Ultimate Manaslu Trekking

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, and our Nepal Mother House staff will pick you up to check into the hotel in Thamel. It is a tourist hub of the city from where you can go shopping, tour Durbar squares, visit different temples, and meet the needs of your taste buds with any food you want to eat. That is why we chose Thamel for you.

This is your second day in Nepal; we introduce the guide and other staff and organize permits and paperwork. While organizing the restricted area permit, we need your Nepal visa, which must be validated for the for the entire trip, and an original passport with 4 copies of PP-sized pictures of each of you. So, normally, it is not possible to organize all your permits before your Nepal arrival, according to Nepal immigration rules. Or you may explore the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Durbar Squares and shop for the trekking.

Our guide and Potter come to your hotel in the morning according to the previous day's trip briefing. Then we are heading to Arughat by bus or Land Cruiser (depending on group size) scenic drive. While passing the ridge of Kathmandu Valley, you catch a glimpse of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal's magnificent views, terraces, and green hills. After Dhading Bisi or Gorkha Bazaar, the road is tricky because of the grubby road. Getting to Arughat through the Gorkha Bazaar or Dhading Besi depends on your time and choice. The village of Arughat is in two parts, on opposite sides of the Budhi Gandaki. Arughat Bazaar is large, clean, and prosperous, with hotels and shops selling cloth, food, and hardware taking 6 to 7 hours. From Arughat Bazaar, we will ride another Jeep to the Machhakhola (930 m) in 2 ½ to 3 hours via Sotikhola. The road follows the bank of the Bdhigandaki river bank. Along the way, we enjoy splendid views of Shringri Himal and local life. The trail goes through the villages, past the farm terrace, and cascading waterfalls till we reach Machhakhola. We stay overnight at the Tea House.

The trail involves some steep ascents and descents to the Doban. The trail gives glimpses of the diversity of flora & fauna and people with different religions and cultures. We ascend a well-crafted staircase over a ridge to Doban. Doban means confluence of streams, where Shiar Khola comes from the east and the Sarpu Khola meets from the west. We set our camp here or stay overnight at a tea house. The trail involves some steep ascents and descents to the Doban. The trail gives glimpses of the diversity of flora & fauna and people with different religions and cultures. We ascend a well-crafted staircase over a ridge to Doban. Doban means confluence of streams, where Shiar Khola comes from the east and the Sarpu Khola meets from the west. We set our camp here or stay overnight at a tea house. 

After a hot breakfast, the journey leads us to ascend a rugged, rocky trail. Then we climb up and down ravines and notched trees. Several waterfalls on both sides of the Budhi Gandaki River and a hundred species of birds in the forest make our trip very enjoyable. Liding, Machhakhola, Jagat, and Philim provide unique hospitality with culture and religion. During this trekking, the narrow valley shaped by Budhi Gandaki provides magnificent vistas of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himal Chuli as we continue up to the large Gurung village and fields of corn and millet. There are several Tea Housegood campsites, and we set up camp surrounded by alder, blue pine, and poplar trees or stay at the tea house.

The trail goes up through Philim and heads up over a ridge that leads to Ganesh Himal Base camp and Chumling (Lower Tsum). We camp for the night at Chumling. Each individual can enjoy the songs of Bird and the roaring sound of the river on the trail. There are several good campsites at Chumling, or we can stay overnight at a local house.

After breakfast, we trek to Chhekampar. Upper Tsum Valley (part of the inner Himalaya), which opens up from Chhekampar/Chhekamparo. This village is situated on flat land and made up of two settlements, Chhekam and Paro. From the valley, we have a view of the Ganesh Himal range in front to the south, which provides spectacular views of the Baudha and Himal Chuli peaks to the southwest. Some households in this village practice polyandry. We stay overnight here.

