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Fixed Departure
Overview
Manaslu at 8163 meters (26, 775'fit) is the 8th highest peak in the world and is located near to the border of Nepal and Tibet. This trek was officially opened in 1991 which is lies between the two big rivers, the Budi Gandaki and the Marshyangdi. This area offers a combination of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty and biological diversity. Trekking in Manaslu region is one of the most spectacular treks in the Himalaya which is located in the eastern part of Nepal offering impressing natural scenery. Manaslu was attempted by Japanese expeditions every year from 1952 until 1956, when the first ascent was made then its became known as a '”Japanese Mountain”
Manaslu trek begin from the historic centre of Gorkha after a 6-7 hrs drive from Kathmandu. The trail heads up the valley of the Buri Gandaki River through wild and unexplored country inhabited mainly by members of the Gurung ethnic group. The trail circumvents interesting Manaslu peak (8156m) crossing Larkya pass at (5100m) and then joins the river valley of the Dudh Khola and finally emerges onto the Marshyangdi river valley along the main trail of Annapurna circuit. You will have two options as where to conclude your trek. Continue descending along the Marshyangdi river valley through the rhododendron & oak forests and finally conclude the trek at Bhubule and drive to Kathmandu. Any physically fit person can do this trip anytime from March to May in spring season and September to November in autumn season.
Highlights
* Rim of the Kathmandu city tour.
* Scenic dirt road driving to Gorkha Bazar from Kathmandu
* Visit the legendary town Gorkha
* Exploring the Budhi Gandaki River valley.
* Experience the Nepalese and Tibetan mixture culture.
* Walking between the borders of Nepal and Tibet
* Crossing Larkya La over 5215 meters.
* Pristine mountain views
* Visit ancient monastery in Samagaon
* Larkya La Bazzar
* Tibetan monks inhabit sacred
* Innumerable Buddhist prayer flags
Trip Summary
| Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous |
|---|---|
| Trip Duration | 19 nights/20 days |
| Trip code | NAP-MAN-404 |
| Trip Start/Ends | Kathmandu, Arughat/Bhulbule, Kathmandu |
| Maximum Altitude | Crossing Larke-La (5135m) |
| Trip Cost | On Request |
| Group Size | Minimum 2 upto 16 passengers |
| Accessibillity | Drive to Gorkha to trailhead from Kathmandu, start the trek according to the itinerary, after Larke-La pass from Bhulbule drive back or trek to Kathmandu. |
| The Route | Crossing Larke-La [5135m], 5/7-hrs average walking per day, moderate to strenuous trail. |
| Season | Sept – Nov/March - April |
| Permit Fee | USD 90 per passenger |
| Trip Valid | This offer is valid on reservations made from September through December 31, 2018. |
| Trip Facilities | Standard hotel in city, home-stay/tented accommodation during the trekking period. |
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.
A 7-8 hour's drive from Kathmandu into the western mountains takes us to Arughat via Dhadingbesi, headquarter of the Dhading district. Through the dirt road from Dhadingbesi viewing the greenery hills we reach Arughat, our trek start point. Arughat is a major town in the region and is divided in two parts with the Budhi Gandaki River flowing between them.
We cross the bridge over Budhi Gandaki and begin our trek from the western part of Arughat., we follow the stone-paved street north through the bazaar. We pass through the hydro- electric power plant, fields of rice and millet to Mangaltar, and through forests we arrive at Shanti Bazar. The trail to Budhi Gandaki valley now becomes steeper and the trek more difficult as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing the shops of Arkhet Bazar. Descend to a high, cascading waterfall making a long steep slog up a ridge to Kuerepani. Then from here the trail descends to Soti Khola.
This day, the path from here at times cuts into the steep valley, which is densely forested, passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, till we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Burhi Gandaki River. The terraced cultivated fields belong to the upper village of Lapubesi. From here our path descends to the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side. We have last climb up to brings you at near villages where is some teashops and nearby we will camp for overnight.
