Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Technical Challenging
  • Trip Style: Summit
  • Transport: Public Vehicle
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge & Camping
  • Group Size: 16
  • Max Elevation: 8163m

Highlights

  • Explore the Manaslu Region
  • Walk-in the path of restricted areas
  • Visit villages filled with rich culture and tradition
  • Reach the summit of the world’s 8th highest mountain
  • Stunning views of snowy mountain peaks
  • Walkthrough forest path which is home to different endangered species
  • Explore the Manaslu Base Camp
     

Description

Manaslu Expedition is an exciting climbing journey that takes you on an adventure of a lifetime. This Expedition is a complete trip to one of the highest peaks above 8000 m in the Himalaya region.

Manaslu region is quite popular for its expedition and trekking routes. Every year hundreds of people visit this region to walk in the unspoiled routes and climb Mount Manaslu. Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular trekking packages of this region.

Mount Manaslu also known as Kutang, is the 8th highest peak in the world. It stands at the height of 8163m above sea level. It lies in the west-central region of Nepal and is a part of the Mansiri Himal. This peak is about 64 km away on the east side of Mount Annapurna and is the highest mountain in the Gorkha district. 

It was first climbed by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzzen on 9th May 1956. These people were part of the Japanese Expedition. Manaslu Expedition is located inside the restricted trekking region in the mid-west part of Nepal. You can choose from a total of six routes to reach its summit. 

Climbing Manaslu is quite difficult to climb but when compared to other peaks above 8000m, it is one of the easiest. It is less challenging and can be completed with strong determination. To complete this climb you will need physical as well as technical training. The technical section is less compared to other peaks higher than 8000 m. 

Reaching the summit has many fair chances looking at the success rate. As you will be climbing above 4000m, so altitude sickness is quite common. Thus, climbers need to be physically and mentally fit. This expedition will take you through the beautiful landscape, forests, and valleys. Along the way, you can observe various mesmerizing peaks such as Himalchuli, Saula, Langpo, Ngadi Chuli, and many more.

Passing through the lush green forest, you can spot many unique species of flora and fauna. Such as Snow Leopard, Dhole, Red Pandas, Rhododendron, Himalayan Blue Pine, etc. The majority of people living in this region are Gurung, Nubri and Tsum. You get to experience the warm hospitality of these people. 

Climbing one of the highest mountains in the world is an overwhelming feeling. And many have made this climb before you. So, don’t worry too much, make memories, and enjoy this Manaslu expedition.
 

40 Days Manaslu Expedition Itinerary

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The first day of your Manaslu Expedition begins with your arrival at Kathmandu. Our representative responsible for your pick up will be waiting for you at the Airport.

After your arrival, they will greet you outside the airport. Then they will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. They will also help you check-in your respective rooms.

After checking in the representative will head out. The rest of the day is unplanned so you can roam around and explore the area. Or rest as you might be tired after the long flight.

You can also visit the office to gather more information about the trip and also meet your guide and other staff. You will stay the night in Kathmandu.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m

This day you will be preparing yourself for the adventurous journey ahead. After you had your breakfast your guide will give you brief information about the trip. He will notify you of important information needed for the trip.

Then after that, he will help you prepare the paper works needed for the expedition. On your behalf, your guide will be procuring the climbing permits. After the briefing and paper works, you can head out to shop for gears and equipment needed for this trip.

Renting climbing gears is also possible in Thamel. You will get tired after the busy day. So you can sleep fast as you have to wake up early the next day.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m

The third day of this trip is an exciting one. Today you will begin your Manaslu Expedition journey. Waking up early, you will have your breakfast and board the bus.

As you head out of the noisy town, you will be surrounded by lush green hills all around. Viewing the beautiful scenario, you head towards Arughat via Prithvi Highway.

This day you will be driving along the side of the Trishuli river. After driving for a few hours you arrive at Arughat. This is a small town that lies on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. You stay the night in one of the lodges.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 700m

Spending the night in Arughat, you head towards Soti Khola from there. This day you will be walking through rough paths to reach your destination. You can find Jeeps that take you till Soti Khola as well.