On the way, we pass the Piren Phu cave. Piren Phu (pigeon cave) is one of the most sacred caves in the Tsum Valley. It is located at the foot of a rugged cliff near the village of Burji. Milarepa, the famous Tibetan saint, was believed to have meditated here. There are two separate monasteries attached to the rocky cave. Richly painted Buddhist murals, excellent artistic scripts carved on stones, long prayer flags, and significant Buddhist paper scripts make this cave one of the most important socio-cultural assets in the valley. Beautiful views can be had at the Shiar Khola, Rachen Gumba, the mountains, and settlements amidst vast agricultural land. This is the last village heading north of the upper Tsum Valley. Stay overnight. 

After breakfast, the trail gradually ascends to Mu Gumba (1895 AD), the largest monastery in the region and the farthest point in the Tsum Valley. The monastery houses religious books, including Kangyur, a life-sized statue of Avalokiteshwara, and images of Guru Padmasambhava and Tara. Chhosyang Tal is about a two- to three-hour uphill walk. Then we visit Dephyudonma Gumba, one of the oldest monasteries in the Tsum Valley, situated in the rugged mountains, a 2-hour walk from the village of Chhue and Nile. The history of this monastery is directly associated with the dawn of Buddhism in the valley. Lama Serap of the Kangin sect from Nile Ladrang oversees the monastery. There are a few campsites and drinking water facilities. 

After having breakfast and enjoying the amazing natural atmosphere, we began the day trip to the Gho (2,555 m) and retraced the trail via Rachen Gumba nunnery. It is situated in the Shiar Khola Valley in the foothills of the mountains bordering Nepal and Tibet. Rachen Gumba was established in the year 1905 AD and is one of the largest nunneries in the Tsum Valley. It is belonging to the Ngak-pa sect. The nunnery houses one thousand clay, mud statues of Avalokiteshwara, a brightly colored, carved throne and pillar, and a large prayer wheel. The interior is richly painted with murals about Buddhism and its history. Again, continue walking towards Gho, which is a small and scattered settlement with some houses and adjoining cattle sheds. Gho is a wide and flat land, good for cultivation, especially barley and potatoes. Here patches of purple-hued amaranth interspersed with fields of brown barley, dozens of yaks grazing in grassy meadows, rustic stone houses hugging the trail, long stretches of hand-carved Mani stones and stacked Mani walls, ancient villages dotting the landscape, rock chortens perched high on ridges, snow-capped Himalayan peaks scratching the deep blue sky, high remote mountain passes threading into Tibet, maroon-robed Buddhist monks and nuns fingering prayer beads, and hard-working, kind-hearted villagers warmly welcome you into this scenic and soaring valley where Tibetan culture is still celebrated today. 

After having breakfast, the trail leads us gradually up to the Gumba Lungdang. Cross the bridge to Dhumje (2440 m, Tumje), which has a Tibetan herbal medicine clinic and school. The trail onwards climbs just behind the health center. Climb very steeply on an exposed and narrow, unclear trail through pines and rhododendron forest until the track starts traversing at a Mani wall with prayer flags. Finally, in the pine forest, take an uphill trail and make a steep zigzag climb through huge silver pines to reach Gumba Lungdang (3200 m), perched on a ridge with small cells for the nuns through the beautiful rhododendrons above. This small gompa with about 50 nuns has an intense and engrossing puja from 6.00 to 7.30 pm each night. There is no lodge or formal camping area, but permission may be obtained to camp in the Gompa forecourt and use their kitchen if you want to set camp. Otherwise, you can have a meal with nuns and sleep overnight at Gumba. The mountain views around are amazing and have a pleasing atmosphere. 

