Trip Name: Around Manaslu Trek
Trip Days: 18 Days
Max-Elevation: 5,160m, Larkya Pass
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Seasons: Autumn & Spring
Group Size: 1-12 people
Arrival On: Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure From: Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Star hotel at Kathmandu and teahouse during the trek
Meals: Breakfast at Kathmandu and all meals during the trek
Around Manaslu Trek is a great teahouse trek that exhibits the best mountain vistas, alpine landscapes, fascinating culture and geographical diversity ranging from 600m to 500m. Also known as Manalsu Circuit Trek, it is suitable for those seeking for challenge but less-crowded trekking route in Nepal. It is regarded as great alternative trek to Annapurna Circuit Trek which can be done on fully teahouse mode unless you go for beaten off trail.
Located so close to the Tibetan border, some 100 km north-west of Kathmandu, this area has been restricted for trekking until early nineties. Due its remoteness and relative inaccessibility, it sees few trekkers when compared with popular Annapurna and Khumbu region of Nepal. So, many trekkers regard it as best kept secret of Himalaya in Nepal.
Around Manaslu trek starts after a drive from Kathmandu to Soti-Khola. Trekking along the impressive gorge of Buri Gandaki River, we pass several small villages perched on the steep valley sides to reach the wonderful Tibetan village of Ghap. Much Manaslu round trek falls in the region known as Nupri- an area with strong Tibetan influence and trade route between regions. As we trek higher, we enter into the secluded Buddhist world dotted with monasteries, mani walls and chorten and as the valley opens out, there are delightful views of Nepal-Tibet bordered peaks and Manalsu massifs. Moreover, the Hindu settlements get replaced by Buddhist and so does topography- replaced by alpine scrubs.
“Larkya La Pass”, the highest point of the trek is believed to be one of the most dramatic high pass in the world. This is ancient salt trading route that connects two river valley i.e. Buri Gandaki and Marsyandgdi and also Manaslu and Annapurna region. Larkya La Pass also serves astounding view of Chuli Himal, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Larke Peak, Annapurna II and Mt. Manaslu (eighth highest peak in the world). Further, descending via the route of Bimthang, we join Annapurna Circuit Route at Tal before driving back to Kathmandu.
Like all Alpine Kailash’s itinerary, this Around Manalsu circuit route itinerary allows sufficient time for proper acclimatization. Since, the maximum part of the trek involves walking on rugged trail, this trek is for those passionate walkers with good cardiovascular fitness.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft), Tribhuvan International Airport
Day 02: Kathmandu: exploration and trek preparation day
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m/2328ft) – 8-9 hours trek
Day 04: Soti Khola – Machha Khola (900m/2952ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 05: Machha Khola – Jagat (1,410m/4,625ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 06: Jagat – Deng (1,804m/5,917ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 07: Deng – Namrung (2,630m/8,626ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 08: Namrung – Samagaon (3,530m/11,578ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 09: Samagaon: Hike to Pungyen Gompa and back to Samagaon – 6-7 hours tre
Day 10: Samagaon – Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft) – 4-5 hours trek
Day 11: Rest and acclimatization day at Samdo
Day 12: Samdo – Dharmasala/Larkya B.C. (4,460m/14,628ft) – 4-5 hours trek
Day 13: Dharmasala – Larkya La (5,160m/16,924ft) – Bimthang (3,720m/12,201ft) – 8-9 hours trek
Day 14: Bimthang – Tilije (2,300m/7,544ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 15: Tilije – Tal (1,700m/5,576ft) – 5-6 hours trek
Day 16: Tal – Syange (1,080m/3,542ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Day 17: Syange – Kathmandu – 8-9 hours trek
Day 18: Final departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,265ft)
Upon you arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Alpine Kailash Representative will meet you at arrival gate of airport. He will escort you to your hotel via private vehicle. Today, you will meet your trekking guide, get trek briefing and prepare yourself for trekking.
In evening, you will attend welcome dinner organized by Alpine Kailash and stay overnight at hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu: Exploration and trek preparation day
After breakfast, we begin our guided tour to several historic, antique and spiritual site in Kathmandu which are protected by UNESCO world heritage sites. Today, we explore quaint Durbar Square, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple) and Boudhanath (largest Buddhist stupa). After sightseeing of UNESCO designated world heritage sites, we drive back to hotel and get our trekking gears checked by our trekking leader and discuss about the trip Alpine Kailash’s office.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m/2328ft) – 8-9 hours trek
We depart early from Kathmandu to Sotikhola. En-route- we enjoy the many countryside villages with verdant hilly sceneries. We drive along the bank of Trishuli River and follow the paved road until Dhading Bensi but the driving route from Dhading Bensi to Arughat is on rough road. We leave behind Arughat and drive further to reach SotiKhola.