The trail leads to more interesting farm villages and fields as the vegetation changes slowly, after crossing bridge and heading upstream to the tiny village of Kholabesi and the hot springs at Tatopani. From here the valley sides becomes steeper, until the path becomes impassable the route then switches to the left bank of the river by way of suspension bridge. We have a short section of forest path coming to some teahouses at Dovan. Above Dovan the Buri Gandaki River flows down in an impressive torrent rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river becomes calmer, meandering across a broad gravel bed. On reaching Lauri we cross the Vana River on a suspension bridge from here leading to a climb on a high path, and then descending into open valley at place known as Yara Khola. Here, there many good camping spots depending upon the hours of walk and the condition of the trail. Our journey continues on for another hour to the village of Jagat for overnight.
Firstly we descends to a long series of stone steps to the river from here the path climbs a terraced hillside to Salleri, overlooking distance view of Sringi Himal (7187m) from this spot, the walk follows ups and down trail as we reach to the bridge over Budi Gandaki, after crossing the bridge from Ghata Khola, the path winds up towards Philim village. From here the trails climbs slowly along the hillside passing through small settlements of Aga, Lokwa. After Lokwa it’s a downhill to camp at a small place Ekle Bhati near Shiar Khola with great views looking over the valley towards Pangsing. An hour walk after Ekle Bhatti, we cross to the east side of the river. The path follows up and down in some section the trail is cut into the sheer cliff walls, after this dramatic portion the track finally improves as the walk leads to Deng village for the overnight.
From Deng the houses and terrains completely changes into more Tibetan like from here onwards. The people here are of Tibetan origin along with their ancient culture. Villagers of this areas cultivates buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops, beside this since trekking became popular around this area, spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown. Our journey continues for another two hours on this steep sided and impressive valley, coming across Mani prayer stone and finally at Ghap village for the overnight camp which straddles the river across a short wooden bridge. There is a strong Tibetan influence at this village
We onwards the trekking is pleasantly cool as we begin to gain height and enter the alpine forest. The walk continues steeper up as the valley opens out with quite extensive pastures with more steady climb then crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidana Glacier, with magnificent view of the snow peaks on the north Kutang Himal range with Pang Phuchin (6335m), and Saula Himal (6235m) and other unnamed peaks of over (6000m). On the southern lies the Manaslu Himal and Simang Himal range with its array of over (7000m) peaks. The walk is pleasant; with gradual uphill the altitude gains slowly as you reach at farm villages Namrung passing the fir and rhododendrons forest and overnight at camp.
This day we pass the few small villages and bring us to Lho, a large village with a lovely little monastery and numerous Chorten and Mani walls. We continue trek further with a many snow caped mountain view passing some small villages. A couple of hours further lead us to Sama Gaon village, with superb view of Mt. Manaslu. Sama Gaon, one of the biggest village of this region, the people are mostly farmers growing what they could in this harsh terrains and cold climate, like buck wheat, barley are the main crops, potatoes and few varieties of vegetables grow in this soil. The people like their ancestors descended from Tibet as early as 300 years back, the culture and their living style is very much like they predecessor. The people of this area still trade with Tibet taking 2 or 3 days to week. The border to Tibet is a day walk for the locals. It is one of the old salt trade route from Nepal to Tibet. We’ll camp at near Gompa and explore the surrounding area and visit Monastery which is a biggest one in the area.
This day is full day rest and relax at the camp for acclimatization or you can spend the day hike up the lake, monastery or by relaxing and exploring Sama Gompa village. This is big Tibetan community. You will see fabulous view of Manasalu and stroll back to camp for overnight stay.
After acclimatization at Sama Gompa, this day's trek climbs slowly towards Samdo and beyond. Actually the walk to Samdo is not too far can be done within 3-4 hours but due to the increase in altitude and the dry air makes the walk a little slower than previous days, we need to gain the height slowly taking time and enjoying the view around as we come to the village of Samdo. From the campsite we cross a high plateau and skirt around the ridge of lateral moraine heading towards Kermo Kharka and Kermo Mamam, as the trek advance near to Samdo village we then climb a terraced hillside on the opposite bank of Budi Gandaki reaching one of the most remote permanent settlements in Nepal, at Samdo. It is quite a sizable village of some 40 houses with 200 villagers who live in this most severe condition. This is the last village before Larkya-La. Camp is made near the village.
