Manaslu Expedition (8163 Meter)

Trip Overview

Trip Facts

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Strenuous
Destination: Mount Manaslu
Activities: Trekking and Climbing
Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse & Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximum altitude: 8163 meter
Group size: 1+
Best Season: Spring & Autumn

Mount Manaslu formerly known as Kutan I gets its name from a Sanskrit word 'Manasa'. The word 'Manasa' roughly translates to Mountain of the Spirit. Mt. Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world to dominate the skyline. Just located 40 miles away from Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu towers over the surrounding landscapes. This aura of dominance attracts brave expeditioners and climbers from all over the world to ascent this challenging peak. Manaslu Expedition is one of the most popular expeditions in the Himalaya.

The first attempt to Manaslu was made in 1953 by a Japanese team from the Budhi Gandaki Valley, however, the first ascent was made only in 1956. Manaslu has always been a sought after by climbers as an alternative to Cho Oyu before summiting Everest. Manaslu is recommended for its challenge as over to Cho Oyu Expedition. Even though the summit is surrounded by ridges and moraines there are six different routes for the ascent. The south east route is often regarded as the hardest. Physical and mental preparation as well as climbing experience is required to successfully make the ascent.

The Manaslu Expedition starts from very low elevation (500m) to maximum elevation (8163m).The journey starts with Manaslu Circuit Trek leading to Manaslu Base Camp. The Manaslu Circuit Trek follows breath taking treks along several villages, valleys, forests, terraces with scenic views of mountain peaks. From the Base Camp the climb is relatively straightforward to summit. To ease the climbing experience, four camps will be set up above the Base Camp. Expert climbers with experience to handle any type of situation will monitor as well as guide the ascent while the Sherpas will take care of carrying the equipments along the way.

The expedition begins with a long scenery filled drive from Kathmandu to the hustling environment of market town - Arughat leading to Soti Khola. The trek starts from Soti Khola towards Maccha Khola. The journey is filled with trails that lead through evergreen Rhododendron and pine forests. These trails provide tremendous views of snowcapped peaks of Gorkha massifs. During this trek historical and cultural experience of indigenous communities can be observed in the villages along the way. Their traditions are reflected in the accommodations of lodges and teahouses. For example Labishe village is known for people of Gurung people. Similarly Jagat village is famous for being a trade point to and from Tibet.

Samagaon is known by many as acclimatization zone to physically accommodate for the summit and overcome altitude sickness. Samagaon also has various monasteries and gumbas to explore during the stay.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu

As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu you will be greeted by a designated individual. Then you will be transferred to your hotel where you will be briefed on the set itinerary to make necessary trip preparations along with paper works.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Preparation

Today we go sightseeing in Kathmandu. This mostly includes UNESCO world heritage sites which have cultural and historical importance. Some of these are Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square etc. Back at the hotel you will be briefed on the set itinerary to make necessary trip preparations along with paper works.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Drive to Arughat and Soti Khola

Today we leave early morning for Arughat. The drive to Arughat is follows serpentine highway filled scenic views. The roads are filled with roadside villages. We continue driving north of Arughat to reach Soti Khola. After almost 10 hours long drive to Soti Khola we spend overnight at a local lodge.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Machha Khola

The trek from Soti Khola goes through a bridge to reach a big rock. From there we descend along the banks of Budi Gandaki River. The rocky trail then rises steeply towards a village inhabitated by people of Gurung community, Labishe. A short trek from Labishe and we arrive at Machha Khola where we spend overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Jagat

The trek begins along the banks of Budi Gandaki River. The trail from Maccha Khola has us ascending as well as descending through several ridges. The trek then follows along a better trail to Jagat village. We spend overnight at a local lodge.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Deng

After breakfast we leave for Deng. The trail is filled with Mani painted walls leading to Sirdibas. From there we head to Ghatta Khola and then to Phillim. We make our way across Budhi Khola River and continue to till we reach Deng village where we spend overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Namrung

Our trek starts today with several ascends and descends to reach Ghap village. We then follow up a route through a forest of bamboos and Rhododendron. The trail reaches to village of Namrung.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Sama Gaon

