Manaslu Region
This preserved trekking region lies between the two popular trekking areas, the Annapurna region and Ganesh Himal region. It is within the Gorkha district, the western part of Nepal to the border of Tibet. The Gurkhas (ethnic Gurungs) are world famous for their military skills and fierce loyalty. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, ancestor of former King Gyanendra, lived in the palace of Gorkha in the 18th century and was the ruler who unified this modern Nepal. Manaslu is n increasingly popular trekking destination for camping autonomy and non- touristic trekking with its wild route along the beautiful Budigandaki River all the way to Dharmasala Base Camp at Larkya Pass. The original inhabitants of the region include Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Dalit, Bramin and Tibetan.
The main attractions of this region are the excellent views of the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges, varieties of flora and fauna, typical houses made from local stone, Buddhist monasteries, stupas, glacier lakes, herds of horses and yaks for local transportation. The hidden but beautiful Tsum Valley is a newly opened trekking route in the heart of the Manaslu region. The local people of Lhogaun,Samagaun and Samdo are actibe in trade with the Chinese and directly access a trade route between the two countries. Manaslu Trek The Manaslu trail is located in the western part of Nepal. Mt. Manaslu, at 26740 ft., is the eight highest peak in the world, and was opened for trekking only in 1991. It is located near the border of Nepal and Tibet. The name Manaslu means “the spirit-mountain”, in reference to the benevolent and strong deity that the locals believe dwells within. It is a well-known and well-loved trekking trail that provides superb views of mountains, a unique glimpse of the region's rich cultural heritage, a genuine adventure, incomparable beauty and biological variety. It is no doubt that the trekking in Manaslu Himalaya region is one of the most delightful adventures in Nepal, as it provides spectacular beauty along the border of Nepal and Tibet. Mt. Manaslu is located to the east of the Annapurna Himalaya range and trekking in Manaslu is a controlled one. Therefore, special permits must be issued prior to embarking on a organized trek along this route. However, the trekking in this area is considered to be one of the finest tourist destinations in Nepal, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya, cultural diversities and natural scenery with high altitude romantic glacier lakes and fascinating flora and fauna. These features combine to make this route one of the most memorable and well loved places in Nepal. |
Planning your trek
Langtang Region Everest Region Manaslu RegionUpper Mustang RegionAnnapurna Region |
Genaral Itinarary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Flying into Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an unforgettable experience, with the entire Nepal Himalaya sprawling out below you. After customs, you will pass out of the restricted area and into the passenger pick-up area outside the building. You will be greeted by a member of our staff who will be waiting to welcome you to Nepal. After transferring to your Hotel, you will be given a chance to catch your breath and then in the evening you will be given a trek briefing. Welcome Dinner at a typical Nepali Restaurant.
Day 2: Morning guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, including Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) , Baudanath and Pashupatinath.
Pashupatinath, is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of exotic temples, cremation ghats, where dead people are cremate, ritual bathers etc. Shoyambhunath,is a Buddhist shrine on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley and is the oldest stupa in the world(the two thousand years old stupa).This is the most profound expression of Buddhist symbolism in Nepal . Boudhanath, is one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas, housing a very active Lamaism monastery and shrine. Boudha is generally acknowledged to be most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet. The largest community of Tibetan refugees in Nepal lives around the Boudhanath Stupa.This temple provides an authentic view of Tibetan life and the monastic tradition of Tibetan Lamas.
Day 3: Today is a rest day and preparation for trekking equipment, buy or rental if necessary.
Day 4: Kathmandu to Jagat (1370m), (4495ft) fly by private Helicopter.You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek
Day 5: Jagat (1370m/ (4495ft) to Philim (1570m/5150ft),3-4 hours hiking.Leaving the village descend a stone path leading to the wide river shores. Cross the Pangour Khola (flowing from the left) before traversing rapidly and you will reach Saguleri, from where you can see Sringi Himal beyond the valley. Further along the right bank begin ascending until you reach Filim. Though it is a Nepalese Gurung it has a strong Tibetan influence. Small monasteries, chortens and prayer flags fluttering in the sky, graves and typical houses will be seen around here.
Day 6: Philim (1570m5150ft) / to Dyang (1860m/6102ft), about six hours hike.Leave the village and a small ascending traverse. The trail then goes down to the river shores. Ascend a little while along the Buri Gandaki and cross the suspension bridge to the opposite bank. A few souses are seen at Dyang. From here, you can enjoy a pretty waterfall lying at some distance. Dyang is famous for its potatoes, buck wheat, barley, cabbage, spinach as people are mostly involved in agriculture in this area.
Day 7: Dyang (1860m/6102ft) toGhap (2100m/6890ft), it takes 4-5 hours hike. Follow the trail upstream of Deng River - a tiny village of 4 houses. We walk through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around.
