In summary, the major Highlights of Kathmandu to Manaslu Trek are as below:

• Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
• Superb off the beaten path trekking with a diverse and impressive landscape
• Trek over the Larkya La mountain pass which stands at 5,213 m
• Unspoiled and less commercialized trekking route
• Visit ethnic villages and explore the rural cultures, traditions, and lifestyle
• Explore the best view of the world’s 8th highest mountain ‘Manaslu’
• Enjoy also the view of Annapurna II, Cheo Himal & other peaks
• Trekking through Manaslu Conservation Area
• Chance to see Blue Sheep, Mountain Goat, Himalayan Marmots, Snow Leopard, etc.
• Experience the amazing Tibetan culture in Nepal

MANASLU TREK ITINERARY WITH MANASLU BASE CAMP

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. (1350m).

After you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our tour officer will welcome you. Then he will assist you to transfer the hotel. Trip briefing at the hotel. Have a rest at the hotel or walk around the Thamel Tourist market. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing tour and trekking permit preparations.

In the morning we will collect your passports and photos to prepare your trekking permits. You will go for cultural sightseeing of Swoayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist temple on the top of the hillock, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old palace area where you can explore typical Nepalese art, architecture, and heritage.  In the evening we will introduce you to your trekking guide and preparations for the trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola by public transport (710m).

Today you leave Kathmandu early in the morning by drive. It’s a scenic drive through the beautiful Nepalese villages. We will have a comfortable ride until Dhading Besi as the road is paved. Then you leave for Arughat followed by Soti Khola on a dirt road with some bumpy rides. By route, you will pass beautiful green hills, dense forests, rivers, and Nepalese villages. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 4: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (930m).

Today’s trekking follows a constantly undulating trail mainly through woodlands as you continue to head upstream along the Budhi Gandaki. Then you come to the wide, sandy riverbed and then continue along a winding mountain path overlooking the river. In route, you will pass villages of Armala, Liding, Apubesi, and Khani Besi before reaching Machha Khola. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 5: Trek to Jagat (1370m).

Your trek begins crossing the Machha Khola and Khrolabesi. The word Khola denotes River. Then you will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. After Tatopani, the onward trail follows a forested area until you cross Dovan Khola. After that, you will make your way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As the elevation increases, the scenery undergoes a complete transformation, with white sandy areas along the riverside. Continuing several ups and downs walk you reach Thado Bhanjyang then after Jagat. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m).

After breakfast, you follow the trail towards Setibas where we can see several mani walls that indicates you are entering Tibetan influenced region. The trail continues up to the stone houses of Ghatta Khola as you approach Philim. Then the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge, descending through the grassy slopes and crossing the Buri Gandaki. The route becomes a pleasant walk through bamboo forests to Deng village. Today you pass the villages named Salleri, Sirdibas, Phillim, Eklebhatti, Nyak before reaching Deng. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 7: Trek to Namrung (2540m).

Leaving Deng you follow the up and down trail towards Ghap. This village has five or six stone houses famous for their mani wall with distinctive carvings of Buddha. The route ascends making a long climb through bamboo and rhododendron-filled forests to Namrung.  Namrung is a village with stone houses and a police check post. From this village, you can enjoy the views of Mt. Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 8: Trek to the beautiful village of Samagaun (3390m).

After Namrung, the trek enters into upper Nupri where the dialect changes to a form of Tibetan style and most people dress in chubas (Tibetan dress). The trail leaves the village through a Kani and makes a long sweep into a wooded canyon and crossing the Hiran Khola on a double-span cantilever bridge. While trekking you can capture a spectacular sight of Manaslu. You pass the villages: Lho (3080m) and Syala (3350m) then cross a ridge. After a trek in and out of the canyon of the Thosang Khola, you will descend onto a rock-strewn moraine and reach Sama Gaon. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 8: Acclimatization day at Samagaun (3390m).

Today you can take a day off to acclimatize, relax and explore the areas around Samagaon village. Or you can side trip to Manaslu Base Camp or side trip to Pungyen Gompa or side trip to Birendra Tal (lake). Overnight at Mountain Lodge

SIDE TRIPS:
A. Trek from Samagaun to Manaslu Basecamp (4800m) and back to Samagaun
After breakfast, you will follow the steep ascent from Samagaun. The trail has a short start in the forest then it will become exposed on a steep slope above Samagaun giving an impressive view of the Manaslu glacier and Birendra Tal below. After you gain altitude the view became more dramatic. Trek slowly because as you walk upward there is thin air. Before reaching the Manaslu Base Camp the last part of the climb will be on a steep narrow moraine before being rewarded with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Capture the beautiful photos, walked around Manaslu Base Camp. Then you will trek back to Samagaun. The duration of the side trip to Manaslu Base Camp is an average of 7 hours. 4 or 4.5 hours ascent and 3 hours descent.
B. Trek from Samagaun to Pungyen Gompa (4050m) and back to Samagaun: 5-6 hours walk
C. Hiking to Birendra Tal and back to Samagaun: 1.5 hour walk

Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3890m).

Today the trail is relatively easy and wide. Trek from Samagaon to Samdo takes about 3 to 4 hours. As you continue on with your trek, the valley begins to widen. The route on a shelf above the river past juniper and birch forests and the stone huts of Kermo Kharka. From a stone arch, you will be able to see a large white Kani before reaching Samdo. Samdo is at the junction of three valleys. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi (4460m).

Before you start our climbing you will do a gentle descent to the river. After crossing Gyala Khola you start to climb to a large pile of mani stones just above Larkya Bazaar. Heading further upwards with magnificent views of Larkya Peak and the north face of Manaslu, you come to arrive at Larkya Pedhi where there is a large emergency shelter with recently built teahouses. Larke Phedi is also called Larke Base Camp. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 12: Cross Larkya La (5125m) and trek to Bimthang (3590m).

Today is to cross Lakya La so it is a challenging day. Wake early in the morning. You start the trek before sunrise and climb up a ridge, eventually ending up on top of the moraine at 4690 meters. From there the trail climbs more steeply to the top of Larkya La Pass at 5135 meters. The last section of the pass is slightly steeper. From the top of the pass, you can get amazing views of Annapurna II, Menjung, Gyagi Kang, Kang Guru, Himlung, and Cheo Himal. Then you descend to Bimthang passing through the glaciers. An easy gradient finally indicates that we are at Bimtang. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2300m)

From Bhimthang the trail descends and crosses glacial steam. You continue to walk further through rhododendron forests to reach Karache village (2,800M). After this village, you reach Gho village.  Further, you trek through fields over a clear stream, past houses and more fields interspersed with rhododendron and oak forests, and reach Tilje village. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 14: Trek from Tilije to Chamje (1410m)

Today, the trail drops down and passes through several fields, houses, and forests of rhododendron, and oak. You descend through a scrub forest and reach Dharapani. From Dharapani, you again trek a couple of hours to reach Chamje. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 15: Drive to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu (1350m)

Today, in the morning, you will drive through the rugged dirt road to Besisahar and then eventually follow the paved road to Kathmandu. It’s a beautiful scenic drive.  After reaching Kathmandu you will be transferred to the hotel. Rest. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with a cultural show at a typical Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Depending on the time of your departure, our tour officer will accompany you to transfer Tribhuvan International Airport for the flight of your onward journey. Goodbye! See you again in Nepal for the next adventure.