Manaslu Circuit Trek In March

Whether you’re a fleeting guest or a long-standing vacationer, Nepal will facilitate you with the staggering trek sites. It willingly caters to all its visitors and treats them with the most awe-inspiring getaways which are mostly wreaked by the Himalayas.

Making no exception, Manaslu Circuit so well comes as the most amazing destination for a trek in Nepal. Its rustic trail filled with rocks runs through forests and valleys, providing a jaw-dropping view.

Lying in west-central Nepal, Manaslu Circuit is one of the most adventurous and less crowded hikes in Nepal. Given its wilderness and distant location, not many people seem to be interested in walking the trail of Manaslu Circuit.

March is an ideal time for a trek to Manaslu Circuit as it pours travelers with pleasant weather and exquisite sceneries. Putting aside the first few days, the climate throughout the month is refreshing for long-distance walks.

You can see the delicate wildflowers blooming all across the regions along with a carpet of green meadows. Animals and birds who had gone to hibernate for a long-time will come out of their abode following which you can watch them.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in March commences with a 5 hours drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The official trek starts from there as the trail rises uphill to Machha Khola and then Jaga that extends 14 miles.

The trek from Deng to Namrung is a mix of flat terrains and steep ascent, passing a series of bridges and woods. It then proceeds to Samagaon following hillside and valleys which beholds a splendid view.

As the expedition advances, we’ll make the most of our Manaslu Circuit Trek in March by traveling Smagaon, Pungyen Gompa, and Bhimthang via Larkya La pass. From there, we’ll head back to Dharapani walking downhill the rest of the day, and finally, take a drive back to town.

What is so great about Manaslu Circuit Trek in March?

Manaslu Circuit is so wondrous all by itself that you can visit it anytime and it’ll still impress you. That being said, March is more like a time when trekkers can really enjoy themselves, thanks to delightful weather and surreal views.

March etch spring season in Nepal which means trekkers will be bestowed with a gratifying climate. Squeezed between winter and autumn, March starts with frosty weather and ends to have temperate atmospheric conditions.

Days are typically long during Manaslu Circuit Trek in March which means trekkers can take their time on the trail. In many places, it brings moderate temperatures ranging from 6 to 10 Degree Celsius.

It’s easier to navigate the trail during the season as you get a breath of fresh air. Following clear weather, hikers will find it easier to catch a glimpse of snow-capped mountains, vivid valleys, and highlands.

With the end of severe winter, animals and birds migrate to the conservation area during March, putting on a grand show. You can hear the birds chirping in the woods from far away and savor the beautiful fragrance of wildflowers dispersing all around.

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek in March

• A crystal-clear view of snow-capped mountains like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna massif
• Exploring the unique culture and legacy of people inhabited the region
• Naturally impressive valleys and old-time villages with considerate locals
• Impressive view in the lustrous forests filled with rhododendron, pines, and birch en route to Shyala
• Glimpses of sweeping valleys, soaring hills, and unique landscapes that are visible far from the trails
• Passing Larkya La Pass at 5,103 meters without any murky or slippery trails

Itinerary - Manaslu Circuit Trek In March

Day 01: Drive to Soti Khola

Maximum Altitude: 710 meters

Drive Distance: 137.5 km

Drive Duration: 5-6 hours

Trek to Manaslu Circuit in March gets underway with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Prithvi Highway. The trip is around 6 hours long and covers a total distance of 137.5 km, providing a picturesque view.

The trail has us passing over beautiful mid-hills till Malekhu and then crossing Trishuli River. From the town, the track rolls north to Dhading for long-distance travel of 36 km. Riding through the freeway, travelers will get to snap the stunning hills and mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna.

After Dhading Besi, we drive further 35-km on an unpaved road leading to Arughat and Gola Bhanjyang. Finally, after driving 85 miles and watching the awe-inspiring landscapes, we’ll reach Soti Khola. Overnight stay in a lodge at Soti Khola.

Day 02: Trek to Machha Khola

Maximum Altitude: 900 meters

Trek Distance: 23 km

Trek Duration: 5 hours

After breakfast, we start the day of Manaslu Circuit Trek in March by walking uphill through quiet forests brimming with sal trees. Transcending the wildlands and terrace farm, we make our way from the edge of the cliff.

Shortly afterward, our trail goes down alongside rice fields and paddies. From here, the path gradually climbs uphill approaching Labubesi, and runs through the suspension bridge over Nauli Khola falls. Even at the other end, the trek continues running beside the river on a gravel track and ascends gently upward to Machha Khola. Tonight we’ll stay in a tea house at the Machha Khola.

