Trek Around Manaslu

Trek Around Manaslu

Trip Facts
Duration20 Days
Maximum Altitude5135 metres (Larkya Pass)
Group Size2 to 14 persons
Best TimeMid-Feb to May and last September to December

The region around Mt. Manaslu (the world’s eighth highest peak stands at 8156 metres) is less well known than many other parts of Nepal, and visited relatively infrequently by trekkers. The Manaslu area is a fantastic hidden haven of secrecy and seclusion, where yaks outnumber the Gurung people (ethnic group), who live in village settlements perched among the foothills.

Just east of its better known but slightly less high neighbour Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu and its surroundings offer some staggering trekking scenery including precipitous gorges and thundering rivers as well as soaring peaks. This makes trekking here quite strenuous, but there are countless highlights to compensate for the physical exertion, including the crossing of Larkya La (5135m) - a pass connecting the head of the Buri Gandaki valley with the Dudh Khola, a tributary of the Marshyangdi. Although Larkya La is some 300 metres lower than Thorang La on the Annapurna circuit, views from Larkya La are considered to be even more spectacular.

Manaslu trek is popular among trekkers that provide numerous views of snow capped mountains, close interaction with the different ethnic groups and their different cultures and traditions of locals who live in hill villages scattered along the trek routes. It offers a rare combination of historical, archaeological, religious, and cultural of different ethnic communities.

Highlights

  • Soak in the immensity of Mount Manaslu.
  • Circle around the world’s eighth highest peak (8,156m).
  • Climb to Larkya La (5,135m).
  • Spectacular views from Larkya La (at 5,100m).
  • Witness the deepest gorges, thunderous rivers and steepest cliffside shelves.
  • Experience Tibetan Buddhist Culture.
  • Interact with Gurung Communities.
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all
Max Altitude: 1,400m | 4,600 ft Meals: DinnerAccommodation: 5 Star Hotel

You will be met upon arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transferred to your hotel. Evening dinner will be organized following a tour orientation. 

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day freely or prepare for your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel.

Max Altitude: 608m Accommodation: Guest house

During the winding drive on the Prithvi Highway, you can enjoy views of the countryside, catching glimpses of typical village lifestyle, with mountain views in the background (on a clear day). The drive to Dhading Besi is on pitched road, and onward to Arughat is a rough road. 

Max Altitude: 700m Accommodation: Guest house

Today you will walk along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, a flat pathway. You will reach Sotihkola after about 6 hours hiking through terraced fields, numerous villages, and cascading waterfalls.

Max Altitude: 869m Accommodation: Guest house

After crossing a suspension bridge soon after leaving the village, you will trek through beautiful forests, and climb onto a ridge above rapids of the Budi Gandaki. Once you reach Khursane, the beaten trail ascends and descends past two waterfalls, whilst hugging the side of a cliff. The trail eventually leads downward through terraced fields to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Another ascend takes you behind the rocky ledge, to an open valley. Dropping to the sandy riverbed, you walk on the river stones before today’s last climb over another ridge, down to the river and across another suspension bridge to reach Machhakhola village. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 1,070m Accommodation: Guest house

After breakfast, continue the trail on a narrow and tough path through Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where you will find natural hot springs. From there, cross a suspension bridge and walk over a ridge to Dovan. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 1,570m Accommodation: Guest house

Walk through various Gurung ethnic villages and cherishing the views of Sringii Himal as you approach Philim. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 1,860m Accommodation: Guest house

After an energy-rich breakfast, begin trekking to Deng. Upon reaching a fork in the road you will take the left path with a relatively easy 3 hour trek ahead. After lunch trek further to reach your destination in Deng. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 2,630m Accommodation: Guest house

After Deng, you will cross the Budi Gandaki and climb to Rana. A further climb will join a trail from Bhi and you will head west up the Budi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through lush forests of fir and rhododendron (in spring) and a perfect viewpoint for Siringi Himal. The trail follows the river upstream through more forests, which become less dense as you increase elevation. The pleasant walk continues and after one last steep climb you will reach Namrung. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 3520m Accommodation: Guest house

Namrung has a fantastic viewpoint of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Himalchuli. You will climb steadily passing through rich forests to reach Lihi. Here, the trail drops and crosses the valley of Simang Himal with Ganesh Himal nearby. You’ll enjoy incredible views of Mount Manaslu from Lho, a pleasant village with a Gompa. In Shyala, we are surrounded by high mountains with Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead. Today’s journey ends in Samagaun. Overnight in guest house.

