
The Manaslu region is located in western Nepal and was opened to trekkers only in 1991. Previously only mountaineering expedition teams had access. In 1950 a group headed by H. W. Tilman trekked this area for the first Time and ever since this area has been quite popular among trekkers who like to get off the 'beaten trail'. This area is still restricted to a limited number of organized groups and independent trekkers are not permitted in this area. The trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating. Many of the people residing in this area, especially in the upper Buri Gandaki (river) valley, are of Tibetan origin.
Facts of the Trek
Total Days: 21 days
Trekking Days: 15 days
Hotel in Kathmandu: 5 days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Altitude Maximum: 5213m
Type of Trek: Camping
Best season: March-May and September-November
Walking Time: 4-7 hours each day
Highlights: Stunning adventure and rewarding views; trek to the less visited areas
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 02 : Kathmandu: In the morning we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Arughat (640m): Your trekking staff will come to your Hotel at 7.00 am to pick you up, and from there we have about 5-6 hours driving journey to Arughat. Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi is a comfortable 3 hour drive, but from there to Arugat we will be driving on a dirt road.
Overnight: Camping
Driving Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 694m.
Day 04 : Trek Arughat to Soti Khola (775m): Our trek commences as we follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We will pass the villages of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat River. After Arkhat we ascend slowly toward Kyoropani. Our camp today is near the confluence of the Seti River - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 135m
Day 05 : Trek Soti Khola to Machi Khola (900m): The trail descends slowly until you climb the mountain ridge again to Almara. Following the forest trail we will arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budi Gandaki. At Lambesi, the trail descends to the sandy river bed of Budi Gandaki.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 125 m
Day 06 : Trek Machi Khola to Jagatn (1340m): Our trek begins by crossing Machi Khola and Khrola Besi, where there is a hot spring called "Tatopani". The trail follows a forested area descending towards Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 ½ hours
Différence in Elevation: + 440m
Day 07 : Trek Jagat to Ngyak (2310m): After ascending to the terraced hill of Saguleri with a view of Sringi Himal (7177m) we continue toward Sirish Gaon. The Gandaki valley narrows from here with soaring precipitous walls.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5.5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 970m
Day 08 : Trek Ngyak to Ghap (2100m): The trail follows the Deng River upstream to a tiny village of 4 houses. We walk through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 210m
Day 09 : Trek Ghap to Lho (3100m): After crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki we follow the path lined with houses that are interspersed with cultivated fields. After Namru, we cross the Hinan River originating from Linda Glacier and continue on to Lho. Naike peak, Manaslu north (7774ms) and Manaslu (8150m) are visible from here.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1000m
Day 10 : Trek Lho to Sama Gompa (3450m): We will pass the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho with a full view of Peak 29 ahead. We can make a side excursion to Pungen Glacier from here to get a very close up view of Manaslu by following the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Sama. From the village of Sama, it takes another 20 minutes to reach Sama Gompa where we will camp.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 350m
Day 11 : Trek Sama Gompa to Samdo (3900m): Another day, another kingdom in the sky. Hard to keep stopping, but we do to look back at the incredible mountain views on the walk up to Samdo, an easy three hours. You can spot the entrance chorten high on a bluff an hour out of Ro. The village is a collection of houses and lodges at 3900m, high enough to feel it now, and most trekkers miss the heat of a week ago as we huddle around the lodge stove and a wind from Tibet batters the windowpanes.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 450m
Day 12 :
Acclimatization and exploration day: We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air and also to explore the local village.
Overnight: Camping
Elevation: 3900m
Day 13 :
Trek Samdo to Dharmasala/ Larkya Phedi (4450m): We leave on the trade route to old Tibet and climb through the ruins of Larkya bazaar, one of the trade markets that flourished years back. After two and half hours of climbing with increasingly incredible views, we come to the campsite at Dharamsala, where it's a hot lunch and a feast of views.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 4 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 550m
Day 14 : Trek Larkya Phedi to Bhimthang (3570m) via Larkya Pass (5213m): After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and 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 (7937).
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 - 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: -880m
Day 15 :
Trek Bhimthang to Tilje (2350m): Today the route gets easier. We start with a gentle climb through paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass and then descend through fig trees and rhododendron forests to Tilje.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1220m
Day 16 : Trek Tilje to Taal (1675m): Our trek will follow the trail downstream along the Marsyangdi River, passing through several villages to reach Taal village for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 - 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 675m
Day 17:
Trek Taal to Bahundanda (1265m): Today the trail runs gently downstream of the river passing the villages of Chame and Jagat. From Jagat the trail ascending gently for about 40 minutes and then gently descends to Sanjee village. Then the trail ascends for 20 minutes to Gharmuu Phant. From here another 2 hours easy walk and 30 minutes ascent will take us to the village of Bahundanda.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 410m
Day 18:
Trek Bahundanda to Besisahar (760m): The trail runs gently downstream of the river passing the village of Naadi. From here the trail takes you to the bank of Marsyangdi River and through the towns of Bhulbhule, and Khudi all the way to Besisahar.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 505m
Day 19:
Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu (1334m).
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation + 574m
Day 20:
Kathmandu: Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 21: Transfer to the airport and departure.
Special Note:
This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated only by Camping accommodation. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.
NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.