Heading out the small town you walk in the uneven paths viewing beautiful scenarios along the way. After walking for a few hours you reach Soti Khola. This is a small and beautiful village from where the landscape and valleys look awe striking.

You can explore the village and visit the shops and local markets. This village is one of the rest stops for trekkers and climbers visiting the Manaslu region. You stay the night in one of the lodges.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 710m

Today you will be heading towards Machhakhola from Sotikhola. It is about a half-day walk from here. After having your breakfast you head out the town and cross a bridge.

Following the trails, you make a slight climb over a rock. From there you make a descent to the banks of Budhi Gandaki. Following the rocky paths on the side of the river, you reach Labishe. This is a small Gurung village situated at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level.

Your destination is not that far from this village. After walking for about an hour or two you reach Macchakhola. You stay in one of the lodges for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 900m

This day you will be heading towards Jagat from Macchakhola. After finishing your breakfast, you leave the small village and begin your journey. Walking along the side of Budhi Gandaki you make an ascend and then descend through many ridges.

As you head out the ridges the valley starts to widen and from there the trails are quite good. Following the trails for a few hours, you arrive at Jagat which is our destination today.

The name Jagat is quite common in high mountains which refers to a custom post. This is a traditional tax collection post. You can roam around and know more about this village. You stay in one of the lodges for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 1410m

On the seventh day of this journey, you head towards Deng from Jagat. Walking out from Jagat, you trek towards Setibas. This is a small village where you get to see several Mani walls painted with beautiful arts. Entering this village indicates you have now reached the region influenced by Tibetan culture.

From there you follow the trails that lead towards Ghatta Khola filled with stone houses and further from there you reach Philim. After reaching this village you make a descent that passes through grassy slopes.

After that, you cross above the Budhi Gandaki River and enter a Bamboo forest that leads you to Deng. This is one of the Gurung inhabited villages that has been following Buddhism for a long time. You stay here for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 1800m

Today you head towards Namrung from Deng on the eighth day of your trip. You begin by following the trails that lead through many up and downhill walks this day. Walking for a few hours you arrive at Ghap, a small village that has about 5 to 6 stone houses.

This village is mostly known for its distinctive craving of Gautam Buddha on the Mani walls. Heading out of the village, you make a long climb through the dense forests filled with bamboo and rhododendron.

Walking through this beautiful path you reach Namrung. A small village with several houses built with stones. It also has a check post that grants access while visiting the upper part of the valley.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 2630m

 Today you will be heading towards Lho from Namrung. This day you begin your journey by following the trails along the Mani Walls. Then taking an uphill trail on the hillside you reach the ridge. Walking the paths along the ridge you arrive at Pungen Glacier.

This glacier comes down from the mesmerizing peak 29 that can be seen from the road of Lho. You also get the up-close view of the glacier from the moraine. After a few hour’s walk, you reach Lho from where you get the beautiful view of Mount Manaslu.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 3180m

On the tenth day of your trek, you head towards Samagaun from Lho. Today’s journey begins by heading towards the glacier. From where you will follow the moraine towards Samagaun.

This is a small beautiful village mostly built with stone houses and has a wonderful monastery. You will be staying the night here.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 3500m

Today is your acclimatization day at Samagaun. These days are held to help your body adjust with the environment on higher altitudes. It is done to prevent travelers from suffering through altitude sickness.

You can spend the day exploring around the beautiful village or you can hike up to Birendra Tal to see the beauty of the valley. After a wonderful day you return back to Samagaun and stay the night there.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 3500m

On the twelfth day, you will have reached halfway to your destination. Today you will be heading towards Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaun. The base camp is the highlight of this expedition.

Heading out of Samagaun you walk in muddy trails along the ridge. From there you will cross a beautiful forest of juniper and rhododendron. You get a glimpse of the beautiful mountains from between the woods while arriving at Manaslu Base Camp. You will stay here for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 4800m

It will be your climbing period from day 13th to 31st. After reaching the base camp you will spend a few days preparing for the climb. During this time, your guide will teach you how to use rope, carabiners, ascenders, and ice-ax.

