Manaslu Trekking

Overview

The Manaslu Trek is one of the most popular treks due to the scattered villages and breath-taking natural panoramas that you can experience. It is a similar trek to the Annapurna circuit, in terms of the adventure and technicality. It used to be a camping trek, but it now has become a trek with splendid teahouse/lodge based accommodation.

The incredible Mount Manaslu peak (8156m) is the main attraction of this trek. It is also the eighth tallest peak in the world. Mt. Manaslu is otherwise known as the spirit of the mountains. The views of the Budigandaki and Marshyangdi valleys help you enjoy your excursion in the Himalayan zone of the Manaslu region. The wonderful natural views are combined with rich ethnic culture. This adventurous trek embarks from Aarughat, which is about a 7 hour drive away from Kathmandu and passes through various villages such as Lho, Samagaun and Samdo Village. As well as this, the trail goes over the Larke pass (5160m). This is thought to be the most challenging part of the trek. It is also a stunning viewpoint from which you can see Manaslu Peak, the Lamjung Himalayas, Buddha Himal, Larke Glacier and others. The ancient monasteries and chhortens that are inscribed with mantras are the spiritual aura of this region.

The trekking restrictions in Manaslu mean that you need a special trekking permit. Malaika Travel organizes this trek with of the all required arrangements, so you don’t have to worry. Trek with us and discover the sublimity of Mediaeval Tibetan culture!

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your designated destination, you will be greeted at the arrival gate by a representative of the travel company who will then transfer you to your hotel. If you have any spare time, you can explore the city or relax at the hotel to overcome your jet lag. O/N at hotel.

Day 2: Trek preparation and permits issue

After breakfast, there will be a seminar for you to attend to discuss the upcoming trekking plans. O/N at hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola (710m) via Arughat (695m) [8-9 hrs]

Early in the morning after breakfast, the drive begins from Kathmandu to Arughat. It takes about 8 hours. The road from Kathmandu to Arughat is smooth and upon reaching Arughat, you’ll drive for about 1.5 more hours until you arrive in Soti Khola. O/N at lodge.

Day 4: Soti Khola to Macha Khola (900m) [5-6 hrs]

After breakfast, the first day of the trek starts. The trail goes through a forest and continues upwards alongside Budhi Gandaki River. You will then descend to a wide sandy riverbed and continue along a winding mountain trail river before reaching Machha Khola. O/N at lodge.

Day 5: Macha Khola to Jagat (1410m) [6 hrs]

Today the trail crosses the Machha Khola and Khorla Besi and then passes through the hot springs of Tatopani. You will then follow a forest until you cross the Dovan Khola and make your way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The landscape gradually changes as the elevation increases. White sandy beaches can be seen at the riverside. O/N at lodge.

Day 6: Jagat to Philim (1590m) [3 hrs]

This day is going to be fun because it’s the shortest trekking day. Just hike for about 3 hours and you will reach Philim. The trail crosses a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki before entering Philim. Philim is a big village primarily inhabited by the Gurung community. O/N at lodge.

Day 7: Philim to Bihi Phedi (2363m) [6-7 hrs]

The trail today has occasional ascents and descents. Along the way, you will be greeted by spectacular waterfalls and you’ll cross several suspension bridges. After going through the beautiful village of Ekle Bhatti, you will finally arrive in Bihi Phedi. O/N at lodge.

Day 8: Bihi to Namrung (2540m) [6 hrs]

Today, the trek ascends up through the forest. Along the way you have a scenic view of Manaslu along with other mountain ranges. Later on, you’ll reach Namrung. O/N at lodge.

Day 9: Namrung to Lho (3180m) [4 hrs]

The walk to Lho is an easy hike. The trail ascends through a forest to Lihi then descends to Lho.  As you walk, you can enjoy a good view of Ganesh Himal. Lho is the one of the biggest villages in the upper valley. O/N at lodge.

Day 10: Lho to Samagaon (3530m) [5-6 hrs]

On this day you’ll have a pleasant walk through a shady forest to Samagaon. The trail first ascends to Shyala village where you can witness spectacular mountain views. You will have great views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 towards the left, Manaslu in the front and the other peaks to the right side. You will also have good views of large glaciers. Later on, you’ll reach the village of Samagaon. It is mainly inhabited by Tibetans. There’s a monastery at Samagaon which is the religious centre for the locals. O/N at lodge.

Day 11: Rest Day at Samagoan (3530m)

Today is a rest day at Samagoan. You can explore the village and visit the local monastery. O/N at lodge.

Day 12: Samagaon to Samdo (3860m) [4-5 hrs]

The trail proceeds through a deserted and windy route to reach Samdo today. You will descend to Budi Gandaki and head north towards the Larkya La pass. This trail passes along several Mani Walls as the valley begins to wide. The route then crosses through juniper & birch forests. After crossing a bridge over the Budi Gandaki River and ascending steeply, you will arrive in Samdo. Samdo is quite closer to the Tibetan border and a Tibetan refugee camp is also located here. Exotic views of Manaslu can be seen from Samdo. O/N at lodge.

Day 13: Samdo to Dharmashala (4460m) [5-6 hrs]

The trek today is exciting but strenuous at the same time. The excitement builds as you spot several mountain ranges like Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6981m) & Annapurna II (7937m) This is the hardest part of this trek, and during winter the paths are icy and very difficult to climb or descend.  Later on, you’ll arrive at Dharmasala. O/N at lodge 

Day 14: Dharmashala to Bimthang (3890m) via Larkya La Pass (5213m)

This day involves trekking on different trails. After hiking for an hour, the trail requires you to cross Larkya La pass (5123m). You will hike across carefully, and after slowly & steadily descending down, you will reach Bimthang. O/N at lodge.

Day 15: Bimthang to Dharapani (1860m) [6-7 hrs]

After breakfast, you will descend down to Dharapani village. The trail climbs down through Burdin Khola, passes through a forest and then ascends further through a terraced field in Karche La. Karche  La is the highest cultivating location in the valley. After that, you’ll continue down, following the Dudh Khola until you reach Tilje village. The trail passes through several villages including Thonje where there’s a check-point. From Tilje, you will ascend for about an hour, cross a bridge over Dudh Khola and then you will finally reach the village of Dharapani. O/N at lodge.

Day 16: Dharapani to Besisahar (1100m) to Kathmandu (1300m) [10-12 hrs]

You have completed your trek! Today you have to drive back to Kathmandu. You’ll drive on an unpaved bumpy road until you get to Besisahar and past that, the road will be paved and smooth. You can enjoy the twist and turns with views of the amazing scenery along the way. O/N at hotel.

Day 17: Final departure

You will be driven to the airport three hours before your scheduled departure. If you wish to explore more of the Himalayas, let us know. We can arrange a trip for you to the destination of your choice.