Manaslu Round Trek

Trip Introduction

Manaslu  round trek begins with sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu before trekking in the beautiful Manaslu region. While on the trip we go to Manaslu base camp and get magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eight tallest mountain in the world, coupled with a chance to witness the rich local heritage and biological diversity of the region. we will visit to Tibetan border in this trip. The highest point in this trek is the ‘Larkya La Pass’ which is widely believed to be one of the most dramatic pass crossing the Himalayas.

With its remoteness and secluded solidarity, it is believed to be in stark contrast to trekking in the Annapurna region making ‘Manaslu Round Trek’ a first choice for those who prefer to become one with nature.

Experience Required

This trek is suitable for fit walkers or those with previous trekking experience. If you are a regular weekend hill walker, this would be a good next trek for you.

Detail Itinerary



Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600 ft)

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will drop you off at our hotel. 

 



 Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing 

Today after breakfast we start a city tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks including the historic Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 



 



Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (710m/2328 ft) 8 – 9 hours

Today we drive to  Sotikhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi and the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road.  Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola.



 



Day 4: Soti Khola – Maccha Khola (900m/2952 ft) 6 – 7 hours

Today we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down,  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. We further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village.



 



Day 5:  Maccha Khola -Jagat (1410m/ 4625 ft) 6 – 7 hrs

The narrow undulating trail eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. After a few more undulation, we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopani and we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan.  we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat.



 



Day 6:  Jagat – Deng (1,804m/5917 ft) 6 – 7 hrs

Today we climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we 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 continue through the trail the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola.  we reach the tiny village of Deng.



 



Day 7: Deng – Namrung (2630m/8626ft) 6 – 7 hrs

After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another route, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a 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 Namrung.



 



Day 8:  Namrung – Samagaon (3530m/11,578 ft) 6-7 hours

Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We further pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt. Manasly from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. we overnight at Samagaun.



 



Day 9:  Samagaon – Manaslu base camp – Samagaon: 6 – 7 hours 


Today we climb up to Manslu base camp to see the Mt. Manslu form close and explore glacier. we come down and spend a night at Samagaun.


 



Day 10:  Samagaon – Samdo (3860m/12,660 ft) 4 – 5 hours

Today is a pretty 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. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo.



 



Day 11: Samdo – Tibetan border – Samdo.

Today we hike to one of the trade passes to Tibet for excellent views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass.  En route to these viewpoints we pass many seasonal herding settlements called doksas and sight some beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin soaring high above us.



 



Day 12:  Samdo – Dharamsala (4460m/14, 628 ft) 4 – 5 hours

we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi.



 



Day 13:  Dharamsala – Larkya la (5160m/16, 924 ft) – Bimthang (3720m/12, 201 ft) 8 – 9 hours

After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. Today is a longest day to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience.



 



Day 14: Bimthang – Tilije (2300m/7544ft) 5 – 6 hours

Today we descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass 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. 



 



Day 15:  Tilije – Tal (1700m/5576 ft) 5 – 6 hours

We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, we come across Karte village and after quite a bit of walking we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. We  come across some mani walls before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a large waterfall.



 



Day 16:  Tal – Syange (1080m/3542 ft) 6 – 7 hours

We follow the trail to Chyamje village crossing the Marshyangdi Khola. The Marsyandi valley opens with its terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides. The trail then descends through rhododendron and and pine forests to Syange.


 


Day 17: Syange – Kathmandu: 8-9 hours

Today we drive back to Kathmandu. The drive from Syange to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers one an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes.



 

Day 18: Kathmandu

Today is basically a rest day but you do a shopping for souvenir to your family or friends. or you can d more sightseeing to explore Kathmandu.

 



Day 19: Final departure

Today you are flying back home. we will drop you to the airport 3 hour before your flight time.



 

 



IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and health of team members can all contribute to changes. Our Sherpa guides will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

 

What are included

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Guided sightseeing around  Kathmandu city.
  • All the permits during the sightseeing.
  • Accommodation in good standard hotel in Kathmandu in BB plan.
  • Best available  lodges accommodation during the trek in the mountain.
  • all meals (breakfast - lunch - dinner) during trek.
  • Jeep transport from KTM-Sotikhola and Shyage-KTM.
  • English speaking experienced guide, assistant guide and porters, including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
  • All necessary paper works; trekking permits (TIMS, ACAP, special permit for Manaslu)
  • Travel and rescue arrangements.
  • Medical kit (carried by sherpa).
  • All government and local taxes/VAT.

What are excluded

  • Nepal Visa fee (USD $25 for 15 days, 40 for 30 day and 100 for 90 days)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Gears

You are advised to consider the following equipment as essential while packing. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to your requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip.  We can find a variety of these items to hire locally or buy in Kathmandu. It is important to remember that our luggage will be carried by porters and there is a weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds (or 15 kg).   Head:
  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Buff
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
Lower Body:
  • Under Garments
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Upper Body:
  • T-shirts
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket
Hands:
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
Accessories:
  • Sleeping bag rated to -20 DC
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside kit bag
  • Daypack (approximately 35-60ltr)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Water bottle (2) or camel bag
Toiletries:
  • 1 medium sized quick drying towel
  • Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Sun block cream
  • Feminine hygiene product