Day 03: Trek to Jagat

Maximum Altitude: 1,410 meters

Trek Distance: 23 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Unlike any other day, we’ll get up early today as the trek to Jagat is pretty stressful and long. It commences with coming across Machha Khola and slowly walking up to Khorla Bensi, a small settlement.

The walk alone from Machhakhola to Jagat takes somewhere between 6-7 hours which is way daunting. However, the views on the way including green meadows and rolling hills will keep refreshing our minds. Moving ahead from Tatopani and clearing forested tracts, we’ll arrive at Doban.

To restock energy, we’ll stop at the village and have lunch before continuing the junket through Budhi Gandaki. The remaining trek is downhill so it’ll be a bit easy walking. After crossing a few fast rivers, suspension bridges, and an inclined slope to Lauri, we’ll get to Jagat. With that, the trek ends here as we’ll spend the night in a tea house at Jagat.

Day 04: Trek to Deng

Maximum Altitude: 1,860 meters

Trek Distance: 20.67 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Trek to Deng under Manaslu Circuit Trek in March is a real challenge with trails as long as 20.67 km. Hence, we’ll then start mounting the hillside in the wee hours and cross the suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki to reach Philim.

We’ll briefly stop at the village and have our lunch before continuing the hike. Leaving behind the stunning settlement decked with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and stupas, our trail walks level ground.

Before transcending a few bridges, the path gets its way through rhododendron and pine forests. A few more miles of walking from here and we’ll be looking at Deng, an impressive village sitting at 1,860 meters. The hamlet is more dramatic and magnificent than any other place with lofty hills and forests which can be explored in spare time. For the night, we’ll stay in a tea house at Deng.

Day 05: Trek to Namrung

Maximum Altitude: 2,630 meters

Trek Distance: 19.4 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After resting the night at Deng, we’ll resume our Manaslu Circuit trek in March by traversing the zigzagged path up to Rana. After walking a series of peaks and valleys, our trail crosses a wooden bridge above the tributary.

The winding trails of Manaslu Circuit come past an old water mill before descending to Bhi Phedi. Making headway, the path climbs down and above the Serang Khola, providing a lovely view. We can also see a mesmerizing waterfall on our way above the wheat fields.

From here on, our trail widens as it passes mani walls and crosses the bridge to reach Ghap. Getting through the forest, we descend to the river and walk along the bank to the north. After walking a few miles more and crossing the old bridge, we’ll eventually reach Namrung. We stay in a tea house overnight.

Day 06: Trek to Samagaon

Maximum Altitude: 3,530 meters

Trek Distance: 17.7 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

The 6th day of Manaslu Circuit Trek in March sets off with an easy walk through the mixed forests and above barley fields. Along the way, you can see stunning Chortens and a soul-stirring view of snow-covered mountains including Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli.

Outta here, the trail climbs down and enters the valley before coming over to Hinang Khola. The path ahead works its way through a bridge over Hinang river and a steep uphill walk, beside the towering Ngadi Chuli.

The course onward is mostly uphill but rewarding with the glimpse of Ribung monastery in Lho. We’ll walk to Shyala village then which offers an astonishing view of Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli. In the last few hours of the trek, we’ll cross Numla Khola using the bridge and finally arrive at Samagaon.

It’s a small settlement and a gateway to Manaslu where most trekkers stop for rest a day. The village bestows its visitors with a marvelous Kargyu Chholing Monastery resting on the edge against a moraine.

Day 07: Trek to Pungyen Gompa, Return back to Samagaon

Maximum Altitude: 3,870 meters

Trek Distance: 22 km

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we’ll leave for the trail heading to Pungyen Gompa. The journey persists for almost 7 hours with most of them putting on a steep ascent. Stretching 13 miles, the Pungyen Gompa way is a long-winded course moving through Labrang Gompa and Kargya Chholing Monastery.

The hike is more fun than any other with the panoramic vista of sky-scraping mountains, primeval Tibetan monasteries, and statues. An easy ascent out front of the monastery will take us to quiet Birendra Tal.

The lake rests underneath Manaslu Glacier offering a mesmerizing view to the visitors. The trek ahead climbs the ridge from where you can clearly watch the smiling Manaslu. Its trail mounting the hilltop is nearly 3 km but riveting with jaw-dropping sceneries around.

After the quick sightseeing, we’ll follow the trail to Samdo and cross the bridge heading towards Manaslu Base Camp. From there, we have a trek of 1 hour long to Pungyen Nunnery, lying above Pungyen Glacier. The trail provides us a wonderful view of Nadi ridge before descending back to Samagaon. Overnight stay in a tea house in the village.

