Manaslu Round

Arrival in Kathmandu on the 2nd day and transfer to the hotel. In the evening there is a typical Nepalese welcome dinner. Our tour guide introduces himself and discusses the tour with you. You have time to get to know each other and absorb the first impressions. Overnight stay in the hotel.

The 6-8 hour jeep trip starts early in the morning via the small town of Dadhingbesi to the town of Machi Khola, about 180 km away. On the way, if the visibility is good, you will already see the striking peaks of Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna on the horizon. Here in the subtropical region, after the first overnight stay, the trekking begins tomorrow. Overnight stay in a lodge.

The first day leads along the Bhudi Gandaki river. The start of the trek below 1000 m is ideal for acclimatization! The subtropical climate in the first few days is characterized by lush vegetation and banana trees along the side of the path. The route goes up and down along the river and through the villages of the Magar and Gurung ethnic groups. Wheat and rice terraces and numerous waterfalls line the path. In the background of the valley, the first snow-capped peaks of the Ganesh Himal already shine in contrast. At times you hike through forests, where, with a little luck, you can see langurs. Today’s destination is Jagat, the entrance to the Manaslu nature reserve. Overnight stay in a lodge.

With a wonderful view of the Ganesh and Shingri Himal (7161 m) you climb to the terraces of Philim. The difference in altitude to the valley here is an incredible 5800 m! After passing the first chortens (shrines) and mani walls (prayer walls), it becomes clear that you have now entered the region of Tibetan Buddhism. Beautiful natural stone houses with shingle roofs and stately stone staircases can be seen above the sometimes narrow gorge. The path continues along the river to the day’s destination. Overnight stay in a lodge.

In constant ups and downs, the path today leads past grain fields and water-powered mills, first to the Bothia’s home in Ghap. In Banrung the first view of Manaslu opens up. The path, lined with mani walls, leads through the region, which is now increasingly Tibetan, to Namrong. You are now only a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. You cross the river several times and overcome large climbs. The transition to the coniferous forests becomes clear. Overnight stay in a lodge.

Today you have a slightly shorter day ahead of you, but one that will reward you with great views. Past a few stupas and through beautiful forests, after a short climb you finally reach the village of Lho, which is in a fantastic location with a view of Manaslu and the Lho monastery. In the afternoon, enjoy the views and the hustle and bustle of the village. Overnight stay in a lodge.

You have a great day ahead of you today. About 2 hours after the town, you turn off the main path in Shyalagong and climb up to the high pastures at the Punggen Gompa monastery. This climb is for optimal acclimatization and takes you up to around 4150 m. Up here you will be rewarded with what is probably the most beautiful view of Manaslu (8163 m). With unique views, you go back down to Samagaon. Here, too, there is an unforgettable view and a magnificent photo opportunity: Manaslu (8163 m) together with the Ribung monastery hill. Directly below the mighty eastern flank of Manaslu you reach the high valley of Samagaon. Overnight in a lodge.

The town of Samagaon (3529 m) was originally a very important trading hub for the salt trade with Tibet and even today the village is the largest in the region. The beautiful stone houses, inhabited by the Tibetan Bothia, are still a reminder of the prosperous past. Today, expeditions to Manaslu are their most important source of income. Depending on your needs, you have two options for spending the day in this beautiful high valley: either explore the interesting town of Samagaon or Birendra Lake. The path and the views of the snow-capped peaks and the Himalayan landscape are more than worthwhile. Overnight stay in a lodge.

In the morning, the Manaslu double peak, just 9 km away, greets you. The locals also call it Kutang, the mountain of the spirit. The hike continues up to Samdo, the last village before the Larkya base camp. From here, a traditional trade route leads over the 5090 m high Lajyung La pass to Tibet. In the afternoon, you will undertake an acclimatization climb to a small chorten directly above the village (approx. 4 km; approx. 2.0 hours; +/- 400 m elevation gain). Overnight stay in a lodge.

In the morning you hike westwards along the northern slope of the valley. The last camp before the pass, Dharamsala Phedi, is today’s destination. On this high alpine pasture there are brand new, simple huts with mattresses. The highest and therefore probably coldest place to sleep on your tour has been reached. It is advisable to use the afternoon for another short acclimatization tour. Overnight stay in a lodge.

Early in the morning the path leads over the lateral moraine of the Larkya glacier. The thin air is noticeable and the path slowly ascends towards the pass. You are accompanied by the view of Manaslu North (7157 m) and the mighty foothills of the Syacha glacier. The temperatures here can be very icy and windy up to Larkya La (5135 m). Once you reach the top, you are rewarded by the destination, which is decorated with many prayer flags and framed by bizarre ice flanks. Shortly after the pass, you have another fantastic view of the surrounding mountains, especially Himlung (7126 m) and Annapurna II (7937 m). This is followed by a steep descent to Bimthang, and once again you need surefootedness and concentration. Overnight stay in a lodge.

Today you say goodbye to the ice giants and hike through forest and terraced fields far down into the valley of the “milk stream” Dudh Khola. It gets much warmer and you pass fields, lush vegetation and rhododendron forests. Looking back, you can still see Larkya Peak (6416 m) and the west face of Manaslu – it’s incredible how many shapes a single mountain can present itself in! You slowly leave the isolation of the Manaslu circuit and reach the beautiful village of Ghowa on the traditional route to Annapurna in the Marsyangdi valley. Overnight stay in a lodge.

On your last day’s stage, you continue to descend through the valley over many natural stone steps and forest paths to Dharapani, which is located directly on the river. From here, you will drive in jeeps over a bumpy mountain road to Beshisahar. Here, you will celebrate a small farewell party with your loyal companions in the evening. Overnight stay in the hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive to the beautiful Newar town of Bandipur. The small town on the hill was once an important place on the old salt trade route. However, with the construction of the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the small town lost its importance. Here you can see the original architecture and learn a lot of interesting facts about the town. The mountain village also offers a great view of three 8000-meter peaks. In the evening, cozy street restaurants and pleasant temperatures invite you to enjoy. Overnight stay in the hotel.

From Bandipur you will drive back to Kathmandu by jeep. Depending on your departure time, you may still be able to explore Kathmandu on your own. PCR test in the evening.

Transfer to the airport and return flight. Arrival in Europe late in the evening (day 17), or in the morning for night flights