• Duration 25 Days / 24 Nights
  • Price from $1949 / person
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 5416 Meter

The Ultimate Manaslu Trek includes the circuit of the Manaslu massif and the trek to the lost world of Nar Phu Valley and continues to famous Annapurna Circuit. This adventure trekking is some of the best part of great Himalaya trail route that offers trekkers a variety of venture experience which makes Nepal so unique. The trek starts at less than 600m/2,000 ft. among tropical terraced paddy-fields inhabited by Hindus, slowly ascending to high alpine valleys inhabited by ethnically Tibetan people. The Ultimate Manaslu Trek combines the Manaslu Circuit and the Nar-Phu treks and is 29 days, 28 nights. But you may choose to participate either in the Manaslu Circuit Trek or the Nar-Phu Trek. See detailed itinerary or inquire for details.

This trip takes you to the remote circuit around Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest peak at 8,163m / 26,750ft. The Manaslu region, located along the border of Nepal and Tibet, is both beautiful and fascinating. The Manaslu area has been opened for trekking only since 1991. After crossing over the Larkya La, you continue West toward Nar Phu. Closed to trekkers until 2002, very few trekkers visit the Nar and Phu valleys. Crossing over the Kang La pass, you rejoin the Annapurna Circuit Trail above Upper Pisang and Ngawal.

The Manaslu and Nar-Phu regions, located along the border of Nepal and Tibet are geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating. The inhabitants of the lower Buri Gandaki region are Hindus (Brahmin/Chhetris) and Gurungs (Bonpos and Buddhists), while the inhabitants in the upper parts of the Buri Gandaki river are Buddhists and direct descendents of Tibetan immigrants who settled here in the early 1600s.

Highlights

  • Explore monasteries and palaces in the Kathmandu valley.
  • Experience Nepal’s varied landscape: Lush lowlands and alpine highlands.
  • Circle Manaslu the eight highest mountain in the world and cross beautiful Larkya La pass at 16,700 ft.
  • Explore remote Nar and Phu valleys and cross Kang La pass at 16,700 ft.

Itinerary

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We will direct drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu by 4WD private jeep that may take , around 8 hours depending on traffic condition. First we follow the Prithvi High way until Malekhu then drive via Dhading besi - Arughat. First part of drive in smooth and half part of drive is on unsealed road  to Machha Khola.

  • Lunch & Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 700 M
  • Soti Khola

Machha Khola to Jagat trek distance is an amazingly exotic part and off-the-beaten-path of Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley that has so far remained isolated and unspoiled. Machha Khola to Jagat trek distance is some 22 kilometers and 13 miles. It takes 6 to 7 hours to arrive at Jagat from Machha Khola passing throughout the Gurung villages Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dobhan, Yuru Khola along Budigandaki valley.

Jagat village situated at an elevation of 1340 meters above sea level. The adventure walk on the rugged terrains, views of striking mountains and cultural exploration during the trek makes it a perfect endeavor to those who aspire to savor a bit different taste of adventure. The dramatic traditional monasteries on the way portray the Buddhist influence of the region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 1340 M
  • Jagat

Jagat to Dyang trek distance is 19. 7 to 8 hours of walk brings you to Deng from Jagat to via Salleri, Paimo, Sirdibas, Philim, Eklabhatti, Nyak villages. Deng village situated at 1890 meters height above sea level. It is one of the best places to get the prominent view of mountains. At the same time you can explore the tradition, culture, lifestyle of local and practices of different tribes in Nepal. Jagat to Dyang trek through the riverbank & hills is an adventurous experience as you will get to see different nature beauties. The trail is largely populated by dense sub-tropical forest of oak, birch, and pine trees. You cross several suspension bridges on the way to cross Budhi Gandaki and other small rivers. Amplifying the pleasure of your journey, the region boasts mammoth prospect for bird watching.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 1980 M
  • Deng

The day starts with a steep climb up to the next part of the trail, and descending to cross the river in the valley below. The route then heads up along the valley, through several small hamlets, with Mani stones set into the rocks alongside the trail. These mani stones must be passed on the clockwise side, and show that you are nearing the Tibetan area of the region. After lunch, you can take a side-trip to the small village of Prok, and then back down the hillside to Namrung Village.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 2630 M
  • Namrung

Today the walk follows a trail that is lined with a long Mani stone wall near Lho Gaun, and then up the hillside to the ridge, and the Pungen Glacier. The glacier descends from the beautiful Peak 29, which can be seen clearly from the road around Lho Gaun, and you can get close-up views of the glacier from the lateral moraine, as well as great views of Mount Manaslu. Then it is Back to Lho Gaun for the night. The distance is some 10 to 11 KM / some 7 Miles that takes 5-6 hours.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3180 M
  • Lho Gaun

In the morning, you will head back towards the glacier, and follow the lateral moraine towards one of the most beautiful villages in the area, Samagaun. The village is small, but spread out, with mostly stone-built houses and a small monastery/temple. Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3500 M
  • Sama Gaun

