Manaslu Circuit Trek via Barpak

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Trip Facts
Duration: 16 Days
Trip Grade: Strenuous
Country: Nepal
Maximum Altitude: 5,106 m/16,752 ft
Group Size: 1 to 10
Starts: Barpak
Ends: Tilje
Activities: Trekking
Best Time: Spring and Autumn

Perks of doing a Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak with Himalayan Spirit Adventure

  • More than 25+ years of expertise in the mountains of Nepal
  • Complimentary welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide and native porter with their travel insurance
  • Fully customizable itinerary and services in the package
  • Online trip briefing to answer all your questions and doubts
  • Himalayan Spirit Adventure's duffel bag to use during the trek
  • Complementary company's t-shirt and cap
  • First-aid kit with an oximeter to monitor your oxygen level during the trek
  • Free space to store extra luggage in our office during the trek
  • Trek completion certificate
  • Best Manaslu Circuit price and service - no hidden charges
  • 100% guaranteed departure
  • 24/7 support and a safe payment gateway
  • Win-win cancellation and refund policy
  • We specialize in ecotourism - You Will Only Leave Your Footprint Behind With Us! (learn more about ecotourism here)

Trek highlights

  • Start the Manaslu Circuit trek from Barpak, a beautiful village in Gorkha
  • Get to know in depth about the ethnic groups, such as the Ghale and Gurung, by starting the trek from Barpak
  • Explore the less trodden villages and hills of the Manaslu foothills
  • An adventurous and culturally enriching journey in the remote mountains of Nepal
  • Witness stunning scenery and enjoy peaceful trails
  • Follow a rugged trail through lush hills, beautiful valleys, high alpine meadows, and deep glacier moraines
  • Discover the exotic flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area
  • Cross many suspension bridges along the way
  • Enjoy side hikes to Pungyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp
  • Cross the exposed Larkya La Pass

Why do the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak? Is it different from the standard Manaslu Circuit trek? What's its specialty? You will find answers to all these questions and gain a deeper understanding of Barpak village on this page.

This is our Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak package. It is a 16-day itinerary. As usual, the journey starts in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and from here, you will drive to the northern part of Gorkha, where Barpak village is suitated, to begin the trek.

Following the standard Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, you would have started the trek from Machha Khola. However, this itinerary begins from Barpak village. Both Machha Khola and Barpak are situated in the Gorkha district.

By starting the Manaslu Circuit trek from Barpak, you will have a profound insight into the daily lives of Nepalese communities such as Ghale and Gurung. In short, the trek becomes even more culturally enriching, and you will also get to explore the lush foothills of the Manaslu range in depth.

Why do the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak?

By starting the Manaslu Circuit trek from Barpak, you will get to explore the less trodden hilly villages of the Manaslu region. Very few trekkers use this route, so the trails are empty.

Beautiful landscapes, peaceful environment, fresh air, and picturesque villages will be your companions. In addition to that, you will see breathtaking mountain panoramas from day one.

The Barpak village itself offers stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Boudha Himal, Sringi Himal, Lamjung Himal, etc. Likewise, as the trek progresses, you will see diverse scenery and more mountains.

Do you remember the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015? Barpak is the epicenter of that earthquake. The damage was definitely significant.

However, the reconstruction efforts have restored the historical structures, rebuilt the village, and also strengthened the community. We can say that the village rose from its ashes, and it is stronger than ever before.

What makes the Barpak village even more ironic is that it is home to many ex-Gurkha warriors who fought in the Second World War. Rich in history, heritage, and legends, Barpak gives an extraordinary start to the Manaslu Circuit trek.

One more name that frequently comes up during the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak is Lapark. It is another beautiful village located above Barpak village at 2,100 meters. Both Barpak and Laprak villages are quite big. You will have a homestay kind of experience in these villages.

Before the steep/rocky trails, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and glacier moraines make the Manaslu Circuit trek incredibly adventurous and thrilling, you will have a peaceful couple of days to unwind and enjoy nature while hiking via Barpak.

The adventures of the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak

After Barpak and Laprak villages, you will descend to Khorlabesi (970 m/3,182 ft) and join the main Manaslu Circuit route. On the way, you will pass by Machha Khola. Khorlabesi onwards, the trail goes through villages such as Jagat, Deng, and Namrung.

