THE MANASLU TREK

Difficulty:

Hiking days: 16 days

Season: Autumn / Spring

Highlights of the trek

The Manaslu trek, named after the ‘mountain of the spirit’, explores an unspoilt region on the border between Nepal and Tibet. From Barpak, the route follows the Budhi Gandaki valley, passing through rhododendron forests and Tibetan villages, and crossing the Larkya Pass (5,100 m) with its exceptional views of the Himalayas.

This demanding 16-day circuit, which does not involve any mountaineering, is ideal for hikers seeking adventure and authenticity far from the crowds. The best seasons are October-December and March-April. Accommodation throughout the trek is in lodges, which also serve meals. Hotel accommodation is provided in Kathmandu.Groups of 2 to 12 hikers can be accommodated. No special permit is required to enter the region.

Trekking itinerary the Manaslu trek

Details of the circuit

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to rest after your long flight. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu: city tour and trek preparation

After breakfast, we offer a guided tour of two sites of your choice from among Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual attractions, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can choose between the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and the Buddhist sanctuary (Bouddhanath), which is also home to one of the largest stupas in the world.

In the afternoon, a trek preparation meeting will allow you to meet your trek leader and other team members. Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will inform you of the details of your trek and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our upcoming adventure. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Machhi Khola (950m): 6-hour drive

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel by taxi and accompany you to the bus station. We recommend that you have breakfast at the hotel or ask for a packed breakfast.

During the journey, the bus will make a toilet break and a stop for lunch. Try to sit near a window to fully enjoy the scenery. The road, which can be dusty and bumpy at times, will gradually take you to Machha Khola. There are numerous stops along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs and have a meal.

Day 4: Machhi Khola - Jagat (1,370m): 6 hours of trekking

From Machhi Khola, the trek will follow the Budhi Gandaki River for several days. You will pass the hot springs of Tatopani and reach the first gorges. Finally, you will arrive in Jagat. Overnight stay in Jagat.

Day 5: Jagat - Dyang (1860m): 5-6 hours of trekking

The region you are entering is mainly inhabited by Gurungs and Tibetans. With altitude, the tropical vegetation gradually gives way to a more alpine biosphere. You walk through dense forests and rocky outcrops until you reach Dyang. Overnight stay in Dyang.

Day 6: Dyang - Namrung (2,540m): 6-7 hours of trekking

You walk through the gorges to the village of Ghap. Tibetan atmosphere: Mani walls and chortens decorate the entrances and exits of the villages. Prayer flags flutter from the slate-roofed stone houses, and traditional clothing and local customs indicate that you are approaching Tibet. Overnight stay in Namrung.

Day 7: Namrung - Syala (3330m 10,925ft) - Samagaon (3390m): 7 hours of trekking

Your route passes through numerous Tibetan villages. Upon arriving in Lho, you will enjoy your first views of the 8,163m summit of Manaslu. You will continue on to Samagaon, a Tibetan village at the foot of the Manaslu mountain range. Overnight stay in Samagon.

Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Samagaon: Trek to Birendra Tal (4,400 m / 14,436 ft): 3-6 hours of trekking

You will take a day to acclimatise in preparation for the ascent of Larkya La Pass (5,100 m), which you will cross in 3 days. The day’s programme includes a walk to Birendra Lake (3 hours round trip), fed by the Manaslu glacier.

If conditions allow (optional – 3 additional hours of walking), you can continue on to Manaslu Base Camp. The first part of this climb follows a path through woods, but you will soon find yourself immersed in a high mountain landscape. Discover breathtaking views of the impressive Manaslu glaciers. You will return to Samagaon via the same route. Overnight stay in Samagaon.

Day 9: Samagaon - Pung Gyen Monastery (3,870 m/12,697 ft) - Samdo (3,690 m/12,107 ft): 5 hours of trekking

Early morning departure for Pung Gyen Monastery. Located at 3,870 m, this magical place is just a few steps away from gigantic glaciers. The monastery was built on a large meadow at the foot of the majestic Manaslu massif. Our early morning effort is richly rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding high peaks and the summit of Manaslu. We descend to Samagaon, then continue to Samdo, the last inhabited village before the Larkya La pass. Overnight stay in Samdo.

Day 10: Samdo - Dharmasala (High Altitude Camp - 4335m), 4 hours of trekking

Samdo is only a few kilometres from Tibet. Leaving Sambo, you reach Larkya Bazaar where an impromptu market is organised between the Tibetans and the locals. We climb up the glacier valley to reach the foot of the Larkya Glacier. Overnight at Dharmasala high camp.

Day 11: Dharmasala (High Camp) - Larkya La (5100m) - Bhimtang (3600m): 8-9 hours of trekking

Today we reach the highest point of our trek, the Larkya Pass (5100m). From the Dharmasala high camp to the pass, it is a long, steady climb, but at the top, the scenery is breathtaking. The long descent from the pass offers sublime views of the Peri Himal cirque. Overnight stay in the idyllic hamlet of Bhimthang.

Day 12: Bhimthang - Tilche (2,250 m / 7,381 ft): 7 to 8 hours of trekking

From Bhimthang, you descend gently through a narrow valley along a pastoral path through rhododendron woods. You reach the village of Ghoa, which is beautifully nestled in the valley. You pass through coniferous forests to the village of Tilche, home to Tibetan Manangis. Overnight stay in Tilche.

Day 13: Tilche - Dharapani-Chyamche (1,300 m), 7 hours of trekking

You descend to Dharapani, where you reach the Annapurna Circuit trail, which you take in a downward direction. You follow the Marsyangdi River and arrive at the village of Tal, a small settlement of the Gurung ethnic group. After lunch, you continue to descend gradually before reaching Chyamche, where your trek ends. Overnight in Chyamche.

Day 14: Chyamche - Beshisahar - Kathmandu: 8-9 hours drive

During your hike today, you will once again be amazed by the spectacular views of the Annapurna South Peak. Once you reach Dhampus, the largest village on the trek, you will see cars again, and even a local school – all signs that you are almost back to civilisation. The last day of your trek includes a fairly steep descent from Dhampus to Phedi, from where you will be taken back to Pokhara by bus. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 15: Kathmandu

After breakfast, if you have time for a little sightseeing, we offer a guided tour of several of Kathmandu’s most historic and spiritual attractions, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your adventure in Nepal ends here! All that’s left to do is exchange email addresses with your fellow travellers and organise how you will share your photos. A representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On the way back, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Day 16: Final departure

Your adventure in Nepal ends today! After breakfast and on your last day in Kathmandu, a representative from Rêve d’Himalaya Trekking will be at your disposal to accompany you to the international airport, where you should arrive three hours before your scheduled return flight. Bon voyage! We hope to see you again someday.

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Difficulty: Difficile