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This extended and strenuous trek, circling the Manaslu range was opened to trekking in 1992 along with Mustang. Going north, up the river valley of the Buri Gandaki and then behind Mt. Himalchuli (7893m.), Peak 29 (7839 m.) and Mt. Manaslu (8118 m.) to cross the Larkya La Pass at 5213 m., this fascinating trek explores areas and the way of life unchanged for decades and maybe, even centuries. Strenuous trekking inconstantly rewarded with brilliant mountain vistas of the Ganesh and Manaslu Himal rangesand insights into the cultures of a cross-section of ethnic Nepalese tribes and peoples of Gurung, Magar, Tamang and Bhotias (Tibetan) who inhibit the region. The trek starts from Gorkha and passes through the village of Kalikathan to Arughat Bazaar on the bank of the Buri Gandaki River heading north up theBuri Gandaki river valley. The trail passes through the villages of Khani Gaon, Setibas,Nyak, Namru and Samagaon to cross the Larkya La (5213 m.) and then joins the river valley of the Dudh Khola. From here, the trail heads south to the Dudh Khola's confluence with the Marsyangdi River at the village of Thonje and continues through the villages of Chamjeand Nayagaon to Besisahar from where you drive back to Kathmandu. This trek offers much more than mountains.

Trip Facts

  • Activities: Trekking
  • Trekking Type: Camping Trek
  • Best Season: Mar - May / Sept - Dec
  • Total Duration: 21 Days
  • Trek Duration: 18 Days
  • Group Size: 2 - 10 pax
  • Max. Height: 5,213 m. / 17,103 FT
  • Transportation: Drive in / Out
  • Trek Start From: Kathmandu
  • Trek End To: Kathmandu
Detail Itinerary of Manaslu Trekking
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
    flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time.
  • Day 02: City Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
    Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances.
  • Day 03: Drive to Aarughat Bazaar about 7 hours bus journey
    We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day; we turn towards the hill bazaar Dhading. We will reach Arughat Bazaar after traveling for seven hours from Kathmandu.
  • Day 04: Aarighat - Liding about 8 hours Trek
    Our first day on the trail we head north, following the Budhi Gandaki river with the road. In the low country, rice paddies and picturesque hamlets surround us. It is a nice first day not too long, and perhaps we have time for a refreshing shower sometime during the day for it is hot in the low country.
  • Day 05: Liding - Machhekhola about 7 hour Trek
    The country changes, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side which is densely forested. We pass a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Budhi Gandaki. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapubensi. We descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machhekhola.
  • Day 06: Machhekhola - Jagat about 8 hours Trek
    Leaving Machhekhola and we cross the Fish Stream - and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley becomes steeper until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach the single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Budhi Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. we will cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat.
  • Day 07: Jagat - Ding about 8 hours Trek
    After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, we climb a terraced hill to Salleri, from where we can see the impressive Singri Himal, 7187m. The path splits, with the right-hand branch heading towards the Ganesh Himal while crossing the river at Gata Khola. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. We cross the river three more times in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.
  • Day 08: Ding - Chap about 7 hours Trek
    from here the valley is still steep-sided and most impressive. We cross the village of Lama, and start to see mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks), a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist region. After only about four hours we reach the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan area. There's a perceptible change in the climate and culture.
  • Day 09: Chap - Lho village about 8 hours Trek
    Leaving Lho and we move into alpine territory and terrific mountain views. There are more mani stone walls and 3 more crossings of the Budhi Gandaki on our route to Namrung, where our special permit is checked. Above this village the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing gently, and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Lho, We get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead from Lho.
  • Day 10: Lho - Sama Gaon about 7 hours Trek
    Leaving the village, we follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As we continue on the main trail, we soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500m. We reach Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, and Samdo, near the Tibetan border.
  • Day 11: Rest day in Sama Gaon
    Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, we take a rest day to acclimatize and relax.
  • Day 12: Sama Gaon - Dharamsala about 7 hours Trek
    The thundering Buri Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. We are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. Manaslu is particularly impressive. After crossing to the east bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Sumdu. Above the village we cross the stream, which runs down from the Gya La (Pass), the pass to Tibet. We come to the ruins of an abandoned village, known as Larkya Bazaar.
  • Day 13: Dharamsala - Tanbuche about 7 hours Trek
    After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent, which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. Initially, there is a steep descent over snow and then screed, to reach the ablation valley trail to Larcia Kharka. A further on, a moraine ridge path leads to Tanbuche 3900m.
  • Day 14: Day for exploring Tanbuche
    The valley system here is huge and well worth exploring. But if you wish you can rest the whole day.
  • Day 15: Tanbuche - Karche about 7 hours Trek
    Below us is Bimthang, a broad and level ablation valley with a number of mani stone walls and deserted houses. Crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp to reach the west side of Manaslu. From a ridge, we have excellent views of Manaslu to the south-east and Annapurna II to the south-west. Beyond a bridge, over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, we descend into the rhododendron forests and follow a trail through a narrow valley, until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche.
  • Day 16: Karche - Dharapani about 7 hours Trek
    Leaving karche and after we climb through terraced fields to the Karche La pass. A green and densely forested valley lies ahead, sloping down to the distant Marshyangdi river. At Thonje village is our final restricted area check post. Here we cross the Marshyangdi river and join the main Annapurna Circuit with the hoardes of trekkers and soon reach Dharapani.
  • Day 17: Dharapani - Jagat about 7 hours Trek
    An initially tight gorge briefly opens to Tal. The area here was formed when the valley was blocked by a landslide and a dam formed behind the lake. The lake has long dried up and now the village of Tal sits on the flat land.
  • Day 18: Jagat - Ngadi about 7 hours Trek
    Making our way down from Jagat we reach Syange, where we cross a suspension bridge to the east side of the Marshyangdi Khola and onto easier terrain. We have a short but stiff climb upto Bahundanda, followed by a descent to Ngadi.
  • Day 19: Ngadi - Bensisahar about 7 hours Trek
    This is an easy day’s walk. We might take the little-known east bank route from Bhulebhule to Besi Sahar.
  • Day 20: Drive to Kathmandu
    It is about seven hours drive to Kathmandu. We will have lunch at a good roadside restaurant on the way back.
  • Day 21: Departure Kathmandu
    Our support team will take you to the international airport for your flight back home.