Manaslu short trek is an ideal trek that is far less crowded than other treks in Nepal. This is a wonderful trekking experience into the isolated Manaslu region. It allows you to explore the remote wilderness of high Gorkha district.

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will get to see the magnificent view of various eight-thousand(ers) which includes Mt. Manaslu (8163m). And, pass through beautiful villages, landscapes, flora and fauna.

Moreover, you get an opportunity to witness the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Gurung people. They are the local inhabitants of this region. Hence, this trek holds the perfect blend of amazing cultural heritages with unparalleled natural beauty.

With gaining popularity and increasing number of trekkers, many tea houses and lodges opened in this region, which is why it is also called the teahouse trekking. Since the route is restricted trekking route, you need special trekking permit to trek in this region. And, its not possible to do Manaslu Circuit trek without a guide.

The trek starts from Soti Khola after 8 hours drive from Kathmandu valley. And it features all the great aspects of a classic trek in Nepal. The best season to trek Manaslu is March to May and September to December.

Highlights of the Trek

• Less trodden, newly popular, virgin trekking trail.
• Witness the jaw-dropping landscapes, forest, and vegetation in the Manaslu region
• A perfect blend of people, culture, religion, and the Himalayas.
• Get to frame the stunning views of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru, Annapurna II with Mt. Manaslu
• Shortest trek to reach Manaslu Larkya La Pass (5167m), the highest point of the trek.

Detailed Itinerary of Manaslu Short Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola

Elevation:710m, Soti Khola

Travel hours:7-8 hrs

Today you will take an early morning bus drive to Soti Khola. This ride takes about 7-8 hours. Soti Khola is the starting point of the trek.

Once you reach there, take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trek. Overnight at Soti Khola.

Day 02: Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Elevation: 930m, Machha Khola

Trekking duration: 7- 8 Hrs

Today you will start the trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola which is about 24 km distance.

You will walk through the beautiful Sal forests at the crossing of the bridge. You will then climb into a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki.

As you reach Kursani, the rocky trail weaves its way up and down past two tropical waterfalls on a steep trail clinging to the side of a cliff.

Later, it eventually makes its way down across a few rice terraces, then up and around the Gurung village of Labubesi. You will further climb behind a rocky outcrop where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars.

Dropping the sandy river bed, you will walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. You head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village.

Overnight in Machha Khola.

Day 03: Machha Khola to Jagat

Elevation:1410m, Jagat

Trekking duration: 6-7 hours

Today after breakfast, you will walk through narrow trails making some minor ups and downs. And eventually, cross the Tharo Khola and reach Khorla Besi.

After a few more ascend and descends you will come across a small hot spring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, you will climb over another ridge then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge.

At this juncture, you will climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan.

Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, you will climb the stone stairs. And then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang.

Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you then climb over a ridge and trek along the river. And then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Overnight in Jagat.

Day 04: Jagat to Deng

Elevation: 1804m, Deng

Trekking duration: 6-7 hrs

Today you begin trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri. And then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatte Khola.

Further, you will continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail then turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fair trial as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti.

The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, you will descend to the grassy land slopes and cross the Budhi Gandaki. And then trek along the west bank for a while. Later, you will cross to the east bank and then back again.

As you continue through the trail, the valley widens and you pass through a bamboo forest to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, you reach the tiny village of Deng.

Overnight in Deng.

Day 05: Deng to Namrung

Elevation: 2630m, Namrung

Trekking duration: 6-7 hrs

Today, you walk beyond Deng for a while and cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m.

From the bridge, you will climb a bit to join the trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani walls where you turn towards a corner to Ghap.

Even though there is another route, you take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal.

Further, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest.

After crossing the river down to a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb, you reach Namrung.

Overnight in Namrung.

Day 06: Namrung to Sama Gaun

Elevation: 3530m, Sama Gaun

Trekking duration: 6-7 hrs

Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south.

Today you will climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many Chortens and barley terraces.

The trail then drops and crosses the side valley of Simang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close.

Further, you pass through Sho, Lho and Shyla villages before reaching Sama village. You will enjoy the great views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gomba.

