Deatil Itinerary for
Manasalu Circuit - 23 Nights/
24 Days Trip
Day 01:
Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl.
airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel
in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for
welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu
and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
Day 02:
Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation
Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our guided day
trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu
and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus
temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the
subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba),
and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of
Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring
surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which
is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding
prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise.
After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey
temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and
enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas
visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and
can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk
in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about
your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and doesn't in the trek?
Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question
and remaining time explore the surrounding areas or simply relax at the hotel.
Day 03:
Kathmandu to Gorkha (1,060m/3,478ft) 5 hours bus
This morning after breakfast we'll start our journeys with drive through the
beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach at Gorkha, a countryside
hill on the footsteps of Manasalu. Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan
Shah- the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the
snowy peaks of the Himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha
Durbar. It's the first capital of Nepal. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath
and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple
of Gorakhanath. Gorkha is very enjoyable, interesting, one of the historical places
and the palace of Gorkha King where firstly brave Gorkha soldiers originated from?
After check in we'll explore the surrounding area and overnight at tented camp.
Day 04:
Gorkha to Khanchowk (956m/3,136ft), 5 -6 hours walk
After breakfast, we begin our first day walk with on the pleasant trail to Khanchowk,
the trek leads through close to the magnificent palace fort of Gorkha the seat
of the many Kings of Shah dynasty. The trek then leads to numerous farm villages
and paddy fields with occasional view of the snowy peaks of Manaslu and Himalchuli.
On arrival at Khanchowk bazzar we'll camp at near the ridge site. You may have
chance to encounters with real village peoples and typical houses and overnight
at camp.
Day 05:
Khanchok to Arughat (550m/1,804ft), 5-6 hours
Our second day trek, is on the gradual winding path which leads to few short
ups with more or less downhill walk, passing through more smaller farm villages
and cultivated fields till we reach to more warmer sub-tropical area, coming to
the large village of Arughat, clustered on both sides of the River Budi-Gandaki
linked by a suspension bridge, this is the largest settlement in the valley and
it is also a junction to various important places. The path from here across the
River leads to Dhading & Trisuli Bazaar and our route from here leads north.
As today's walk is quite short of 5-6 hours, we will have time for a visit to
the village or for the cool splash in the Budi Gandaki River and overnight at
camp.
Day 06:
Arughat to Soti Khola (750m/2,461ft), 6-7 hours
Today, as our continuing journey onwards we follow the Budi-Gandaki river upstream,
the trail from Arughat are much narrow passing through more rural farm villages
and terraced fields with numerous streams to cross in between, the path follows
the right bank of Budi Gandaki, passing through cultivated land, with many scattered
farmhouses and hamlets reaching the village of Mordar, Simre and then to Arket.
This low trail, which sometimes takes to the river bed, is not possible during
the monsoon season. After climbing briefly to Kyoropani, then descending once
again to the river for the overnight camp at the confluence with the tributary
Seti Khola, with time to for a wash in the nearby fresh water stream.
Day 07:
Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m/2,920ft), 7-8 hours
Today, the path from here at times cuts into the steep valley, which is densly
forested, passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside,
till we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary
stream enters the Burhi Gandaki river. The terraced cultivated fields belong to
the upper village of Lapubesi. From here our path descends to the wide, sandy
riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side.
We have last climb up to brings you at near villages where is some teashops and
nearby we'll camp for overnight.
Day 08:
Machha Khola to Jagat (1,350m/4,429ft), 6-7 hours
The trail leads to more interesting farm villages and fields as the vegetation
changes slowly, after crossing bridge and heading upstream to the tiny village
of Kholabesi and the hot springs at Tatopani. From here the valley sides becomes
steeper, until the path becomes impassable the route then switches to the left
bank of the river by way of suspension bridge. We have a short section of forest
path coming to some teahouses at Doban. Above Dobhan the Burigandaki River flows
down in an impressive torrent rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river becomes
calmer, meandering across a broad gravel bed. On reaching Lauri we cross the Vana
River on a suspension bridge from here leading to a climb on a high path, and
then descending into open valley at place known as Yara Khola. Here, there many
good camping spots depending upon the hours of walk and the condition of the trail.
Our journey continues on (if not camping here) for another hour to the village
of Jagat for overnight, which is a big village after Arughat with a mixed community.
