Suggested Itinerary for Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking-12 days
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Drive by Jeep or Bus from Kathmandu to Sotikhola [710m/2328 ft] (7-8) hours
Day 02: Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola [900m/2952 ft] (6-7) hours
Day 03: Trek from Maccha Khola -Jagat [1410m/ 4625 ft] (6-7) hours
Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng [1,804m/5917 ft] (6-7) hours
Day 05: Trek from Deng to Namrung [2630m/8626ft] (6-7) hours
Day 06: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon [3530m/11,578 ft] (6-7) hours
Day 07: Exploration day Samagaon to Pungyen gompa or MBC and Birendra Lake – Samagaon (6-7) hours
Day 08: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft] (4-5) hours
Day 09: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala [4460m/14, 628 ft] (4-5) hours
Day 10: Trek from Dharamsala to Larkya La [5106m/16,924 ft]-Bimthang [3720m/12,201ft](8-9)
Day 11: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani [1860m/6100ft] (6-7) hours
Day 12: Drive From Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara by(Local Jeep, Bus, or Car)[1,300m/4,265ft](7-8)
Possible Side Trips in Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail offers us various possibilities of side trips. This is one of the most important fascinating aspects of Manaslu Trek which lure a large number of trekkers every year. The major side trips in Manaslu Trekking are holy and historical caves, holy monasteries and serene freshwater lakes at a higher elevation.
Specifically, we can explore Ponkar Lake, Birendra Lake, some holy and historical caves and Pungeon Gumpa on Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail.
Physical Condition and Experiences in Manaslu Trekking
Since we have to do our Manaslu Trek either in 11 or 12 days, we require a perfect level of physical stamina in order to conquer this trekking adventure in a restricted area of Nepal. The trails are wild but magnificent. We do not find the guesthouses and lodges we really want at a higher elevation. We have to survive on what things are available on the trail. So, we need to do the highest level of preparation with right and reliable trekking gear.
If we follow these 11 or 12 days Manaslu Circuit Trekking, we need to work harder than for other normal Manaslu Circuit Trekking. This 11 or 12 days Manaslu Trek is for those who own highest level stamina and confined by time but really want to experience Manaslu Circuit Trek. For Manaslu Short Trekking- 11 or 12 days, we need to work more than 7-8 hours in a day.
Bimthang Ponkar Lake Trekking and Manaslu Trekking
The following things can be done to enhance your stamina for Manaslu Trek.
Doing easy and short trekking or hiking
Doing Regular exercises like jogging and aerobics
Having a balanced diet and regular health check-ups
Among various possibilities of side trips on Manaslu Trek, Ponkar Lake (3964m) Trekking is one of them. Ponkar Lake (3964m) trekking is popular as a short Manaslu Side Trip in Manaslu Region. Ponkar Lake is located near Bimthang. Bimthang trekking is also popular among the trekkers. Ponkar Lake trekking offers us a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu, Himchuli, Ponkar Peak and Nike Peak.
Suggest Itinerary for Ponkar Lake Trekking- 10 days
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (1 300m/4260ft)
Day 02: In the City, Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing OR A Day at Leisure
Day 03: Kathmandu – Tal (1 700m/5 580ft), 9-10 hrs drive
Day 04: Trek from Tal to Suti Khola (2 700m/8 860ft), 6-7hrs
Day 05: Trek from Suti Khola to Bimthang (3 720m/11 780ft)), 5-6 hrs
Day 06: Trek from Bimthang to Ponkar and Nayamlo Tal exploration (3 970m/13 025ft) – Bimthang
Day 07: Trek from Bimthang to Goa (2 560m/8 250ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 08: Trek from Goa to Chamje (1 410m/4 630ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 09: Trek from Chamje to Besi Sahar (760m/2500ft) and Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (1 300/4 260ft), 8-9 hrs
Day 10: Final Departure
Now, let’s see why people love Ponkar Lake trekking at the lower Manaslu region?
