This Manaslu trek was officially opened to tourist in 1991, but mountaineering expeditions have had long access to the area. In 1950, a party led by HW. Tilman trekked from Thonje to Bimtang and Col. Jimmy Roberts crossed Larkya La looking for an interesting mountain to climb. Manaslu (8156m) was attempted by Japanese Expeditions every year from 1952 until 1956, when the first ascent was made. Having become to be known as "Japanese Mountain", much of the information about the area was available in Japanese. The Japanese continued to dominate the climbing scene of Manaslu until 1971. A few trekkers, including peripatetic Hugh Swift, managed to obtain the trekking permit for the region, but otherwise this trek always has been the domain of the mountaineering expeditions. The journey around these legendary mountains is enjoyable and tough. Beginning from Gorkha Buri Gandaki valley river, over Larkya La pass, and descend to the Marsyangdi River, you will trek down to Besi Shar, from where we will drive back to Kathmandu.
MANASLU TO TILICHO LAKE

A fantastic trek which links the circuits of Manaslu and Annapurna

Manaslu High
From the Hindu middle hills culture to the Tibetan high-country dwellers, the Manaslu Circuit trek in the heart of the Nepal Himalaya is a cultural trek par excellence, without a doubt one of the best treks in Nepal. Manaslu, 'The mountain of the spirit', is the eight highest peak in the world, and from upper Nubri must be one of the most beautiful ones; the spectacular mountain scenery has to be seen to be believed. We trek the classic high trek around Manaslu from the historic town of Gorhka, with its wonderful 'durbar', or palace, to Kutang in lower Manaslu and on to upper Nubri, where trade with Tibet continues as it has for hundreds of years. We experience incredible mountain panoramas after the first few days, and add extra days at the most beautiful villages before the Larkya La (pass).

Starting in the middle hills of Nepal, passing though magnificent gorges, pristine forests and long, wooded valleys, stopping at Tibetan gompas in remote villages and finishing with a high pass crossing to the Annapurna Circuit, this trek really has it all! We start the trek from ancient Gorkha, visiting the old 'durbar' or palace, before setting off on the spectacular high route to Korlebesi. From here, we begin following the trade route along the Buri Gandaki, en route passing through a unique region known as Nupri, where Tibetans settled centuries ago and continue to live in their traditional dwellings. The mountainous border of Tibet is just a few hours trek away, and we can climb up to a pass looking out into Tibet, passing Tibetan traders traveling along more ancient trade routes. We have our trademark extra time for acclimatisation in these wonderful high altitude villages. To finish the Manaslu Circuit, we must cross the Larkya La (pass) at 5100m, one of the most beautiful passes in Nepal, crossing from Nupri into the Manang district, and then enter the Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani. Three or four more days of comfortable tea-house trekking, and we reach our transport back to Kathmandu.

The diverse Tibetan culture, spectacular scenery and snow peaks of the Manaslu Himal Circuit make it one of the most interesting, as well as one of the most challenging, treks in Nepal. Don't miss it ... and if you have time, add the Nar Phu extension for a real journey into the lost worlds of Tibet.

Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival and transfer to hotel/welcome dinner (D)
Day 02 Day at Leisure /Hotel (B)
Day 03 Drive to Gorkha (1350m) 6 hr/ Camp (B, L, D)
Day 04 Trek to Khanckock (B, L, D)
Day 05 Trek to Arughat (570m) (B, L, D)
Day 06 Trek to Soti Khola (730m) (B, L, D)
Day 07 Trek to Machha Khola (930m) (B, L, D)
Day 08 Trek to Jagat (1370m) (B, L, D)
Day 09 Trek to Seirishon Goan (1420m) (B, L, D)
Day 10 Trek to Deng (1860m) (B, L, D)
Day 11 Trek to Ghap (2380m) (B, L, D)
Day 12 Trek to Lo (3020m) (B, L, D)
Day 13 Trek to Sama Gompa (3390m) (B, L, D)
Day 14 Trek to Samdo (3690m) (B, L, D)
Day 15 Acclimatization day./ AM climb to Samdo Peak (5000m) (B, L, D)
Day 16 Trek to Guest House/Larke Bazar (4460m) (B, L, D)
Day 17 Trek to Tanbuche (3590m) via Larke La pass (5135m) (B, L, D)
Day 18 Trek to Karche (2785m) (B, L, D)
Day 19 Trek to Dharapani (1860m) (B, L, D)
Day 20 Trek to Jagat to (1300m) (B, L, D)
Day 21 Trek to Nadi (920m) (B, L, D)
Day 22 Trek to Beshi Shahar (760m) & drive to Kathmandu /Hotel (B, L)
Day 23 Day at leisure/farewell dinner/Hotel. (B, D)
Day 24 Drive to airport for return flight. (B)

The Route
Note: The Lonely Planet guide book describes the Manaslu trek as tougher than most, but this is now wrong. There have been new trails put in that significantly reduce the climbing involved and reduce the exposure. The trails are now wide and good unlike in Tilman's time (1950) where in one part the trail was a few narrow planks resting on branches that had been hammered into cracks in the rock!

Departure date:
Any day during season

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