Overview And Highlights
The Manaslu Himal is situated in the famed Gorkha district northwest of Kathmandu and has some of the loveliest trekking scenery in Nepal. Hindu Newars farm the lower slopes, Buddhist Gurungs high ground along the approach route to Manaslu. A second, formerly Tibetan community lives in harmony in this high region: yet speaks a dialect that the Gurungs and Nepalese cannot understand.
This 170km trek works its way up the gorge, cut by the strong Budhi Gandaki Nadi that rises from high glaciers and runoff from rivers entering from Tibet and the Tsum Valley. Please note that pre-fitness is essential for this trek. The vegetation is lush and countless waterfalls add drama to the trail. Farmlands surround the villages and enticing mountain vistas appear on occasion. At present, a road is being aggressively built that will lead to Tibet: It has already shortened the trek by one day.
Manaslu is first seen on day seven and a rest day is included on day 8 at Samagaon – with Manaslu’s twin peaks rising majestically above a ridge. A day walk to the Pungyen Nunnery, below Manaslu or a walk up to the Manaslu Base camp are on offer. The Larkya La is a further three days beyond Samagaon and descends, with stunning scenery on the northern side, to the welcoming village of Bimthang. Beyond, walk through pristine forest down to Gho for a restful lower night. Then walk down to Dharapani on the Annapurna trail and continue to Tal for a night. Finally walk, then drive to Besi Sahar for a final night before a jeep ride back to Kathmandu and your hotel.
Days
17 days
Distance
170 km
Difficulty
Medium
Highest Point
5160 mt
Best Season For The Trek
This 170km trek works its way up the gorge, cut by the strong Budhi Gandaki Nadi that rises from high glaciers and runoff from rivers entering from Tibet and the Tsum Valley. Please note that pre-fitness is essential for this trek. The vegetation is lush and countless waterfalls add drama to the trail. Farmlands surround the villages and enticing mountain vistas appear on occasion. At present, a road is being aggressively built that will lead to Tibet: It has already shortened the trek by one day.
Trek Difficulty
Manaslu is first seen on day seven and a rest day is included on day 8 at Samagaon – with Manaslu’s twin peaks rising majestically above a ridge. A day walk to the Pungyen Nunnery, below Manaslu or a walk up to the Manaslu Base camp are on offer. The Larkya La is a further three days beyond Samagaon and descends, with stunning scenery on the northern side, to the welcoming village of Bimthang. Beyond, walk through pristine forest down to Gho for a restful lower night. Then walk down to Dharapani on the Annapurna trail and continue to Tal for a night. Finally walk, then drive to Besi Sahar for a final night before a jeep ride back to Kathmandu and your hotel.
Day To Day Itinerary
Day 1
1300 mtArrival: Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (1 300m/4 260ft)
After completing passport, immigration and visa requirements, collect your luggage and exit the building where we
will meet you. (Look for our Travel Nepal Himalays name board and your name). We will then transfer you to your
hotel: afternoon free.
Evening: a welcome dinner, trek description and a check on essential gear. Overnight in hotel.
Transfer: car
Food: welcome dinner
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 2
1300 mtA Day in the City: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing OR A Day at Leisure
Take a day tour that includes six heritage sites including Swayambhunath, the “Monkey Temple”; the historical
Durbar Square with ancient temples, unique art, and the chance to see the Kumari (living goddess); Patan’s Durbar
Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath, the world’s largest stupa.
A guide, car and driver will take you to each site-entrance. The car will wait for you. (Entry tickets and lunch are not
included.)
OR: A day at leisure to follow your own interests.
Transfer: car
Food: breakfast, dinner
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 3
890 mtKathmandu – Arughat (670m/2,198 ft) – Machha Khola (890m/2,920ft)
Enjoy the scenic drive west through the middle hills to Malekhu before turning north, on a quieter road, to Dhading
Besi and Arughat (centre of the region) on the Budhi Gandaki Nadi. The inhabitants are a harmonious mix of Gurung
and Newar people. The road then undulates over ridges, past waterfalls, before dropping to rice paddies and the
attractive Gurung village of Labubesi. Beyond, the new road follows the river before rising to Machha (Fish) Khola –
with good views of the 7,000m Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Machha Khola.
Transfer: 6-7 hrs drive
Food: breakfast, dinner
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 4
1000 mtMachha Khola – Dobhan (1,000m/3,280ft)
The river trail drops to the gravel bar before crossing the Thado Khola to a rocky ravine and Khorlabesi. There is a
small hot spring at Tatopani. The trail then climbs a ridge before crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge
and up to Dobhan. Overnight at Dobhan.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 5
1590 mtDobhan – Philim (1,590m/5,216ft)
Trek along the east bank to a long suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola before rising to Thado Bharyang. Cliffs then force the trail back to the west bank and follow the river gently upwards to the attractive village of Jagat (and permit checks). Walk on to Salleri, via a cliff-side trail – with views of Shringi Himal (7,187m) to the north. Descend to Sirdibas; and the first signs of Buddhist culture. Another suspension bridge leads to the east bank, and a tiring climb up to Philim: a prosperous Gurung village and the Chholing Sandu Gompa, surrounded by fields of maize and millet.
