Manaslu Trek – Discover Nepal’s rich cultural richness. The Manaslu Trek takes you off the main route and onto a less-traveled trail. Discover interesting mountain civilizations on the verge of extinction as you walk through the gorgeous Budi Gandaki and Nubri Valleys. Learn about Bon, an ancient Tibetan religion that predates Buddhism, while visiting old Buddhist monasteries.
The Manaslu Trek (also known as the Manaslu circuit) brings you to some of Nepal’s most remote and least explored areas. This path is less crowded than the renowned Everest and Annapurna trekking trails since just a few hikers utilize it. Your Manaslu Trek begins in the lush and verdant Budi Gandaki Valley and ascends to the Nubri Valley. The Nubri Valley is, nestled in the shadows of Manaslu (8,163 meters/26781 feet), the world’s eighth-highest peak. You’ll be walking through the district of Gorkha, which has great historical significance in Nepal. From this hilly area, a Shah ruler began the unification of Nepal. Gorkha is the royal seat of Nepal’s Shah Monarchs, a family that had controlled the country for almost 200 years. This dynasty also produced Nepal’s final ruler.
Trek Overview
The Manaslu Trek starts at Gorkha’s Barpak, a tiny highland settlement. Join the trek with mule and yak caravans as you walk along small pathways cut into rock faces. Explore the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, a veritable treasure trove of Himalayan animals and vegetation. Cross rumbling glacial rivers, waterfalls, traditional villages, and pine woods on your way to your destination. The route leads to the high-altitude communities closer to the Tibetan border, people in these communities have continued following the same traditions and lifestyles as their forefathers, little affected by modernization.
You’ll travel along the Himalayan salt route, an ancient trading route frequented used by Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian traders in the past. The hard passage of Larkya La (5,160 meters/ 16929 feet), a high mountain pass, is one of the trek’s highlights. A short trek to Dharapani in Marshyangdi Valley brings your adventure to an end, you should appreciate yourself and be proud of your accomplishment once you have completed your trek. In under two weeks, you’ll be walking across three Himalayan valleys: Budi Gandaki, Nubri, and Marshyangdi.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a complete insurance plan from reputable insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6-month prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Equipment list:
- Daypack above 40 liters. (Must be waterproof)
- Down jacket (rental available)
- Warm sleeping bag (rental available)
- Sun head, gulf cap, sunglasses
- Headlamp, torchlight, power bank, and extra batteries
- Ear-muffs, sun Lotions/sun cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- Pair of liner gloves thin wool and synthetic.
- Cotton t-shirts, Synthetic t-shirts.
- Long-sleeve polyester or synthetic lightweight for sunny days.
- Soft-shell jacket water & wind resist.
- Swimming costume.
- Inner clothes as your requirement.
- Liner socks, woolen socks.
- Proper trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismo capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox for altitude sickness. The guide will help you to take it.
- One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as moleskin, bands, anti-infection ointments, muscle relief ointments
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4593ft)
As you reach Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by gorgeous views of towering mountains and gentle slopes. Kathmandu is nestled in a deep valley with rings of lush hills. Once your plane lands at the airport, proceed to the terminal to meet with our representative, who will take you to your accommodation and assist you with check-in. In the evening, your guide will give you a short briefing regarding the trek, there will be the last check of your gears and equipment after the briefing. If you don't have essential gear then, you may rent or buy them from a nearby store. Thamel has a plethora of stores that rent and sell trekking equipment.
Day 2 :
Kathmandu Sightseeing (City Tour)
The city of Kathmandu has much to offer. Durbar Square in Kathmandu, with its narrow alleyways crammed with small shops, historic temples, and local eateries. Swayambhunath temple, where you can watch the sunset over the valley with a spectacular view of the mountain range to your north, a wide range of eateries serving both Western and local Nepali cuisines. Thamel, Nepal's tourist hub, is a great place to start your meal, later, take a stroll around Asan Tole, the city's largest marketplace, for an authentic exhibition of spice, food, and vegetable traders that makes for a great photo opportunity, while learning a few basic Nepali words so you can start up a conversation with some locals.
