Manaslu Panoramic Mountain

Manaslu Trek

  • Trip Duration18 Days
  • Trip GradeModerate to Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude5100m/16731ft Larke pass
  • Cost Starting FromUS$ 1695
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Transportation: Private Transportation
  • Accommodation: Local Mountain Lodge
  • Max. Altitude: 5100m/16731ft Larke pass
  • Min. Group Size: 02 Min to 14 Max

Highlights

  • Scenic dirt road scenic drive to Arughat from Kathmandu
  • Immerse yourself in this serene and peaceful environment and experience the Nepalese and Tibetan mixture culture
  • Exploring the Budhi Gandaki River valley, walking between the borders of Nepal and Tibet
  • Crossing Larkya La over 5215 meters and across the remote Larkya La with stunning views
  • Classic circuit trek around the 8th highest mountain in the world

Manaslu Trek is a pristine trekking adventure in central Himalayas of Nepal. We can see the breathtaking sceneries, experience local culture, and magical mountain views. Highlighted by the mighty Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the overall trekking section is a magical gift of nature.

Manaslu Treks provides fantastic mountain scenery, spanning altitudes from 375 m to 5300 m, rises in the scenically superb region above the foothills of the Gorkha District west of Kathmandua. Manaslu region has been largely ignored by development, so remains poor, yet culturally rich.ethnic cultures, and a trail that puts one physically closer to Tibet than any other trek in Nepal. This area has always seen relatively few trekkers when compared to the more popular regions of the Annapurna and the Khumbu, partly because of the greater logistics required. The quiet trails and simple villages, together with the stunning scenery around Manaslu make this one of the classic trekking adventures in the Himalaya. 

A scenic drive through the Middle Hills leads to the trail head beyond Arughat at Soti Khola. The route then follows the fast flowing Budhi Gandaki Nadi to its source below the Larkya La. The river is deeply incised into the landscape frequently forcing the narrow trail to cling to cliffs as it undulates upwards over side-tributary ridges. It passes through a mix of farmlands and forests of bamboo, rhododendron, oak and pine for the first eight days. At Deng, the trail enters the Kutang – Nupri valleys (the western mountains: part of Tibet until the 1840s); peopled by an old Tibetan community with its own distinct custom and language. The descent across scree slopes is steep at first, becoming more gentle. The trail then descends into the dense forests of the Marsyangdi River, crossing onto the Annapurna Circuit Trail that leads to Tal for the jeep back to Kathmandu.

What is Manaslu Trek Permit Cost?

This trek is the restricted area, it requires a Manaslu Restricted permit issued by Department of Immigration Nepal, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit which is arranged by our company and a government certificate holder trekking guide led the group. 

Manaslu Trek is the best all over the year excluding extreme winter and monsoon seasons. Manaslu Trek providing the opportunity to live the life of a traveler. The scenery along the way, and particularly from the summit Larkya La Pass (5106m), is magnificent. 

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Our Mount Trails Trekking and Adventures representative will meet you outside the airport with your name card and transfer to hotel, introduce your trekking guide and check the necessities. Afternoon stroll around thamel and spicy market Overnight in deluxe hotel Kathmandu with breakfast.
Accommodation: Deluxe hotel on BB basis
Included Meal: welcome dinner
Transport: Private Vehicles as per group size.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tours to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Bodhanath Stupa-the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts. The visit covers the Durbar Square, the Krishna temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the Golden temple and many more. Swayambhunath Stupa-the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hillock also nick-named as monkey temple. Your day tour ends Kathmandu Durbar Square Showcasing living goddess Kumari Temple, Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak Street and more.Overnight in hotel with breakfast.
Accommodation: standard hotel on BB basis

A westward 70km scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, through the forested Middle Hills, leads to Malekhu. A 30km secondary tarred road heads north, over the Trisuli Nadi, towards Dhading Besi and a rutted 35km dirt road northwest to Arughat on the Budhi Gandaki. The dirt road winds upwards towards the Gola Bhanjyang where panoramic views of the southern slopes of the Ganesh, Baudha and Manaslu Himals should be possible.