From Samdu the track leads to more barren areas, walk begins on the wild mountain path crossing the Gyala Khola, then ascending to the ridge where there is a ruins of a village known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably this village once thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya-La, a trade which at present has diminished. Our walk nearing the Larkya Glacier reaching Duwang, where there is a lodge, built to serve travellers crossing the Larkya -La which lies now just ahead.
The walk from Larkya Phedi towards the top of Larkya-La at (5135m) is gradual winding climb. We make an early morning start to prepare for the crossing of the highest pass on this trek, a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier with magnificent 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 in the last section to the top of the pass. From the pass, outstanding views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II can be seen. After a wonderful moment on the highest spot, a long descend follows over snow to reach the valley trail to Larcia. A further hour on a moraine ridge path leads to Tambuche at (3900m) and with a short distance walk from here to camp at Bhimthang a lovely place on a broad and level valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted house.
After the long days walk to Bhimthang, the walk from here to Dharapani will be pleasant through the forest of pines, rhododendron and summer pastures with occasional view of the nearby snow peaks. From Bhimthang after crossing this high pasture, we descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the base camp of the west side of Manasalu. From a ridge we have excellent views of Manasalu to the south east and Annapurna II to the south west. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, we descend and follow a trail through narrow valley and into serene forest and camp on the meadows amidst the forest surrounding in perfect tranquility after 4-5hours of easy walk to near or after Karche (2785m) for the overnight.
From here the track leads downhill through the forest passing through a small summer settlement at Goh and then after an hour or more of gradual walk, we climb through terraced fields to the Karche-La, and can see ahead a green and heavily forested valley, dropping down to the distant Marsyangdi River, after few hours of walk coming to the village of Tilje following the Dudh river downstream. We pass a number of villages, including Thonje, where there is a check post. From the Tilje, an hour climbs to cross the bridge and then coming to where the main trail of Annapurna circuit joins at Dharapani village for the overnight stop.
This day we trek downstream follow the Marshyangdi river passing though the Tal and Chamje village with few steps up and down hill through the rive deep gorge and brings you at Jagat village for the overnight.
This day as a continuing follows the river passing some villages and crossing the river on th Suspension River. Take you through the local houses and some up and down hill grand terrace landscapes. This may have wonderful chances on the way of big waterfall and enjoy the scenic landscapes and last part takes you and 40 minutes steep climb up to the Bahundanda for the lunch stop then we firstly trek down and gentle walk up to the Bhulbule
This day, we drive back to Kathmandu through the scenic view of the countryside and passing through headquarter of the Lamjung called Besishahar which is a starting point of Annapurna Circuit trek. We back to Kathmandu and check in to hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel and overnight.
This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing.
After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.
Cost Included
* Fee: Manaslu special permit, National Park entrance permit & TIMS card
* Activities: Sightseeing & hiking trip as per the itinerary.
* Equipment: All necessary camping equipments and kitchen utilize
* Accommodation: 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu, and 18 nights at tented during trekking
* Food: Full board on camping [/lieakfast, lunch and dinner] during the trekking and 4 /lieakfast and one farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.
* Staffs: Trekking Leader/Guide and necessary supporter
* Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation by land transportation.
* Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation
Cost Excluded
* International flight, departure taxes
* Travel insurance covering with emergency Helicopter rescue
* Personal equipment
* Lunch and Dinner while in City
* Bar bills and Beverages
* Tips/Gratuities for trekking crews
* Optional activities
* And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point
Trip Notes
Arrival Information: We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us at nap@wlink.com.np or call us at +9779851050327 as emergency contact. Our airport representative will be waiting with your Name or Nepal Adventure Point sign on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival gate and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes , we recommend that you make your own way to the hotel and we will pay you back taxi cost if this occurs.