Today is a rest and acclimatization day, or you can spend the day exploring the treks around the village of Samagaun, which include a half-day and full-day hike. The full excursion takes you towards the Manaslu Base Camp, which lies at an altitude of 4,750 meters, and takes around 7-8 hours for the round trip. Or you have choice going top Pungyen Gompa. The half-day hike is a trek to either the glacier across the valley from Samagaun or to the Birendra Tal Lake.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge
  • 3500 M
  • Sama Gaun

Another short day because of the altitude, with time to go via the iceberg-covered Birendra Tal (3450m) under the Manaslu Glacier, wade the exit stream depending on the time of year and drop down to pick up the main trail from Sama to Samdo. Easy walking through yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani walls, marmots in April but not November standing on their burrows. Finally leave the treeline behind, although low-lying juniper is all around, climb to a ridge and drop to cross the Buri Gandaki on a wooden bridge. It takes some time to reach the white kani above but immediately behind is Samdo (3860m), a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding, so much so that there are more animal and fodder shelters than human accommodation. Lodges are Chez Kyrang, Yak Lodge (both not open) and **Tibetan Twins (Rs350, db Rs440), comfortable although likely to be cold at this altitude.

Side valleys and Samdo Peak call out for afternoon wandering but take a jacket as cold wind can come up at any time. The Larkya La trail is ahead up valley and left. You can see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La (Lajyung Bhanjyang, 5098m) sloping up to the right from the Larkya La trail and you can make an excellent afternoon acclimatisation walk of 4-5hrs return to 4500m up this trail, seeing lots of blue sheep and yaks and entrancing views, but the pass itself is a full day trip. The first village and road in Tibet is about 2hrs beyond the pass with access currently blocked by China even for locals. There is a lot of Chinese and Tibetan alcohol and food for sale in Samdo.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Tibet Twin Guest House
  • 3860 M
  • Place: Samdo

Descend beyond Samdo on a broad trail, dropping to cross the much-reduced Budhi Gandaki at 3850m. Pass the trail to Tibet to the right and climb left after a mani wall, traversing through juniper with many marmots in April but not November when they hibernate. Cross two ravines on narrow tracks, very icy towards winter. There is no Larke Bazar despite what many maps assert; at one time traders from Namche Bazar came through Tibet to trade in this area and maybe some of the scattered stone shelters you will pass were part of that market. Dharamsala (4480m; Larke Phedi, Larkya Resthouse) is now a seasonal village with dark stone rooms and tents for at least 50 people (bed Rs300, db Rs550), and a dirt-floored but efficient dining hut. Even toilets are available. In 2012 this entire place opened 1 October and closed for winter on 24 November, so check in Samdo before counting on staying here. The camping area is filthy with toilet trenches, rubbish and blowing toilet paper so be careful where you get your water and boil it well if camping. The views are marvellous. A large herd of blue sheep call the tussock-covered hills home and we saw snow leopard prints in fresh snow around the toilets.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 4460 M
  • Place: Dharmasaala

Note that if snow has fallen overnight and there have been high winds, then there may be less snow as you climb making the pass still crossable. Climb steadily over the ridge behind Dharamsala and beside the large lateral moraine of the Larke Glacier. The climb is not difficult but it is long and rocky underfoot, particularly as you top the moraine. Look for cairns and metal snowpoles which assist route finding. Descend past four frozen lakes and make a final tiring climb to the left up to Larkya La (5160m), marked by prayer flags. It takes about 3-5hrs to reach the pass and it can be very cold and windy with a risk of exposure if under-equipped or ill. The peaks to the west are Himlung (7126m) near Tibet and Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m) in the Annapurna Range.

Trek west on a high moraine ridge exposed to wind for some distance, on the right side of a deep gully, then drop steeply on loose scree, eventually traversing left on more steep scree. There are several places where snow or ice would make this treacherous and some groups fix a rope on the steepest piece. Make a long descent on loose gravel to a welcome more level area with grassy moraine, where the angle eases. The track now runs left of the large lateral moraine, rocky at times, in a widening and beautiful valley all the long way to very scenic Bimthang (3720m; ‘plain of sand’), a descent of 1400m in about 3hrs. The views during the descent are huge – icefalls and mountains in all directions, a medial glacial lake (Pongkar Tal) between the Pongkar and Salpudanda Glaciers, and the joining of these two glaciers with a third glacier to form the Bhimdang Glacier whose lateral moraine towers over Bimthang. The new chalet-style **Hotel Ponkar Mountain (Rs400, db Rs400) is the first lodge but two new lodges are being built and there are 4-5 older-style bhattis with rooms.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 3800 M
  • Place: Bimthang

We head down along the the Shyarkhola. After having lunch at Karche; the trails starts with a gentle climb up then drops down toward Goa village, the trail crosses over a suspension bridge to the small settlement of Tilje.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 2300 M
  • Place: Tilje
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • (2600m
  • Place: Koto
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 3500 m
  • Place: Meta
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 4080 m
  • Place: Phugaon

Explore around Phu Village or hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 4080 m
  • Place: Phugaon

Retrace the route back down towards Meta, but turn off at the Nar Phedi monastery, which will be your accommodation for the night. In fact, the monastery is all that Nar Phedi consists of!