This can be a tough day, so start early. You will be ready for Ganesh Himal Base Camp with a packed lunch, well-equipped, and enough water.  Here is the puzzle trail, so your guide will be required to mark often. Circle from the Gompa past the nuns’ housing, drop on dusty or muddy zigzags to regain the lower trail and continue up the valley on a rocky, unclear trail through the forest. Cross the Laudang Khola to the west bank on a shaky log bridge and climb steeply through pristine pines and rhododendrons on a ridge. There is a hut in a Kharka about halfway up, with the trail ongoing behind it, then up a birch-lined dry creek bed, and eventually you emerge into grassy flats behind the lateral moraine of the Toro Gompa glacier. Continue climbing past seasonal yak huts, and you will find a track on the moraine wall that gives superb views of the picturesque mountains. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to get to the Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4,800 m). Altitude can make this day complicated compared to other days, but the intact forest wilderness and views make it an outstanding trip. Some maps show another base camp on the east side of the glacier, but there appears to be no noticeable trail between them. But you need to return to Gumba Lungdang in time for the evening puja by retracing your steps.

After having breakfast in Gumba Lungdang, you will descend to Dumje, cross the Laudang Khola, and stay on the south bank of the Shiar Khola (contrary to the map). There is no teahouse or Bhatti in Dumje. Climb over some very deep gorges and wobbly cantilever bridges to picturesque Ripchet (2470 m). Take time to look around at this perched fertile valley of barley and buckwheat with evocative Chortens in the fields backed by pine forest. Ripchet is one of the best places to enjoy beautiful villages with friendly locals and their culture. Stay overnight at homestay.

Descend on steep stairs to the lone Bhatti Ghumlong (2130 m) on the river, which you passed through a few days ago. Climb again through the pristine temperature forest and cross the cantilever bridge to Lokpa. Then leads us on a high and beautiful trail through a narrow dramatic gorge section with towering walls, past a thundering waterfall just above us, and crosses the suspension bridge on the Budhigandaki River, where we ascend gradually along a wide hillside. Now, you are on the the Manaslu Circuit Trek main trail, where you meet many trekkers. The trail goes through the deep gorge of the Budhigandaki to the Nyak (2340 m), taking 6 to 7 hours. Stay overnight at Tea House.

Today the trail continues through the Budhigandaki river bank with its ranging sound and playful forest of wild animals to the small settlement to the Pewa (1765 m) village. The walk continues through the dense forest in the small village of Deng, lower Nubri region called Kutang, where the people are ethnically pure Tibetans. We have views of Lupuchung Himal (5,996 m) as well as Lapuchen and Dwijen Himal (6,169 m).  After crossing the bridge on Budhigandaki, you will get to Rana (1910 m). There is a traditional trail to the Chumling (2,386 m) and from Chumchet (3,200 m) to Rana -7 to 8 hours walk with a packed lunch, recently The locals are going to promote this trail to the Tsum Valley Trek. Two tea houses are under construction at the Dorjan Kharka (2740 m); this will help to promote Rana to Chumchet village and Tsum Valley Trek in the coming days. The walk continues to the Bihi Phedi (1990 m) for overnight staying at a Tea House with fresh greens from the land. It starts to feel like a piece of old Tibet at last.

Today, the trail leads you to the sacred serene Serang Gumba (3050 m) known as Nubri Gumba just beneath the Siringi Himal Range as a side trip in the Manaslu Trek. You need to bring a packed lunch and enough drinking water for the hike due to not being available at any tea house or house on the way to Serang Gumba. The trail from Bihi Phedi ascends through rugged terrain, crossing cantilever bridges and glaciers. Mostly, the trail to the Serang Gumba is stairs; you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, including Pama Himal (6300 m), Chamar North (6165 m), and Chamar (7161 m) in the chain of the Shiringi Himal, the dramatic beauty of the Himalayan. The side trip to Serang Gumba is a challenging but rewarding trek. You'll arrive at Nubri Gumba and stay overnight at a tea house managed by the monastery. The monastery offers a per-day package program (including accommodation, all meals, and hot drinks) for visitors, where a guide/porter package per day is 2,500 and a guest package is 3,500 per day. 

