Around Manaslu Trekking

AROUND MANASLU TREKKING
‘an adventure around Nepal North Mid West Himalaya and traverse over high Larki-la pass- Around Manaslu Trekking’

Trekking Highlights Around Manaslu Trekking:

• Sweeping panorama of high and towering Manaslu and Ganesh Himalaya range of mountains
• High and scenic Manaslu valley on an ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt and Caravan Route to Tibet
• Explore villages enriched with age old traditions and colorful Buddhist cultural heritage
• Walk into enchanting alpine woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-oaks and pine trees
• Adventure around magnificent Manaslu valley with scenic high Larki-La pass traverse

Best tours in Himalaya Everest by Helicopter and Bhutan culture tour and Everest base camp trekking. Special Nepal Tibet and tour package.

Introduction of Around Manaslu Trekking:

Around Manaslu Trekking, leads you around world 8^th highest Mt. Manaslu which towers high above 8,163 m / 26, 781 ft, first climbed by Japanese Expeditions in May 1956.

Since then it was least explored and traveled by foreign travelers and the remain closed to rest of the world visitors, and then opened its doors (since last two decades) for people to visit and explore its natural treasures of mountains-age old culture and traditions as it was since past hundred of centuries.

An exciting adventure Around Manaslu Trekking, where you can soak within its wonderful scenery of high snow capped peaks in the harmony of old Buddhist religion and its colorful culture.

Manaslu name derived from ancient Hindu Sanskrit word ‘Manas’ means soul and spirits like in Tibet where Lake Manasarover located near Kailash Mountain with the same word and meaning, while Tibetan and local people calls Kutang.

Whatever the name, it is one of the most fascinating adventure destination unlike other popular mainstream trekking areas of Himalaya, this is a trek into pure wilderness away from many trekkers, human settlement and villages for many days till the walk joins at Manang areas.

Starting this marvelous journey Around Manaslu taking an exciting overland drive to reach warmer areas around Mid West Nepal at Gorkha district, where our adventure begins following Buri Gandaki River towards high Manaslu valley past charming villages of Jagat-Lo Gaon and at Sama Gaon.

With ample time for acclimatization with rest days and to explore local villages enriched with Buddhist religion similar to across the border of Tibetans people, where ancient trade was active past decades, at present few do small business with Tibet by the local native Manaslu people.

After a time around high and scenic Manaslu valley walk leads at the end of the valley on the base of high Larki pass and then for the big climb to reach over Larki-la above 5, 106 m high with super panorama of high Manaslu range of peaks and then heading towards Manang areas to complete our most incredible journey and adventure of a lifetime Around Manaslu Trekking.

Optional trips to Everest Base camp

Guideline Itinerary:

Day 01:             Reach Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to your Hotels.
Day 02:            In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest and trek preparation.
Day 03:            Drive to Soti-Khola 730 m via Dhading and Arughat- 06 hrs
Day 04:            Trek to Machha-Khola 930m – 06 hrs
Day 05:            Trek to Jagat 1,410m – 06 hrs.
Day 06:            Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 06 hrs
Day 07:            Trek to Ghap 2,160 m – 04 hrs
Day 08:            Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m – 06 hrs
Day 09:            Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m – 05 hrs
Day 10:             Rest day at Sama-Gaon for acclimatization.
Day 11:              Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 05 hrs
Day 12:             Trek to Dharamsala / Larki Phedi 4,470 m – 04 hrs
Day 13:             Cross Larkya-la 5,106 m and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 08 hrs.
Day 14:             Trek to Gho 2,560 m – 05 hrs
Day 15:             Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs.
Day 16:             Trek to Syange 1,460 m – 06 hrs.
Day 17:             Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Day 18:             International departure for homeward bound.

Itinerary for Around Manaslu Trek

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to your Hotels.

