Kathmandu to Manaslu Trek
Trip Overview
Kathmandu to Manaslu trek starts from drive to Soti Khola either by bus or jeep. Manaslu Trek is truly a lifetime hiking journey. It provides you very mesmerizing hiking experience of Himalayan territory. Manaslu trek is around Mount Manaslu, 8163 m, the eighth highest mountain in the world, which lies near the border of Nepal and Tibet. The word Manaslu denotes ‘The Spirit Mountain’.
In Manaslu Trek you trek through Manaslu Conservation Area was which was established in 1998. The trail provides you spectacular Himalayan scenery, the firsthand experience of ancient Tibetan culture, amazing glaciers, and age-old monasteries, and a high altitude variation allowing for changing landscapes and climatic zones. Further in this trek, you experience 6 different climatic zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, sub-alpine, alpine, and arctic.
Indeed, Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. It is famous for its solidarity and untouched natural beauty. This trek lets you explore the pristine region of Nepal. It is considered to be a moderate level trekking with cultural, historical, and natural wonders. The total length of the Manaslu Circuit trekking is around 177 kilometers. Nowadays Manaslu Trek has become the best alternative for Annapurna Circuit for trekkers who desire to explore the diversified landscape, culture, and Himalayan views.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is also some challenging trek that exposes you to rough terrains, off the beaten paths. Larkya La Pass at 5,125 m is the highest point of this trek from where a superb view is seen, which includes Himal Himlung (7,125m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Kang Guru (6,981m), Annapurna II (7,939m), and Manaslu (8163m). We have designed our itinerary to allow the best possible acclimatization.
The best time to trek around Manaslu is from March to May and from September to November. Going on this trek in colder months is not recommended because Larkye La pass is dangerous during extreme snow conditions.
Arughat is the starting point of this adventure. Crossing through culturally rich villages, local settlements, forests and enjoying stunning Himalayan vistas you enter the alpine valley where you visit Buddhist villages. Then you go to cross Larkya La pass and descend to join the trail of Annapurna Circuit. You end the trek at Chamje from where you drive to Besi Sahar and then to Kathmandu.
In summary, the major Highlights of Kathmandu to Manaslu Trek are as below:
• Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
• Superb off the beaten path trekking with a diverse and impressive landscape
• Trek over the Larkya La mountain pass which stands at 5,213 m
• Unspoiled and less commercialized trekking route
• Visit ethnic villages and explore the rural cultures, traditions, and lifestyle
• Explore the best view of the world’s 8th highest mountain ‘Manaslu’
• Enjoy also the view of Annapurna II, Cheo Himal & other peaks
• Trekking through Manaslu Conservation Area
• Chance to see Blue Sheep, Mountain Goat, Himalayan Marmots, Snow Leopard, etc.
• Experience the amazing Tibetan culture in Nepal
MANASLU TREK ITINERARY WITH MANASLU BASE CAMP
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. (1350m).
After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our tour officer will welcome you. Then he will assist you to transfer the hotel. Trip briefing at the hotel. Have a rest at the hotel or walk around the Thamel Tourist market. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing tour and trekking permit preparations.
In the morning we will collect your passports and photos to prepare your trekking permits. You will go for cultural sightseeing of Swoayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist temple on the top of the hillock, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old palace area where you can explore typical Nepalese art, architecture, and heritage. In the evening we will introduce you to your trekking guide and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola by public transport (710m).
Today you leave Kathmandu early in the morning by drive. It’s a scenic drive through the beautiful Nepalese villages. We will have a comfortable ride until Dhading Besi as the road is paved. Then you leave for Arughat followed by Soti Khola on a dirt road with some bumpy rides. By route, you will pass beautiful green hills, dense forests, rivers, and Nepalese villages. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 4: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (930m).
Today’s trekking follows a constantly undulating trail mainly through woodlands as you continue to head upstream along the Budhi Gandaki. Then you come to the wide, sandy riverbed and then continue along a winding mountain path overlooking the river. In route, you will pass villages of Armala, Liding, Apubesi, and Khani Besi before reaching Machha Khola. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 5: Trek to Jagat (1370m).
