Manaslu Circuit Trek

We begin our adventure with a morning drive towards Pokhara and turn north from 'Khaireni Bazaar' to reach an ancient town of Gorkha (region that unified Nepal) and drive further to Arughat Bazaar.

Overnight in a hotel at Arughat. Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, our trek  begins heading north following the Budi Gandaki river in the low country path surrounded by rice paddies and picturesque hamlets. After climbing briefly to 'Kyoropani', the path descends to the river and to our campsite at the confluence with the tributary of Soti River. It is not a long day and perhaps we have time for a refreshing swim sometime during the day as it is hot in the low country.

Overnight in a teahouse at Soti. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The country changes, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side which is densely forested. We pass a number of small villages, tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Budi Gandaki river. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapu Besi. Trek descends once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follows a path which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machha Khola.

Overnight in a teahouse at Machha Khola. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cross Machha Khola (Fish Stream)  and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Besi and the hot springs at Tatopani (which you'll want to investigate). The valley sides steepen until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path, we reach the single tea house at Doban. Above, the Budi Gandaki river descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we recross the river on a suspension bridge and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat.

Overnight in a teahouse at Jagat. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, the trek climbs a terraced hill to Saguleri, from where we can see the impressive Sringi Himal, 7187 m. Crossing the river again at Gata Khola, the path splits with the right-hand branch heading off towards Mustang. Our route continues upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. We cross the river three more times in the next two hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then climb up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng.

Overnight in a teahouse at Deng. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The valley is still steep- sided and most impressive. We cross to the village of Lana, and start to see 'Mani Stones', a sure sign that we are entering high country Buddhist regions. After only about four hours, we reach our camping place at the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have entered the Tibetan areas and the cultural change is obvious, along with the climate change. The trekking is pleasantly cool now as we start to fain the altitude.

Overnight in a teahouse at Bagar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We gain altitude to take us into alpine territory and increasing mountain views. There are more 'Mani' walls and 3 more crossings of the Budi Gandaki on our route to Namrung, where our permit is checked. Above this village, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing gently now and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Sho at 3000m. We camp just above the village and get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead.

Overnight in a teahouse at Sho. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Let the exploring start! We will discuss with locals what our best option is to get to the Gompa. Our Sherpas reckon it could be a very nice walk to take the smaller direct trail. We pass thru Lho, a large village at 3150 m, where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous Chortens and Manis. Looking back, Ganesh I is visible. Leaving the village, we follow the right bank of the river with views of Peak 29 ahead. At a fork in the trail, we take a detour to the left which leads up to Honsansho Gompa and the Pungen Glaciers, from where there is a stunning view of Peak 29 and Manaslu. We stay around here and explore, acclimatize for the next few days.

Overnight in a teahouse at Lhogaon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, we take a rest day to acclimatize and relax with a short trek to Samagaon. It is a good time to catch up on that book or wash clothes.

Overnight in a teahouse at Samagaon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Now that we are more used to the altitude, we take some time to have a good look around. We trek a little  higher in the valley at Samdo.

Overnight in a teahouse at Samdo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descending to the main trail via a direct route, we soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon at  3500m. We stay overnight at Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, or Samdo, near the Tibetan border.

Overnight in a teahouse at Samdo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The once large Budi Gandaki is now merely a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. Everywhere you look are mountains, as spectacular as they get and Manaslu is particularly impressive. After crossing to the East bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley which is called Sumdu. Above the village, we cross the stream which runs down the Gya La (pass), the pass to Tibet, and there are the ruins of another village here known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably, this village thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya La, a trade which is now much diminished. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach a lodge at 4450m, which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the Larkya La.

Overnight in a teahouse at Larkhya Bazaar. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Still climbing, we take an easy day to admire the mountains. We stay overnight by a lake.

Overnight in a teahouse near Rest House. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. There are views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. Initially, there is a steep descent over snow and then scree to reach the ablation valley trail to Larcia Kharka. A further hour on a moraine ridge path leads to Tanbuche 3900m in a pleasant forest. (Note that the Larkya La is normally quoted at 5115m or so, I have it from a surveyor that the correct altitude is more lilke 4910m).

Overnight in a teahouse at Bhimthang. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A Walk down to Dharapani.

Overnight in a teahouse at Dharapani. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Below us is Bimthang, a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses. Crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base camp for the West side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150m, we have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. Rhododendron forests follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 metres.

Overnight in a teahouse at Sangye. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu and end the trip.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

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