Lower Manaslu Trek Overview
The Lower Manaslu trek offers a tranquil yet breathtaking alternative to the more popular trekking routes of Nepal. Nestled in the Gorkha district, this trek lies at the foothills of the majestic Mount Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world. Unlike the busy trails of the Annapurna and Everest regions, Lower Manaslu remains less crowded, thus very appropriate for those trekkers in search of tranquility and an intimate experience with nature. The panorama of towering peaks, including Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal, often greets the trekkers along the way and makes it very appealing.
It goes through different kinds of landscapes, from the dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine to the rich, terraced fields with their villages depicting traditional culture. It also winds its way through a most remote area so as to catch a glimpse of the rural lifestyle that the locals, including Gurung, Magar, and Tamang people, pursue. These ethnic groups are originally from the local area and are renowned for their hospitality and rich cultural heritage. Village trekking displays the real picture of the people of these mountain communities.
The Lower Manaslu Trek is a non-technical trekking route that can easily be undertaken by individuals who maintain a reasonable level of fitness. It contains uphill and downhill parts, meaning most trekkers who enjoy good health and are also accustomed to rough trails can do the trek. This trek does not require any technical skill of climbing but requires physical fitness due to the varied elevation gain and challenging terrain. As such, it is ideal for those seeking a relatively less strenuous trek without compromising on beauty and the cultural experience.
Those with less time or a preference for avoiding overcrowded trails will find the Lower Manaslu trek an excellent option. This is an opportunity to see the startling beauty of Manaslu, vibrant ethnic cultures, and sublimity of the Himalayas. This natural and cultural diversification makes it perfect for any person seeking an enriching adventure in one of the most picturesque and historically rich parts of Nepal.
1) Permits for Lower Manaslu Trek
1) Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
2) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
2) Best time for trekking
Spring and Autumn seasons is the ideal time for the Lower Manaslu trek. These months offers incredible visibility of the mountains, stable weather, and clear skies. It’s a great time to witness the vibrant colors of nature and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains.
3) Guides and porters
It is highly recommended hiring a licensed guide for the Lower Manaslu trek. Therefore, you can join us for a highly experienced, helpful, friendly, English speaking licensed guide with guide insurance. They provide valuable assistance, carry your belongings, share local knowledge, and allowing you to fully enjoy the trek.
4) Altitude sickness
While ascending quickly you may feel symptoms like nausea, headache, difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, and uneasiness. And, if the symptoms persist for a longer duration then know that your body could not resist the altitude variation. So, if you feel these symptoms, please let your guide and your group know. Your guide will provide you with immediate first aid. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness here are some guidelines:
- Stop and rest where you are
- Do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours
- Make sure you are drinking enough water
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise
5) Foods and lodging
During the trek, teahouses usually provide basic room with a bed and shared bathroom facilities. The beds have mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, and some blankets. Hot water is available for some additional charge. Most hotels now have geyser, otherwise you will get a bucket of warm water. Tea shops and lodges provide plentiful and delicious foods to suit the preferences of various trekkers. All the food will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local. However, the many teahouses provide food with Nepali, Indian, Italian, Tibetan, and continental flavors.
6) Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you to get travel insurance before going on a Lower Manaslu trek. Make sure that, your insurance covers high- altitude trekking, medical expenses, emergency evacuation by helicopter, trip cancellation, and loss or theft of personal belongings. It can offer you with peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unforeseen accident.
Lower Manaslu Trek Highlights
Breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Experience local unique culture, lifestyle and traditions of the Gurung and Tamang communities.
Explore the remote villages and rich cultural heritage of the region.
Passes through picturesque villages, lush forests, beautiful landscapes, and walking on rugged terrain.
Crossing high mountain pass Larkya La Pass (5160 m).
The Manaslu Conservation area known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Witness lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, various bird species, and wildlife.
Remote and less crowded trekking destination takes you off the beaten path.
Experience warm hospitality, taste local cuisine, and witness cultural ceremonies and dances.