Your trek begins crossing the Machha Khola and Khrolabesi. The word Khola denotes River. Then you will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. After Tatopani, the onward trail follows a forested area until you cross Dovan Khola. After that, you will make your way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As the elevation increases, the scenery undergoes a complete transformation, with white sandy areas along the riverside. Continuing several ups and downs walk you reach Thado Bhanjyang then after Jagat. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m).
After breakfast, you follow the trail towards Setibas where we can see several mani walls that indicates you are entering Tibetan influenced region. The trail continues up to the stone houses of Ghatta Khola as you approach Philim. Then the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge, descending through the grassy slopes and crossing the Buri Gandaki. The route becomes a pleasant walk through bamboo forests to Deng village. Today you pass the villages named Salleri, Sirdibas, Phillim, Eklebhatti, Nyak before reaching Deng. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 7: Trek to Namrung (2540m).
Leaving Deng you follow the up and down trail towards Ghap. This village has five or six stone houses famous for their mani wall with distinctive carvings of Buddha. The route ascends making a long climb through bamboo and rhododendron-filled forests to Namrung. Namrung is a village with stone houses and a police check post. From this village, you can enjoy the views of Mt. Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 8: Trek to the beautiful village of Samagaun (3390m).
After Namrung, the trek enters into upper Nupri where the dialect changes to a form of Tibetan style and most people dress in chubas (Tibetan dress). The trail leaves the village through a Kani and makes a long sweep into a wooded canyon and crossing the Hiran Khola on a double-span cantilever bridge. While trekking you can capture a spectacular sight of Manaslu. You pass the villages: Lho (3080m) and Syala (3350m) then cross a ridge. After a trek in and out of the canyon of the Thosang Khola, you will descend onto a rock-strewn moraine and reach Sama Gaon. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Samagaun (3390m).
Today you can take a day off to acclimatize, relax and explore the areas around Samagaon village. Or you can side trip to Manaslu Base Camp or side trip to Pungyen Gompa or side trip to Birendra Tal (lake). Overnight at Mountain Lodge
SIDE TRIPS:
A. Trek from Samagaun to Manaslu Basecamp (4800m) and back to Samagaun
After breakfast, you will follow the steep ascent from Samagaun. The trail has a short start in the forest then it will become exposed on a steep slope above Samagaun giving an impressive view of the Manaslu glacier and Birendra Tal below. After you gain altitude the view became more dramatic. Trek slowly because as you walk upward there is thin air. Before reaching the Manaslu Base Camp the last part of the climb will be on a steep narrow moraine before being rewarded with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Capture the beautiful photos, walked around Manaslu Base Camp. Then you will trek back to Samagaun. The duration of the side trip to Manaslu Base Camp is an average of 7 hours. 4 or 4.5 hours ascent and 3 hours descent.
B. Trek from Samagaun to Pungyen Gompa (4050m) and back to Samagaun: 5-6 hours walk
C. Hiking to Birendra Tal and back to Samagaun: 1.5 hour walk
Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3890m).
Today the trail is relatively easy and wide. Trek from Samagaon to Samdo takes about 3 to 4 hours. As you continue on with your trek, the valley begins to widen. The route on a shelf above the river past juniper and birch forests and the stone huts of Kermo Kharka. From a stone arch, you will be able to see a large white Kani before reaching Samdo. Samdo is at the junction of three valleys. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi (4460m).
Before you start our climbing you will do a gentle descent to the river. After crossing Gyala Khola you start to climb to a large pile of mani stones just above Larkya Bazaar. Heading further upwards with magnificent views of Larkya Peak and the north face of Manaslu, you come to arrive at Larkya Pedhi where there is a large emergency shelter with recently built teahouses. Larke Phedi is also called Larke Base Camp. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 12: Cross Larkya La (5125m) and trek to Bimthang (3590m).
