Manaslu Base Camp

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20 days
Moderate To Strenous
Spring,Autumn

The adventure begins from the famed ancient Gorkha Kingdom in the mid-west of Nepal. The trek follows the Buri-Gandaki river upstream from the sub-tropical forest to the dry Tibetan zone, offering astonishing views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. The scenery also includes the panorama of the surrounding magnificent peaks that straddle the border with Tibet. Known as Kutang in Tibetan language, the name ‘Manaslu’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Manas’ meaning ‘spirit of the mountain or the soul’ like the Lake Manasarover in Kailash, Tibet, situated in the far east of the Annapurna and west of Ganesh and Langtang Himal. This mountain was first scaled by a Japanese Expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu on May 9, 1956. The Manaslu region, situated in the central Nepal, was opened to western adventurers in 1991 but the mountain itself had been open for mountaineering expeditions since 1950’s and is still open. Pioneer H.W. Tilman trekked this region in 1950. The area is accessible to a limited number of trekkers who need to visit through a proper trekking organization. This spectacular region is not only blessed with beautiful landscapes but is also culturally fascinating. This upper area is resided by the locals of Tibetan origin and for some local traders, it is just a day’s walk to the Tibetan frontier.

Itinerary

Day 1.

Arrive in Kathmandu 1,300m.

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport you will be received by our staff and will escort you to the Hotel, where our guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Expeditions, do's and don'ts and other related information that you might require while in Nepal.

Day 2

A day in Kathmandu with half day sightseeing.

A day in Kathmandu for half day sightseeing tour at places of interest.

Day 3.

Drive to Soti-khola 860m via Arughat 750m 6-7 hours journey.

Early breakfast, then travel by Coach to Arughat and then to Soti Khola on the Kathmandu-Pokhara scenic highway and enter towards Arughat newly opened road. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalaya. The road has been greatly improved in recent years. An interesting 7 hours drive from Kathmandu, the drive passes through many rural villages and town, with occasional view of the peaks of Langtang, Ganesh, and Manaslu and as far to Annapurna. From here onwards following the Buri-Gandaki river upstream, the trail from Arughat are much narrow passing through more rural farm villages and terraced fields with numerous streams to cross in between, the path follows the right bank of Burhi Gandaki, passing through cultivated land, with many scattered farmhouses and hamlets reaching the village of Mordar, Simre and then to Arket. After climbing briefly to Kyoropani, then the drive descends once again to the river for the overnight camp at the confluence with the tributary Soti Khola, with time to for a wash in the nearby fresh water stream.

Day 4.

Soti-Khola to Machha-Khola 890m 4-5 hours walk

From Soti-Khola, the path from here at times cuts into the steep valley, which is densely forested, passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, till we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Burhi Gandaki River. The terraced cultivated fields belong to the upper village of Lapbesi. From here our path descends to the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. At length leading to a climb up once again on a track to Machha Khola for the overnight stop outside the village, which has a number of teashops.

Day 5.

Machha-Khola to Jagat 1,350m 6-7 hours walks.

The trail from here leads to more interesting farm villages and fields as the vegetation changes slowly, beginning our morning walk crossing the stream that gives its name Machha Khola (Fish stream) and heading upstream to the tiny village of Kholabensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. From here the valley sides becomes steeper, until the path becomes impassable the route then switches to the left bank of the river by way of suspension bridge. After a short section of forest path coming to some teahouses at Doban. Above Dobhan the Burigandaki River flows down in an impressive torrent rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river becomes calmer, meandering across a broad gravel bed. On reaching Lauri we cross the River on a suspension bridge from here leading to a climb on a high path, and then descending into open valley at place known as Yara Khola. Here, there many good camping spots depending upon the hours of walk and the condition of the trail. Our journey continues on (if not camping here) for another hour to the village of Jagat. Jagat is quite a big village after Arughat; the people around here are of mixed race Magar, Chettris, Brahaman, Bhotias (Tibetan looking tribes) and some few Newars merchant and shopkeepers. Before joining the main trail of Annapurna, this is the only last big village where most of the merchandize is available from soaps, candy to flashlights batteries etc. Camp is made near village of Jagat after a good walk of 6-7 hours.

Day 6.

Jagat to Nyak or Eklebhati 1,775m, approx 5 hours trek.

