Trip Facts: Activities : 19 day Trekking, 4 nights in Kathmandu with one full city sightseeing tour.

Start/End: Kathmandu

Destination : Manaslu Himal, Cross Larkya La, Samagaon

Trip Duration : 23 days

Max. Altitude : 5215 meters

Group Size : Min. 1 / Max.20

Best Season : February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December.

Trip Grade :

Daily walking Hour: Approx. 4-6

The Manaslu region, a restricted area, is nowhere near as developed and the circuit of the world's eighth highest mountain is an ideal challenge for first time trekkers, and those who may have previously visited the Everest Region. The trek starts from Arughat, a large prosperous bazaar in central Nepal. The trail leads through bamboo forests and clings to the side of cliffs in deep gorges, penetrating into the heart of the Kutang Region. This region is inhabited primarly by Gurungs, who practice Buddhism. The trek then continues into the Nupri Region, a fascinating area inhabited by descendents of Tibetan immigrants. Complimenting these contrasting cultures are some superb view sites, with incredible views of Manaslu (8,163m) and the Himalayas.

The high point of this trek is the crossing of the Larkya La (5,213m). From here there are views of Himlung Himal (7,125m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Kang Guru (6,981m) and Annapurna II (7,939m). As with all of our treks, we have carefully designed the itinerary to provide steady acclimatisation. This is a tented trek, as there are few Tea Houses en route.

Itinerary Day 01: Ariival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation day in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, we will stay at Hotel; positioned well away from the noise and bustle of the city centre, it has extensive gardens, a swimming pool and an atmosphere of quiet, restful charm. It is a Dutch owned, British managed establishment with a friendly and helpful Nepalese staff. Team members will be accommodated on a twin share basis in large en-suite rooms. Single rooms are available if you prefer, for which a supplement is payable.

Day 3: Drive to Arughat (606m)
It is about a six hour drive to Arughat, a large prosperous bazaar in central Nepal (part of the drive to Arughat is along a rough road). Once at Arughat, we'll meet our local staff and porters and camp for the night on the banks of the Buri Gandaki River.

Day 4: Trek to Sati Khola (712m)
We begin the trek past monkey-filled forests to reach the hamlet of Sante Bazaar. The banks of the Buri Gandaki now become steeper and the walking is more difficult as the trail crosses the Arket Khola and climbs through fields and over a rocky outcrop. We descend to a high cascading waterfall, then continue to a camp by the Sati Khola at 710m. (5-6 hours.)

Day 5: Trek to Machha Khola (883m)
After breakfast, we cross the bridge and climb up onto a ridge above the huge rapids of the Buri Gandaki. The trail continues, climbing over a big rock and crossing a log bridge, before it eventually descends back down to the banks of the Buri Gandaki. We trek up again on a steep rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labishe (880m) and beyond to the river. (4-5 hours.)

Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1,415m)
Today we continue following the course of the Buri Gandaki, climbing and descending many ridges. Eventually the river valley widens and we follow a good trail to Jagat (1,415m), a compact village with a beautiful flagstone square. We camp below the village by the Bhalu Khola. (5-6 hours.)

Day 7: Beyond Philim (1,606m)
The trail now crosses the river and climbs over a rocky ridge to the settlement of Salleri. We continue up the side of a cliff, then descend to Setibas, where several mani walls indicate we are now entering a region of Tibetan influence. The trail continues up to the stone houses of Ghatta Khola, then heads over to the east side of the river, passing through Philim. Our camp for the night is about one hour beyond Philim. (5-6 hours.)

Day 8: Trek to Deng (1,804m)
Beyond Philim, the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge. We descend grassy slopes and cross the Buri Gandaki on a wooden cantilever bridge where the river is at its narrowest. The trail now hangs on a cliff, climbing over ridges and descending back to the river. The valley finally widens and it's a pleasant walk through bamboo forests to the tiny village of Deng. We have now succeeded in crossing the main Himalayan Range, and the trail follows the Buri Gandaki Valley as it turns from north-south to east-west. This region is known as Kutang and is inhabited primarily by Gurungs who practice Buddhism. (5 hours.)

Day 9: Trek to Namrung (2,670m)
We head west up the Buri Gandaki Valley, contouring up and out of the canyon, then drop into the Shringi Khola Valley. More ups and downs eventually bring us to Ghap, a village of five or six stone houses. The mani wall in Ghap has particularly elegant carvings, many of which depict the Buddha in various meditative poses and others of the Tibetan saint Milarepa, who is said to have travelled and meditated in this valley. We head into the woods through fir trees alive with birdlife, including the monal, or impeyan pheasant, Nepal's colorful national bird. On the north side of the river is the Tom Khola, flowing in a deep gorge from Tibet, almost doubling the flow of the Buri Gandaki. There is a lot of trading between villages in this region and those higher in the valley and also with Tibet. In the middle of the forest we cross a wooden bridge spanning the Buri Gandaki, then make a long climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests to Namrung (2,670m). This village has lovely stone houses and a police checkpost that controls access to the upper part of the valley. (About 7 hours.)