Day 09:
Jagat to Deng (1,960m/6,430ft), 6-7 hours
Firstly we descends to a long series of stone steps to the river,from here the
path climbs a terraced hillside to Saguleri, overlooking distance view of Sringi
Himal 7,187m from this spot, the walk follows ups and down trail as we reach to
the bridge over Budi-Gandaki, after crossing the bridge from Ghata-khola, the
path winds up towards Philim village. From here the trails climbs slowly along
the hillside passing through small settlements of Aga, Lokwa. After Lokwa it's
a downhill to camp at a small place Eklaibhati near Shiar khola with great views
looking over the valley towards Pangsing. An hour walk after Eklai-bhatti, we
cross to the east side of the river. The path follows up and down in some section
the trail is cut into the sheer cliff walls, after this dramatic portion the track
finally improves as the walk leads to Deng village for the overnight.
Day 10:
Deng to Ghap (2,380m/7,808ft), 5-6 hours
From Deng the houses and terrains completely changes into more Tibetan like from
here onwards. The people here are of Tibetan origin along with their ancient culture.
Villagers of this areas cultivates buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple
crops, beside this since trekking became popular around this area, spinach, carrots
and cabbages are also grown. After 3-4 hours of walk brings you at Bih, our journey
continues for another two hours on this steep sided and impressive valley, coming
across Mani prayer stone and finally at Ghap village for the overnight camp which
straddles the river across a short wooden bridge. There is a strong Tibetan influence
at this village.
Day 11:
Ghap to Namrung (2,700m/8,858ft), 4-5 hours
We onwards the trekking is pleasantly cool as we begin to gain height and enter
the alpine forest. The walk continues steeper up as the valley opens out with
quite extensive pastures with more steady climb then crossing a large stream flowing
down from the Lidana Glacier, with magnificent view of the snow peaks on the north
Kutang Himal range with Pang Phuchin 6,335m, and Saula Himal 6,235m and other
unnamed peaks of over 6000m. On the southern lies the Manaslu Himal and Simang
Himal range with its array of over 7000m peaks. The walk is pleasant; with gradual
uphill the altitude gains slowly as you reach at farm villages Namrung passing
the fir and rhododendrons forest and overnight at camp.
Day 12:
Namrung to Sama Gompa (3,360m/11,024ft), 4-5 hours
Today we pass the few small villages and bring us to Lho, a large village with
a lovely little monastery and numerous chorten and Mani walls. We continue trek
further with a many snow caped mountain view passing some small villages. A couple
of hours further lead us to Sama gaun village, with superb view of Mt. Manaslu.
Samagaun, one of the biggest village of this region, the people are mostly farmers
growing what they could in this harsh terrains and cold climate, like buck wheat,
barley are the main crops, potatoes and few varieties of vegetables grow in this
soil. The people like their ancestors descended from Tibet as early as 300 years
back, the culture and their living style is very much like they predecessor.
The people of this area still trade with Tibet taking 2 or 3 days to week. The
border to Tibet is a day walk for the locals. It is one of the old salt trade
route from Nepal to Tibet. We'll camp at near Gompa and explore the surrounding
area and visit Monastery which is a biggest one in the area.
Day 13:
Acclimatization day at Sama Gompa
Today is full day rest and relax at the camp for acclimatization or you can spend
the day hike up the lake, monastery or by relaxing and exploring Sama Gompa village.
This is big Tibetan community. You will see fabulous view of Manasalu and stroll
back to camp for overnight stay.
Day 14:
Sama Gompa to Samdo (3,780m/12,402ft), 3-4 hours
After acclimatization at Sama Gompa, today's trek climbs slowly towards Samdo
and beyond. Actually the walk to Samdo is not too far can be done within 3-4 hours
but due to the increase in altitude and the dry air makes the walk a little slower
than previous days, we need to gain the height slowly taking time and enjoying
the view around as we come to the village of Samdo. From the campsite we cross
a high plateau and skirt around the ridge of lateral moraine heading towards Karmo
Kharka and Kermo Mamam, as the trek advance near to Samdo village we then climb
a terraced hillside on the opposite bank of Budi Gandaki reaching one of the most
remote permanent settlements in Nepal, at Samdo. It is quite a sizable village
of some 40 houses with 200 villagers who live in this most severe condition. This
is the last village before Larkya-la. Camp is made near the village.