The trail from Jagat descends to a long series of stone steps to the river, from here the path climbs a terraced hillside to Saguleri, overlooking distance view of Sringi Himal 7,187m from this spot, the walk follows ups and down trail as we reach to the bridge over Buri-Gandaki, after crossing the bridge from Ghata-Khola, the path winds up towards Philim village. From here the trails climbs slowly along the hillside passing through small settlements of Aga, Lokwa. After Lokwa it's a downhill to camp at a small place Nyak or at Eklaibhati near Shiar khola with great views looking over the valley towards Pangsing.

Day 7.

Nyak to Ghap 2,156m via Bih. Approx: 6-7 hours trek.

An hour walks after Nyak, crossing to the east side of the river. The path follows up and down in some section the trail is cut into the sheer cliff walls, after this dramatic portion the track finally improves as the walk leads to Deng village, the houses and terrains completely changes into more Tibetan like from here onwards. The people here are of Tibetan origin along with their ancient culture. Villagers of this areas cultivates buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops, beside this since trekking became popular around this area, spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown. After 3-4 hours of walk brings you at Bih, our journey continues for another two hours on this steep sided and impressive valley, coming across mani prayer stone and finally at Ghap village for the overnight camp which straddles the river across a short wooden bridge. There is a strong Tibetan influence at this village.

Day 8.

Ghap to Lho (3,150m) approx: 6 hours trek.

From here onwards the trekking is pleasantly cool as we begin to gain height and enter the alpine forest. The walk continues steeper up as the valley opens out with quite extensive pastures with more steady climb then crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidana Glacier, with magnificent view of the snow peaks on the north Kutang Himal range with Pang Phuchin 6,335m, and Saula Himal 6,235m and other unnamed peaks of over 6000m. On the southern lies the Manaslu Himal and Simang Himal range with its array of over 7000m peaks. The walk is pleasant; with gradual uphill the altitude gains slowly as you pass through farm villages ShoNamru, Bengsam till the village of Sho is reached. The people from here onwards are engaged in farming during the summer, the young folks in winter travels to trade in big cities Nepal, and India. Just above the village of Sho we get the first views of Manaslu north and then of Manaslu (8,163m) ahead, an hour walk brings us to Lho for the overnight camp. Lho, a large village with a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and mani walls. Ganesh I is visible, on looking back the way we came.

Day 9.

Lho to Sama Gompa (3,500m) approx: 5 hours trek

On leaving the Lho village, trek continues following the river on the right bank, with view of Peak 29 ahead, Two hours of climbing through the forest leads to the village of Shala which offers excellent view of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli. A couple of hours further leads us to Samagaon village, with superb view of Mt. Manaslu. Samagaon, one of the biggest village of this region, the people are mostly farmers growing what they could in this harsh terrains and cold climate, like buck wheat, barley are the main crops, potatoes and few varieties of vegetables grow in this soil. The people like their ancestors descended from Tibet as early as 300 years back, the culture and their living style is very much like they predecessor. The people of this area still trade with Tibet taking 2 or 3 days to week. The border to Tibet is a day walk for the locals. It is one of the old salt trade route from Nepal to Tibet. From here is just half hour walk up to our camp at Sama gompa just above the village of Samagaon. On reaching the camp near Sama-Gompa, we will have time to visit the Monastery one of the major Nyligpa (red hat sect) Monastery of this region.

Day 10.

Rest day at Sama Gompa.

Today we will have the well-earned rest day, free from packing; a day hike is worthwhile can be done towards Manaslu glacier or near to its base camp.

Day 11.

Trek to Manaslu Base Camp. Approx. 4,500m 5 hours trek.

After an easy day at Sama Gompa, today's trek climbs slowly towards the Base Camp the trails meanders on the winding track towards south and beyond. Actually the walk to Base Camp is not too far can be done within 3-4 hours but due to the increase in altitude and the dry air makes the walk a little slower than previous days, need to gain the height slowly taking time and enjoying the view around as you come to the large meadow at the foot of the towering Mt. Manaslu to establish the Base Camp.

Day 12.

At Base Camp.

Necessary day for acclimatizing and preparations for the long big climb to the summit of Mount Manaslu.

Day 13.

Trek to Samdu 3,780m approx: 5 hours.

After an easy day at Sama Gompa, today's trek climbs slowly towards Samdu and beyond. Actually the walk to Samdu is not too far can be done within 3-4 hours but due to the increase in altitude and the dry air makes the walk a little slower than previous days, we need to gain the height slowly taking time and enjoying the view around as we come to the village of Samdu. From the campsite we cross a high plateau and skirt around the ridge of lateral moraine heading towards Karmo Kharka and Kermo Mamam, as the trek advance near to Samdu village we then climb a terraced hillside on the opposite bank of Budhi Gandaki reaching one of the most remote permanent settlements in Nepal, at Samdu. It is quite a sizable village of some 40 houses with 200 villagers who live in these most severe conditions. This is the last village before Larkya-la. Camp is made near the village. In the earlier days, Larkya Bazaar near west of Samdu, where the Tibetans merchants and people from this region and as far to Gorkha and from the other side of the Larkya-la, use to trade and barter.

