Mt. Manaslu stands at the elevation of 8163 meters (26, 775 ft) ranking world’s 8th highest mountain located in the remote corner of Buri Gandaki valley of upper Gorkha district. Manaslu is technically a challenging peak than other 8000 meters mountains and this expedition is considered the best preparation for Mt. Everest in comparison to Mt. Cho Oyu. Mt. Manaslu is just 40 km away toward the eastward direction from the tenth highest Mt. Annapurna. Around Manaslu range includes Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli and Baudha. This incredible mountain is protected by Manaslu Conservation Area Project established in 1998. Another popular peak, Ganesh Himal (Yangra) with its height of 7,422 m (24,350 ft) lies east to Mt. Manalsu which is also situated in this eastern region. This expedition allows you to explore the vicinity of Manaslu region with the main route of Annapurna circuit trek which makes this expedition even more special.
Manaslu literately means “Mountain of the Sprit” in local dialect, referring to the benevolent and strong deity, which dwells within. The Japanese expedition group was the first to make the successful summit attempt on May 9, 1956 via Bumtang and Buri Gandaki River and crossing over to the Larkya La. Since then many climbers have used this route and have successfully conquered the summit of Mt. Manaslu.
This expedition starts with a scenic drive to Arughat bazaar, a small market in Gorkha district of Nepal from where this awesome adventure begins heading to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m /15,748 ft passing several villages such as Jagat, Samagaon. Above base camp four more camps will be set Advance Base Camp, Camp I, Camp II and Camp III which needs to reach the summit. After a successful summit attempt return route by Larkya –La 5,200 meters, passing villages of Dharapani, Syange and Jagat with drive from here to Kathmandu via a large town of Beshisahar the district headquarter of Lamjung area concluding this memorable, remarkable expeditions in Kathmandu with the support of Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel:
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour and preparation for expeditions.
Day 04: Drive to Arughat 600m / 1,968 ft 06 hrs journey.
Day 05: Trek to Soti Khola 730 m 05hrs
Day 06: Trek to Machha khola 930m 06 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Jagat 1,410m 06 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m 06 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m 04 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Lho 3,180 m / 10,430 ft 06 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Samagaon 3,530m / 11,578 ft 05 hrs
Day 12: In Samagaon rest and acclimatization day.
Day 13: Trek to Manaslu Base Camp 4, 800 m /15.748 ft 05 hrs.
Day 14- 23: At Base Camp rest days for acclimatization with final preparation for the climb of Mt. Manaslu.
Day 24- 37: Mt. Manaslu Climbing period.
Day 38: Trek back to Advance Base camp.
Day 39: Trek back to Base Camp.
Day 40: Clean up the Base Camp.
Day 41: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m /12,660 ft 08 hrs.
Day 42: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya phedi 4,460m / 14, 628 ft 04 hrs
Day 43: Cross Larkya la 5,200m / 17,060 ft and trek to Bimthang 3,720 m /12, 201 ft 08 hrs.
Day 44: Trek to Gho 2,560 m / 8,396 ft 05 hrs
Day 45: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m 06 hrs.
Day 46: Trek to another Jagat village 1,290 m 05 hrs.
Day 47: Drive back to Kathmandu via Beshisahar.
Day 48: In Kathmandu free day at leisure.
Day 49: International departure for homeward bound.
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you are warmly greeted by our Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions staff at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). SME representatives will assist then transfer to respective hotels.
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour and preparation for the expeditions.
In Kathmandu sightseeing program includes visit of world heritage sites the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the world biggest Stuppa; Boudhhanath, known as little Tibet, Swoyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple) located on a hill side one of the oldest religious spot of more than 2,500 years old and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with unique architectural temple, and the virgin Kumari known as Living Goddess in Basantapur atf central Kathmandu. Kathmandu is not only naturally beautiful but it also holds the beauty of incredible Newar people culture with ancient architectures, next day final preparation for the expeditions buying and hiring of necessary climbing equipments and gear and paper works for climbing permits.
