Situated at the edge of one of the most secluded Himalayan valleys in the central-western Nepal Himalaya's Kali Gandaki valley 40 miles east of Annapurna, Manaslu is the world's eighth highest mountain.
Manaslu expedition offers an alternative to Cho Oyu for those who want to climb a more varied and challenging 8,000. Manaslu's long ridges and valley glaciers provide feasible approaches from all directions culminating in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape. At least six different routes to Manaslu exist today of which the south face is the toughest in climbing history. The first attempt at Manaslu was made in 1953 by a Japanese team from the Budhi Gandaki Valley, however, the first ascent was made only in 1956.
This area has always seen relatively few trekkers when compared to other more popular regions of Annapurna and Khumbu region. Together with the stunning scenery around Manaslu makes this trip is one of the classics yet unspoiled trekking adventures in the Himalayas. It extends from the crops cultivation area to the area permanently covered with snow and ice; hence it looks like a serrated wall of snow and ice hanging on the sky.
The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions and culminate in an Expedition that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape and is a dominant feature when viewed from afar. Manaslu Mountain is not for the debutantes; this expedition, demands a high level of climbing proficiency on steep, exposed, and technical skill and altitude experience of 7000 m. 5+ rock and Ice climbing experience, capable of 6/7 hour walk a day and for the Summit day 8/10 hours walk.
The climbing route follows a relatively straight line to the summit, which has few technical sections. Normally, four camps are set up during Manaslu climbing. A few stretches of steep climbing and crevasses from Camp I to Camp II. The slippery snow climbing is required from Camp II to Camp III. Possibility of avalanches from Camp III to Camp IV.
Trip Code
ME81
Starts
Sotikhola
Finishes
Tilje
Duration
50 Days
Difficulty
Very Severe
Group-Size
2 - 7
Age
Minimum 18
Seasons
Sep-Nov
Elevation
8156 m/ 26758.5ft
Trip View
2130
Activities
Mountaineering
Travel Style
Comfortable
Trip popularity
TRIP FACTS
Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956, by Toshi Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, member of a Japanese Expedition.
Just as the British consider "Everest" their mountain, Manaslu has always been a Japanese mountain.
, Unlike many other regions, this valley is a sanctuary to many highly endangered animals, including snow leopards and pandas as well as unique floras and faunas.
The region is rich in the unique cultures and tradition of Tibetan Villages and also rich in Mani walls, Monasteries and prayer flags.
The principal peaks we will see on this first part of our trek are Himal Chuli, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal.
The region is rich in eco-diversity and also includes 19 types of forests and other forms of dominant vegetation.
Why this Trip
Manaslu Expedition proffers its trekkers with a lifetime experience of deep satisfaction that includes the beautiful memories of Himalayan views, unique floras, and faunas, endangered animals which also includes snow leopard and panda, glacier climbing a steep section of snow and ice, Mani walls, Buddhist monasteries, and prayer flags, alluring landscapes along with the interesting nature of Nepal.
Trip Notes
•We reserve the right to change and that the program may be reversed. Things can happen that make it impossible to meet them as planned. If any meeting or plan would not be feasible, we always try to find an equivalent alternative. In Nepal, you always have a plan B and C!
•What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible
•A trekking permit is a must to travel to controlled areas. Permit, however, is issued only to groups. Individual trekkers will not be issued trekking permit
•5% of the total cost of the package will be allocated for the benefits of local people in the Everest region.
After you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will already be there to pick you up from the airport to the hotel without any problems. In the evening, we will discuss the detailed itinerary of the whole trip, trekking permits, and TIMS.
We have the whole day to prepare fully for our journey to the Himalayas. We have enough time to shop and also the formalities are done today. The briefing and final preparation are done.
