Expeditions
Phone : +61 3 9598 8581

Around Manaslu

Why we love this trip!

  • Trek among some of the world's highest mountains
  • Getaway from the crowds on the Everest and Annapurna Circuits
  • Trek through Tibetan villages steeped in traditions centuries old
  • All this only hours from Kathmandu

Background

Dominated by the mighty Manaslu, the Manaslu region offers those that wish to get away from the more crowded trails of Annapurna and the Langtang with sublime views and access to villages few visit. Snow-capped peaks and deep valleys will follow you when you visit Manaslu. The main trail follows an ancient salt–trading route along the steep-sided Budhi Gandaki river. The region boasts 10 peaks over 6500 meters asl including several 7000-meter peaks and of course Manaslu itself at over 8000 meters.

Overview

Few trails remain untouched. The Manaslu trek is such, an uncovered gem leading only the savviest travellers closer to local culture, stunning vistas and sensational mountain peaks. This trip is best suited for those who want to journey beyond the beaten track and test their physical strength.

Manaslu follows a trail naturally carved by the Budhi Gandaki River. It meanders beside boulders and leads climbers into the Nupri valley. The area is home to Tibetans and Nepalis, yet only a short drive from Kathmandu, it’s easily accessible for those with limited vacation time.

Part of the Great Himalayan Trail
The Manaslu trek will measure your stamina with an elevation gain of 4400m. As we venture higher into the hills, we’ll see sacred Mani stones, intricately carved Buddhist mantras, and pass under gates that symbolize holy places. In addition to cultural and religious sights, we may encounter natural wildlife - snow leopards, grey wolves, musk deer, and blue sheep roam the valleys. With so much to offer, Manaslu is truly a trekker’s paradise!

Summit Larke La, Manaslu’s highest ridge 5213m
Our highest point of the trek, Larke La, connects the historic trading route from the Annapurna region with the valley of Marsyangi. The view here is unparalleled. Imagine snow-capped peaks and rugged mountain ridges and vibrant colours that don’t need editing. Upon descent, we’ll join the famous Annapurna Circuit and return to the bustling streets of Kathmandu.

Trek responsibly with trained porters and guides
Our staff is committed to making sure your journey is a safe and memorable one. Each guest is paired with one porter (we have a 1 Porter 1 Trekker policy) to ensure a comfortable trek, and all of our guides receive medical and mountaineering training to make sure your experience is pleasant. We provide safety equipment and bring necessary medical supplies on each trip.

Enjoy local and cultural experiences with our knowledgeable team 
With side excursions to monasteries and farming villages, we take our guests on trails less travelled. Along the way, our footsteps will cross the shadows of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli as our bodies adjust to higher elevations and more rugged terrain. Along the way we will visit ancient Gompas such as the Pung Gayan.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu / Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Cultural Tour / Pokhara
Day 3: Drive to Lapubesi
Day 4: Trek to Lobhan
Day 5: Trek to Phili
Day 6: Trek to Deng
Day 7: Trek to Namrung
Day 8: Trek to Shyala
Day 9: Trek to Sama
Day 10: Trek to Sambo
Day 11: Trek to Phedi
Day 12: Larkye La (5213m) then to Bhimthang
Day 13: Trek to Gho
Day 14: Trek to Tilje
Day 15: Return to Kathmandu
Day 16: Return Home

For those who wish a single room in Kathmandu, this can be arranged for $300. And for those that would like a little more luxury in Kathmandu, we can arrange a hotel upgrade to the Nepali Ghar for $300 Twin Share and $550 for a single room.

Routes

Day 1: Arrival / Welcome Dinner
Our friendly staff will be at the airport waiting to greet you and bring you to your accommodation. After you get settled and rest, you’ll meet the rest of your team and enjoy a traditional dance show together. Our welcome dinner is a tasty one and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions about the days ahead.

Day 2: Cultural Tour / Trek Preparation
Today we’ll explore Kathmandu’s many religious and historic sites. In the afternoon, we’ll review our trekking itinerary and make sure you have the gear you need for a comfortable trip. You’ll also receive your trekking permit for Manaslu region. Spend the evening at your leisure; tomorrow’s a big day!