Day 08: Trek to Samdo

Maximum Altitude: 3,860 meters

Trek Distance: 16.4 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

After the riveting day trip of Pungyen Gompa yesterday, today we’ll carry on with our trek to Samdo. Since the expedition is only 5 hours long, we’ll have an easy walk today with a gentle descent to Budhi Gandaki, We’ll then follow the trail in the north which runs besides mani walls and vivid valleys.

The winding trail has us walking by the fields and steep slope, above the junction of Mayol Khola and Budhi Gandaki. The trip involves scaling a high ridge decorated with prayer flags and cross-walking Larkya La Pass.

It also comes with a fascinating sight of the Manaslu range, the beautiful Sama Valley, and Syacha Glacier. Samdo is our last stop for today’s trek as we’ll spend the night in the village.

Day 09: Trek to Dharamsala

Maximum Altitude: 4,460 meters

Trek Distance: 11.7 km

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

The trek today is a bit less strenuous as compared to other excursions with the starting trail going downhill. We’ll pass off the fields and cross the Budhi Gandaki river one last time before heading to Larkya Bazaar.

Roving the trail on the west, we walk the verdant slopes filled with juniper, lichen, and rhododendron. Ascending the Syacha Khola Valley, we’ll rove through the foot of Syacha Glacier and plunge Manaslu North ridge.

As the course draws nearer to Larkya Glacier, it gets more challenging and tedious. After the trek of nearly 5 hours passing Larkya La Phedi, we’ll ultimately reach Dharamsala. Calling off a day, we’ll stay overnight in a tea house in the village.

Day 10: Trek to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass

Maximum Altitude: 3,720 meters

Trek Distance: 24.7 km

Trek Duration: 3-5 hours

After the wonderful experience visiting Dharamsala, we're ready to return to the trail.

The trip to Bhimtang takes somewhere between 3-5 hours depending on the pace. The hike begins with an uphill walk to a cliff and moraine in the north end.

It then has us forging ahead on a craggy path which is a bit harsh. Meanwhile, the course is rewarding as well, having provided the view of glimmering mountains like Larke Peak and Cheo Himal. Crossing the pass, our trail ascends the steep hill to get to the beautiful valley.

Once it reaches there, we’ll again descend to the lowland where we can find the frozen lakes scattered around. We’ll spend most of our day traveling the endless moraine beside the Larke wall. This section especially during Manaslu Circuit Trek in March looks fabulous with the strong visibility of the Himlung pyramid, Cheo Himal, Pawar Peak, and Annapurna II.

After stopping at Larkya La Pass for a short time, we’ll climb down the trail from the moraine. Moreover, we’ll traverse the uneven trail till arriving at Dangboche Kharka. The walk from here is a bit tiring with steep paths and moraines. We’ll halt another day of Manaslu Circuit Trek in March at Bhimthang Valley and spend the night at the village.

Day 11: Trek to Dharapani

Maximum Altitude: 3,520 meters

Trek Distance: 22 km

Trek Duration: 8-9 hours

Although most of our trek today is downhill, it’s still everlasting and tough. So, after having re-energized ourselves with a delicious breakfast, we’ll get down to the trail, roving foothills of Bimthang. From here, the trail walks downward until the rocky glacier and thereafter ascends the moraine.

It then embarks into rhododendron and pine forests whose rustling sound can be heard from far off. The trail here provides a phenomenal view of Chuli Himal, Larke, and Manaslu. Climbing down further will get us to Hompuk and Sangura Kharka which rewards us with an astonishing vista.

Out of Karche, we’ll walk along the terrace field and a steep ascent to meet Gho. The trek to Dharapani also includes traveling the arable land up to Tilje. Thereafter, it slopes downward swiftly towards Marsyangdi Valley in Thonje, sitting at 6,447 ft. We’ll then take the initial Annapurna Circuit trek route to arrive at Dharapani.

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu

Maximum Altitude: 1,400 meters

Drive Distance: 230 km

Drive Duration: 8-9 hours

Today is the day we wrap our Manaslu Circuit Trek in March and head back to the town. The trip from Dharapani to Kathmandu is nearly 9 hours long so it becomes a bit nerve-wracking for many travelers. But for all that, they also get to witness the spectacular view of towering hills, green verdure, and ridges.

Driving through Prithvi Highway, we’ll get to see some overwhelming views of wild forests, gushing rivers, and waterfalls putting on a grand show. At long last, after driving a whole day, we’ll enter Kathmandu from where our staff will transfer you back to the hotel where you can rest.

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• Manaslu Region Travel Guide
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