The rooms are neat and clean and the nuns are extremely welcoming. Join them in the kitchen and watch them prepare dinner on a modest fireplace. At 5 pm they usually do a puja (blessing), which you are welcome to witness. There is a small donation box in the monastery where you can leave a contribution for the maintenance of this beautiful and friendly place.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Monastery Accommodation
  • 3,490m
  • Place: Mahendrapul

Today is a very gentle day. Climb out of Nar Phedi and follow a winding path up a hill towards Nar. Pass a line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens on the way into the ancient village. Arrive in the town around lunch time. Even though Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, it is rarely visited by trekkers and is about as picturesque as it gets.

Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu, and during the day you may find the village ‘square’ teeming with chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets. With a few new teahouses built on the outskirts of Nar, you can stay in a comfortable lodge with an extensive menu.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 4110 M
  • Place: Nar Village

Today is a long day, so get up before sunrise and head towards the Kang La pass, which leads back onto the popular Annapurna Circuit. It is not a difficult pass, but it can be a long day as the effects of altitude will be felt. Once on top of the pass you can enjoy an amazing view over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The trail down starts off steep, but if you enjoy scree running you can have some fun! Stop for lunch on a plateau overlooking the peak, then continue towards Ngawal.

Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna Circuit, is certainly very different from the ancient villages just visited. The lodges are big, the menus much more comprehensive and there will be Wifi and phone signals in most lodges.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 3675 M
  • Place: Ngawal

On this day, we trek to Manang. Trek continues enjoying panoramic views of the gigantic mountains and peaks walking through slopes. The time you get in the afternoon as we reach the village is enough to explore the village. The views of mountains from the village are astonishing. Experience the hospitality of the Manang people.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 3540 M
  • Place: Manang

An additional day to rest and re-energize your body, beside resting; you can hike to Ice Lake or visit to Milarepa cave - the cave where great Tibetan Buddhist saint Milarepa believed to have mediated there. If you are needing to shorten this trek then we can skip the day as you will be already acclimatized in Manaslu and Nar Phu part. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 3540 M
  • Place: Manang

From Manang, you then hike to a village called Yak Kharkha (4,050m) when you spend the night at Leddar. This is when the views of the Himalayas started to become even more incredible and we see less and less vegetation as we go higher beyond the tree line break.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 4200 M
  • Place: Leddar

The next day, you trek to the village of Thorong Phedi (4,500m) and then to “High Camp” (4,800m), where you will spend you last night before crossing Thorong-La.

This is one of the hardest parts of the Annapurna trek (even harder than crossing the pass) as we start to feel the altitude symptoms. Several rest before continuing further is always recommended, panting hard. Drinking plenty of water and rest is the best way to deal with the symptoms, along with hot drinks like lemon and honey or mint tea.

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 4600 M
  • Thorong La High Camp

Cross the last pass of three passes in your trek after Larke La and Kang La Pass. Thorong La is 5416 meters high from sea lever and provides feeling great adventure mountain pass. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Trekking Lodge
  • 3800 M
  • Place: Muktinath

Drive to Jomsom and we have breakfast there then take a to flight Pokhara. Now you are back to civilization. Rest and relax in Pokhara. Now there is proper hot shower and bars to relax. Enjoy!

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Mount View
  • 800 m
  • Place: Pokhara

After a leisure breakfast, take a scenic flight to Kathmandu from the lake city of Pokhara. Pick from airport and transfer to hotel. Free afternoon for sightseeing or shopping.  

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • No included
  • 1300m
  • Place: Kathmandu
Customized Trip

What's Included

  • 1 Night deluxe room in Pokhara in Hotel Mount View or similar with breakfast.
  • Kathmandu to Machha Khola by Private comfortable jeep.
  • Jomsom - Pokhara by flight ticket and airport taxes
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu by domestic flight and airport taxes.
  • Domestic airport transfers in Pokhara.
  • Meals: 24 Breakfasts, 23 Lunches and 23 Dinners during the trek.
  • Sharing twin/double bed room accommodation in trekking lodges during the trek.
  • A professional local guide for Ultimate Manaslu Trekking .
  • Sharing high altitude porter to carry your luggage (weight limit 20 kg/porter).
  • Guide and porter fee and all their expenses.
  • All necessary Ultimate Manaslu trekking permits
  • Insurance and trekking gear for guide and porter.
  • All applicable local taxes.

What's Excluded

  • Transfers, accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  • Guided sightseeing tour and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara except breakfast.
  • All bar bills and beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water and laundry service.
  • Hot shower and hot water, internet and phone calls, toiletries and other personal nature expenses.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Tips for your guide and porter.

Availabilities

Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd is a local tour operator so we guaranty small private groups departures any dates that suits your date and time.
Start Date End Date Status Note Price  
March 23, 2024 April 16, 2024 Available US$1949
March 30, 2024 April 23, 2024 Available US$1949

FAQs

Ultimate Manaslu trek is physically demanding trek and that requires previous trekking experience in the Himalaya or in Alps or in any mountainous region.

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