In the morning, we gear up for adventure waiting for us. We take Jeep and drive all the way to Arughat. From Arughat, we pass through Hydroelectricity Project, well-cultivated rice/millet fields until Maltar. After a certain walk, Buri Gandaki Valley appears with the narrow and steep trail crossing through Arkhet Khola and finally reach Soti Khola where we stay for the night;
After walking for a short from Soti Khola, we reach Labu Besi (a Gurung Village). We rest there and explore the place for a while and continue our further journey to Machha Khola (900m) from where we can access the area of Ganesh Himal where we stay for that night;
Leaving Machha Khola and passing through Khola Besi, we reach a hot spring called Tatopani. Here we can relax for some time and continue our trek to Jagat (1410m ) following the deep forest then reaching Dovan, below which flows the massive Budi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation. We rest at Jagat after reaching there;
On the sixth day, we make mind for Bhi Phedi. After ascending to a terraced hill of Saguleri with the alluring view of Sringi Himal (7,177m), we continue toward Sirish Gaon. Gandaki Valley narrows from here. After ascends and descends walk from Sirish Gaun, finally we reach Bhi Phedi. We stay at Bhi Phedi and rest there for that night.
The trails from Bhi Phedi crosses Buri Gandaki to the south and cross the forest. After crossing the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki, we follow the path lined with houses that are interspersed with cultivated fields. At Namrung, there is a police check post again. We cross through that point and walk through the village trail and reach Namrung which is the endpoint for today;
From Namrung, we depart for the scenic village of Syala. Syala is a beautiful village that offers a 360-degree view of Panorama. The trail to Syala is beautiful with the scenic views of natural landscapes and unique village of the area. After some hours of walk, we reach Syala and rest there;
We wake up early in the morning to see the beautiful sunrise view from Syala. After our morning breakfast, we leave behind Syala and move forward for our today's destination; Sama Gompa. The trail to Sama Gompa is beautiful with its natural beauty along with the Buddhist Gompas and Monasteries. We stay at Sama Gompa tonight;
Today is the acclimatization day so we do not have to walk further on this day. We rest at Sama Gompa and roam around the place to get our bodies used to be in higher altitude with thin air. Acclimatization is the key for success trek so today, we rest there for our good trek further.
Meanwhile, we are acclimatizing our bodies we explore the nearby places. We hike up to Pung Gyen Gumba situated beneath the east face of Manaslu. Alternatively, we can relax and make exploration around the busy village and Gompas of Samagaon;
Today, our trail transverse through glacier moraine and beautiful glacial 'Birendra Lake'. The lake is situated at the foot of the glacier which reflects the beauty of the Manaslu through the reflection. Our Sherpa crew will go in advance to set up campsite at the Base Camp;
From today, our actual climbing period starts. These climbing days includes trekking and acclimatizing activity that together makes our climbing successful. We cross through different Campsites and finally reach the summit of Mount Manaslu after our great effort. We are then left behind with the spectacular views of Nepal landscapes and the alluring panoramic views of Nepal Himalayas. After we surmount Mount Manaslu, we then descend back to the Base Camp;
After conquering the summit of Majestic Manaslu, we return back to Sama Gompa. Making a relaxed start, we begin to retrace our steps on the same trail that descends through the glacier moraine. We trek back to reach Sama Gaon for spending our overnight. In the evening, we celebrate with our team;
From Sama Gompa, we head towards Samdo via Kargyu Chholing Gompa and pass through different rivers, juniper and deep forest and stone huts of Kermo Kharka. From Kemo Kharka, trail gets rough as we cross through Buri Gandaki and after a long walk, we reach Samdo (3860m). We rest there at Samdo this night;
Today, we descend on the wide trail from Samdo passing through many fields, rivers and reach Dharmsala(4470m) which is our ending point for this day. We stay at Dharmashala tonight;
Today, the trail is going to be gentle climb beside a moraine. The trail becomes rough and indistinct as it crosses through a moraine to the south steep & grassy slope. We cross through the Larke Pass (5213 m) and reach Tauhuche. Later, we head towards Bhimtang to spend the night.
