Mt. Manaslu Expedition 8,156m

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport meet our staff with GA complimentary transport transfer to relevant Hotels, our guide will give you briefing of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking, and related information that you might require while in Nepal with Great Adventure Treks & Expeditions.

In Kathmandu for necessary government paper works and permits and preparation for the expeditions

Early breakfast, then travel by Coach to Gorkha and unto Arughat on the Kathmandu-Pokhara scenic highway. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalaya. The road has been greatly improved in recent years.

An interesting 5 hours drive from Kathmandu, the drive passes through many rural villages and town, with occasional view of the peaks of Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu and as far to Annapurna. Our route diverts from the Pokhara highway from the village of Abu Khaireni, from here the road climbs all the way to our destination at Gorkha and then to Arughat town-village for the overnight stop.

From here onwards the walk follows the Buri-Gandaki river upstream, the trail from Arughat are much narrow passing through more rural farm villages and terraced fields with numerous streams to cross in between, the path follows the right bank of Burhi Gandaki, passing through cultivated land, with many scattered farmhouses and hamlets reaching the village of Mordar, Simre and then to Arket. This low trail, which sometimes takes to the river bed, is not possible during the monsoon season.

After climbing briefly to Kyoropani, then descending once again to the river for the at the confluence with the tributary Soti Khola the ride leads to Machha Khola for the overnight stop outside the village, which has a number of teashops.

The trail from here leads to more interesting farm villages and fields as the vegetation changes slowly, beginning the morning walk crossing the stream that gives its name Machha Khola (Fish stream) and heading upstream to the tiny village of Kholabensi and the hot springs at Tatopani.

From here the valley sides becomes steeper, until the path becomes impassable the route then switches to the left bank of the river by way of suspension bridge, after a short section of forest path coming to some teahouses at Doban, then walking to reach at Lauri crossing the River on a suspension bridge from here leading to a climb on a high path, descending into open valley at place known as Yara Khola.

Journey continues for another hour to the village of Jagat. Jagat is quite a big village after Arughat; the people around here are of mixed race Magar, Chettris, Brahman, Bhotias (Tibetan looking tribes) and some few Newars merchant and shopkeepers.

The trail from Jagat descends to a long series of stone steps to the river, from here the path climbs a terraced hillside to Saguleri, overlooking distance view of Sringi Himal 7,187m from this spot, the walk follows ups and down trail as we reach to the bridge over Buri-Gandaki, after crossing the bridge from Ghata-khola, the path winds up towards Philim village. From here the trails climbs slowly along the hillside passing through small settlements of Aga, Lokwa. After Lokwa it’s a downhill to camp at a small place Nyak or at Eklaibhati near Shiar khola with great views looking over the valley towards Pangsing.

An hour walk crossing to the east side of the river. The path follows up and down in some section the trail is cut into the sheer cliff walls, after this dramatic portion the track finally improves as the walk leads to Deng village, the houses and terrains completely changes into more Tibetan like from here onwards. The people here are of Tibetan origin along with their ancient culture.

Villagers of this areas cultivates buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops, beside this since trekking became popular around this area, spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown. After 3-4 hours of walk brings you at Bih, our journey continues for another two hours on this steep sided and impressive valley, coming across mani prayer stone and finally at Ghap village for the overnight camp which straddles the river across a short wooden bridge. There is a strong Tibetan influence at this village.

From here onwards the trekking is pleasantly cool as the walk begins to gain height and enter the alpine forest.

The walk continues steeper up as the valley opens out with quite extensive pastures with more steady climb then crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidana Glacier, with magnificent view of the snow peaks on the north Kutang Himal range with Pang Phuchin 6,335m, and Saula Himal 6,235m and other unnamed peaks of over 6000m. On the southern lies the Manaslu Himal and Simang Himal range with its array of over 7000m peaks. The walk is pleasant; with gradual uphill the altitude gains slowly as the walk pass through farm villages of Sho-Namru, Beng-sam till the village of Sho is reached.

The people from here onwards are engaged in farming during the summer, the young folks in winter travels to trade in big cities Nepal, and India. Just above the village of Sho, scenery of Manaslu north and then of Manaslu 8,163m ahead, an hour walk brings to Lho for the overnight camp, Lho, a large village with a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and Mani walls. Ganesh I is visible, on looking back.

On leaving the Lho village, trek continues following the river on the right bank, with view of Peak 29 ahead, Two hours of climbing through the forest leads to the village of Shala which offers excellent view of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli.

A couple of hours further leads us to Samagaon village, with superb view of Mt.Manaslu. Samagaon, one of the biggest village of this region, the people are mostly farmers growing what they could in this harsh terrains and cold climate, like buck wheat, barley are the main crops, potatoes and few varieties of vegetables grow in this soil. The people like their ancestors descended from Tibet as early as 300 years back, the culture and their living style is very much like they predecessor. The people of this area still trade with Tibet taking 2 or 3 days to week.

The border to Tibet is a day walk for the locals. It is one of the old salt trade route from Nepal to Tibet. From here is just half hour walk up to our camp at Sama gompa just above the village of Samagaon. On reaching the camp near Sama-Gompa, we will have time to visit the Monastery one of the major Nyligpa (red hat sect) Monastery of this region.

Today a rest day, free from packing; a day hike is worthwhile can be done towards Manaslu glacier or near to its base camp.

After an easy day at Sama Gompa, today’s trek climbs slowly towards the Base Camp the trails meanders on the winding track towards south and beyond. Actually the walk to Base Camp is not too far can be done within 3-4 hours but due to the increase in altitude and the dry air makes the walk a little slower than previous days, need to gain the height slowly taking time and enjoying the view around as you come to the large meadow at the foot of the towering Mt.Manaslu to establish the Base Camp.

Necessary day for acclimatizing and preparations for the long big climb to the summit of Mt.Manaslu.

From the campsite crossing a high plateau and then skirt around the ridge of lateral moraine heading towards the mountain as the climb progress after 3-4 hours of good walk and climb finding a suitable camp site for the Advance Camp.

We have allowed 21 days Expeditions period to prepare fully with the all the arrangement for the upper camps ferry of the loads to and fro and for the final ascent to the summit on the clear fine morning.

After an adventurous and challenging week return back to Base Camp.

All the Expeditions should be here by now to pack and ferry the load to the road head and to clean the base camp as it was before.

Retrace the journey back to Arughat on the downhill path and reaching to the warm-tropical area.

After all the packing and reloading the gear in the Truck and Bus return journey is made through the new route Dhading as it is more accessible and shorter reaching Kathmandu on time.

Two days in Kathmandu, this day will allow you for the last hour to shop around and to prepare the Expeditions report to be submitted to the respective Government Department and for a guided tour around at places of interest.

Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, our Staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from this high Himalayan country, Nepal.