Day 10: Trek to Shya (3,530m)
Beyond Namrung we enter the Nupri Region, inhabited by descendants of Tibetan immigrants. After passing through the villages of Barcham, Li, and Sho, we begin to get spectacular views of Manaslu, Manaslu North, and Naike Peak at the head of the valley. The trail finally emerges onto a plateau at Shya (3,530m), one of the most spectacular view sites in the Himalayas, with wide vistas of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), and Manaslu. (About 5 hours.)

Day 11: Trek to Samagaon (3,541m)
From Shya, the trail crosses a ridge, enters and then exits a side canyon, then descends onto a rock-strewn moraine. From here we clamber across the boulders to emerge onto a ridge overlooking the extensive pastures and fields of Samagaon (3,541m). We walk through the busy village up to its gompa and our campsite, which is located just beyond. (2-3 hours.)

Day 12: Acclimatisation day at Samagaon (3,541m)
A day to relax or take gentle day walks in the area. We can walk up to the monastery in the afternoon, or visit the local school, with which we developed links on our Manaslu 2008 expedition.

Day 13: Trek to Samdo (3,872m)
Revitalised following our rest day, we descend to the Buri Gandaki, which has now turned north again, and follow the trail to the Larkya La. Winding on a shelf above the river, the trail is at first good and easy, then gets rougher as it reaches a ridge where yak trains have ground it up. We continue to Samdo (3,872m), which is nestled behind a ridge. (3-4 hours.)

Day 14: Acclimatisation day at Samdo (3,872m)
It is necessary for us to have another acclimatisation day today, before camping at 4,500m tomorrow - just over 600m higher and then crossing the Larkya La (5,213m) the day after that. We like to spend acclimatisation days with 'active pottering' - the aim being to use our respiratory system, but not to over exert ourselves.

Day 15: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4,494m)
We descend on a wide, gentle trail to the river, then begin the climb toward the Larkya La. We climb in and out of a huge gorge and contour to the only shelter on the route to the pass, a rest house at 4,480m with views of the Larkya Glacier. (5-6 hours.)

Day 16: Cross the Larkya La (5,213m)
The crossing of the Larkya La (5,213m) is the high point of the Manaslu Circuit. Today we'll skirt a moraine and climb up a ridge, eventually ending up on top of the moraine at 4,695m. We descend a bit, then make the final steep climb to the pass at 5,213m/16,728 feet. From here the views are tremendous: Himlung Himal (7,125m/23,373'), Cheo Himal (6,820m/22,370'), Kang Guru (6,980m/22,898'), and Annapurna II (7,940m/26,041'). The descent follows the top of the moraine to the west, then drops steeply and traverses scree slopes. We make a long set of steep, rough switchbacks to cross the moraine. There is a final long, steep, slippery descent on loose gravel to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. We head down to a large meadow and a rest house at Bimtang (3,720m), situated in a huge valley surrounded by high peaks. (About 8-9 hours.)

Day 17: Trek to Gho (2,568m)
We descend through pine and rhododendron forests to Hompuk and down to a fork of the Dudh Khola. The trail continues to Gho.

Day 18: Trek to Dharapanoi (2,006m)
In the morning we cross the Dudh Khola and trek along the riverbank. As the trail descends through scrub forests, the wall of the Marsyandi Valley looms larger, and finally the houses of Dharapani become visible. At the village of Thonje, we go through a police checkpoint, then continue to Dharapani (2,006m). (About 4 hours).

Day 19: Trek to Syange (1,194m)
The remainder of our trek follows trails used on the first few days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We descend to the Marsyandi River and cross the suspension bridge. We then 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, where we camp for the night.

Day 20: Bhulbule (1,314m)
Climb up from the river to Bahundanda (1,310m), then continue to Bhulbule (1,314m).

Day 21: Drive to Kathmandu
It is a 6-7 hour drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in the city we transfer to the Summit Hotel. The afternoon can be spent exploring Kathmandu and visiting some of the temples, or simply browsing bookshops and shopping in the Thamel area. The team may choose to eat at the Summit Hotel tonight or in town at one of the many excellent restaurants.

Day 22: At Leisure in Kathmandu
For those eager to see as much of Kathmandu as possible, an early start is worthwhile to visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath and districts of Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square is also on the essential list, as is the shopping area of Thamel. We will have a final meal together in the evening.

Day 23: Final departure, transfer to international airport.

Note: It is possible to combine with some other activities such as white water rafting and wildlife safari. The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday.

• All meals (B/L/D) during the trekking period
• Accommodation (Tented Camp) during the trekking period
• National park permit for manaslu
• Permit for annapurna conservation.
• English speaking guide
• Well trained cook (specialist of continental and nepali food).
• Highly experienced staffs
• Staffs food, clothing & salary
• Staffs insurance
• All necessary grounded transportation
• Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• Airport picks up & drops
• Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
• TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System)
• All Local / Government Taxes
  

• Personal nature expenses
• Bar bill and all kind of drinks
• Rescue & Evacuation
• Gratitude (tip) for staff