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Tour of Manaslu (from 14.10.2020 to 30.10.2020)

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Trip Overview

Level 12/20 12 days of trekking with a pass at 5210m. Average daily stages of 5 to 7 hours, except for the day of the pass crossing (8 to 10 hours). Steady ascent to altitude, ideal for acclimatization. This trek does not require any particular technical skills, but due to its duration, remoteness from roads, and the altitude reached, a good level of fitness is necessary.

Manaslu is the 8th highest peak in the world. Known as the “Japanese mountain,” it was first climbed by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalze Norbu on May 9, 1956, after four previous failed Japanese attempts. Neighboring the Annapurnas, the Manaslu massif is more compact but more aesthetically pleasing. Its valleys have remained more secluded because the proximity of Tibet and the fear of “infiltration” have long protected it from uncontrolled tourism. Fewer than 3,000 trekkers in 2011. The construction of lodges allows for a very lightweight structure. This trek offers one of the most interesting routes in Nepal due to its diversity of landscapes and cultures.

Highlights

  • A wide variety of landscapes, ranging from subtropical to icy wilderness
  • A magnificent and uncrowded route
  • A trek where high mountains are a prominent feature, with one 8,000-meter peak
  • A dozen 7,000-meter peaks and numerous 6,000-meter peaks
  • A circuit with comfortable lodges
  • Good acclimatization