Day 8: Ghap(2100m/6890ft) to Lhi (2840m/9318ft), it takes 3- 4 hours hike. You trek over a winding path which moves through the inner Himalayan range. On the way, you can enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, lajing peak and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. While walking, you come across mani walls, chortens, prayers flags and monasteries.
Day 9: Lhi (2840m/9318ft) to Lho(3020m/9908ft), 3-4 hour hike. Descend from Lhi to a bridge across tributary, then ascend the other side to the village of Sho. Gradually climb through Sho, a village that is spread across a long stretch of the trail. The final ascent brings you to Lho, the second largest village in the Nubri Valley. On the way you will pass some of the longest Mani wall in the valley. From Lho you will get the first good view of Manaslu if the weather is clear. Lho has a small temple within the village, as well as a new monastery housing celibate monks located above the village. It is a branch of Penor Rinpoche’s monastery located in a Tibetan exile settlement in south India. Penor Rinpoche is famous in America because he is the one who recognized actor Steven Segal as a reincarnate Lama. Across the valley you can see two small monasteries, Tring Gomba (lower) and Nagtsal Gomba (higher).
Day 10: Lho (3020m/9908ft) to Sama (3390m/11122ft), it takes 3-4 hour hike. Make a sharp descent Lho to tributary, and then gradually ascend through a pine forest that has been denuded in the last two decades. Eventually you will reach Shala, formerly a forested area that was cleared by people from Lho to create potato fields. Many Lho residents spend their summers in Shala. On a clear day you can see Manaslu. After Shala, a gradual ascent crosses two tributaries. After the second, climb a ridge from where you can see the valley In the distance you can see the fields of Sama, and the monastery. Cross the plain where the school is located, make your way through the fields, and you will eventually pass under a Kani marking the entrance to the village. On the north, inside wall of the Kani you can see a painting of Lord Pungyen, the protector of Sama village who resides upon Manaslu.
Day 11: Rest Day in Sama.
Day 12: Sama (3390m/11122ft) to Samdo (3690m/12106ft), it takes 3-4 hour hike.Gradually ascend the valley as it goes north toward the boarder with Tibet. Look for marmots on the way. The final climb to Samdo is a bit steep, but not too long. The village lies just above the tree-line. Across the river from Samdo you can see the remains of several stone structures. Until 1959 that was trading post for passing back and forth between Nepal and Tibet, a place where government officials were stationed to administer taxes and regulate trade. Samdo village did not exit at that time. In the mid-1960s, during China’s turbulent Cultural Revolution that brought persecutions and the destruction of monasteries to Tibet, the residents of Samdo were still living in Tibet. However, their local monastery had a document engraved on a copper plate from the 12th century. It was issued by Jumla (western Nepal) King Aditya Malla when he controlled this area and it recognized that the monastery’s territories extended to the south of the Himalays into the area where Samdo now stands. Samdo’s residents used that document to successfully petition the government of Nepal to establish their current village. Samdo is the highest village in the Nubri Valley.
Day 13: Samdo (3690m/12106ft) to Dharamsala (4460m/14633ft), it takes 3-4 hours hike. After passing the Karmo Kharka you will be going by a long medan. The valley narrows gradually and the path traverses up the flank. Follow the path down on the gentle flank and ascend again. To your left you will be overlooking Larkya Bazar. After crossing the two streams you will see the great Larkya Glacier. Once going around the valley of the Salka Khola then climbing again you will reach the stone hut (4,460m). It is not a lodge but a form of shelter called 'Dharmasala', used for crossing over the pass.
Day 14: Dharamsala(446om/14633ft) - Larke pass(4930m/16175ft) to Bhimtang (3590m/11778ft), it takes 8-9 hours hike. We first climb towards Cho Chanda and then slowly head steeply uphill towards the snowed-up pass. From the top the panorama is magnificent: Himlung Himal (7126meter), Cheo Himal (6820meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981meters) and the Annapurna II (7937meters). The descent is steep, through moraines, towards Bhimtang.
Day 15: Bhimtnang (3590m/11778ft) to Goa (2510m/8235ft), it takes 5-6 hours hike. Crossing this high pasture, you 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, you 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, you descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at karche (2785m). Walking down few minutes from Karche you reach the Goa.
Day 16: Goa (2510m/8235ft) to Taal (1680m/5512ft), it takes 5-6 hours hike. Walking down you cross a stream to reach Tilje. There is an apple orchard and it is quite famous for local wine. Leaving Tilje, you trek uphill for nearly one hour and reach Dharapni crossing a bridge over the Marshyangdi River. You walk all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh khola (river) and Marsyangdi River. Taal is an attractive village with a pretty waterfall and you can enjoy the sight of lush green hills.
