Manaslu Circuit Trek

After finishing passport, immigration and visa requirement formalities, our guide and representative receives you for short transfer to your hotel. The shedule for this day is afternoon free, evening a welcome dinner, where you will enjoy special Nepali taste with typical Nepali cultural performances introduction to your guide and a briefing on the trek with a check on necessities and overnight at hotel.

After morning breskfast our city guide will take you for a day tour around Kathmandu valley including five of cultural world heritage sites: Swayambhunath, the popularly known as “monkey temple”; the city’s historical Durbar Square with ancient temples, unique art and architecture as well as the Kumari (living goddess); Patan’s Durbar Square; the Hindu temple Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath, the world’s largest stupa. If time favors we may visit nearby temples, monastery and museums as well. Our tired but interesting day will end at our hotels in the evening where we will brief you about our tour/trek outside Kathmandu.

In the morning, as per group size either in car, four-wheel or coach drive will lead you mid-west from Kathmandu towards Pokhara through Middle Hill rural communities to Malekhu crossing the Trisuli and head north to Dhading Besi.There is a slow, rutted, dirt road headed north-west: over the Gola Bhanjyang where panoramic views of the Baudha and Ganesh Himals are waiting for you.Besides this, an occasional views of Ganesh IV and VI seen above the valley walls as far as Khorlabesi are also amazing. From Salleri to Philim Shringi and Baudha Himal are seen. Baudha and the Ganesh Himal are visible from Gumba Lungdang.
Driving on to Arughat and the Budhi Gandaki that drains the Manaslu–Tsum area,a further three hrs needs to drive up the west bank to reach Soti Khola we will stay overnight in Soti Khola.

The Budhi Gandaki, rise from the glaciers north west of the Larkya La, has tributaries including the Siyar Khola from Tsum.Importantly, remarkable amount of water is added by the Tum Khola from the Tibetan highlands. The resulting flow of the river travels more steeply into the rising ranges than in most other regions. Therefore, the lower trail has to negotiate the steep sided main gorge, and several incoming tributaries.
There is generally narrow trail undulates upwards through Sal forests and terraced ridges crossing inumerable waterfalls. At the same time, it sticks either to cliff faces or drops through rice paddies to the river gravels. Labubesi (880m) is an lncomparable Gurung village before the amazing Nauli Falls and a long suspension bridge. Consequently, as the valley broadens, the river flows more peacefully and the trail follows to Machha Khola(fish stream).We will stay overnight at the hotel in Machha Khola.

After crossing the Thado Khola, descend stone stairs, then, cross the bar to Khorlabesi (970m) as well as coffee and tobacco crops. The trail through Barpak of Gorkha district crosses, heading east from Manaslu to the Langtang and then, Everest regions.
The river continues to flow through the narrow gorge constricting the river’s progress and crossing a landslide with a dicey path before reaching in Tatopani (930m) where three hot spring spouts exist. When we climb a ridge, we have to cross the Budhi Gandaki. A staircase then guides to a landslide before climbing up to a ridge; and Dobhan. Finally, we live overnight in Dobhan.

After Dobhan Khola, there is the hamlet of Thulo Dhunga (1 840m); above cataracts. The valley,then, widens and the water is placid at Yaruphant (1170m). After crossing the Yaru Khola (from Ganesh II and VI) across an old suspension bridge, we ,then,climb to the teahouses at Thado Bharyang.There is an old paved village named Jagat (1410m) where the entrance and checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area are seen.
A tributary before a cliff-side trail to Salleri is the view point of Shringi Himal (7187m) to the north. Descending to Sirdibas, an outstanding Buddhist culture is exemlified from its root. Philim, a prosperous Gurung village, can be reached after crossing the bridge beyond Ghatta Khola (i.e.water mill) in 1480m. To the east bank, we see the Chholing Sandu Gompa. We will spend night in Philim.

The trail winds through scrub and grass-lands up the beautiful valley to the high millet fields of Chisopani. Then, we will reach Ekle Bhatti (1600m, means one house). Gradually , we will descend, past a wonderful waterfall, into the narrow gorge and a junction. We will turn left to ‘New Bridge’ and the Larkya La, (right to the Tsum Valley).
We will cross the bridge and follow the trail as it curves north west into the Manaslu Valley. A broader trail gradually rises through bamboo forest to Deng (1 800m) which is the entry to Kutang/Lower Nupri (‘Nubri,’) within Tibet until the 1840s. The people are Gurungs who speak a unique dialect, practice Buddhism and still trade with Tibet.We will stay overnight in Deng.

