Manaslu Trek (20)
Manaslu Trek region is opened in 1992 which offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty and a great bio – diversity. The Manaslu trek in this region begins from the ancient palace of the king Prithivi Narayan Shah in Gorkha. it begins to get more serious with the start of the ancient of the Gandaki River Valley. It offers visitors many beautiful rivers and waterfalls. After all visitors Manaslu Trek is one of most interesting region to trek in Nepal.
Manaslu Trek, here are a wilderness, unspoiled and uncrowded tourism, which is open to hiking in recent years. Through paths unknown, roads covered with snow and huge steep valleys, this walk crosses among populations still living as the last century, particularly Tibetans and Gurungs who always trade with Tibet. For those wishing to walk in the wilderness and authentic, meeting the three peaks of Manaslu (the 8th sumit of the world with its 8163 m) is the ideal circuit!
However, this hike is for walkers who have a very good experience of walking and physical fitness.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat
Day 04: Arughat – Soti Khola
Day 05: Soti Khola – Machha Khola
Day 06: Machha Khola -Jagat
Day 07: Jagat – Deng
Day 08: Deng – Ghap
Day 09: Ghap – Lho
Day 10: Lho – Samagaon
Day 11: Acclimatization day in Samagaon
Day 12: Sama – Samdo
Day 13: Samdo – Dharamsala
Day 14: Dharamsala – Larkya la – Bimthang
Day 15: Bimthang – Gho
Day 16: Gho – Dharapani
Day 17: Dharapani – Syange
Day 18: Syange – Besi Sahar
Day 19: Besi Sahar to Kathmandu
Day 20: Farewell Friend
Note : This itinerary is guideline and standard pattern only. The itinerary can be revised according to your desire and requirements.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)
You will be welcomed by the representative of company at Tribhuvan International Airport .After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with ours company display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you will visit our office; meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Full day of sightseeing in the very famous capital, Kathmandu.We will be visit the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu.
Morning:
We will start from your hotel by a morning walk in the blocked alleyways of Kathmandu. Your first contact with the smiling Nepalese people.We begin to cross the nice area of Thamel, full of nice shops, bars and restaurants.
We will see during this walk many temples and stupas: it will be for you the beginning of religious lessons, making the difference between Buddhists stupas and Hindu temples. You will discover with a great surprise how these two religions live together.
We will make a stop at Thahiti Tole, then in front of Kathesimbhu stupa. Always meeting statues and local shops (suits, spices, incenses, and so on) and listening the noise of bells (and of horns), we will see Asan Tole with wonderful Hindu temples.Then Indra Chowk and Pyaphal Tole.After 2 hours of walk and of wonder, we will arrive at Durbar Square.
All the most important monuments of the city are in this area. You will be filled with wonder by all these numerous such majestic and so ancient temples registered in the Heritage of the UNESCO. It is possible to spend hours, sat on the walk of one of these monuments, admiring architecture, considering the animation of places, dreaming.We will take lunch at the top of a restaurant, with a great plunging view .
Afternoon.
You will begin the afternoon by another walk in the streets of Kathmandu, to look at the real face of this city, with local buildings and narrow streets.Then we will arrive at Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. At the summit of this hill, the painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world.
From this place we can have a wonderful panoramic view on all the capital. So great at the end of the day, with the sunset.We will come back hotel by bus.
Evening: Time for you to prepare the trek and we introduce in front of you our crew members. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat
Today after breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (600m). A 5 hour drive (142km) from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Gorkha, the Capital of Medieval Nepal. Another 42km drive on a dirt road and we reach Arughat, our trek start point. The dirt road from Gorkha to Arughat may not be drivable during the monsoon season. In that case, we may have to begin our trek right from Gorkha and reach Arughat in the evening. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki River flowing between them. Overnight at Arughat.
Day 04: Arughat – Soti Khola
After have a breakfast, Trek from Arughat to Soti Khola (710m). It takes 6 hours walk. Today, we cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin our trek from the western part of Arughat. After completing with the ACAP procedure, we follow the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. We pass through the hydro- electric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Maltar, and through forests Sante Bazaar. The trail to Budhi Gandaki valley now becomes steeper and the trek more difficult as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing the shops of Arkhet. Descend to a high, cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kyorpani. Then from here the trail descends to Soti Khola. Overnight stay at the campsite at Soti Khola. Overnight at Soti Khola.
Day 05: Soti Khola – Machha Khola
After Morning breakfast, trek start from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m). It takes seven hours walk. Today, Cross the bridge and trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach to Khursane. The rocky trail then weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Drop to the sandy river bed and walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. Head down again to the river and traverse to Machha Khola village. Overnight at Machha Khola.
Day 06: Machha Khola -Jagat
After having a Morning breakfast trek start from Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m). It takes six hours walk. This day, the narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, then reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ups & downs there is a small trailside hot spring, from where we reach to Tatopani. From the Hot spring we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, climb over a ridge, trek along the river then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight at Jagat.
Day 07: Jagat – Deng
After breakfast trek from Jagat to Deng (1804m). It takes seven hours walk. Today, Climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Setibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. Continue upstream to a long suspension bridge. Climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays fairly in level as it traverses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Beyond Ekle Bhatti the route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. Descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we keep walking the valley widens through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Crossing the khola we arrive at the tiny village of Deng. Overnight at Deng.
