Mode of Trekking (Organized Camping Trek)
25 Days Trip
21 Days Trek, 3 nights in Hotel
Moderate to Challenging

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable journey through the historical town of Gorkha. The trek crosses the Buri Gandakhi gorge and enters in the most spectacular and culturally fascinating valley with a scenery similar to the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek gets to Larkya La Pass which is one of the highlights of the trek and then descend down to Sama, before we return via the Marsyangdi. The view from Larkya la is fantastic as you will see Himal Chuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal and Himlung. The trail is predominantly Buddhist and is inhabited by Tibetan immigrants. Along the way you will see age old monasteries, colorful prayer flag and Mani walls. Definitely, Manaslu Circuit is one of the most remote treks in the Nepal Himalayas. The most special thing about trekking in Manaslu is, that the trail is not over crowded with many trekkers and we will be entering one of the restricted areas of Nepal where we will get a chance to see Tibetan way life and in fact we will be very close to Tibetan boarder.

ITINERARY

Day 1. In Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. Your group leader or the office representative from Alps in Nepal will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to Hotel Yak and Yeti. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag and down jacket at 5 pm.
Welcome dinner is organized at 6:30 pm in one of the traditional Nepali restaurants and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the fellow group members before the trip.

Day 2. In Kathmandu
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour visiting Boudhanath and Pusupathi Nath, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and the most famous Hindu temple in the country. The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel garden or you may wish to visit Thamel for any last-minute shopping before the trek. In the afternoon you will be supplied with trek departure information.

Day 3. Drive to Gorkha
We take a bus ride, westward from Kathmandu along the bumpy road down to the Trisuli River. We ride along the bank of Trisuli River which is very famous for white water river rafting. You will see few of the rafters gliding down the river. It is worth having your camera handy, as the bus ride is quite scenic. We get to Mungling where the road forks, one going to Indian boarder and another one to Pokhara. We will follow the Pokhara road and head towards Gorkha the starting point of the trek. Camp overnight at Gorkha village.

Day 4. Trek to Khanchowk
We gradually ascend north besides small tributaries along the terraced rice fields and high ridges inhabited by Tamang people before arriving at our camp at Khanchowk. Overnight camp at Khanchowk.

Day 5. Trek to Arughat
In the morning we will have the first view of Himalchuli and Manaslu mountains before we descend down to the riverbed. We will follow the tributaries of Buri Gandhaki River towards our camp at Arughat Bazaar. Tonight our camp is located beside the river.

Day 6. Trek to Soti Khola
Comparatively today is an easy walk. We follow the bank of Buri Gandhaki River enjoying the magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. We pass through several Gurung villages and finally we reach our camp. Our camp tonight is close to the Soti River.

Day 7. Trek to Machha Khola
Today’s walk is mostly undulating. We will follow the upstream of Buri Gandhaki River and descend down to the sandy river bed for lunch. From here the trail zigzags up through the forested hill until we get to the terraced farmland. From here on the valley opens up. Our camp tonight is with a nice view.

Day 8. Trek to Jagat
Our trail follows a narrow path with a sheer drop on either side. We get to Tatopani (hot spring) and then cross Dodan Khola. The trail now follows uphill and the view starts to get more beautiful. The valley opens up and we reach the white sandy beaches at the riverside. From here the trial climbs steep uphill before descending to the river bed. Our camp tonight is located in a beautiful place, just before Jagat village.

Day 9. Trek to Philim
Today the trail is undulating and it is relatively easy compared to other days walking. We will follow the upstream rivers and cross a number of tributaries before we get to our camp at Philim.

Day 10. Trek to Deng
The trail follows high above the river passing through pine forest scattered with rhododendron trees. From here we follow the low trail which meets Buri Gandhaki River below the Gurung village of Ngak. For tonight we camp an hours away from Deng.

Day 11. Trek to Namru
We climb for a bit and descend down to cross the suspension bridge which takes us to the opposite side of the river. On the way we will see many mani walls and Chortens which are an indications of being in the Tibetan territory. We follow the northern bank of the river below the village of Bhee. Bhee village is famous for its intricate stone carving masters. On the way you will witness lots of beautifully carved stupas and Buddhist figures on flat stones, all these are done by the stone carvers from Bhee. After thpassing Bhee we start to see Shringi Himal and continue along the northern bank of the Buri Gandhak River till we get to the Tibetan village of Ghap for lunch. After lunch our trail climbs uphill till we get to our jungle camp which is just before Namru.

Day 12. Trek to Shyale
We descend to cross the river and then climb up through the forest to Namru where there is a police check post then continue through the forest passing through several small Tibetan villages to Ligaw. It is a likely chance today we see Yaks and some wild monkeys. You will have a wonderful views of Ganesh Himal, Baudha Himal, Himalchuli and Manaslu. All it combines to make today an eventful day.

Day 13. Rest Day
Today is an acclimatization rest day. Those who are fit can do sidewalks. Your group leader will advice you.