Itinerary

1 Arrival in Kathmandu.
After your visa and customs formalities, baggage claim and you will be met at the airport exit by a representative from the agency. Transfer to the hotel.
2. Transfer by bus to Arughat then by jeep to Soti Khola (710m) 9 to 10:30 am
We departed very early by private bus to reach Arughat. Leaving the valley, we crossed a small pass before plunging down a winding descent to the lower section, which runs alongside the Trishuli River. During the season, it's not uncommon to see people rafting. We left the main road via a bridge over the river and entered the Dhading district, following a narrow, winding road to Dhading Besi. From there, we took a track towards a small pass at Murli Bhanjyang before descending into the Ankhu Khola valley, which we crossed via a bridge. A few more kilometers later, we reached the banks of the Buri Gandaki River, where we left the bus and boarded jeeps that traveled upstream to Soti Khola. The journey from Kat to Arughat took 8 hours, followed by a 2.5-hour jeep ride. The track continues further, but due to its dangerous condition, we decided to stop at Soti Khola.
3 Trek to Macchakhola (820m) 6h
The first day of trekking in this warm, low-lying valley takes us up the Budhi Gandaki River. It's a day of forests and waterfalls as we progress through beautiful villages inhabited by Magar and Gurung people. The wooded slopes gradually transform into sheer cliffs, and the path becomes a rollercoaster of a trail. Near Lapu Besi, the valley widens again, and the trail climbs its bottom, which forms a wide bed of white sand.
4 Trek to Jagat (1370m) 5h
We cross the Machha Khola amidst a rocky chaos and continue on to Khorla Besi. The trail continues along the right bank, following the Budhi Gandaki upstream, and in an hour we arrive at Tatopani (meaning "hot water" in Nepali). Many villages in Nepal bear this name due to their hot springs. A suspension bridge allows us to cross to the left bank and ascend to Dobhan, continuing along a pleasant plateau to Shiauli Bhoti. The path then climbs steeply towards Yaruphant, and we return to the right bank after crossing the Yaruphant Khola. The trail then reaches Jagat, the official entry point into the Manaslu area, where a checkpoint is located. We discover our first chorten.
5 Trek to Deng (1930m) 5h
We continue our ascent along the right bank, passing through the villages of Saguleri and Setibas until we reach the bridge below Philim. The path becomes a balcony trail leading to Ekle Bhatti at 1620m, where we have a beautiful view of the village of Pansing opposite. For an hour, the trail is carved into the cliff face above an impressive gorge. At Pewa (1750m), the valley opens up to offer a magnificent panorama of the Ganesh Himal. Tropical vegetation gives way to alpine vegetation. The trail crosses deep gorges on an iron bridge, and here we are truly in the heart of the Himalayas, tiny amidst these giant mountains with their vertiginous walls… The trail winds between wooded and rocky areas, and the vegetation gradually changes. A few more small wooden bridges and we arrive at Deng, where the Tibetan influence begins to be felt.
6 Trek to Namrung (2550m) 5h30
From the village of Deng, a short descent leads to a bridge, immediately followed by a steep, chaotic climb that joins the balcony trail below the Bihi plateau. A visit to the village, surrounded by a mani wall, is recommended. The valley then opens up, revealing beautiful terraced fields. Near Suksam, magnificent giant spruce trees can be admired. The valley narrows again before a final steep climb to reach Namrung, a particularly typical village.
7 Trek to Lho (3130m) 3h
After the beautiful cultivated plateau that passes through the hamlets of Baksan, Lihi, and Wangsang, the trail reaches Shyo. There are lovely views of Ganesh Himal and then Himal Chuli, followed by a series of interesting chortens and mani walls. The trail crosses Lho at 3110m with its gompa and school. There is a beautiful view of Manaslu.
8 Trek to Sama Gompa (3420m) 2 to 6 hours
Before emerging into a beautiful forest of giant spruce trees, you'll arrive at the village of Shyala, home to loggers and carpenters. Enjoy stunning views of the Manaslu massif. From here, you can either hike directly to Sama Gompa in 2 hours, or take a round trip to the foot of the Pung Gyen Glacier, or even to the bottom of the cirque at Ramanan Kharka at 4300m, offering splendid views of Manaslu (8163m), Ngadi Chuli (7871m), and Himal Chuli (7893m). The trail then descends to Sama Gompa, a magnificent and authentic Tibetan village.
9 Trek to Samdo (3800m) 3 to 4h
After a morning visit to the monastery and an optional hike to the glacial lake of Birendra Kund, located at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier, we begin an easy walk towards Kermo Manan, a very long mani wall. The alpine-style valley rises gently for this acclimatization day. We cross a small bridge, then the trail climbs steeply but briefly to reach the most beautiful village of the tour: Samdo and its 200 inhabitants. Tibet is very close (3 hours' walk) via the Lajing Bhanjyang pass. The inhabitants of Samdo, all of Tibetan origin, trade regularly with Tibet. We explore this beautiful and very welcoming village.
Day 10: Acclimatization at Samdo (3800m) 3 to 4 hours
Today is a day for either rest or a trip towards nearby Tibet.
11 Trek to Dharamshala (4460m) 3 to 4h
Ascent to the Dharamshala huts via a balcony trail. It's important to set off early due to the numerous intermittent streams that swell as the sun rises! Lunch at the camp. Afternoon rest to prepare for the pass crossing the next day, or for those feeling fit, a hike in one of the valleys above the camp, chasing after blue sheep. We are at altitude, and hotel infrastructure is limited. The first lodge opened in 2010, and others are sure to follow with the development of tourism in this region. We'll need to be sensible and cheerful this evening. A mountain refuge atmosphere at 4470m.
12 Trek to Bimtang (3600m) via the Larkya La pass (5210m) 8 to 9 hours
An early morning departure. Following a moraine, the path leads to a large glacial lake before opening onto a vast plateau offering stunning views of immense glaciers and the north face of Manaslu. The pass is reached in approximately 4 hours. The panoramic view is breathtaking: Samdo Himal (6335m) to the east, Larkya Peak (6249m) to the south, Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6812m), and Ratna Chuli (6767m) to the north, and to the west, Kang Guru (6981m), Annapurna II (7937m), and a multitude of other 6000m peaks, most of them unnamed. After the pass, the trail climbs gently through rocky terrain before plunging down the steep and often snow-covered west face. The route passes Larcia at 4700m and then Tabuche Kharka. The trail then joins a lateral moraine near the gigantic glacier descending from the Peri Himal cirque. Arrival on the verdant Bimtang plateau, situated in a cirque surrounded by peaks with sparkling ice. A well-deserved rest in a rustic lodge.
13 Trek to Tilje (2250m) 6h
A long, varied descent. From the glacial zone, the trail crosses immense forests of gigantic spruce trees, interspersed with alpine meadows. Then, beautiful high-altitude crops appear before reaching the lovely village of Tilje, nestled below the gorge… Views of the Manaslu peaks and the Peri Himal massif.
14 Trek to Chamje (1410m) 6h
The trail rejoins the lush rainforest with its giant rhododendrons, lichens, and mosses. The final stretches of descent follow the Dudh Khola before it joins the Marshyangdi Khola. After Dharapani, the trail joins the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trekking route. We leave this area to take you to a hidden village overlooking the valley: Nache. This village resembles a citadel perched atop an improbable cliff and surrounded by fields. Corn, wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat, and amaranth grow in fields where Asiatic black bears, troops of monkeys, and all sorts of deer descend from the forest and feast! After a break, we descend back into the valley and pass through Tal, on the banks of the river that widens into its broad bed. More descent before crossing at the Chamje bridge at 1410m where we rejoin the track. The hike ends here and we will take jeeps to continue to Besi Sahar.
15 buses to Kathmandu, 6 hours
From Besi Sahar, we rejoin our private bus which will take us to Kathmandu, traveling through rice paddies and along the Marshyangdi River to Dumre, where we join the road connecting Pokhara to the capital. At the Mugling Bridge, we cross the confluence of the Marshyangdi and the Trishuli River, which we follow to the foot of the winding road leading up to the small pass overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at the hotel.
16 Kathmandu Valley
Today we set off to explore the Kathmandu Valley, starting with the charming city of Bhaktapur, "the city of devotees," the jewel of the valley with its countless temples and scenes of rural life. After lunch, we return to Kathmandu, visiting the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, where all Hindus are cremated. Then we continue to the enormous Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, where Tibetan pilgrims tirelessly circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and reciting their rosaries. What an atmosphere! Overnight at the hotel
17 Departure from Kathmandu
Depending on flight times, it will be possible to do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for the return flight.

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