Today, rest and allow your body to acclimatize. If you have any interest, you can take a day hike to explore the surrounding areas. Many visit the gompa at Pungyen (4070m), a day hike via a side trail branching off between Shyala and Sama. Other options include a trip to Birendra Tal (3450m). North of Birendra Tal is Milarepa’s Cave that is said to be the meditation spot used by the Buddhist Saint. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 4,460m Accommodation: Guest house

After breakfast, begin your day by crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and continue walking upward. After crossing two streams and seeing the expansive Larkya Glacier, walk around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: Larkya-La Pass 5,160m , Bhimthang (3590 meters) Accommodation: Guest house

After a short climb, you will reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier, with spectacular views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, walk across moraines of the glacier, and gradually ascend the pass. There are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the massive Annapurna II. It is a long and strenuous day, but being constantly exposed to the amazing scenery makes the hike well worth it. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 2,515m Accommodation: Guest house

From a ridge at Bhimthang, enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. Today you will descend and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. Walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until reaching the valley at Karche (2785m). The trail continues to pass through agricultural fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. Then proceed down for a short distance to the village of Goa. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 1,700m Accommodation: Guest house

After leaving Goa, the last views of Manaslu, Nadi Chuli and Himal Chuli are cherished. Annapurna II and its surrounding peaks will continue to be visible to the south. Trek back to Thonje and Dharapani, on the Annapurna Circuit trail. Follow the road down to Karte (1850m) and cross the suspension bridge and head back to Tal. Continue down to Chamje. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 1130m Accommodation: Guest house

After breakfast, we continue down to Ghermu. It is a short day today as we descend through the forests. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 1,310m Accommodation: Guest house

Carving along the canyon, eyes fixed on the flowing river, you’ll trek on the ascending and descending trail to Bahundanda. You will stop for tea in one of the charming villages, and continue on the trail. Overnight in guest house.

Max Altitude: 760m Accommodation: Guest house

Today is your final day on the trek, enjoying the last of the picturesque landscapes and pristine air before descending to Besisahar. Overnight in guest house.

A 6-7 hour scenic drive takes us back to the bustling city of Kathmandu. You will be dropped off at your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day freely. Overnight in hotel.

 Departure to Tribhuvan International Airport or take a day to relax your muscles at the Spa, explore the city or enjoy the hotel facilities. 

Cost Details & Services
Includes
  • All mentioned transfers in Nepal.
  • All accommodation in Kathmandu and during the trek.
  • Guide, Porter….
  • Trekking Permit for restricted area, TIMS Card, ACAP.
Excludes
  • Flights to and from Nepal.
  • Tourist Entry Visa.
Still Confuse?
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Essential Information

Tradition & Culture in Manaslu Region

Manaslu shares its culture and history with its neighbour Tibet. The major religion practiced in Manaslu is Buddhism and you can see many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, architecture, and tradition along your trek. Yet the region expandsa

The region was only officially opened to foreign visitors in 1991.

Accommodations

In Kathmandu you will enjoy the high-standard hotel facilities. During the trek you will stay in guest houses.

Meals & Drinking Water

All locally cooked meals will be served in the guest houses. The higher you go the less likely you will find any local shops selling bars, chocolates etc. So for extra bits of energy snacks, remember to bring your own.

Drinking water can be easily found everywhere. You can get hot water from the teahouse and fill in your bottle everytime it gets empty. So, do carry a reusable water bottle with yourself. We request you to not buy mineral water bottle on the way as it will help in preserving the region. Moreover, you can also carry water purifier tablets or UV pen with yourself to purify the water.

Manaslu Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu trek challenging and strenuous, which can be shorter or longer depending on how many hours you walk per day. Along the trek, there are many tea houses for you to take rest and enjoy the breath-taking scenery that will make your heart melt in each step.

Best Season to go on a trek to Manaslu

The best seasons to go on a trek around Manaslu is in Spring between March and May and Autumn between September and December. The weather will be warm and clear with spectacular views. It is also possible to visit Manaslu during the winter season (December to February), however the cold weather makes trekking difficult for some.

Manaslu Trek Permit

Foreigners are required to obtain a trekking permit for Manaslu from the Department of Immigration as well as a ‘TIMS’ card to visit the region. This will be handled by The Trekkers’ Society.

TIMS Permit: 1000 Nepali Rupees.

For SAARC Country Passport Holders: 300 Nepali Rupees.

Trekking Permit for Manaslu:

September - November US$70/per person/Week (for a week or 7 days).
                    US$10/per person/Day (Beyond a week or 7 days).

December - August US$50 per person/Week (for a week).
                   US$ 7 per person/Day (Beyond a week or 7 days).

Choose The Trekkers’ Society as your travel partner for Manaslu Trek

Since 1996, the Trekkers’ Society has come to be a byword for high quality, good value and professionalism in the travel and tours sector in the Himalayan region. We pride ourselves on walking the extra mile to make your entire trip is memorable.

The Trekkers’ Society places emphasis on your personal needs and we prize ourselves in willingness and flexibility. We understand you.

Our team look forward to assisting you in developing your itinerary and guiding you on your tour in the majestic Himalayas.

 

Start planning your adventure in Nepal with The Trekkers’ Society, we look forward to hearing from you.

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