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Trip Facts
- Duration 22 Days
- Start FromKathmandu
- End FromKathmandu
- Trip GradeModerate to Strenuous
- Max Height 5416 m
- AccommodationHotel/Guest House
- TransportationPlane/Bus/Jeep
Best Season
March, April, May, & September, October, November
Trip Highlights
- Go on trip to regions of Annapurna and Manaslu – in a combined trek full of adventure and natural beauty.
- Reach Larkya-La Pass for wonderful and rewarding views of the surrounding mountains, hills, and valleys.
- Trek along Budhi-Gandaki River Valley, a pristine and less-crowded location in Nepal.
- See magnificent geographical formations at several points in the trek.
- Reach the windy medieval trading town of Jomsom.
Trip Overview
Manaslu Annapurna Double Circuit trek is a program designed by Vista Trek for an extended trekking experience in the popular routes of Nepal. We will begin with a trek to Manaslu Region and later continues from a junction to Annapurna Circuit. In this program, you will have a chance of witnessing glorious snowy peaks, green hills, old villages, and cross two popular high pass Larkya-La & Thorang-La.
The trek begins from Budhi-Gandaki River Valley in the west to Marshyangdi River Valley in central Nepal. Most of the trek happens inside the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area that requires a special permit to visit. Vista Trek will take care of the paperwork while you look forward to this trip to the Nepali wilderness. For the flora population, this region is mostly grasslands & pasture, green hills of oak and rhododendron, and at higher altitudes, the vegetation gets sparse as barren lands begin to appear. As for the fauna population, this region holds a high chance of spotting the snow leopard at higher altitudes. In these rocky slopes, snow leopards find it easy to conceal their colors against the brown-caramel-ish grayish rocks. If you spot one, it’s going to be through a pair of binoculars or your telephoto lens.
Magnificent snow-clad peaks are visible at a close distance that mostly belongs to Manaslu Mountain Range. In later part of the trek, you will also witness several sections of the Annapurna Massif. In the foothills of these giant peaks, intact is the ancient cultures and traditions followed by the native people. They practice a Tibeto-Buddhist culture, that is directly woven into the fabric of their daily lifestyle. The heritage they have here is one of the most unique and secluded in the world. Appreciate these and more as you stay in their hamlets and homes, and see how these people depend on the mountains for their survival.
The one thing you’ll probably gain after this trek is a first-hand understanding of how people live in harmony with Nature. Colorful monasteries that are some of the oldest in the region, stupas, chortens, and prayer walls are what you’ll see near villages mostly. You need to be fit and fine for this trek – a regular walking habit is necessary. The best time to go on this trip is in spring and in autumn.
Trip Itinerary
- When you land at Kathmandu International Airport, a staff rom Vista Treks will welcome you and bring you to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at your hotel or spend the time around Kathmandu. Stay overnight in the hotel.
- Today, We obtain special trekking permit of Manaslu Region. You can spend freely in Kathmandu doing some shopping for trekking or take a Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city to observe some of the ancient town, temples and monasteries. Overnight at Hotel.
- After breakfast we embark on a seven- eight hour drive to reach Sotikhola. The road is mostly easy and smooth at first but later in the day it gradually becomes rough until we arrive at the destination. Sotikhola is also the place where the real trek begins.
- In the morning we begin on our trail headed towards Machha Khola. The route is narrow today, first passing through the village of Lapubesi and then descending to the sandy path along the river bank, we arrive at Machha Khola where we will stay overnight.
- After breakfast, we cross Machha Khola and begin along the ascending trail until we arrive at Khorla Bensi. At this location, there is a natural hot spring where you can take a dip and relax for some time. After this fun break, we move further following a path across the forest to arrive at Doban. The next destination on our route today is Lauri, from where we cross a suspension bridge to reach Jagat for the overnight stay.
- The trek today is around seven hours. Entering the conservation area, we will head north crossing several beautiful villages at first. On the outskirts of some villages we will come through tall pine trees and also some bamboo forests. The scenic trail today is lined by a couple of surprises such as a waterfall and beautiful valleys. At the end of the day we will arrive at Deng where we will stay tonight.
