Trip Overview

Trekking in the Manaslu region was opened in 1991 for foreigners although mountaineering expeditions have long had access to the area. Mt. Manaslu at (8,156 meters) was first attempted by a Japanese expedition in 1953 then continued to climbing it & made successful summit in 1956 October.  A few trekkers, including the peripatetic Hugh Swift, managed to obtain trekking permits for the region; otherwise this trek has always been the domain of the mountaineering expedition. Trekking in Manaslu region offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty and a great bio-diversity. Starting of Manaslu lodge trek from Arughat bazaar at an altitude of (570 m) or from Gorkha Bazaar (1,100 m), the main goal of the trek is to cross over the Larkya- La Pass at 5,135 meters. The first part of the trek leads you through the walls of the Budhi Gandaki River valley which is perpendicular and involves a challenging amount of climbing. As you trek up to the upper Budhi Gandaki, you will reach Tibetan inhabitants of a region known as Nubri valley. From here, people, their dialects, dress, religion and customs are exclusively Tibetan, as Nubri is still a trade access point for the border people. The mountain views at Nubri are sensational and the crossing of the Larke-La is one of the most dramatic of any passes in the Himalaya. After the Larkya -La Pass the remaining part of the trek takes place in the Marshyangdi valley, where the famous Annapurna circuit trek begins.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Day 2

    Sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • Day 3

    Drive Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (570 m/7-8 hrs)

  • Day 4

    Trek Arughat Bazaar to Soti Khola (730 m/4 hrs)

  • Day 5

    Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890 m/6 hrs)

  • Day 6

    Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,350 m/6-7hrs)

  • Day 7

    Trek Jagat to Philim (1,600 m/3 hrs)

  • Day 8

    Trek Philim to Deng (1,860 m/5-6hrs)

  • Day 9

    Trek Deng to Namrung (2,900 m/6-7 hrs)

  • Day 10

    Trek Namrung to Lho-Gaon (3,100 m/4 hrs)

  • Day 11

    Trek Lho -Gaon to Samagaon (3,390 m/4 hrs)

  • Day 12

    Acclimatization day

  • Day 13

    Trek Samagaon to Samdo village (3,790 m/4 hrs)

  • Day 14

    Trek Samdo to Larkya- La Phedi (4,460 m/3-4 hrs)

  • Day 15

    Trek Larkya La Phedi - Pass (5,135 m) to Bimthang (3,790 m/8-9 hrs)

  • Day 16

    Trek Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,860 m/7-8 hrs)

  • Day 17

    Trek Dharapani to Jagat (1,305 m/6 hrs)

  • Day 18

    Trek Jagat to Nagdi (950 m/5 hrs)

  • Day 19

    Trek Ngadi to Besishahar( 823 m/4 hrs)

  • Day 20

    Drive by Local bus/ Micro Bus from Besishahar to Kathmandu which takes about 6 /7 hrs.

  • Day 21

    Transfer and departure from Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Kathmandu

    Our representative will meet you at the Airport provide transportation to the Hotel. After refreshments at the Hotel, our trek leader will give a short briefing on our upcoming trek. If the time permits us, we will visit Swayambunath Temple (known as Monkey Temple) on a hill top. If the weather is clear, we will see the great view of Kathmandu valley as well as some of the snow-capped beautiful mountains. Evening dinner will be provided at one of our favorite Nepalese restaurants before returning to the Hotel.
  • Day 2

    Sightseeing in Kathmandu

    Kathmandu and the valley surrounding it boast one of the largest collections of magnificent historical monuments and shrines in the world, recognized as a World `s Heritage Site by UNESCO, there are diverse clusters that each feature the beauty and cultural relics of this historical land. Today we will visit Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu and the Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex. Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date back from 15th to 18th century. The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman and during our visit we can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted bright red right next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square. Then after, we will visit Bouddhanath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple (Hindus Greatest Temple & Cremation sites)
  • Day 3

    Drive Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (570 m/7-8 hrs)

    You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the journey ,then you turn to right hand side towards Dhading Besi ,then finally reach your destination Arughat Bazaar in approximately seven/Eight hours from Kathmandu. An alternative way is driving to Arughat Bazaar via Gorkha Bazaar (Historical Town) which is an hour longer than via Dhadingbesi.
  • Day 4

    Trek Arughat Bazaar to Soti Khola (730 m/4 hrs)