Serang Gumba is well-known for its spiritual significance, mesmerizing mountain views, and playful wild animals, especially the Himalayan Goat (Jharal). If you are looking to see a wild goat at a close distance, Serang Gumba is the best place. You can not only see them but can also play with them like domestic animals. You will sight the Himalayan birds, Pica, and Marmot around the gumba. During the rest day, you can spend time exploring the monastery, talking with the resident monks, and meditating. Stay overnight at a tea house, enjoying the calm natural beauty. 

After having breakfast, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before retracing your steps back to Prok Village or continuing your trek to the main destinations in the Manaslu region. The trail descends through the jungle and pasture land to the small settlement at Kwak Village, taking 4 to 5 hours, where you can get a simple lunch (Dalbhat, Nooglesoup, fried rice, tea; don't expect variety item food here), and the walk continues to the Prok Village (2397 m) across the bridge on the Budhigandaki River via Ghap Village. Pork is also one of the best side treks in the Manaslu Region, so you will see rarely just a few trekkers on this trek. You will enjoy a glimpse into the traditional Tibetan culture and architecture, with its stone houses, prayer flags, and Buddhist stupas in the village. Stay overnight at Homestay. 

This is another day of a side trip. After having breakfast at the hotel, we begin the day hike to Kal Tal with sufficient drinking water and pack lunch. It takes 7 to 8 hours to get to Kal Tal and back to Prok village. According to the local rule of Prok Village, trekkers must hire a local guide to hike Kal Tal due to safety concerns for trekkers on such a new trekking trail. Not only is it safe for you, but it also helps locals to empower, generates direct income, and makes sustainable tourism. The trail from Prok Village goes through lush forests, terraced fields, and rolling hills, enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and mountain views towards the Kal Tal. During the hike, you have a chance to encounter wildlife and bird species in the jungle. In 3 to 4 hours of ascending through the forest, finally you get to Kal Tal/Kalchhuman Lake (3574 m). Take a rest and enjoy a beautiful lake reflecting the surrounding mountains and greenery. This is one of the best places to spend some time relaxing in Mother Nature, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and enjoy a packed lunch in such a mesmerizing place. If the lake is not covered by ice, it offers an opportunity for nature photography. Collect the lifetime experience at Lake; we went to the Prok Village for an overnight stay. 

Note: You are advised to bring essential trekking gear, such as comfortable trekking boots, a daypack, a water bottle of at least 2/3 liters, fleshlight, warm clothes, energy bars, pack lunch, and sun protection, when visiting Kal Tal. Furthermore, it's recommended to make sure of good weather conditions with trusted apps and trail conditions and seek local guidance before starting on the trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Before having breakfast, you may explore the Pork Village at the last minute and its surroundings. This trek is a lifetime experience with natural beauty and the warm hospitality of locals. The unique local culture interacts with the friendly villagers and witnesses their daily way of life trek to Lihi (2920 m). Today is a wonderful trekking day through the dense forest, crossing the Budhi Gandaki wooden bridge, ascent gently up to Tibetan-run lodge Namrung, and amazing scenery. Then the trail goes to extensive pastures and land to the ancient Lihi village. We stay in the tea house, enjoying the charming nature and the warm hospitality of the locals.

After having breakfast, the journey begins from Lihi village with a packed lunch, enough drinking water, and all necessary equipment. The trail separates after a 20-minute walk from Lhi Village. The trail ascends along the Hinang Khola stream through the lush forests, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks. In 2 to 2 ½ hours, walk and enjoy nature's beauty; finally, you will get to Hinang Gumba (3100 m).  Hinang Gumba is pristine itself, and its surrounding mountains and landscape add much more holiness. In Everest Gumba represent the Gautam Duddha; here also you can see the middle Gautam Buddha and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) on the right side and the left Guru Karmapa. About ten years ago, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche built this monastery. The walk continues for a couple of hours, and you'll arrive at the Himalchuli Base Camp (4220 m). You have a magnificent view of Mt. Himal Chuli East (7,893 m), the highest peak of the Himal Chuli Range. Likewise, awe-inspired by the towering peaks like Himal Chuli North (7,331m), Himal Chuli West (7,54m), Buddha Himal (6,672m), and Rani Himal (6,693m) can be seen from the base camp. No dough! Himal Chuli Base Camp is an ideal spot for photography, capturing the beauty of the Himalayan landscape. After spending some time, you'll retrace your steps back to Lihi village for an overnight stay.