Day 15:
Samdo - Larkya Guest House (4,200m/13,780ft), 4-5 hours
From Samdu the track leads to more barren areas, walk begins on the wild mountain
path crossing the Gyala Khola, then ascending to the ridge where there is a ruins
of a village known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably this village once thrived on trade
with Tibet over the nearby Gya La, a trade which at present has diminished. Our
walk nearing the Larkya Glacier reaching Duwang, where there is a lodge, built
to serve travellers crossing the Larkya -La which lies now just ahead. Overnight
camp is just around this place on the clearing.
Day 16:
Larkya Guest House to Larkya La (5,135m/1,843ft) to Bimthang (2,200m/7,218ft),
7-8 hours
The walk from Larkya phedi (bottom) towards the top of Larkya-la at 5,135m is
gradual winding climb. We make an early morning start to prepare for the crossing
of the highest pass on this trek, a short climb above the lodge, we reach the
ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier with magnificent views
of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of
the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper in the last section
to the top of the pass.
From the pass, outstanding views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna
II can be seen. After a wonderful moment on the highest spot, a long descend
follows over snow and scree, to reach the valley trail to Larcia. A further
hour on a moraine ridge path leads to Tambuche at 3,900m and with a short distance
walk from here to camp at Bhimthang a lovely place on a broad and level valley
with a number of mani walls and deserted house. We will surely arrive tired
in camp after a long, hard satisfying day.
Day 17:
Bhimthang to Forest camp, 4-5 hours walk
After the long days walk to Bhimthang, the walk from here to Dharapani will be
pleasant through the forest of pines, rhododendron and summer pastures with occasional
view of the nearby snow peaks. From Bhimthang after crossing this high pasture,
we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the base camp of the
west side of Manasalu. From a ridge we have excellent views of Manasalu to the
south east and Annapurna II to the south west. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters
of the Dudh Khola, we descend and follow a trail through narrow valley and into
serene forest and camp on the meadows amidst the forest surrounding in perfect
tranquility after 4-5hours of easy walk to near or after Karche 2,785m for the
overnight.
Day 18:
Forest camp to Dharapani village (1,943m/6,373ft), 5-6 hours
From here the track leads downhill through the forest passing through a small
summer settlement at Goh and then after an hour or more of gradual walk, we climb
through terraced fields to the Karche La, and can see ahead a green and heavily
forested valley, dropping down to the distant Marsyangdi River, after few hours
of walk coming to the village of Tilje following the Dudh (milky) river downstream.
We pass a number of villages, including Thonje, where there is a check post. From
the Tilje, an hour climbs to cross the bridge and then coming to where the main
trail of Annapurna circuit joins at Dharapani village for the overnight stop.
Day 19:
Dharapani to Jagat village (1300m/4,264ft), 6-7 hrs
Today we trek down stream follow the Marshyangdi river passing though the Tal
and Chamje village with few steps up and down hill through the rive deep gorge
and brings you at Jagat village for the overnight.
Day 20:
Jagat to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,298ft), 5-6 hrs
Today, as a continuing follows the river passing some villages and crossing the
river on th Suspension River. Take you through the local houses and some up and
down hill grand terrace landscapes. This may have wonderful chances on the way
of big waterfall and enjoy the scenic landscapes and last part takes you and 40
minutes steep climb up to the Bahundanda fro the overnight stop.
Day 21:
Bahundanda to Khudi, (790m02, 591ft), 4-5 hrs walk
We firstly trek down and gentle walk up to the Khudi village after an easy walk.
This is great place to stay and scenic view of Mt. Manasalu close to your eyes
and overnight at camp. Remaining time rest and relax at the camp.
Day 22:
Drive from Khudi to Kathmandu takes 7-8 hrs
Today, we drive back to Kathmandu through the scenic view of the countryside
and passing through headquarter of the Lamjung called Besishahar which is a starting
point of Annapurna Circuit trek. We back to Kathmandu and check in to hotel. Rest
and relax at the hotel and overnight.
Day 23:
Leisure at Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel
or explore the Thamel and overnight at hotel.
Day 24:
Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family,
friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence
any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll
be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your
onwards destination.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
If you are looking to travel in a group to save the cost or for any other reason please contact us there might be some people waiting for group joining options. CONTACT US