Pre-meeting and trip briefing: On this trek, we give a short brief about Manaslu Circuit Trek via Larke Pass trip at hotel on the same day of your arrival and introduce by your group leader and team members. At the mean time, we will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your trip. Pre-trip meeting covers the information regarding the personal equipment, acclimatization among others. We believe that pre-trip meeting is very important in order to better preparation of the trip.
Service Level: This trip is leveled as a standard which means standard hotel rooms are provided with breakfast, sightseeing tours and guest houses and lodges with private room with share bathroom.
Group Size & group joining: The minimum group size is 4 and the maximum is 16. However, if you'd like to make a group booking for more than that, we will be happy to arrange this for you. Our entire trip is a group joining basis unless any one does not request the private or the personal trip.
Important Stuffs: Manaslu special permit, national park entrance permit and TIMS card required for Manaslu Circuit Trek via Larke Pass trip so we suggest you to post us 6 passport-size photos copies of passport & visa (If you already taken the visa from your homeland), insurance policy. You should also have contact numbers of next to kin, Bank and insurance company and your travel agent/ flight booking office.
Accommodation: On Manaslu circuit trekking trip, you will be sleeping and eating on tents. Camping trek team includes a team of leader/guide, cook, Sherpa, kitchen staffs and porters. We provide standard hotels in Kathmandu like hotel Manang/Marshyangdi or similar category with breakfast.
Single supplement: All accommodations are based on double occupancy. If you prefer single accommodations, you must pay a single supplement fee, which is listed to the trip itinerary. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If there is no one with whom you can share, you are required to pay a "forced" single supplement fee, which is usually half of the regular price supplement. On some trips, and/or some places, single accommodations are not available.
Food and Drink: The meals are includes on this trip, mostly the buffet style breakfast will be provided in the hotel in city. We provide plenty of hygienic, tasty and nutritious meals three times a day which could be in form of a variety of local and western dishes. Breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a plain dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided with all meals. Nepal Adventure Point always encourages using locally produced grains and vegetables to make sure they are fresh enough. Our experienced staffs always make sure to feed you with hygienic and well cooked food of remarkably high standards as they know good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. The vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate/iodine and you are always served with boiled water. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing.
Staffs: Manaslu circuit trekking trip are accompanied by one of our local group leaders, one assistant guide will provide above 8 trekkers. This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group fall sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. Our local leader prides themselves on a thorough knowledge of the mountains, the people and villagers who live there, the flora, the fauna, and historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of the region in which you will be travelling.
Believing that the porters are important and impossible to complete the trip so besides your leader and assistants guide the camping trek will be accompanied by a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals and the several porters or pack animals to transport all the gear from camp to camp. We do not allow porters to carry exceeding 30kgs weight during the camping treks. It is because of human being respect, their rights and against any exploitation on its operation. We provide good health insurance, good equipments, working training and of course good pay with lots of encouragements. You can leave the rest of your luggage at the hotel where you were staying before the start of the trek, or at our local agent's office.
Daily feature of Camping Trek: Normally you will be woken at around 6AM with a cup up hot tea and followed by a small bowl of hot water to wash your face brought to your tent. Before breakfast you pack your gear into your kit bag which is then taken by the porters and will not usually be available to you until camp that afternoon. We are usually on the trail between 7.00AM - 7.30AM. Following a good morning's walk around 3-hrs lunches will service en-route each day at a picturesque sport at around 12/01 PM usually an hour lunch break to allow for the trekker's. After lunch, our tents builder Sherpa will go ahead and set up the camp. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 3PM to 4PM. When you reached at the camp, everything will be ready and afternoon tea will be served. Until dinner there is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with the crew and local people. The dinner is usually served around 7:00 PM to 7:30PM. In the evening afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining in some singing and dancing with your trekking crews or with the local people, its always a special time till around 9PM then the time to sleep.