Day 14. Trek to Kermo Kharka
Our tail follows a rocky river bed and climbs a small ridge to a clearing. It provides an absolute view point to see Manaslu, Peak 29 and Himalchui, so definitely is a photo opportunity. After giving some rest to our body we follow the grassy slopes and reach Sama Gaon ( village). From here the trail passes through glacial moraine and then descend to the riverbed. You will have a wonderful view of Manaslu today.

Day 15. Rest Day
Today is an optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp. Those who are feeling fit today can take this walk. The walk takes us to Manaslu Base Camp for the wonderful view of Manaslu, glaciers and lakes.

Day 16. Trek to Samdo
In today’s walk we are blessed with mountain views. We leave the grass land and traverse around some glacial moraine and descend to the riverbed. We reach Samdo which is a large Tibetan village with some 200 permanent residents.

Day 17. Rest Day
Exploration rest day at Samdo village. You can take some sidewalks which your group leader will advice you.

Day 18. Trek to Larkya Phedi
The thundering Buri Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. We are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. Manaslu is particularly impressive. After a couple of stream crossings, the Larkya Glacier appears on the opposite bank. We reach a small brick hut at the base of the Larkya La (Pass) which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the pass. We will camp in the proximity of the hut.

Day 19. Cross Larkya La Pass and then to Bhimtang
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 scree as we follow the glacier. Progress is slow and creful but eventually we enter the valley of the Brdin Khola and continue to Bhimtang and our camp for the night.

Day 20. Trek to Tilje
The trek follows the Marshyangdi downstream and passes through a beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. Lots of photo opportunities on the way as the view of Himlung Himal and Manaslu Himal are just breath taking.

Day 21. Trek to Tal
We cross the bridge to the village of Thanje then continue and emerge on the banks of the Marsyangdi Khola. We are now on the main trekking trail, evident by the number of tea shops selling cakes and beer.! It is a long but easy downstream to enter the wide, flat valley and the village of Tal.

Day 22. Trek to Syange
The trail now basically follows the Marsyangdi downstream, sometimes climbing high above the hill and often crossing it to rejoin the meandering trail. Camp this night is at the riverside village of Syange.

Day 23. Trek to Bhulbuley
Today we descend to Ngadi and Bhulbuley. Rice and paddy fields carpets the landscape.

Day 24. Trek to Besisahar
Today is the final day of our trek. On arrival in Besisahar we will transfer by road back to Kathmandu.

Day 25. Trip concludes
Time to fly home. Co-ordinating with your flight time, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the International Airport for your flight departure.

NEPAL EXTENSIONS

There are a variety of interesting extensions you might choose to add on either before or after your trek. These options include:

Chitwan National Park:
It provides excellent opportunities to view the rare species such as sloth bear, bison, rhinoceros, leopard and the exclusive tiger. Early morning jungle walks and safaris on elephant back are amongst the most popular activities. The jungle lodge can be reached from Kathmandu either by air or by private vehicle.

White Water Rafting:
On the Trisuli or Seti Rivers.

Mount Everest Scenic Flight:
An hour flight departs Kathmandu early morning and provides spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Bhutan:
A five day cultural visit to Paro, Thimpu and Punakha.

Tibet:
A four day visit to Lhasa the capital city of Tibet.

Please contact the Alps in Nepal office if you plan to extend your trip and let us know in advance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expert Leadership
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. We have a very good selection of local leaders who are professionally trained and are among the most experienced in Nepal. Who better to look after you than your professional local leader, who speaks the language and knows the culture, intimately? The following people regularly lead this trek:

SANJAY GURUNG: Sanjay is an experienced trek leader who has been in this profession for last sixteen years. Besides trekking all over Nepal he has also led several trips to India and Tibet. His profound knowledge and easy going personality make him an ideal choice to lead treks for Alps in Nepal.

PETER CHETTRI: Peter holds a very good sense of humour and adventurous spirit which has made him an asset to the company. He was born in Nepal and brought up in Sikkim. As a graduate in Arts, he has a good command over both spoken and written English. He has been leading treks with Alps in Nepal for four years. He has done a first aid training specialised in Acute Mountain Sickness. His excellent leadership has always earned a good reputation to the company.

ASHIM SUBBA: Ashim is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. He went to the University in Calcutta and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Apart from being fluent in Nepali and English, he also speaks Japanese and has been involved in trekking for last two years. He has completed the first aid training including high altitude medicine. His expertness as a leader is one of the keys to our success.

Why Alps in Nepal is your first choice for Adventure
Alps in Nepal, combines the best of international standards with the deep knowledge of local experts. It offers you services and an experience that surpass those offered by the large international companies; with the reliability that local outfits lack. With over 15 years of experience we have successfully organized tours and treks for several thousand patrons who can testify the unique class of service we offer. Please feel free to ask us about the selection of your trip or for any further information.