Overnight at Philim.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 6
2360 mtPhilim – Ekle Batti (1 600m/5 250ft) – “New” Bridge - Bihi Phedi (2 360m/7 740ft)
The trail climbs gradually between rugged mountains to Ekle Batti (one house town): and a photo shoot! Ahead is a
dramatic view of an enclosed valley surrounded by towering peaks (in cloud?) and a high waterfall to the right. The
trail is partially visible, descending (perforce behind the waterfall) and on to curve out of sight near a fork that leads
right (east) to the Tsum Valley and left (north-west) to ‘New” Bridge and the Manaslu trail.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 7
2660 mtBihi Phedi – Ghap (2 250m/7380ft) – Namrung (2 660m/8 730ft)
Cross to the NE side of the gorge and continue up to the agricultural villages of Rana and Bihi Phedi beyond which it
crosses the Serang Khola (far below the Serang Gompa higher up the valley). River and trail curve to the left before
entering the attractive village of Ghap for lunch. Enter a bamboo forest, beloved by birds. Next, cross to the north
bank past sheer rock walls that have constricted the river and forced it to flow, noisily, through a “burrowed” tunnel.
A wooden bridge eases the trekker’s route.
A steep hour’s climb then leads to the attractive village of Namrung – with some great lodges. Look out for glimpses
of the Tum Khola that flows into the Budhi Gandaki. This river rises in Tibet and is one of several that have continued
to cut their way through the rising Himalayan massive as it has risen over the last million years or so. Overnight in
Namrung.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 8
3180 mtNamrung – Lho (3 180m/10 430ft)
This is the entrance to ‘the western mountains’ of Upper Nupri, peopled by former Tibetans who speak a unique
language that is not understood by the Tibetan Gurungs – with whom they live in harmony. The trail climbs gently
through maize and barley fields to Barsam, then more steeply to Lihi (where homes are clustered under shared
roofs). The trail then enters a side valley, climbs steeply to a detailed chorten before the clustered fields and
orchards of Sho. Good views continue on the rise to Shrip.
From Shrip, the trail curves upwards towards Lho: and reveals the 8 th highest peak, Manaslu (8 156m/26 760ft) -
‘Mountain of the Spirit’.
A steep climb ends on the ridge in the attractive village of Lho. The stone houses are shingled and many have
distinctive wooden decks. A mani wall, behind the village, leads to a viewpoint that is worth exploring. The Budi
Gandaki flows far below. Above the village is the large Ribung Monastery. Overnight in Lho.This is the entrance to ‘the western mountains’ of Upper Nupri, peopled by former Tibetans who speak a unique
language that is not understood by the Tibetan Gurungs – with whom they live in harmony. The trail climbs gently
through maize and barley fields to Barsam, then more steeply to Lihi (where homes are clustered under shared
roofs). The trail then enters a side valley, climbs steeply to a detailed chorten before the clustered fields and
orchards of Sho. Good views continue on the rise to Shrip.
From Shrip, the trail curves upwards towards Lho: and reveals the 8 th highest peak, Manaslu (8 156m/26 760ft) -
‘Mountain of the Spirit’.
A steep climb ends on the ridge in the attractive village of Lho. The stone houses are shingled and many have
distinctive wooden decks. A mani wall, behind the village, leads to a viewpoint that is worth exploring. The Budi
Gandaki flows far below. Above the village is the large Ribung Monastery. Overnight in Lho.
Trek: 4-5 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch , dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 9
3530 mtLho – Samagaon (3 530m/11 580ft)
The trail descends from the village to cross a river tributary then follows the stream upwards through glorious mixed
forest. A short final climb leads to a plateau: and Shyala. Impressive peaks rise in all directions: Manaslu and glaciers
ahead.
Later, cross a bridge over the Numla Khola that drains Manaslu’s Pungyen Glacier. Beyond is a trail to the left that
leads, over a ridge, to the glacier and the Pungyen Gompa on the glacier. Pass this turnoff and saunter down the
broad and attractive valley, past a school, extensive barley and potato fields to a large chorten.
Enter Sama through a Kani (decorative gateway) and pass an old gompa (smothered in mani stones) past clustered
low stone houses to lodges further on. Upper Manaslu and the Naike ridge can be seen. The large Kargyu Chholing
Monastery lies further up the valley: sadly, badly damaged in a fire in 2015.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 10
3870 mtSama, Rest and exploration day: Birendra Tal / Manaslu Base Camp options / Pungyen Gompa
1) A short walk beyond the Pema Chholing monastery to the Birendra Tal (lake, 3 450m) – snow melt from the glacier above. View it from a hilltop or scramble down to a stony beach with numerous small stone chortens and striking views of the terrain. 1½ hours. 2) A demanding trail above the far side of the lake stream climbs ~1 200m past the glacier’s snout to the Manaslu Base Camp. Views back down the valley and upwards are good. 3) A trek to the Pungyen Nunnery (3 870m) on a ridge above the Pungyen Glacier: it offers superb views of the Nadi ice ridges and Manaslu towering over the Gompa. To get there, return on the trail back past the school to the turnoff (right). Head over a ridge then drop onto the Pungyen glacier. Walk to the Gompa on its ridge ( ~2½h there = 5-6+ hrs). Above the complex is a cave – with even better views. The route can be very cold and slippery; dress warmly, take refreshments and your guide.