Day 3 :
Drive to Barpak (1,915 meters /6,283 feet)
The road dips down and follows a winding path as you leave the Kathmandu Valley to Barpak, enjoy breathtaking views of rural settlements, rocky hills, and majestic snow-capped peaks. Your journey takes you to Gorkha District, which has a major historical value in Nepal. The unification of modern Nepal started here when Prithvi Narayan Shah, a Gorkha king, began his campaign from the highlands of Gorkha, the Shah dynasty ruled Nepal for a long period of time. As the road travels its way through the crowded market district of Barah Kilo, from here it takes around 4 hours to reach Barpak. Barpak, a historic town, which was the stronghold of the Ghale monarchs, who ruled over the Budhi Gandaki valley's trading route. Many travelers and traders used to go to Tibet via the Budhi Gandaki valley. Barpak, one of the major villages in the Gorkha district, was catastrophically struck by an earthquake on April 25, 2015. Only four structures remained standing after the earthquake, out of a total of 1,200, hundreds of lives were lost, survivors are doing everything they can to rebuild their lives. Your visit to this community will contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.
Day 4 :
Trek to Laprak (2,100 meters /6,890 feet)
Today you'll be leaving early from Barpak village and traveling to Laprak, a Gurung settlement. Through a haven of the lush green forest of rhododendron woodland, ferns, and orchids, as the route ascends following a gradual rise to Bhoshu Khang (2,800m), where you'll see the majestic snow-capped Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal. Along the way you'll notice a new settlement passing by Gupsi Danda, constructed for earthquake survivors, from here following a descending track to Bhoshu Khang, you'll arrive at Laprak Village. Laprak village, a Gurung community, was virtually devastated by the catastrophic 2015 earthquake. New structures have sprung up, and there are a few local hotels that provide food and lodging to people passing through Laprak.
Day 5 :
Trek to Khorla Besi (970 meters /3,182 feet)
After you have a quick breakfast at Laprak, you'll drop gradually before ascending. The route winds its way through Sing La hamlet, where you'll be treated with beautiful Himalayan scenery along the way. Take gradual stops and take in the beautiful views of the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks and distant settlements tucked in. Today's destination is Khorla Besi, which is not too far away from here so take it slow. Once you reach the settlement, rest and explore the village.
Day 6 :
Trek to Jagat (1,340 meters /4,396 feet)
Today you'll tackle a difficult section of the trail, as you go down the trail carved into cliffs and massive rocks directly above the Budi Gandaki River. On one side, there is a rocky outcropping, while on the other, there is a sheer drop to the river, remember to walk on the side of the wall, since mules following this path are prone to pushing everything in their way aside. As you follow the trail you'll be arriving at Tatopani, a popular Himalayan hot spring from here you cross the Budi Gandaki via a suspension bridge to get to Jagat, a small valley backed by high mountain slopes. Now you'll be entering the Manaslu Conservation Area Project. The Manaslu Conservation Area Project is 1,663 square kilometers in area Mountains, glaciers, water basins, and rare Himalayan flora and wildlife make up its diverse ecology, Snow leopards, Himalayan Thars, and varieties of butterflies and birds, as well as Himalayan plants, may all be found in the region, you'll spend the night.
Day 7 :
Trek to Dang (1,865 meters /6,102 feet) via Phillim (1,570 meters /5,151 feet)
As you continue walking on this spectacular route, take in the stunning views of Sringri Himal, after a steep climb you'll cross a bridge, continue walking upward till you reach Phillim's village. This charming village is an excellent stop for lunch. You may enjoy breathtaking views of nearby settlements perched on hills and cliff faces from here. Surrounded by farms and fields, the charming settlements are indeed a sight to behold, continue walking through the lush green forest of rhododendron, pine, oaks, and bamboo, you'll reach the village Dang after passing through the bamboo grove and a little river (Dang Khola).
Day 8 :
Trek to Prok (2,397 meters /7,864 feet)
Today you'll begin your hike from Dang to Prok, the town is located on a ridge at an elevation of 2,397 meters. The Bhotias, an indigenous mountain community who are culturally closer to Tibetan Buddhists than Nepalese Hindus, live in the village of Prok, which is rarely visited by outsiders. Life in this settlement, as well as other communities in the higher reaches, is laid back in time. The people living in these highlands have continued to maintain the same rituals and traditions as their forebears. Once you're in the village, take a much-needed rest after that you can explore the village, interact with the locals, and snap photographs, you'll be staying here for the night.
Day 9 :
Trek to Lho (3,180 meters /10,433 feet)
The day's hike begins with a downward path to Ghap, take a stroll through dense jungle of conifer, pine, and juniper trees, before ascending to Namrung, you'll be crossing two suspension bridges, take the path towards Barcham, a village with rolling green fields, from there the trail passes through the historic towns of Lihi and Sho, The terrain has various chortens and mani wall, from here you'll be hiking through Nepal's Nubri Valley, country's most isolated regions. Only a few hikers pass over this trail annually. Enjoy the peace and tranquility while soaking in the exquisite views of the mountains, as you follow the path you'll arrive at the huge settlement of Lho, the settlement is dominated by the enormous Ribum Gompa and Buddhist monastery. Here you stay for the night.
