Around Manaslu

Route itinerary

• Day 1-4

  Dhading - Sotikhola – Macha Khola – Jagat – Philim - Deng.

  Drive to Dhading, Gandaki River bed to Macha Khola by local or private jeep over winding roads with a view of terraced rice fields. First half of the journey will be a bit busy due to the main western highway but less traffic. Driving over gravel unpaved roads with puddles can be a bumpy and rough joyride. Local houses along the road and activities of local people are quite amazing experiences.

  After an overnight at Macha Khola- we start our trek from lower land with a hot and humid path crossing suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki River. Trek continues after the hot spring (Tatopani) , usually busy with transporting goods carried by donkeys, better stay on the safe side. Also you can see wild bee hives on the high rocky cliffs. Local little tea shops, Stone taps (Dhunge Dhara) and stone resting places “Chautara” we trek through Bramin, Chetri villages. Via hot spring, Tatopani, we trek overnight to Jagat (1410m).

  Next morning, after entering the checkpoint of Jagat, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP), we trek to Philim, a beautiful big Gurung village of the region. It has the view point for Shringi Himal (7161m) and Ganesh Himal ranges of 6000 meters above.

  Typical local houses made out of slates and stone, cattle grazing at the shades we continue through narrow paths with views of distant scattered villages. We then enter the hilly side, splitting the trekking trail to Larkya pass and Tsum valley. We take the northern left route entering the millet field. Continue until Nyak Phedi (2240m). After Ekal Bhatti – it is steep until a grassy slope and pine forest which marks a pleasant walk to Deng (1800m). It is a Gurung village, but it seems to have a strong Tibetan influence.

• Day 5-8

  Ghap – Namrung – Lho – Sama Gaon.

  By crossing Budi Gandaki and its steep ascent, you will have reached Lana Village. The path from Lana becomes a gentle ascent on the flank.  After passing frequent Mani stones and Chorten, the path will go down to the riverside again. Climb back up onto the river terrace, and the path will pass below the village of Bhi. Continue until another cultivated field and a stone gate brings you to the village of Ghap. Another big village for an overnight stay is Namrung (2630m). Through the villages of Barsam, Lihi, Sho then to Lho all contain wide fields with houses presenting fluttering Buddhist prayer flags (Lungta). Many Mani Mantra carved walls in between the trails. From Shyala (3500m) stunning panoramic view of Mountains Naike Peak, Manaslu North Peak (7,157m) and the long awaited Manaslu (8,163 m). The path that goes straight will lead directly to Sama Goan.

  • Day 9 options include trips during the rest day at Sama Gaon: Pema Choeling Gompa and Birendra Glacier Lake (3570m).
  • Optional visit to the viewpoint top of the hill is Monastery, Pema Choeling Gompa and Birendra glacier lake (3570m).
  • Optional visit for acclimatization during stay in Sama Gaon: is Pungen Glacier – 5 hours. Pungen Gompa or Honsanbu Gompa (3,450m) and further to Pungen Glacier which takes 2 hrs from the Sama Goan which we explore during optional side trip for acclimatization day, from here you have excellent view of Peak 29, Mt. Manaslu and many other peaks.
  • Optional visit for acclimatization during stay in Sama Gaon: is Manaslu Base Camp (4800m) – 7-8 hours.
  • Manaslu base camp takes longer further up Birendra glacier lake (Tal), advisable to strong hikers. Closer view and glacier walk, usually advisable only if weather allows.
• Day 10-12

  Samdo – Dharamsala (Larkyala Phedi)-Cross Larky La pass(5160m)– Bhimthang (3900m).

  Enjoy a pleasant trek on the flat land, where bushes and meadows are mixed. Soon after you descend to the shores of the Budhi Gandaki, you will cross the wooden bridge over the dark stream from Manaslu Glacier. Walk a short trek after climbing the terraced hill on the opposite bank and you will see the Village of Samdo which is a big settlement with about 40 – 50 houses. – 3 hrs. From here only locals are allowed to visit or graze their herds. In summer, the majority of the locals gather to collect special herbs.  The next morning, trek with the barren view of Larkya pass trail to cross over the river and uphill to Dharamsala (Larkya base 4460m). The lodges in Dharamsala are comfortable for trekkers and do possess very basic facilities in this harsh terrain. 

  Before dawn, we start to ascend the left ridge until you reach the top of the moraine at 4690m. The trail becomes rougher and longer as altitude gains, it crosses the moraine to the south of steep, grassy slopes. On the left is Larkya glacier. Continue following the marker poles till the top where the prayer flags await at the summit of the Larkya pass at 5160m with a beautiful mountain view. You will see the west is wide open with Cheo Himal (6820m), Nemjung (7140m), Gyaji Kang (7038m) and Kang Guru (6981m). With the joy of the summit, follow a steep descent on the snow-coated slope. Continue until moraine and spend the night at Bhimthang valley at 3750 meters. 8-9 hours.

• Day 13-15

  Goa – Tilje- Dharapani - Tal – Khudi – Besi Shahar – Kathmandu.

  Descending down through the rhododendron and oak forest via Goa and Tilje. We will trek the river bed of Dudh Khola, crossing the suspension bridge over Duna and Marsyangdi river. Later stop at Dharapani, which is the junction for Annapurna route. There are plenty of lodges. Follow the downhill smooth trekking route back to Tal, Khudi – and finally, drive by jeep to Besishahar to continue onto Prithvi highway to Kathmandu.

Tour Map

Mrs. Meena Sherpa

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