Day 04: Drive to Arughat 600m / 1,968 ft 06 hrs journey.
After breakfast begin this great trip taking a drive to Arughat enjoying the great views of Himalayans above the top of green hills. The drive follows the Prithvi Highway till it reaches at Malekhu from here towards north to Dhading Besi, from Dhading Besi, drive via rough road to reach the last section of the day at Arughat a farm village and bazaar for the local hill people.
Day 05: Trek to Soti Khola 730 m 05hrs.
Leaving Arughat, following Buri Gandaki River upstream and walk through dense sal forest, enjoying the magnificent view of Ganesh II at 7,118 m and Ganesh IV 7,104 m. Continue walk along the riverbank passing Arkhet Bazaar, then finally climbing a steep uphill to reach the small settlement of Soti Khola for overnight stop.
Day 06: Trek to Machha khola 930 m 05 hrs.
The trail gently descends and leads along the river bank with several tea shops and encountering a mule caravan on the way to Machhakhola, continue walk using the Nepalese staircase, a traditional steps made of stones slabs trail.
Then it crosses a suspension bridge at Nauli-Khola with a small waterfall to reach Khanigaon. A few hours of trek takes to a suspension bridge of Machhakhola after crossing the bridge climb uphill for less than 20 minutes to reach Machha Khola for overnight stop.
Day 07: Trek to Jagat 1,410 m 06 hrs.
Morning walk following the trail heading upstream to the small village of Khorla Beshi and meets a natural hot spring “Tatopani.” trek through village of Dovan and Yaruphant, still following the Buri Gandaki River and then cross a small suspension bridge to reach the reasonable size village of Jagat for the overnight stop.
Day 08: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m 06 hrs.
After breakfast head to Dyang village following the river, continue walk passing several small villages to reach Sidibas Bazaar. The trail climbs uphill and downhill today, crossing a small suspension bridge from Nagjet and reach the village of Philim with primary school supported by the people of Japan, then walk through golden terrace of wheat, barley and climb a rocky ridge. The trail passes via bamboo forests and climbs uphill to reach the village of Deng for overnight stop.
Day 09: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m 04 hrs.
Leaving Dyang, gently descend and walk along the riverbank and cross the river to reach the Bihi Bazaar, from here onwards close to the Tibetan border. One can observe strong influence of Tibetan culture on the upper Gorkha region. Walk for couple of hours to reach the village of Ghap for the overnight stop.
Day 10: Trek to Lho 3,180 m / 10,430 ft 06 hrs
Today walk leads to cross the Budhi Gandaki River and then through settlements and terraced fields passing Numrung with magnificent views of Manaslu North Face and other peaks, then passing several small villages like Banjham and Lhi to reach the small settlement of Sho, then trek for couple of hours walking through Shrip to reach Lho Bazaar for overnight stop.
Day 11: Trek to Samagaon 3,530 m / 11,578 ft 06 hrs.
Start the day waking up with sunrise over the stunning Manaslu peak, with enough time to capture this mesmerizing scenery. After breakfast, head to Samagaon passing through rhododendron forest, Trekking on high altitude notice change in vegetation and landscapes. Walk on the debris of Phungen Glacier for few hours to reach a small Sama village for overnight stop.
Day 12: In Samagaon – Rest and acclimatization.
This day allows you to acclimatize can use this day to explore the surrounding village and its area. Our guide will make sure every member is in perfect condition or not. If some get symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness then, he/she will be provided essential medical assistance if necessary.
Day 13: In Samagaon – Rest and Acclimatization Day:
This day allows you to acclimatize yourself in higher altitude. You can use this day to explore the surrounding of this village too. Our guide will make sure every of our member is in perfect condition or not. If some of our members get symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness then, he/she will be provided essential medical assistance if necessary.
