Manaslu Base Camp Trek

We travel west from Kathmandu towards Pokhara, following the winding road over the valley rim and down alongside the Trisuli River. After crossing Trisuli River, we enjoy clear views of the Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal as we pass through numerous villages before reaching our camp in a small village above the river at Liding.

Today we follow a road track of constant ups and downs through forest as we continue to head upstream along the Buri Gandakhi. We descend to the wide, sandy riverbed for lunch then continue along a winding mountain path overlooking the river. After crossing many suspension bridges, we stop in small village of Khorlabesi.

The Buri Gandakhi gorge is narrow with sheer cliffs on either side and the morning’s trail begins by following a cliff path along the east bank before passing hot springs at Tatopani and then crossing the Dodan Khola. Today we enter inside Manaslu Conservation area and we camp in a Rocky Valley above Buri Gandakhi.

Today will be an easy walk to Chisapani following the trails alongside scenic views of natural waterfalls and rustic villages.

Continuing on, we occasionally have to trek high above the river to skirt around narrow gorges that prohibit a path. Today we also have chance to meet a mules on the very narrow trail. The trail takes us through pine forest scattered with rhododendron.

We climb initially and then descend to cross a suspension bridge to the opposite bank. There are more riverside undulations and mani walls and chortens may be seen, signs of the distinctly Tibetan territory into which we are entering. The valley trail keeps to the northern bank below the village of Bih. Bih is known for its family of master stone carvers and along the trail today we see flat stones carved with intricate figures and stupas. Just past Bih we catch glimpses of the Shringi Himal and continue along the northern bank of the Buri Gandakhi until we reach the dominantly Tibetan village of Ghap for lunch. We then continue up through the forest densely vegetated with pine and birch to our jungle camp amongst the trees just before Namrung.

We descend to cross the Damonan Khola then ascend again along a narrow path through the forest to Namru then continue through the forest path past small Tibetan villages towards Ligaon. It is likely that we will encounter our first yak today and there is also a troop of monkeys who often come down to the river here to drink. We have uninterrupted views behind us of Ganesh and Baudha Himal range and to our right the Kutang Himal stands high as the natural border between Nepal and Tibet. Before us our first real mountain panorama opens up with the peaks of Himalchuli (7893m), Peak 29 (7871m) and finally Manaslu (8163m).

We cut diagonally across a rocky riverbed and climb a small ridge to a clearing. An amphitheatre of snow covered peaks including Manaslu. Manaslu North (7157), Peak 29 and Himalchuli surround us. The valley opens up and we continue along grassy slopes and small ridges which finally gives way to cultivated fields of Sama village. The trail takes us out of the grasslands and into wider territory as we skirt around some glacial moraine then descend to the riverbed. The view of Manaslu is superb today.

Today has been set aside for acclimatisation. There is an optional walk up the ridge below Manaslu to base camp (4500m), approximately 1500ft, in snow, to gain spectacular views of Manaslu, glaciers and lakes. Overnight: Wilderness camp

The trail takes us out of the grasslands and into wilder territory as we skirt around some glacial moraine then descend to the riverbed. Excellent views of the peak of Manaslu today. We soon reach the Tibetan Refugee village of Samdo, a wild place with a substantial village of some 200 permanent residents. Day 13 is a rest day. Relax and enjoy the surroundings or explore Lajyung Bhanjyang valley. Overnight: Wilderness camp

After a couple of stream crossings, the Larkya Glacier appears on the opposite bank. We steadily climb, skirting around the Sarka Khola to camp at a small brick hut at the base of the Larkya La (pass).

Soon after setting off today the unique shape of Larkya Peak becomes visible. The trail upwards is very gradual but at this altitude we take our time. It takes us approximately 5 hours to reach the pass, with the last section becoming quite steep but it is well worth the effort. The mountain vista to the west is incredible - Himlung Himal (7126m), Chap Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m). The descent from the pass is very steep across ice and scree as we follow the glacier. Progress is slow and careful but eventually we enter the valley of the Burdin Khola and continue to Bimtang and our camp for the night.

The trail now basically follows the Marsyangdi downstream, before entering a pristine forest of pine and rhododendron which during the spring months puts on a brilliant display of color. Keep your camera handy today as the views of the Himlung and Manaslu Himal are again spectacular.

Today we pass through few small villages where we meet the road goes to Annapurna circuit which is inside Annapurna conservation area. Tonight we will camp in the bank of Marsyangdi river with view of Natural water fall at Tal.

After breakfast we will be descending up to the village called Jagat and drive to Bhulbhule.

Today after breakfast we will directly drive from Bhulbhule to Kathmandu.