Manaslu circuit trek

Today‘s short hike takes you to the northeast side of Manaslu and right into the heart Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli Himal (7871 m). Small Pungyen Gompa (approx. 4100 m.a.s.l.) is idyllically situated on the edge of a long plateau. The surrounding cliffs harbour monks’ caves. The views of the steep rock and ice faces are unique and impressive! After your return to Sama Gaon, there will be time to visit the sprawling village and the old Buddhist Gompa situated just above.

The climb to Manaslu base camp (approx. 4800 m.a.s.l.) is another highlight of the Manaslu circuit trek: overwhelming views of the glaciated flanks of Manaslu, the eight-highest and probably most beautifully shaped eight-thousander.
The climb will take you to the west of Sama past the moraine lake Birendra Tal. You’ll hike up to the forest line through open rhododendron forest, accompanied by unique views of the mighty ice fall that extends along the northwestern flank of Manaslu almost all the way down to the lake.
The narrow and steep climb, well-trodden by many expeditions and yak caravans, leads up to base camp. Beginning at an altitude of 4800 metres, Manaslu base camp spreads out over almost 150 metres along the glacier. The views of the flanks of Manaslu and of the daunting pre-summit are indescribable and seem to be within reach. Getting to base camp is the goal, but not a must. The views during the ascent are in no way any less spectacular than those from base camp itself.

The trail will take you through beautiful alpine meadows along the upper, still very small and tame Buri Gandaki. The views of Manaslu and its peak are stunningly beautiful, displaying the northwest flank in all its splendour. You’ll reach the small Tibetan hamlet of Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the border to Tibet for lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to climb the local mountain Samdo Ri (5000 m). The stunning views are worth the while - after all, it’s a very steep climb of 1100 m up and down. If you’d rather save energy for the coming days, take the opportunity to explore the small, beautiful village on your own!

Following in the steps of the trade caravans of old, you’ll trek into the rock and glacier world of the Manaslu massif. The breathtaking panorama of the glaciers will accompany us on the short stage to the foot of Larke La Pass, where we’ll stay overnight near Dharmasala ("resting place"). Dharmasala is located at the end of the long moraine which you will follow the next day.
In the afternoon, you‘ll hike a few hundred meters up the moraine on your right, to further improve your altitude acclimatisation and enjoy the afternoon views of mighty Manaslu-Himal
In Dharmasala the lodging-facilities are very basic, but you‘ll spend only a short night as we plan for an early start.

The technically easy but physically demanding crossing of the Larke-La (5135 m) is on today’s agenda. By now, your acclimatisation will be optimal and the stunning and wild landscape will make the ascent an outstanding experience.
Starting by the glow of your headlamp, you’ll experience a cold but unforgettable sunrise in the middle of the Manaslu Himalay - weather permitting. The gentle trail winds along the moraine and climbs slowly towards the Larke Pass.
Adorned by Buddhist prayer flags, the Larke Pass will be visible from afar. Once reached, the panorama opens up and is stunningly beautiful! You will even be able to see the broad Ridge of Annapurna Himal in the west - an enchanting experience.
The long climb down towards bimthang starts quite steeply and you‘ll loose altitude quickly. All in all it is a straightforward and beautiful descent, though it is long. You‘ll reach the lodge-settlement of Bimthang, situated in more-than-beautiful high-alpine meadows by mid-afternoon and conclude this long but rewarding day.

Today‘s trek takes us out of the high alpine regions and into the wild, pristine valley of Dudh Khola River. The trail takes us through dense forests, sometimes up on a steep cliff high above the rushing Dudh Khola, sometimes down through the bed of the milky river. Views of the steep western flanks of Manaslu are your constant companions until you step into the dense rhododendron forest.
Staying overnight in the small settlement of Goa, you’ll enjoy the high oxygen air and the more pleasant temperatures after the days in the high mountains.

Soon you’ll leave the narrow and wild Dudh Khola valley behind. After Thonje, you’ll cross the Marshyangdi River and reach Dharapani where your trail joins the much travelled Annapurna circuit trek.
You’ll hike down on the recently built dirt road for a little while, until a small suspension bridge takes you over the raging Marshyangdi to the eastern slopes of the narrow valley.
In the past decade a huge effort has been made to build a dirt road into the gorge of the Marsyangdi Khola, which is very narrow in places. In a few spots, the road was virtually blasted into the vertical rock walls! You’ll leave the dirt road after a short stretch and will soon be following the old hiking trails downstream until reaching the village of Tal, beautifully situated on the wide sandy valley floor. You’ll spend your last night on the trek in Tal.

After breakfast a private minibus will take you from Besi Sahar to Dhunche and further on the main road back to Kathmandu. In the afternoon you’ll be back in your comfortable hotel in Thamel. The rest of the afternoon is at your free disposal.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu and its surroundings. Shopping is very good in Nepal’s capital city: quirky souvenirs, sports gear and much more.
Visiting the big stupa of Bodhnath, the almost medieval-looking royal city of Bhaktapur or strolling along the lively alleys of Kathmandu’s old town will let time fly.
During a last dinner together you can reminisce about the highlights of the past days together with your fellow trekkers.

Depending on your flight connection, transfer to Kathmandu airport and journey home or onward journey.