The trail between Jagat and Deng and between Deng and Namrung is quite long. You will walk around 19 km each day. The trail to Namrung goes through densely forested hills.

You will see different vegetation and flowers like rhododendrons while trekking. After Deng, the trail ascends to the upper Manaslu region. You will enter the Nubri Valley. Follow steep, rocky hillsides and trek through alpine forests to Shyala village.

On the way, you will also navigate landslide-prone areas and cross several suspension bridges over the Budi Gandaki River. From Shyala, you will hike to Sama Gaon, one of the biggest settlements on the Manaslu Circuit route.

You can take a quick detour to Pungyen Gompa. It is the oldest monastery in the Manaslu region. In Sama Gaon, you will have an acclimatization day. It means you will spend two nights in this village. Sama Gaon is situated at 3,530 meters above sea level.

Before you ascend higher, an acclimatization break in this village will lower the risk of altitude sickness. Manaslu Base Camp is the closest to here. So, you will hike there as well as explore the forgotten Birendra Lake along the way.

Manaslu Base Camp is the lap of the highest mountain on Earth, Mt. Manaslu. It is known as the Killer Mountain in the mountaineering world. During the peak climbing, you may see tents of climbers. Other times, the Manaslu Base Camp remains an isolated area.

After Sama Gaon, the trail ascends to Samdo village. It is a Tibetan refugee village. This village is also quite big. Though our Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak itinerary does not include an acclimatization day in Samdo, you can go on a side hike to Rui La Pass (Tibetan border/ancient trade route).

After Samdo, you will spend a night in a place called Dharmasala, aka Larke Phedi. It is not a village but just a small resting point where trekkers spend a night before crossing the Larkya La Pass.

There are only 2-3 tea houses in Dharmasala, so sharing rooms is a must. From here, you will cross the Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimthang to spend the night. The trail descends through a glacier moraine and takes you to four frozen lakes.

You will walk on unclear, narrow tracks. From the lakes, the trail ascends to the top of the pass. The mountain views are heavenly from the pass. You will then descend through a grassy moraine to Bimthang, enjoying superb views of huge icefalls.

Is the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak suitable for you?

If you want to spend some lovely time exploring and relaxing in beautiful villages before ascending to higher elevations, the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak is a great option.

Starting the trek from Barpak village will let you experience the region's cultural richness. So, if your end goal is not only adventure, then we highly recommend the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak.

Then comes the trek's difficulty and whether you are ready for it. The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trekking program. You have to be physically and mentally ready for the journey and also possess previous trekking expertise.

One more thing that trekkers should consider is the limited trekking facilities on the Manaslu Circuit. You will not get luxury lodges on this trek, and the amenities will also be limited.

In short, the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak is not an easy trek. It is a remote, wilderness trek that is done by mainly experienced trekkers looking for less crowded trails and an authentic Himalayan experience.

Charging, hot shower, internet, and toilet during the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak

These services cost extra at the teahouses and are not included in our package price. Trekkers have to carry money for personal expenses like these.

You can expect Nrp 100 to Nrp 200 for charging, Nrp 300 to Nrp 700 for a hot shower, and up to Nrp 500 for WiFi. The higher you go, the prices increase.

  • Charging: There is usually no socket in the sleeping rooms, and trekkers have to charge their phones and cameras in the charging area. It is usually around reception. The Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak is long, so we highly suggest having some kind of alternative, such as a solar power bank and spare batteries.
  • WiFi: WiFi is available in some villages, but with the increase in altitude, the network gets unstable and slow. You can carry a Nepali SIM as well for backup, but the mobile network is also not that great.
  • Hot shower: Many locals have installed solar in their tea houses, so a hot shower is available in many places. But due to the cold climate, taking a shower is not easy, especially at high elevation. Trekkers can carry wet wipes to keep themselves fresh.
  • Toilets: Western-style toilets are available in many teahouses these days, but in some places you may have to use squat toilets. Toilets are usually made outside of the teahouses and shared between the trekkers. It is best that you carry sanitizer, toilet paper, and other essentials.

Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak distance, duration, and altitude

The Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak distance is approximately 155 kilometers. The distance may change a little bit depending on your itinerary.

