Short Manaslu Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 :Kathmandu to Sotikhola(710m, 140km)7-8 hours’ drive Early morning drive to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarter of Dhading, we will further drive to Aarughat and finally reach Sotikhola which is the starting point of Manaslu Trek. Overnight stay at Soti Khola in a small village beside the river.

Day 2 :Soti Khola to Macha Khola (930m, 24km, 7/8 hours trekSoti Khola to Machhi Khola. After we cross the bridge, the trail goes through the green Saal forests. Ascending through a ridge overlooking the rapids of Budhi Gandaki leads us to Khursane. The last part is a rocky trail up to the Gurung village, Lapubesi. Then we continue along the riverbank treading on the sand and rounded stones and cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Machhi Khola village. Overnight stay at Machhi Khola.

Day 3 :Macha Khola to Jagat (1,410m, 23 km) 6/7 Hours We continue the trail along the river. Ascending and descending small elevations, the trail passes through Tharo Khola, Khorlabesi, and eventually reaches a Hotspring - Tatopani. Traversing a ridge and crossing the Budhi Gandaki river, we reach Dovan. We gain elevation which brings changes in view and vegetation alike to reach Jagat. The forest walk could be a surprise meet with Langur Monkeys. Overnight stay at Jagat, a large Gurung village.

Day 4 :Jagat to Deng (1,804 m, 21 km) 6/7 Hours The trail begins along a rocky ridge with an emerging view of Sringi Himal. We pass through Ghatta Khola and continue to Philim, a Gurung village. Before entering Nupri, we pass through farms growing maize, millet, potatoes, and vegetables. Passing through an uninhabited gorge, and walking on the trails at the bank of Budhi Gandaki, we cross bamboo forests to the Deng river. Overnight stay at a small Deng village beside the Deng river.

Day 5 :Deng to Namrung (2,630 m, 20km) 6/7 Hours Shortly beyond Deng, the trail climbs to Rena. After passing some houses, the trail elevates high above the river and then drops into the Sringi valley passing numerous Tibetan Mani lined walls and colorful forest before reaching Namrung. The trail has beautiful views of Sringi Himal and crosses the Budi Gandaki river several times. Overnight stay at Namrung.

Day 6 :Namrung to Sama Gau (3,530m, 22km) 6/7 HoursWith stunning views of Sringi, Ganesh Himal, the trek starts from Namrung and climbs steadily into the alpine which is blessed with marvelous mountain views. The village of Namrung marks the beginning of the region of pure Tibetan inhabitants. Passing through forests, villages, and barley terraces, the first stunning glimpses of Manaslu gets visible which accentuates at Lho village, we will trek further by passing through gompas, Tibetan settlement, and alpine scenery. After a short trek, we reach Sama Gaon where we stop for two nights.

Day 7 :Rest in Samagaun (3,860 m,)We will have a choice, Trek to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal. Descending to the Budhi Gandaki river and following it towards the north until we reach a bridge, we take a left and head to the Manaslu Base Camp. Pungyen Gompa is a 3-4 hours hiking and Birendra Tal is 1-hour hiking, so both can be combined.

Day 8 :Sama Gau to Samdo(3,860 m, 17 km) 4/5 Hours The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls in the valley and leads to juniper and birch forests. Descending back to Budhi Gandaki and crossing a small bridge, we climb to 'kane', the entrance to Samdo. A village with 3 valleys converging upon it, Samdo is known for traditional yak herding and it depicts the traditional Tibetan lifestyle - rearing sheep and goats, training horses, and planting barley.

Day 9 :Samdo to Dharmasala(4,460 m, 13 km) 3/4 HoursThe walkthrough ridges, crossing wooden bridges over Budi Gandaki continues. After crossing two streams, we come across the Larkya glacier after which a dramatic gorge is reached. Upon climbing to 4450 meters, we reach Larke Phedi where we take shelter in a Dharmashala. The walk is short providing plenty of time for acclimatization.

Day 10 :Dharmasala to Bimthang(3,700m) via Larkye Pass(5160m, 25km) 8/9 Hours A short climb leads us to the north side of Larkya Glacier. The place provides great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The climb to the Larkya La (5100m) pass is gradual in the beginning but steepens towards the end. A stunning panorama of different ranges can be seen from the pass. A challenging day over the high Larkya La. The steep descent from here is strenuous, but it's an equally rewarding experience. Bimthang awaits the end of a tough day. Overnight at a tented camp.

Day 11 :Bimthang to Dharapani(1860 m, 28 km) 6/7 hours After Breakfast, we will trek down to Dharapani via Goa and Tilje village.

Day 12 :Dharapani to Kathmandu(1340m, 240km, ) 9/10 hours’ Drive We will get a sharing local jeep to Besishahar, and then get a bus drive either to Kathmandu or Pokhara.