The road then drops to cross the Ankhu Khola and later, at Arughat, the Budhi Gandaki that drains the Manaslu - Tsum region. A further ~3 hrs drive up the west bank of the river leads to Soti Khola. Overnight at lodge in Soti Khola
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transport: Private transport
Escorted by: Guide

After breakfast, today’s trail rises gradually through beautiful Sal forests. It then undulates over forested and terraced ridges passed numerous waterfalls. The trail is generally narrow, at times clinging to the sides of cliffs. It later drops to pass rice paddies before climbing to the attractive Gurung village of Labubesi (885m/2,800ft). After crossing a suspension bridge at the spectacular Nauli Khola falls, the valley opens out and the trail drops onto gravel banks along the river before rising slightly to the village of Machha (Fish) Khola. Overnight at lodge in Machha Khola
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

The trail follows the river, with minor ups and downs, often dropping to the gravel bar before crossing the Thado Khola and on up to Khorlabesi: where coffee, buckwheat and tobacco are grown. A trail from Gorkha joins the Manaslu circuit here and the GHT trail turns east from the Manaslu to the Langtang and Everest regions. Our trail then enters a lush narrow gorge that constricts the river’s progress. Beyond is a landslide with a dicey path, shortly before the triple hot spring spouts in Tatopani. The trail then climbs a ridge before crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge (to avoid a huge cliff face and waterfalls. A good staircase, leads to a landslide before a final ridge climb to Dobhan. Overnight at lodge in Dobhan.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Exit over the Dobhan Khola and continue up the east bank of the Budhi Gandaki to the hamlet of Thulo Dhunga; above cataracts. Further on the gradient changes; the valley opens and the river flow at Yaruphant is placid. Cross an old suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola (from Ganesh II and VI), then climb to Thado Bharyang. Cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki and follow the river gently upwards to the old village of Jagat: entrance and checkpoint to the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area. Cross a tributary and walk on to Salleri, via a cliff-side trail – with views of the Shringi Himal (7,187m/23,580ft) to the north. Descend to Sirdibas; and the first signs of Buddhist culture. Another suspension bridge leads to the east bank, and a tiring climb up to Philim: a prosperous Gurung village and the Chholing Sandu Gompa surrounded by fields of maize and millet. Overnight at lodge in Philim
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

Traverse north of Philim, through lush grasses and scrub up the exquisite narrowing valley to the village of Chisopani and then the millet fields of Ekle Bhatti (one house, 1 600m/5,250ft). The trail then gradually descends, beneath a spectacular waterfall, into the gorge below and a junction before “New Bridge” which leads to the Larkya La. (The right hand trail leads to the Tsum Valley). Cross the Budhi Gandaki and enter its narrow gorge on an up-and-down trail with river crossings. After a suspension bridge the trail enters bamboo forest and rises to the village of Deng (1,800m/5,906ft). From here there are good views of Shringi Himal to the northeast. Overnight at lodge in Deng.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We take a brief walk from Deng and then we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to reach Rana. From here we climb for a while and then head west to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through forests and painted Mani stones and a corner from where we reach Ghap. Then we take the trail through Prok village which allows us to witness the beautiful view of Siring Himal. We follow the river, crossing it at many places and pass through dense forests and Gompas along the way. After crossing the river at a gorge, the trail becomes leveled and after a last steep climb, we reach Namrung where we stay the night. Namrung is the best viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal as well as Mt. Himal Chuli.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

From Namrung a steep climb and passage through forests take us to Lihi, a village well known for its chortens and barley terraces. After crossing the side valley of Simnang, we pass through Sho and then reach Lho where we spend the night. Late afternoon visit the local monastery after you reached there.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

After crossing the Shyala village, we reach the Sama village where one gets to witness the amazing views of Mount Manaslu and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. The breathtaking view of the high mountains along with glaciers is the highlight of the trip. We stay in Samagaon for the night.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

This day is set aside to rest and acclimatize to the increasing altitudes. We stay in Samagaon and explore the surrounding areas or visit Birendra Tal and Anie Gompa. The main attraction of the day is the Pungyen Gompa with a spectacular view of the glaciers but it rather log day only recommended for the fit hikers. It is situated on a hill near Samagaon. We hike up to the Gompa named after the two peaks of Manaslu which means bracelet. It was destroyed when the Japanese first tried to summit the peaks. It was believed that the expedition to reach the summit might have angered the Gods. After the detour, we come back to Samagaon and spend the night there.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We follow the Budhi Gandaki River up to a stream which we cross on a suspension bridge. From here we take the trail on the right to Larkya la. It is a fairly easy trail, passing through Mani walls and juniper and birch forests. We again cross a bridge over Budhi Gandaki and continue forward. From a stone arch, we can see a kani and after crossing it, we reach Samdo where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We start our day trip by crossing a wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki River and begin a hike upwards. After crossing a few streams and seeing a glimpse of the Larkya glacier, we go around a valley and make our way upwards again to reach a guesthouse called Dharmashala. This short walk to Larke Phedi provides enough time and rest to acclimatize for the further trek.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