We leave for Sama Gaon by a trail that passes along a waterfall to reach the village of Barchham. The trek climbs up to Lihi village. The trail continues down and across Hinan River. We gradually ascend to Sho village where we are welcomed by the mountain views of Himal Chuli and Manaslu. From Sho village we descend through fields to Sama Gaon passing Shyala.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09: At Sama Gaon

Today is acclimatization day in Sama Gaon. At 3500m we try to overcome the cold and high altitude further along our journey. On this day we go on exploration of Sama Gaon village. We can visit gompas or take a short hike to Pung Gyen Gumba. We return to spend overnight at Sama Gaon.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Trek to Manaslu Base Camp

We begin our trek by climbing over rocks deposited by glacier and then across Birendra Kund lake. The lake gives a beautiful view of reflection of Mt. Manaslu. At the Base Camp site we make necessary arrangements for ascent the following day.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 - 35: Climbing of Mt. Manaslu and descend to Base Camp

We spend several days acclimatizing ourselves by performing climbing practices. Four additional camps will be set up above the base camp each at higher altitudes. The climb of Mt. Manaslu will be observed and coordinated by experienced climbers whereas the Sherpas will do the hard work of carrying the equipments and gears necessary for the ascent. At the top of the summit the climb is rewarded by breath taking views of neighboring Himalayan peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and Manaslu north can be observed. We descend by following the same route back down to base camp after spending much appreciated time at the summit.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 36: Trek to Sama Gaon

After the summit we go back to trekking for the return. The route back is same as we descend along the glacial rocks. When we return back to Sama Gaon celebration will be made on our achievement as we spend overnight there.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 37: Trek to Samdo

The trek to Samdo goes up north along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail leads us to Khormo Kharka where Mt. Manaslu can be seen on the backdrop. We continue on our way as we ascend a short hill and then descend down as we cross the river. Another short trek uphill and we reach Samdo where we spend overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 38: Trek to Larkya Pedhi (Dharmashala)

The trek to Larkya Pedhi starts by a descend and over across Gyala river. Mani stones can be followed along our ascent to Larkya Pedhi. The trail rewards us with stunning views of Larkya Peak and north face of Manaslu.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 39: Trek to Bhimtang Phedi

Early in the morning our trek begins by a climb over a ridge. The climb continues steeply as we head to crossing of Larkya La Pass (5135m). The pass provides a sceneric view of Annapurna II, Himlung, Menjung, Gyagi Kang, Kang Guru and Cheo Himals. The trail from the pass descends down to Bhimtang.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 40: Trek to Dharapani

The trail to Dharapani begins with a descent through Rhododendron and pine forest. This descent leads to Hompuk and further along to river bed of Dudh Khola. The trail continues towards Kharche then descends to Tilije village with the populace mostly of Gurung community. A large suspension bridge over Marsyangdi River takes us to Dharapani for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 41: Trek to Syange

The trek from Dharapani climbs up and passes through Tal village. Our trail heads towards Chyamje as we cross another river again. The trail continues by a descent through a forest of Rhododendron as we reach Syange.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 42: Drive to Kathmandu

The drive back to Kathmandu is 9 to 10 hrs long. The roads are filled yet again by the sight of green scenery to make the mundane ride pleasant. At Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 43: Rest at Kathmandu & Debriefing

On this day you are free to do as you please. The day can be spent by sightseeing or by taking the day off to rest. You can also go shopping to remember and reflect upon your visit to Nepal. You will also be visiting the Departmnet Of Tourism for debriefing of the expedition and receive the certificate of accomplishment.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 44: Departure

A designated individual will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell.

Meal: Breakfast

Cost Details

What is included?

All types of organizational requirements
All trekking and climbing paper works and permits
All airport and hotel transfers
Welcome and farewell dinner
Accommodation and meals during the whole of the expedition
Government and local taxes
Reference notes to plan your trip
An experienced English speaking climbing guide, assistant climbing guide, Sherpa porters including their salary, insurance, food, lodging and all equipments
A comprehensive medical kit
Facilities of Email and satellite phones in base camp
Necessary oxygen bottles
Written and photo internet dispatches to send your progress to your family