It was enjoying the panoramic views and relishing the memories of the last day's adventure. The side trip combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration, making it a fulfilling experience for travelers seeking a taste of the Himalayas. The trip begins after having breakfast and walks through the picturesque Tibetan village of Sho at 3000 m. On the way to Lho, the spectacular views of Ngadi Chuli and Manaslu itself make for quite an impressive afternoon. We set up camp in Lho, a sprawling village decorated with many prayer flags, in the yard of a small lodge and monastery. The sunset and sunrise from the campsite are wonderful. Do capture the best picture.

This is another side trip day. The journey begins from Lho village with a beautiful mountain view; now the trail goes through the forest to the Shyala (3,500 m) village, taking about two hours' walk. Shayla is one of the best places for the mountain view and surrounding scenery the entire trip. We check in at a tea house and then head to the Pung Gyan Gumba (3870 m). It takes 2 to 3 hours for the Pung Gyan Gumba and takes a similar amount of time back to Shyala for overnight staying. Hence, Pung Gyan Gumba was the ancient base camp of Mt. Manaslu. The expedition was conducted from here, but nobody succeeded at the summit. The locals believe that this is not only a viewpoint; it is also a sacred place of spirituality. If you are looking for an amazing mountain view of Mother Nature, Pung Gyan Gumba is the best option. You are witnesses of Simnang Himal (6,251 m), Harka Gurung Peak/peak 29 (7,871 m), Manaslu Himal (8,163 m), known as Kang Phungen, Maanslu North Peak (7,157 m), and Naike Peak (6,21 m), and beautiful Samagaun village and Birendra lake. Defiantly, you are rewarded with a whole-day side trip.

After having breakfast and enjoying the mesmerizing mountains, the trail leads through the alpine trail, which leads us through fields to the 500-year-old settlement Sama Gaon, or Ro, with unique architecture and two wooden monasteries. Dzongka Dzong (fortress) is at the border of Tibet, a few day's walk from Sama Gaon. Take the afternoon to hike up to the old Gomba settlement above the town and wander the streets of the fascinating Sama Gaon village. Staying overnight at the tea house. 

We have a rest day in Sama Gaon to explore the village and monasteries—a little piece of old Tibet. This is also an extra day in case anyone is having trouble acclimating. A great excursion is to hike towards Manalsu Base Camp, where we'll have stunning views of the lake, glacier, and valley. Another option is to hike up to Pung Gyen Gompa, at 3870 meters, and explore this unique natural beauty. 

After having breakfast, the trail leads us to breathtaking mountain scenery and blue sheep territory, grazing nearby on the barren hillsides. Perhaps this will be one of the best trekking days on the whole trip, regarding the view and walking.  After 3 to 4 hours of walking, you will get to Samdo, where there are more than four teahouses for your accommodation. Still, Samdo is best for views and cultural activities. If you have still energy, then you may hike up to the viewpoint for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. This is best for the acclimatization as well.

This is the last most important day of the side trip to Rui La Pass (4998 m) full of curiosity about the border of Nepal and China. As this is an isolated region in the Himalayas, our guide will make sure about the trail condition by consulting with locals. After having breakfast and filling the water bottle, pack lunch, and bring appropriate trekking gear, you will hike to Ruila Pass, taking about 4 to 5 hours from Samdo. Rui La is easy to access for the people of Manaslu and the border between Nepal and Tibet, which is why it has been used as a business transit point for centuries. The trail goes north from Samdo village following the Athahra Saya Khola (1800 rivers) until it heads west, then the trails ascend lose rock, pasture land, and glacier with amazing scenery eastwards and upwards to the Rui La Pass (4998 m). Where you will see the huge, wide road with a traffic signal linking to the Tibet village. During the hike, you will see the yaks, sheep, and wild goats (Jharal) grazing in the pastureland. Likewise, the Himalayan pica and marmot show us hide and seek in the ground. It is a place to find several Shaligram (fossils) around the Rui La, after the Krishna Gandaki River Mustang. Hence, the Hindus believe those fossils are the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. We trace back to Samdo for an overnight stay.

