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Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Trekking

Trip code
Package nameManaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Trekking
Duration16
Max. elevation5106 m
LevelModerate
TransportationAll ground transportation and domestic flight as per itinerary
Accomodation???Hotel in Kathmandu and Lodge / Tea house during the trek
Starts atKathmandu
Ends atKathmandu
Trip routeKathmandu - Soti Khola - Machha Khola - Jagat - Deng - Namrung - Lo Goan - Sama Goan - Samdo - Larke Phedi - Cross Larke La
CostUSD 1,665 per person

Highlights

Overview

‘Enjoy the adventure around world 8th highest peaks within scenic Manaslu valley’
Mt. Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Trekking, an adventure around Far North Mid-West Himalaya range, located within Gorkha district. Epic Adventures provides a standard itinerary day, where all trekkers can enjoy ample time to explore the beautiful country.
 
Mt. Manaslu is listed as the world’s 8th highest peak at the height of 8, 163 m / 26, 781 feet. First ascent by Japanese Expeditions on May 9th, 1956, with support of Nepalese mountaineers Gyalzen Norbu. From then on it is frequently climbed by the various nationalities in the best time of the season for mountaineering expeditions.  
 
The mountain range of Manaslu, situated in between the massive bulk of Annapurna, Lamjung, and Ganesh Himal. Manaslu, the local native name is Kutang, a heavenly place of Tibetan origin language. In Sanskrit ‘Manas’ means a Mind or Soul of a god similar to the great holy Manasarover Lake in Tibet.
 
Truly a scenic Manaslu valley, Epic Adventures Trek takes you to enjoy around this beautiful region of Mid-West Nepal Himalaya. Where one has wonderful times visiting its nice traditional villages steeped with the ancient culture of Buddhism religion. The Upper Manaslu valley in the early days was the main Old Trans-Himalaya Salt Trade and Caravan Route to Tibet. Where trade between the two borders still exists at present but in smaller ways, than in old good days.
 
Mt. Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Trekking starts with an overland journey from Kathmandu towards low warm farm areas. As drive ends at the starting point of the trek at Soti-Khola village around Gorkha district for a first overnight stop.
 
The adventure follows the Buri-Gandaki River upstream near its glacial source around the upper Manaslu valley hidden by an array of high snow peaks. As route leads to cooler green hills covered in dense alpine forest of rhododendron and pine trees.
 
Facing wonderful views of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung is far towards Annapurna Himalaya with a Manaslu range of peaks. A great change of climate, from low warm sub-tropical of paddy fields to cooler mountain air as altitude gains gradually.
 
The walk leads past several lovely traditional farm villages of Jagat, Philim, Deng, and Lo-Gaon to enter the scenic Manaslu upper valley. Trek continues with close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face with adjoining peaks having overnight stops on designated villages. As the walk progress with a slow steady climb past Yak herder’s camp and farm areas then finally reach Sama-Gaon. The main major village of Upper Manaslu valley, an interesting place for a rest day as well for acclimatization.
 
Enjoy the free day at Sama-Gaon exploring this lovely village of strong Tibetan influence. The native of the high Manaslu valley are of Tibetan origin migrated hundreds of years ago from southwest Tibet.
 
With time at Sama-Gaon to enjoy visiting its village to witness local culture and traditional farm life. As well take a short hike around for close best views of Phungi, Manaslu, and Himal Chuli peaks.
 
From Sama-Gaon slowly adventure leads to the foot of high Larke-la at Phedi after a pleasant overnight in Samdu village. The base of Larke-La with several names Phedi (bottom), Dharmasala, and Larke Bazaar, in early days a great trading spot.
 
A big day of the adventure, to reach the highest point at Larke-La Pass after an early morning start. The climb leads to a steep haul, with a few gradual sections on route then finally on top Larke-La. The pass at 5, 106 m / 16, 752 feet high festooned with thousands of Buddhist colorful prayer flags.  
 
Enjoy the sweeping panorama of the Manaslu Himal range with close views of Larke Peak and Himlung Himal towards the west. After a glorious scenery of high snow-clad mountains, a long descend to the other side of Larke-La pass. 

From here within the Manang district, the walk continues on a pleasant trail to a nice place at Bhimthang. A great place for an overnight stop amidst lovely forest surrounding after a long hard day walk. After a lovely refreshing stop, treks head downhill to a nice large village at Dharapani. Situated on the main trail of popular Annapurna and Manaslu circuit routes, from Dharapani our wonderful trek ends.

The next day on the road to Kathmandu, after a last overnight stop at Besisar town around low areas of Lamjung. Finally, an exciting drive reaches you back at Kathmandu, where our adventure completes. After an overwhelming time and experience on Mt. Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Trekking.

