Himalayan trip designer
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1. Exciting drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
2. Hiking from Budi Gandaki River Valley with a waterfall
3. Larkya La 5106 meters high pass with Himalayas view
4. Mountain views and village culture, lifestyle
5. Manaslu Conservation Area, flora and fauna
Manaslu Round Trek is a highly sought-after tea house adventure covering a distance of 177 km (110 miles) to cross Larkya La (5106 m). The journey commences in Soti Kola with an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu. This trek through the Manaslu conservation area is restricted, taking you through the Budi Gandaki River valley, picturesque alpine villages, and a challenging high pass offering a breathtaking view of the world's eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). The ideal trekking season for this remarkable experience starts from September to November and March to May.
Adventure enthusiasts find solace in the serene Manaslu Conservation Area in the Central Himalayan Region of Nepal. With a population of 9000, this area boasts 11 different types of forests, 2000 plant species, 39 mammal species, 201 bird species, three reptile species, and 11 butterfly species. Among the endangered animals that can be spotted are the yak, snow leopard, Musk deer, Brown bear, Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan marmot, Snow Partridge, Tibetan snowcock, Himalayan griffon, and Golden eagle.
The enduring trekking highlights include a charming alpine village, pristine hot springs, monastery, convent, healing herbs, wildlife sightings, a breathtaking view of the world's 8th highest mountain, and pure mountain air. Hikers discover a variety of stunning landscapes, encounters with Tibetan Nepali locals, Buddhist traditions, Chorten, prayer flags, prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and a magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking presents a mix of moderate and challenging routes, away from the usual paths, across the ancient Budi Gandaki River valley, Larkya Pass, uphill and downhill twisting trails and the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. This trek mandates a minimum group size of two people (solo trekkers are not allowed) to discover the stunning vistas of Manaslu, meandering river valleys, enchanting waterfalls, and unique mountain communities. Adequate pre-trekking preparation and strict adherence to mountain safety guidelines are crucial to prevent altitude sickness during the Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
The epicentre of the 2015 earthquake was in Gorkha district. This region offers trekkers the opportunity to witness the aftermath of the earthquakes, discover hidden valleys near the Chinese border, experience Tibetan culture, traverse high mountain passes, and admire the beauty of river valleys. To embark on the Manaslu circuit trek, it is necessary for a group of two trekkers to obtain TIMS, Manaslu, and Annapurna conservation permits due to the restricted nature of the area. Additionally, the Manaslu trek extended the Tsum Valley and Thorung La Pass, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5416 meters. Below is the day-to-day itinerary for the Manaslu circuit trek.
Group Size: 1 pax tourist - $1350 Per Person
Group Size: 2-5 pax tourist - $1250 Per Person
Group Size: 6-10 pax tourist - $1200 Per Person
Group Size: 11-20 pax tourist - $1180 Per Person
Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) - 8/9 hours by bus
Day 02: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900 m) - 5/6 hours
Day 03: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410 m) - 5/6 hours
Day 04: Jagat to Deng (1810 m) - 6/7 hours
Day 05: Deng to Ghap (2140 m) - 4/5 hours
Day 06: Ghap to Lho village (3100 m) - 6/7 hours
Day 07: Lho village to Samagaon (3530 m) - 4/5 hours
Day 08: Rest Day in Samagaon
Day 09: Samagaon to Samdo (3850 m) - 3/4 hours
Day 10: Samdo to Larkya La phedi (4460 m) - 3/4 hours
Day 11: Larkya La phedi to Bimthang (3710 m) - 7/8 hours
Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani (1900 m) - 6/7 hours
Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu (1337 m) - 9/10 hours
Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) - 8/9 hours by bus
The 1401 km road by bus takes 9 hours to approach Machha Khola. While driving views are quite interesting to the snow-capped mountain, village, Trishuli River, sal forest, Dhading Besi (580 m), Palpa Bhanjyang (1120 m), Annapurna II, Manaslu, Shringi Himal, and Ganesh Himal, Ankhu Khola (580 m), Salyantar (42 sq km, as a tableland). Arughat Bazaar is situated bank of the Budhi Gandaki River with a few guesthouses and a grocery shop. Drive to Soti Khola along the Budhi Gandaki Riverbank. Stay overnight here.
Day 02: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900 m) - 5/6 hours
The hiking continues crossing a bridge over the Budi Gandaki River before climbing uphill through a ridge to the Gurung Village Khorsani (820 m). We continue our hiking on the rocky trail ascending and descending, passing a waterfall with terraced fields. We Climb through the rocky trail before arriving at Labu Besi (880 m). We hike a few uphill and downhills with the waterfall in Machha Khola (fish stream) with tea shops. Stay overnight here.