There will be short climbing and crevasse crossing practices as well. To make the climb you will be using the north-east face along the snowy slopes. You will encounter a steep and sharp snow ridge while making the summit.

After practice is over, you will first climb to Camp I walking through steep and moderate angled slopes. Reaching Camp I, you descend back to the base and again make the climb and rest there.

From there, you head towards Camp II and return back to base camp. You won’t be staying there. But rather this is done to let your body adjust with the climate. And to prevent altitude sickness. You will repeat the same thing for a few more days you reach Camp IV.

From this camp, you will be using fixed ropes to climb short ice bulges and reach a flat Col. You will be crossing a series of snow slopes and plateaus. Then using the rope, you head forward in the paths and cross a sharp snowy ridge to reach the summit.

Arriving at the summit will be an overwhelming feeling for the climbers. You get to see the beautiful valley and peaks around you before heading back.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 8163M

After the wonderful journey, you will need to take care of the waste made during your stay. The guide will look after the waste disposal unit which will be disposed of in Kathmandu. You need to clean the Base Camp properly before returning back.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 4800m

After an exciting time, you head back to Samagaun walking through the beautiful forest. Then continue following the trails that lead to the glaciated path. From here you cross Birendra Taal and walk about a few hours to reach Samagaon. You stay here for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 3500m

Today you will be heading towards Namrung from Samagaun. You will walk past many beautiful villages influenced by Tibetan culture. Walking for a few hours you reach Namrung. You stay the night here in one of the teahouses.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 2630m

Today you head towards Philim village from Namrung. The paths between these places are not very harsh. Following the bamboo forest, you head towards Deng. Then from there, you reach Ekle Bhatti after walking through beautiful millet fields. A few hours walk from here and you arrive at Philam village. You stay here for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 1550m

Today you will be heading towards Machakhola from Philam village. You begin the trip by making an uphill climb and reach Sirdibas. From here you make a slight descent and reach Salleri village. Walking through rocky ridges you reach Jagat.

From here you walk along the sides of Budhi Gandaki river crossing many small villages and forests. Walking for hours you reach Tatopani, a natural hot spring. From here you continue the trails till Machhakhola. You stay the night here.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 900m

This is your last day in this region. Today you trek from Machakhola to Arughat. Walking along the sides of Budhi Gandaki river you will pass through small settlements. Retracing your steps you reach Arughat. You stay the night here.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Altitude: 700m

Today you drive back to Kathmandu viewing scenic sights along the way. Driving along the Trishuli river while viewing the lush green hills is a great experience. You return back to the noisy city.

Arriving at Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your hotel. You stay the night here.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m

This is your last in this country, so you can roam around the city and visit popular sites. There are 7 UNESCO Heritage sites you can visit in the city. Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Durbar Square are some of the heritage sites.

You should visit Thamel as well. This is the most happening street in the town. The street is crowded with people and is the main tourist hub in Kathmandu. You can also buy souvenirs from here. After a tiring day, you return back to your hotel and stay the night there.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 1320m

Today you will return back to your home country. The responsible representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the airport. Saying our farwell we wish you a safe flight and hope you had a great time with us.

