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Mount Manaslu
Manaslu Trek with Larkya La
Trip Duration: 19 Days
The Manaslu area is the new trekking area for the foreign visitors. It got open for foreigners only since 1991 with a requirement of a special permit. Since then, the Manaslu trek is getting more and more popular because of some of its best features like countable visitors, serene scenery with almost virgin landscape and century old culture with the beautiful villages and monasteries. Actually, the trek takes place in the remote areas of Nepal located between the extreme northern Himalayan border of Nepal and Tibet.
The most interesting fact is that Tibetan culture in Tibet has undergone a drastic modernization by the Chinese occupancy over it. The real Tibetan culture is still found in the border area between Nepal and Tibet in a combination of the Bon Po religion originated from Mongolia and the Buddhism evolved by the Guru Padmasambhava from India. For example; Manaslu area with Tsum Valley, Upper Dolpa and Upper Mustang are such areas where, these days, more and more people have been undertaking trekking in search of the real Tibet. This is why, with a view to conserving the original Tibetan culture and heritage, these areas Manaslu, Dolpa and Mustang lie under the restricted area where the visitors are required to pay surcharge.
The Mt Manaslu, being the 8th highest peak in the world with a height of 8,163 m, its peripheral area offers a pristine trekking environment with not only a rich bio-diversity, but also with the rich cultural diversity mesmerized by the stunning natural scenery with the awe-inspiring mighty Himalayan ranges, challenging high altitude glaciers, turquoise color lakes, divine valleys ornamented by the unique flora and fauna. All these special features attribute to the making of the Manaslu area as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal.
It is interesting to know that the Manaslu trekking trail mildly goes upward following the spectacular river belt of the Budhi Gandaki River right from Arughat to its source point located near the Larkya La (pass of 5,215 m), the highest point of the trek. Although, trekkers take the crossing of Larkya La as a big challenge, it is the major highlight of the trek among all.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive through the winding mountainous road of Nepal from Kathmandu to Arughat
- Hot spring at Machha khola Village where a dip is so relaxing and rejuvinating,
- Breathtaking view of waterfalls, lovely rivers, green hills and gorgeous hamlets en route,
- Wonderful experience of walking through the pine, rhododendron and bamboo forests,
- Beautifully terraced fields vibrant with the seasonal crops,
- Excitingly rich flora and fauna,
- Encounter with the hundreds of curious faces of people on the trail,
- Typical tea houses, restaurants and lodges en route ensuring warm shelter and delicious food,
- Surprising exposure to the basic way of life in the rural settlements with their unique lifestyles,
- Sho village with the best view of Manaslu, Manaslu North & Naike Peak and the Lho Village with the fantastic view of Manaslu massif
- Amazing view of peaks like Manaslu, Himal Chuli and Nadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Punggen Glacier from the village of Shyala,
- Memorable Manaslu glacier and Sonam glacier,
- Breathtaking view of Himlung Himal, Kangguru, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Larke peak, Namjung Himal, Ratan Chuli, Larkya Glacier, Bimthang and Salpudanda Glacier,
Itinerary
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1 Day 01:ARRIVAL AT KATHMANDU
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, welcome and meeting with needful assistance. Then after, transfer to hotel. Rest & overnight. In the evening, our staff with a Sherpa will organize a briefing program in the hotel on the trek to make you well prepared for the trek. Questions and queries are most welcome that time for discusion. Overnight at hotel.
