Manaslu Circuit – Lodge Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – briefing, equipment check and welcome dinner
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel. There will be a briefing in the afternoon. In the evening you are invited to dinner with your mountain guide. Overnight stay at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or same category, (D).

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparing for the tour
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. The most popular places and attractions are the Pashupatinath temple complex – with one of the most important Hindu temples (the actual temple is only accessible to Hindus) – the Buddhist temple mount Swayambhunath – also known as the monkey temple and the Boudhanath Stupa, which is also Buddhist. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon and pack for the next morning’s tour. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can also leave a bag at the hotel with things you don’t need on the tour. Overnight stay at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or same category, (B).

Day 3: Drive to Macha Khola (930m) – 8-9 hours drive
Today we drive to Macha Khola (930 m), the starting point of our trek. On the way past villages and terraced fields we can already see the mountain ranges of Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna on the horizon. From Arughat (approx. 550 m) we continue towards Macha Khola. The route goes constantly up and down along the river and through villages of the Magar and Newar ethnic groups. Wheat and rice terraces line the path until we reach our destination. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 4: Trek to Jagat (1,440m) – 6 to 8 hours walk
From Korlabesi, the tour begins with a steep climb up a mountain ridge and then down to a hot spring, which is typical of Tatopani. We continue, partly through forests where, with a bit of luck, we can observe langurs. The langurs are a group of primates from Asia and belong to the slender monkeys within the family of monkeys. After crossing a suspension bridge over the Buri Gandaki, we later reach the town of Doban (1,070m). The path here is slightly rugged and we begin the climb to two tea shops in Duman. Here a landslide area makes the path difficult and after climbing and descending we come across a ravine passage to a large field. After crossing another suspension bridge, the path goes up a few stone steps and drops back down to the river, then goes up again to Thado Bharyang. The path continues gently across the river for a while before we ascend through a contrasting landscape to Jagat. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 5: Trek to Deng (1,860m) – 7 hours walk
As you hike along the side of a cliff, there is a beautiful view of Shringi Himal. The path descends to Setibas, along the Mani Walls (here prayers are engraved on waystones). It shows us that we are coming to a region that is shaped by Tibetan culture. Below Serson we reach a steep gorge and cross grassy slopes lined with pine trees. We cross the flattest point of the riverbed on a cantilevered wooden bridge. Just under the bridge we see the confluence of the Shar Khola and Buri Gandaki. The village of Nyak is nearby. The path now heads west up through the valley and offers us a charming hike through bamboo forests to Deng Khola and Deng village. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 6: Trek to Namrung (2,540m) – 7 hours walk
After a short route out of Deng, it runs back over the Buri Gandaki to the north bank near Rana. After the bridge, the path climbs a little before we head west and pass a large waterfall. The path now drops down into the Shringi Khola valley. Back on the south bank, the route leads through bamboo and rhododendron and then continues along a stone path to Namrung. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 7: Trek to Lho (3,020m) – 4 hours walk
Today is a shorter day because we have an elevation gain ahead of us and therefore need time to acclimatize. Not long after leaving Namrung, we arrive in Banjam, where wide fields await us. Shortly after Banjam the path becomes steep. We hike up to the next village of Lihi with a fantastic view of the Ganesh Himal. After an hour we reach Sho and after another hour we reach the town of Lho. From this village we have great views of Manaslu and the Kutang Himal. In the afternoon it is worth visiting Ribang Gompa to get a glimpse of the city and discover the stupas as well as visit Mani Walls and Kani Alley. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 08: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,450m) – approx. 4 hours walk
The path crosses the ridge to the Buri Gandaki valley and then descends to a boulder-strewn moraine. The path leads towards the southwest and offers wonderful views of the Manaslu massif and its 8,163m high main peak. We then continue to the village of Sama Gaon. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Samagaon (3,450m)
We spend the second night in Samagaon to help with acclimatization. A day trip to the Pung Gyen Monastery, which offers beautiful panoramas of Manaslu and Peak 29-Nadi Chuli (7,871m), is very worthwhile. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3,875m) – 3 to 4 hours walk
We follow the Buri Gandaki northwards to a bridge over a branch where the path forks. On the left we come to the Manaslu base camp and on the other path, past several Mani walls, to Larkya La. The valley stretches along an easy path past juniper and birch forests to the stone huts at Kermo Kharka. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 11: Acclimatization day in Samdo (3,875m) – Optional climb to Samdo Ri (5,140m) – approx. 5 hours
Trade was the main occupation of Samdo village, which has a long history of trade with Tibet. We spend two nights in Samdo to acclimatize. We can take a hike towards Gya La, the trading center with Tibet. Alternatively, the Samdo Ri (5,140m) with 5 peaks can be climbed, ideal for acclimatization. At the peak you can admire Manaslu (8,163m), Pang Phuchi (6,335m) and also the mountains of Tibet. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 12: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4,460m) – 3 to 4 hours walk
Today we start the climb to the pass. First we walk down through fields to an old Mani wall and a stone arch before continuing down to the river. This place shows up on the map as the mythical Larka Market, which used to be a thriving marketplace. Another Mani wall marks the start of the climb to the pass. Now the path climbs steeply through tundra and juniper. The large Larkya glacier, which is fed by the Manaslu, can be admired from here. Approaching the Larkya Glacier we reach Larkya Phedi and the lodges. These were built to cater for travelers crossing the Larkya La. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 13: Crossing Larkya La (5,106m), trek to Bimtang (3,590m) – 7 to 8 hours walk
Today it’s time to get up early. The path begins as a long gentle climb over a moraine up to Larkya La (5,106m). When the weather is clear, we can expect a magnificent panoramic view of the six and seven thousand meter peaks of Larkya, Himlung Himal and Cheo in the north and the Manaslu Himal in the south. The descent takes place through steeper terrain into the valley of the Dudh Khola. Afterwards the path becomes easier and we come to a small pasture and spring at 4,080m. The valley widens and we see another large pasture in front of us. We finally reach our destination past a Mani wall at Bimthang at 3,590 meters. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (1,860m) – 7 to 8 hours walk
The path descends to a glacial river that supplies the headwaters of the Dudh Khola (Milk River). Then we descend through a pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk at 3,430 meters. The path becomes more comfortable as we come to a fork in the river. There we follow the river to a stable at 3,030m. We cross a slope and then climb steeply to a ridge with prayer flags. The descent to the Gho riverbed is imminent. The path goes through fields and irregular rhododendrons and oaks – we reach a large Gurung village, Tijle. The walls of the Marsyangdi village now appear larger and after a short distance the Dharapani houses appear. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 15: Trek to Jagat (1,430m) – 6 hours hike
From Dharapani we have now reached the popular Annapurna circular hiking trail. The path now runs in the opposite direction to the classic trek. We now pass the steepest part of the Marsyangdi Gorge. Our trek finally ends in Jagat. From this village it is possible to travel to Besishar by jeeps. Overnight stay in Teahouse Lodge, (B|L|D).

