| Duration: | 15 Days | Trip Code: | CO-251 |
| Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous | Max-Altitude: | 5160 m/16, 924 ft |
| Meals: | All meals during the trek and BB in Kathmandu | Accommodation: | Three-start Hotel in Kathmandu and standard tea houses during trek |
| Group size: | minimum 2 | Transportation: | Private Transportation |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Trekking | Best Season | March to May, Mid September to Mid December |
Trek to Manaslu in 15 days is the shortest itinerary that we offer. However, this trek ensures complete contentment. Exploring the region while witnessing the Himalayan beauty including Manaslu, the eighth tallest peak in the world could be adventurous, but also challenging and strenuous. Strikingly beautiful nature and authentic culture of the ethnicities originating from neighbouring Tibet highlight the trek. Peace and non-violence form the crux of the culture in the region. The highest point in this trek is the Larkya La Pass which is considered one of the most dramatic passes crossing the Himalayas. One can enjoy the remoteness and solitude during this trek and completely immerse into the Himalayan delights. The trail itself is quite intense with enduring ups and downs as you traverse temperate and sub-alpine vegetation as well as breathtaking gorges.
Classic Outdoors offers you this standard package of 15 days starting in Kathmandu. It is worth your notice that we would require a copy of your visa along with passport to have the Manaslu trekking permits ready. If applying for a pre-arrival visa is not an option for you, it would be necessary to include an extra day before your trek departure.
We offer multiple guaranteed group departures each month and have a special discount for a group. Our well-researched itineraries ensure you get the ultimate adventure experience with worthwhile side trips. A slightly longer and easier alternative of 18 days i.e. Manaslu Circuit trek allows a rest day before the pass. We also organize trips to other remote destinations such as Upper Mustang Trek and Dolpo Trek.
The itinerary below is fully customizable. If you have any ideas for side trips during the trek or any trips before or after the trek, we can make the necessary arrangements to seamlessly incorporate the trips into your program. You may get in touch directly by calling at +977-9851223737 or +977-9823632097. We’re also on WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype. We speak English, Hindi, and Nepali.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Day 02: Kathmandu: UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola [900m/2952 ft]: 8 - 9 hours
Day 04: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat [1340m/4396ft], 5 to 6 hours
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Deng [1,804m/5,917 ft]: 7 - 8 hours
Day 06: Trek Deng to Namrung [2,630m/8,626ft]: 7 - 8 hours
Day 07: Trek Namrung to Samagaon [3,530m/11,578 ft]: 6 - 7 hours
Day 08: Trek Samagaon – Pungyen gompa – Samagaon: 6 - 7 hours of exploration
Day 09: Trek Samagaon to Samdo [3,860m/12,660 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Day 10: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi [4460m/14,628 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Day 11: Trek Dharamsala – Larkya La [5,160m/16,924 ft] – Bimthang [3,720m/12,201 ft]: 8 - 9 hours
Day 12: Trek Bimthang to Goa [2515m/8251 ft]: 5 - 6 hours
Day 13: Trek Goa to Tal [1700m/5576 ft]: 6 - 7 hours
Day 14: Drive Tal to Kathmandu via Besishahar: 8 - 9 hours; Farewell Dinner in the evening
Day 15: Final departure
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes:
For further information or queries, please contact us or email us at [email protected]
Day 02: Kathmandu: UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
The Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing tour includes 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with in the Kathmandu Valley. The tour commences around 9 AM. The tour is in a private car. An experienced English-speaking guide and a professional driver would be at your service. Kathmandu Durbar Square (aka Basantapur), Baudhanath, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath are the four sites. Any missed trekking gears or equipments may be procured in the shops of Thamel.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola [900m/2952 ft]
Total duration: 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The drive begins early morning (between 7 and 8 AM). The initial section of the drive to Dhading Besi is along a back-topped road taking mostly alongside the Trishuli River. From Dhading Besi, a gravelled road winds through villages, terraced farms, and forests to reach Aarughat. Aarughat is a major town in the area. From Aarughat, the drive continues further alongside the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Soti Khola and further to Machha Khola. Overnight at Machha Khola.
Day 4: Maccha Khola – Jagat [1410m/ 4625 ft]
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Our destination for today is Jagat. We begin along a mostly flat trail that eventually climbs onto Tatopani where a natural hot spring awaits. Walking further, we reach a wide ridge across the suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki. From here the trails are relatively easier as we hike up and down well-crafted steps to Dobhan. From Dobhan we continue towards Thado Bharyang crossing the suspension bridge over Yarkhu Khola and walking along a steep trail. We finally reach Jagat after crossing over to the west bank of Budhi Gandaki. Jagat is a beautiful village worth spending the night.
Day 5: Jagat – Deng [1,804m/5917 ft]
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, we begin our trek by climbing a rocky ridge to Salleri. From Salleri we drop down to Sirdibas and then to Ghatta Khola. We arrive at Philim, a large Gurung village on the other side of a long suspension bridge. From Philim we proceed towards Ekle Bhatti passing small hamlets and millet fields. From here the trail enters a steep gorge. We walk downhill along the grassy slopes to cross Budhi Gandaki through dense bamboo forests to reach Deng Khola (River). The village of Deng lies on the other side of the river. Overnight at Deng.
