Manaslu Trekking
Manaslu Trekking offers a unique opportunity to experience relatively "untouched" region of Nepal. Opened for trekking only since 1991 , it provides spectacular beauty along the border of Nepal and China and is now a controlled trekking route which allows organized trekking groups special permits to venture round its spectacular circuit. Located in west-central Nepal, the 177-km trek around Manaslu provides strong walkers the best that Nepal has to offer: fantastic mountain scenery, spanning altitudes from 375 m to 5.300 m. a diverse range of ecosystems and ethnic cultures, and a trail that puts one physically closer to Tibet than any other trek in Nepal.
The standard 21 -day hike usually begins in Gorkha but for those preferring a longer trek, the winding road to Trisuli becomes the preface to this exciting walk Because of its isolation and newness to tourism, this trip must be done as a full service trek through an official trekking company. All supplies necessary for the trip (including food and kerosene) must be carried in and all rubbish must be portered out. A Nepalese Liaison Officer must accompany each group to assure protection of both the fragile environment and cultures there.
Trip Facts
Maximum Elevation: 5215 m
Mode of Trip: Tended Camp Trek
Activities: Trekking + Tour
Group Size: 02 (minimum)
Departure: Every month throughout the year
Per Day Hiking: 6-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Transportation: Car/ Van/ bus
Best Time: Feb, March, April, May, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec
Trip Highlight
- Kathmandu city tour.
- Scenic dirt road driving to Arughat from Kathmandu.
- Exploring the Budhi Gandaki River valley.
- Experience the Nepalese and Tibetan mixture culture.
- Walking between the borders of Nepal and Tibet
- Crossing Larkya La over 5215 meters.
Day to day itinerary
Detail Itinerary
There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.
After having breakfast enjoy a guide sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit many Buddhist and Hindu temples which reflect the local culture and tradition of Nepalese society. In the evening you will return to the Hotel.
Your Trekking staff will come to your Hotel early in the morning at 7.00 am to pick you up, from there we have an 8 hour driving journey to Arughat. From Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi for 3.30 hours is comfortable drive but from there to Arugat for another 4 hours we will be driving on dirt road. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat River. After Arkhat we ascend slowly toward Kyoropani. Camp today nears the confluence of Seti River - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath. Overnight at Tented Camp.
The trail descends slowly until you climb again to mountain ridge to Almara. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budhi Gandaki. At Lambesi, the trail follows down to the sandy river bed of Budhi Gandaki. Camp tonight at Machha River. Overnight at Tented Camp.
After crossing Machha River and Khrola besi, there is a hot spring called "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area after this toward Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation. At Jagat, there is a police check-post where your trekking permit will be checked. Overnight at Tented Camp.
After ascending to a terraced hill of Saguleri and view of Sringi Himal (7177 meters) we continue toward Sirish Gaon, Gandaki valley narrows from herewith soaring precipitous walls. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Follow the trail upstream of Deng River - a tiny village of 4 houses. We walk through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around. Overnight at Tented Camp.
After crossing the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki we follow the path lined with houses that are interspersed with cultivated fields. At Namru, there is a police check post again. After Namru, across the Hinan river originating from Linda Glacier and continue on to Sho. Naike peak, Manaslu north (7774 meters) and Manaslu (8150 meters) are visible from here. Tonight we camp near a spring at Lho gaon - a small village. Overnight at Tented Camp.
You will pass the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho with full view of Peak 29 ahead. You can make a side excursion to Pungen Glacier from here to get a very close up view of Manaslu. Follow the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Sama. From the village of Sama, it takes another 20 minutes to reach Sama Gompa for night halt. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Today we climb a terraced hill on the opposite bank of Budhi Gandaki River from here toward a most remote permanent settlement - Samdo. Here amid the most sever conditions of nature live some 200 villagers in forty houses check-by-jowl. Camp at Stone Hut. Overnight at Tented Camp.
We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air and also for local excursion. Overnight at Tented Camp.
We first climb towards Cho Chanda and then slowly head steeply uphill towards the snowed-up pass. From the top the panorama is magnificent: Himlung Himal (7126meter), Cheo Himal (6820meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6981meters) and the Annapurna II (7937meters). The descent is steep, through moraines, towards Bhimphedi. Overnight at Tented Camp.
