Manaslu Circuit Trek via Upper Route - 20 Days

About Trip:

The part of Great Himalaya trail and perfect alternative of Annapurna circuit is well known as Manaslu Circuit trek via upper route.  Exploring the newly opened, less explored, unspoiled Tibetan cultural, an amazing landscape, flora & fauna and abundant of beautiful waterfalls are the major aspects of Manaslu region. An adventure of 20 days challenging hike begins after driving 7hrs from Kathmandu to Barpak village. Barpak is the same village which was badly hit and epicenter of the earthquake in 2015 April. It is quite interesting and beautiful village of the Nepal situated at 1915m above the sea level and offers beautiful view of Buddha Himal. The trek begins steep ascending and reach at 2800m Mamche. It is great idea to have some rest, observing the magnificent views with some drinks and snacks at newly opened tea house. Then the trail descends to another unique Gurung village Laprak. Taking upper and alternative route is the best way of avoiding the crowded part of regular route from Arughat/Sotikhola and observing amazing views of Ganesh Himal, Siringi Himal, dense of lush forest, typical Gurung villages and theirs culture. The route also let us an opportunity of staying in home stay and deeply connect with the locals and arrives at Khorlabensi village ultimately which is junction of major trekking route begins from Sotikhola. The first few days of exciting challenging hike help us a lot for our forthcoming trip. It will also let you feel the difference and worth of doing upper route and continue to Jagat village from where the Manaslu restricted region begins. Trekkers should register their all necessary trekking permits of Manaslu region and they should have government registered local guide to enter the preserved Manaslu National Park.

The beautiful trek will continues to Philim and arrives at the inter section of Manaslu and Tsum Valley then leads to village called Deng. The ever changing rugged landscape and deep gorge takes us via upper route to beautiful village Prok. No doubt that Prok is one of the impressive villages of this region which also offers unbeaten side trip to Kal Tal (meaning in English Black Lake) situated at 3574m from the sea level. If trekkers are interested to hike Kal Tal we need one full day 8/9hrs for up and down and we have to hire a local guide from the village. Then next day we heads to Lho which will be one of the impressive day of the trek. Lho is the first village which offers imposing views of Mt. Manaslu 8163m tall from the sea level.  The side trip of Ribung Gumpa adds on extra value in the trip. On the way to Samagaun we will pass another unique Tibetan settlement called Shyala which offers undisturbed 360 degree towering Himalaya surroundings. The largest village of this upper part Samagaun is the gate way of Manaslu Base Camp and those trekkers who dreams to summit of the eight tallest peaks in the planet. The Tibetan capital Samagaun offers stunning side trip such as Pungen Gumpa, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake etc. Most of the trekkers will have extra day for acclimatization and not to miss such an opportunity of exploring most worthy part of the entire trip. Same way the day hike from Samdo to open Tibet border Rui La 4998m will add life time memory. We are not more behind than our final goal crossing the highest elevation of the entire trek Larke La 5160m and exploring splendid views of breath taking Himalaya vistas surroundings and descend to Dharapani passing by amazing town Bhimthang, Goa and impressive jungle. Dharapani is the meeting point of Annapurna region and since we get transportation from here, we will drive back to Kathmandu/Pokhara. The best season to trek Manaslu circuit via upper route is March to May in spring and September to November in autumn.