Day 14: Trek to Manaslu Base Camp 4, 800 m /15, 748 ft
Leaving Samagaon head towards absolute wilderness to Manaslu Base Camp, with views of Birendra Lake on the way to base camp, walking along Manaslu Glacier to reach the flat camping area of Manaslu Base Camp.
Day 14- 23: Rest and acclimatization day at Manaslu base camp:
During these days acclimatize and preparation for the climb, our guides and leader will teach you some climbing techniques and skills, sharing his climbing knowledge with you all, and if you have any queries and confusion do not hesitate to ask your guide. In case of any problem, let our team knows so that they can make necessary steps. Continue climb and descend for few days from base camp to Camp III. This helps the body to acclimatize in higher altitude, few days’ rest and make final preparation for the climb at base camp.
Day 24- 37: Mt. Manaslu Climbing period.
Final summit bid will be decided as per the weather condition, sometimes have to stay at base camp till the weather clears and should prepare physically and mentally before starting the climb to the summit and setting Advance Base Camp at 5,400 m /17,716 ft, then climb to Camp I, Camp II and Camp III at an elevation of 5,800 m /19,029 ft, 6,800 m /22,310 ft and 7,415 m /24,327 ft respectively. The section between Camp III and Camp IV is quite challenging needs to fix rope and oxygen mask from Camp II to reach the summit. The climbing route from Camp III is relatively straightforward line to the summit with the support of essential equipments like harness, ice axe and rope to accomplish this climb.
After spending some moments at the summit enjoying the panoramic view of the surrounding high Himalayan range and make gentle descend.
The summit offers magnificent views of Thulgai Himal, Nagdi himal, Annapurna range and many other massif peaks. While descending to the advance base camp, might face significant challenges like low level of temperature and low atmospheric pressure because of high altitude as descending is more challenging than ascending, continue descend to the Camp I to spend the night before Advance and base camp.
Day 38: Trek to Advance Base Camp.
Today continue descend to advance base camp, descending to advance base camp rather than base avoids the risk that occurs from atmospheric pressure.
Day 39: Trek to Base Camp.
Leaving ABC, continue losing altitude and descend to the base camp where camp manager and other members will be there, to receive to celebrate the conquest victory of Mt. Manaslu.
Day 40: Clean up the Base Camp:
Himalaya region has thousands of treks and summit attempts every year. As a result, piles of unwanted trash, garbage exist. Our effort will be reducing the pollution around as we do have some responsibility towards Mother Nature. So clean up the base camp which will a great help and support reducing the impacts of global warming, then start packing necessary for return journey to Kathmandu.
Day 41: Base camp to Samdo 3,860 m / 12,660 ft 07 hrs.
Leaving base camp move towards Samdo passing Manaslu Glacier, on rout meet the traders coming from Tibet with yaks laden Chinese and Tibetan goods, continue following the stream and cross to reach Samdo village for overnight stop.
Day 42: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya phedi 4,460m /14, 628 ft 04 hrs.
A short walk today following the river and cross a stream coming from Gya La, from here there’s a path turning right which leads to Tibet, our route then turning right walking straight to reach the small settlement of Larkya Bazaar. A few hours of walk from Larkya bazaar leads to Dharamsala at the bottom of Larkya for the overnight stop.
Day 43: Cross Larkya la 5,200 m / 17,060 ft) and trek to Bimthang 3,720 m /12, 201 ft 08 hrs of strenuous climb and descend.
Early morning walk follows the trail with steep climb from Dharmashala and passes four frozen lakes continue to the top of Larkya La Pass at 5,200 m. The high altitude and snowy trail of this pass can create little obstacles while crossing these glacier moraines. But this pass is moderate and adventurous except for the high altitude to cross it. The trail offers magnificent scenery of Larke peak 6,249 m, Manaslu North 7,157 m & Salpudanda Glacier and finally leads to Bhimthang a beautiful valley with grassy meadow lined up with coniferous pine and rhododendron tree forest.