    You trek over flat leveled path along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River through mostly terraces, numerous villages, green hills, some pretty waterfalls and you are quite surrounded by green forest. This day you take lunch at Arughat Bazaar, which lies middle way to Soti Khola. This is the best place to relax and can enjoy swimming to ease your tiredness of walking. To reach Soti Khola, the trail is ups and downs through forest of Sal, Chilaune and other local vegetation. Soti Khola is a village at the bank of Budhi Gandaki. The swimming spot is nearby here.
  • Day 5

    Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890 m/6 hrs)

    The zigzag path passes through forest, villages, streams, pretty waterfalls and green valley until you reach Lapu Besi. This is a village mainly covered by Mongolian. Now you again precede the zigzag path to reach Machha Khola. There is a small market with few shops, lodges and donkeys are kept there (station/overnight Spot), as they transport the goods in the upper valley, all the way to Dharmashala & Mu Gompa.
  • Day 6

    Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,350 m/6-7hrs)

    You cross the Machha Khola - Fish Stream - and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Besi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley sides are steeping 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 you reach the single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Buri Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, you re cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat, where you spend your night at tea house/Lodge.
  • Day 7

    Trek Jagat to Philim (1,600 m/3 hrs)

    The early part of trek moves gentle uphill and then somewhere through flat leveled path. You cross suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki before you enter Philim. Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by Gurung. You even can see small monasteries, Chhortens graves, typical houses and prayer flags fluttering in the sky.
  • Day 8

    Trek Philim to Deng (1,860 m/5-6hrs)

    You trek over a flat-leveled path mostly through forests of pine, rhododendron and other forests. While walking, you will cross a few bridges and can see villages at a far distance. There are few houses at Deng. From here, you can enjoy a pretty waterfall lying at some distance. Deng is famous for its potatoes, buckwheat, barley, wheat, cabbage, and spinach as people are mostly involved in agriculture.
  • Day 9

    Trek Deng to Namrung (2,900 m/6-7 hrs)

    In the beginning, you trek along an almost level path and then the trail moves uphill all the way to Namrung through forest. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, rock hills, green valley and ridges. Namrung is a Buddhist village where there are monasteries; water turbine, hydro electricity powerhouse, Mani walls, Chhortens and prayer flags can be seen fluttering in the sky. The typical houses remind you of Tibetan architecture.
  • Day 10

    Trek Namrung to Lho-Gaon (3,100 m/4 hrs)

    You trek over winding path, which moves through inner Himalayn range. On the way, you can enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. As you go up the vegetation get decreased. In the afternoon, this part becomes quite windy. While walking, you come across Mani walls, Chhortens, prayer flags and monasteries. Before you reach Lho Gaon, you pass a Tibetan village and Lihi Gaon. There is a monastery named as Chon at a ridge and there is a Buddhist school at Lho Gaon run by Buddhist monks. People mainly grow oat, barley, buckwheat, potatoes and vegetables. You can catch panoramic view of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, and Lajing peak with others from Lho- Gaon.
  • Day 11

    Trek Lho -Gaon to Samagaon (3,390 m/4 hrs)

    Leaving the village, you follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As you continue on the main trail, you soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500 m. You camp at Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, or Samdo, near the Tibetan border.
  • Day 12

    Acclimatization day

    Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, you take a rest day to at Samagaon for acclimatization. Acclimatize and relax. You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pang Phuchuli); Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and you can see Birendra Tal /Lake which is an ice lake nearby Manaslu Base Camp.
  • Day 13

    Trek Samagaon to Samdo village (3,790 m/4 hrs)

    You trek gentle uphill all the way to Samdo through desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometres away from Samdo. But visitors are not allowed to pass the border. There is a Tibetan refugee village at Samdo. This is an excellent viewpoint for Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang Phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu icefall and many more.
  • Day 14

    Trek Samdo to Larkya- La Phedi (4,460 m/3-4 hrs)

    The trail is rocky and zigzag all the way to destination. Before you reach Larka La Phedi, there is a market Larkya Bazaar (market) where is held seasonal Tibet fair/market. People bring goods from Tibet to sell it here. There is a Dharmashala at Larkya- La Phedi.
  • Day 15

    Trek Larkya La Phedi - Pass (5,135 m) to Bimthang (3,790 m/8-9 hrs)

    Early in the morning you begin to trek steep ascent path until Larkya- La through rocky and windy path. This day you carry packed lunch. From the top, you can enjoy the views of Larkya peak, sunrise, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, Cheo Himal and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. Crossing this pass, you move steep downhill path through rock and ice. On the way, you can see many icy lakes. Bhimthang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses. Good accommodation & hot shower!
  • Day 16