Day 16: Transfer to Besisahar, then private transfer back to Kathmandu – approx. 8 hours drive
Overnight stay at Hotel Katmandu Guest House or same category, (B|L).

Day 17. Free time until the return flight home
Farewell and transfer to the airport, (B).

We reserve the right to make program changes due to special events, force majeure or weather reasons.

Legends: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

Visa
Your visa can be issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu airport. Visa costs on arriving in Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (stay of up to 30 days) and US $ 100 (stay of up to 90 days).
The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport in accordance with the dollar exchange rate. Two passport size photographs must be provided for the visa. At the time of the trip your passport must be valid for at least a further six months and have at least one blank page.

These visa and passport regulations apply to EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other nationals should check with the relevant consular authorities.

Insurance
Travel health insurance (with recovery costs) is essential for your own safety and a precondition for participation in our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains which requires a helicopter rescue, the helicopter will not take off before the responsibility for the cost is clarified.
The conclusion of travel cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the case of bargain price flights in particular, changes or cancellations generally can’t be made free of charge. In Nepal complications with the weather or with your health could make it necessary to break off your journey.
We have requested ERGO (Reiseversicherung) to create various service packages for you. You can book travel health insurance at www.reiseversicherung.de.

Please note: ERGO insurance can be booked by residents of Germany and Austria. Those living in other countries are requested to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their own country.

It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours advises its customers to book their travel insurance via ERGO as a recommendation only, and accepts no responsibility for the contractual content between the customer and the travel insurance provider. Customers can book their travel insurance via ERGO or another provider at their own discretion.

The hotels and lodges booked by us
In Kathmandu and Pokhara the hotels we book are good and correspond to medium-level Western standards. Sanitary facilities are clean and functional; the hotel cuisine is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. There may sometimes be power cuts, or no hot water may be available for a while. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and looks after the welfare of guests. The hotels booked by us are as follows:

Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet/Manaslu ***+
Pokhara: Mount Kailash Resort, Lake side retreat ***
Palpa/Tansen: Hotel Srinagar **
Lumbini: Hotel New Crystal ***
Chitwan: Jungle Villa Resort
Nagarkot: Nagarkot Farmhouse

During the trek and in the interior of the country conditions are very varied, and travelers must sometimes expect basic sanitation facilities. For standard treks and tours you will stay overnight in typical “lodges” (teahouses). These usually offer very small single rooms or double rooms (some with no running water and no private shower / toilet).
In general, during the trekking tour you can select what you wish to eat from the menu. However, at altitudes of 4,000 meters it can happen that on some routes the choice of food is not very extensive. Typical Nepalese cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and wholesome. Travelers need to be adaptable, however.

Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are with Tara Air, Yeti Air or Buddha.

Tour program
The travel program for all of our recommended tours is carefully planned. It can happen, however, that roads are closed without advance notice or are impassable, that there are waiting times of several hours because of traffic congestion or fuel shortages and that specific tourist attractions are closed for various reasons. Other restrictions such as flight delays or even cancellations due to bad weather, strikes, the health of participants or unfavorable conditions while trekking may also make the implementation of the travel program more difficult or at worst make it impossible. However, our local guides are prepared for such situations and will make every effort to achieve every aspect of the program to your satisfaction. As a result the inconvenience can normally be kept to a reasonable level. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this juncture that for the above reasons program changes are possible at any time and cannot be influenced by the organizers. The resulting costs are borne by the traveler. We ask for your understanding.