Experience of Manaslu region in a short frame of time
Restricted or Special area permit is not required
Can be done all around the year
Relatively, cheaper trekking
Explore core wilderness and unspoiled culture of ethnic people
Best Season of the Year for Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Definitely, Autumn (Sep- Nov) is the best season of the year not only for Short Manasu Trekking but also for all kinds of trekking and tour activities in Nepal. You are doing this trip in the best season of the year doesn’t mean that you needn’t prepare well for it. At the same time, you have to prepare very well for it since it is more challenging than other normal and flexible Manaslu Circuit Trekking itineraries. During autumn, you will have marvelous weather and breathtaking mountain views. You will neither receive rain, snowfall nor scorching sun during the trip. If you really can’t set your trip for Autumn (Mar-May), you, optionally, can do it in Spring since this season is considered as the best season for peak climbing too. You will equally enjoy the trip if you do it in Autumn.
Preparations for Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking
We need to prepare very well for Shot Manaslu Circuit Trekking for it is taken as one of the adventurous trekking trails in the core Himalayas of Nepal. You are going 5000m above to experience the absolute thrills of adventure and capture an incredible mountain panorama on this trip. So, in order to make your Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking less risky and more memorable, you need to do the following preparations:
Do a basic health check-up
Pack up the right and reliable trekking equipment
Do regular exercises and practise short hiking
Do a balanced diet and don’t consume alcohol and don’t smoke at least before one week of the departure
Do not forget to bring important medicines if you are having it regularly
Challenges during Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking
You may have to encounter some challenges during your Short Circuit Trekking. Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking itself is challenging since we have to speed up our climbing/walking more than other ordinary Manaslu Circuit Trekking. This trekking itinerary/ trip is only for those who are confident to face the challenges in the wild Himalayas. Sometimes, there is the risk of getting altitude sickness because we are going above 5000m and the highest point of this trekking is Larkya La Pass (5135m) which is one of the highest passes of the world. Similarly, you may have to bear some weather extremes during this trip including strong wind and heavy snowfall. Also, it is hard to find the foods and guesthouses you really want on the trail. And even sometimes, you have to survive on what you have carried with you. This is how Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking is challenging.
How days do I need for Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
We need around 11 to 12 days for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking, including the time I spend arriving and departing from Kathmandu. This is a lot less than the Manaslu Circuit itinerary, which takes around 14 to 15 days.
Is Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking difficult for beginners?
The Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking is pretty tough for people who are new to trekking. This is because I have to cross the Larkya La Pass, which's really high at 5,106 meters and I have to walk for a long time every day around 6 to 9 hours. It is an idea to have some experience with trekking and be in good shape before I do the Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking.. If I am determined and prepare well I can still do it even if I am a beginner.
What permits are required for Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
To do the Manaslu Circuit Trekking.We need to get a permits. We need a Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit. We also need to hire a guide because we are not allowed to trek alone in this area.
How much does Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking cost?
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is $750 to $850 per person. This is for a package that covers everything including food,place to stay, permits, a guide and a porter.. The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be different, for people who are trekking alone and for groups of people doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Do I need a guide for Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
Yes you need a guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The government says so. You cannot trek alone in the Manaslu area. You must trek with a guide and at least one other person.
What is the difference between Short Manaslu Trek and Ponkar Lake Trek?
The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is different from the Ponkar Lake Trek. The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek goes over Larkya La Pass. You need a special permit. The Ponkar Lake Trek is in the part of the Annapurna region. You do not need a Special permit for this trek. You can do the Ponkar Lake Trek any time of the year. This makes it a good choice for people who do not have a lot of time or money.
What type of accommodation is available on the route?
There are teahouses and lodges along the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek.. There are not many options after Samagaon. The rooms are simple. You might not have hot water or internet.
Can Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking be combined with trips?
Yes you can combine the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek with trips. For example you can do the Tsum Valley Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. This depends on how time you have and if your permit is still valid. The Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trek and you can make it even better, by adding other trips.