Day 3-4: Drive Lapubesi and trek to Dobhan (1070m)
Transportation will be arranged to Lapubesi where we will begin our trek. It takes about eight hours from Kathmandu, but we’ll make sure your ride is a comfortable one by stopping for rest breaks so you can stretch your legs. Our initial trail will take us up and over a steep rocky path. You’ll see several villages and hear the gushing rapids of the Budhigandaki River. You may want to have your swimsuit on hand as we will stop at a natural hot spring, perfect for soothing weary feet. After checking our permits and registration at the first entry point, we’ll stop for the night at a welcoming teahouse in Dobhan.

Day 5-7: Trek to Namrung (2630m) via Philim and Deng
Stones carved with Tibetan mantras will become a more frequent sight as we enter an area known for its Tibetan influence. The Burigandaki River will fall below us as we steadily make our way over several bridges into more uninhabited areas. After registering our team at the local check post, we’ll venture into the upper part of the valley to the village of Philim and finally, to our stay at Namrung (2630m)

Day 8-9: Shyala (3530m) and Sama (3500m)
Nupri Valley is home to Tibetan immigrants, and you’ll see Buddhist prayer flags adorning rooftops in Barcham, Li, and Sho villages. The peaks of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli are a few of the many mountains that will frame our pictures. As we scale boulders and climb our way through a rocky moraine, we’ll follow a ridge overlooking the fields of Samagaon. We’ll spend time here to allow our bodies to adjust to the higher altitude before continuing onwards. To help you acclimatize, we will take a side excursion to a local Gompa and explore the surrounding village.

Day 10-11: Samdo (3872m) and Phedi (4460m)
Leaving Sama, our trail is a gentle one, giving us some time to warm our bodies before we hike into the hidden town of Samdo. We will take our time descending back down to the river before making our final climb towards Larkya La. We’ll stay at a teahouse with views of the Larkya Glacier in the background.

Day 12: Larkye La (5213m) / Bhimthang
The pass at Larkya La is the highest point we’ll reach, and the views are stupendous. Stand in the shadows of Himlung, Cheo, Kang Guru and Annapurna II traversing slopes and meadowlands leading to camp Bintang. Our tired bodies will crave rest here, and we’ll sleep in the company of snowy peaks.

Day 13-14: Tilje (2368m)
Continuing down to the banks of the Dudh Khola, our journey winds through Gho village to Tilje. In the distance, the teahouses of Darapani dot the landscape, and we’ll check into the trekker’s post before heading into Tal. For our last few days together, we step onto the classic Annapurna Circuit, cross more suspension bridges and hike to reach Shreechour.

Day 15: Return to Kathmandu
After we return to Kathmandu, explore the bustling streets of Thamel and fill your bags with gifts for friends at home. Our guides can recommend spas and restaurants if you want to relax and unwind after your great trek.

Day 16: Departure
Say goodbye and “Pheri Betaula” to your teammates and new friends before hopping into your arranged transportation for your departing flight. We’ll make sure you arrive in time and have help checking your luggage if you need it.

Inclusions

  • Arrival and Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
  • 4 nights accommodation at Harati Manor Hotel twin share
  • OPEN and CHOICE of Full board meals while on the expedition.
  • One Trekker: One Porter Policy
  • Accommodation at clean and comfortable tea houses or lodges.
  • Welcome dinner with the cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
  • Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance permit as listed in the itinerary.
  • All transfers
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
  • Free use of quality trekking gear - sleeping bag, fleece liner, down jacket, rain poncho.
  • Professional local trek leader with Wilderness First Aid.
  • Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) / Gamow Bag (A life-saving device in case of Acute Mountain Sickness) along with a comprehensive First Aid Kit.
  • Assistant trekking guides and other support staff for Everest base camp trek.
  • Trekking map.
  • Personal Sherpa Porters to carry all personal gear. 
  • Insurance of all staff including Porters.
  • Warm clothing and required trekking gear for Porters like Gortex jacket /trousers, trekking shoes, woollen hat, woollen gloves, woollen shocks, sunglasses etc.
  • Complimentary souvenir Tshirt.
  • TIMS Trekking permit.

Exclusions

  • International airfares
  • Personal insurance
  • Tips and beverages

Extensions

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