- After breakfast we will begin on our trail following Budhi-Gandaki River. Through several ascents and descents, we will trek inside forests of oak and pine. We will encounter further waterfalls and come to the village of Rana. From here, we will head to Bihi Phedi where we’ll stop and have lunch. After the break, we will continue gradually through the beautiful landscape until we arrive at Shringi River near the village of Ghap for the night.
- We will begin after breakfast at Ghap. We will follow the bank of Budhi-Gandaki along dense forests of rhododendron and fir. If you happen to be here in season, it’ll be blooming in hues of red and crimson. We will cross some villages where houses are mostly built of wood, notably the village of Namrung. We will trek further to a checkpoint and a little more to arrive at Lho. It’s a vantage point from where we can clearly see Shringi and Ganesh Himal. Hop into a tea house and stay overnight.
- Today, the trail descends a little bit and then ascends through small Tibeto-Nepali villages where we can see a unique mix of cultures and traditions. As you might see here, some households still practice polyandry. Seeing the unique culture, we will head up to Sama Gaun, a village with wonderful views of Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi-Chuli, and Manaslu Glacier. Stay tonight at Same Gaun.
- Sama Gaun is a good place for acclimatization. In this place of moderate altitude, you can spend a wonderful day acclimatizing and adapting to the environment. After breakfast, walk around the village and later in the day we will trek to some vantage points nearby. Return to Sama Gaun for the overnight stay. Have dinner and sleep to save up on energy for the trek ahead.
- We start early after breakfast. Leaving Samagaun behind, we will head to the village of Samdo. It’s a short walking duration for today - with under four hours of actual trek; but you can take rests along the way and enjoy the trek. The trail descends to Budhi-Gandaki River, from where we will head on the route to Larkya-La Pass. It’s an easy terrain and also an easy walk - with scenic spots along the way. Get awed by the terrain as you anticipate arriving at Samdo. Once here, you can rest and relax by going to bed early.
- After breakfast, leave Samdo heading towards Dharmashala. Early on in the trail, we will cross Budhi-Gandaki River and head uphill. During the ascent, we will cross two more rivers until we come to the Glacier of Larkya. Take some pictures and ascend further to reach Dharmashala. Located at 4,350 meters, this place is quiet and beautiful. Enjoy the serenity for the rest of the day and go to bed early to save up on energy for the trek ahead.
- Starting from Dharmashala our trail first ascends to a moraine in the north. Heading along the ascending trail, we will come to Larkya-La Pass at 5,165 meters - the highest point of Manaslu Region. Take a break here, enjoy the views and move on by heading down the gradually descending trail to a pasture. Bimthang is near. At 3,725 meters, it’s a scenic village, where you’ll sleep after a challenging day of trek.
- Starting immediately after breakfast, we will follow the descend trail from Bhimtang enjoying the views of Cheo, Himlung, and Manaslu peaks. We will come to a wide grassland, trek across it, and come to Dudh-Koshi River. Cross it, and enter a forest of pine through a narrow valley until we arrive at the hamlet of Karche. Take a break here, and continue further along the ascending and descending trail to arrive at a river bank. This is the village of Gho where we’ll stay overnight.
- After breakfast, we walk for about 3 hours to Dharapani. A downhill easy on the legs, the way walks everyone through either hills with grasses, shrubs and sparsely populated trees or farmlands or villages; Dharapani, on the highway to Manang, is our stopover for lunch. Entering the Annapurna Conservation Area from Manaslu Conservation Area again requires a permit; and this is the check-point. The journey onward will be a lot more open with chances of seeing people from several countries traveling in groups. From Dharapani we take on Jeep and drive to Manang. Overnight in Manang.
- Immediately after breakfast, we will leave Manang. The gradual decline in vegetation, which finally gives in to the nature leaving the landscape almost barren by the next two hours’ walk, also cautions everyone traversing of the harshness of the terrain. The tea break at Gunsang comes as a welcome retreat after an hour and a half’s walk. Blown away by the view from this point, many are, in fact, forced to stop for around half an hour in appreciation; along with the Annapurna Range and Marshyandi River Valley with Manang Village still visible but distancing away, the panorama now also includes the Manaslu Range beyond the end of the valley. From Gunsang, another 2-3 hours comfortable walk will bring us in Yak Kharka both for our lunck and overnight stay.