2 Day 02:IN KATHMANDU: SIGHTSEEING TOUR & TREKKING PERMIT PROCESSING
After breakfast, go on guided sightseeing to explore Pashupatinath Temple Complex (400 BC), the holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is located about 5 km to the north-east of the Kathmandu city on the bank of the holy Bagmati River where on its ghat the Hindu and Buddhist dead bodies are cremated with ceremonies. The main temple is in a pagoda style with golden roof. The literal meaning of Pashupatinath is the Lord of all animals. It is the holiest temple complex for the Hindus in Nepal comprising more than 520 temples. It covers a huge area of about 265 hectare of land. There are different beliefs and stories behind its origin. For more information, click Pashupatinath. Then, we visit Boudhanath Temple Complex (5th century largest stupa in Asia) not very far from the Pashupatinath Temple. Boudhnath Stupa is the pride of Asia with high status of UNESCO World Heritage site. It is believed that the stupa was built during the Lichhabi era in the 5th century. In the early 50’s, the Tibetans who fled away from Tibet preferred to live here around the stupa reminding their Jokhang Temple of Lhasa where they could make kora (circumambulation) every morning and evening. The kora is a memorable sight at the Boudhnath worth enjoying every morning and evening. As a result, there is a strong settlement of Tibetans with more than 50 lavishly decorated Buddhist monasteries around. In the afternoon, get prepared for trekking next day. If any accessories like jacket or sleeping bag or good trek shoes are needed, you can either get them on hire or purchase them with assistance of our staff member, if needed. Hotel and overnight.
3 Day 03:DRIVE KATHMANDU - ARUGHAT (700 m): 7-8 HRS
Today, after early morning breakfast, our guide will pick us up from the hotel and drive to the bus park and drive to Arughat. Or, we could also take private vehicle to Arughat as an alternative for the faster and comfortable drive (as per your choice of package). Arughat Bazaar is a beautiful small Newar township in the Gorkha District which used to be one of the trade centers connecting Kathmandu – Trishuli - Pokhara when there was no road between Kathmandu and Pokhara at all. Arughat is famous for the trekkers en route to Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manasalu Circuit Trek as it offers a good starting point for trekking. Overnight at Arughat in a tea house.
4 Day 04:START TREK ARUGHAT - SOTI KHOLA(730 m): 5-6 HRS
Today is the first of day of our trek. We start our trek goes along a scenic trail from Arughat to Soti Khola by crossing a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Actually, we head towards north direction and walk along the west bank of the river. Then, we proceed towards the Arkhet River walking through the lovely villages like Mangaltar and Shanti Bazaar. We cross a suspension bridge over the Arkhet River and continue following a steep uphill trail. Our continuous walk will take us to Khurenipani, from where we start to descend until we reach Soti Khola finally. Overnight in a tea house in Soti Khola.
5 Day 05:TREK SOTI KHOLA - MACHHA KHOLA (930 m): 5-6 HRS
After breakfast, our walk starts by following a scenic trail by crossing the bridge over the Soti River. The trail penetrates through a dense subtropical forest of Sal trees (shorea robusta). The onward trail is full of several ups and downs. En route, we come across some beautiful waterfalls where we could enjoy a short rest and again continue walking on an uphill trail passing by a picturesque rice field and reach a small settlement called Lapubesi. It is a lovely village inhabited mainly by the Gurung people. We keep continuing an uphill walk along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River and reach Khanibesi Vilage where there is a lovely waterfall as well. From the Khanibesi Village, a downhill trail takes us to Machhakhola Village. The literal meaning of Machkhola is the river with fish. The best thing of Machakhola is its nice hot water spring where we could have a good relaxation. Over night in a teahouse in Machhakhola Village.
6 Day 06:TREK MACHAKHOLA - JAGAT (1,410 m): 6 HRS
Today, our destination is Jagat. After breakfast, we take a narrow trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. We pass by several uphill and downhill trails. After crossing a bridge, we arrive at Khorlabesi, from where the view of the Ganesh Himal is fascinating. We keep continuing our walk along several uphill and downhill trails and arrive at Tatopani. Again, we follow a trail with several uphill and downhill paths along the Budhi Gandaki River and reach Dobhan where we cross a suspension bridge over the Dobhan River. Then, we walk along a rocky trail and cross a long suspension bridge over the Yaru River. This time, we again cross a bridge where we meet Budhi Gandaki River flowing with a great roaring noise. This time, we again keep walking along the west bank of the river and finally arrive at Jagat. The view of Shringi Himal is beyond our expression from Jagat. Over night in a teahouse in Jagat.