The route gets easier. We start with a gentle climb through paddy fields towards the small Karcha La pass and descend through fig tree and rhododendron forests to Tilje. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Follow the trail downstream of Marshyangdi River, passing through the scattered villages to reach Tal village for overnight stay. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Today the trail runs gently downstream of the river passing the village of Chamje and Himal pani . We will have overnight stay at Jagat. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Ascending gently for 30 minutes and the trail runs gently down to Sanjee village, then trail goes up for 15 minutes to Gharmuu Phant. From here another 2 hours easy walk and 30 minutes up will take to the village of Bahundanda. Overnight at Tented Camp.
The trail runs gently downstream of the river passing the village of Naadi. From here the trail takes you to the bank of Marshyngdi River and town of Bhulbhule, Khudi all the way to Besisahar. Overnight at Tented Camp.
Overnight at hotel.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
Altitute Sickness
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from your travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry.
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.
- Periods of sleeplessness.
- Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
- Occasional loss of appetite.
- Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
- Periodic breathing.
- The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
- Runny nose.
- Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
- Dizziness.
2. Mild AMS Symptoms - NEVER GO HIGHER
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
- Mild headache.
- Nausea
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Sleeplessness.
- Dry Raspy cough.
- Fatigue/Tired.
- Loss of apatite.
- Runny nose.
- Hard to breath.
What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?
- If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
- If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by.
- If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
- If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
- If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You're here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.
3. Serious AMS Symptoms - IMMEDIATE DESCENT
- Persistent, severe headache.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
- Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
- Mental confusion or hallucinations.
- Liquid sounds in the lungs.
- Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
- Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
- Severe lethargy/fatigue.
- Marked blueness of face and lips.
- High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
- Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
Dangerous cases of AMS
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It In most cases the first five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.
Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
- Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
- No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
- Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
- Climb high and sleep low.
- Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
- Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
- Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Never leave or descent sick person along.
- Avoid getting cold.
- Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
- Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
- Gel hand cleaner.
What to Pack
Essential Equipment List
Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation.
- Passport/Tickets/Vaccination Certificates/Spare Passport Photos/Travel Insurance Policy
- Money Belt
Recommended general packing list
- Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
- Toiletries
- Biodegradable Laundry Soap
- Torch/Spare Batteries
- Sun Hat
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
- Sunglasses
- Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
- Travel alarm clock
- Sewing kit
- Reading material/Guide Books
- Padlocks
- Travel pillow
- Swiss army knife
- Travel clothesline
- Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
- Student ID (if applicable)
- I-pod/MP3/Discman
- Pens and Notebook
Clothes and Footwear
- Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
- Underwear/socks
- Swimwear
- 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
- 2 x shorts
- Skirt/dress
- Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
- 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
- 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
- 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
- Hiking boots if any trekking involved
- Flip Flops/Thongs/Jandals – also for the showers
Recommended First Aid Supplies
- Sunscreen
- Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
- Antiseptic
- Blister pads
- Pain killers
- Diarrhorea remedies
- Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
- Malaria Tablets (if required)
- Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
- Contact lenses and solution
- Cold/flu decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
- Contraceptives
- Mosquito Repellent
- Insect bite cream
- Tampons
- Tweezers
- Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off by car / Van / Bus.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu as per the above program.
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4 Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
- Accommodation in tents during the trek.
- An experience Guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments.
- Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu by private Jeep / Mini Bus.
- Full board meal (veg. / non veg.) prepared by our expert cook.
- Manaslu Trekking Permits, Annapurna conservation permit and all necessary permits.
- Trekking equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, Table with chairs, kitchen utensils, Down sleeping bag / Jackets, walking sticks, and other necessary equipments during the trek).
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Tourist service charge, Vat.
- Office Service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
- Travel insurance
- International air fare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 15 days, US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 30 days. You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
- Items of a personal nature
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
- Trekking Equipments (down sleeping bag and down jackets are available to hire or buy in Kathmandu, which would cost approximately US$ 1 per day per item to hire and US$ 60 to US$ 100 per item to buy).
- Tips for guide, porters, driver.
