| Trip code | |
| Package name | Manaslu Trek via Larke Pass 5106 m |
| Duration | 14 |
| Max. elevation | 5160 m |
| Level | MODERATE |
| Transportation |
Kathmandu to soti khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu by local bus |
| Accomodation |
Stay at teahouse during the trek |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu - Machhi Khola - Dobhan - Dang - Samagaun - Manaslu Base Camp - Samdo - Dharamshala - Larke pass - Dharapani - Kathmandu |
| Cost | USD 1,150 per person |
Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest peaks in the world at 8163 meters (26781 ft) above the sea level, which lies in the east of Annapurna inside the Manaslu Conservation area. Manaslu is one of those peaks that has a spiritual importance. Its name, which means “Mount of the Spirit”, comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa meaning “Intellect” or “soul.” This area is home to more than 2000 species of wild plants flowers, in addition to varieties of birds and animals. Similarly Manaslu trek provides you with an opportunity to explore and enjoy the walks in remote and off-beaten parts of Nepal. The trek offers you a wild and authentic experience in these areas.
Manaslu trek is controlled by the tourism board and under the restricted trekking trail of Nepal. In this region you can explore variety of flora and fauna such as Snow Leopard, Lynx, Musk deer, Red fox, Jackal, Brown bear, and their prey species such as blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan Serow, Wooly hare, and Himalayan marmot. In this trek you will cross a number of famous rivers like Budi Gandaki, Machha Khola, Tharo Khola, Deng Khola, and Ghatta Khola. You can also enjoy the impressive views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal Range, and many more mountains of the Himalaya range.
On the other hand, Gurung and Tibetan culture, Waterfalls, Old Buddhist Monasteries and Stupas, beautiful ethnic villages and lush forests of Rhododendron, blue pine and bamboo are the highlights reflecting Manaslu region trek. Similarly the famous Manakamana Temple is also located in Gorkha district of this region.
How to gets restricted area permits?
Environmentally, politically, and culturally very sensitive areas of Nepal are listed as restricted area. Special trekking permit needs to trek in restricted area. If the police in the check post found you without the special permit, you will be turn back. Government of Nepal is fully responsible to grant the permit for the travel.
Similarly, the Manaslu trekking is also comes under restricted area trekking. Therefore, it is challenging trip but also most demanding. So for this trip you should get special trekking permit from immigration. By submitting all the required legal documents to the immigration such as Nepal Rastrya Bank Certificates, tourism board certificate, agencies VAT certificate, company registered certificate, TAAN certificates, agencies tax clearance, government authorized guide license and guide insurance etc. then they provide us special trekking permit. So to reduce your all these burden and make your trip enjoyable, we are here to help you.
1) Best time to visit
Manaslu trek also varies widely according to the climatic zone. So knowing about Manaslu trek temperature and its climate helps provide you with a comfortable trekking experience. It is because the climatic conditions affect the climbing and trekking activities.
Spring (March, April and May)
The beginning of new chapters, the area seems as if it’s come back to life. The frozen lakes start to defrost, streams begin to fill up, new buds are seen sprouting, and villagers gradually begin to return.
Spring is the safest season for the Manaslu trek due to its low risk of landslides, avalanches, and other weather hazards. The weather condition is mild to cold.
Autum (September, October and November)
Autum is the festive season in Nepal when one of Dashain and Tihar’s major celebrated around the country. The season start with fresh and pleasant air as monsoon rain has washed away all the pollution. The temperature is also stable with mild weather conditions.
The warm climate and clear skies make it the best time to visit Manaslu trek for active trekkers.
Winter (December, January and February)
These are the months of snowfall, so crossing Larkya La Pass will be a challenging for trekkers. Winter is the icy-cold season of the year, but the lower region trek is entirely enjoyable at this time.
Monsoon (June, July and August)
The luscious and dense forest becomes vibrant green due to the monsoon rain. Due to continuous rain showers, the paths are slippery, muddy, and bring the presence of several leeches and bugs.
In the context of Nepal, monsoon and summer are combined. It is blazing hot for the first few weeks and begins to rain by the mid of the season. Trekking during this month is for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
2) People and Culture
The Manaslu region is a home to a diverse group of people. The shah dynasty originated here. However, now it is mainly inhabited by the gurung people. Two ethnicities Nubri and Tsum also inhabit the region. Mohi chop is one of their classic food items of Tsum ethnic group. It is a chili, garlic, salt, and Mohi or Skimmed milk blend. They also enjoy Sukuti, which is dried meat, mainly from buffalo.
In the Manaslu region, the main religions are Tibetan Buddhism and Bon po with animism. As a historic region rich in culture, many festivals are celebrated here have religious significance and filled with deeply religious people. Tsum Shagya Centennial Festival celebrated the 100th anniversary of Tsum valley’s unique custom of non-violence. The people practice this custom of non-violence by the following certain rules, namely:
No slaughtering of any animals
No hunting, no honey hunting, and no forest fire
A complete ban on animal slaughtering
Maintain and promote the Shagya
The punishment for breaking any of the above rules is to light 1000 lamps inRachen Gompa. This is a famous monastery located in Chhekampar.
