- Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, and land of the mighty Himalayan Mountains! Once you land, clear immigration and exit the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives will greet you to transport you to your hotel. We leave you to rest and unwind after your journey to Nepal.
- Day 02
Expedition Briefing and Preparing
After a restful night’s sleep, you will meet with one of our representatives who will discuss and review gear for the trekking, and arrange the permits for the trekking portion of the expedition. We will help facilitate any other formalities with permits and gear necessary to make your expedition a successful one. During the evening you will have time to meander the busy streets of Thamel, the tourist hub, and enjoy any cuisine you desire, as Kathmandu does not fall short on international as well as local choices.
- Day 03
Drive to Besi Sahar (6-7hours drive) 760m overnight at a lodge
Today the adventure begins as we board a private transport to Besisahar, which is actually either the beginning or the end of the famous Annapurna circuit. Though Besisahar lacks any quaintness usually found in villages along trekking and climbing route, it is a serviceable place to find a good place to sleep as we close in on the beginning of the trek to the Manaslu Basecamp.
- Day 04
Drive to Dharapani (6-7hours drive) 1963m overnight at the lodge
We embark for the next destination of Dharapani where the trek to basecamp begins, but along the way, the view and landscape become more interesting with waterfalls coming down right to the side of the road and over it. Sheer rock walls on one side with deep gorges on the other makes this an exciting drive few sleep through. Dharapani not only has charm, but you feel like you are truly into the heart of the Himalayas as this village is nestled deep in a river gorge with mountains rising up all around you.
- Day 05
Trek to Tilije Village (3-4hours walk) 2300m overnight at a lodge
Typical of this region in the lower elevations, you will be moving from sub-tropical to mixed temperate forests primarily in the valley system. Tilije Village is a small hamlet nestled deeper into the mountains that afford a good night’s sleep. You can also explore Tilije Gumba which is so beautiful and shows the culture and tradition of Buddhist people.
- Day 06
Trek to Bimthang (6-7hours walk) 3590m overnight at the lodge
Tilje to Bimthang will take us into the true alpine wonderland. Manaslu will reveal itself as we head out of the Dudh Khola river valley and woodlands and up into Bimthang which has a beautiful Lake Ponkar. Manaslu can be seen reflected in the lake for excellent photography options. From Bimthang, you can also see the amazing views of Mt. Cheo (6812m), Mt. Himlung (7216m) and Phungi Himal (6538m).
- Day 07
Rest day and acclimatizing at Bimthang 3590m
If you want to get the early morning sun on Manaslu reflecting off of Lake Ponkar (3965m), then today is your opportunity. You will get spectacular views of Mt Cheo (6812m) and Lamjung Himal (6983m) can be seen from this lake. It is also an opportunity for a much-needed acclimatization day to let your body start to adjust to the altitude before we continue to ascend. It’s a beautiful place to rest and enjoy some food and sleep.
- Day 08
Trek to Samdo (8-9hours walk) 3875m overnight at the lodge
The previous day’s rest will come in handy as we trek to Samdo over Larke La Pass (5160m) which is the highest point for those who are doing the Manaslu Trek. Passing through Larkya Glacier and Larkya Bazar finally Samdo is reached. One can visit Choeling Gumba as the well as spectacular view of Naike Himal (6211m) and Pangbuche Himal (6504m). We will stay in Samdo for the night.
- Day 09
Trek to Sama Gaun (3-4hours walk) 3520m overnight at a lodge
The trek today will be a maximum of about 4 hours, a nice counterpoint to the previous day’s climb over the pass. This village is one of the larger in this area and the good place for last minute logistics and another acclimatization day. One interesting event that happened here, and along the Manaslu circuit is the Manaslu Trail Race. It’s a running race done in 7 stages, and in Sama Gaun the race organizers coordinated with the local school to have a children’s day race with the participants.
- Day 10-
Rest day in Sama Gaun
Another important day for acclimatization before ascending to the base camp. Resting, eating and rehydrating are all important factors for today.
- Day 11
Trek to Manaslu Base Camp (3-4 hour walk) 4400m (camping)
With a good rest day behind us, we will now move into the expedition phase of the journey. Here we move to and establish the base camp. Mostly on rocky terrain, you will have the company of other teams who will also be attempting a summit of Manaslu.
- Day 12-32 climbing pure days
climbing period: Base camp –Manaslu summit 8163m
This is the rotation time through high camps for acclimatization. Today we have to wake up early in the morning and walk towards the summit. The road will be slippery so you have to walk very carefully. Walking along the snow-covered ridges we will head towards the summit. Follow the instruction given by expedition leader and walk properly. After you reached the summit you will view the mesmerizing views of the mountains around you. Mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8163m), Manaslu North (7157m), Naike Peak (6211m) and other mountains. After having precious time there at the summit, you will return back to the base camp.
There are four camps to establish other than basecamp, in general, they can be:
Camp 1: 5800m
Camp 2: 6400m
Camp 3: 6800m
Camp 4: 7450m
The summit is reported to be quite exposed, and the section between Camp 1 and 2 can be technical.
- Day 33
Trek to Sama Gaun overnight at the lodge
After the summit and a return to base camp for rest and recovery, well retrace our steps and return to Samagaon for the night in a lodge.
- Day 34
– (Heli) If Requested or trek to Namrung (7-8 hours walk) overnight at a lodge
Two options are available from here. If you have previously requested a helicopter flight, then in the morning you will board the helicopter which will take you to Kathmandu in roughly 40 minutes. Otherwise, we will continue the trekking portion of the expedition and take roughly 8 hours to reach Namrung (2630m). The descent takes us quickly from the alpine, back into the forested valleys where the Bhote Lama ethnic group resides. Along the trek from here Chortens (stupas) can be seen along the trail, these are sacred to Buddhist and house Buddhist relics.
- Day 35
Trek to Philim (7-8 hour walk) overnight at the lodge
The trek to Philim (1570m) takes us out of the restricted Manaslu area. We cross over the Budigandaki River via a suspension bridge and are now in the deep gorges of the Himalayan Mountains and lush vegetation. When we reach Philim we will spend the night in a lodge.
- Day 36
Trek to Machha Khola (7-8 hours walk) overnight at the lodge
The descent continues to Maccha Khola (869m) with nice provisions it is a comfortable village to overnight. We will pass other small villages such as Liding and Lapubesi along are mostly deep river valley trekking
- Day 37
Trek to Arughat (7-8 hours walk) overnight at the lodge
- Day 38
Drive back to Kathmandu