In Shyla village, the high mountains like Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu and other snow summits surround you.

Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where you will spend the night.

Day 07: Samagaun to Samdo

Elevation: 3910m, Samdo

Trekking duration: 3-4 hrs

Today you will descend to the Budhi Gandaki river, that turn north and follow a bridge over a side stream.

The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base Camp. The Larkya La trail goes through several mani walls as the valley begins to widen.

It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. You then drop off and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge. And climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river.

From a stone arch, you can view a large white Kani. Finally, you pass through Kani and reach Samdo.

Overnight in Samdo.

Day 08: Samdo to Bimthang via Larkye Pass

Elevation: 3700m, 5160m

Trekking duration: 10- 11 Hrs

Today you continue your walk down the edge and cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin walking upward.

Upon crossing two streams, you witness the Larkya glacier. After a short climb, you reach a valley on the north of the Larkya glacier from where you can enjoy the great views of Cho Danda and Larkya peak.

Finally, you walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass.

From the Larkya pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II.

It is a longer day than usual to Bimthang but walking into these low pastures with evening mist with Mt. Manaslu will be a splendid experience.

Overnight in Bimthang.

Day 09: Bimthang to Dharapani

Elevation: 1860m, Dharapani

Trekking hours: 6-7 hrs

Today after having breakfast, you will walk towards the valley of Budhi Gandaki descending via great hill. On the way, you will hike through the forest of rhododendron until you reach Karche.

After Karche, you will descend towards Tilje and then you will head to reach Dudh Khola. On crossing the Marsyangdi river, you reach Dharapani.

Overnight at Dharapani.

Day 10: Dharapani to Kathmandu

Elevation: 1349m, Kathmandu

Travel hours: 9-10 hrs

Today after breakfast you will get a jeep drive to Besisahar and then get a bus to Kathmandu.

On the way, you will pass through different countryside area of Nepal visualizing the rustic way of life of rural people. Along with beautiful paddy fields on both sides of rivers like Marsyangdi and Trishuli.

With this, you come to an end of Manaslu Short trek.

Some Useful Information

Accommodation

For accommodation in Manaslu trek, you will have twin sharing comfortable tea house. The tea houses have basic facilities like a bed, pillow, and a blanket. However, it is nice to carry a sleeping bag.

Meals

During the trek, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the tea house that you will stay. And for Lunch, you will have in a teahouse or guesthouse on the way to your destination.

The choice of meals is not varied like other trekking in Annapurna and Everest. However, you can take Tibetan bread, Dal Bhat, porridge, noodle soup, muesli, porridge, omelet and boiled egg with tea and coffee.

Permits

Since trekking to Manaslu is under a restricted area in Nepal, you will need permits to trek here. They are

• Restricted Area Permit: US$ 75 to 100 per week depending on season you chose
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit: NRs. 3,000 or US$30
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit: NRs. 3,000 or US$30

Physical Fitness

During the Manaslu trek, you will need to walk about 6 to 8 hrs every day. Hence proper training, positive attitude, and strong determination are important for the completion of the trek.

Some Useful Tips for Manaslu Short Trek

• Check the weather condition and pack accordingly (pack light and smart).
• Carry a good comfortable pair of sturdy boot.
• Take rest whenever you feel the need to and do not rush.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated at all times
• Carry enough cash (Nepali rupees) as there are no ATM’s in remote regions
• Avoid the consumption of alcohols
• Carry first aid kit in case of emergency
• Reach out for help if you face any problems such as altitude sickness

Conclusion

The Manaslu short trek is an epic journey into the Himalayas with breathtaking natural beauty.

During this trek, you will get to enjoy a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse into the mountain wonderland.

Moreover, it is a perfect trip for all adventure seekers who seek thrill in the mountains. But are also limited with time.

However, if you want a longer duration trek, we can arrange the package according to your preference. We also have long itinerary of Manaslu Circuit trek for those interested.

Hence, grab the opportunity and take this beautiful journey that will give you once in a lifetime experience.

For further question and queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and assist you with the best of our knowledge.