Mt. Manaslu Expedition

Start the Manaslu Expedition by arriving at Kathmandu initially. After you’ve landed at the airport in Kathmandu, your trek agent will receive you and take you to your hotel. Rest up and have some refreshments before roaming the streets of Kathmandu city.

To embark on the expedition, there are lots of formalities and procedures to get through, so you’ll spend this day preparing for the trip, getting permits, and more.

Also, take some time to go over your gear and make sure you have everything.

We’ll start our journey by traveling by bus to Soti Khola by traveling by bus or a private vehicle to Soti Khola alongside Trishuli Khola.

The trip will be picturesque, with breathtaking vistas of rivers, terraced farmlands, several villages, and big mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal, among others.

From Soti Khola, setting off on a lengthy walk on difficult ascending and descending trails, we reach Machha Khola. Today’s route will take you past towering ridges and luscious Sal woods. Mules and several waterfalls will also be encountered on the way.

Eventually, we reach Machha Khola passing through some villages like Khursani Village and Lububesi.

In the morning, we continue our journey and move towards Jagat, on a 6-hour trekking trail. We’ll walk through several Gurung settlements like Yuru Khola, Dobhan, Khorlabesi, and Tatopani along the way.

Moreover, the route from Machha Khola to Jagat is adorned with hillsides of the Himalayas, Rural communities, beautiful fields, waterfalls, and blooming rhododendrons.

With a delicious breakfast, we’ll head towards Salleri crossing the Dudh Pokhari. Salleri has expansive fields of rice and millet adding to the beauty of the village. From there, we walk towards the Budi Gandaki River, cross it, and make our way towards Philim.

Thereafter, passing by Chisapani, Eleklibhatti, Nyak, and Pewa enjoying beautiful views of mountains, dense forests, and swift clear rivers we reach Deng.

Our journey today begins with a sharp downhill walk to Rana Bridge, then alongside a pine tree and across a bridge to Bhi Phedi. We arrive at Ghap, moving across yet another suspension bridge, going through vibrant trees and Tibetan mani walls.

Then, trekking over sharp climbs and descents via stone staircases and suspension bridges we reach Namrung. Namrung is a beautiful village surrounded by stunning natural beauty and expansive barley fields.

Following breakfast, we’ll travel to Samagaun stopping by towns such as Lihi and Sho. We’ll then cross the Lindanda Glacier River while enjoying the breathtaking vistas of Simnang Himal.

Continuing, we reach Lho, a serene town providing views of snow-capped peaks like Manaslu. After that, as we ascend towards Samagaun moving through woodlands and seeing magnificent vistas we arrive at Samagaun.

Before heading towards the Manaslu Base Camp, we’ll take a rest day at Samagaun so that we can refuel and get used to the new altitude. We’ll unwind at our lodge here and do some small hikes around the area.

Pungyen Gompa and Birendra Tal Lake are some of the vantage sites for acclimatization hikes near Samagaun.

With a demanding trek ahead we’ll prepare ourselves by having a filling meal and ensuring we have everything needed. Today’s trek is strenuous and demanding, as we traverse over rugged terrains with unpredictable weather.

The trek will be long and might take about 9 hours to finish but the destination will be very worth it. Upon reaching the base camp, indulge yourself in the close-up look of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain, the one you’ll attempt to summit later on.

For the next 24 days, we’ll prepare ourselves to summit the eighth tallest peak, Manaslu. However, advancing to the top is not that easy. Prior to the summit, we’ll take our time hiking up toward several high camps located at different heights.

After acclimatizing at the base camp, we’ll first head toward Camp 1 located at 6,100m. Then, resting there for a day and adapting to the higher altitude, we move to Camp 2 at 6,700m then Camp 3 (7,400m).

Over the next few days, we’ll alternate between these camps to achieve solid acclimatization to help in our final summit.

For the last part of this expedition, we’ll set off before dawn to push towards the top of Manaslu. The last stretch will be the most challenging, risky, and exhilarating hike. Traversing through snowy paths made slippery with ice, using utmost strength and willpower, we’ll ultimately reach the summit.

Summiting Mt. Manaslu, towering at a height of 8,485m, is an extraordinary feat. Upon reaching the top, you’re met with awe-inspiring panoramas of the surroundings.

Thereafter soaking in this pinnacle moment, we’ll carefully make our back to the base camps following the same route as the ascents.

At the end of your climb to the top of Manaslu, we’ll get back to Samagaon. After you reach Samagaon, take your time to give your body the rest it needs after the most excruciating and exciting climb you’ve just had.

Moreover, you can celebrate again the completion of your Mount Manaslu Expedition and prepare to return.

With a quick hike from Samagaon, across the Budhi Gandaki River, and passing through juniper and birch trees before, we arrive at Samdo. Samdo is a peaceful settlement with Tibetian inhabitants. There you’ll experience rich Tibetan customs and cultures.

Also, along with cultural experiences, you’ll be blessed with amazing views of raw arid scenery and majestic peaks covered in snow.

We will arrive in Dharamsala today, a location positioned at the base of Larkya La Pass. Dharamsala is a place with stone guest houses, and reaching there will be something different to experience.

We’ll travel by the Athahra Saya River and then beside the Larke River, taking in the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and Larkya Glacier today.

We’ll cross the Larkya la Pass today, which is the second most stunning vantage point of our expedition. We’ll hike along a demanding, high, rocky path adorned with more Mani Walls and Buddhist prayer flags the closer we get.

You will be welcomed with the most breathtaking, surreal, expansive vistas of towering mountain ranges, frozen waters, and so much more when you finally arrive at Larkya La Pass. After experiencing the great vistas, we’ll head down to Bhimtang.

Walking alongside a route close to nature, dense forest jeweled up with lush rhododendrons. We will be passing by Thonje village observing its enriching crafts and customs. Furthermore, The unreal architecture of Mani walls could also be spotted.

Lastly, we will be passing through several pasture fields and suspension bridges and reach a well-known Gurung settlement, Tilije. We will be spending the night in Tilije rejoicing Tilije’s strong yet delicate beverages. Also, these beverages will help keep our bodies warm and cozy.

The forty-first day marks the last trek of our journey. Today we will be leading our way to Dharapani, passing through multiple villages. Also, we will come across the Marshyangdi River which we will cross via a suspension bridge.

Lastly, we get to Talk Village traversing mani walls. Upon reaching Tal, we will be greeted with a gentle waterfall. We will spend the night in Tal.

With filled stomachs and packed back, we’ll return back to Kathmandu today. The drive back will take around 6 hours and will pass by scenic views of the green hills, soft flowing rivers, some domestic animals grazing, and small settlements.

After arriving in Kathmandu, rest at your hotel before heading out to enjoy the Kathmandu City’s attractions.

Your trip agent will manage your transport back to the airport for your departure depending on your flight time. You leave Nepal today with the unforgettable memories of summiting the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu. The scenery you witnessed, and the struggles you overcame to enjoy the final triumph will remain deeply in your heart.