18-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu via Larkya-La Pass

About This Tour

About Dharapani

Nepal

Dharapani

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What's Included

• All pickups and drops from and to the airport by private vehicles (bus, van, Jeep, Hiace, and bus)
• All hotel charges in Kathmandu on a BB plan
• A guided city tour in Kathmandu
• All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• English-speaking local guide who holds a government license
• Twin-sharing accommodation in lodges during the trek
• Required local staff and porters for your assistance during the trek
• All required fees in national parks and conservation areas
• Food, accommodation, equipment, salary, insurance, and medicine for all trekking staff
• Required down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek)
• All surface transfers from and to Kathmandu
• All sightseeing or monument entrance fees in Kathmandu
• All official expenses
• Farewell dinner
• All government taxes in Nepal

Not Included

• All lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as other major cities
• All international airfare and airport departure tax
• Travel insurance required for emergency rescue and evacuation
• Nepal entry visa, which can be obtained easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
• Personal trekking equipment
• Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected)
• All alcoholic and other drinks (hot and cold)
• Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Included section

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 01

   Arrival in Kathmandu

   Today, upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.

2. 2
   Day 02

   Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sightseeing

   With the help of our experienced tour guide, you will spend the whole day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. The main places will be Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bauddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square, among others.

3. 3
   Day 03

   Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

   On this day, we will drive to Soti Khola from Kathmandu Valley either by local express bus or private vehicle. The vehicle depends on the number of trekkers.

4. 4
   Day 04

   Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola/Labu Beshi

   Today, we will start trekking in the morning. After crossing the bridge, the trek climbs up onto a ridge above the huge rapids of the Budhi Gandaki and reaches Khorsaani. Then, the trail gets a bit precarious as it passes over a big rock and crosses a stream. The rocky trail then goes up and down through a large stand of nettles, passes tropical waterfalls, and again heads down to the bank of the Budhi Gandaki. The trek goes up again on a steep rocky trail, then down and up around to the Gurung village of Labu Besi, where we rest overnight.

5. 5
   Day 05

   Trek onward to Jagat via Doban

   From Labu Besi, we will move onwards today, following the trail gradually uphill to Jagat. We will reach Jagat via Doban. Stay at Jagat overnight.

6. 6
   Day 06

   Follow the River to Ngyak

   The day begins by following the riverbank again for the first hour up to Ghata Khola. We will then cross to the eastern bank before ascending to Philim, one of the few large settlements on this route and home to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project office. From here, you can view Mt. Lapuchun (5,950 m). Overnight, we will stay at the guest house.

7. 7
   Day 07

   Forest Trails to Ghap

   The trek takes us through a heavily forested area in a narrow valley until we reach the little settlement of Dang. We will then cross the Budhi Gandaki River, where the valley opens and we begin our ascent to Rana. The trail now takes us high above the river, giving us views of the Manaslu Massif before descending to Ghap. We will stay overnight at a guest house in Ghap.

8. 8
   Day 08

   Ascend from Ghap to Lho Village

   Today, we will trek from Ghap to Lho village (3020 m). It is a distance of about 6 to 7 hours of normal walking. Slowly and gradually, we will be gaining altitude, and with the increase in altitude, we enter alpine territory and accordingly enjoy increasing mountain views. On the way to Manrung, we will find more mani walls and three more crossings of the Budi Gandaki. Finally, we will reach Lho, where we will stay.

9. 9
   Day 09

   Trek from Lho to Samagaon

   Today, we will resume the trek with a steep descent and a crossing of yet another rock-strewn torrent called Thusang Khola. You will realize that Manaslu and Himalchuli dominate the entire landscape. Then, across the glacier-fed Numla Khola, the valley drops away to a moraine while we follow the ancient trans-Himalayan trail, now just a few kilometres from Tibet. We will then reach Samagaon. Samagaon (3390 m) is one of the classic Lama settlements in the region, with a monastery, mani walls, and an entirely Tibetan atmosphere.

10. 10
    Day 10

    Rest and Acclimatization in Samagaon

    Today will be a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaon. You can have an optional hike to Punggyen Gompa, or the day can be spent immersing yourself in the daily life of Sama Gompa.

11. 11
    Day 11

    Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala

    Today's walk starts easily enough. We will cross the Budhi Gandaki for a final time and pause at the old stone wall of mani inscriptions, bidding us well for progress over the pass. The trail gradually rises through juniper and tundra, with a viewpoint overlooking the Larkya La Glacier. The further climb will bring us to the memorably Spartan Larkya Rest House. We will now reach Dharmashala (4460 m) for our overnight stay.

12. 12
    Day 12

    Acclimatization at Dharmashala

    Today, we will have a full day of acclimatization at Dharmashala. We can explore the surrounding areas of Dharmashala today and stay here tonight.

13. 13
    Day 13

    Cross Larkya La to Bhimtang

    An early morning start is needed for what will be a particularly tough and extended day. We will start at approximately 4 am to avoid gale-force winds, which usually gain strength after midday at the pass. After a long gradual climb alongside a moraine, we make a short descent to a glacial lake and reach the head of the moraine (4700 m), which we cross to climb to the ridge top. Four frozen lakes lie below, and then it is up to the crest of the Larkya La (5100 m). The reward for these difficult trekking conditions is brilliant westerly views of Himlung Himal, Kanguru, and Annapurna II, as well as the looming omnipresence of Manaslu. Well, the descent is hardly any easier; we drop around 650 m in less than an hour. Our trail then levels off onto yak pastures before finally reaching Bimtang (3590 m), a collection of typical summer Kharkas.

14. 14
    Day 14

    Descend from Bhimtang to Tilje

    Now, the toughest days on the trail are behind us. We descend through meadows and through pine and rhododendron forest to reach Hampuk, and then after dropping further following the course of the Dudh Khola, we arrive at Karche and then onto the village of Gho. Keeping to the west bank of the river, the afternoon is one of gradual descent to the Gurung settlement of Tilije, which has a certain notoriety for apple brandy. We will stay overnight in Tilije (2300 m) at the local lodge.

15. 15
    Day 15

    Trek from Tilje to Tal

    The trek goes along the Dudh Khola, a tributary of the Marsyangdi River, before arriving at the confluence in Dharapani. From here, we will continue on to Tal, where the river appears like a lake. We will stay at Tal tonight.

16. 16
    Day 16

    Follow the River to Syange

    Today, the trail runs gently downstream along the river, passing the village of Syange, where we stay overnight.

17. 17
    Day 17

    Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

    After completing this wonderful Manaslu Trek, we will drive back to Kathmandu today. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will enjoy our farewell dinner party in the evening.

18. 18
    Day 18

    Departure from Kathmandu

    Today, after having breakfast, we will accompany you to the airport for your return flight. We bid you farewell at the airport, hoping to see you again.

Meeting Point

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