Manaslu Trekking

Manaslu (8156m) is the world's seventh highest peak. This area, situated close to the Annapurna massif, was only opened for trekking in 1992 and is now acknowledged as one of the finest trekking routes. Heading north from Gorkha, along the Burhi Gandaki river, the route then turns westwards into a high alpine valley with typical Tibetan villages and a number of fine monasteries. A steeper ascent to Larkya La pass (5212m) is rewarded by stunning views of the Manaslu and Annapurna peaks. At Dharapani, we join the Annapurna circuit and follow the Marsyangdi river southrs. As beautiful as the famous "Annapurna circuit", this trek leads through unspoiled regions where we will meet few trekking groups.

18 Days Difficulty   Strenuous Maximum Altitude:5212m
DAY 01	Katmandu - Gorkha (bus).
Visit of the Gorkha royal palace and the Kali temple. An historic city, origin of the Sha dynasty that has provided most of the Nepalese kings since 1767.
DAY 02	Gorkha - Kanchok in 5hrs.
Nice views of the Gorkha Himal.
DAY 03	Kanchok - Arughat (670m) in 5hrs.
A pretty route through cultivated, terraced hillsides and villages. The trail goes up and down towards the Buri Gandaki river. We will follow this river for the next ten days.
DAY 04	Arughat - Labu Besi (880m) in 6h30.
The trail goes across forests populated by monkeys; we glance at great vistas of the Shringi Himal as we go. In this region, the Gurung women often wear elegant clothes and possess impressive sets of jewelry, bangles and saris.
DAY 05	Labu Besi - Khola Besi (950m) in 4hrs.
The trail goes along the river, with some steep legs.
DAY 06	Khola Besi - Jagat (1410m) in 5hrs.
We head upstream along the Buri Gandaki’s steep edge towards Tatopani, literally " hot springs ". Then, the trail goes up and down, again along the river, with some legs overhanging huge rapids.
DAY 07	Jagat - Ngyak (1530m) in 6hrs.
DAY 08	Ngyak - Ghap (2040m) in 5hrs.
The path goes through dense jungle up the narrow western gorge of the Buri Gandaki heading towards Manaslu. At times high above the river, which we will cross and re-cross on an incredible variety of bridges. In Ghap, we will admire some fine sculptures, mostly representing a meditating Buddha.
DAY 09	Ghap - Lho (3100m) in 5hrs.
We continue westwards through bamboo and rhododendron forests. Horse and yak caravans are numerous here, as the commerce with the upper Buri Gandaki valley and Tibet is prosperous.
DAY 10	Lho - Sama Gompa (3500m) in 5hrs.
We head straight towards Peak 29, ahead of us, then follow the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier towards Sama. Breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Northern Manaslu (7145m) and the Naike.
DAY 11	Sama Gompa - Samdo (3860m) in 3hrs.
We cross a high plateau now and skirt around the ridge of the lateral moraine. We then climb a terraced hillside to reach one of the most remote permanent settlements in Nepal. Samdo is only a day’s walk from Tibet, by the Lajyang La pass (5098m).
DAY 12	Samdo – Larkya refuge (4500m) in 5hrs.
The path become steeper and through the toundra, winds its way to the foot of the immense Larkya glacier pouring out of the Manaslu.
DAY 13	Larkya refuge - Larkya La (5212m) - Bimtang (3850m) in 7hrs.
We first climb towards Cho Chanda and then slowly head steeply uphill towards the snowed-up pass. From the top the panorama is magnificent: Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981m) and the Annapurna II (7937m). The descent is steep, through moraines, towards Bimtang.
DAY 14	Bimtang - Tilije (2400m) in 5h30.
The route gets easier. We start with a gentle climb through paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass and descend through fir tree and rhododendron forests to Tillije.
DAY 15	Tilije - Syamje (1350m) in 5hrs.
We now follow the trail downstream, through the steepest gorge of the Marsyangdi river.
DAY 16	Syamje - Bhulbule (1000m) in 5hrs.
DAY 17	Bhulbule - Besi Sahar (750m) in 4hrs.
DAY 18	Besi Sahar - Katmandu by bus.