Trekking around Manaslu offers a unique opportunity to experience a reasonably "untouched" region of Nepal. This region of Nepal sees few trekkers, which makes a visit here more exclusive and unspoiled. Manaslu trekking was opened only since 1991; it provides spectacular beauty along the border of Nepal and Tibet and is now a controlled trekking route which allows organized trekking groups special permits to venture round its spectacular circuit.
Manaslu has a distinctive environment which is exceptionally rich in bio diversity that has made this region one of the finest tourist destinations of Nepal for many years. Consisting of varieties of cultural diversities, natural scenery of the majestic Himalayan ranges, high altitude romantic glacier lakes and fascinating flora and fauna, all these natural and cultural features of this region have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations of Nepal and is controlled area requiring special trekking permit to get entry into this region for foreigners.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving into Kathmandu
Namaste and welcome to Nepal , You'll be met and assisted at the airport by our local representatives who will arrange your transfer and check in to your hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu and Valley
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour visiting Bodhnath Stupa & Swoyam,bhu Nath Stupa. Here we may observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the Stupa. Where we can visit the surrounding monasteries and perhaps watch the monks as they chant their daily mantras.
In addition, we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River . Here we will see Hindu holymen (or Sadhus), pilgrims bathing and, occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. In the evening, you will be supplied with your trek packs and final departure details for tomorrow.
Day 3: Kathmandu - Gorkha
Drive approximately 4-5 hours to reach Gorkha. In the afternoon sightseeing around Gorkha bazaar and the palace of Gorkha King where firstly brave Gorkha solidiers originated.
Day 4: Gorkha - Kanchowk (956 n) 6-7 hrs.
The trail separates from here north-east toward Budhi Gandaki river. We follow the right trail toward Khanchowk bazaar for the night halt. Khanchowk commands good view of Gorkha himal.
Day 5: Khanchowk - Arughat (530 m) 5-6 hrs.
Continue on to Arukot. The trek today involved little bit of up and little bit of down toward Budhi Gandaki. Arughat is the largest village of this river basin.
Day 6: Arughat - Seti Khola (750 m) 6-7 hrs.
Follow the river Budhi Gandaki toward its point of origin. We pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat river. After Arkhat we ascend slowly toward Kyoropani. Camp today near the confluence of Seti river - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath.
Day 7: Seti Khola - Machha Khola (890 m) 6-7 hrs.
The trail descends slowly until you climb again to mountain ridge to Almara. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budhi Gandaki. At Lambesi, the trail follows down to the sandy river bed of Budhi Gandaki. Camp tonight at Machha River .
Day 8: Machha Khola - Jagat (1350 m) 6-7 hrs.
Cross Machha river and head upstream along the river's edge. After crossing Khola besi, there is a hot spring called "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area after this toward Doban. Below Doban, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete trasformation. At Jagat, there is a police check-post where your trekking permit will be checked.
Day 9: Jagat - Ngyak (2300 m) 7-8 hrs.
Descend to the riverbed again. After crossing the river, ascend to a terraced hill of Saguleri. Sringi Himal (7177 m.) can be seen from here. At Ghatte river, cross the river Budhi Gandaki to continue toward Sirish Gaon. Gandaki valley narrows from herewith soaring precipitous walls.
Day 10: Ngyak
Free for the local excursions.
Day 11: Ngyak - Ghap (2095 m) 6-7 hrs.
Follow the trail upstream of Deng River - 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.
Day 12: Ghap - Lho Gaon (3150 m) 5-6 hrs.
Cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki to follow the path lined with houses interspersed with cultivated fields. At Namru, there is a police check post again. After Namru, across the Hinan river originating from Linda Glacier and continue on to Sho. Naike peak, Manaslu north (9774 m.) and Manaslu (8150 m.) is visible from here. Camp near a spring at Lho gaon - a small village.
Day 13: Lho Gaon - Sama Gompa (3500 m) 4-5 hrs.