On this day, we make a short climb and reach a valley on the north side of Larkya glacier with exquisite views of Larkya peak. We ascend the moraines of a glacier which becomes quite steep at the end before reaching the pass. From here we can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna. It is a longer walk than other days and you reach the guesthouse among the low pastures at the dim lights of dusk. When we finally reach Bhimtang, the exquisite view of Mount Manaslu makes every step worth it.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

After enjoying the splendid views of the mountains from a ridge in Bhimtang, we make our way down towards a high pasture and then a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forests, narrow valleys and fields before making a climb to the river bank that leads to the village of Gho with better accommodation options where we spend the night.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We move in a stone paved path passing through a beautiful village and then cross a bridge over Dudh Khola, move past an arch and Mani walls to get to the Thonje village. After passing through a police checkpoint we make our way towards Dharapani from where we enter the Annapurna circuit section. From Dharapani we take Jeep or bus from Dharapani to Beishar. which takes 4-5 hours. We spend a our last night of the trek at Besishar.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Escorted by: Guide

We drive along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli River, witnessing the beautiful scenery of rice fields, terraced farms, rivers and valleys and refreshing views of the hilly areas and mountains. After a few hours’ journey we reach Kathmandu where we will spend the last night in Nepal.
Accommodation: Deluxe hotel basis with breakfast
Included Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Escorted by: Guide
Transport: Private Vehicles as per group size.

On your last day of the trip, we will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport. We would like to welcome you again to visit our Himalayan kingdom to explore more of the hidden treasures of our nation.
Included Meal: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Transportation

Trip Cost Details

Cost Include

  • All airport pick up and drop off as per itinerary
  • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis 
  • Trekking permits and necessary paper work (Manaslu region special trekking permit, MCAP and ACAP entry permit )
  • Private Jeep transport Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Jeep back from Bensisahar back to kathmandu
  • Sharing jeep transport Tal (trail head) to Besishar
  • All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek with hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
  • All mountain accommodation (Local lodges, soft comfortable private room/share bathroom)
  • An experienced English-speaking professional trekking guide
  • Sherpa porters to carry luggage (1 porter between two trekkers)
  • Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and accommodation
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All our service charges and government taxes

Cost Exclude

  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Main meals in Kathmandu (lunch and Dinner )
  • All personal expenses like alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, telephone calls, laundry services etc.
  • Medical and travel insurances should cover Emergency helicopter rescue
  • Tipping to trekking staffs.
  • All extra services if required (except motioned in 'The Price Include' section)

Trip Map

Manaslu Trek Map

Useful Info

Meals

Mount Trails serive Nepalese, Chinese, Continental, Italian and several local cuisines during the trip. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner are included in the package. Mount Trails guide will suggest delicious, hygienic and each place special food during your trip. Mountain restaurant owner prefer not to order many dishes and waste food as they would like to cater more trekkers with limited food before run off stuck. Its a week or more days hard work to porters and caravans to bring food to these places. During this trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the same Lodge, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants en-route.

Accommodation

we accommodate you in local mountain lodge or a Tea House. Private rooms are available in most of the mountain lodges but in high altitudes ones where it will be just common basic rooms.The rooms are on twin sharing basis with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided in the lodge but better to have our own sleeping bags. There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted. There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually hassolar lighting.  Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging mobile phones and cameras and there may be a small charge for this.

Drinking water

Mount Trails Trekking and Adventures provides Iodine treated water during the trek. All tea houses have mineral water and boiled water for trekkers upon additional cost. We discourage the purchase of Mineral water and bottled water while on the Trek as plastic bottles aredifficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem

Route Map

Mount Trails offers you complementary route map before you start your trek

Trip Note

What to take

This is a very active trip, meaning you will be on the move most of the time, so pack as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travellers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a duffel bag that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry max 20 kgs between 2 trekkers . Unnecessary luggage can leave in Kathmandu Hotel and its absolutely no additional charges. 

Important to note

Please read the Checklist section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip. You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt. The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.