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Manaslu Circuit trek

Rising 8,163m, Mt. Manaslu lies just east of the famed Annapurna Region and shares a border with its northern neighbor Tibet. Opened to trekkers recently, Manaslu’s unsurpassed beauty and rich cultural traditions offer the dedicated trekker a genuine adventure.

This trekking trail offers brief glimpses into the simple lives and ancient ways of the areas inhabitants. Here the trekking is moderately strenuous with ample opportunity to stop, relax and catch your breath amidst a land seemingly lost in an earlier era. In a few days, the Himalayas disappear from view as you descend into the Gandaki River Valley and proceed upstream. The Gandaki River is fed by innumerable rivers and waterfalls, and the rushing, rumbling tumult of the frigid waters accent the silence of towering pines and lush bamboo groves.

During the day, the sun shines with clear intensity, while the nights are a bit more than cold. Moreover, villages and people become less frequent as the trekking becomes fairly strenuous. At this point you are more likely to pass a yak, cow or a sheep along the trail, rather than a person. Following Larkya Bazaar, the trail rises to over 5,200m as you cross the Larkya Pass under the glow of soft, winless moonlight and twinkling stars. Buttressed by peaks reaching over 6,500m and covered by snow year round, Larkya pass commands your utmost energies and respect.

Having crossed the pass, you will quickly descend through an area whose vegetation is at once both alpine and tropical. Long-needled pines are draped in soft, fine ferns. Maples and elms share the ground with bamboo. Frigid, rocky streams are beached by cotton-white limestone sand, and glacier lakes glisten with an aqua-blue green. The colors, sights, silence and sounds embrace every turn of this gently sloping section of the trail.

Itinerary

Day 01: 
Arrive Kathmandu International airport, MTM staff meet and transfer to hotel on bb basis.

Day.02:  Kathmandu process for permit and evening collect special Permits. O/N in Hotel on bb basis.

Day.03:  Early morning Jeep drive to Kathmandu – Soti Khola via Arughat (1000m)( 6hrs)

Day 04: Soti – Macha Khola (1300m) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 05: Macha Khola – Jagat (1360m) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 06:  Jagat – Deng (1800m) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 07:  Deng – Bagar – (330mt) Namrung O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 08/09:  Namrung – Lhogaon (3180m) Sama Govan (3360mt) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 10:  Samagaon – Samdu (3780m) Larkya Bazaar (4390m) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 11: Larkya Bazaar – Rest house (4460m) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 12: Rest house – Bhimthang (3660m) ( 8 hrs) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 13: Bhimthang – Dharapani (1860m) O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 14: Dharapani – Sangye (1060m)  O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 15:  Sangye – Bhulbhule (840m) (6hrs) Beshisahar O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 16:  Morning drive to Besisahar (760m) – Kathmandu O/N in Hotel on bb basis

Day 17:  Kathmandu free day This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. O/N in Hotel on bb basis

Day 18:  Final departure.

Detailed Itinerary

ITINERARY

Detailed Itinerary:

Day.02. Kathmandu process for permit and evening collect special Permits. O/N in Hotel on bb basis.

Day.03.  Early morning Jeep drive to Kathmandu – Soti Khola via Arughat (1000m)( 6hrs)

Trek head north, following the Burigandaki. In the low country path surrounded by rice paddies and picturesque hamlets. After climbing briefly to Kyoropani, path descends once again to the river and our place at the confluence with the tributary of Soti Khola. It is not a long day, and perhaps we have time for a refreshing swim sometime during the day for it is hot in the low country.  O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 04: Soti – Macha Khola (1300m)

The country changes, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested. We pass a number of small villages, tucked into the hillside, until
we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Burigandaki. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapu besi. Trek descends once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follows a path, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Macha Khola.
O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 05: Macha Khola – Jagat (1360m)
We cross the Macha Khola- Fish Stream- and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Besi and the hot springs at Tatopani (which I want to investigate). The valley sides steep until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of

a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach the single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Burigandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we recross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the elds of Jagat.
O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 06:  Jagat – Deng (1800m)
After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, trek climb a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal, 7187m. Crossing the river again, at Gata Khola, the path splits, with the right–hand branch heading
off towards the Mustang. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. We cross the river three more times in the
next two hours to avoid dif cult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.
O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 07:  Deng – Bagar – (330mt) Namrung
The valley is still steep- sided and most impressive. We cross to the village of Lana, and start to see mani stones, a sure signs that we are entering high country Buddhist regions. After only about four hours we reach our place at the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan areas and the cultural change is obvious, and the climate change is also obvious the trekking is pleasantly cool now, as we start to fain the altitude.

We gain altitude to take us into alpine territory and increasing mountain views. There are more mani walls and 3 more crossing of the Burigandaki on our route to Namrung, where our permit is checked. Above this village the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing climb gently now, and cross a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, and reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. We camp just above the village we get our rst incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead.O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 08/09:  Namrung – Lhogaon (3180m) Sama Govan (3360mt)

Let the exploring start! We will discuss with locals what our best option is to get to the gompa. Our Sherpa reckon it could be a very nice walk to
take the smaller direct trail. We pass thru Lho,
a large village at 3150m where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and manis. Looking back Ganesh I is visible. Leaving the village, we follow the Right Bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. At a fork in the trail, we take a detour to the left, which leads up to Honsansho Gompa and the Pungen Glaciers, from where there is a stunning view of Peak 29 and Manaslu. explore and acclimatize for the next few days. O/N in Lodge (BLD)  Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, we take a rest day to acclimatize and relax.