The trail drops from Bimtang and crosses the glacier stream. After climbing over the glacier, we enter rhododendron forest to reach Hompuk (3430m). We pass through Karache, Gho and finally reach Tilije( 2300m) to spend our night;
We now end our trekking session and hop onto the jeep and move towards Besi Sahar of Lamjung. After reaching Besi Sahar, we fresh up and rest there at Besi Sahar;
From Besi Sahar, we head back to Kathmandu which will take us about 6-7 hours of drive. We pass through Trishuli River and picturesque villages on the way to Kathmandu. We stay at the same hotel in Kathmandu;
We have our further trip to roam around Kathmandu valley. Our city guide will take you to the important places within the Kathmandu Valley for sightseeing. You’ll be acquainted with historical &cultural places as well as the Hindu and Buddhist shrines including Swoyambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Temple, Durbar Squares inside the Valley, Pashupatinath Temple and other important temples and monuments. We return back to the hotel after our city tour and fresh up and rest there at the hotel
Yes, we will invite you for dinner in a cultural restaurant on the night of your arrival for briefing the itinerary and small orientation program will be held by the tour leader and guides before we embark on our adventure.
For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients, whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, as per their request.
We believe in operating small intimate group to provide personal attention and services to our guests. Small groups can enjoy the trek hassle free and enjoy the customized trip according to their need and suitability. We do not incorporate more than 14 People in a group, unless we get special requests from our clients.
We make sure to take security measures during climbing to make your expedition successful. We hire experienced and authorized guides/Sherpa's to safeguard your life in the mountains. We strongly recommend that you follow the guide’s instruction with utmost care.
During Camping, our expert Camping cooks prepare a wide range of delicious meals empowering you with enough strength for your strenuous climbing. All the cooking materials will be carried by our porters.
We use a private vehicle for sightseeing inside Kathmandu Valley. And we Jeep, bus, car whatever suitable to transfer Arughat and come back to Kathmandu from Besi Sahar.
Before coming to Nepal, make sure that you are totally insured. In case of emergencies, like altitude sickness, dehydration or any medical conditions, let your Guide know about your problem and subsequently, as soon as we are informed of a situation, we'll send a emergency helicopter rescue team. You will be transferred to the hospital for the treatment.
Climbing is a hard and tiresome activity that requires a lot of physical movement so pack your active wears and trekking pants for at lower altitudes. Weather at high altitude is unpredictable, so carry a lightweight waterproof jacket along with thick down jacket, pant and thermal inner wear to escape the severe cold. Needless to say that, Good shoes are very important for climbing in rough and snowy terrain, so invest in good quality shoes or rent it from us at a minimum price. For mountaineering, you will require special clothes that can be bought or hired from us.
Most of the times, not. But in emergency cases, yes. Still, We customize the trip according to your preference, but if you need to change plan during the trek consult the guide and company.
It will take almost 2 months to climb it and to return only a few days, so to complete this mountaineering you need at least 60 to 70 days in total, to finish this trip.
Yes, Our Sherpa's are trekking experts and also authorized license holders from Nepal Government. The Sherpas know the climbing route like the back of their hand and use their expertise in ensuring your safety in the mountains.
Yes, for the first few days, it's possible to have telephonic communication. In some villages, you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying the price directly. For higher altitude climbing, we usually have satellite phones with our Sherpa's.
If you need extra day to complete the trekking, you'll need to inform the guide in advance and the guide will let the company know. Adding a day to trekking can result in many changes in other arrangements such as transportation, guides' schedule, flight details, hotel bookings and all, so we really don't recommend this to our clients unless there's an emergency cases. But it's true that those changes could be made but it will cost extra. The best way to do it is to inform the agent company about it.
Before coming to Nepal make sure you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Make sure you are in best shape to complete the trekking without any complications.
To confirm your booking, a deposit of 15% of total trip amount is required if you are booking at least a year in advance before trip departure date. If booking is made between 100-364 days before the trip departure, you'll need to pay 20% to confirm the trip. If payment is made between 99-60 days, 25% of the total trip amount will need to be paid and if booked between 59-30 days, 50% of the total trip amount needs to be paid and finally, if you are booking 29 days prior to trip departure, then 100% payment should be made. The payments can be easily made by the bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash (preferably USD/EURO) or card on POS/credit card machine. Please note that non refundable fee is 10% or $200 whichever is greater.
No, you cannot use the credit card during the climbing. you have to exchange the money in Nepali Rupees before you start the trip. You can use credit card only in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
