Manaslu Trekking

Manaslu Trekking

Manaslu Trekking (officially opened to trekkers in 1991) is a thrilling recently opened trekking trial leading towards the world's 8th highest mountain, Manaslu (8,163m). The name Manaslu means "The Spirit - Mountain" in the Local dialect, referring to the benevolent and strong deity, dwells within. Manaslu Trek encounters an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan style Buddhist village with great pristine of mountain views, rich culture heritage, unsurpassed beauty, biological diversity and genuine adventure. The Manaslu region is bordered by Budi Gandaki River and Marshyangdi River. Since the trek in Manaslu region reach as high as 5,200 meters, the trekkers will see a wide range of flora typical of the middle hills and alpine regions of Nepal. The trekking around Manaslu has long been restricted due to the close proximity of the Tibetan border and is now open, but only for organized groups. The trek a high altitude trekking so it is very important to take our time when we are at high altitude with less walking hours per day or get well acclimatized while going in the high altitude.

The initial stage of Manaslu Trekking allows you to know more about Kathmandu visiting some of the monuments having great values and historic background. Taking a scenic drive we reach Soti khola via Aarughat from where the trekking route begin and reaches Machha Khola, cutting into the steep valley and dense forests. From Machha Khoa the trial is an uphill climb reaching hot springs at Tatopani as we walk pass tiny village of Khorlabesi. After spending some time in Hot Spring we continue our expedition and head towards Jagat (Where we check in our trekking permits) ascending on stone stairs. Further, the trail leads us to Deng passing Ghata Khola, Philim village, Lokwa and Eklai- Bhatti. We then trek in the direction of Samagaon, while we hike into the woods before ascending the valley to reach Namrung.

After a good rest day in Samagaon, we trek higher to Samdo as we gently walk up the valley with remarkable Mountains View and reach Dharmashala, also commonly known as Larky Phedi. The trail now moves towards Bimthang while we cross the Larkya Pass from where the view is just incredible. The path now is a descend to Syange via Dharapani and Chyamje. Manaslu Trekking route comes to an end after we arrive at Besisahar after hiking around Bhulbhule and Khudi. From Besisahar, we return back to Kathmadu or any other destination according to your plan / wish.

Trip Details

  • Itinerary
  • Detail Itinerary
  • Trip Info
  • Weather
  • Equipment
  • Useful Info

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. (Car).
Day 02: Sightseeing tour around Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. "B". (Must be an official day). (06-07 Hours).

Day 03:
Drive to Maccha Khola [900 m] via a Arughat [600 m] and Soti Khola [710 m]. "B,L,D". (Drive 07-09 Hrs).
Day 04: Trek to Jagat [1,350m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 06-07 Hrs).
Day 05: Trek to Deng. [1,804 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 06-07 Hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Namrung. [2,700 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 06-07 Hrs).
Day 07: Trek to Sama Gumpa. [3,520 m]. (Trek 07-08 Hrs).
Day 08: Acclimatization day at Samagaon (Sama Gumpa) [3,520 m]. "B,L,D".

“Manaslu Base Camp (8-9 hrs) or Pungyen Gompa (4 hrs) or just explore the village.”

Day 09: Trek to Samdo [3,860 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 03-04 Hrs).
Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala [4,460 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 03-04 Hrs).
Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang [3,720 m].Via Larkya-La Pass [5,160 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 09-10 Hrs).
Day 12: Trek to Dharapani [1,930 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 07-08 Hrs).
Day 13: Trek to Chamje [1,430 m]. "B,L,D". (Trek 03-04 Hrs) drive to Besisahar (02-03 hrs).
Day 14: Drive to Kathamandu. [1338 m]. "B,L". (Drive 05-06 Hrs).
Day 15: Rest day in Kathamandu. [1338 m]. "B".
Day 16: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,330 m]: A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport according to your time of arrival. After reaching hotel a short briefing will be done once you have settled down. If you have any queries please do let us know. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): AM: Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatpola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest. Lunch Time: 1300hrs-14:00hrs PM: Visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the biggest stupa of Boudhanath.  Overnight in Hotel.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Machhakhola via (Soti Khola - Aarughat [710m] - (B/L/D): After a hearty breakfast we begin our journey to western Nepal. We drive approximately for 5 hours to reach Aarughat, situated in Gorkha district. Aarughat is a local market clustered on both sides of the Budi Ghandaki River connected by a suspension bridge. The road after Aarughat is off-road which will provide you a thrilling experience. Passing the settlement of Soti Khola we will head towards Macha Khola for Overnight Stay. Overnight in Tea House. Drive - 7/8 hours.

Day 04: Trek to Jagat [1,350 m] - (B/L/D): We continue our trek after breakfast. The trail today takes us to other villages with the vegetation changing slowly. We then cross a bridge followed by an ascend to Kholabesi from where we head towards Hot spring. The trail then climbs over another ridge to cross the BudhiGandaki River on a suspension bridge. After ascending on staircase path to Dobhan we cross another suspension bridge over YaruKhola followed by a descend to the river. The trail then again goes uphill towards TharoBharyang. Finally after the last uphill climb of the day we walk along the river to reach the village of Jagat where we will be spending the night.Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 07-08 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Deng [1,804 m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast we begin a long descend on stone staircase towards the river followed by a uphill trek to Saguleri. From Saguleri, SiringiHimal can be seen in the distance. The trail then reaches GhataKhola where we cross yet another suspension bridge over Budi-Gandaki River. We then head in the direction of Philim village followed by a climb along the hillside passing many tiny settlements such as Aga, Lokwa. We finally camp at Deng which is a village followed by a gradual walk after EklaiBhatti. Overnight in Tea House. Average Trekking time is 07-08 hours.

