Manaslu Trek via Larkya Pass – 21 Days

Trip Facts

  • Total Days - 21
  • Trekking Days - 15
  • Hotel in Kathmandu - 4 Nights
  • Trek Grade - Moderate / Strenuous
  • Altitude Maximum - 5213m
  • Type of Trek - Lodge / Camping
  • Best Season - Spring / Autumn
  • Walking Time - 5 to 7 hour each day

The Manaslu Trek is one of the arduous treks, and presumably, it is one of the best but less trekked regions in Nepal. The trek, with its starting location Arughat Bazaar and ending location Besisahar–beautiful locations in themselves, is comparatively less trodden, for it was allowed to trek only 1991 onwards, whose route will offer you a splendid view of ten peaks over 6,500 m. Moreover, along the route, the highest point you will reach is the Lyarka La pass, one of the longest passes in Nepal Himalaya, at an altitude of 5106 m. The Manaslu, in the Manaslu Circuit, is the eighth highest mountain in the world that stands 8163 m above the sea level in Mid-West Nepal. During the course of the trek, the tea houses will serve an immense opportunity to interact with the local people to learn the culture, tradition, and way of life; their innocence and simplicity will prove seductive. The trek traverses along an ancient salt-trading route along the Budi Gandaki river. Thereafter, the silver-white mountain peaks from this region will start mesmerizing you. Further ahead, the double peak Manaslu will reveal to you its glorious and grand presence which might prove an out-of-the-world experience. En route, you will have to go through the forest of lush green towering pine trees where you will be greeted with mellifluous chirps and euphonious psithurism. The trek is a genuine treasure trove, for it will, at no corner, cease to surprise you with varied cultural and natural riches–monasteries, monks and nuns in red robes, the highest village Samdo inhabited by Bhotias in the Budhi Gandaki valley, lofty Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guru.

The trek, geographically rich and culturally variegated, is not open to independent trekkers, rather to groups led by the trekking companies; in fact, tourism is still controlled.

The trek may be a bit more challenging than usual since it is quite long, and ascending pass and high terrain require and extra effort. Thus, it would be best to be physically fit, but nothing to be intimidated with, for it is neither a competition nor a military training; we can adjust our pace, yet it would be better to come prepared physically.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath & Patan
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat
Day 04: Trek Arughat to Soti Khola
Day 05: Trek Soti Khola to Machi Khola
Day 06: Trek Machi Khola to Jagat
Day 07: Trek Jagat to Ngyak
Day 08: Trek Ngyak to Ghap
Day 09: Trek Ghap to Lho
Day 10: Trek Lho to Sama Gompa
Day 11: Trek Sama Gompa to Samdo
Day 12: Acclimatization and exploration day
Day 13: Trek Samdo to Dharmasala / Larkya Phedi
Day 14: Trek Larkya Phedi to Bhimthang via Larkya pass
Day 15: Trek Bhimthang to Tilje
Day 16: Trek Tilje to Taal
Day 17: Trek Taal to Bahundanda
Day 18: Trek Bahundanda to Besisahar
Day 19: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu
Day 20: Visit Pashupathinath & Boudhanath
Day 21: Departure

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome Dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath and Patan: start our tour visiting Swoyambunath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa located on a high hill which is just 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Arughat (640m): following Prithivi highway up to Benighat and winding road to Dhading Besi followed by a dirt road we have a scenic drive for about 6 hours to Arughat.
Overnight: Camping
Driving Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 694m.

Day 04: Trek Arughat to Soti Khola (775m): start our trek following Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We pass the villages of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat River. After Arkhat, we ascend slowly towards Kyoropani. Our camp today is near the confluence of the Seti River - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 135m

Day 05: Trek Soti Khola to Machi Khola (900m): The trail descends for awhile before we start climbing the mountain ridge again to Almara. Following the forest trail we arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budi Gandaki. At Lambesi, the trail descends to the sandy river bed of Budi Gandaki.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 125m

Day 06: Trek Machi Khola to Jagat (1340m): Our day begins by crossing Machi Khola and Khrola Besi. The trail follows a forested area descending towards Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes into complete transformation.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 440m

Day 07: Trek Jagat to Ngyak (2310m): After ascending to the terraced hill of Saguleri with a view of Sringi Himal (7177m) we continue towards Sirish Gaon. The Gandaki valley narrows from here with soaring precipitous walls.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5.5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 970m