Day 08: Deng – Ghap
After morning breakfast trek start to Ghap (2165m). It takes 4 hours walk. Today, after a short distance beyond Deng we re-cross the Budhi Gandaki on to the north bank and then climb to Rana at 1980m. From the bridge we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Crossing various streams and rivers we drop into the Sringi Valley. Making ups and downs in forests, we pass Mani walls and then turn to a corner and contours to Ghap. You can make a side-trip to Prok. Visit the Tibetan Gompa at Prok. There is also an MCAP office in Prok village. Overnight at Ghap.
Day 09: Ghap – Lho
After having a morning breakfast trek start from Ghap to Lho (3180m). It takes seven hours walk. Today, the trail follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namru. To the south rises a huge peak, Himal Chuli. Climbing steadily in the shade of a forest takes us to Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and many barley terraces. We still have quite some way to go to Lho. Ganesh Himal raises high into the sky when we turn around. The trail drops and crosses the sidevalley of Simnang Himal. A chorten with detailed paintings announces Sho, another nice village with fine views up the open valley. One final steep slope needs to be climbed and then we reach the houses that are lined up on a ridge. Overnight at Lho.
Day 10: Lho – Samagaon
After breakfast, trek from start Lho to Samagaon (3530m), It takes five hours walk. Today, the Budhi Gandaki is far down but we follow a small tributary instead. Walking in the shady fir forest is very enjoyable. A short climb to a plateau and the village Shyala. Huge mountains surround us, Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, other snow summits to the right, at the far end of the valley we have just come from stands Ganesh Himal. From a large chorten we look down into a little dip where two rows of houses form the main part of Sama. At the far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Sama. Overnight at Samagaon.
Day 11: Acclimatization day in Samagaon
Morning have a breakfast after trek start from Samagaon to Pungyen Gompa and come back to Samagaon again. Today, we spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Ponder at the thousands of Mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. Meet the village women in Samagaon who wear a nice silver spoon as jewelry. On a little hill near Samagaon is an old Gompa. Take a side trip to Pungyen Gompa, a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year they met so much resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They finally summated the mountain in 1959. Overnight at Samagaon.
Day 12: Sama – Samdo
After Breakfast trek start from Sama to Sando (3860m). It takes five hours walk. Today, descend to the Budhi Gandaki that has turned north, and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can see a large white kani, finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight at Samdo.
Day 13: Samdo – Dharamsala
After Breakfast trek start from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya B.C (4460m). It takes five hours walk. Today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Buri Gandaki and begin walking upward. Cross two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier. Go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again and come to the stone guest house (4450 m) which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. We camp here today and have a rest to prepare for tomorrows crossing of the famous and most awaited Larkya Pass. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight at Dharamsala.
Day 14: Dharamsala – Larkya la – Bimthang
After Morning breakfast trek start from Dharamsala, Larkya La (5100m) to Bimthang (3720m), Today, after a short climb, we reach the ablation valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. Savor the spectacular views from the top of the pass. It is a longer day then usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in and Manaslu; it’s an experience not to be missed. Overnight at Bimthang.
Day 15: Bimthang – Gho
After have a breakfast trek start from Bimthang to Gho (2560m). It takes four hours walk. Today, Cross the high pasture, descend the valley of the Burdin Khola. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meters. From here we cross a slide, then go across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Overnight at Gho.
Day 16: Gho – Dharapani
After breakfast trek start from Gho to Dharapani (1920m). It takes four hours walk. Today, Continue through the fields, over a clear stream, passing through the houses and fields interspersed with rhododendron and oak forests. Staying on the north bank we trek into Tilje. Climb over a small ridge to the stone – paved village and wind among the closely spaced houses of this large Village. Leaving the village, cross the Dudh Khola and trek along the river embankment. Cross a wooden bridge back to the northern side of the Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch and past a Mani wall to Thonje. At the village of Thonje, we go through a police checkpoint, and then continue to Dharapani. Overnight at Dharapani.
Day 17: Dharapani – Syange
After morning breakfast trek start from Dharapani to Syange (1080m). It takes six hours walk. Today, the remainder of our trek follows trails used on the first few days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We descend to the Marsyangdi River and cross the suspension bridge. Climb up and away from the river and hike through a broad, flat valley to the village of Tal (1,675m), situated at the foot of a large waterfall. The trail continues on to Chyamje, re-crossing the river once again. It then descends through forests of rhododendron and pine to Syange. Overnight at Syange.
Day 18: Syange – Besi Sahar
After have a breakfast trek start from Syange to Besi Sahar (800m). Today, the Marsyangdi valley opens and on its banks terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides are the age-old work of the Nepalese farmers. We cross several interesting villages as Bhulbhule, Khudi. Then we walk on a flat part alongside the left bank of the Marsyangdi. A last walk up for reaching Besi Sahar, a dusty and busy place which marks the end of our trek and the beginning of the civilization. Overnight at Besi Sahar.
Day 19: Besi Sahar to Kathmandu
After breakfast Drive from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus. It takes seven hours drive. Today, A 7 to 8 picturesque drive on the way back to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages on both sides of road. In Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, we host a dinner to celebrate our successful completion of Around Manaslu Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 20: Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. You will be transferred to the Airport before 2 hours of flight with nice farewell. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
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