Day 03: Machha Khola to Jagat (1410 m) - 5/6 hours
We cross a stream and continue walking a few ascending with descending towards Kholabesi. We climb steeply uphill, then descends to Tatopani (hot spring). We climb again to the ridge, cross a bridge, walking through a forest to reach Doban with a tea shop. We walk continue to Yaru Khola (1330 m), crossing the river, climbing to the Jagat village with check post and tea houses. We stay overnight there.
Day 04: Jagat to Deng (1810 m) - 6/7 hours
Today we walk gradually uphill with a flat trail, crossing the river. We climb to the large Gurung village, Philim (1550 m) with Millet and corn farm. We continue to walk through a pine and rhododendron forest, crossing a bridge over the river. The Himalayan bamboo forest is located near Deng village. Gurung people live there with potato, buckwheat, and barley farming. Stay overnight there.
Day 05: Deng to Ghap (2140 m) - 4/5 hours
The trail continues before crossing the river to reach a shop at Rana (2000 m). There is an uphill, passing a waterfall in Shringi Khola Valley. Cross a bridge and continue walking through a forest uphill and downhill to Ghap with corn and wheat farms. Chorten, Mani wall with carving statues of the Buddha and Milarepa are interesting there. Stay overnight here.
Day 06: Ghap to Lho village (3100 m) - 6/7 hours
Our hiking goes through the terraced fields with rhododendron and fir forest. We can meet the pheasant, monkey, yak, nak, and horse there. We cross a river and then climb to Namrung village (2660 m) with a police check post. Our walk goes uphill through the terraced field passing a few houses with forest before Lihi (2900 m). This is a windy valley with a Gompa and terraced fields. We cross a bridge to enjoy Mt Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Rupinala Pass, Saula Himal, and Himalchuli. We climb to Lho village with Tibetan types of Nepali people, Gompa, Mani wall. Stay overnight here.
Day 07: Lho village to Samagaon (3530 m) - 4/5 hours
We walk and continue enjoying the view of Manaslu from Kani. Before climbing uphill to Shyala (3520 m), we cross a bridge with Chorten and prayer wheels. We cross a bridge, descending to Samagaon with terraced fields, and pasture land. Stay overnight here.
Day 08: Rest Day in Samagaon
We spend our rest day uphill hiking to Manaslu base camp, There is a great view of Manaslu, glaciers, Nagdi Chuli, and Birendra Lake. We return to the camp. Stay overnight at a lodge in Samagaon.
Day 09: Samagaon to Samdo (3850 m) - 3/4 hours
We walk continue through the desert windy valley to Samdo village. There are interesting Mani walls, school. We can enjoy the great view of Manaslu with other peaks. Samdo is located nearby the Tibet border at a 4.5 km distance. The Lajyung Pass (5098 m) links Samdo and Tibet. Local people cross the pass for trade in Tibet. Stay overnight at a lodge in Samdo.
Day 10: Samdo to Larkya La phedi (4460 m) - 3/4 hours
Hike through the desert field with Mani walls to the river. Cross it and climb steeply uphill to the Larkya Bazaar (market). Local celebrates seasonal fairs. The walk continues to the Dharmasala (pilgrim house). Stay overnight here.
Day 11: Larkya La phedi to Bimthang (3710 m) - 7/8 hours
Walk early morning with a cold, windy and rocky trail to the Larkya La Pass (5106 m) in 3.5 hours. The views of the Larkya Peak, Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II are superb. Enjoy the views and photographs. Climb downhill through a rocky and icy path with a mountain lake. The walk continues to the Bimthang (plain of sand) in the large valley with a meadow, Mani wall and a rest house.
Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani (1900 m) - 6/7 hours
Climb downhill and cross a bridge over an icy stream. We walk through a forest of the rhododendron and pine with a narrow valley to Karche (2780 m) and Gho (2560 m). Descend through the lust forest and cross a bridge over the Marsyangdi River to reach the Dharapani village. This is the round trail of Annapurna with check post, lodge and tea shops. You can continue to Thorung La from here. Stay overnight at a lodge in Dharapani.
Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu (1337 m) - 9/10 hours
It will be nice driving with beautiful landscapes, Jagat, Bhulbhule, Beshisahar, and Dumre as a highway town between the Pokhara and Kathmandu highway. The driving goes to river Marshyandgi River and Trishuli valleys, highway town, Mugling, Malekhu, and Naubise to reach Kathmandu. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