Day 06: Trek to Namrung [2,700 m] - (B/L/D): Today’s trek is a little longer and harder.  There are many mustard fields and waterfalls along the way. As you head further, you can see carvings on the stones of various images of Buddha in meditation. You pass the rhododendron forests and cross some wooden bridges.  Then, a climb through some stairs and a walk through the pine forest will take you to the neat village of Namrung.Overnight in Tea House. Average Trekking time is 07-08 hours.

Day 07: Trek to Samagaon (SamaGumpa) [3,520 m] - (B/L/D: On this day we will continue further ahead through alpine forests from where we will have our first glimpse of Manaslu (8,163m) and Manaslu North (7,157m). The villages from here are highly influenced by the Tibetan culture. We trek through Oak and Rhododendron forests to reach Samagaon. Overnight in Tea House.Averahe trekking time is 07-08 hrs.

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Samagaon (SamaGumpa) [3,520 m] - (B/L/D): This is a rest day. We spend an extra day in Samagaon to acclimatize. Spending this extra day in Samagoan helps you to adapt with increasing altitude. We have a day hike either to Manaslu Base Camp or to PungyenGompa. Resting in Tea house and exploring the village around can also be another option. Overnight in Tea House.

Day 09: Trek to to Samdo [3,860 m] - (B/L/D): After breakfast at the tea house we resume our trek. We walk on the grassy land where farmers graze their cattles that goes gradually up the valley. Mount Manaslu rises majestically in the background as we continue further towards our destination. We finally reach Samdo (3860m), the last permanent settlement in the valley. This remote village is only a day's walk from the Tibetan border.Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 04-05 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala/Larkya Base Camp (LarkyaPhedi) [4,460 m] - (B/L/D): Today we head in the direction of Larkya Base Camp (LarkyaPhedi). The trail goes down the edge to cross the wooden bridge over BudhiGandaki river followed by an ascend. We then cross couple of streams to witness LarkyaGlacier. We finally reach Dharmashala, a stone guest house at an elevation of 4,450m after going round the valley of SalkaKhola to climb uphill. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 04-05 hours.

Day 11: Trek to (Larkya la 5,160 m) Bimthang [3,720 m] - (B/L/D): After having an early breakfast we start the trek at 5:30AM today. The trail takes us at the top of the moraine at 4,700m. (15,420ft) and climbs steeply to the pass at 5,135m/16,847ft. with the marvelous views of HimlungHimal (7126m), CheoHimal (6826m), Gyaji Kang, KangaruHimal (6981m) and Annapurna 2nd (7937m). Then the trail descends to Bimthang “Plain of Sand" in Tibetan Language. This huge valley surrounded by high peaks.Overnight in tea house. Average trekking time is 09-10 hours.

Day 12: Trek to Dharapani [1,930 m] - (B/L/D): Today, we trek down to DharaPani( 1992m) which takes about 7 hours. The trail drops to DudhKhola and reaches Gho Crossing, through lots of Pine and Rhododendron forests. At the foot of the valley, part of Lamjung Peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight. The trail heads to the villages of Tilje and Thonje. Once at Dharapani we will have joined the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 09-10 hours.

Day 13: Dharapani Trek to Chamje [1,430 m] and Drive to Besisahar - (B/L/D): The remainin trail of our trek is similar to that which we use on first few days of Annapurna Circuit trek. We descend to the Marsyandi River and cross the suspension bridge. Climb up and away from the river and hike through a broad, flat valley to the village of Tal (1,675m), situated at the foot of a large waterfall. The trail continues on to Chyamje, recrossing the river once again. It then descends through forests of rhododendron and pine to Syange.Overnight in Tea House. Average trekking time is 03-04 hours drive 02-03 hours.

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu [1330 m] - (B/L): After breakfast we start From Besisahar it’s a 5-6 hours’ drive to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu the remaining day is at leisure. You can walk down the streeets of Thamel for any last minute souvenir shopping. Overnight in Hotel. Average driving time is 05-06 hours.

Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu [1330 m] - (B): On this day you will have time to do anything in Kathmandu Valley. There are many tourists’ attractions around Kathmandu like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square which you can visit. You can walk around streets of Thamel for last minute shopping and to have good food. We are happy to offer you some recommendations.

Day 16: Fly back home - (B): According to your flight time a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport. Return back with memories that last lifetime.

Note:
If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Arrival & Departure Transfers.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Trekking Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Kathmandu Arughat by Private Jeep or Mini Bus.
  • Bensisahar Kathmandu by Private Car/Heice.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking Region map.
  • TIMS / National park / ACAP / Conservation entry fees.
  • Special Permit for Manaslu. (Conservation fee for Annapurna+Manaslu Area)
  • Government taxes.
  • Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days, you should get visa open your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Wifi, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

  • Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
  • A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
  • Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
  • A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
  • Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
  • A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
  • Thermal underwear.
  • A tracksuit.
  • 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
  • Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
  • At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
  • A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
  • A pair of gloves.
  • A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
  • Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
  • Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
  • Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

  • Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
  • Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
  • Water bottle.
  • Snow glasses and sunglasses.
  • 2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
  • Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
  • Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
  • Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
  • Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
  • Walking poles. (If you like to have).
  • Camera with spare batteries and films
  • Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
  • passport photograph
  • First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM: This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

  TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS

1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS

1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good

a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)

a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)

Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Fixed Departure Dates


Trekking Map