Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (570m.), which takes about seven hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day; you turn towards the hill bazaar of Gorkha. After Gorkha the road gets a bit rough but you will reach your destination Arughat Bazaar in approximately seven hours from Kathmandu.
Day 02: Trek from Arughat Bazaar to Soti Khola (530m.) and it takes about six hours. You trek over flat leveled path along the bank of Budhi Gandaki river through mostly terraces, numerous villages, green hills, some pretty waterfalls and you are quite surrounded by green forest. This day you take lunch at Arket Bazaar, which lies middle way to Soti Khola. This is the best place to relax and can enjoy swimming to ease your tiredness of walking. To reach Soti Khola, the trail is ups and downs through forest of Sal, Chilaune and other local vegetation. Soti Khola is a village at the bank of Budhi Gandaki. The swimming spot is nearby here.
Day 03: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m.), which takes about six hours. The zigzag path passes through forest, villages, streams, pretty waterfalls and green valley until you reach Lapu Besi. This is a village mainly covered by Mongolian. Now you again precede the zigzag path to reach Machha Khola. There is a small market with few shops, lodges and donkeys are kept there.
Day 04: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1350m.) and it takes about six hours. You cross the Machha Khola - Fish Stream - and head upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The valley sides are steeping until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path you reach the single teahouse at Doban. Above Doban, the Buri Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, you re cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat, where you camp.
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Philim (1700m.), which takes about three hours. The early part of trek moves gentle uphill and then somewhere through flat leveled path. You cross suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki before you enter Philim. Philim is a big village mainly inhabited by Gurung. There are small monasteries, chortens, prayer flags fluttering in the sky, graves and typical houses.
Day 06: Trek Philim to Deng (2095m.) and it takes about six hours. You trek over flat-leveled path mostly through forest of pine, rhododendron and others. While walking, you cross few bridges and can see villages at far distance. There are few houses at Deng. From here, you can enjoy a pretty waterfall lying at some distance. Deng is famous for its potatoes, buckwheat, barley, wheat, cabbage, and spinach as people are mostly involved in agriculture.
Day 07: Trek Deng to Namrung (2900m.), which takes about five hours. In the beginning, you trek almost flat-leveled path and then the trail moves uphill all the way to Namrung through forest. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, rock hills, green valley and ridges. Namrung is a Buddhist village where there are monasteries, water turbine, hydro electricity powerhouse, Mani walls, chortens and prayer flags can be seen fluttering in the sky. The typical houses remind you of Tibetan architecture.
Day 08: Trek Namrung to Lhogaon (3100m.) and it takes about four hours. You trek over winding path, which moves through inner Himalayn range. On the way, you can enjoy mountain views of Rupinala pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, Lajing peak, and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. As you go up the vegetation get decreased. In the afternoon, this part becomes quite windy. While walking, you come across Mani walls, chortens, prayer flags and monasteries. Before you reach Lho Gaon, you pass a Tibetan village and Lihi Gaon. There is a monastery named as Chon at a ridge and there is a Buddhist school at Lho Gaon run by Buddhist monks. People mainly grow oat, barley, buckwheat, potatoes and vegetables. You can catch panoramic view of Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, and Lajing peak with others from Lho Gaon.
Day 09: Trek Lhogaon to Samagaon (3390m.), which takes about four hours. Leaving the village, you follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As you continue on the main trail, you soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3500m. You camp at Sama Gompa, 20 minutes beyond the village, or Samdo, near the Tibetan border.
Day 10: Rest day
Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest, you take a rest day to at Samagaon for acclimatization. acclimatize and relax. You can hike to Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall and you can see Birendra Kunda which is an ice lake nearby Manaslu Base Camp.
Day 11: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3690m.) and it takes about four hours. You trek gentle uphill all the way to Samdo through desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers away from Samdo. But visitors are not allowed to pass the border. There is a Tibetan refugee village at Samdo. This is an excellent viewpoint for Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu icefall and many more.
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Larkya La Phedi (4460m.), which takes about three hours. The trail is rocky and zigzag all the way to destination. Before you reach Larka La Phedi, there is a market Larkya Bazaar (market) where is held seasonal Tibet fair/market. People bring goods from Tibet to sell it here. There is a Dharmasala at Larkya La Phedi.
