Exploring the Majesty of Manaslu Circuit Trek

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The original route follows the river to Khorlabesi and the warm spring at Tatopani, continuing on the eastern bank of the Buri Gandaki to Doban, Thulo Dunga and Yara Bagar. The trail crosses back and forth across the river on suspension bridges to reach the entry gateway for the Manaslu Conservation Area and Jagat, with its Flagstone village square. There’s a conservation area office here where restricted area permits are checked. If the trek is rerouted, day 5 may involve following a high path on the east side of the river before dropping to meet the old trail near Doban.

From jagat, the trail passes a sidetrail to the stone-carving village of Bhi, sadly ravaged by the earthquakes, before reaching Bhijam, still tracing the route of the Buri Gandaki. Eventually, the trail drops into Deng, but many lodges were damaged here and there.

Day 6 climbs above the Tom Khola to Longa Chuta and then enters an enchanting forest of fir and rhododendron full of birds and langur monkeys on the north bank of the Buri Gandaki. Cross back to the southern bank to reach Namrung, a former customs post in the days of the salt route to Tibet.

Beyond Namrung the trek enters upper Nupri where the dialect changes to a form of Tibetan and most people dress in Chubas, the Tibetan-style wraparound cloak. Climb past barley fields with watchtowers for bears, through Barsam and Lihi, where most houses were severely damaged. Above Lihi, the trail passes turn-offs to a series of local gompas and to the base camp for ascents of Himalchuli, before reaching, Sho, also damaged by the quake. Views become increasingly epic as Manaslu, Manaslu North and Naike peak appear at the head of the valley. It’s a short walk on to Shrip and finally Lho, which saw damage to its large and busy Ribum Gompa, as well as to lodges and houses.

Destruction follows the trail to Shyaula, where most buildings were damaged, including the gompa. Continue across a series of valleys, passing trails to more rural gompas, to reach Sama also known as Samagaon. Many buildings collapsed here and it was not clear at the time of writing which lodges, if any, were still operational. There are several interesting monasteries in and around the village, showing varying levels of damage from the earthquake.

The altitude gain requires one or even two rest days in Sama. Most spend the time exploring the gompa at Pungyen, a day hike via a side trail branching off halfway between Shyaula and Sama. It is possible to continue up this valley to the moraine of the Pungyen Glacier. Other options include trips to the lake at Birendra Tal and the challenging climb on wards to Manaslu Base Camp. North of Birendra Tal, Milarepa’s Cave was said to have been used as a meditation retreat by the Buddhist saint, but you’ll need a guide to find it.

The trail on wards drops back to the Buri Gandaki, passing the turn-off to Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley  widens as you reach Kermo Kharka, but it’s a long walk to reach the white Kani marking the entrance to Samdo. Many buildings here were badly damaged; assuming it is possible to stop here, you’ll have time to walk to the peak above the village for grandstand views of Manaslu. If you feel like another acclimatization day, a rewarding six to seven hour hike climbs 640m to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier, with sweeping views towards the passes used by locals to cross into Tibet.

It takes three to five hours to cross the Larke La, the high point on this trek. The ascent is cold and windy and the crossing can be dangerous if there is snow on the pass. Check the status of the crossing before leaving Samdo. The trail to the pass is marked by cairns but is indistinct and hard to follow after snow. Follow the moraine to four frozen lakes, then ascend to the pass itself for a show-stopping line up of peaks. Descend to the west over treacherously slippery scree to reach Taubuche, where the trail becomes easier. As the valley widens, the trail drops into Bimtang, once a major trading post on the Tibetan salt route, where many trekkers gathered for safety after the 25 April earthquake. An interesting side trek follows a trail above Bimtang to the crystal-clear glacial lake of Pungkar Tal.

The descent begins in earnest on Day 12, so make the most of the scenery in the morning before heading down to the Dudh Khola and on to Soti Khola, also known as Khare, beneath the looming mass of Phungi Peak. Follow a sweeping arc off the ridge down to the river bank and the village of Gho.

The landscape gets greener as you drop through fields and forests to follow the north bank of the Dudh Khola to Tilje, the first real village after Samdo. Leave tilje via the Kani at the end of the village, the cross the stream to reach Thonje. Continue to Dharapani by crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi. You have now connected with the Annapurna Circuit trek, and can enjoy creature comforts for the final descent to Besi Sahar and on to Pokhara. Dharapani has jeep connections to Besi Sahar, but the ride is such a bone-shaker that many continue on foot to pick up a bus in Chame or Bhulbule.

In morning, the hotel indicates breakfast/lunch/dinner for you. When you finished your breakfast, your trail was continually start  from Besisahar. You catch the bus/Jeep from Besisahar to Kathmandu. It takes 6/7h to reach Kathmandu from Besisahar. Then when it arrive in Kathmandu it transfer to Hotel for you.

In day 15, you should take rest in hotel. If you want to shopping, you should go to shopping in Thamel or in anywhere else. You spend your last night in Kathmandu. If you want to celebrate your success you may celebrate and enjoy.