Please Note:
The above standard itinerary are just guidelines, some days of trekking and drives might lead us to change, due to the road and walking trail conditions. 
In May and June 2021, a massive flood and landslide damaged most of trails and motorable roads as well some bridges. However, construction is in progress to make the road and trail condition back to normal. 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal international airport, received by our Epic Adventures staff and guide for short transfer to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu. After a short refreshing rest in your room then join with other group members for trek briefing, our expert guide will provides full information regarding the trek, culture, tour of Kathmandu at places of interest.

Evening a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurants with local folk cultural program entertains, while you have dinner. 

Day 2 : Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

A day in Kathmandu for trek preparation and tour at places of great interest around best historical and cultural places. Our city tour guide will take you to famous areas listed in World Heritage Sites and then back to hotel after a wonderful time at sightseeing tour with time for preparation for next day trek to Mt. Manaslu Circuit and Larke-La Pass.

Day 3 : Trek to Machha-Khola 870m - 06 hrs.

From Kathmandu to  Maccha-Khola village, our first day walk begins on pleasant trail through number of smaller farm settlement with cultivated paddy fields and terraces to reach at Lapbesi village. From here down to a sandy riverbed then walk follows high above a steep and craggy valley. As our trail climbs for a while to Machha-Khola for overnight stop, another small farm village with teashops and small lodges for travelers, transfer into a simple lodge with time to explore around as Maccha Khola village means a Fish-Stream, a tributary small streams that joins to Buri-Gandaki River.

Day 4 : Trek to Jagat 1290 m - 07 hrs.

Start the fine morning walk to Lauri stream, the cross a bridge, as climb leads to a high ridge facing views of surrounding lovely countryside, and then down to a valley at Yara Khola (stream), as walk continues with another hour up to reach Jagat village. A lovely looking village after checking into your rooms for overnight. Rest of the afternoon with time to explore and observe local culture of mixed hill tribes with Magar, Gurung, Chettries, Brahman, and Manaslu Bhotia (Tibetan origin people) with some Newar people, who runs shops and lodges.

Day 5 : Trek to Deng 1, 800 m via Philim 1,570 m - 07 hrs.

Morning from Jagat village a short descend to a river, where climb starts to a terraced hillside with views of Sringi Himal 7, 187 m high peak, continue walk with few up and down to cross a bridge over Buri-Gandaki.

From the bridge onward walk leads with uphill to a nice farm village at Philim having a cool refreshing stop, walk past farm village with cultivated fields and terraces. Then climb to a golden terraces and crop fields of wheat’s and barley, then heading to a rocky ridge top within thick forest lined with bamboo to reach at Eklai Bhatti a small spot with few shops.

After a short break climb starts towards high Manaslu area, from here our route diverts North West to overnight stop at Deng, a small Tibetan style village.

Day 6 : Trek to Namrung 2,630 m - 06 hrs.

From Deng onwards air gets much cooler entering upper Manaslu area, morning walks begins heading towards a high cliff wall to a nice farm village, from here onward one can notice with more of Tibetan Buddhism religion and culture, after few hours walk reach you at Bihe, a small farm village with large fields growing buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops. As walk progress coming across series of Buddhist Mani prayer stone walls then reach at Ghap a nice village for possible lunch stop.

After Ghap altitude gains walk into cool wood as path meanders with climb for short while, then enter a wide open valley with extensive pasture field.

Walk continues to cross a stream flowing from the glacier of Lidana facing grand view of Mt. Manaslu, the native calls Kutang Himal includes Pang Phuchin a 6,335 m high peak with Saula Himal 6,235 m. Climb continues then end the day walk at Namrung for overnight stop, the village also called Sho Namru.

Day 7 : Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m - 05 hrs.

Spending a pleasant overnight at Namrung, morning walk begins heading into a wide farm fields, trek continues past Yak herder temporary shelters as route leads into scenic Manaslu valley, and the slowly walk reach you at Lo-Gaon, a nice village with number of good lodges for overnight stay. One of the attractive village Lo-Gaon around Manaslu valley, afternoon enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu North Face, with short tour of the monastery lined with many Chorten / Stupa and Mani prayer walls, with grand views of Ganesh Himal towards east. 

Day 8 : Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,525 m -05 hrs.

After a wonderful time and overnight at Lo-Gaon, from here trek gets better although the route leads to gradual climb, but rewards you with stunning views of Peak 29 and Mt. Manaslu. After some hours of steady walk reach Shala village in the close shade of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli. 

Having short stops, continue our journey for few hours then finally end the day walks on reaching Sama-Gaon village for two overnights halt. Sama-Gaon, the main village around Upper Manaslu, the local villagers of all higher Manaslu are mostly farmers and cattle herders, growing high altitude crops like buck wheat, barley as well potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Day 9 : At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and local excursion.