Day 11
3860 mtSama – Samdo (3 860m/12 660ft)
Head north, passed the lake and several mani walls. Birch and Juniper stands cover the hills above the, now, north
flowing Budhi Gandaki. A stone wall across the valley separates the Sama and Samdo herds. Further on, a spur rises
above the confluence of the Budhi and Sonam Khola off the Sonam Glacier NE of the trail. Cross on a wooden bridge.
Climb steeply up the spur to a stone arch, amid fields. Walk up to Samdo: a clustered village and a yak and goat
herding post on the trade route to Kyirong in Tibet. It is the last village in Gorkha. The next is Gho in the Manang
District, in the Annapurna region, beyond the Larkya glacier.
The vegetation is now only alpine: low grasses, rhododendron and juniper scrub. After lunch, follow yak trails up the
spur above the village for magnificent 270 o views. To the east Sonam Peak and glacier. Ahead the Sama Valley and
ranges south of Manaslu (hidden behind a rocky peak). To the west, tomorrow’s route to the (improved) Dharmsala
high camp and Larkya glacier. Overnight in Samdo.
Trek: 6-7 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 12
4480 mtmSamdo – Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4 480m/14 700ft)
Descend, past the animal pens, to a final crossing of the Budhi Gandaki before climbing gently towards the snout of
the Larkya Glacier beyond (the hidden) Larkya Phedi. To the south, below, the Syacha Glacier flows around the
massif hiding Manaslu. Its upper route becomes visible along the trail. Continue gently up to Larkya Phedi: and the
new lodges. Overnight in Dharamsala.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 13
5160 mtDharamsala – Larkya La (5 160m/16 930ft) – Bimthang (3 720m/12 200ft)
Larkya La involves a gradual 800m, 3-5hr ascent (when snow free) and a 1 500m descent to Bimthang. It can be
bitterly cold if windy; snow and ice will demand more time. Snow poles mark the route which is not difficult or steep,
but is everywhere rocky underfoot.
Breakfast and a pre-sunrise start begins with a gentle ascent to a ridge before a long ascent to the jumbled moraine
field. Walk past the first of four small lakes. Then a steady pull curves towards Larkya and the first group of summit
flags. The Cheo and Larkya Himal ridges block views to the north and south.
Ahead, a moraine ridge leads for ~30 min, to a second set of summit flags (and the boundary between the Manaslu
and Annapurna conservation regions). They also overlook astounding views into a huge semi-circular basin ringed by
a mix of ice peaks and rocky walls. Three glaciers flow towards the south west corner to form a single glacier. A steep
and treacherous 700m zigzag descent over loose gravel leads to the Taboche Kharka. Beyond, a more gradual
descent leads to the confluence of the glacier moraines and turns into the attractive Bimthang (plain of sand) Valley
– and welcoming attractive lodges. Overnight in Bimthang.
Trek: 7-9 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 14
2560 mtBimthang – Gho (2 560m/8 400ft)
The eastern view of Manaslu from Bimthang is very different to the classic aspect. Cross the Bimthang plain and
stony glacier, then climb the far moraine to enter pristine oak, rhododendron and pine forests. Descend along the
Dudh Khola’s west bank to Hompuk’s rock shelter, Sangura Kharka and, more steeply, to cross the Suti Khola at
Karche for lunch. Follow the river’s S-bend then climb a ridge past terraced fields to the charming Gurung village of
Gho. Overnight in Gho.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 15
1700 mtGho – Dharapani (1 920m/6 300ft) – Tal (1 700m/5 580ft)
After breakfast, descend through farmlands to the old paved village of Tilje. Continue the descent into the
Marsyangdi Valley through scrub forest to Tonje. In Tonje, cross the descending Marsyangdi Khola – from Manang
on the Annapurna Circuit route. Join the new road to Manang and walk down to bustling Dharapani for lunch.
Below Dharapani, cross to the left bank of the Marsyangdi Khola and descend through Karte to Tal. Overnight in Tal.
Trek: 5-6 hrs
Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accomodation: Lodge
Day 16
1300 mtTal – Besi Sahar (760m/2 500ft) – Kathmandu (1 300m/4 260ft),
After an early breakfast cross the river to the road and take a jeep for the rutted descent, past the completed
hydroelectric scheme, to Besi Sahar and then the long drive back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner. Overnight in your
hotel in Kathmandu.
Transfer: 7-8 hrs drive
Food: breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
Accomodation: Hotel
Day 17
1300 mtFinal departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your next destination.
(If you have the time, we recommend you book an extra day in the city: in case of delays on the return.)
Also consider driving from Besi Sahar to the attractive lake city of Pokhara, south of the Annapurna Range, for a day
or two. Then drive or fly back to Kathmandu before for your departure.)
Transfer: car
Food: breakfast
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Fotogallery
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