Nepal: Manaslu Circuit 

                18 days trek + 4 nights in Kathmandu  

This trek would appeal to anyone who is looking for a challenging trek in a remote region of Nepal; it strikes deep into the heart of a previously restricted area and follows beautiful and unspoiled trails.  The scenery is similar to the classic Annapurna Circuit. We have to pay for the special permit to visit this trek. The trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating.

The Tibetans of the upper Budi Gandaki, a region known as Nupri ‘the western mountains’, are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants. Their speech, dress and customs are almost exclusively Tibetan and there is still continuous trade between Nupri and Tibet. The mountain views in Nupri are sensational and the Larkye La Pass (5,213m) is a dramatic Himalayan pass to cross.

               Day 02
Free day in Kathmandu to make final preparations for your trek. If you feel that you are adequately prepared and would like to have an escorted sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, we will be glad to arrange it for you. Please ask for this service with 'Above & Beyond' upon arrival or ahead.          

               Day 03
After breakfast, board you private transport and start the drive to Arughat. This drive can
take up to five hours and you will need to carry packed lunches, which will be provided.
Your crew will either travel with you or they may be waiting for you in Arughat.  

               Day 04
Heading north, along the Buri Gandaki, you pass through lush, cultivated fields to the villages of Mordar and Simre. Crossing the Arket Khola, a tributary of the Buri Gandaki you pass through the village of Koyapani to Soti Khola (730m, 5 hrs approx) (another tributary) of the Buri Gandaki on whose banks camp will be set up.  

               Day 05
Descend to the Buri Gandaki river and then climb, still heading north to the village of Almara. From Almara the trail leads through the villages of Riden, Lapbesi, Khani Gaon and to Machha Khola (930m/6 hrs approx).  

               Day 06
Cross the Maccha Khola (fish river), which flows into the Buri Gandaki to Khorlabensi and then to the village at Tatopani which means "hot springs". At Tatopani you cross the bridge over the Buri Gandaki to the east bank and proceed to the village of Doban, at the confluence of the Buri Gandaki and the Doban Khola (O/N altitude 1570m/ 6 hrs approx). In fact, the name Doban means "confluence".

               Day 07
Crossing the Dodan Khola you trek to the village of Lauri and cross the Buri Gandaki to its west bank, to the village of Jagat. At Jagat there is a police check post where your trekking
permits will be checked. From Jagat you first walk north-west, slightly away from the Buri Gandaki and then turn north again to reach the village of Sirdibas (O/N altitude 1430m/ 5 hrs approx).

               Day 8
Cross to the left bank of the river via a suspension bridge and continue following the river
to Serishe Gaon. From Serishe Gaon, the trail leads to Nyak (O/N altitude 2306m/ 5 hrs approx). Enroute, you have to cross Chulung Khola and Shar Khola.  

               Day 9
Continue along the river to the village of Deng. It is a tiny village of about four houses.
The precipitous cliffs of the previous few days end but, the mountain side is still quite steep
and the valley a deep "V". Crossing to the opposite bank along a suspension bridge and then climbing up the steep mountain side you reach the village of Rana (O/N altitude 1960m/ 6 hrs approx). From Lana there is a gentle descent past the village of Unbae which has a stone gate way and walls lined with Mani stones, a distinctive reminder that you are now among people of Tibetan descent.  

               Day 10
Cross the Shringi Khola to reach the village of Ghap. Along the way Shringi Himal (7187m.) is visible to your right. Cross the wooden suspension bridge beyond Ghap and follow the path to Lumachik. From Lumachik, you have to ascend a forested path to the village of Namrung (O/N altitude 2660m/ 6 hrs approx). Namru has a police checkpost and you will be required to show your trek permits here. 

               Day 11
Leaving Namru, you cross a stream and after a short walk across a grassy meadow from which you see a waterfall to your left you cross some pastures to the village of Bengsam. From Bengsam, climb the mountainside to the vilage of Li, cross the Hinan Khola and enter the village of Sho through its stone gate. Past this village, magnificent mountain vistas begin opening up. First Naike Peak, then Manaslu North (7157 m.) and finally, Manaslu itself at an imposing 8163m. Climbing a gradual slope through fields you arrive at the village of Lo (O/N altitude 3150m/ 5 hrs approx) with its walled fields (to keep domestic animals out) and the splendid backdrop provided by Ganesh Himal (7429m.).  

               Day 12

Descend from Lo along a winding trail, cross the Damonan Khola and Shara Khola and climb up a ridge to reach Sama Gaon (O/N altitude 3450m/ 4 hrs approx). 

               Day 13

In Sama Gaon (Altitude 3,390m) Rest and acclimatization day

               Day 14 
The initial walk starts out on level ground, skirting a lateral moraine to reach the Buri Gandaki which now begins to look more like a stream and not a river, as you get closer to its source. Passing throught eh pastures at Kermo Kharka, from where there are excellent views of Mt. Manaslu, you reach Kermo Manan The walk from Sama Gaon takes you to Samdo, the most remote permanent settlement along the trek. Enroute to Somdu, you have to cross a stream that originates in the Manasalu glacier and pass through Kermo Kharka (which offers an excellent view of Manasalu) and Kermo Menan with its long Mani Walls. Camp at Somdu (O/N altitude 3690m/ 4 hrs approx). 

               Day 15
Descend a gently sloping mountain path, cross the Gyala Khola, and then climbing up another gentle slope you will see the remains of Larkya Bazaar, once a thriving trading post for Nepalese and Tibetan traders, now a ghost town. From here, you will cross two streams and climb up a hill to a Dharamsala 'shelter' built for those crossing the Larkya La. The camp at Dharamsala (O/N altitude 4460m/ 4 hrs approx). 

               Day 16
The ascent is gentle and Larkya Peak, uniquely shaped, becomes visible. Later, the gentle slope becomes a steep hill and leads up to the to Larkya La (5213m.). Great Himalayan panoramas unfold. Himlung Himal (7126m.), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (7937 m.) and Annapurna II (7937 m.) rise in true Himalayan splendor to the west. Unlike the ascent, the descent is steep and often snow covered but, affords splendid views on the way to Bhimthang (O/N altitude 3590m/6 hrs approx). 

               Day 17
From Bimtang, you descend to the Dudh Khola river bed and follow the route to Yak Kharka. Cross the Dudh Khola by a wooden bridge and descend through a magnificent rhododendron forest to Hampuk, Sangure Kharka and across the Surki Khola to Guwa. Camp at Guwa. 

               Day 18
From Guwa, a trek down the hillside through oak, pine forest and rhododendron to Tilche village and  cross to the left bank via a suspension bridge and continue to descend long the Dudh Khola, drawing closer to the Marsyangdi Khola. Cross to the right bank via suspension bridge to Thonje. There is a police check post here where your trekking permits will be examined again.

               Day 19
From Thonje, cross the river and ascend to Darapani, and walk above the ridge to an open
place, Tal. Descend along the ridge to Chyamche, where camp is set, usually under the bridge by the river.

               Day 20
From Chyamche, Trek down to Sirchour and drive to Besisahar (O/N altitude760m/ 4 hrs approx)Day 19 Finish trekking at Besi Sahar, drive to Kathmandu (5 hrs/6 hrs drive) and a celebratory end of trek dinner.

               Day 21
This is "cushion" day in Kathmandu incase your return is delayed due to bad weather or other circumstances. Otherwise, these days may be used for sightseing around. Kathmandu valley or for overnight excursions. Our office 'Above & Beyond will be glad to assist you in planning any sight seeing tours or excursions.

               Day 22
Transfer to the airport and fly out of Nepal.  

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