Manaslu Circuit with Base Camp Trekking Holiday - 19 Days
MANASLU CIRCUIT WITH BASE CAMP TREKKING HIGHLIGHTS:
- Get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
- A secret paradise with a very rich biodiversity.
- Escape the busy treks of Annapurna.
- More than a trek: an immersion to new cultures.
- Breathtaking vistas and spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, also known as the “Mountain of The Spirit”.
- An excellent introduction to Nepal's lesser known sights.
- Excursion to Manaslu Base Camp included.
- 19 different types of forests.
- Impressive suspension bridges swinging high over rivers.
- Open to foreign travelers since 1991.
- Enjoy the natural scenery of the Manaslu Region.
DAY 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 02. KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING AND TREK BRIEFING
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with our private city guide - by private car / van. We will visit:
After the sightseeing tour, we will conduct a pre-departure briefing.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 03. Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola | ≈ 8 hours
Early in the morning, we will drive from Kathmandu to Arughat by private vehicle. Then, we will drive to Soti Khola (starting point of the trek) by local jeep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 04. Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (930m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
Our first trekking day. We will walk to Machha Khola, via the Gurung village "Labubesi". We will begin our hike through the terraced rice fields. Then, the trail will become little more challenging at times with numerous steep ascents and descents on a rocky terrain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 05. Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1370m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will follow the Budhi Gandaki river to Khorlabesi. Then, we will pass Tatopani and its hot springs. We will cross a suspension bridge and continue our hike to Dovan. We will cross the Yaru river, before reaching Jagat. Jagat is the entrance (checkpoint) of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 06. Trek from Jagat to Deng (2095m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
Long hiking day from Jagat to Deng with amazing views on Shringi Himal and jaw-dropping waterfalls along the way. We will walk to Salleri, before hiking down to Philim, entrance of the Tsum Valley. Then, we will continue our trek through the bamboo and pine forest up to Deng, via Ekle Bhatti and Pewa villages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 07. Trek from Deng to Namrung (2550m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will continue our trek through the fir, spruce and pine forest. You will probably see a lot of monkeys (Langurs). Numerous steep ascents and descents before reaching Ghap, via Rana village. Then, we will climb up to Namrung, where we will spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 08. Trek from Namrung to Lho (3110m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Beautiful hiking day from Namrung to Lho, via Sho village. Fantastic views of Ganesh Himal, Chuli Himal and Manaslu. You will be gaining elevation today. In order to acclimatize to high altitude, we will stay in Lho village. We will visit the buddhist monastery in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 09. Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon (3520m) | ≈ 3-4 hours
Short hiking day. We will continue our ascent through the rhododendron forest, from Lho to Shyala. Then, we will hike to the Sama Gaon plateau. Magnificent panoramic views on Manaslu, eighth highest mountain in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 10. Sama Gaon - Manaslu Base Camp Excursion (4800m)
Today, we will have 2 options:
- Hiking to the Manaslu Base Camp to enjoy the fantastic views,
- Hiking to the Birendra Tal (frozen lake) and the Pungyen Gompa.
We cannot spent the night at the Manaslu Base Camp due to high altitude gain so, we will follow the essential safety rule in trekking: "Hike high, sleep low" and return to Sama Gaon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 11. Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3800m) | ≈ 3-4 hours
Short ascent from Sama Gaon to Samdo village. This region is known for its Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal) and caravans of yaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 12. Rest day in Samdo
The key to a successful trek in the Himalayas is a proper acclimatization to high altitude. Hike around Samdo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 13. Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Short hike (4-5 hours). We will climb up to Dharamsala. We will rest in the afternoon in order to be ready for tomorrow's big challenge: crossing the Larkya La Pass (5125m).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 14. Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang (3590m) via Larkya La Pass (5125m) | ≈ 8-9 hours
We will start our hike early in the morning and cross Larkya La Pass (5125m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of Himlung Himalayan, Kang Kuru, Annapurna II and Cheo Himal. Then, long descent to the Bimthang plateau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 15. Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2300m) | ≈ 6 hours
We will descend through the magnificent rhododendron forest, from Bimthang to Tilije, via the village of Gho.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 16. Trek from Tilije to Chamje (1430m) | ≈ 4 hours
Our last trekking day. We will join the Annapurna circuit route and walk down to Chamje.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea house.
DAY 17. Drive from Chamje to Kathmandu (9-10 hours)
We will drive from Chamje to Besisahar by local jeep. Then, from Besisahar, we will drive back to Kathmandu by private vehicle. Lunch and dinner en-route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 18. Free day in Kathmandu
We kept this additional day as a contingency day in case of unforeseen circumstances. If everything goes well, then you will have some free time to rest, do some shopping or visit Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Lalitpur.
In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you will also enjoy a Nepali cultural dance show.
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
DAY 19. Departure
After a fun-filled trekking holiday, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast.
Please note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline; local conditions and weather may necessitate slight itinerary variations. We strongly advise allowing 1 to 2 extra contingency days in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks and med-heavy wool socks.
- Gaiters.
- Crampons.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Trekking shirts.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Balaclava.
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Flashlight.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Insect repellent.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle).
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 members : 1 porter).
- All ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu and Tea houses during the trek.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Trekking map for the group.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu on day 2.
- Entrance fees.
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner in Kathmandu).
- Tips for porters, guides & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
Kathmandu: 3-Star Hotel.
During trek: Tea houses.
The rooms in the tea houses (or guest houses) in the Manaslu region are simple; the quality varies and the comfort becomes more basic as you ascend in altitude. Hot water for showers are sometimes available at an additional cost. At high altitude, hot showers sometimes mean a bucket of warm water. Most of the tea houses have basic access to electricity (power outages are common at high altitudes) and WiFi is not always available (you'll have often to pay a fee to have access to the WiFi and plug your devices). The rooms do not have heaters; bring a sleeping bag with you for the nights at high altitudes. Toilets (often squat toilets) are most of the time outside the rooms; tea houses do not always provide toilet paper (at least, not always for free); do not forget to bring a couple of rolls with you.
Meals:
Kathmandu: Breakfasts & Farewell Dinner.
During the trek: Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Very active walker-climber in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 6 to 10 hours in a day.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.