On the other hand, Lhosar is an important festival in Nepal ‘Lo’ means new, and ‘sar’ means year. So, Lhosar is the start of a new year for Nepal’s Tamang, Gurung, and Sherpa people. Each group has a different Lhosar celebrated on other days. Tamu Lhosar is the Lhosar of the Gurung people. Sonam Lhosar is the Lhosar of the Tamang people. Gyalpo Lhosar is the Lhosar of the Sherpa people. All religious buildings of Buddhism in Nepal are cleaned and decorated on this day. It consists of family gatherings, feasts, and cultural programs. People can be seen wearing traditional outfits to attend these programs. The celebrations are for winning over the opposing forces and providing positive support.
3) Accommodation
In the lower altitudes, the tea houses provide you with single rooms with attached bathrooms. But as you trek higher the facilities get limited. Mostly, you will find a twin-sharing room and common washroom. In a room, you will find two beds with mattresses, pillows, and warm blankets. Many trekkers prefer to stay in teahouses as it is convenient and easy. However, if you prefer to go camping trek it is possible too.
4) Foods
Manaslu region has a wide variety of food and it is easy to serve to your needs. On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For tea house trek, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan and Indian at teahouses. All the food will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local.
During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. If you are a vegetarian/ vegan, gluten or lactose free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.
5) Acclimatization / fitness/ experience
More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek because as many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayans. Our Manaslu trek have one or two acclimatization days built into the itinerary to prevent altitude sickness and let our bodies our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. The level of fitness varies depends upon the trek. A person should be able to walk 5-6 hours per day while on the trail.
6) Guide and porter
According to Nepal tourism board all the trekking activities should be conducted along with a government-licensed guide and porter.
Your safety is our first priority. So our guide and porter are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one without compromising your safety. Along with your safety we also focus on our guide and porter safety too. Notably, we have done insurance of our guide and porter.
Your tour to Manaslu Circuit begins from Kathmandu. To start, you can take a direct bus at 6 am and 8 am from Gongabu Bus Park, Kathmandu, to Arughat. In the same way, you can also take the bus to dhading or malekhu on the Prithvi Highway and take the local bus or jeep thereafter.
Although the road is dusty and bumpy, you will catch the best landscape views from your window seat. En route, you can get stop at many rests stops for short breaks and meals. And overnight at one of the teahouses in Soti Khola.
The next morning, you will enjoy a warm breakfast at the teahouse at Soti Khola while enjoying the scenic landscape. Then, you will start yourtrek of the day. Unlike other trekking trails, the road from Soti Khola is rocky and narrow.
Despite the uneven road, you will have the most amazing walk on the first day of this trek. The stunning countryside views will keep you engaged throughout the trail.
On walking, you will pass through Sal forests, where you can take short rests during the tiring walks. Following the forests trails with many rivers, waterfalls, and towering cliffs, you will encounter a few Gurung and Ghale inhabitants of the region.
In the dispersed settlements, you can enjoy local milk, yogurt, Dal Bhat, seasonal vegetables, and typical pickles.
Once you reach Nyali Khola, you will notice a rocky edge of the hill. Standing there, local and trekkers pray to the local deities, rivers, and mountains,to keep them safe throught the trail.
Following the river trail, you will climb several ascends and descends across the winding road. On this day, you will encounter hundreds of mules of the route. So, you must be careful as you see them approaching you. You need to stand on the wall side to prevent it from slipping down the hillside.
With such experiences, you will reach Maccha Khola to find many teahouses for a comfortable night’s stay.
The following day, you will start walking across the twisting road on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. As you enter the forest trail, you will witness many monkeys and langurus.
After the forests, you will walk to the gurung villages, like lower Khorlabeshi in the village, you will notice the shepherds clad in a typical smoke-browned cape call Bokkhu.
On walking further, you will reach Tatopani ‘hot water’, where you can take warm showers and relax your soaring body. After hot water relaxation, you cross a new suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki River to reach Doban.
Following the waves, you will find the river flattening at Yaru, from where you cross the Cantilever Bridge to reach Jagat, a neatly flagstoned Gurung village. Upon entering the village, you will have to verify your trekking permits at the check post. From this day, you will be walking in the restricted region.
The next day, you will walk o Salleri and descends to Sirdibas. The village welcomes you with several gompas and Buddhist prayer flags. You can also try the local alcohol at many stopovers on the route before you reach Phillim, you will have your permits checked, and then you will continue along the western bank of the river.
The trail is beautiful, with unique sculptures over the boulders on the river bank formed due to river water. Leaving the river bank, you proceed through rhododendron forests, Himalayan pine, and the overhanging rocks on the towering peaks. These highlights beautify the trail.
On proceeding further, you cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where the trail separates to Tsum Valleyon your right.
Finally, you will reach Pewa, the final destination of the day. There are only two teahouses in the region where they serve basic food and a night of cozy sleep. Pewa has the best Dal Bhat in Nepal with the Shilong Acha.
You can gather around the fireplace in the evening and share your experiences with fellow trekkers and locals before you go to bed.
