Manaslu region, the home of ethnically Tibetan inhabitants who still maintain strong links with Tibet, and the fascinating and magical region offering perfect blend of rich culture heritage, unsurpassed Himalayan beauty, and a rich mountain biological diversity perfect combination of rich culture heritage, matchless Himalayan scenery and a variety of rich mountain natural heritage. Trekking to Manaslu Round is a great trip not to be missed, an absolute highlight. The living Buddhist culture is virtually untouched because of their isolated locality and wildlife abounds.
The journey starts from Arughat of Gorkha, a main trade center of the local. From lush rice paddies with water buffalo and thatched huts, we trek north along the incredible, mountain-capped high route, through sprawling Gurung villages perched on high, terraced hilltops covered in Rhododendron, to reach Kutang, or lower Nubri. Here the ethnically Tibetan inhabitants speak their own dialect, partly Tibetan and partly Gurung, and live a lifestyle that spans Nepal and Tibet.
Trekking ever higher to upper Nubri, purely Tibetan; we share the trails with yak caravans. Here, trade with Tibet continues as it has for centuries and Tibetan villages have been forged from the wilderness by Tibetan refugees. Sublime mountain panoramas, dominated by Manaslu itself, are a highlight of the trek as are side-trips to Pun Gyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Rui La/ a traditional trade route to Tibet at the Nepal-Tibet boarder, the valley above Samdo near the border of Tibet and the epic crossing the snow-covered Larke Pass to Bimtang and Manang region of the Annapurna circuit. We, Wilderness Excursion Pvt. Ltd can modify the original itinerary as per your need to suit your time frame and offer you most competitive cost for this trip.
Early morning, drive to Arughat, 7/8 hours by bus or jeep through the beautiful landscape. Arughat is the biggest market in the area for local trade, at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. Explore the surrounding area. Stay overnight in lodge.
Our first day of trekheads to the north along Budhi Gandaki River and we pass the villages of Santi Bazar, Arukhet and ascend slowly toward Kyoropani near the confluence of Soti River – an ideal place to take a fresh water bath. We walk 6 hours today. We stay overnight at Soti Khola. Stay overnight in lodge.
We head to Machha Khola, 6 hours walking. The trail descends slowly until we climb again to mountain ridge to Armala. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budhi Gandaki. At Labubesi, the trail follows down to the sandy riverbed of Budhi Gandaki. Stay there overnight in lodge at Macha Khola.
We walk continue to Jagat, 7/8 hours walking. In the beginning we cross Machha River and head upstream along the river´s edge. After crossing Khorla besi, there is a hot spring “Tatopani". The trail follows woody area after this toward Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation. Stay overnight at in lodge at Jagat.
Trek to Dang, 8 hours walk, ascend a rocky ridge up to Salleri then to Setibas. We have lunch at Filim today; the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall Pine trees via Budhi Gandaki. Further on, the tiny village Deng comes after crossing a bamboo forest and Dang Khola. Stay overnight in lodge at Deng.
The trail leads us to 4/5 hours walking. After breakfast we 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). Stay overnight there in lodge.
We walk today to Lho 6-7 hours walking. The trail crosses over Budhi Gandaki enters woods then it climbs up to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trek climbs over a big rock, continues up through deep fir and rhododendron forest, and then enters Namrung at the crest. We have lunch break there. Beyond Namrung the trek enters upper Nupri. The trail passes through many mani walls, kaanis and Buddhist monasteries on the way to Lho. Today we walk via Barsam, Lihi and Sho. The view is spectacular today; we can see giant and mighty Manaslu 8156m, Manaslu North 7157m, Himalchuli 7893m and many other peaks. Stay overnight in lodge at Lho.
We head to Samagaun 7/8 hours walking. We follow to Nupri region; the trail passes Barcham and crosses Himan Khola and reaches to Shyo. The trail then follows to Lho and drops down across Damonan Khola. Ascend again to a plateau at Shyo. Crossing a ridge the trail descends onto a rock - strewn moraine and goes onto a ridge overlooking pastures and fields of Sama Gaon. The Sama Gompa is nestled against a wooded moraine at the end of the valley. We stay overnight there.
Rest days to get physically acclimatize. We can spend the day taking a day walk to Birendra Taal (lake), monasteries or by relaxing and exploring Samagaun, a big Tibetan cultured community and a side trip to Pungyen Gompa but this side trip requires almost a full day). We will see a marvelous view of Manaslu. Stay overnight at same place.
We trek to Samdo 3/4 hours walk, as trail widens we walk through juniper and birch forest. The trail passes several Mani walls and a stone hut at Kermo Kharka. The trail then climbs steeply to find Samdo nestle behind a ridge.
We trek to Larke rest house 4 hours walking. We go further on to Larke La. The trail forwards and climbs in and out of the gorge and reaches the only shelter on the route to the pass, Larke Rest House. Stay there overnight at Samdo.
After having an early breakfast we start the trek at 5:30AM today. The trail reaches at the top of the moraine at 4,700m. (15,420ft) and climbs steeply to the pass at 5,135m/16,847ft. with the tremendous views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6826m), Gyaji Kang, Kangaru Himal (6981m) and Annapurna 2nd (7937m). Then the trail descends to Bimthang “Plain of Sand" in Tibetan Language. This huge valley surrounded by high peaks. Stay there overnight at Bimthang.
6 hours walk down to Goa at 2560m; the trail crosses glacial stream and rhododendron forests on the way to Hampuk (Rock shelter cave) and trail passes Yak Kharka, Surti Khola on way. Stay at Goa overnight at Goa.
2-3 hours walk down to Dharapaani. Trail continues through the fields, oak and rhododendron forest and reaches to Tilche (a Gurung village) and cross a suspension bridge at Tilche over Dudh Khola then descend to Dharapaani. After having lunch at Dharapaani the journey continues to Taal following the Marshyandi River. Stay overnight at Tal in lodge.
Drive 3-4 hours by local jeep or bus to Besi sahar then catch a connecting local Hiace van to Kathmandu, have lunch at good place on the way to KTM.
Cost Includes:
An experienced government registered English speaking local guide.
Assistant guide if the group size is of more than 6 people.
Porters to carry your main pack (weight limit 25kg/porter)
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
All local ground transportation to and from trekking.
Lodge accommodation during the trek twin/double sharing basis.
Food, accommodation salary of the guide and porters.
All necessary Manaslu round Trekking Permits as per state law.
Office service charge, government tax and vat etc.
Insurance and trekking gear for guide and porters.
Cost Excludes:
Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
Guided tours and monumnets entrance fees in Kathmandu.
Hard drinks, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water, laundry service, toiletries.
Personal nature expenses, hot shower, hot water, internet and phone calls.
Personal travel insurance, rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
Hiring horse, gratitude and tips for your guide, porter and driver.
Dates & Prices
We are local tour and trekking operator based in Kathmandu so we guaranty small private group departures any dates that suits your date and time. Please kindly contact us for your customized departure date, itinerary and the price. Thank you and Namaste!
Note: This trip can be personalized as per your requirements that meet your time frame. The trip price will be according to Deluxe, Standard, Budget and group size so please kindly provide us your details for tailor made program.