We will cross to the e-bank and climb to Rana (1 980m). We then gently descend to Bihi Phedi which is still high above the river.
Before dropping to cross the Serang Khola (far below the Serang Gompa) , we will enter an South-bend between basalt walls. To the east is rocky crags with a waterfall high above fields of wheat and maize. The valley broadens as it curves to the west.We will cross the south bank shortly before a kani into attractive Ghap (2 250m) where we will stop for lunch.
We will ascend through bamboo and bird-filled forests and cross to the north bank past sheer rocky walls. The river then becomes narrow by hard rock where a short wooden bridge (over a natural rock tunnel) returns to the south bank as the water thunders below. A one hour steep trail leads up and away from the river to Namrung. The Tum Khola from the Tibetan highlands adds its volume to the lower river. Namrung is a route permit checkpoint. We will stay overnight in Namrung.

This is the entrance to Upper Nupri (western mountains).The people living here are purely from Tibet, speak a unique Nepali dialect,wear chubas as common dress and continue to trade with Tibet.
The trail through maize and barley fields to Barsam is interesting.We climb steep to Lihi (2900m) where homes are scattered beneath one shingled roof. Ganesh II lies in the east of the valley and views of Himal Chuli (7893m) is in thesouth of the trail.
The trail, then, goes to a side valley, crosses the Hinang Khola. Beyond are the clustered houses, fields and apple orchards of Sho (2960m). From Shrip, the trail curves up towards Lho and Manaslu seems. It is the 8th highest peak of the world-8156m/26760ft heigh.Etymologically, the Sanskrit word manasa means ‘intellect’ or ‘soul’ and thus, manaslu means ‘Mountain of the Spirit’. The climb ends on the ridge in the attractive village called Lho.
The houses are made of stones and many have different wooden decks. Above the village is Ribung Monastery. we will stay night in Lho.

The Budi Gandaki, the biggest river of Nepal, flows deep in the north valley.We descend steeply crossing the Damonan Khola tributary to follow a stream up through glorious mixed forest and a short final climb leads us to a plateau and the badly deforested area around Shyala (3520m). Glorious views of Himal Chuli (7893m) and peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli,7873m) to the south; Manaslu and glaciers ahead; snow-capped peaks to the north and west will really attract us.
A further cross to a new bridge over the Numla Khola that drains Manaslu’s Pungyen Glacier will direct us to Pungyen Gompa on the glacier passing a broad valley past a school and extensive barley and potato fields.
Finally, we will arrive at Sama Gaun(village) through a yellow kani and pass a gompa (smothered in mani stones) to rows of low stone-made houses.Upper side of Manaslu and the Naike ridge can be seen from the village. We will take night rest in Sama .

Sama is Nupri’s local centre. We will study its architecture, customs and home industries. Cloth for chubas and woven rugs using local or imported yarn from sheep and goats are the items made for trade with Tibet and Horses, Yak and Dzopkyo (yak-cow cross) herds are the medium of transportation for the trade.
Kargyu Chholing Monastery(or Labrang means Lama’s Place,700 hundred year old) has its architecture unique fine woodwork. Then, we visit temple Pemba Chholing Gompa which has an impressive statue of Guru Rinpoche. It is owned by the Nyingma Buddhist sect whose Lamas are allowed to marry and live within the complex. The disappointing news is that much of the Labrang was destroyed in a fire on 18 February 2015.)
We reach the monastery and the Birendra Tal (3450m, lake) below the Manaslu Glacier. We,then,view it from a hilltop and drop to a stony beach which offers striking views of the terrain. It takes us1½hrs.
Above the far of the lake,there is a path at the bridge over the stream and we climb 1200m past the glacier’s snout to the Manaslu Base Camp (4900m) which takes 5-6 hrs.
Superb views of the Nadi ice-ridges and Manaslu towering over the gompa is possible from Pungyen Nunnery (3 870m), on a ridge above the Pungyen Glacier To reach the gompa,we return towards Shyala, passed the school to the turn off, reach Numa Khola and see the Pungyen Glacier. We will walk to the ridge on which the gompa is built. This 2 and half hour route can be very cold and slippery but provides a full refreshments. In 1953, much of the gompa was destroyed in an avalanche and was rebuilt recently. As a whole, this is a 5-6hrs trip. We will return to Sama for the night.

