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Manaslu Trekking

Abhishek Subedi July 19, 2020

The name Manaslu means “The Spirit – Mountain” in the Local dialect, referring to the benevolent and strong deity dwells within. 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).  Manaslu Trekking encounters an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan style Buddhist village with great pristine mountain views, rich cultural 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 is a high altitude trek 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.

Manaslu Trekking

About the Manaslu Trekking

Taking a scenic drive you will reach Soti khola via Aarughat from where the trekking route begins and reaches Machha Khola, cutting into the steep valley and dense forests. From Machha Khoa the trail is an uphill climb reaching hot springs at Tatopani as you will walk past the tiny village of Khorla Besi. After spending some time in Hot Spring you continue your 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, Philam village, Lokwa and Eklai- Bhatti. You will then trek in the direction of Samagaon, while you hike into the woods before ascending the valley to reach Namrung. After a good rest day in Samagaon, you will trek higher to Samdo as you gently walk up the valley with remarkable Mountains View and reach Dharamshala, also commonly known as Larky Phedi. The trail now moves towards Bimthang while you cross the Larkya Pass from where the view is just incredible. The path now is a descend to Syange via Dharapani and Chyamje. The Manaslu Trekking route comes to an end after you arrive at Besisahar after hiking around Bhulbhule and Khudi. From Besisahar, you will return back to Kathmandu.

Day 1 Cultural Tour in Kathmandu

You will have a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley which takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. Including AM: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swayambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. 

Manaslu Trekking

Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square – The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, and 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century. Visit Pashupatinath temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning Ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath.   

Day 2 Drive to Soti Khola

First day of the journey starts by a day drive to Soti Khola – your trekking starting point which leads to Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley trek. To reach Kathmandu to Soti Khola, you will have to go past Arughat bazar 570 elevations. Kathmandu to Arughat normally takes around 6-7 hours. From Arughat it takes another 1:30 -2 hours to reach Soti Khola; again depends on the road condition, the type of transportation, driving speed etc. Our guide will pick you from your hotel at a selected time. Drive to Soti Khola which lies at an elevation 700 meters above sea level. Local bus service is available from Kathmandu to Soti Khola distance but it is not recommended. We do provide transportation service by jeep or bus for Kathmandu to Soti Khola distance via Arughat Nepal.

Day 3 Trek to Machha Khola

After taking a nice breakfast; you will set off from Soti Khola to Machha Khola which lies at the elevation of 869 meters from sea level and it takes about 6 hours total time. Alternatively you can still plan on going a bit further to Khorla Besi (970m). The village of Machha Khola is bigger than Khorla Besi and you could do washing and flashing yourself at fresh Machha Khola water.

Day 4 Trek to Jagat

The third-day your Manaslu and Tsum valley trek today has some ups and downs which will make our trail challenging to some extent. From Machha Khola, you will cross the Tharo Khola and reach Khorla Besi. Khorla Besi is another small yet beautiful Gurung village. After another short steep climb, you will reach Tatopani, a hot-spring site where you will be spending some time to enjoy the natural sauna. Then we will climb over a ridge, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River through the suspension bridge and climb up the staircase and a ridge to finally reach Doban. After crossing another suspension bridge, you will climb another stone staircase, go down to the river and climb the stairs again to reach Thado Bharyang. You will walk here in Nepal’s first cantilever bridge. 

Manaslu Trekking

Then you will cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki River, climb over the ridge and walk along the river to reach Jagat village. You will hear Nepal’s first cantilever bridge. It is the entry checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area.  

Day 5 Trek to Deng

You will begin a long descent on a stone staircase towards the river followed by an uphill trek to Saguleri. From Saguleri, Siringi Himal can be seen in the distance. The trail then reaches GhataKhola where you will cross yet another suspension bridge over Budi-Gandaki River. You will then head in the direction of Philim village followed by a climb along the hillside passing many tiny settlements such as Aga, Lokwa. You will finally camp at Deng which is a village followed by a gradual walk after Ekle Bhatti. 

Day 6 Trek to Namrung

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.

Day 7 Trek to Samagaon

On this day; it is a short walk to Sama Gaun (3520) via Shyo. Walk through the blue pine and juniper pine woodland and soon you will walk through very wide and flat fiend and can see the beautiful Samagaun (3520m) in distance. Samagaun is one of the attractions in this trek having monasteries, religious monuments and locals. 

Day 8 Rest day at Samagaon

 This is a rest day. You will spend an extra day in Samagaon to acclimatize. Spending this extra day in Samagoan helps you to adapt with increasing altitude. You will 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.

Day 9 Trek to Samdo

Today, you will descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, which has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several main walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. You will drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch you can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani you will find Samdo (3780m).

Manaslu Trekking

Day 10 Trek to Larkya Phedi

Even today, you will continue your walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larke Glacier you will go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4460 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharamshala, also known as Larke Phedi. This is the highest altitude at where you will sleep. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon.

Day 11 Trek to Bhimthang

After a short climb, you will reach a valley on the north side of the Larke Glaciers from where you can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. Finally, you will walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the past, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bumthang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. 

Day 12 Trek to Dharapani

Today, you will 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 you will have joined the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit trek. 

Day 13 Trek to Syange

The remaining trail of your trek is similar to that which you will use on the first few days of Annapurna Circuit trek. You will descend to the Marsyangdi 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.

Manaslu Trekking

Day 14 Trek to Bulbule

The Marsyangdi valley opens and on its banks terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides are the age-old work of the Nepalese farmers. You will cross several interesting villages as Bulbule, (Khudi). 

Day 15 Drive to Besisahar and to Kathmandu Valley

Today is the last day of your trip. You will ride a 4WD sharing local jeep to Besisahar then take a connecting local micro hiace van to Kathmandu which could be a very long ride. If you can allow an extra day you can stay at Besisahar and take a deluxe local bus the next day. Overnight in Kathmandu. Your guide will take you to your hotel.

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