On arrival at Kathmandu International airport, received by our guide and staff for transfer to your hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city, after checking in to your rooms and getting refreshed our guide / group leader will brief regarding Around Manaslu Trekking. Evening welcome dinner in a nice and authentic Nepalese restaurant includes local folk dance program entertainment while you have delightful meals.

Day 2

In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour at places of interest and trek preparation.

With free day in Kathmandu an options joining in our interesting tour which leads you around Kathmandu beautiful historical sites, as Kathmandu city with Patan and Bhaktapur steeped with religious monuments of temples-monasteries and stupas listed most as World Heritage Sites. After a pleasant and exciting guided tour return back to your hotel with rest of the afternoon free, preparation for Around Manaslu trekking next early morning.

Day 3

Drive to Soti-Khola 730 m via Dhading and Arughat- 06 hrs

Depending on size of the group on Around Manaslu trekking, either on tourist coach or in private chartered vehicles for exciting overland journey to Dhading and Gorkha district to reach Arughat, an interesting drive of six hours within scenic country side of farm villages and towns. On reaching Arughat, transfer to another smaller vehicles for short drive to Soti-Khola following Buri-Gandaki River up streams around interesting countryside of Gorkha areas with views of Snow capped peaks in the distance. On reaching a small village of Soti-Khola transfer into local simple lodge for overnight stop after an exciting drive of more than six hours.

Day 4

Trek to Machha-Khola 930m - 06 hrs.

First day walk after Soti- Khola leads to a short climb for a while with rest of the walk on  winding gradual uphill through terraced farm fields and villages. Our route then enters a cool forested area in a gorge following torrential glacial Buri-Gandaki River upstream, as the path follows with a climb in the cool shade of rhododendron and oaks forest after a good walk of near six hours reaching a moderate size village at Maccha-Khola for overnight stop. (Name of the village means a fish stream)

Day 5

Trek to Jagat 1,410m - 06 hrs.

After pleasant overnight at Macha-Khola, morning walk follows Buri-Gandaki River upstream, to reach Khorla Beshi a small farm village from here on winding path to reach at Tatopani village with “Hot Spring,” an opportunity for hot bathe as time allows. After a pleasant stop, walk to Dovan and Yaruphant villages and then at Jagat for overnight stops, Jagat a moderate size farm villages with shops and stores.

Day 5

Trek to Dyang 1,800 m - 06 hrs

From Jagat, morning walk leads to higher areas passing scattered farm villages with short climb and downhill to cross over a bridge to reach at Nagjet and Philim, a large village with spread-out farm houses. After Philim walk through farm terraces of golden fields of wheat’s and barley, then a climb on rocky ridge top into bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Dyang village.

Day 6

Trek to Ghap 2,160 m - 04 hrs

Morning walk from Dyang leads to cooler area where you can feel slow rise in altitude, on entering Himalayan alpine region, walk downhill to a river side to reach at Bihi Bazaar a small village near a river side. From here onwards encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, walk leads on gentle trail with few short ups and downs till Ghap village is reached for overnight stop.

Day 7

Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m - 06 hrs.

From Ghap village with nice good walk following Burhi Gandaki River, then crossing this river through small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat and millets to reach at Numrung village with first close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face and adjoining peaks. Walk continues passing few villages of Banjham, Lhi and Sho, then as altitude gains with an hour up to Lo-Gaon for overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge.

Day 8

Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m - 05 hrs

After Lo-Gaon tree lines fades only for few short juniper bushes and some willow trees, walk leads on nice path with views of peaks and finally the day ends at Sama-Gaon for overnight stop, this is a large mountain village located on route Manaslu base camp, Larke-la pass and to Tibet border.

Day 9

Rest day at Sama-Gaon for acclimatization.

A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading over Larke-la pass, at Samagaon explore around this interesting village of Tibetan culture.

Day 10

Trek to Samdo 3,860 m - 05 hrs

Today walk leads to last village of Manaslu area at Samdo which lies close on route Tibet border, the villagers of this area have long history of trading with Tibet, the trade still continues as you can find many Chinese goods around the village shops and stores.