Day 10 :
Trek to Sama Gaon (3,520 meters /11,549 feet)
Make your way to Sama Gaon from the village of Lho, climb steadily as you pass the woodland till you reach enter the village of Shyala through a traditional Buddhist gate (Kani), form here you'll be seeing close-up views of Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks. Take a short break and continue hiking towards Sama Gaon, you may feel the altitude when you approach the 3000-meter mark and find it much harder to breathe, so take frequent rest and walk gradually, as you hike upwards the valley broadens out and you reach to the Sama Gaon, a charming village. Sama Gaon, with its flat-roofed stone houses and residents clothed in long Chubas (traditional costume), gives us an insight into the high Himalayan people's intriguing lifestyle and culture. The place is home to one of the Nubri Valley's oldest monasteries.
Day 11 :
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Today you'll be resting so interact with the residents as you explore the village, visit Punggen Monastery for an acclimatization hike, from where you'll get a 360-degree view of Manaslu, Hiunchuli, and Nadi Chuli. Hike up to Manaslu Base Camp if you're looking for a challenging hike. The walk takes around 8 hours (5 hours to Manaslu Base Camp and 3 hours return) and offers spectacular views of tumbling glaciers, icefalls, Birendra Tal a turquoise lake nourished by the Manaslu glacier's waters. And the Nubri Valley, which is encircled by snow-capped peaks.
Day 12 :
Trek to Samado (3,875 meters /12,713 feet)
You'll trek to Samado through Sama Gaon, following the route to Khermo Kharka (which is bordered by mani walls), where the road separates, take the road leading to Samado (the other leads to Manaslu Base Camp) as you hike up through wilderness of birch, rhododendron, and juniper trees, passing by the Manaslu Glacier you'll reach the village of Samdo, many of the locals that inhabit here have migrated from Tibet, This old settlement is an ancient trade route to Tibet, and is the final stable settlement. Samdo resembles a Tibetan hamlet, with its flat-roofed stone dwellings, yaks, chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls. During the summer, a few kilometers from the settlement, trading fairs are organized which is also attended by people of Tibet.
Day 13 :
Trek to Dharamsala (4,460 meters /14,633 feet) via Larkya Base Camp
Follow a path to Larkya Base Camp or Larkya Phedi, the views from today's hike are among the best on the circuit, you can see the massive slopes of these Himalayan peaks towering directly over you as you stand dwarfed by the enormous mountains, it's quite an experience. The landscapes are breathtaking. Following the trail you'll arrive at Dharamsala, a little town with a few residences. Get a good night’s rest since you'll be crossing the Larkya La tomorrow, a high mountain pass and the highest point of your walk at 5165m.
Day 14 :
Trek to Bimtang (3,590 meters /11,778 feet) via Larkya La (5,165 meters /16,929 feet)
Get an early start by getting up at the crack of dawn. The north side of the Larkya glacier, from where you can see Larkya Peak and Cho Danda, is reached through an upward hike, as you cross the Larkya La, today's hike will be difficult and strenuous, approaching the glacier's hazardous ice sheets, take each step cautiously some sections of the path may be icy, requiring the use of crampons. The Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kangaru, Gyaji Himal, and Annapurna II can all be seen from Larkya La. Enjoy the panorama of Manaslu's jagged summit as you descend sharply to Bimtang. When you arrive in the village, you'll be heading towards your accommodation as it's been a tough trek, and you'll need a good rest.
Day 15 :
Trek to Tilije (2,300 meters /7,546 feet)
The trail winds its way down among pine trees and lush pastures. It descends to Hampuk and then drops down to Dudh Khola, passing by the Karche and Gho settlements. Following along the river's west bank, you'll arrive in Tilije, a Gurung settlement, where you stay for the night.
Day 16 :
Trek to Dharapani (1,930 meters /6,440 feet) and drive to Kathmandu
Dharapani is a short walk from Tilije. Dharapani a lovely village nestled among pine-covered hillsides is situated in the Marshyangdi Valley, There are several hotels and cafés that accommodate the masses of trekkers that travel the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits. From here, you'll board a vehicle and travel via Besisahar to Kathmandu, the scenic route provides views of verdant hills and rural farmsteads. Check into your hotel and rest when you arrive in Kathmandu, attend a special goodbye dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant in the evening to commemorate the conclusion of your trip with your guide and our representative.
Day 17 :
Depart Kathmandu
Our staff will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport. Now you say your goodbyes to Nepal and head back home. Note: All of the above-mentioned trekking hours and distances are estimations and should only be used as a general guideline.
