9N/10D Manaslu Trek - 10 days Experience the Majesty of Manaslu in a Short Trek!

The trek from Machhakhola to Philim takes approximately 6 to 7 hours and covers a distance of around 15 kilometers. The trek begins by crossing the Machhakhola River and walking through several small settlements. The trail then gradually ascends, passing through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. After a few hours of trekking, the trail descends to cross the Budhi Gandaki River and then ascends again to reach the village of Jagat, which is a permit checkpoint.

From Jagat, the trail continues through beautiful villages like Salleri, Sirdibas, and Gandruk, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail then crosses the Budhi Gandaki River once again and leads to the village of Philim. Along the way, you can see numerous waterfalls and streams, and the scenery is breathtaking. The village of Philim is known for its traditional architecture and is a great place to interact with the locals and learn about their culture.

The trekking route from Philim to Namrung covers a distance of around 15 kilometers and takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream and passes through several small settlements and dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the surrounding mountains. After reaching the village of Deng, the trail gradually climbs up to Namrung, passing through lush green forests and charming villages. Namrung is a small village with traditional houses, monasteries, and chortens. It is also a popular acclimatization spot for trekkers before heading towards the higher altitudes of the Manaslu region.

On the fourth day of the Manaslu Short Trek, the trail leads from Namrung to Lho, where trekkers can visit ancient monasteries. These monasteries are known for their stunning architecture and intricate designs, and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. After exploring the monasteries, trekkers continue on to Samagaun, where they will spend the night. Located at an altitude of 3525m/11565ft, Samagaun is a picturesque village that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The village is also home to several lodges and guesthouses, where trekkers can rest and recharge before continuing on their journey. The trek from Namrung to Samagaun takes around 7 to 8 hours and covers a distance of approximately 18 kilometers.

On the acclimatization day, trekkers can explore the nearby places in Samagaon. One of the popular destinations is the Manaslu Base Camp, which offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu mountain range. The trail to the base camp passes through beautiful forests and streams, and it usually takes around 6-7 hours to complete the round trip.

Another popular destination is the Birendra Tal, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 3450 meters. The trail to the lake passes through scenic forests, and it usually takes around 3-4 hours to reach the lake. The lake offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Manaslu peak.

Apart from these two destinations, trekkers can also explore the nearby monasteries and villages, where they can learn about the local culture and traditions. The acclimatization day is crucial for the trek as it allows the body to adjust to the high altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

On day 6 of the Manaslu Short Trek, you'll start your trek from Samgaun and head towards Samdo, which is located at an altitude of 3700m/12139ft. The trekking trail starts with a descent through a dense forest of juniper and crosses a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. From here, the trail begins to ascend gradually towards the village of Samdo.

As you trek towards Samdo, you'll come across breathtaking views of the Manaslu massif and other snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you'll also get to witness the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local people living in the remote Himalayan region.

After trekking for around 4 to 5 hours, you'll reach Samdo, a small Tibetan refugee village. The village is surrounded by mountains and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the village and interacting with the locals, who are known for their warm hospitality.

The trail from Samdo to Dharamsala is a challenging section of the Manaslu Short Trek. The trail begins with a steep ascent through a rocky terrain and crosses the suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River. The trail then follows a series of switchbacks through the dense forest of juniper and birch trees. As the trail gains altitude, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged. The trail continues to climb towards the Larkya La pass, with stunning views of the Manaslu range and surrounding peaks. Dharamsala is a small village that serves as a base camp for trekkers before crossing the Larkya La pass. The village offers basic lodges and campsites for trekkers to rest and acclimatize before the final ascent to the pass.

The trail from Dharamshala to Larkya La Pass is a challenging yet spectacular part of the Manaslu Short Trek. The trek begins with a steep ascent through the rocky terrain, which takes around three to four hours. As you climb higher, the landscapes change dramatically, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. Upon reaching Larkya La Pass, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. The trail then descends steeply towards Bhimtang through lush forests of rhododendron and pine trees, crossing several streams and bridges. The trek to Bhimtang is an arduous eight to nine-hour journey, but the stunning mountain scenery and natural beauty make it a truly unforgettable experience.

The trekking route from Bhimtang to Dharapani is the second last day of the Manaslu Short Trek, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. The trail from Bhimtang is a gradual descent through lush forests, passing through several small settlements along the way.

As you descend, you will cross the Dudh Khola river and enter a pine forest with beautiful views of the Manaslu range. You will also pass through small streams, waterfalls, and traditional villages with local houses made of stone and mud. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with occasional steep sections and rocky terrain.

After crossing the river, you will walk through the beautiful Tilije village, which is a traditional Gurung village with a mix of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. You can take a short break and explore the village and its unique architecture, including the local chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags.

As you continue the trek, the trail gradually becomes wider and smoother, and you will pass through lush green forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. The trail descends down to Dharapani, where you will be greeted by beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and the Marsyangdi River.

From Dharapani, you can take a jeep drive to Besisahar and then another drive to Kathmandu, which marks the end of your memorable Manaslu Short Trek

After completing the Manaslu Short Trek, trekkers will start their journey back to Kathmandu. The final leg of the journey involves a jeep drive from Dharapani to Besisahar, where trekkers can take some time to explore the town before continuing on to Kathmandu. The jeep ride is an exciting off-road adventure, providing a chance to soak in the scenic beauty of the region. From Besisahar, trekkers can take a local bus or private vehicle for the drive to Kathmandu. The journey back to the capital city takes about 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy views of the stunning Himalayan landscapes, terraced farmland, and rural villages. The journey from Dharapani to Besisahar to Kathmandu is a perfect end to a memorable trekking experience in the Manaslu region.