Day 11

Trek to Dharamsala / Larke phedi 4,470 m - 04 hrs

A short day walk to Larke phedi or Dharmasala, after a nice overnight at Samdo village, morning walk leads towards more dry and barren country. As the altitude gains slowly with few short ups and downs then completing the morning walk at Larke phedi, means base of the hill or pass with afternoon free to relax or short walks.

Day 12

Cross Larke-la 5,135m and to Bimthang 3,720 m - 08 hrs.

A Big Day and highlight of the adventure, starting early to reach the top of Larke-la pass at 5,135 m, a long climb with views of surrounding mountains Mt. Manaslu, Larke peak, Bouddha Himal, Himal-Chuli and Peak 29. After a strenuous climb reaching the pass, our highest point of the trip marked with Buddhist prayer flags, offering super views of surrounding great giant peaks, after a short rest enjoying the views a long descend leads to Bimthang for overnight stop a beautiful place surrounded with forest of tall rhododendron and pines trees.

Day 13

Trek to Gho 2,560 m - 05 hrs

After a hard and tough walk of previous day, today an easy trek on downhill path most of the way to Gho, located in the midst of a lovely forested area, as our walk lead through woodlands of rhododendron, pines and oaks tree lines passing several farm shades to reach at Gho for overnight stop.

Day 14

Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m - 06 hrs.

From Gho within lovely forest surrounding, morning walk leads on downhill most of the way to Telje village by the Marshyangdi River, after Tilje an hour climb to reach at Dharapani for overnight stop in a nice fine lodge. Dharapani a large village with many fine lodges located in Manang district and on popular Annapurna Circuit trekking trail.

Day 15

Trek to Syange 1,460 m - 06 hrs.

Today our last day of walks of this great adventure around Manaslu, from Dharapani heading towards warmer areas following the Marsyangdi River downstream past nice village of Tal, Chamje and another village named Jagat. From the Jagat with downhill walks to reach back into warm low paddy fields and terraces at Syange village located by the raging river of Marsyangdi for last overnight stop before heading back to Kathmandu.

Day 16

Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to your respective hotels.

From Pokhara with awesome time on high hills in the shadow of Manaslu Himalaya, morning starts with an exciting and pleasant drive of six hours past beautiful scenery of farm villages and towns to reach at Kathmandu, with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities.

Day 17

International departure for homeward bound.

As per your international flight time homeward bound or to other respective destination, transfer to Kathmandu airport with excellent memory and overwhelming adventure of a lifetime on Around Manaslu trekking.

Cost & Dates

Weather & Climate

Weather & Climate on Manaslu Trekking: The weather depending upon the season of trekking around Manaslu or other higher Himalayan belts, where’s Around Manaslu trekking can be visited on limited time of the year from March to June and September to November months. The best time will be from March to May when wild flowers are in full bloom around 2,000 m to 3,000 m high and then tree lines and vegetation declines for rough arctic terrain, the temperature will be 15 to 20 degree Celsius during the day with sunlight, morning and evening can be much cooler with minimum of -0 to 05 degree Celsius not counting the wind chill factors. As the trek leads higher above 4,000 m temperature drops in the shade as well in the morning and night time, day will be clear with strong sunlight and UV (due to drop in oxygen and air pressure on high elevation) , where you need strong sun screen to avoid sun burn in direct sunlight. Mid September to November will be the clearest weather but with short days minimum of -05 to -10 degree Celsius in the morning and night time with maximum of 15-20 degree during the day in full sunlight, also depends upon the altitude and areas of trekking. November and March will be cold with chances of snows with minimum of -10 to -15 degree Celsius with maximum 15-18 degree Celsius without wind chill factor, however most of the day time will be clear with fine blue sky. Trekking Equipment List to Bring from home or rent and purchase in Kathmandu: Equipment & Clothing: Well fitting, comfortable boots / shoes are to be preferred over training shoes and clothing will be required, for strong hot sun on drive through the lower foothills to freezing temperatures at night in the higher region. Shorts, skirt or lightweight trousers are ideal in the heat of the day along with T-shirt, long sleeved cotton shirts and sun hat. During evening and at higher altitudes warmers clothing required.