    What to Expect

    Cost Includes

    • All arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
    • 4 Nights hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on BB Plan.
    • Kathmandu - Arughat - Kathmandu land transfers.
    • Mt. Manaslu expedition permit (Royalty; US$ 900 for member).
    • Government official Liaison Officer for Mt. Manaslu Expedition. 
    •  Manaslu Conservation Area entry permits
    • Special/Restricted Manaslu area trekking and TIMs card for members.
    • All camping equipment in Advance Base Camp and other camps.
    • Food, accommodation and guide during trekking in teahouse/lodge.
    • Food during expedition period cooked by our experienced cook at ABC.
    • 1:1 experienced private climbing Sherpa guide for climbing support.
    • 2 Oxygen (4 Ltrs.) bottles for climbing member and 1 for Sherpa.
    • Mask & regulators 1-set for climbing member and Sherpa.
    • Gamow bag at ABC for emergency rescue purpose.
    • Baggage allowance carrying by mules/porters up and down to BC: 50 kg.
    • Required high altitude food for climbing member and Sherpa.
    • Insurance, wages, meal and allowances for climbing Sherpa and BC staffs.
    • Solar panels for light and battery charging in base camp.
    • Icefall and rope fixing charges, tents at high camps C1, C2, and C3.
    • First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.Walkie-talkies & satellite phone for communication (uses charge $ 5 per unit for Sat-phone).
    • Office service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal.
    • Farewell Dinner & MOUNT MANIA  Special Gifts.
    • All goverment taxes

    Cost Excludes

    • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
    • Extra Baggage Charges
    • Meals in Kathmandu
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
    • Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
    • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section 
    • Travel and Rescue Insurance
    • Tips for Climbing Guides, Porters,Kitchen staff and Drivers

    Useful Information

    Manaslu Expedition Route

    Our 40 days Manaslu expedition is long and begins after spending two days in Kathmandu. After your arrival here in Nepal, you will prepare yourself for the expedition.

    Your journey begins on the third day of this itinerary. You will be driving towards Arughat from Kathmandu. Reaching there you stay the night and head towards Sotikhola the next day.

    From Sotikhola you head towards Machhakhola viewing beautiful scenarios. Then from there, you walk about a few hours to reach Jagat. After that following the trails you trek till Deng and stay the night there.

    Spending a peaceful night here, you begin your trekking journey towards Namrung. From Namrung you visit Lho then SamaGaun, a beautiful village of the Himalayas.

    You will have your acclimatization here so you can explore the village area or rest for the day. The next day you trek till Manaslu Base Camp one of the highlights of this trek. 

    This is just the start of your Manaslu Expedition. Your climbing period begins the following day. For the next 18 days, it will be your climbing period. You will reach the summit of Mount Manalsu and return back to the base camp.

    On the 32nd day, you prepare to return Kathmandu and clean the base camp. After that, you trek back to Sama Gaun and stay there for the night. Then following the trails you head towards Namrung.

    From Namrung you will following the paths till Philim village. Then head towards Machakhola and stay the night. After that, you make your way to Arughat from where you drive back to Kathmandu.

    Arriving at Kathmandu, you have a free day so you can roam around and visit places. Then on the 40th day, you will departure back to your home country.

    Best Time for Manaslu Expedition

    Nepal is a beautiful country that goes through four seasons in a year. You can summit Mount Manaslu in any month of the year but it is best to go on this journey during the recommended time.

    Spring, Monsoon, Winter, and Autumn are the four seasons that occur in Nepal. Each season is best in its own way. But climbers usually prefer Spring and Autumn as it is the best time for Manaslu Expedition.

    This Expedition is doable during Winter and Monsoon too. But the paths and climb are more challenging during these times. You can get brief description about the seasons below:

    Spring Season

    Spring season is the time for new beginnings. This is the season when greenery and buds of flowers are seen throughout the valleys. The trees will gain back their lost greenery making the valleys look lustful.

    As for the forest path, they are filled with flowers ready to bloom. The months from March to May come under this season. These months are crowded with nature lovers.

    The temperature and weather are also suitable for climbing Manaslu. The days are bright, sunny, and hot. While the temperature ranges from 2 to 20 degrees this season.

    By this time the villagers who have traveled to the lower regions during winter will also return. And the frozen lakes will also start to melt by these months. Yet, there can be occasional snowfall during mid-May. But snow gears are not needed as it will not last long.

    Monsoon Season

    Monsoon season begins right after the end of the Spring season. This is the rainy season when paths in lower regions are slippery and muddy. Also, there are chances of flood and landslide being an obstacle.

    But if you travel during early June and late August there are fewer chances of rainfall. In high elevation rainfall occurrence is low. Also, the clear view you get to see after the rain is just amazing.