    Trek Bhimthang to Dharapani (1,860 m/7-8 hrs)

    Crossing this high pasture; you descend the valley of the Burding Khola to the area of the Base Camp for the West side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4,150 meters, you 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, you descend into a rhododendron forests and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2,785 meters. Walking down you cross a stream to reach Tilje. There is an apple orchard and it is quite famous for local wine. Leaving Tilje, you trek uphill for nearly 45 minutes and reach Dharapani crossing a bridge over Marsyangdi River.
  • Day 17

    Trek Dharapani to Jagat (1,305 m/6 hrs)

    You trek all the way over descent path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi River. On the way, you walk through pleasant villages such as Taal, which is an attractive village with pretty waterfall, and you can enjoy green hills. Eventually Jagat is a stone village situated on a shelf, which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley.
  • Day 18

    Trek Jagat to Nagdi (950 m/5 hrs)

    Today, we begin with a steep descent from Jagat through Marshyangdi valley. You cross Marshyangdi River at Syange and walk through Ghermu Fanth/Phant (Ghermu field). This part of trek is pleasant along a level path with views of green valley and villages at some distance. Past this Ghermu field and a village, your trail goes uphill for nearly half an hour to reach Bahundanda (Brahmin Hill), Chhetri Gurung ,Newar and few others mainly populate this village. Now, you descend all the way to Nagdi. Nagdi is a Gurung & Bhotias village and people who had migrated run the local lodges from Manang and other places.
  • Day 19

    Trek Ngadi to Besishahar( 823 m/4 hrs)

    Today, your trekking is quite easy. You walk in a pretty flat trail for first hour till Bhulbhule (900 m), ACAP check post, from where the Annapurna Conversation Area is begin. Then after, leaving the dusty road side trail, you will taking the an older route, before building the Besisahar – Khudi - Bhulbhule road & now called "New Annapurna Trail " through a bit higher elevation from Marshyangdi River with very good view of green valley & some mountains views, passing by little villages along the way & finally your trail is joined the with dusty road near by your last destination of the day. Besisahar, a district headquarters of Lamjung district, where is all the local Government offices are located & pretty big city after several days of your trek.
  • Day 20

    Drive by Local bus/ Micro Bus from Besishahar to Kathmandu which takes about 6 /7 hrs.

    Today, you are driving to Kathmandu which is about 170 km & it takes 6/7 hrs, first 2 hours, the road is narrow & winding passing through villages, paddy fields, on the bank of Marshyangdi River & then meet the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway. You will enjoying the local people`s activities, green valleys, terraced, towns, cable car station which is goes to Manakamana Goddess temple (Better known as Goddess of the fulfill the wishes!) Hydro power plant & So on while you are driving. You do not get bore or sleepy while passing so many different things.
  • Day 21

    Transfer and departure from Kathmandu

    Today, we will transfer you to the Airport to catch your International flights on your given time & it’s time to say GOOD BYE & HAVE a SAFE JOURNEY!

Trip Info

Cost Includes

  1. Airports pick up & drop off by private vehicle.
  2. 3 Nights hotel accommodation w/ Bed & Breakfast basis in Kathmandu
  3. A full day Sightseeing in Kathmandu (private vehicle & tour guide)
  4. Lodge accommodation on trek
  5. All  public transportation service
  6. In a short distance taxi service
  7. Trekking permit / TIMS Card, Manaslu conservation Area project entry permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Project Entry permit   & Manaslu Special trekking permit which is obtained from Immigration office.
  8. Guide  and required  no. of  porters
  9. Meals  three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner with a cup of tea /coffee)
  10. Trekking equipment (sleeping bag & down jacket), if required
  11. Trekking equipment for porters (shoes, jacket, trousers etc)
  12. Insurance  & security for  all trekking staffs (Locals)
  13. All government & local taxes
  14. All Official paper works
  15. Emergency or Rescue Evacuation Arrangement Service (porter`s back, Horse’s back & Helicopter), in case of required.

Cost Excludes

  1. Meals in Kathmandu (lunch & dinner)
  2. Monuments Entrance fees during city tour  in Kathmandu
  3. Alcoholic drinks, beverages, mineral water (bottle), boiled drinking water & hot shower on trek.
  4. Personal nature expenses (battery charges, donation, cigarettes, cold drinks ,toilet rolls etc)
  5. Travel Insurance
  6. Private transportation if someone wishes
  7. Emergency or  Rescue Evacuation  charges, in case of necessary/required
  8. Tipping for trekking staffs
  9. Others than what are included

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Manaslu Lodge Trek