• FIBER PILE JACKETS
• SHORTS OR SKIRTS (for ladies)
• LIGHT COTTON TROUSERS
• BREECHES /TRACK SUIT BOTTOMS /ULTRA FLEECE TROUSERS
• DUVET / DOWN JACKETS: (Down feathers or synthetic (required  in autumn / winter and early spring time)
• WOOL BALACLAVA, WOOL MITTS: (required  in autumn / winter and early spring time)
• WATERPROOFS: Jacket and trousers
• SUN HATS
• SCARF : Silk/Nylon, useful for keeping the sun and dust
• SUNGLASSES / GOGGLES: Essential to get a pair which cuts out 100% UV rays
• SUN SCREEN CREAM : High protection factor [20 or higher] or high altitude glacier cream due to thin air the U/V is stronger in the sun.
• LIP SLAVE/ LABISAN: Protection for the lips with a sunscreen
• WATER BOTTLE: 1 litre metal to keep warm while at night time and for drinking purpose.
• TOILET ITEMS
• HEAD TORCHES: Petzel (recommended) -spare batteries and bulbs
• SEWING KIT
• SMALL KNIFE : Swiss army style – has many uses
• NOTEBOOK/DIARY/PENS
• SMALL PADLOCK : Useful for locking your kit / duffel bag
• MONEY BELTS
• SLEEPING BAGS / DOWN JACKETS (which can be hired and purchase in Kathmandu at reasonable cost, if it is too much to carry from home.

OPTIONAL

• THERMAREST: Or similar self-inflating mattress, gives decadent luxury
• CAMERA GEAR
• WALKING STICKS / POLES:  Useful crossing rivers and in snow and ice areas.

Important Notes for the Trekking around Manaslu and other Himalaya region: Main flow of foreign visitors in Nepal is for trekking from moderate to adventurous or challenging treks, the most important is choosing the right trip as per your duration of holiday and fitness, for Manaslu and other Himalayan trekking adventure one needs to be in sound health and physically fit. On booking with us preparation of fitness required like walking-jogging-Jumba-aerobic at least a month before your departure from home country, and all clients should be prepared with Travel and Medical Insurance (in case for sudden accidents and immediate evacuation by any means of transport available for quick relief to nearest hospitals. Please send us your dietary list and medical history report so that we can arrange well in advance respectively. Book the ticket from home for Kathmandu-Nepal to reach at least a day ahead or earlier from trek departure with much space in Kathmandu after the trek, this allows you with more time in Nepal to enjoy the culture and heritage life of Nepalese people.

Q.1

How do I book your trips?

Can be done either give us a call and let us know through our E-Mail and other useful method at you own convenience, select the trips for our wide range of listed programs. Booking should be made within minimum of 4 weeks before treks departure dates. For private family-school / collage groups or individual groups seeking special tailor made programs can be done in short frame of time minimum 2 week ahead.

Q.2

Which time of the season best for Himalayan this treks?

Around Nepal Himalaya we run and organize treks and tours nearly all seasons depends upon the areas of trekking destination from soft-moderate to adventurous treks. Nepal has 4 main seasons ‘ spring, summer includes monsoon (wet months) with autumn or fall & winter. For major treks best from March to June and September to November for moderate short treks all season except July to mid September (wet monsoon months)

Q.3

How are the treks around Manaslu and what to expect?

Manaslu trek can be done with limited variations and options the shortest way is taking drive to Soti-Khola and driving from Dharpani at the end of the treks. Walk of moderate to adventurous grade with ups and down hills trails with grand views of peaks on daily walks. Encountering many Gurung-Magar and Manaslu people of Tibetan origin farm villages and interesting places walking around farm terraces and fields, a great place to be as walk leads into lovely forested areas, with chances of spotting some mountain wild-life as well. As walk lead higher, taking slowly to get acclimatize on route Manaslu.