- Today we will be heading towards Thorang Phedi, the base of the popular Thorang-La Pass. Starting after breakfast, we will first trek slight uphill and again down hill to cross a river.Here, we will take a break and move ahead through a trail lined by cliffs until we come to Thorang Phedi. Here you are likely to encounter several other groups waiting to cross the pass tomorrow. Stay tonight here in a camp.
- Today is our toughest part of the trip. It is very long and hard day. We take our breakfast very early, and start our trek with pack lunch. The trail goes steeply up to High Camp. We walk slowly having rest on the way. 4~5 hours tough walk will finally bring us at the top of Thorang pass which is one of the high trekking pass in the world. We take few minutes here, taking photograph, enjoy the scenery of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. From here we go all the way down to Muktinath for overnight.
- Today we visit the Muktinath temple early in the morning and continue our trek. It is easy and enjoyable downhill to Kagbeni Village where we can visit old monasteries. From here onward, the trail follows windy path on the bank of Kaligandaki river to Jomsom. Over night in Jomsom.
- Most flights in and out of Jomsom happen in the morning because as the afternoon hours creep in, strong winds make it nearly impossible to operate a flight here. So, get up early, get to the airport and get on a plane to Pokhara. Spend the rest of the day in Pokhara visiting a spa, a massage center, or simple relax with the drink of your choice.
- Early in the morning, we will begin the drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Once you are in the capital, have a free day enjoying shopping, hot-water bathing, relaxing in a sauna, or simply seeing around town. Stay overnight at the hotel.
- Depending on your scheduled time of flight, our staff will transfer you to the airport for your flight ahead.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- 3 nights Deluxe hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Local lodges accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed guide,plus experience porter ( including their food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
- All local transportation by bus as per the itinerary.(Jeep driving from Dharapani to Manang, and Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- All necessary permits and entry fees including Trekking permit to Manaslu.
- Medical kit box.
- Rescue assistance.
- All government taxes.
- Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets etc. if needed).
- Our service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($40).
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
- Any personal expenses.
- Any kind of hot & Cold drinks
- Staff & driver tipping.
Trip Gallery
Trip Map
Useful Info
About Accommodation.
In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at Hotel Sapana Garden and at Hotel Mount View Pokhara in Pokhara. Local lodges accommodation provided during the trek on twin sharing basis. Hotel in Kathmandu and in Pokhara comes with private bathroom , however in mountain, toilet and shower will be on sharing basis. In the busy months, (October/November & April/ May) you may have to share the room with other traveler as some villages have limited number of local lodges .
About Meal
You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental , Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Dinner and breakfast serve at the teahouse where we stay and lunch will be served on the way to next destination. In Kathmandu and in Pokhara, only breakfast is provided. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no worries, Nepal is such a easy place to get several vegetarian options.
About Staff:
A Guide and a porter assist you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. In a group with more than 8 guests, 2 guide will be provided. A porter provided for 2 trekkers, and carries between 15 to 20 K.G.
About Equipments
Following Equipment list is recommended to bring for the trek.
Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleecy jacket, T – shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp, thick and warm woolen socks, Light cotton socks , A day bag to carry your valuable, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, rain coat, Sun block, lip balm , Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit, Flash light, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel and toiletries etc.
Physical Fitness and experience
Manaslu and Annapurna double Circuit Trek is a challenging trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag. Some days are even longer with 7- 8 hours of walking, therefore this is not suitable for the beginner. This is high altitude trek which demands more physical fitness, However if you are strongly determined and have excellent health and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Few weeks prior to the trip, doing some physical exercise is better . No technical skill is needed however past experience also helps . If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or for blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to Vista Trek P. Ltd.
About Insurance,
You have to obtain the travel insurance which should cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Some Insurance policy’s cover only up to 4000 meter, so please kindly confirm with the insurance company before you purchase it.
About Seasons
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Manaslua and Annapurna double Circuit Trek.
About Bus Drive
Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide , strike or by political issues. In such case trip itinerary will be affected. Thus, we would like to request you to add few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