Lower Manaslu Trek Itinerary
Expand allDay 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Then Transfer To Hotel
You will be warmly welcomed at the airport by our office representative and then you will be transferred to hotel. Our staff will give a brief explanation of the program. This day you can stay within the hotel or enjoy the night at Thamel.
Day 2: Sightseeing Day in Kathmandu
Today, you will visit many cultural heritage, which includes some of the famous world’s heritages like
Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath stupa and many more. You can
do shopping of various Nepalese cultural stuff on this day. And Back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 3: Drive to Ghairung from kathmandu ( 103 kilometers) ( 3 hrs)
After breakfast, we take a drive to Kurintar, for about 3 hours, along Manakamana with the bank of the
Trishuli river. After lunch gathering at Manakamana bazaar, we begins the trek to Bakeswori Mahadeva
temple (1515m) situated 2 Km north of Manakamana temple and trek goes until Pipalchap village at
Ghairung VDC.
Day 4: Trek to Gorkha Bazaar via Bungkot, Kaule Bhangar ( 900 m) ( 5 hrs)
We start our trek to Gorkha Bazaar after breakfast. Bungkot is a historic birthplace of Lakhan Thapa, (the
first martyr of Nepal). Many people visit Kaule Bhangar to pay tribute to the first martyr of the nation. Apart from the historical significance, other attraction is Lakhan Thapa memorial park built in the remembrance of the first martyr where a bust of the martyr has been caught up. The park has a collection of Lakhan Thapa’s belongings like swords and stone spout. fascinatingly, locals have stepped up efforts in preserving these work of arts with any external assistance. Majority of the population in the village is from the Magar community. Bungkot offers a homestay facility and a delicious gracefulness made with fresh and locally grown produce. From here, Gorkha Bazaar is 1.5 hours of walk, the district headquarter of Gorkha.
Day 5: Excursion Tour in Gorkha Palace ( 141 km) ( 4 hrs)
The historical Gorkha palace from where King Prithvi Narayan Shah initiated unification of modern Nepal is suspended one thousand feet above Gorkha Bazaar; the place dominates the surroundings and is visible
from all surrounding area. It is regarded as a holy shrine. It also offers visitors with fantastic views of green valleys and the Himalayan panorama. Gorkhanath Cave is situated about 10m below the palace. The
cave is believed to be the shelter of Gorakhnath Baba (great sage) after whom the district obtained its
name. The sage was the guide of Shah dynasty who blessed and provided his precious guidance to the
homestay for the fusion of nation. Gorkha museum is situated at Gorkha Bazaar. It has a wide range of
pieces and personal belongings of King Prithivi Narayan Shah along with his 52 feet long chino. Apart from these collections is has also widened the of objects such as art, sculptures, coins and several other
articles on display.
Day 6: Trek From Gorkha Bazaar to Sirandada ( 135 km) ( 2:26 hrs)
Bhachek is about 6 to 7 hours of bus/jeep drive from Gorkha Bazaar. Driving through curved mountain
roads overlooking Daraudi River is a breathtaking experience. Sirandanda, the final leg of day four, is
arrived after a short hike of one hour from Bhachek. A Hyolmo village, it is situated at the hilltop from
where its name has been derived from Sirandanda. Major attractions of Sirandanda are Nage pokhari,
Dudh pokhari, Bhot dodar, Chima, Dharadi and tea garden. It also offers a splendid view of sunrise and a
stunning Manaslu range. The village has a rich diversity of medicinal herbs also.
Day 7: Sirandada to Barpak Village
After a walk of about 1.5 hours towards Northeast in Mathar village lies Ghyachowk. A. The destination for
the fifth day i.e. Barpak village is at a walking of about 4 and a half hours from Ghyanchowk. On route to
Barpak are Dewalsara, Sum river, Daraudi river, Goje and Alagang.