After the sun rises, you will have breakfast and start the day’s trek. Before ascending the winding trails, you will walk across the bamboo forests to reach Deng. Moving further, you will across a suspension bridge to climb to Rana and Bihi Phedi. On the trail, White Faced monkeys visit villages looking for a free feed.
The trail then proceeds to Ghap through several landslide zones. At this point, you must be extracareful as you walk. Plus, you must be attentive to your guide’s instructions to maintain physical safety. After the landslide zone, you will follow the trail up to Namrung.
After about 1an hours on the uneven trail, you will climb a zigzag from the riverto the neat village of Namrung (2660m). There are some of the best teashops, a restaurant, and rest houses on the trek. A local to Namrung and built a modern restaurant and hotel with Cappuccinos and WiFi.
Witnessing the lifestyles of the Nubri people, you will start the day. Exploring their Tibet-influenced typical lifestyle, you will walk past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses through Banjam to enter the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lihi and then to Sho.
As you start walking, you will see most locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress. As you start further, you will notice some fine paintings in the Kani (gate arches) that you pass before Sho. Walking across the rocky hillside routes, you will finally reach Lho.
You can catch stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157) from the place. You will gain a high altitude on this day, so you must walk slowly and check your body signs.
The next morning, on walking, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear stream. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Sama Gaun.
Once you enter the village, mountain views fade; however, the yak pasture and typical settlements will attract you.
Sama Gaun is the principal village of the Nurbi people, which holds a large Gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, telephone/wifi access, etc.
This is the day of acclimatization at Sama Gaon to prevent altitude related illness. And, as an acclimatization hike, you will walk to Pungyen Gompa east of the Nubri Valley. On this acclimatization hike, you have to take a pack lunch.
Once at the hill top, you will get enticing views of Manaslu Base Camp north of Sama Gong. You can follow the trail past Birendra Tal and turn left onto the base camp track.
You will climb the steady trails. However, the altitude may cause breathing difficulty. So, you need to maintain body hydration and walk slowly. Proceeding slowly, you will walk north of Manaslu glacier to base camp at 4400m /14435, then return.
Or, you can hike to Birendra Tal, a short walk from Sama Gong. This is a option if you feel the need for a short rest of if you are finding the altitude difficult.
on this new day, you will reach the newer destination i.e Samdo. But, as you are in high altitude, you need to walk slowly so this is a short day trek. You will notice extended yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani hills, with a variety of birds.
From there, you will leave the tree line and climb to a ridge across the wooden bridge of Buri- Gndaki before you reach white Kani. It is a neighbouring village to Samdo, a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding.
Once at Samdo, you can explore the nearby villages or hike to Samdo peak. The Larky La trail is on the left above the valley. You can also see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La forming slopes on the Larkya La trail.
As a day for rest, you will stop at Samdo where you will go for a day trip to the Tibetan border. From the border, you can also see parts of Tibet and Nepal. If lucky, you can also witness the yak caravan passing the border.
Once at the border, if you look towards the south of Samdo Glacier you will get excellent photos with a huge serac near the top of the glacier. You can also frame Blue Sheep, Pica’s, and Marmots in season.
This is another adventurous day in the high altitude. So, you must watch your body signs properly. Enjoying the scenic views of the chain of the Himalayans, you will walk slowly across the rugged terrains of the Manaslu region before you reach Dharmasala.
This is a special day as you will walk to the trail’s highest point. On this day, you will walk to Larkya La Pass (5160m /16929ft). The walk could be quite challenging in bad weather and the snow, yet; it is doable. You will cross the pass before the afternoon, so you must wake up early (3 am), have breakfast, and leave the teahouse early. This is the challenging part of the trek, but if you walk steadly, you can walk to the pass successfully.
The stunning views you will witness once you stand at the pass make the trip more enlightened. You will catch views of Himlung (7126m /23379 ft) near Tibet and Kang Guru (6981m / 22903 ft), and Annapurna 2nd (7937m /26040 ft) in the Annapurna range.
Spending your particular time at the pass, you will walk down for around 3 hours toward Bimthang for an overnight stay. On descending, you will get views of huge icefalls and mountains I all directions, you will get views of huge icefalls and mountains in all directions, Pongkar Tal between the Pongkar and Salpu Danda Glaciers.
This is the final day you will be walking on the trails of the Manslu region. On climbing downhill, you will walk through the lush forests full of flaura and fauna, including rhododendron bushes.
Walking back across the Dudh Khola, you will walk to karche for lunch. In the next hour, you will see many signs of the glacier flood, with tree trunks smashed and banks undermined, the track becoming rough. And the trail drops to Gurung Goa, the first village since samdo.
The valley becomes more agricultural and lush as you pass fields and copses of oak and rhododendron, staying on the north (true right) bank until tilije. From there, you will continue your stroll toward Dharapani.
You will take a jeep from tilije to Beshi Sahar. From there, you will take a ride back to Kathmandu. After the 6 to 7 hours drive from Beshi Sahar, you will get to rest in one of the sophisticated hotels in Kathmandu.