Today's walk is pleasant and easy.We pass the lake, several mani walls and the hills surrounding Kermo Kharka(grassland) above the north flowing Budhi Gandaki. Later, we wiil see a stone wall across the valley that separates the Sama and Samdo herds. Further on, a spur is seen between the river from the Sonam/Mayol Khola off the Sonam Glacier. We drop to cross the Budhi on a wooden bridge and reach the Sonam Khola.
We will climb up the spur to a stone arch and walk to a white kani at the entrance to Sama. Tibetan residents had summer grazing rights to this region, but with the political changes in the late 1950s they fled to Sama and built the slate roofed stone houses.This is the last village in Gorkha being Gho in the Manang District (Annapurna region). In between these villages, several kharkas(grasslands) have teahouses.
Alpine low grasses, rhododendron and juniper scrub are the natural vegetation. After lunch, we walk through yak tracks up behind the village not to miss magnificent views. Along the east border, is Sonam Peak (6 335m) with an glacial moraine.Further is the Sama Valley. From the west, tomorrow’s route is seen to Bimthang and Larkya La. In the foreground is the Syacha Glacier.And we spend overnight in Samdo.

The final crossing of the Budhi Gandaki below is Larkya Bazaar (3 650m, a popular seasonal trading post before ending the border). A stream is flowing from the northern Pana Danda Valley where a trail faces to Tibet.The trail leads to the west and brings above the Syacha Khola and glacier. It is descending from Northern Manaslu.
The trail steadily ascends towards the Larkya Glacier beyond.From up side of the valley, better views of the Naike (6 291m) and Larke (6 249m) peaks can be looked. We will take rest and spend the night in Dharamsala.

If no snowfalls,Larkya La takes 800m, 3-5 hr ascent and a 1 500m, 3-4 hr descent to Bimthang. It can be bitterly cold if windy; snow and ice will call for more time.
Ahead Pawar Peak on the northern border wall of Cheo Himal, Larke Peak on the southern Larkya Himal is above the moraine. Then, we will walk passing the first of four small scattered lakes. Finally, a steady pull curves towards Larke.The Cheo and Larkya Himal ridges block to view the north and south.
A moraine ridge is divided from the Larke wall by a parallel gully.After 30 minutes walk we see Manaslu and Annapurna conservation regions together with ice-peaks and rocky walls.
Consequently from north to west, the landmark peaks are Pawar (6 620m), Cheo (6 820m), Himlung (7 126m), Gyaji Kung (7 030m) and Kang Garu (6 981m). Further east Annapurna II (7 937m) rises above smaller peaks.Just over loose gravels grassy Dangboche Kharka (4 450m) is below your feet.
The Pawar Himal gives birth to the Salpudanda and Ponkar Glaciers which then merge to make Ponkar Tal. Kechakyu Glacier, the third, then merges forming the Bimthang Glacier whose outflow swells the Dudh (milk) Khola making the border between the Manaslu and Annapurna Himals.
Descending beside the lateral moraines Ponkar Tal (3 960m),south a gentle walk into the lovely Bimthang (plain of sand) Valley and attractive teahouses are waiting for you. Beyond, the northeast face of the Manaslu – Chuli Ridges are seen high above forest. Ponkar Tal is guarded by the Kechakyu Himal.
Bimthang has become the summer grazing settlement for the Samdo people which was a significant trading post before the closure of the Tibetan border. Bimthang will be the place for overnight.

Walking across the Bimthang, a 1 200m descent is required to reach Gho.Along the route, views of the Manaslu – Chuli Range is seen. Along the Dudh Khola’s west bank, there is Hompuk (3 430m, a rock shelter near a bridge) and then attractive Sangura Kharka (3 430m). We,then, drop steadily to cross the Suti Khola to Karche (2 700m) for lunch. Following, the river’s bend,we climb past terraced fields to the charming Gurung village of Gho where we stay overnight.

After breakfast, we walk down through farmlands to the old paved village of Tilje (2 300m).After crossing to the river’s east bank, we descend rapidly into the Marsyangdi Valley through scrub forest. Descending from Thonje(1965m), there is Marsyangdi Khola (from Manang). The road joins to Manang on the Annapurna Circuit.
After lunch in Dharapani,we follow the road down to Khotro (1 860m), cross to the river’s eastern bank and reach quieter village of Tal where we spend night.

After breakfast, we will take a jeep for the rutted descent to Besi Sahar. Then,
we travel east on the paved road back to Kathmandu.Or we can drive west to
explore the Lake City of Pokhara (106km), south of the Annapurnas and return
to Kathmandu by plane or tourist bus. We live at night in Kathmandu.

This is the day for departing but it is a start for other visits! You are leaving this
small heaven; missing the life and time you spent here. You will fly back to
your destination/home taking memory of the country of Lord Buddha. Nature
Heaven Treks and Expedition will be with you to drop off at the Airport/Bus
Station. We must plan to reach airport about 3 hours for boarding and customs
purposes.