Manaslu Expedition

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet

On Day 1 of your Manaslu Expedition, upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our representative will receive you at the airport terminal with a clear banner. From there, you will be transferred to the hotel, where you will be staying, in a comfortable private vehicle. Our representative will also assist you with the hotel check-in procedure.

Depending on the hour of your arrival, you can also set out to explore the nearby highlights of this beautiful capital and check out restaurants and cafes. In the evening, we will host a welcome dinner where you will get to meet the rest of the expedition members and the crew. After the welcome dinner, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet

Dharapani Elevation: 1,963 meters/ 6,440 feet

Elevation Gain: 563 meters/ 1,847 feet

Your iconic Himalayan expedition starts on this day with a scenic bus drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. You will drive on the Prithvi Highway, moving alongside the soaring Trishuli and Marysangdi Rivers. On this day’s driving adventure, you will pass through several vibrant settlements, charming waterfalls, high hills, and lush forests enjoying the views of the Himalayan range on the far right side.

Then, for the other half part of the driving adventure, you will leave the highway behind, switching trails to the Himalayan road and moving along the middle hills of the Dumre. After entering the Marsyangdi Valley, you will first make your way toward Besishar, the popular resting destination for Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Proceeding along your driving trail, you will move past Besishar, heading toward Dharapani, which is at a distance of 45 km from Besisahar. In this about 2- 3 hours drive from Besisahr to Dharapani, you will drive past other vibrant high Himalayan highlights like Tal, Syange, and Chamje before you finally arrive at your destination.

Dharapani Elevation: 1,963 meters/ 6,440 feet

Tilje Elevation: 2,300 meters/ 7545 feet

Elevation Gain: 337 meters/ 1,105 feet

Your trekking part in this expedition will finally start on this day. Leaving the gateway of the Annapurna region behind and its mainstream trekking trail, you will move along a different trekking route on this day. During the first part of this day’s trek, you will cross the bridge over the Marsyangdhi River and follow an easy border motor road where you will only see a few vehicles.

Then, switching trails to the inclining section, you will traverse across the lush rhododendron, fir, and pine forests. Continuing with your trekking trail, you will trek past the paddy fields and small Himalayan settlements, and the easy ascend during the last stretch will finally bring you to Tilje Village.

Tilje Elevation: 2,300 meters/ 7545 feet

Bimthang Elevation: 3,590 meters/ 11,778 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,290 meters/ 4,232 feet

It is another scenic day’s trek; leaving the Tilje behind, you will move along the ascending route, moving past the lush rhododendron and pine forests. Then, proceeding further in your trekking route, you will traverse across small charming villages and get the opportunity to explore their day-to-day activities and lifestyles.

During the first part of this day’s trek, you will push for the Karche Pass; from here, you will be able to catch the first views of the Manaslu. Moving forward, you will then follow the ascending trail stretching all the way to the wide grazing land of Yak Kharka.

You will take a break here and prepare for the final ascend over a steep hill that will lead you to Bimthang. There are several teahouses at Bimthang with Western-style bathroom facilities and other modern amenities; you will settle in at one of the finest teahouses in the village for a well-deserved rest.

Bimthang Elevation: 3,590 meters/ 11,778 feet

As you have ascended to a significant altitude, this day will be a rest day; you will take a break here at this charming high-altitude settlement to let your body acclimatize properly to the rising altitude. As some physical activities are recommended for an effective acclimatization process, you can do some short hikes to the nearby highlights in the region.

Hike to Pinkar and Nyamlo Lakes is a popular activity among the trekkers in the region; similarly, you can also check out the glaciers in close vicinity, like Kaechakyu, Salpudanda, and Ponkar.

Regardless of what you choose, you will be able to enjoy incredible views of the Himalayan peaks, like Manaslu, Himlung, Kangaru, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal. You can enjoy the rest of the day exploring the lifestyle and daily activities of the natives, an overnight stay at the teahouse in Bimthang.

Bimthang Elevation: 3,590 meters/ 11,778 feet

Samdo Elevation: 3,875 meters/ 12,713 feet

Larkya La Pass Elevation: 5,215 meters/ 17,109 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,625 meters/ 5,331 feet

Moving further in your trekking route, you will head toward an even higher elevation point of this adventure in your Manaslu Expedition. This day’s trekking adventure is a bit of a challenge and, at the same time, an exhilarating experience as you traverse across one of the high Himalayan passes, Larkya La Pass. Leaving the Bimthang behind, you will follow the inclining grass moraine and the steep climbing section following the trail of the Larkya La Pass.