Day 14.

Trek to Larkya phedi near to Guest House 4,450m. 4 hours.

From Samdu the track leads to more barren areas, walk begins on the wild mountain path crossing the Gyala Khola, then ascending to the ridge where there is a ruins of a village known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably this village once thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya La, a trade which at present has diminished. Our walk nearing the Larkya Glacier reaching Duwang, where there is a lodge, built to serve travelers crossing the Larkya -La which lies now just ahead. Overnight camp is just around this place on the clearing.

Day 15.

Cross Larkya pass at 5,135m and to Bhimtang 7-8 hours.

The walk from Larkya phedi (bottom) towards the top of Larkya-la at 5,135m is gradual winding climb. We make an early morning start to prepare for the crossing of the highest pass on this trek, a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier with magnificent 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 in the last section to the top of the pass. From the pass, outstanding views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II can be seen. After a wonderful moment on the highest spot, a long descend follows over snow and scree, to reach the valley trail to Larcia. A further hour on a moraine ridge path leads to Tambuche at 3,900m and with a short distance walk from here to camp at Bhimthang a lovely place on a broad and level valley with a number of mani walls and deserted house. We will surely arrive tired in camp after a long, hard satisfying day.

Day 16.

From Bhimtang trek and camp in the middle of forest. 5 hours walk.

After the long days walk to Bhimthang, the walk from here to Dharapani will be pleasant through the forest of pines, rhododendron and summer pastures with occasional view of the nearby snow peaks. From Bhimthang after crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the base camp of the west side of Manaslu. From a ridge we have excellent views of Manaslu to the south east and Annapurna II to the south west. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, we descend and follow a trail through narrow valley and into serene forest and camp on the meadows amidst the forest surrounding in perfect tranquility after 4-5 hours of easy walk to near or after Karche 2,785m.

Day 17.

From the forest camp trek to Dharapani village 1,943m. 5-6 hours.

From here the track leads downhill through the forest passing through a small summer settlement at Goh and then after an hour or more of gradual walk, we climb through terraced fields to the Karche La, and can see ahead a green and heavily forested valley, dropping down to the distant Marsyangdi River, after few hours of walk coming to the village of Tilje following the Dudh (milky) river downstream. We pass a number of villages, including Thonje. From the Tilje, an hour climb to cross the bridge and then coming to where the main trail of Annapurna circuit joins at Dharapani village. After being in absolute wilderness for a while Dharapani will be like a civilisation where you can celebrate with a beer and buy hot shower from the lodge around Dharpani village. Overnight camp at Dharapani.

Day 18.

From Dharapani trek to Chamje 1,410m. 5 hrs.

Our journey heads towards south, following the main trail downhill to Marshyangdi river, after crossing the wooden bridge over the torrent river coming to a gradual climb for a short while, which leads to cross the same river on the other suspension bridge after half an hour walk. After this second bridge the trail follows downhill all the way for an hour or more coming to the bottom near the river again, after crossing the River Marshyangdi by a wooden bridge a pleasant walk of an hour brings us to the village at Tal for lunch. From Tal, an easy walk for a while then descend and follow the winding gradual trail above the river with great views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscapes, after an hour or two hours of good walk a short downhill walk brings us near the torrent, wild Marsyangdi river. Chamje village is just few minutes across the bridge, before the bridge on the bank of the river there is a good camping ground with marijuana plants bushes around with grand view of the waterfall on the other side of the river, overnight camp before the bridge or after with enough time to visit the village nearby.

Day 19.

Drive back to Kathmandu.

After a pleasant morning with the sound of the raging river, from here the scenic driving journey follows the winding trail descending through the patch of rain forest, farm terraces and then coming to a village at Jagat, journey continues on. The drive from here offers a spectacular view of the waterfall on the other side of the cliff wall, and the Marsyangdri River down below, the trail winds on the gradual descend with few short up and downs following the river Marsyangdri downstream reaching at Khudi village, from this village the drive on the main road towards Beshsishar, a large town of Beshishar from here another 5 hrs drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 20.

Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.