Day 17: Taal (1680m/5512ft) to Bahundada (1310m/4298ft), it takes about 7 hours hike. On the way, you come across Jagat which is stone village situated on a shelf, that just into the precipitious Marsyngdi valley. A steep trail descends from Jagat through Marsyngdi valley. You cross Marshyangdi River at Syanje and walk through Ghermu path (Ghermu field). This part of the trek is pleasant through a flat leveled path with views of green valleys and villages at some distance. Past this Ghermu field and a village, your trail goes uphill for nearly half an hour to reach Bahundada.
Day 18: Bahundada (1310m/4298ft) to Khudi (790m/2590f) drive to Kathmandu by overland. From here you descend all the way to Ngadi and you walk for about two hour to reach Khudi.
Day 19: Bhaktapur Sight seeing: Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) is an authentic look at an ancient way of life. Bhaktapur retains a medieval air about it. For centuries this was the capital of an independent kingdom and is still a center of artisans, potters, woodcarvers and farmers. In addition to the National Art museum, Bhaktapur has numerous temples and statues. The golden gate of Bhaktapur, the entrance to the old Royal Palace, is one of the most famous works of art in the valley. We will see the Nyatapola temple built several hundred years ago to appease the god Bhairav. It is one of the finest examples of the pagoda architectural style which was developed in Nepal and later spread to the rest of Asia. Though we can climb its stairs we cannot enter within, the workman who built the temple locked the doors and no one has been inside since.
Farewell Dinner.
Day 20: Fly to your country.
Day 2: Morning guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, including Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) , Baudanath and Pashupatinath.
Pashupatinath, is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of exotic temples, cremation ghats, where dead people are cremate, ritual bathers etc. Shoyambhunath,is a Buddhist shrine on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley and is the oldest stupa in the world(the two thousand years old stupa).This is the most profound expression of Buddhist symbolism in Nepal . Boudhanath, is one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas, housing a very active Lamaism monastery and shrine. Boudha is generally acknowledged to be most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet. The largest community of Tibetan refugees in Nepal lives around the Boudhanath Stupa.This temple provides an authentic view of Tibetan life and the monastic tradition of Tibetan Lamas.
Day 3: Today is a rest day and preparation for trekking equipment, buy or rental if necessary.
Day 4: Kathmandu to Jagat (1370m), (4495ft) fly by private Helicopter.You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek
Day 5: Jagat (1370m/ (4495ft) to Philim (1570m/5150ft),3-4 hours hiking.Leaving the village descend a stone path leading to the wide river shores. Cross the Pangour Khola (flowing from the left) before traversing rapidly and you will reach Saguleri, from where you can see Sringi Himal beyond the valley. Further along the right bank begin ascending until you reach Filim. Though it is a Nepalese Gurung it has a strong Tibetan influence. Small monasteries, chortens and prayer flags fluttering in the sky, graves and typical houses will be seen around here.
Day 6: Philim (1570m5150ft) / to Dyang (1860m/6102ft), about six hours hike.Leave the village and a small ascending traverse. The trail then goes down to the river shores. Ascend a little while along the Buri Gandaki and cross the suspension bridge to the opposite bank. A few souses are seen at Dyang. From here, you can enjoy a pretty waterfall lying at some distance. Dyang is famous for its potatoes, buck wheat, barley, cabbage, spinach as people are mostly involved in agriculture in this area.
Day 7: Dyang (1860m/6102ft) toGhap (2100m/6890ft), it takes 4-5 hours hike. Follow the trail upstream of Deng River - a tiny village of 4 houses. We walk through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around.
Day 8: Ghap(2100m/6890ft) to Lhi (2840m/9318ft), it takes 3- 4 hours hike. You trek over a winding path which moves through the inner Himalayan range. On the way, you can enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, lajing peak and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. While walking, you come across mani walls, chortens, prayers flags and monasteries.
Day 9: Lhi (2840m/9318ft) to Lho(3020m/9908ft), 3-4 hour hike. Descend from Lhi to a bridge across tributary, then ascend the other side to the village of Sho. Gradually climb through Sho, a village that is spread across a long stretch of the trail. The final ascent brings you to Lho, the second largest village in the Nubri Valley. On the way you will pass some of the longest Mani wall in the valley. From Lho you will get the first good view of Manaslu if the weather is clear. Lho has a small temple within the village, as well as a new monastery housing celibate monks located above the village. It is a branch of Penor Rinpoche’s monastery located in a Tibetan exile settlement in south India. Penor Rinpoche is famous in America because he is the one who recognized actor Steven Segal as a reincarnate Lama. Across the valley you can see two small monasteries, Tring Gomba (lower) and Nagtsal Gomba (higher).
