Circuit Trek Days 1-3: Kathmandu to Jagat

Mountain Whisper, luxury hotels, fueling for adventure, and nature calls in Manaslu can introduce you to something amazing you have wondered about. Beginning with 3-star luxury at Kathmandu, you will have a scenic drive to Sotikhola, which will be your first stay at the foothills of the Manaslu region.

Sotikhola offers you cozy lodges, shared bunk beds, shared hygienic bathrooms, hot water, and authentic Nepali food and cuisine. Squat toilets and pans are available. While you do have access to some dietary options on a pre-informed basis, cell service can be limited depending on the weather conditions, and since Wi-Fi is available, charging options are quite available.

Your second-night stay will be at teahouses in Machhakhola, which is also a typical layout. You can expect similar services at SotiKhola, and the quaint teahouses will be happy to accommodate you with their comfy amenities. The third day passes by with your 5 to 7 hours of exhausting trek, enduring experiences, and a great way to rest in the teahouses and hotel rooms at Jagat. You can expect a grounded level of comfort and a hygienic environment to fit in with a hot plate of delicious local cuisine.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Days 4-6: Deng to Namrung:

As you approach Nemrung, it takes you about 6 to 7 hours of walking from Jagat, passing Philim and Ekle Bhatti, and the altitude gets higher. Because of this, you can experience changes in amenities. You reach an elevation of 1750 m above sea level on the 4th night of your Manaslu Circuit trek at Deng.

You may find it difficult to skip dairy products, so vegan get-pack snacks. But on early request, things can be arranged. Meat products, veggies, and Dal Bhat are the essence of this region. In-built bathrooms are quite rustic in these regions, with access to room fresheners, mountain havens, solar power, and hot water facilities.

On the 5th day, by surpassing Rana village, Bihi Phedi, and Ghap, you reach Namrung, at an elevation of 2630 m. You can get Wi-Fi services at the teahouses, but cell connections may get poor. Day 6 holds your experience of the rural charm of Lho village, which is 3 to 4 hours away from Namrung, on foot. Prepare for a cold night in the comfy beds and amenities of Lho. You have camping options too, but what’s unique is that you have access to hot springs and yak cheese around the Bimthang area.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Days 7-9: Lho to Samdo:

Savor the local dishes and have a unique experience of Tibetan culture in the heart of Samagaun, at an altitude of 3525 meters. Your 7th and 8th nights will be at the same elevation level. The chill air has a lot to say.

The Himalayan sky welcomes you with a cold breeze; that’s when soothing yak butter tea does its magic. You can share stories and laughter, have warm meals, endure the camping reigns, enjoy pre-packed snacks, and shower some fresh energy in a shared rural bathroom. You may need wet wipes, as these might not be available in the teahouses of this region.

As you acclimatize, on day 9, the time has come to trek steeper terrain for 3 to 4 hours and reach Samdo, at 3875 m above sea level. You can expect shared outhouses, squat toilets, some Wi-Fi signals—rather poor ones—and mobile connectivity that becomes hard to catch.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Days 10-12: Dharamshala to Tilije

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you pass by a serene ascent to charming rural villages, and now its final one, Dharamshala, at an elevation of 4460 m. You can expect basic amenities, toiletries, a shower, a squat toilet, and freshly prepared local meals.

It’s time to lose some elevation and trek to Tilije. Chasing the whispers of the forest, witnessing prayer flags, and relaxing at tea houses, you wake up and trek to Larkye Pass, a challenging one at an altitude of 5160 m above sea level.

From thereon, you will pave your way down to Bimthang, whose lodges and teahouses welcome you with quirky amenities. You again introduce yourself to better Wi-Fi, luxury rooms, and stir-fried vegetables. If lucky, you can witness the traditional dance of the season. And savor the journey in the vibrant and tranquil atmosphere.

Day 12 marks the time when we follow the trail wind directing toward Yak Kharka and finally, descent to Tilije (1963m). That’s when quaint houses can savor modern touches with the seasoned warmth of Gurung culture.

Days 13-14: Return to 3-star/5-star hotel at Kathmandu

Embracing the rural charm and the rustic simplicity of the Manaslu region, you return with rich memories. After a long day of trekking from Tilije to Dharapani to Chamje, you finally rest at Besisahar. The day’s plan includes trekking and jeep drives.

In guest houses, lodges, and hotels in Besisahar, you can swap stories, plan vibrant nightlife dinners, and explore various cuisine options. You can find a blend of rustic and modern themes at the night stays at Besisahar, so opt for what you prefer.

On Day 14, you will take a jeep or local bus ride, depending on the day of departure, from the lap of the Himalayas. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to drive to Kathmandu. Prepare to stay at heritage homestays or luxury hotels in Kathmandu, with an expansive swimming pool, spa services, creative cocktail parties, and rooftop dining.

Conclusion

Manaslu Circuit trek days offer you an avalanche of options, from 3-star luxury at Kathmandu to the teahouses rural charm of the remote Manaslu villages. With basic amenities, you can expect to have comfort at your night stay at each level, on your 14-day Trekking itinerary. You can expect that comfort needs to be compromised to some extent, as higher altitude gains make it difficult to access networks, communication, and infrastructure in rural villages.

As you descend, you will be re-introduced to luxurious options, hot shower, Wi-Fi connection, and private rooms. Prepare for colder nights, and pack snacks for high altitude to energize your soul. Acclimatize, and embrace challenges as these shall surpass to reveal the most iconic Himalayan views and majestic experiences like ever before. So, are you ready to sign up for Manaslu Adventure?