Acclimatization: Keep in mind that you will be passing above 5000m and reaching at goal destination during the journey to the desired trekking. Walking fast at such elevation could lead to medical complications (Acute Mountain Sickness) which could be serious. There is less oxygen compared to sea level in high-altitudes places. The higher, altitude will be the less oxygen in air. Your body needs a days to acclimatize to this environment, which is why we will stop a day rest in trails-head destination. Although we provide information regarding AMS insurance, the only option for treatment is descending (evacuation). We advise that clients with known heart, lung or blood diseases, or clients over the age of 60 to discuss with their doctor before traveling with us. Symptoms of AMS include mild to severe headaches, dizziness, fever, loss of appetite or stomach pain; it is important to alert our staff if you are feeling poorly to ensure that illness does not progress.
Safety & Security: Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jeweler at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Health & Medical Advice: Traveller must have the good level of fitness for mountain trekking, at least walking 7-8 hours each day at high elevation, climbing and high expedition you are requested to have the complete medical improvement from your travel doctor to attend the trip. You should consult with your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before you are travelling. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements although our leader is carrying enough. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. NAP reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance should provide us up on arrival. Such travel insurance must cover medical, emergency evacuation and full trip cancellation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Packing list: While packing for trekking, warm clothing is important to ensure comfort and safety.have a suggested packing list to guide you in preparation:
Trekking boots and sandals for rest
Wind proof down jacket
Woolen T-shirt/base layer
T-shirts
A thick pullover/fleece
Shorts / skirt for sunny days
Trousers / track suit or long pants
Thermal long underwear
Water bottle
Warm socks (woolen is best)
Swiss army knife
Flashlight with spare batteries
Sunglasses and Sun cream
Personal medical supplies
Towel
Day pack for your valuables (camera, money, Passport etc.) and rucksack or duffel bag for your clothes
Warm woolen hat and Gloves
A Tailor-made itinerary: It is possible to customize your suggested trip itinerary. Perhaps you would like to treat yourself to different hotel or add a few extra days to the itinerary? You can also request a transfer to another destination if you like. Just let us know what you want when you complete the quote request form or call or email us for more help. We will help design the tour to suit your specific requirements and dates.
Itinerary Disclaimer: This information is provided in good faith. However, we have design our entire adventure travel itineraries and holidays with care and experiences that stem from our previous clients, comments and our own research. We must understand that adventure travel goes to the remote part of the mountain where weather, physical conditions of team member and flight delayed or cancel will affect the plan itinerary without prior notice so NAP reserve the right to change itinerary at any time without any pre consultation with clients. Our itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us because of our walking style, physical level and the regions we visit, please understand us travel can be unpredictable. Whatever we have provided in this Trip Details document is a general guide to understand of our travel destinations.
Spending Money: Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping.
Money Exchange: American Dollars are we accepted in Asia and exchange rates fluctuate often. There are many ATM machines in major cities that accept both Visa and MasterCard. Most shops also accept visa and master card but they may charge a 2-4% service charge fee.
Trip Members' Responsibility: Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. We are also happy to discuss the trip with you. Trip members are responsible for preparing for the trip by studying the detailed itinerary and for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as advised.
Respect Local Dress: In Nepal the standard dress is more conservative than it is backing home. In predominately while you travel in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlet’s/tank tops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites or local villages.
Transportation: Deluxe private vehicle are provided while on city tour, airport transfers, tourist standard buses to and from your trekking or climbing destination.
Additional trip and hotel: In addition to this tour, we can organize trip extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try white water rafting or go on a jungle safari in the deep jungles of Chitwan National Park or take a cultural tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet, Bhutan or India, whichever appeals more to you.
If you also wish to add extending trips or extra nights hotel accommodation before or after your trip then sent us details via e-mail or fill in our online booking form.
Tipping: It's not compulsory but tipping the porters and guides is customary and always greatly appreciated. A rough guideline is US$ 4-7 per person a day for guide and US$ 3-5 per person a day for the porter, however if you wish to tip more that is always welcome.
Clients Feedback: We are not 100% but we do always committed to providing the best service to make complete satisfaction in order to maintain the best value what you have paid and expect. Your feedbacks are always welcome and appreciated; they provide valuable insight for us for future trips. We are happy to give you the opportunity to communicate openly about your thoughts and experiences with us. Please leave your feedback with us at the end the trip. Both your good and not so good comments will help us to make our service more effective and efficient in the future.