Pass the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho with full view of Peak 29 ahead. You can make a side excursion to Pungen Glacier from here to get a very close up view of Manaslu. Follow the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Sama. From the village of Sama , it takes another 20 minutes to reach Sama Gompa for night halt.
Day 14: Sama Gompa - Samdo (4000 m) 3-4 hrs.
Trek along the level table land and skirt around the ridge like lateral moraine heading to Karmo Kharka and Kermo Maman. Climb a terraced hill on the opposite bank of Budhi Gandaki from here toward a most remote permanent settlement - Samdo. Here amid the most sever condition of nature live some 200 villagers in forty houses check-by-jowl. Camp tonight here.
Day 15: Samdo Free day for local excursion.
Day 16: Samdo - Guest House (4450 m) 5-6 hrs.
Descend a mountain path from Samdo and until you cross Gyala Khola. Ascend again to the ridge overlooking the remains of a thriving Lyarke bazaar. Cross two small streams before Larke Glacier appears before you. Ascend from here to stirringly built buildings called "Guest House".
Day 17: Guest House - Larke Phedi (4450 m) 5-6 hrs.
Early morning tea and prepare for the pass. Climb slowly toward Cho Canda and continue on to further ascending steep uphill heading to Larkya la (5135 m.). Magnificent view of Himlung Himal (7126 m.), Cheo Himal, Gyaij Kang, Kang Guru (7010 m.) and Annapurna II are visible from here. It is steep descent again on the other side of the pass covered with full of snow. Tired & exhausted camp at the foot of Larke pass called Phedi.
Day 18: Larke Phedi - Karche (2785 m) 6-7 hrs.
Descend again to Larcia and to a hill called Pangal. Excellent view in the background from here. At Tangbuche, you descend again toward Bimtang. Climb the lateral moraine for a while until moraine ends to a riverbed. Descend again through Rhododendron forests to Hompak toward cultivated field to arrive at Karche for the night halt.
Day 19: Karche - Dharapani (91943 m) 6-7 hrs.
Ascend through the paddy fields toward Karche La. From the pass the track descends through numerous fields to Tillije. Cross Dudhkhola from here to reach Thonje check post. You will join Marshyangdi valley from here. Camp to night at Dharapani.
Day 20: Dharapani - Chamche (1433 m) 5-6 hrs.
Follow the trail down stream of Marshyangdi river, passing through the scattered villages to reach Chamche village for overnight camping.
Day 21: Chamche - Ngarri (846 m) 7-8 hrs.
Ascend gently to Bahun Danda until descend again to Nagatti for the overnight halt.
Day 22: Ngatti - Besi Sahar (823 m) 6-7 hrs.
The trail runs gently down stream of the river passing the village of Bhulbhule . Camp at Besi Sahar.
Day 23: Besi Sahar - Dumre / Kathmandu
After early breakfast, drive for about 7-8 hours back to Kathmandu .
Day 24: At Leisure in Kathmandu . O/N Kathmandu Hotel.
An opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last minute shopping. We will also organize an optional flight over Mt. Everest ($130 US) or an optional biking trip around the Kathmandu Valley . Later this evening we'll all meet up for a group farewell Nepali food with typical dance.
Day 25: Departure with warm Good Bye.
Today is free to relax until departure or to commence any additional trips or activities you may have booked.
COST INCLUDES:
1. Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up & drop by private car/van/bus.
2. Kathmandu City sight seeing
3. Full board meal during camping, prepared by our cook with Tea & coffee.
4. Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
5. A local government license holder Trekking Guide during the trek., a cook, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine.
6. Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek.
7. All special trekking permits & fees.
8. Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu.
9. Down Jacket and duffel/kit bag by Ace the Himalaya (which needs to be returned after the trek.)
10. All our government taxes.
11. Tourist service charge, vat.
12. Official expanse.
COST EXCLUDES:
1. Hard and soft table drinks such as, coke, fanta, mineral water, hot shower, desert etc.
2. Personal insurance
3. Rescue operation charge
4. Tips for guide & porter