Q.4

How tough is the walks?

It all depends upon the trek that you choose, on Manaslu trekking of moderate walks and then gets adventurous due to high altitude, any normal and fit people can join on this trek, as long you take it slow and steady with rest in between. Walking minimum 4 hours and with some days of more than 6 hours leading you ups and down with some gradual path.

Q.5

What are the measures and arrangement if a person gets very sick on trekking?

Every treks we carry full stocked medical kits, most visitors are unaware of some medical problem in developing countries with hygiene and sanitation. Our guide and staff are well and fully trained with several Medical Course and First Aid, If some serious medical problem arises, our guides has full capacity to deal with the situation acting immediately and evacuating sick victims to a nearest health post or hospitals. On serious cases and accident of emergency related to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) where evacuation requires we transport the victims on helicopter to Kathmandu or to nearest towns and cities having good medical facilities.

Q.6

Are there any telephone and other good communication on treks including cell phones?

Since last few decades of time where most of the rural villages do have proper communication wither by cell- phone (mobile) or STD / ISTD, our guides will be in touch with the head office through his cell-phone. Sometimes Cell-Phone and Sat Phone do works and don’ts as Nepal a hilly and mountainous country with deep gorge and valley, where cell phone works on high hills, and might not when in deep gorge hidden by hills and mountains. Chances of working cell-phone are most positive you can try using local popular SiM card.

Q.7

On Manaslu trek how cold can it gets?

Himalayan region also known as Third Pole, depending upon the region of trekking normally days are warmer with sunshine in the high altitude, but in cool shade temperature drops down mainly in the months. But April- May – June to September are much warm even above 2,500 m the temperature drop up to below minimum minus -0 to -05 degree Celsius without wind chill factor, however mid morning and afternoon are pleasant with some sunshine.

Q.8

How long is the walk each day?

Depending on the trekking itinerary chosen with average hours of 4 to 5 hours normally, but on longer adventure treks, can extend 7 to 8 hrs specially on crossing high passes.

Q.9

What are the limits in age-group on Manaslu treks?

No limit on age groups in most of our leisure and moderate, where any people with sound physical / medical health can join in our treks and tours. But joining in longer adventure trekking maximum 65 years of age should book and one must be physical fit and in sound medical health. We need medical reports from your doctors mentioning that one is fit for longer hard adventurous treks. On treks from a week to 10 days child of minimum 4 to 5 yrs can join with proper guidance of parents where extra porters / staff will be needed to take care of the infants.

Q.10

Will I be safe from theft and robbery on trekking?

Nepal, a friendly country with warm hospitality of Nepalese where all world-wide travelers received with warm cheerful smile. Most of your valuables and items are safe to carry, as Nepal has few theft and robbery cases within local towns and cities only, not a major crime like in other parts of the world. As always where you travel, especially backpackers traveling alone without guides have encountered this situation rarely. Using good companies with expert and good guides where you will be always safe from such situations, facing very minimum regarding this type of cases theft and robbery.

Q.11

Is it all right if I am a vegetarian person in the group?

There will be no problem, now days most of the clients from western countries are turning vegetarian. So on treks using Tea-House and lodge or camping, where meat varieties are least available and as well due to hygiene quality. We prefer and encourage serving vegetarian meals which safe and hygienic during trips that we run.

Q.12

Are there any medical facilities and hospitals on Everest trekking?

On treks which involves walking in remote areas, where hospitals and medical care is very minimum, but some villages has health post with simple and basic medical treatment. Towns and cities do have good medical facilities on trek for severe and emergency situations our guide will contact the head office for immediate medical evacuation by other means of transport with helicopter service for quick recovery. For quick and immediate evacuation one should obtain medical insurance policy to cover all medical, travel and Heli evacuation when required in such situations.