7 Day 07:TREK JAGAT - DENG (1,800 m): 6-7 HRS
It is here at Jagat we our entry permit is supposed to be verified at MCAP Office. Then, we continue our journey to Salleri by following an uphill trail on the rocky ridge. Then, we follow the trail along the river belt of the Budhi Gandaki River and arrive at Sirdibas. Our continuous walk bring to a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Cross it and ascend along the uphil trail to Philim, a beautiful Gurung Village. Our continuous walk will pass by some of the beautiful settlements like Chisopani and Eklebhatti. Right from here, we start descending to a junction with Ghap and the Tsum Valley. (Note: Those we opt to visit Tsum Valley will have to have about 5 days for the excursion to Tsum Valley. We have to come back to Ghap after the visit to Tsum Valley to continue to Larkya La.) Here, without taking the trail to the Tsum Valley, we cross the bridge and head northeast towards Larkya La (pass). Then, we take a river trail on the east bank and cross the bridge and walk along the west bank. Our walk goes through the beautiful bamboo forest and finally takes us to Deng. Over night at teahouse in Deng.
8 Day 08:TREK DENG - GHAP (2,160 m): 6-7 HRS
Today, our destination is none other than Ghap itself. We continue our walk northwest by following the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River towards Bihi. At Bihi, there are two trails, but ultimately meet at Ghap once again. However, to save our time, we follow the trail following the northern bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. The walk is exciting. We walk through the big canyons and finally reach Ghap. Over night at tea house in Ghap.
9 Day 09:TREK GHAP - LHO (2630 m): 6-7 HRS
Today, our walk goes along the southern bank of the Budhi Gandaki River featuring beautiful wilderness full of fir and rhododendron trees. In other words, during this trek, we keep crossing bridges over the same Budhi Gandaki River several times, sometime to reach the southern bank and sometime to the northern bank. At this point also, there are two trails leading to the Namrung Village. However, the route following the river belt passing through the pine forest is easier and shorter. We keep passing by small lovely settlements like Banjam, Lihi and Sho. Ultimately, we arrive at Lho. Over night at teahouse in Lho.
10 Day 10:TREK LHO – SAMA GAON (3,530 m)
Today, our walk takes us to Shyala village through the lovely pine and rhododendron forest. The Shyala Village is surrounded by the beautiful mountains and glacier. From here, the view of the mountains like Manaslu, Nadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli are unforgettable. The view of Punggen Glacier is also lovely from Shyala. Then, we cross the Numla Khola (small river) and continue our walk up to the village of Sama. Sama is mainly inhabited by the Lama people with the Tibetan origin. So, the lifestyle and culture of Sama is very similar to the Tibetan style. Over night at teahouse Sama Gaon.
11 Day 11:REST DAY FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
Many of the trekkers prefer to have a rest day at Sama Gaun for acclimatization. As the height of the trek is going to increase day by day from Sama Gaun onward, it is wise to take rest at Sama Gaun. The rest day can be well spent in Sama Gaun by exploring the village, its people, culture and farming style, etc. Or, we could visit the nearby Pung Gyan Gompa with a mild walk. Over night at tea house in Sama Gaun.
12 Day 12:TREK SAMA GAUN - SAMDO (3,690 m):
After having a full day rest, a new enthusiasm will make us walk faster. We take a scenic trail along the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Samdo. Ultimately, we come to a junction from where the trail separates. One goes to Larkya La and the other to the Manaslu Base Camp. We follow our trail to Larkya La. The trail is so scenic that it is full of wild orchids, rhododendron trees, magnolia and so on. At the end of the day, before we enter into the Samdo Village, we cross a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River again. Over night at a teahouse at Samdo.
13 Day 13:TREK SAMDO - LARKYA REST HOUSE (4,470 m):
Today’s destination does not have any name. We rather prefer to call the place after the name the tea where we overnight. After breakfast, a mild walk along the downhill trail leads us to the bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River again. Although we crossed several bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, this bridge is the last one we cross today. Then, we continue further to the Larkya Rest House. On the way to Larkya Rest House, we pass by beautiful mani walls and lovely stone huts and finally arrive at Larke Phedi (also called Dharmasala). Overnight at Larkya Rest House.