Day 10: Lho (3020m/9908ft) to Sama (3390m/11122ft), it takes 3-4 hour hike. Make a sharp descent Lho to tributary, and then gradually ascend through a pine forest that has been denuded in the last two decades. Eventually you will reach Shala, formerly a forested area that was cleared by people from Lho to create potato fields. Many Lho residents spend their summers in Shala. On a clear day you can see Manaslu. After Shala, a gradual ascent crosses two tributaries. After the second, climb a ridge from where you can see the valley In the distance you can see the fields of Sama, and the monastery. Cross the plain where the school is located, make your way through the fields, and you will eventually pass under a Kani marking the entrance to the village. On the north, inside wall of the Kani you can see a painting of Lord Pungyen, the protector of Sama village who resides upon Manaslu.
Day 11: Rest Day in Sama.
Day 12: Sama (3390m/11122ft) to Samdo (3690m/12106ft), it takes 3-4 hour hike.Gradually ascend the valley as it goes north toward the boarder with Tibet. Look for marmots on the way. The final climb to Samdo is a bit steep, but not too long. The village lies just above the tree-line. Across the river from Samdo you can see the remains of several stone structures. Until 1959 that was trading post for passing back and forth between Nepal and Tibet, a place where government officials were stationed to administer taxes and regulate trade. Samdo village did not exit at that time. In the mid-1960s, during China’s turbulent Cultural Revolution that brought persecutions and the destruction of monasteries to Tibet, the residents of Samdo were still living in Tibet. However, their local monastery had a document engraved on a copper plate from the 12th century. It was issued by Jumla (western Nepal) King Aditya Malla when he controlled this area and it recognized that the monastery’s territories extended to the south of the Himalays into the area where Samdo now stands. Samdo’s residents used that document to successfully petition the government of Nepal to establish their current village. Samdo is the highest village in the Nubri Valley.
Day 13: Samdo (3690m/12106ft) to Dharamsala (4460m/14633ft), it takes 3-4 hours hike. After passing the Karmo Kharka you will be going by a long medan. The valley narrows gradually and the path traverses up the flank. Follow the path down on the gentle flank and ascend again. To your left you will be overlooking Larkya Bazar. After crossing the two streams you will see the great Larkya Glacier. Once going around the valley of the Salka Khola then climbing again you will reach the stone hut (4,460m). It is not a lodge but a form of shelter called 'Dharmasala', used for crossing over the pass.
Day 14: Dharamsala(446om/14633ft) - Larke pass(4930m/16175ft) to Bhimtang (3590m/11778ft), it takes 8-9 hours hike. We first climb towards Cho Chanda and then slowly head steeply uphill towards the snowed-up pass. From the top the panorama is magnificent: Himlung Himal (7126meter), Cheo Himal (6820meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981meters) and the Annapurna II (7937meters). The descent is steep, through moraines, towards Bhimtang.
Day 15: Bhimtnang (3590m/11778ft) to Goa (2510m/8235ft), it takes 5-6 hours hike. Crossing this high pasture, you 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, you 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, you descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at karche (2785m). Walking down few minutes from Karche you reach the Goa.
Day 16: Goa (2510m/8235ft) to Taal (1680m/5512ft), it takes 5-6 hours hike. Walking down you cross a stream to reach Tilje. There is an apple orchard and it is quite famous for local wine. Leaving Tilje, you trek uphill for nearly one hour and reach Dharapni crossing a bridge over the Marshyangdi River. You walk all the way over a descended path along the bank of Dudh khola (river) and Marsyangdi River. Taal is an attractive village with a pretty waterfall and you can enjoy the sight of lush green hills.
Day 17: Taal (1680m/5512ft) to Bahundada (1310m/4298ft), it takes about 7 hours hike. On the way, you come across Jagat which is stone village situated on a shelf, that just into the precipitious Marsyngdi valley. A steep trail descends from Jagat through Marsyngdi valley. You cross Marshyangdi River at Syanje and walk through Ghermu path (Ghermu field). This part of the trek is pleasant through a flat leveled path with views of green valleys and villages at some distance. Past this Ghermu field and a village, your trail goes uphill for nearly half an hour to reach Bahundada.
Day 18: Bahundada (1310m/4298ft) to Khudi (790m/2590f) drive to Kathmandu by overland. From here you descend all the way to Ngadi and you walk for about two hour to reach Khudi.
Day 19: Bhaktapur Sight seeing: Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) is an authentic look at an ancient way of life. Bhaktapur retains a medieval air about it. For centuries this was the capital of an independent kingdom and is still a center of artisans, potters, woodcarvers and farmers. In addition to the National Art museum, Bhaktapur has numerous temples and statues. The golden gate of Bhaktapur, the entrance to the old Royal Palace, is one of the most famous works of art in the valley. We will see the Nyatapola temple built several hundred years ago to appease the god Bhairav. It is one of the finest examples of the pagoda architectural style which was developed in Nepal and later spread to the rest of Asia. Though we can climb its stairs we cannot enter within, the workman who built the temple locked the doors and no one has been inside since.
Farewell Dinner.
Day 20: Fly to your country.
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