The trail leads us to the old trade route towards Tibet, cross a bridge, and climb through the trade markets of Larkya bazaar. After about three hours of climbing past glaciers with increasingly overwhelming panoramas, we come to the campsite at Dharamsala, the high camp for the Larkya La pass, where we have lunch surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and blue sheep territory, grazing nearby on the barren hillsides. You'll feel the altitude and the cold here, so enjoy a more leisurely afternoon and keep warm. We'll have an early dinner in preparation for our pass crossing tomorrow.

After a very early morning breakfast, the trail goes to the north side of the Larkya Glaciers, where we have views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Then walking about four hours, we will get to the top of the Larkya La (4930 m), which has a view of wonderful panoramic mountains: the Himlung Himal (7126 meters), Cheo Himal (6820 meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981 meters), and the Annapurna II (7937 meters), equally stunning from both sides. The descent is steep, through mountains, towards Bhimtang. After praying and yelling 'Ki ki so so lha gyalo' (may the gods be victorious), get ready to drop onto a slippery trail following the glacial moraine finally to the Bimtang. Here at the 'Three Sisters Hotel,’ the evening After a very early morning breakfast, the trail goes to the north side of the Larkya Glaciers, where we have views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Then walking about four hours, we will get to the top of the Larkya La (4930 m), which has a view of wonderful panoramic mountains: the Himlung Himal (7126 meters), Cheo Himal (6820 meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981 meters), and the Annapurna II (7937 meters), equally stunning from both sides. The descent is steep, through mountains, towards Bhimtang. After praying and yelling 'Ki ki so so lha gyalo' (may the gods be victorious), get ready to drop onto a slippery trail following the glacial moraine finally to the Bimtang. Here at the 'Three Sisters Hotel,’ the evening clouds gather and turn pink behind the surrounding peaks. It's all worthwhile now. clouds gather and turn pink behind the surrounding peaks. It's all worthwhile now. 

It will be best to take a rest at Bhimtang after the last day of big walking, or you may explore the Bhimtang and Glacier Lake. Bhitang itself is the is the best place for the mountain scenery and a good tea house with delicious food.

It's an easy trekking day following the Dudh Khola through bamboo forests about a 1½ to 2 hour walk down. We see ahead marks of the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) board at Dharapani. Now we are in Annapurna Circuit Trekking main trail, an atmospheric Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering at the Gomba in Thongje. You will see many trekkers at Dharapani (2,130 m)  who are heading to the most popular Thorong La Pass (5,460 m) pass trek in Annapurna. On this last night of the trip, you will celebrate with your guide, porters, and other friends with the joy of concluding the trip successfully.

Today is the final day of the trip. In the morning, we drive for 3 to 4 hours by sharing a Jeep or bus from Dhrapani to Beshisahar along the bank of the Marsyandi River and the traditional trekking trail; it will be another bumpy and full adventure drive on the off-road. Again, drive back to Kathmandu on the same day for about 5 to 6 hours. 

On this pleasant day, you may have a full day at leisure, either relaxing at a hotel or exploring the area around Thamel. Today is the day of ending your journey, so we hand over your Trip Certificate, Trekking Permit, and TIMS Card for the memory of the Nepal trip. Today is free or last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts to your family, friends, or relatives for you until departure flight/drive. Our assistance will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onward destination, taking with you the memory of a lifetime.