Day 10:  Samagaon – Samdu (3780m) Larkya Bazaar (4390m)

Now that we are more used to the altitude we take some time to have a good
look around.
Descending to the main trail via a direct route, we soon reach the elds of Samagaon, 3500m. We camp at Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, or Samdu, near the Tibetan border.

The once large Burigandaki is now merely a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. Everywhere you look are mountains,
as spectacular as they get and Manaslu is particularly impressive. After crossing to the East bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Samdu.

Above the village we cross the stream which runs down the Gya La (pass), the pass to Tibet, and there is the ruins of another village here known
as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably this village thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya La, a trade which is now much diminished. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach a lodge at 4450m, which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the Larkya La. O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 11: Larkya Bazaar – Rest house (4460m)
Still climbing we take an easy day to admire the mountains. O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 12: Rest house – Bhimthang (3660m) ( 8 hrs)
After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and then of 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. Initially, there is a steep descent over snow and then steep, to reach the ablation valley trail to Larcia Kharka. A further hour on a moraine ridge path leads to Tanbuche 3900m in pleasant forest. (Note that the Larkya La is normally quoted at 5115m or so, I have it from a surveyor that the correct altitude is more like 4910m)
O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 13. Bhimthang – Dharapani (1860m)
The valley system here is huge and well worth exploring.Communities: The Gurungs are a distinctive and interesting ethnic group found mainly in the central hills. They provided the Gurkha army with many of its men and so occasionally your greeting of “Namaste” is returned in fluent English with a cheery “and a good morning to you”! Their religion is a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism.

Wheat and maize form the main diet staple,  which is “Dhero”. Sometimes you may see groups ofmen carrying ancient muskets hunting game to supplement their diet.The people become more distinctly Buddhist as their links with Tibet increase. These are the Bhotia (from Tibet) who are similar to the Sherpa. Their flat roofed houses boast Gompas (monasteries) with embossed prayer wheels. Stone-built sacred monuments called Chortens often mark the entrances to villages. The last large village,  Samagoan (also called Ro) is flanked by a long “Mani wall” carved with Buddhist prayers. (As  a sign of respect for local beliefs always walk past, or round, Mani walls in a clockwise direction. O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 14: Dharapani – Sangye (1060m) Below us is Bhimthang, a broad and level ablation valley with a number of mani walls and deserted houses. Crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base camp for the West Side of Manaslu. From a ridge. at 4150m, we have excellent views of Manaslu to the SouthEast and Annapurna II to the Southwest. Rhododendron forests and follows a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 m. O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 15:  Sangye – Bhulbhule (840m) (6hrs) Beshisahar We climb through terraced elds to the Karche La, and can see ahead a green and heavily forested valley, dropping down to the distant Marsyandi River. At thonje village is our nal restricted area checkpost. Here we cross the Marsyandi River and join the main Annapurna Circuit, and the hoards of trekkers. O/N in Lodge (BLD)

Day 16:  Morning drive to Besisahar (760m) – Kathmandu O/N in Hotel on bb basis

Day 17:  Kathmandu free day This is the free day and you can use it for your shopping. O/N in Hotel on bb basis

Day 18:  Final departure.

 

Confirmation of Booking

All bookings are made in good faith. Once we have received your booking confirmation then we shall send you the invoice for providing with payment details.

Price Increases

Any unseen cost increases beyond our control will be passed on directly to the guest, whenever such increases occur.

This could include (but is not limited to) such items as airfares, fuel costs, government taxes, currency exchange variations, etc. In some cases, an increase might also be applicable if group numbers drop below the originally costed number.

Change of Itinerary

We reserve the right to change or alter any itinerary at any time for reasons beyond our control. These could include but are not limited to adverse weather conditions, cancellation of flights or government restrictions in certain areas.

Whenever we are forced to make such late changes, we will always endeavor to give guests as much advance notice as possible and to ensure that the alternate itinerary achieves, insofar as possible, the objectives of the original tour.

General Information

Accommodation and Meals.

Hotel in Kathmandu in B/B basis. Lunch and Suppers in Kathmandu not provided.
Local lodges on the trek with all meals provided.Plus tea and coffee.

FOOD

Food on the trek is simple home cooked Nepali food mainly vegetarian. Bring you own extras such as chocolate, Vegemite, nuts, trail mix etc.

VISA

One month visa available on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. US $ 40, plus 2 passport photographs.

Travel Insurance

is a must to go on this trip.

High Altitude Acclimation and Fitness.

We ascend slowly so that the body can acclimatise to high elevations. A comprehensive medical kit will be brought on the trek.  Your trekking experience will be better if you are fit. Get fit by walking up and down hills two or three times a week. Wear boots that are comfortable if new please wear them in before the trek.

Money Matters

There are ATMs, money changers, and bank in Kathmandu to change money before the trek.

Cost Includes

  • All airport transfers.
  • Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on B/B basis. • Lodge accommodation and all meals on trek.
  • All meals on trek
  • All tea / coffees on trek
  • Ground transport.
  • Guide and Porters plus Porter insurance.
  • All trekking permits plus special Manaslu permit
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal VISA available on arrival at Kathmandu Airport $40 us. for 30 days plus 2 passport size photos.
  • International flights to and from Kathmandu.
  • Extra accommodation outside trekking dates
  • Lunch and Suppers in Kathmandu, $7/10 per meal.
  • Travel Insurance absolutely necessary to go on the trek.
  • Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition
  • Personal expenses such as bottled water, laundry WiFi etc.
  • Gradtuities for Porters after the trek.

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