Day 44: Trek to Gho 2,560m / 8,396 ft 05 hrs.
Leaving Bhimthang follow the trail that first crosses a glacier stream and climbs over the side of the moraine descending on easier path through meadows and pine and rhododendron forest to reach Kharche. A few hours of walk to the southern direction brings at Gho for overnight stop in the middle of enchanting woodland.
Day 45: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m 05 hrs.
From today an easy walk to Dharapani onwards following the trail passing village of Tiliche, this region is rich in its old culture. From Tiliche, walk for less than an hour along the mule track through dense forest of fir, pine, oak and maple to reach Dharapani for overnight stop on the trail that joins Annapurna circuit trek.
Day 46: Trek to Jagat 1,290 m 05 hours.
Morning walk follows the trail through several villages Tal Besi and Tal Karte and reach Sattale. The trail descends and crosses the suspension bridge with magnificent views of towering Annapurna mountain ranges towards west, walk through lush green forest along the river bank of Marshyangdi River and a gentle descend to reach Jagat another village with the same name for the overnight stop and for the drive back to Kathmandu next day.
Day 47: Drive to Kathmandu via Beshisahar 830 m 06 hrs journey.
After a last breakfast of this great rip board on the vechile for the drive to Kathmandu following the narrow dirt road and Marsyangdi River downstream after few hours’ drive passing villages and towns of Syange, Bulbule, Khude and Beshishar a large town and headquarter of Lamjung district, from here another hour reaches to Dumre joining the Pokhara-Kathmandu highway 04 hrs of good interesting drive reaches to Kathmandu concluding this memorable adventure with Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions on reaching Kathmandu check into the hotel.
Day 48: Free day in Kathmandu at leisure.
The last day of this great adventure trip with Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions and in Nepal today catch the last minute souvenir shopping with last night dinner with the group member and staffs.
Day 49: Final departure for home ward bound.
SME staff assists you with the complimentary transfer to airport for your departure flight to your onward destinations your wonderful moments with us we will treasure it for many years to come.
Cost Include:
5 nights 5 star standard hotels in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast
Manaslu peak permit Fee
Manaslu Conversation Area Fee
Liaison officer insurance, wedge and equipment allowance.
Helicopter Rescue insurance for Nepali staffs
Each member 3 oxygen bottle and 1 regulator mask and set (2 regulator and mask will be carried extra for safety purpose)
Each climbing Sherpa and climbing leader 2 bottle oxygen and regulator and mask set
Generator or Solar panel at Base Camp for light and devices charging
Sleeping Tent (There will be individual tent at base camp. Above Base camp, two persons will share a single tent.)
Lodging and catering service .)
1 High Altitude Sherpa for each climbing member.
1 IFMGA certified mountain guide in the group as a leader of whole expedition.
Base camp services (heated dining tent, Tables, Chairs, Toilet tent, Kitchen tent and shower tent, store tent, kitchen crew)
Gamow bag (at base camp only),
Oxygen and regulator Mask at each camp for medical purposes
Mountain guide and climbing Sherpa, Daily wages, equipment allowance and load ferry and summit bonus
Base camp cook, helper and daily wages and equipment allowance.
Porters charges for carrying gears, food, fuel and equipment from Base camp and back.
Transportation: Kathmandu – Arughat and return for the members food and equipment.
Garbage Deposit.
Communication (1 walkie talkie for each member and climbing guide and Sherpa , 2 radio base station at base camp and camp2, internet at base camp
Cost Excludes:
International flight to and from Kathmandu
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Laundry, postage, telephone calls and all other items of personal nature.
Entry visa and Re-entry for Nepal.
International departure tax.
Personal Expenses.
Medical and rescue insurance.
Personal Climbing equipment
Bar Bills and beverage
Medicine and first aid expenses
Emergency rescue evacuation if required
Satellite phone in payable basis (per minute $ 5) and
local mobile phone service