    The months from June to August come under this season. These are months when new species of plants and flowers are found in the way. You should be careful while walking in muddy and slippery routes. 

    Leeches, bugs, and mosquitos are quite seen when traveling during this season. So, walk slowly and carry bugs repellent creams.

    Autumn Season

    After the season of heavy rainfall comes Autumn. This is the season with one of the most important festivals of Nepal, Dashain. Autumn is the peak season for Manaslu Expedition.

    The weather and temperature are perfect for climbing and walking on these routes. The beauty of nature is also at its best making the journey more memorable. It is neither too hot nor too cold during this season.

    The months from September to October fall under this season. During these months the sky is clear giving the best view of the surrounding. The routes are more crowded compared to other seasons.

    Winter Season

    The final season of the year is Winter and it is cold throughout the region. This is the off-season time for Manaslu Expedition. It is the least preferred time to climb in high elevation as one can get trapped in the routes due to heavy snowfall.

    The higher you climb in elevation the colder it gets. Most people come down to lower regions during this season. The months of December to February fall under this season.

    If you plan to do this expedition during the winter season then early December is a great time. As winter is just beginning so there are fewer chances of snowfall occurrence.

    You will be needing snow gear and warm clothes to complete this expedition. As the temperature drops below freezing point in higher elevation. But the days are warm and sunny with a clear sky.

    During early January to early February, the routes are usually closed due to bad weather conditions. So, it is better to consult the agency or guide to know more about the right time to visit during winter.

    Difficulties faced in Manaslu Expedition

    Climbing the world’s 8th highest peak is not easy but not that harsh either. If you have strong will and determination, you can complete this Manaslu Expedition. While climbing you might face some difficulties along the way. We have mentioned some of them below:

    Routes and Duration Difficulty

    The routes of Manaslu are mostly considered difficult. On this expedition, you will be making many uphill and downhill climb. The paths are unspoiled so they can be rough and uneven. 

    The routes can be harsh and challenging for a novice climber. As for the experienced ones, it will be less harsh and challenging. You will also have to walk more than 4 to 5 hours a day to reach the destination. It can be tiring for non-walker so preparing oneself is quite essential.

    After reaching your destination for the day, it is better to give your body some rest. It is also necessary to stop in between your walk and catch your breath. Walking slowly is one of the keys to finishing this expedition with ease.

    Altitude Sickness

    Altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain sickness which occurs when traveling to high elevation. In this Expedition, you will be climbing an altitude above 4000 m. So, there are high chances of trekkers suffering from it.

    The air gets thinner as you climb higher up in the mountain making it hard to breathe. Thus lack of oxygen is one of the major reasons for altitude sickness. A few of the common symptom seen in people are:

    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Dizziness
    • Breathing difficulty
    • Vomiting

    If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above then you should immediately inform your guide. Your guide will give you further instructions on what to do. So, follow them and don’t panic. 

    Accommodation

    Another difficulty would be findings proper accommodation during peak seasons. The routes are crowded and getting a room of your choice can be hard due to less availability of rooms. You might have to share your rooms with fellow companions.

    As you climb higher, the number of hotels starts to decrease. Also, there are fewer private toilets and bathrooms in hotels in high regions. So you have to wait in line for your turn.

    If you don’t book in advance you might not even get rooms and have to sleep on floors or lobby. So, while visiting in peak time you should be able to adjust to your environment.

    No ATM Machines

    While traveling to a high altitude you won’t find ATM machines or banks. So it is necessary to carry enough cash in hand. As you climb high up in the mountain goods and services are expensive. So, you should carry extra cash than you have estimated. 

    Fitness

    Fitness is of uttermost priority when climbing mountain peaks. To complete this climb you have to be physically and mentally fit. Climbing mount Manaslu requires a lot of stamina and strength. You will be spending 40 days in the Himalaya region so you should be mentally and physically prepared.

    So, before beginning your journey doing a full body check-up is a great option. As many people find about their underlying heart diseases after making the climb.