Circuit du Manaslu

After Breakfast, we will begain our journey in a deluxe bus to the Machhekhola throught the scenic villages and river valley. We’ll pursue the serpentine mountain pathway that makes an uphill ascent along Budhi Gandaki River. Through the lush woodlands, cascading waterfalls, terraced fields and villages of Manabu Besi, Armala, Lapubesi, Nauli Khola and Khani Beshi; we'll progress along the scenic trail, all the way to Machhekhola (869m). Lapubesi (8,80m), a Gurung village scattered on several hills is the most notable settlement along the route.

 With some ups and downs, the taper route gradually proceeds across the Tharo Khola and makes it to Khorlabesi. Subsequent to a handful of more ups and downs, the trail reaches Tatopani then ascends over another ridge to traverse Budhi Gandaki via a suspension bridge. We’ll now find the wide, well-crafted staircase along the trail. Advancing forward over a ridge again, we’ll get to Doban. We’ll eventually make our way along the rugged trail beyond Dobhan Khola, Duman, Yaru Khola to Tharo Bharyang. As we cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we’ll climbuphill and  then carry on alongside the river to Jagat (1,340m).

Resuming our trek, we’ll conquer a rocky ridge to land up at Salleri (1,440m). From here, we can savor the spectacular vistas of Sringi Himal. We’ll then move down to Setibas (1,430m) and stay with the route to Ghatta Khola. Subsequently, ascend to Ngyak past Philim and Ekle Bhatti. The settlement is one of the largest we can find along the journey. Accompanied by the outlook of Mt. Lapuchun (5,950m), we’ll arrive at the office of Manaslu Conservation Area Project office. Along the trail, we’ll descend through the lush slopes and dense woodland thriving in a narrow valley. The valley opens up offering a nice walk via the bamboo forest to Deng (1,800m).

 We’ll forge ahead to the north and press on beyond the tiny settlement of Ranagaon (1,980m) to Bihi Phedi (1,985m) with some noteworthy vistas of the Budhi Gandaki gorge en route.  Eventually, we’ll end up at Prok (2380m), a beautiful village with traditional villages and a Gompa. Descending to Ghap, the trail goes into dreamy woodland then traverses Budhi Gandaki twice on wooden bridges above splendid gorges to Namrung (2,630m). This lovely village offers some sublime outlooks of Himalayan summits encompassing Himal Chuli (7,893m) and Ganesh Himal (‎7,422m).

The route navigates across the small yet beautiful Bhanzam plateau where you can discover barley fields and stone houses. We’ll then reach Lihi Village. At its entrance, you can find a small flat area to the right that extends an exquisite panorama of the surroundings.  After negotiating to the other side of Hinang Khola, we’ll first emerge in Sho village and then keep on with the pathway to Lho. Ascending across beaten woodland, we’ll initiate our step toward Shyala (3,520m). Snowy mountain scenery from this spot is one the best in the trek. stay here for overnight

 Explore Pungen Gumpa, Birendra Lake/ Manaslu Base Camp This very day, we’ll take a rest at Samagoan.  Since it is the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp and other beautiful tourist attractions such as Birendra Lake; we’ll explore these places and again return back to the village. Options can be discussed with your guide depending on your fitness and requirements. Birendra Tal is a turquoise lake at the foot of the Manaslu glacier. You can take a dip in its pristine water and enjoy the scenery around. If you intend to set your foot at the foothills of an eight-thousander, you can hike up to Makalu Base Camp. On the way to the Base Camp, the landscapes become more and more spectacular as the elevation increases with a turquoise lake underneath, the glacier close by, and snow-capped mountaintops as far as the eye can look at.

Today is the acclimatization day here in Sama Gaon. Explore around the Manaslu Base Camp (4800m) and Birendra Lake. On top of that, you will visit the stunning Tibetan village.

As our journey proceeds further to the north, the trekking pathway heads to the upper part of the Budhi Gandaki. It then negotiates uphill towards Samdo (3,860m). This adorable settlement is overlooked by the majestic Samdo peak (6,335m) and the frozen Samdo Glacier. Just prior to gaining access in the village’s territory; we’ll come across the spot where the Budhi Gandaki literally begins – at the conflux of Larke Khola and the river originated from Samdo Glacier.

After leaving Samdo, we will cross the Athahra Saya Khola and trek alongside the Larke Khola. After a gradual climb, we will reach Dharamshala (4,460m), also known as Larke Phedi. Dharamshala is a large, moderately sloped mountain area with a campsite and a lodge that has many double rooms and a well-equipped kitchen. Forget about any negative stories you may have heard about this place in the past. Currently, it is the best place to rest before taking on the toughest challenge of this adventure.

We will start our journey to Larke La (5,160m) before sunrise. As we ascend through rocky glacial moraines, hills, and snowy ridges, it's a challenging and demanding trek. Along the way, we'll pass by small shallow lakes before reaching the prayer flags at the top of the pass. From there, we'll descend towards the moraine of Salpudanda Glacier, and continue to Bhimthang (3,590m) near Bhimtang Glacier. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery while staying in this village.

This stretch of trail is lush and colorful. We will pass by the foot of the Bhimtang glacier, observing elegant scenery. Beyond the spellbinding landscapes adorned with prayer flags, we can see the wonderful sight of mountains around us, with the Manaslu Range to the southeast. Continuing on the trail, we will move through mystical fir woods to Yak Kharka. Navigating to the other end of the woodland, we will settle Gho (2,560m). After passing the lovely village of Tilche (2,300m), the trail crosses the Dudh Khola via a long suspension bridge and arrives at Thonche, which marks the official end of the Manaslu trail. Finally, we will move across the bridge spanning the Marsyangdi River to Dharapani (1,960m).

We’ll now meet up with the popular Annapurna Circuit Trail. Through a police checkpoint, we’ll trek past the waterfalls as well as the settlements of Karta and Tal to Chamje Village from here we can take a jeep to Pokhara. If you are tired, the jeep services are available directly to Pokhara from Dharapani. Alternatively, we may drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara via a tourist bus. This blissful drive on Prithvi Highway will take us along the riverside of Masryangdi and Trishuli during which, we can gaze at the scenic terrain including green hillocks, flourishing forests, local villages, and verdant cultivated fields. Once at Kathmandu, you can provide a reward to your tired body in the form of rest or massage therapies. Remember to go for a souvenir shopping trip at the local marketplaces!