Today is to cross Lakya La so it is a challenging day. Wake early in the morning. You start the trek before sunrise and climb up a ridge, eventually ending up on top of the moraine at 4690 meters. From there the trail climbs more steeply to the top of Larkya La Pass at 5135 meters. The last section of the pass is slightly steeper. From the top of the pass, you can get amazing views of Annapurna II, Menjung, Gyagi Kang, Kang Guru, Himlung, and Cheo Himal. Then you descend to Bimthang passing through the glaciers. An easy gradient finally indicates that we are at Bimtang. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2300m)
From Bhimthang the trail descends and crosses glacial steam. You continue to walk further through rhododendron forests to reach Karache village (2,800M). After this village, you reach Gho village. Further, you trek through fields over a clear stream, past houses and more fields interspersed with rhododendron and oak forests, and reach Tilje village. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 14: Trek from Tilije to Chamje (1410m)
Today, the trail drops down and passes through several fields, houses, and forests of rhododendron, and oak. You descend through a scrub forest and reach Dharapani. From Dharapani, you again trek a couple of hours to reach Chamje. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 15: Drive to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu (1350m)
Today, in the morning, you will drive through the rugged dirt road to Besisahar and then eventually follow the paved road to Kathmandu. It’s a beautiful scenic drive. After reaching Kathmandu you will be transferred to the hotel. Rest. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with a cultural show at a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu. Overnight at Mountain Lodge
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on the time of your departure, our tour officer will accompany you to transfer Tribhuvan International Airport for the flight of your onward journey. Goodbye! See you again in Nepal for the next adventure.
WHY EXCELLENT HIMALAYA COMPANY FOR MANASLU TREK?
Excellent Himalaya is the leading operator of Manaslu Trek. We are a company based only in Nepal and managed by Nepalese tourism experts and local guides. Our team is engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002. We are the direct operator of Kala Patthar Trek, not the agent and middle people. We are the trekking company authorized by Nepal Government Tourism Ministry. Our company’s government registration number is 175840/074/075 and our license number to operate trekking, tour, and mountain expedition in Nepal is 2432.
Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition operate Manaslu Trek as an organized trek in the package inclusive transport, guide, porter, meals, lodges, etc., and also provide the only guide, porter, and transport service with the assistance of permit issue.
MANASLU TREK PACKAGE COST: For up-to-date price please contact us.
Package Cost Includes:
• Airport pickup and drop off services by private vehicle
• Accommodation in Kathmandu for 3 Nights as per the itinerary at tourist standard Hotel
• Kathmandu – Soti Khola and Chamje – Kathmandu transfers on the shared bus
• Meals on full board [Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner] during the trek
• Accommodation on tea houses as per the itinerary during the trek
• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System), MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project), and Nepal Immigration Permits
• During trekking, one experienced and friendly trekking Guide.
• Expenses of food, accommodation, insurance, transport, and the wages of Guide.
• Comprehensive first aid medical kit carried by the guide
• Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• Trip Map for Group
• Trip Achievement Certificate.
• All government taxes, local tax, and tourist service charges.
• Complimentary welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant
Package Cost Excludes:
• Airfare of your international flight.
• Nepal Visa Fees
• Your medical and travel insurance which includes evacuation.
• All kinds of personal expenses like phone calls, internet use, laundry, hot shower during trekking, excess baggage charge, etc.
• Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks, bottled water, dessert.
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
• In case of emergency helicopter rescue/ evacuation & its cost.
• Tips for Trekking Staff.
• Any expenses arising due to unforeseen situations like personal sickness, natural calamities, political strikes, etc.
• Services not mentioned in the ‘Services Includes’ section (Please ask us if you are confused about any services)
Optional Addons:
• Porter
• Private Jeep Kathmandu – Soti Khola
• Private Jeep Chamje – Kathmandu Jeep
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Manaslu Trek. Once we receive your request message, we get back to you within 24 hours.
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Why travel with us?
- Run by local experts, guide & Sherpa.
- Focus on your needs.
- Good value for money.
- Real cared services.
- Government recognized company.
- Best reasonable rate.