Day 08: Trek Ngyak to Ghap (2100m): The trail follows the Deng River upstream to a tiny village of 4 houses. We walk through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 210m

Day 09: Trek Ghap to Lho (3100m): After crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki we follow the path lined with houses that are interspersed with cultivated fields. After Namru, we cross the Hinan River originating from Linda Glacier and continue on to Lho. Naike peak, Manaslu north (7774ms) and Manaslu (8163m) are visible from here.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1000m

Day 10: Trek Lho to Sama Gaun (3450m): passing the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho with a full view of Peak 29 ahead we continue our trek. We can make a side excursion to Pungen Glacier which offers a very close up view of Manaslu. Then following the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Sama we continue our day to Sama Gaun.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 350m

Day 11: Trek Sama Gaun to Samdo (3900m): Another day, another kingdom in the sky. Hard to keep stopping, but we do to look back at the incredible mountain views on the walk up to Samdo, an easy three hours walk. You can spot the entrance chorten high on a bluff an hour out of Ro. The village is a collection of houses and lodges at 3900m, high enough to feel it now, and most trekkers miss the heat of a week ago as we huddle around the lodge stove and a wind from Tibet batters the windowpanes.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 450m

Day 12: Acclimatization and exploration day: We spend another day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air and also to explore the surroundings.
Overnight: Camping
Elevation: 3900m

Day 13: Trek Samdo to Dharmasala / Larkya Phedi (4450m): We leave on the trade route to old Tibet and climb through the ruins of Larkya bazaar, one of the trade markets that flourished years back. After two and half hours of climbing with increasingly incredible views, we come to the campsite at Dharamsala.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 4 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 550m

Day 14: Trek Larkya Phedi to Bhimthang (3570m) via Larkya Pass (5213m): After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II (7937).
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 - 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 880m

Day 15: Trek Bhimthang to Tilje (2350m): trekking gets fairly easier now. We start with a gentle climb through paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass and then descend through fig and rhododendron forests to Tilje.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1220m

Day 16: Trek Tilje to Taal (1675m): following the trail downstream along the Marsyangdi River, passing through several villages we trek down to Taal.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 - 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 675m

Day 17: Trek Taal to Bahundanda (1265m): Today the trail runs gently downstream of the river passing the villages of Chamje and Jagat. From Jagat the trail ascends gently for about 40 minutes then descends to Sangye. Then again the trail ascends for 20 minutes to Gharmu Phant followed by 2 hours fairly easy walk to the village of Bahundanda.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 410m

Day 18: Trek Bahundanda to Besisahar (760m): descending on fairly easy path to Ngadi followed by dirt road, we trek down to Besisahar.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 505m

Day 19: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu (1334m): a scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation + 574m

Day 20: Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath: start our day visiting Pashupatinath; ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion followed by a visit of Boudhanath stupa; the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 21: Transfer to the airport and departure

The tour price includes:

  • Transfers airport / hotel /airport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing BB basis
  • Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Private vehicle Kathmandu - Arughat / Besisahar - Kathmandu
  • Trekking permit /TIMS, and conservation entry fee (ACAP / MCAP)
  • Special permit for Manaslu region
  • A professional English speaking tour / trekking guide, cooks and porters
  • Meals full board during the trek (BLD) Drinks (tea / coffee only)
  • Accommodation in Tents / Camping during the trek.
  • Your international flight re-confirmation.
  • All necessary documents and government tax
  • Insurance for all staff (including guide, porters, assistant guide)

The tour price does not include:

  • International Flights
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident / repatriation helicopter / medical care)
  • Alternative / additional transportation (flights / vehicles), Accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc.
  • Personal expenses such as cold drinks, snacks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, Hot shower etc.
  • Tips for tour/trekking staff and drivers.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.



Weather Report

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period - It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions "trans-Himalayan", Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December - Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December - mid-February - Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to - 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

TREKKING GEAR

  • Day back-pack
  • Gore-Tex Jacket
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Micro Fleece
  • Trekking Trousers
  • Hiking shoes (Boots)
  • Runners (sport shoes)
  • Trekking Socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun-glasses
  • Water bottles
  • Thermal underwear(long)
  • T- shirts
  • Sunscreen/lotion
  • Flip flop (sandal)
  • Towel Hat(Baseball cap)
  • Pristine drops (Water purifier)
  • Head light / flash light
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Gloves
  • Wind Proof Trouser(s)
  • Personal medical kid
  • Toiletries

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