Day 8: Barpak to Laprak
While on way to Laprak, one will come across Basukang. Laprak village is located at Laprak VDC is a
landslide defenceless zone. The rain triggered a landslide in 1999 swept away houses and about 12
hectares of cultivated land. The most notable character of Laprak is the wooden-roofed houses which bear
a uniform look in the entire VDC. Laprak, a typical Gurung village, is also a pit stop for the Manaslu
trekkers.
Day 9: Trek From Laprak - Nambai Kharka ( 15 km) ( 4 hrs)
The Kharka arrives after a moderate walk of 4 hours from Laprak. The Kharka is an open pasture land with few temporary houses of Laprak which provides them shelter during plantation and harvest period of potatoes. Trekkers need to be self-sufficient for food and lodging. There is no toilet facility as well. During
the stay in Nambai Kharka, it is advised that one should stick with a vegetarian diet as local believe that
slaughtering of animals will bring ill to the trekkers.
Day 10: Trek From Nambai Kharka - Darche Danda ( 3,220 m) ( 3 hrs)
Darche, the highest point of the lower Manaslu trekking route, offers an awe-inspiring 180-degree
panoramic view of more than 20 Himalayan peaks. Among Gurung community, Darche Danda holds a
religious significance. They offer prayer to the hill holy being to avoid natural calamities. Also, no felling of
trees is allowed in the area. It is also believed that if tourist offer prayer to the hill holy being, they will be
blessed with clear visibility and will ward off bad luck while on a trek. Some of the well-known peaks that
can be viewed from the top of Darche are: Annapurna, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Bharatsikhar,
Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamtang, Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, Sarang peak, Malhunti peak, Babu
Himal, Sringi Himal, Ganesh I, Ganesh II and Ganesh II among many others.
Day 11: Trek From Darche Danda - Gyampesal via Sita cave ( 1,165 m) ( 6 hrs)
The famous cave Sita Cave is reached after walking down 1.8 Km from Tallo Thotneri. The cave is situated
at 1165m. It is surrounded by dense forest, which holds religious importance among Hindus and it is one of the major tourist attractions. Every year during Ram Navami, thousands of Hindu devotees gather to pay homage to Lord Ram. It is believed that goddess Sita, (wife of Lord Ram) spent some time and stayed
here. The caving experience in Sita Cave is thrilling and daring. After touring the cave we end the day in
Gyampesal, the final destination of the trek, which is few hours walk from for the Sita cave for an overnight stay on camp or homestay with full board meal (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Day 12: Trek From Gyampesal to Kathmandu ( 1,350 m) ( 2.5-hrs)
After taking a hot breakfast, we take a drive to Gorkha Bazaar at sharp 8 am which is about of 2 and a half
hours from Ghyampesal. Bus services are available on a regular interval from Gorkha to Kathmandu which
is 6 hrs of journey. We will also transfer you to the hotel for overnight.
Day 13: Final Departure from Kathmandu
It is your departure day, also the last day in the land of Nepal. On this day we will drop you to the
International airport to grab your flight back to your home and pray for your Safe journey.
If the above Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.
Plan My TripLower Manaslu Trek Cost Includes
Airport picks up and drops by private vehicle
3-night hotel in Kathmandu with twin/double sharing deluxe accommodation
One day full Kathmandu sightseeing by private vehicle
kathmandu to Ghairung and Gyampesal to Kathmandu by local Bus
Helpful trekking guide and porters salary/accommodation/ insurance
All the accommodation with three meals during trekking period (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
including tea coffee
TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) fees
Manaslu Conservation Area entry fees
All the government taxes and company service charge
Medical support kit box
Farewell dinner, Nepali culture cuisine
Lower Manaslu Trek Cost Excludes
International airfare and visa fees
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses of bar and beverage bills, wifi, hot shower, bottle of water, extra porters,
laundry or any other things which are not mentioned by the company
Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
Your travel insurance which should include the emergency rescue
Tips for your guide and porters
Entrance fees during the sightseeing
Extra expenses due to any event such as strikes, weather conditions, or flight delays