Manasalu Trek

We depart from Kathmandu, taking a local bus to Arughat and then a local jeep to Soti Khola. On the way, we pass through the beautiful mountain-top settlement of Dhading. Expect a dusty and bumpy ride as the road winds through rural areas, small towns, green terrace farms, and lush hills. After departure, it may take 8 to 10 hours to arrive at your destination, Soti Khola, where you spend the night in a trekking lodge.

Leave Soti Khola early morning for a 6-7 hour hike to Machha Khola. Today, you trek through the countryside, past paddy fields and waterfalls, and through isolated settlements with brown slate roofs. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River, continue on the rough trail to Machha Khola. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

The trail leads to Khorla Besi from Machha Khola, passing through a narrow path that crosses Thado Khola. After hiking through scenic villages and gorgeous mountain views, you reach Tatopani, which has a hot spring where you can unwind for a while. Continue to Dovan, cross the Budhi Gandaki river, and proceed to Lauri. Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and arrive in Jagat, a charming paved town. A 7-hour hike today. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Leave Jagat early in the morning for a 7-hour hike to Deng. Pass through the villages of Salleri, Sirdibas, and Ghatta Khola, crossing several suspension bridges. After crossing the river at Eklee Bhatti, the trail enters a steep, desolate gorge and continues through bamboo forests until it reaches Deng Khola. Arrive in Deng after crossing this river and stay in a teahouse.

Pass through Budi Gandaki several times today before arriving in Namrung. Along the way, witness stunning mountain vistas and ancient gompas. Eventually come to a suspension bridge from where you can see the Budhi Gandaki squeeze beneath a naturally occurring stone arch. A steady ascent up a magnificent stone stairway leads to Namrung. It is an 8-hour hike. Lunch at Ghap and overnight in Namrung.

After taking in the morning views of the Himalayas, continue uphill through the beautiful green forest to Lihi village. Pass through several isolated settlements before reaching Samagaon, including Sho, Lho, and Shyala. In Lho, enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. Snow-capped peaks surround Shyala hamlet, including Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Mt. Manaslu and its glacier ahead, and Ganesh Himal on the far right. Your excursion for the day (7-hour hike) concludes when you arrive in Sama Gaon. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Between ascends and descents, take a day of acclimatization to adjust to the changing altitude. Rest in the teahouse or hike around a nearby destination, and the elevation of 3,550m is perfect for a quick local walk. Hiking is the most effective way to acclimate. Climb a short distance to Pungyen Gompa, a historic monastery. From this ancient monastery, the view of the glacier is breathtaking. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

After breakfast in Sama Gaon, descend to the Budhi Gandaki. Come across a few more mani walls as the valley widens. This route takes you close to the Tibetan border and provides breathtaking mountain views. After descending and crossing the Budhi Gandaki with a wooden bridge, climb steeply to a point between two forks of the river. Pass through a stone archway and continue until you reach Samdo village. Lunch at Samdo and overnight stay. A 4-hour journey to Samdo.

After breakfast in Samdo, pass through the Larke Bazaar, a temporary Tibetan bazaar. Cross the wooden bridge as you begin your ascent and cross two streams while admiring the Larkya Glacier. Travel through the Salka Khola Valley to reach Larkye La Phedi, also known as Dharamshala. Pass by some old-style monasteries. It is a 4-hour journey to Larkye La Phedi, where you have lunch surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and blue sheep grazing on barren hillsides. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

A demanding trekking day today as you cross Larkya La Pass, the trek’s highest point at 5,135 meters. Begin the journey early in the morning. The trail ascends through the rocky and winding path to the top of Larkye La Pass. From the top, see the sunrise over Larkya Peak, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, Cheo Himal, and many other snow-capped mountains. Descend through a rocky and icy path to reach Bimthang. A long 8-hour journey. Lunch in Phedi and overnight in Bimthang.

Depart from Bhimthang and descend the valley of Burdin Khola after crossing a high pasture. Beyond a bridge over the Dudh Khola’s headwaters, go down to the rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach Karche, 2,785 meters, the highest cultivated land in this valley. Arrive in Tilje after crossing a stream, and an hour’s uphill walk takes you to Dharapani. It’s a 7-hour hike. Overnight in a mountain lodge.

Today is the last day of your Manaslu 12-days Trek. Take a local jeep from Dharapani to Beshishar and then a local bus to Kathmandu. It will be a long drive of approximately 9 hours until you reach the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city again. Overnight in a 3-star hotel.