Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trip Facts
Elevation:
5213m
Trip Dates:
1 - 20 April 2015, 21 October - 9 November 2015
Trip Price:
$2,500 + GST AUD per person
Trip Start:
Kathmandu
Trip End:
Kathmandu
Trip Route:
Arughat-Larkya pass
Quietly tucked away in the centre of Nepal along the Tibetan border, between two of Nepal’s more popular national parks is the protected Manaslu Conservation Area. Despite being situated above Nepal’s most historic city, Gorkha (origins of Nepal’s first king) and being home to its namesake Himalayan giant, Manaslu, this region is only just beginning to gain trekking popularity.
Unlike other popular trails in Nepal, this trail begins close to sea level in a subtropical climate at 530m! We follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream into Upper Manaslu via a deep and narrow gorge trail with countless cascading waterfalls that feed into the river in summer and autumn. The trail meanders through traditional Gurung farming villages and dense sal forests on both sides of the river by crossing suspension bridges. We steadily climb into low and high alpine climates, to lands inhabited by Bhotia people (Tibetan descendants). In Sama gaon we take an extra day to acclimatise and explore Sama gaon monastery, or for those feeling energetic, a day hike to the base camp of the 8th highest mountain and a beautiful glacier lake. We cross the long glacier traverse of Larkya La pass (5106m) from which you will enjoy a panoramic vista including Manaslu, Cheo and Himlung. Over the pass we walk out through the Marshandgi valley, following the Dudh river in now the Annapurna Conservation Area in Manang through Magar villages.
TECHNICAL GRADING
The significant altitude range involved in this trek requires good fitness. Some days include long steep ascents and descents, through remote and less tourist serviced sections. Prior trekking experience is recommended to join this trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Spectacular views of Manaslu
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Beautiful gorge trek through subtropical forests
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Traditional farming villages of Gurung and Magar hill tribes
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Buddhist Tibetan culture of Bhotia people
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Manaslu base camp
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Crossing Larkya pass
Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu
In Kathmandu
Drive to Arughat
Trek to Khursani Bari
Trek to Machha Khola
Trek to Dobhan
Trek to Philim
Trek to Deng
Trek to Namrung
Trek to Sama Gaon
In Sama Gaon
Trek to Samdo
Trek to Dharmshala
Trek to Bimthang via Larkya pass
Trek to Tilje
Trek to Tal
Drive to Besisahar
Drive to Kathmandu
In Kathmandu
Depart Kathmandu
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20