After reaching the top of this beautiful Himalayan pass, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayan massifs like Annapurna II, Cheo Himal Kangaru, Chei Himal, Lamjung Himal and Himlung Himal. Then, you will proceed toward the descending route after relishing the ambiance of the high Himalayan pass.

Moving past the praying flags in your route, you will head downhill on the steep moraine and onto the grassy slope. You will also pass a small lake as you leave behind the Himalayan pass and make your toward Dharamsala. A gentle descent from this popular resting destination in the Manaslu region will then take you to your resting destination tonight, Samdo Village, a Tibetan refugee village.

Samdo Elevation: 3,875 meters/ 12,713 feet

Sama Gaon Elevation: 3,780 meters/ 12,401 feet

Elevation Loss: 95 meters/ 311 feet

On this day’s adventure, you will trek past the old mani walls and fields at the edge of the village. You will be blessed with stunning views of the Manaslu, including several other adjacent peaks in this day’s trekking route. Following the inclining trail that drops to the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, you will cross a wooden bridge and traverse across the birch, juniper, and fir forests.

The descent during the last stretch will bring you to pleasant pasture areas, and you will finally arrive at the Sama Gaon, the closest village to the Manaslu Base Camp. Overnight stay at Sama Gaon.

Sama Gaon Elevation: 3,780 meters/ 12,401 feet

Manaslu Base Camp Elevation: 4,700 meters/ 15,419 feet

Elevation Gain: 920 meters/ 3,018 feet

After following the scenic trekking route on this day, you will finally move toward the main objective of this adventure. It is a short day’s trekking adventure today; leaving the Sama Gaon behind, you will follow the steep climb section along the route that passes through the charming rhododendron, fir, and juniper forest.

Then, up ahead, after leaving the forested trails, your path will be exposed to a steep slope right above the Sama Gaon on the north side of the Manaslu Glacier. Although it is a relatively shorter trek, the views of the clear mountains, nearby glaciers, and the sparkling lake beneath make it seem like a journey into mythical enhanced lands.

During the last stretch of this day’s trek, you will overcome a slippery trail on the narrow moraine that stretches all the way to Manaslu Base Camp. After your arrival at the base camp, the expedition crew will set up camps at th site, and you can explore the foothills of the breathtaking peaks, preparing yourself for the journey up ahead.

Manaslu Base Camp Elevation: 4,700 meters/ 15,419 feet

Manaslu Summit Elevation: 8,163 meters/ 26,781 feet

Elevation Gain: 3,463 meters/ 11,361 feet

During the climbing period in your Manaslu expedition, you will spend your time scaling the mountain from Day 10 to Day 30. Your expedition crew will make all the arrangements for you to climb the mountain, and you will also participate in the practice climbs using your mountaineering tools. You will spend most of your scaling period training and acclimatizing to the new altitudes as you ascend to higher camps and descend back to lower camps for your body to get adjusted to the alpine high altitude. You will repeat the process until you are completely ready for the summit push.

Manaslu Base Camp to Camp I (5,700 meters/ 18,701 feet): After all the arrangements by the expedition are complete, during the first part of the scaling, you will make your ascend to Camp I from the base camp, overcoming the glacier moraine and crevasses.

Camp I to Camp II (6,400/ 20,998 feet): The climbing route from Camp I to Camp II is a bit technical; you will scale across the vertical snow and ice section of the mountain using your mountaineering tools and ladder. The icefall’s core part lies in this section.

Camp II to Camp III (6,900 meters/ 22,638 feet): This scaling route is mostly straightforward; you will traverse across several small ice steps on the slopes. A few crevasses jumping points.

Camp III to Camp IV (7,300 meters/ 23,950 feet): The scaling route from Camp III to Camp IV is the strenuous part of the expedition. Oxygen level is, and even small efforts feel exhausting at this altitude; you will overcome the 50° to 55° pushing for Camp IV.

Camp IV to Manaslu Summit (8,163 meters/26,781 feet): On this summit push day, you will start your scaling really early in the morning at around 1:00 AM with the goal to scale the mountain between 7:00 and 10:00 AM. Moving across the small snow headwalls and several basins, you will follow the path on the exposed ridge using the fixed rope and finally reach the top of the mountain. After celebrating your victory on the top of the mountain, you will begin your descending journey to Camp IV- Camp III- Camp II- Camp I, and finally, base camp.

Manaslu Summit Elevation: 8,163 meters/ 26,781 feet

Manaslu Base Camp Elevation: 4,700 meters/ 15,419 feet

Elevation Loss: 3,463 meters/ 11,361 feet

After your successful scaling of the eight highest mountains in the world, today, you will prepare for the return trip and clean up the base camp. You and the expedition crew will sort out the waste, clean up the occupied area, and submit the garbage to the designated area.

