Manaslu Trek

Start: Gorkha
End: Beshishar
Grade: Moderate
Highest access of the trek: Larkya la 4460m.
Mode of trekking tour: Recommended camping trek.

Most Attraction of the trek: Different Community with majority of Tibetan, Gurung, Magar, Chhetri and Great Himalayan landscape etc.

East of the Annapurna region lies Mt. Manaslu, (8156m) the eighth highest mountain in the world. This is one of the best remote area treks in the country. Pristine mountain views, rich culture and a genuine adventure sum up the trek experience around Manaslu. Starting from the former kingdom of Gorkha, civilization soon fades away as we pass through ancient villages. There are several Buddhist monasteries on the way us to the Larkya La pass, 5,213m. The trek follows upstream of the Burhi-Gandaki river from the sub-tropical forest to the dry Tibetan zone, offering outstanding views of Mt. Manaslu along with the panorama of the surrounding magnificent peaks that straddle the border with Tibet. This place is within 15 km of the Tibetan border where monks inhabit sacred monasteries making this a truly spiritual place. The trek continues over the highest point of the journey at Larkay la 5,213m. After the pass, it is almost down-hill through the serene alpine forests and meadows till we come to the main trail of the Annapurna circuit.

There are over 20 species of birds and three species of reptiles. Vegetation includes 200 species of plants, more than 50 of which are useful for various purposes. This is one of the best remote area treks in the country. Pristine mountain views, rich culture and a genuine adventure sum up the trek experience around Manaslu.

Day 01: Arrive, Kathmandu transfer to the hotel. O/N Hotel.

Day 02: Full day sightseeing Kathmandu valley. O/N Hotel.

Day 03: Drive 6 hrs to Gorkha (1060m). From where the peaks of Ganesh Himal are visible to the north and further at Nigalapani Annapurna II, Manaslu can be observed. Continue drive to Arughat (570m). Camp.

Day 04: Aarughat to Soti Khola (730m). The trek goes through Sante Bazar and Burhi Gandaki valley (a famous place for honey which is also mentioned in the book Honey Hunter of Nepal) and reaches to Koir Pani, a small village of Magar & Gurung. Then the trail descends to Soti Khola. Camp.

Day 05: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (930). Cross the bridge and ascends to a ridge above the huge rapids of Burhi Gandaki and reach Khorsaani. The rocky trail then goes up and down. The trek goes up again on a steep rocky trail and down then around to the Gurung village of Labu Besi.Camp.

Day 06: Machha Khola to Jagat (1370). The cultivated fields end when you leave the village, no doubt due to the precipitous valley walls. Cross the abundant flow of the Tado Khola to the village of Kholabeshi. You follow the edge of the Burhi Gandaki, both bands of which are sheer rock walls, to the hot spring of Tatopani. Walk through a forested area; continue through the path at the river's edge to Doban. Cross to the right bank, climb a high, winding path, and descend to the riverbed; then walk through the field to Jagat (1370m) which has a check post. It is the last village with a shop; we camp in the fields around the village.

Day 07: Jagat to Deng (1860m). Ascend a rocky up to Salleri then to Setibas. The trail follows the best and new route to Manaslu via Nayak. Then the trail goes ahead to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Later on, the trail reaches to Serson. Now the trail enters steep uninhabited gorges and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall Pine trees via Burhi Gandaki. Further on, the tiny village Deng comes after crossing a bamboo forest and Deng Khola.

Day 08: Deng to Ghap (2380m). Cross Budhi Gandaki again and climb up, pass a waterfall, cross a stream, and continue to climb ahead to Shringi Khola; cross it and reach Ghap (Tsak).

Day 09: Ghap to Namru (2540m). The trail crosses over Budhi Gandaki enters woods then it climbs up to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trek climbs over a big rock and continues up through deep fir and Rhododendron forest and then enters Namru.

Day 10: Namru to Sama Gompa (3390m). The trail follows to Nupri region; the trail passes Barcham and crosses Hinan Khola and reaches to Sho. The trail then follows to Lho and drop down across Damonan Khola. Ascends again to a plateau at Sho. Crossing a ridge the trail descends into a rock-strewn moraine and goes on to a ridge over looking pastures and fields of Samagaon. The Sama Gompa is nestled against a wooded moraine at the far end of the valley.

Day 11: Rets day for local excursion at Sama Gompa (3390m).

Day 12: Sama Gompa to Samdo (3690m). Descends to Burhi Gandaki and to Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya La trail passes several Mani walls and reaches Kermo Kharka. The trail then climbs steeply to find Sam nestled behind a ridge.

Day 13: Samdo to Larkya Rest House: Go further on to Larkya La. The trail forwards and climbs in and out of the gorges and reaches the only shelter on the route to the pass, Larkya Rest House (4460m).

Day 14: Rest day for acclimatization (4460m).

Day 15: Larkya Rest House to Bimtang(3690m). Start earlier. The trail reaches at the top of the moraine at 4700m, and climbs steeply to the pass at 5213 m. Then the trail descends to Bimtang. This is a huge valley surrounded by high peaks.

Day 16: Bimtang to Dharapani (1943m) The trek descends to Dudh Khola and reaches Gho crossing Pine and Rhododendron forest. At the foot of the valley, part of Lamjung Peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight. The trail continues to Dharapani via Tilje and Thonche village. Here the Liaison Officer will contact the Police to declare the collected garbage to obtain a clearance certificate. And trek further to Dharapani (1920m).

Day 17: Dharapani to Jagat (1300m).Trek goes south through steepest part of the Marsyangdi Gorge.

Day 18: End the trek at Bahundanda, drive to Kathmandu. O/N hotel.

Day 19: At leisure Kathmandu for independent activities .O/N hotel.

Day 20: Transfer to airport for next destination.