Overnight in Sotikhola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Soti Khola – Machha Khola (900m/2,952ft) – 6-7 hours trek
After breakfast, we trek beyond Sotikhola, cross the bridge and walk through the dense forest of Sal and then ascend to the forested ridge right above the huge rapid of Budhi Gandaki. We reach the Khursane village and beyond the village the trail weaves its way up and down, traverse rice terraces and tropical waterfalls and climbs up to the Gurung village of Labubesi. The trail further goes behind a rocky outcrop and eventually the valley widens up and the Budhi Gandaki River flows among the wide gravel bars.
Further, we climb down to the sandy river bed and walk for a while to climb over the side ridge. From the ridge, we drop down to the river and cross another suspension bridge to enter into the village of Machha Khola.
Overnight in Machha Khola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Maccha Khola – Jagat (1410m/4,625ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Machha Khola to Jagat trail negotiates few ups and downs and move across Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi. Further traversing few more uphill and downhill section, we reach a small hot spring in Tatopani. After soothing at hot spring, we ascend over another ridge and cross Budhi Gandaki over a suspension bridge. Afterward, we ascend via well-crafted staircase and walk across a landslide to climb over a ridge to Dovan. Walking across the suspension bridge over Yaru Khola, we ascend for a while through stone stair and descend down to the river before climbing via stone stairs to reach Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki River, we ascend over a ridge and walk alongside of river before climbing to the village of Jagat.
Overnight in Jagat.
Day 06: Jagat – Deng (1,804m/5,917ft) – 6-7 hours trek
After breakfast, we climb to Salleri via rocky ridge and drop off to Sirdibas. Before, we continue to Ghatta Khola, the valley opens up and the trail follows fairly leveled path. Further climbing via forested route, we cross a suspension bridge before entering into the large village of Philim. The trail follow the Ekle Bhatti Route waking through the lowest house in the village and follows levelled fairly easy path. The route now negotiates steep, rugged and unsettled section. Eventually, we drop off to the grassy land slopes and cross Budhi Gandaki and trek for a while before crossing the river again. Walking through the wide valley, we cross the dense cluster of Bamboo to reach Deng Khola. Further crossing the Deng Khola, we enter into the small but warm village of Deng.
Overnight in Deng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: Deng – Namrung (2,630m/8,626ft) – 6-7 hours trek
After breakfast, we leave Deng village behind and cross the river of Budhi Gandaki to climb over the ridge Rana (1,910m). We climb further until the route connects the route trail from Bhi and move west to the Budhi Gandaki valley. Travelling through the forested route and mani walls, we cling that route that join the Ghap. We follow the route of Prok village that bless us with incredible panorama of Siringi Himal. Crossing Budhi Gandaki River several time and walking alongside of several gompas, we start gaining height climbing through the lush and verdant forest. Further dropping off to the narrow gorge, the dense starts disappearing and the trail changed into fairly leveled path. A leveled and easy hike for a while and steep climb at the last section of trail takes us to Namrung.
Overnight in Namrung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Namrung – Samagaon (3,530m/11,578ft) – 6-7 hours trek
Namrung is famous for awe-inspiring view of Siring, Ganesh and Himal Chuli peaks in the south. Today, we ascend steadily through the forested route to reach Lihi. It is beautiful village dotted with many Chortens and barley fields. Walking through the side village of Simnang Himal and crossing the warm village of Sho, Lho and Shyala village, we reach Sama village. At Lho village, we get privilege to enjoy the excellent view of Mt. Manalsu and famous Ribung Gompa. Shayala village exhibits the gigantic view of Himal Chuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manalsu and massive glaciers. Walking for while through few uphill and downhill section, we reach the village of Samagaon.
Overnight in Samagaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: Samagaon: Hike to Pungyen Gompa and back to Samagaon – 6-7 hours tre
Today is acclimatization and exploration day at Samagaon. We stroll around the village to explore culture and tradition. We interact with locals and discover thousands of mani stones carved with Buddhist texts and pictures. We hike to nearby hill to explore famous Pungygen Gompa. It is popular monastery that displays astounding views of glacier.