14 Day 14:TREK LARKYA REST HOUSE - BIMTHANG (3,720 m):
Today is an exciting day for all of us, as we are going to cross over the highest pass of this route: the Larkya La (5,160 m). It is going to be a long day of about 8-9 hours. We need a good preparation for the same backed by a good packed lunch and tit bits to eat as when feel like eating. Importantly, we all should get up early and have breakfast early and start early in the morning in order to skip the probable afternoon windstorm on the high pass. We follow the trail along the north side of the Larkya Glacier by walking over the glacier moraine and four frozen lakes. Before we reach the pass, we have to take a steep path and finally reach the Larkya Pass. The Larkya La with its board with the mention of its height and venerated with the prayer flags and khadas by the trekkers pops up in front of us with nice words of welcome to all of us to the pass when we all would be breathing high. The pass is itself so stunning that the high mountains start appearing around us. Our excitement turns into boundless happiness and thrill. Being able to cross the challenging Larkya La with a height of 5,160 m fills in a wonderful arrogance in us for our lifetime. From the pass, a steep descent, we pass along a high moraine ridge. The trail then takes us down towards a bit grassy moraine of Dangboche Kharka. Then, a mild downhill walk takes us to Bimthang, a small village where our expectation gets so high for a good night’s rest and nice warm food. Over night at teahouse in Bimthang.
15 Day 15:TREK BIMTHANG - DHARAPANI (1,860 m):
From Bimthang, our walk along the Bimthang glacier heads towards the southern direction. Our walk goes through the beautiful wilderness with rhododendron and pine trees. Then, passing through Sangure Kharka, we reach a beautiful farmland of Kharche. From Kharche, our walk along the river belt of Dudh Khola (stream) leads us to Tilje where we cross a bridge before we reach the village of Dharapani. Dharapani is a junction of two trails. One goes to Annapurna Circuit Trek and the other goes to Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is also a river confluence of Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi River. In the evening, a visit to Sangey Choling Monastery is highly recommendable for it offers as one of the best view points to enjoy the magnificence of Mt Manaslu. Over night at teahouse in Dharapani.
16 Day 16:TREK DHARAPANI - BAHUNDANDA (1,310 m):
Today, we walk along a trail with some uphill and downhill trails which takes us to Tal, a small village with a beautiful waterfall. Our further walk crosses a lovely suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River at Chamje. Then, the trail goes along the Marsyangdi River belt and passes by small settlements like Syange and Ghermu and finally enabling us to arrive at Bahundanda. If we wish we can also enjoy a relaxing dip into the hot water spring here to forget all the hassles and fatigue we had during the trek. Overnight at Bahundanda.
17 Day 17:TREK BAHUNDANDA - BESISAHAR (7,60 m)
Today is the last day of our trek going to end at Besisahar. our walk continues to Nagdi Bazaar crossing over a suspension bridge over the Nagdi River. Then, a further downhill trail will take us to Bulbule where there is a beautiful waterfall as well. Bulbule is the last view point from where we can enjoy the magnificent view of the peaks like Manaslu, Him Chuli and Nagdi peak. As this area lies at a low height belt, our walk goes through the well terraced field of rice. When we reach Besisahar, it is here we end our rewarding trek and check in to a lodge. It is here we celebrate our successful completion of the Manaslu trek with nice dinner and drinks. Over night at a lodge in Besisahar.
18 Day 18:DRIVE BESISAHAR - KATHMANDU (1,300 m): 7-8 HRS
After breakfast, take a tourist bus or a private vehicle (as per package) and drive back to Kathmandu through the winding road of Nepal. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and rest for the day or active again for shopping or strolling around. Evening, we meet again to go to a Nepali restaurant to enjoy the farewell dinner over which we could chat on the shortcomings and achievements of the trek. The support with your invaluable feedback will undoubtedly help us improve our approach for our future visitors.
19 Day 19:DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast, free until our departure time for the airport. Fly back home or to onward journey.
Trip Information
- Trip Duration 19 Days
- DestinationNepal
- Trip StyleTrek
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