Manaslu Trek Highlights

• • Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture as you journey through remote valleys, visit monasteries, and pass along mani walls engraved with ancient mantras.
  • Trek past raging waterfalls on your climb towards pristine alpine pastures and the looming peaks of the Masalu Conservation District.
  • Climb over the barren Larke Pass, and trek to Manaslu Base Camp, while reveling in the stunning views of the surrounding glaciers.
  • Gain unique insights into Nepali life as you travel with your local trip leader from the Untraversed team, and listen to the stories of the men and women who call this intriguing region home.
  • Venture into one of the least traveled destinations in the region.  The Manaslu Trek is said by many to be rapidly taking the place of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which has suffered from road construction and excessive traffic in recent decades.
  • Please note:  The Manaslu Trek passes through a remote region of Nepal which requires a restricted area trekking permit.  We will arrange this permit, and the permit is included in the cost of the package, but the restricted area permit requires a minimum of two trekkers and one guide.  As a result there is a minimum of two participants required to run this itinerary.  If booking as a solo trekker, please contact us before booking to verify the status of this trek.

Manaslu Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu

• Start your adventure in Nepal’s vibrant capital, nestled in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley.  Meet your local trip leader from the Untraversed team in your hotel for a team meeting at 3 p.m., and then enjoy a welcome dinner at one of our favorite spots in Kathmandu.  If you arrive early, be sure to explore the vibrant bazars of the Thamel district.  Explore the narrow winding streets and visit the historical palaces of the Durbar Square.  Some claim that buildings in the Durbar Square date back to the 3rd century kingdoms which once ruled the valley.

Day 2 Kathmandu – Soti Kola

• Set out from Kathmandu via a private jeep in the morning, and then make your way across rural Nepal towards Soti Khola.  Hang on for a bumpy, dusty and yet stunningly beautiful ride.  Experience authentic Nepali life in rural villages as the road winds through farming communities built on the terraced mountainsides.  Arrive at your first tea house in Soti Kola, and spend the night here at 700 meters.

Day 3 Soti Khola – Maccha Khola

• Begin your first day of the Manalsu trek by following the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River up the valley.  Climb ancient stone stairways as you follow the historic trading route used for centuries by nomadic traders.  Tibetan salt was once traded via these valleys for rice from the hills of central Nepal.  Cross iconic suspension bridges, and then spend the evening relaxing at your tea house in Maccha Khola at 930 meters.

Day 4 Maccha Khola – Jagat

• Today is your first day with significant elevation gain, as you make your way further up the valley.  Wind your way through dense forests that are home to scores of monkeys, and reach the hot springs of Tatopani.  Cross the river into Jagat, and spend the night in a tea house experiencing the lifestyle of the local Gurung residents.  Many centuries ago the ancestors of the modern Gurung population traveled down from what is now Tibet.

Day 5 Jagat – Pewa

• Continue to climb through subtropical forests in the shadow of the distant towering peaks. Wander through quiet villages and crisscross the valley via a series of iconic suspension bridges.  Pass the start of the Tsum Valley, which winds its way up toward the Tibetan border to the North, finally arriving in Pewa at 1800 meters.  Spend the night in Pewa in a modest yet comfortable tea house.

Day 6 Pewa – Namrung

• Trek through Bamboo forests to reach the village of Deng, and take in the views of the towering peaks in the distance as you continue through the narrowing gorge towards Namrang.  Enjoy a comfortable stay at 2660 meters in a local tea house, and be sure to visit the Tibetan monastery behind the village.

Day 7 Namrung – Lho

• Start the day by traversing along ancient mani walls, engraved with ancient Buddhist mantras.  The forest here transitions into dense stands of rhododendron, as you gain elevation along a rather rocky stretch of trail.  As you approach Lho, enjoy the view of Manaslu and Manaslu North.  Stop for the night at 3000 meters in Lho.

Day 8 Lho – Sama Gaun

• Set out from Lho, taking your time and pacing yourself as you begin to feel the effects of the elevation.  Pass through alpine meadows used for centuries as yack grazing pastures.  Reach Sama Gaun at 3530 meters by mid afternoon, and spend the night in one of the largest villages in the Nubri Valley.  Listen to inspiring tales about the resilient Nubri people who have sustained life in this often unforgiving landscape for generations.

Day 9 Sama Gaun (Day hike to Manaslu Base Camp)

• Today will be an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun.  In order to assist with acclimatization you will take a short day hike up to higher elevations, before descending back to Sama Gaun for the night.  Set out for Manaslu Base Camp at 4440 meters, passing to the north of Manaslu Glacier.  If making the Manaslu Trek during peak climbing season, Manaslu Base Camp will often be bustling with climbers attempting to reach the summit.  After taking lunch at base camp, descend back to Sama Gaun for the night.

Day 10 Sama Gaun – Samdo

• Due to the elevation you will only cover a short distance today, taking your time and drinking plenty of water as you climb.  Take a break at Birendra Lake, and then press on towards Samdo, which sits a mere four hour walk from the Tibetan border.  Finish today’s trek early, and then spend the afternoon in the village taking in the stunning view from Samdo, or leserily exploring the surrounding villages.

Day 11 Samdo (Day hike to the Tibetan Border)

• Today is another acclimatization day in Samdo, at 5000 meters.  Set out on a day hike to the Nepal -Tibet border.  This remote border crossing has been used by yack caravans from Tibet for countless centuries.  Keep an eye out for blue sheep as you trek, and take in the view of the Samdo Glacier to the south.  In the evening return to the tea house in Samdo, and rest well for the journey ahead tomorrow.

Day 12 Samdo – Dharmasala

• Set out from Samdo towards Dharamsala Base Camp, climbing 700 km through challenging terrain.  This will be your final evening before taking on the climb to the top of Larke Pass.  The high altitude tea house at Dharamsala is basic, but the stunning view more than makes up for it. 

Day 13 Dharmasala – Bimthang

• Your climb to the highest point on the Manaslu Trek begins today, and the key for the ascent is pacing yourself and setting a steady pace as you approach Larke Pass.  The views today are spectacular, including Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.  Upon reaching the top of Larke Pass at 5160 meters, stop to appreciate the view looking back on the journey that lies behind you.  Revel for one last moment in the view of the surrounding peaks before descending towards the teahouse at Bimthang.

Day 14 Bimthang – Dharapani

• Continue the descent back into rhododendron forests as you begin the last day of hiking on your Manaslu Trek.  Drop back into villages surrounded by farm fields as you pass Gurung Gao, and spend one last night in the Manaslu region at Dharapani.

Day 15 Dharapani – Kathmandu

• Travel back to Kathmandu from Dharapani via private jeep, and arrive in Kathmandu in the evening.   Spend the night in a hotel in Kathmandu, and enjoy the luxury of a well deserved hot shower!

Day 16 Kathmandu

Your last day in Kathmandu will begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the “monkey temple.”  Enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu, and then try your hand at bargaining in the bustling bazars below.  Be sure to check out the labyrinth of narrow winding streets in the Thamel District, with its bustling markets displaying colorful collections of local goods.  Say farewell to your trip leader at dinner in Kathmandu, and then spend one last night in the hotel.

Day 17 Departure

• There are no scheduled activities for the last day of the Manaslu Trek, and you are welcome to book your departing flight for any time.  If staying longer in Nepal, contact the Untraversed team for advice on cultural sights and must visit destinations to extend your adventure in Nepal!