Enjoy rest day at Sama-Gaon after a week of travel and walk, as well important to have a free day for acclimatization, at this height before moving towards higher area to cross over Larke-La pass. On this day an opportunity to explore this nice traditional village Sama-Gaon, and witness the local immense culture of age-old heritage similar to Tibetan. As this region falls close on route to Tibet border, which was the early Trans-Himalaya Salt Trade Route, where all caravan laden with goods from both sides passed through this village. The trade continues but in smaller ways, than in good old days. 

Day 10 : Trek to Samdo 3,690 m - 05 hrs.

From Sama-Gaon, adventure slowly heads towards our main goal and highlight to cross on the other side via high Larke-La Pass. Morning walk further west on arid and barren terrain, enjoy the close views of mountain range. As walk proceeds with gradual climb on windswept valley, after a scenic walk on high altitude trails then end the day walk on reaching at Samdo.

The last permanent human settlement, a moderate size village with more than 50 houses, for two hundred family, despite the harsh life around this arid dry country. The villagers are quite well off due to flourishing trade across the border to Tibet, besides trading the native are farmers and raising livestock like Yaks and other cattle suitable for this high altitude. 

Day 11 : Trek to Larke Phedi / Dharmasala 4,460 m - 04 hrs.

A short day walk today of few hours to reach the last temporary settlement at Phedi or Dharmasala, situated at the far end of Manaslu valley and Gorkha district. Walk on the rocky banks of icy streams flowing from the glacial source of Larke Peak, as route leads to cross over fast running stream then reach our overnight destination at Larke Phedi, means base or bottom. This remote isolated corner also called Dharmasala or rest house/ shades for Travelers crossing both sides 

On leaving Samdo village, walk continues heads at far end of Manaslu valley with grand views of snow-capped peaks includes Mt. Manaslu, then walk across icy streams to reach at the base of Larke Pass at Phedi which means bottom of a hill and a pass, also called Dharma-Sala (travelers rest house / shades for local villagers traveling from Manang to Manaslu or vice-versa. Enjoy the afternoon after lunch preparations for next early morning long climb to cross the highest and toughest part of the adventure over high Larke-La pass.

Grand views of towering snow-capped peaks from Phedi, where one can take a short hike to keep fit for the next hard day climb.

Day 12 : Cross Larke-La 5,106 m and descend to Bhimthang 3,790 m-08 hrs.

A big day and last final major climb, leave the lodge early morning as climb starts over moraine of rocks and boulders towards ablation formed from the north side of Larke glacier, as climb gets steeper, having short rest to enjoy surrounding view of Cho Danda a high ridge hill with near Larke Peak. As walk continue to reach the highest point on top Larke-la, where the mass is adorned with thousands of colorful Buddhist prayer flags and a sign board with name of the pass and heights. Assuring you that you have reached the top of Larke-La, enjoy spectacular panorama of Manaslu Himalaya range, with Ganesh Himal towards far east, includes views of Annapurna and Lamjung with Larke peaks as well of Himlung Himal in the north-west. From the pass after a refreshing break amidst exciting scenery, then downhill to the other side of Larke Pass around Manang area. Walk follows past a small place of Larcia, and the head further to a moraine ridge at Tambuche at 3, 900 m, which is bottom of the pass. From here walk to Bhimthang for overnight stop after a long tough day of the adventure within the district of Manang area. 

Bhimthang a lovely spot with number of lodges within beautiful forest surroundings of tall pine, fir and rhododendron tree lines.

Day 13 : Trek to Tiliche 2,553m – 07 hrs

From Bhimthang onward, a pleasant walk downhill coming across few short uphill more or less with much descend, a lovely walk within dense forested trail to reach a small clearing at Gho for overnight stop, a small place with few simple lodge amidst dense forest.

Day 14 : Drive to Besisar town 780 m - 03 hrs.

After an enjoyable stop at Dharapani, on completing our adventurous trek, after having a good breakfast, board in four wheelers vehicle suitable for mountain road. As drive heads downhill with winding turn above the river to reach Tal, the last village of Manang area, then enter Lamjung district. 

As journey continues past Chamje and Jagat village. Drive heads down at Syange village around low warm farm areas, then ride follows the Masrsyangdi River to reach at Besisar, a large town and headquarter of Lamjung district.

At Besisar for lunch and overnight stop, with rest of the afternoon free at leisure and enjoy walks around the interesting market areas of Besisar lined with many shops and fancy stores.

Day 15 : Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Morning board in a vehicle as per group size either in a car, coach or big comfortable bus, as drive morning heads through many farm villages and towns to reach the main Kathmandu and Pokhara Highway.

Then on good road as drive follows Trisuli River for some hour and then up towards a winding hill towards Kathmandu valley, on arrival in Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels. Rest of the day free to relax or for leisure activities.

Day 16 : International departure for homeward bound.

Last day in Kathmandu and in Nepal, as per your international flight time our staff and guide will accompany you for a short drive to international airport for final departure, after a memorable and fabulous adventure on Mt. Manaslu Circuit & Larke-La Pass Trekking and around amazing Nepal. 

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