Then, you will sort out your equipment and gear for the return trip; you will spend one more night at the base camp relishing the serene magnificence of the Himalayas at its foothills one last time in this expedition.

Manaslu Base Camp Elevation: 4,700 meters/ 15,419 feet

Sama Gaon Elevation: 3,780 meters/ 12,401 feet

Elevation Loss: 920 meters/ 3,018 feet

From this day onward, you will begin your return trip, leaving the base camp behind, and will head toward Sama Gaon on this day. Moving across the steep- narrow trail on the moraine, you will retrace your steps back to rhododendrons and fir forests. The gentle drop from the forested trail will then finally lead you back to the charming village of Sama Gaon.

After a long period of camping in the alpine environment, this will be your first night back in cozy and warm lodging. Enjoy the warm, nourishing meals at the teahouse; you will settle in for the night, pulling the curtain to this day’s adventure.

Sama Gaon Elevation: 3,780 meters/ 12,401 feet

Namrung Elevation: 2,550 meters/ 8,366 feet

Elevation Loss: 1,230 meters/ 4,035 feet

Continuing with the descending trail on this day of your Himalayan expedition, you will first cross the small stream nourished by the Punggen Glacier. Following the trails alongside the agricultural fields and several wooden resting destinations, you will head to the Shyala Village.

From here, you will enter the forested trail heading toward Lho, where you will be greeted by the spiritual trail with praying flags, mani walls, and beautiful chortens. Proceeding further in your trekking trail, you will traverse past the Sho Village and Lihi Village and, finally, your resting destination today, Marung Village.

Namrung Elevation: 2,550 meters/ 8,366 feet

Philim Village Elevation: 2,300 meters/ 7,545 feet

Elevation Loss: 250 meters/ 820 feet

It’s another day of scenic trekking experience in your Manaslu Expedition; today, leaving the Namrung Village behind, you follow the gently descending path across dense rhodododendron, bamboo, oak, and fir forests heading toward Namrung.

Moving along this day’s charming trekking trail, you will trek past the Ghap via a suspension bridge and head toward Bihi Phedi. Then, the trail further ahead takes you to the Deng Village; from here, you will cross the Deng Khola and trek across the dense bamboo forest to reach the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River.

During the last stretch of this day’s adventure, you will follow the terraced millet-farmed land moving past the Ekle Bhatti and reach the charming Gurung village, Philim.

Philim Village Elevation: 2,300 meters/ 7,545 feet

Machha Khola Elevation: 1,330 meters/ 4,363 feet

Elevation Loss: 970 meters/ 3,182 feet

This will be the last day of your trekking adventure in your Himalayan expedition; today, you will leave the Gurung village Philim behind, heading toward the Tibetan culture-influenced settlement of Jagat during the first part of the trek. From here, you will cross a river and continue your trek toward Thado Bharayang below Jagat and to Louri.

Proceeding further with this day’s trek, you will then arrive at Doban, and from here, you will follow the trail that stretches all the way to Tatopani. During the last of the trek, you will cross a suspension bridge, leaving Tatopani behind, and finally arrive at Machha Khola.

Machha Khola Elevation: 1,330 meters/ 4,363 feet

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet

Elevation Gain: 70 meters/ 229

Bidding farewell to the Himalayan trekking route, today, you will board a comfortable and convenient vehicle from Machha Khola heading toward Kathmandu. It is a long day’s drive today; however, the scenery is epic and refreshing; moving along the trails of Prithvi Highway, you will drive past Trisuli- Marsyangdhi Rivers, charming waterfalls, high hills, and vibrant settlements as you return back to the capital.

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet

This day is a contingency day in your Himalayan expedition; in case you have to delay the scaling part due to weather or any other factors, you will use this day during the expedition. However, if you don’t use this day during your Manaslu Expedition, you will get a leisure day that you can use to explore the Kathmandu Valley.

In the evening, we will also host a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful expedition and our affiliation. After dinner, you will be dropped back to your respective hotel for an overnight stay.

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet

It is time to bid farewell; after over a month of adventure, it is time to part ways with this beautiful Himalayan country. According to your flight schedules, our representative will pick you up at the hotels and assist you with the check-out procedure.

Then, you will be swiftly transferred to the airport in a comfortable vehicle from the hotel. Thank you for climbing with the Nepal Guide Treks and Expedition; we hope to see you again.

Safe journey!