Overnight in Samagaon
Meals: Breafast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Samagaon – Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft) – 4-5 hours trek
After breakfast, we drop down to the Budi Gandaki River and head north to follow the bridge over a side stream. The left trail leads us to the Manalsu Base Camp. We follow the Larkya La Trail walking along side mani walls and after a while, the valley opens up. It is fairly well leveled trail on a shelf over the torrent through the forested route of juniper and brich of Kermo Kharka. We climb down the shelf and cross wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and climb on to the point where the river splits off. Walking through Kani, we enter into the village of Samdo.
Overnight in Samdo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Rest and acclimatization day at Samdo
This is second scheduled acclimatization day of the trek. We suggest you to hike over the trade pass located right back of Samdo village. This trade pass is famous for excellent views of Mt. Manalsu, Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and Kang Guru. En route- you will encounter many herding settlements locally called doksas and discover beautiful Lophophorus (national bird in Nepal), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin soaring high in the sky. You can also choose to trek over Gya La Pass, frequently used pass by trader.
Overnight in Samdo Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Samdo – Dharmasala/Larkya B.C. (4,460m/14,628ft) – 4-5 hours trek
Walking down the edge of the village, we cross the bridge over Budi Gandaki and continue walking uphill. En route to Dharmasala, we cross two streams, enjoy the view of Larkya Glacier and walk around the valley of Salka Khola. Dharmasala (4,450m) is not a lodge but a small stone shelter as known as Larke Phedi.
Overnight in Dharmashala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Dharmasala – Larkya La (5,160m/16,924ft) – Bimthang (3,720m/12,201ft) – 8-9 hours trek
Larkya La pass trek involves 800m ascend that takes 3-5 hours and 1,500m that takes 3-4 hours descent to Bimthang. It can be bitterly cold if it is windy and snows and ice can consume more time. A pre-dawn hike starts with easy ascent to the ridge before joining long and arduous climb over the jumbled moraine field. You will discover Pawar Peak on the northern border and Larke Peak on the southern border.
Finally, we walk alongside the moraine of the glacier which become steeper at final section. The pass serves the magnificent views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and huge Annapurna II. The trail to Bimthang is quite longer than usual. We reach to Bimthang with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu.
Overnight in Bimthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Bimthang – Tilije (2,300m/7,544ft) – 5-6 hours trek
The ridge at Bimthang allows you to enjoy the tantalizing view of Mt. Manalsu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We climb down to Sangure Kharka, cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and forest and narrow trail that leads you to the highest cultivated land valley of Karche (2,785m). We ascend to the ridge and drop down to the riverbank before making a short hike to Gho village. You can overnight at Gho village but better lodges are available at Tilije, so we hike to Tilije for comfortable night.
Overnight in Tilije
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Tilije – Tal (1,700m/5,576ft) – 5-6 hours trek
After early morning breakfast, we head our journey that starts with an ascent to the ridge. We hike along the path paved with stones that leads us to village and further we exit through the arch shaped gate after crossing suspension bridge over Dudh Khola. Ascending alongside of Mani walls, we reach Thonje and further walk takes us to Dharapani, the security checkpoint and part of Annapurna Circuit Trail. Crossing suspension bridge over Marshyangdi River several times, we reach Karte village and further along the trail with Mani walls, we reach Tal.
Overnight in Tal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Tal – Syange (1,080m/3,542ft) – 6-7 hours trek
After breakfast, we descend via gentle path and climb up until we get the glimpse of Marshyangdi River. Walking through the forested trail and crossing the suspension bridge over the river, we reach Chyamje village. The village is incredibly beautiful dotted with quaint houses, temples and cultivated terrace. As we advance, we enjoy the stunning waterfall and walk further to join a trial to Syange via Jagat.
Overnight in Syange
Day 17: Syange – Kathmandu – 8-9 hours trek
After early morning breakfast, we drive a long way back to Kathmandu. Driving by land allows you to get acquainted with diversity of terrain in Nepal. We enjoy the verdant hilly scenery, torrent Trishuli River and many quaint settlements. In the evening, we stroll the quaint street of Thamel and catch last minute shopping and also attend farewell dinner organized by Alpine Kailash in typical Nepali restaurant.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 18: Final Departure
Your trip with Alpine Kailash ends today. We will escort you to Tiribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.
.jpg "Visa Card")
