Manaslu Trekking

This is an isolated off the beaten track route into the most beautiful area with an unquestionably challenging journey through the spectacular tea houses. Trek around Manaslu over Larkya Pass is one of Nepal’s best kept secrets which offers unobstructed views of Manaslu and an incredible stunning panorama of the peaks on the Nepal–Tibet border, traverse through Hindu and Tibetan style villages along with ancient Buddhist monasteries, walk over glacial terrain and observe the dramatic landscapes, as Manaslu round trekking is a popular adventurous trek with a geographically fabulous and culturally fascinating, secluded and enriched topography for exploring the scenic beauty of the Himalayan region.

This quite wonderful trail circumnavigates an eye-catching Mount Manaslu (8,156m) – the eighth highest mountain in the world, which was officially opened to tourists for trekking purpose in 1991 only. It is naturally unspoiled trekking destination of Nepal with beautiful views of the Manaslu(8,156m), Himlachuli (7,893m), Shringi Himal (7,187m) and Ganesh Himal range. In general, relatively few travelers visit this region in comparison to Everest and Annapurna however it is becoming even more popular for cultural variety and its diverse range of scenery.

Arkhet is the initial starting point of the trek reached after scenic drive from Kathmandu, trek route heads crossing suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki River valley upstream towards open valley into the delightful alpine meadows and cascading waterfalls, through the primarily inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar and Gurung. From Soti Khola to Sama Gaon, is also popular for honey hunters of Nepal; From the village of Deng, we enter into Nubri valley, a religiously important typical Tibetan village with the rows of prayer wheels, flags and mani stone on the trial. With the hike through lush rhododendron and bamboo jungle, mountain view from this valley is just sensational. The trail makes its way to the barren yet mysterious rain shadow area of the villages Samdo and Sama Gaon to north of Manaslu and Himalchuli. Extra day at Sama Gaon is worth spending for an acclimatization day and visit for famous huge glacier Manaslu base camp and Birendra Lake. Then we escalate west and crossing the larkya La pass at 5100m is more exciting with the view of peaks such as Himlung Himal (7,126m), Choe Himal (6,820m), Gyaji Kung (7,030m), Kang Guna (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m) to the west start to get tremendous. We descend linking the Budhi Gandaki with the Marsyangdi valley, from Bimtang the trail follows an ancient salt trading routes through alpine meadows, before joining the main Annapurna circuit trekking route and connecting to the bus ride at Dharapani. This region is the home to endangered animals and birds to have occasional chance to encounter with snow leopard, red pandas and blue sheep, Danphe, impeyan pheasant- Nepal’s colorful national bird, particularly in the northern reaches as Buddhist Tibetans strictly prohibit the killing of animals.

Around Manaslu trek itinerary over Larkya La Pass is one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalayas, designed for limited timing and physically fit keen trekkers to hike at least 6 to 7 hours a day with light day pack to experience a real sense of adventure along with rural, mountain people’s life in Nepal. Our 15 days Manaslu Circuit trekking will be ideal for those wishing a relaxed trek in Manaslu region.

Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive to Arughat (5 to 6 hrs) then drive to Soti Khola (730m/2896ft) – about 2 hrs
Day 2 : Trek to Khorlebesi – 5 to 6 hrs
Day 3 : Philim (2240m) – 6 to 8 hrs
Day 4 : Ghab (2620m) – 6 to 7 hrs
Day 5 : Lho (3180m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Day 6 : Sama Gaon(3530m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Day 7 : Rest day in Samagaon (3,530m)
Day 8 : Larkya La Phedi (darma shala) (4,460m) – 5 to 6 hrs
Day 9 : Bimtang (3,590m) via crossing the Larkya la pass (5160m )- 7 to 9 hrs
Day 10 : Dharapani (1,860m) – 7 to 8 hrs
Day 11 : Drive to Besisahar (760m)and then Kathmandu at the same day – 10 to 11hrs

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