We have shared daily walking distance, duration, and altitude during the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak 16 days below:

Day

Trek route

Trek distance

Trek duration

Sleeping altitude

1

Kathmandu arrival

-

-

1,324 m/4,344 ft

2

Kathmandu to Barpak

176 km/109 miles

8 hours

1,915 m/6,283 ft

3

Barpak to Laprak

9.3 km/5.7 miles

5-6 hours

2,100 m/6,890 ft

4

Laprak to Khorlabesi

16 km/10 miles

6-7 hours

970 m/3,182 ft

5

Khorlabesi to Jagat

10.4 km/6.4 miles

5-6 hours

1,410 m/4,625 ft

6

Jagat to Deng

19.9 km/12.3 miles

7 hours

1,804 m/5,917 ft

7

Deng to Namrung

19.5 km/12.1 miles

6 hours

2,630 m/8,626 ft

8

Namrung to Shyala

7 km/4.3 miles

4 hours

3,500 m/11,483 ft

9

Shyala to Sama Gaon via Pun Gyen Gompa

17 km/10.5 miles

4-5 hours

3,530 m/11,581 ft

10

Acclimatization day- hike to Manaslu Base Camp

-

-

3,530 m/11,581 ft

11

Sama Gaon to Samdo

8.2 km/5 miles

3-4 hours

3,875 m/12,713 ft

12

Samdo to Larke Phedi (Dharamsala)

11.7 km/7.2 miles

4-5 hours

4,480 m/14,698 ft

13

Larke Phedi to Bimthang crossing Larkya La Pass

24.7 km/15.3 miles

 

8-9 hours

3,720 m/12,205 ft

14

Bimthang to Tilje

26 km/16 miles

6-7 hours

2,300 m/7,546 ft

15

Tilje to Kathmandu via Besisahar

195 km/121 miles

8-9 hours

1,324 m/4,344 ft

16

Final departure

-

-

-

How do you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak?

Though we usually suggest our trekkers to be as active as they can and have a simple workout routine for most treks, the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak requires a little more attention.

  • Strength: You have to be strong to walk on steep, uphill terrain carrying a backpack. Strength training will help you train your shoulders, core, and legs. It is highly recommended for the Manaslu Circuit.
  • Regular walking: You have to establish a habit of walking up to 6 hours a day. Start with a short walk and increase your duration.
  • Stamina: During trekking, you will constantly either walk uphill or downhill. With poor stamina, it becomes very tough. So, with strength training, you also have to add cardio exercises to your routines. Cycling, swimming, running, day hiking, and jogging are good cardio exercises.
  • Mindset: The Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak is a remote trip in one of the unexplored parts of Nepal. This trek route is not well established like Everest or Annapurna. So, trekkers need to adjust and compromise a lot. Keep in mind that the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak is a raw Himalayan voyage, so train your mind for a limited service.
  • Previous trek experience: The Manaslu Circuit is not for beginners. Your previous trekking experiences prepare you for treks like this. So, do not rush and complete a few moderate treks for the best experience during the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak.

Trekking in a group or solo?

For the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak, there must be two trekkers in the group. The Manaslu region is a restricted area for foreigners in Nepal. So, solo trekkers are not allowed to enter.

If you are a solo trekker and want to do the Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak, you can join our fixed departure groups. Our fixed departure groups usually have 2 to 8 trekkers. Alternatively, you can also do a private trek with us if you are in a group of 2 or more trekkers.

Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak cost 2025 and 2026

You will get the best Manaslu Circuit trek via Barpak cost with us. Our package price starts at USD XXXX per person. Check the table below for group discounts. Depending on the season and group size, the package cost may vary a little.

*For a group of more than 10 trekkers, kindly contact us for an additional group discount.

Number of trekkers

Starting price

Inquiry

1

USD XXXX

WhatsApp

2 to 5

USD XXXX

WhatsApp

6 to 8

USD XXXX

WhatsApp

9 to 10

USD XXXX

WhatsApp

Alternative adventure packages

Looking for more adventurous trek options in Nepal? Check out the packages below:

  • Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley
  • Manaslu Circuit with Annapurna Circuit Trek
  • Everest Three High Passes Trek
  • Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo Lakes
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