Day 6: Deng – Namrung [2630m/8626ft]
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Destination today–Namrung. An uphill hike starts our trek before arriving at Rana (1910m). From here we walk towards Ghap passing through forest and Mani walls. From Ghap we trace our trail towards Prok village from where we can view the amazing vista of Siringi Himal. Numerous Gompas (monasteries) en route make for an exciting walk. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes sparse and the trail flattens. The pleasant walk continues until the final steep climb for the day, arriving at Namrung. Overnight at Namrung.
Day 7: Namrung – Samagaon [3530m/11,578 ft]
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Namrung is a good viewpoint for Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. We can also see the beautiful Mt. Hiunchuli in the south. After spending some time at Namrung we proceed towards Lihi, a small village with beautifully terraced barley fields and few settlements. This village is adorned by many Chortens. We can see Ganesh Himal at a very close distance from this village. We further pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We can enjoy majestic views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. We stand witness to an all-round vista of magnificent peaks like Hiunchuli and Peak 29 (Nagdi Chuli) to our left, Mt. Manaslu and a large glacier towards our front, and other Peaks towards our right along with Ganesh Himal. We walk further to Samagaon and overnight.
Day 8: Samagaon – Pungyen Gompa – Samagaon (Exploration day)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We spend the day exploring Samagaon and taking the day to make a trip to Pungyen Gompa before returning overnight at Samagaon. It aids our acclimatization. Samagaon is a beautiful village with Mani stoned walls in abundance and chortens. The inhabitants share a close affinity with Tibetan culture. Dressed in traditional attire and ornaments, it is fascinating to observe the daily lifestyle here. A short walk from here takes us to the top of a small hill where we can explore Pungyen Gompa, a historic monastery. This place also offers a great view of the Pungyen Glacier and the surrounding peaks. After spending some time here we head back to Samagaon for dinner and rest.
Day 9: Samagaon – Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft]
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The initial section of the trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail on our left leads to Manaslu Base Camp –a possible side trip. The other trail leads to Larkya La. Mani walls continue to adorn our trail. The trail is now relatively easy as the valley widens. We walk through birch and juniper forests until we reach Kermo Kharka. From this point, the trail drops down and crosses over a wooden bridge above the Budhi Gandaki River. The steep trail climbs onto a kani to continue further to Samdo. Overnight at Samdo.
Day 10: Samdo – Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. [4460m/14, 628 ft]
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We hike down, cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and then start to climb uphill. We walk past the giant Larkya Glacier. From here we drop down to Dharamsala (a stoned guest house) situated at 4,450m. We can take a rest during the day and explore the surrounding area in the evening. Overnight at Dharamsala.
Day 11: Dharamsala – Larkya La [5160m/16, 924 ft] – Bimthang [3720m/12, 201 ft]
Total duration: 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We have a long day in-store. First off, we reach the valley to the north of Larkya Glaciers. This is the point that offers an amazing view of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. After crossing the moraine of the glaciers, we continue our ascent to reach the last section of the pass. The perk of climbing the steep point is the stunning view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the huge Annapurna II. A steep drop later, we arrive at Bhimtang from where we can view the beautiful Mt. Manaslu. Overnight at Bhimtang.
Day 12: Bimthang – Goa [2515m/8251 ft]
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, before starting our trek, we soak in the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. It is another long day today as we look to reach Dharapani today. The trail first drops to Sangure Kharka – a pasture. We continue through the rhododendron forest until we reach a cultivated valley of Karche situated at 2,785m. We make our way to the ridge walking alongside terraced fields and then reach Tilje. From here, we climb over the ridge passing through chortens and Mani walls to reach Thonje Village. From Thonje we pass a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. Overnight at Dharapani.
Day 13: Goa – Tal [1700m/5576 ft]
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Onward from Dharapani, we walk along the Annapurna Circuit trail. The first part of the trek descends to Karte village, crossing the bridge over Marsyangdi Khola (River). From here, we chase the riverside trail across a suspension bridge to reach the picturesque village of Tal at the foot of a cascading waterfall. We make our way past a field, then drop along a stony path and continue along the riverside trail to eventually reach Chamje. A steep drop and a climb later, we arrive at a rather antiquated village of Jagat, our stop for the night.
Day 14: Drive Tal – Besishahar – Kathmandu
Total duration: 8-9 hours (drive)
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We start our drive to Kathmandu in the morning. It's an offroad drive all the way to Besisahar. The long but interesting drive cuts through amazing landscapes, villages, streams, and forest along the Marsyangdi River. The second half of the ride along the serpentine Prithvi Highway parallels the serpentine Trishuli River. An epic journey ends at Kathmandu. A farewell dinner awaits you in celebration of the feat. Any feedback and suggestions are heartily welcome. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel; luxury at last!
Day 15: Final departure
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This is the last day of your trip with us. You may choose to extend your trip to other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu. If you have some time before your flight, why not make the most of it by indulging in some souvenir shopping and city exploration? A transfer to the airport is arranged for you in time to catch your flight. We hope to see you again!