Day 13: Trek from Larkya La Phedi to Larkya La (Pass) (5135m.) to Bimthang (3590 m.) and it takes about seven hours. Early in the morning you begin to trek steep ascent path until Larkya La through rocky and windy path. This day you carry packed lunch. From the top, you can enjoy the views of Larkya peak, sunrise, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna chuli, Cheo Himal and many other snow capped mountains and peaks. Crossing this pass, you move steep downhill path through rock and ice. On the way, you can see many icy lakes. Bimthang is a broad and level ablation valley with a number of Mani walls and deserted houses.
Day 14: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1860 m.), which takes about four hours. Crossing this high pasture, you descend the valley of the Burdin Khola to the area of the Base Camp for the West side of Manaslu. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, you descend into a rhododendron forests and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meters. Walking down you cross a stream to reach Tilje. There is an apple orchard and it is quite famous for local wine. Leaving Tilje, you trek uphill for nearly 45 minutes and reach Dharapani crossing a bridge over Marshyangdi River.
Day 15: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat (1800m), which takes about six hours. You trek all the way over descent path along the bank of Dudh Khola (river) and Marshyangdi river. On the way, you walk through pleasant villages such as Taal, which is an attractive village with pretty waterfall, and you can enjoy green hills. Eventually Jagat is a stone village situated on a shelf, which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.
Day 16: Trek from Jagat to Nagdi (850m.) and it takes about four hours. A steep trail descends from Jagat through Marshyangdi valley. You cross Marshyangdi river at Syange and walk through Ghermu Fath (Ghermu field). This part of trek is pleasant through flat-leveled path with views of green valley and villages at some distance. Past this Ghermu field and a village, your trail goes uphill for nearly half an hour to reach Bahundanda. Brahmin, Chhetri and few others mainly populate this village. Now, you descend all the way to Nagdi. Nagdi is a Gurung village and people who had migrated run the local lodges from Manang and other places.
Day 17: Trek from Nagdi to Besishahar (823m.) which takes about four hours. You trek over flat-leveled path all the way to Besishahar through villages such as Bulbule, Khudi and others, terraces, ridges and sometimes you cross small streams. Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarter is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns.
Day 18: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu, which takes about seven hours. It is a picturesque to get back to Kathmandu along the bank of Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages at both sides of road
Manaslu - Rubinal trek This trek was officially opened to tourist in 1991, but mountaineering expeditions have had long access to the area. In 1950 a party led by H.W. Tillman trekked from Thonje to Bimtang and col. Jimmy Roberts crossed the Larkya La looking for an interesting mountain to climb. Manaslu (8163m) was first attempted in 1956, by Japanese expedition. The Japanese continued to dominate the climbing scene of Manaslu until 1971. A few trekkers including peripatetic Hugh Swift, Managed to obtain the trekking permit for the region but otherwise this trek always has been the domain of the mountaineering expedition. This trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating circumnavigating Manaslu peak 29 (7871m) Himal Chuli (7893m) and Boudha (6672m). Much of this trek is in a region of strong Tibetan influence. We cross the Rupina-La (4520m) and descend to the Marshyangdi River and further trek down to Besisahar from where we will drive back to Kathmandu.
Sama Gumpa is an interesting spot when we look through Manaslu Himal. Manaslu, being a restricted area, there are certain formalities required by the government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit.
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (570m.), which takes about four hours. You drive along well-paved road up to Dhading Beshi along the bank of Khani Khola, Trishuli River and Thopal Khola. This is best described as one of the beautiful picturesque journey passing through green hill, flowing stream, farming terraces, villages, small market and most of all mountains at far distance. Leaving Dhading Beshi you continue your drive along gravel and bumpy path all the way to Arughat Bazaar. During this part of journey, you can enjoy forest, terraces, green hills, flowing river and beautiful mountain views at far distance. Arughat is an old market situated at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River.
Day 02: Trek from Arughat to Sotikhola (730m.) and it takes about seven hours. You trek through almost flat-leveled path until you reach Sotikhola though sometime you face gentle up and down trail. You walk along riverbank of Budhi Gandaki passing through villages, terraces and can enjoy the scenery of green hills around you
Day 03: Trek from Sotikhola to Machhakhola (930m.), which takes about six hours. To reach the destination, this day also you trek through almost flat-leveled path. You trek along the riverbank passing through villages, terraces and green hills
Day 04: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1370m.) and it takes about six and half hours. In the beginning you trek along flat-leveled path and then after trekking through ascent and descent path you reach Jagat. En route, you are exposed to Nepali culture as you walk through few villages. Jagat is an old trading center for Nepal and Tibet.
Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Pangsing (2250m.), which takes approximately six hours. Leaving Jagat, you trek through gentle ascent path until Surtibas following villages and terraces and then the trail appears little bit difficult, as you have to trek upward. While walking, you can relish the splendid views of mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal and green hills. Pangsing being grassland do forests surround campsite.
Day 06: Trek from Pangsing to Chhuling Khola (2050 m.) and it takes about six hours. This day you walk through thick forests with chances to see wild life such as bear, deer, leopard and many more local mountain birds. The trail is quite gentle ascent and sometimes while passing this area you can see mountain views. Chhuling Khola, another perfect campsite is surrounded by rain forest.
Day 07: Trek from Chhuling Khola to Dhungapani (2950 m.), which takes almost six, and half hours. You trek through rain forest covered with bamboo, juniper, oak and many other plants and shrubs. This day also there comes the possibility of encountering bear, deer, leopard and many colorful local birds. You camp at Dhungapani surrounded by forest.
Day 08: Trek from Dhungapani to Rupinala Phedi (4643 m.) and it takes approximately six and half-hours. The trail moves gentle upward crossing Rupinala pass (4720m.). This day you camp overnight at Rupinala Phedi, which is a grazing field. Today, mountain views become closer to you as you can enjoy the magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Boudha Himal and Shringi Himal.
Day 09: Trek from Rupinala Phedi to Bhedi Odar (5150m.), which takes about six hours. After trekking up hill until Rupinala Bhanjyang you have to trek through descent path up to Bhedi Odar. From Rupinala Bhanjyang, you can enjoy the views of Boudha Himal, Manaslu Mountain, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. The camping site Bhedi Odar is another grazing field of the area where local people bring sheep and goat for grazing.
Day 10: Trek from Bhedi Odar to Bhedi Kharka (5225m.) and it takes about seven hours. Early part of trial is sloppy and then up to Bhedi Kharka you have to trek uphill passing through forests and green hills. You can see some part of mountains while walking. Bhedi Kharka is also a grazing field
Day 11: Trek from Bhedi Kharka to Dudh Pokhari (5390 m.), which takes about six hours. Passing through forests covered mainly by bamboo you have to trek up hill until you reach Dudh Pokhari though sometimes you trek through almost flat path. The panoramic views of part of Manaslu range and Ganesh Himal quite attract you. Dudh Pokhari is a pilgrimage site where many devotees gather at different periods round the year. Dudh Pokhari is the best view point of this trip which amazes you with panoramic views of Manaslu mountain, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna range and many other unnamed mountains and peaks.
Day 12: Trek from Dudh Pokhari to Ninghalaghari (4590m.) and it takes about seven hours. This day you trek gradual descent path until you reach destination passing through forests covered with bamboo, rhododendron, pine and other plants and shrubs. There lies the possibility of encountering bear, leopard, monkeys, deer and various local colorful birds. Sometimes you can enjoy the mountain views. Ninghalaghari is a campsite surrounded by forests covered mainly by bamboos and green hills.
Day 13: Trek from Ninghalaghari to Chyadi Danda (3600m.) which takes about seven hours. After walking gentle downhill trail for few minutes you begin to trek uphill until you reach Chyadi Danda. En route you walk through forests and can enjoy mountain sceneries and villages at far distance. Chyadi Danda is a ridge surrounded by forests and green hills. From here, you can see the beautiful mountain views as well
Day 14: Trek from Chyadi Danda to Tonje (1850m.) and it takes about seven hours. To reach Tonje, you have to trek through sparse forests and the trail is quite up and down. Tonje is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung tribe. You will be heartily welcome by local people and can enjoy cultural show.
Day 15: Trek from Tonje to Duwar (975m.), which takes about six hours. The trail is down and sloppy. You walk through villages and along the riverbank. Duwar is a comparatively bigger village than Tonje and here too you will be experiencing the traditional custom and behavior of local people.
Day 16: Trek from Duwar to Besisahar (760m.) and it takes about three hours. The trail supposed to be followed is quite easier as you trek through flat-leveled path passing terraces, villages, suspension bridges and can enjoy mountain views, green hills, flowing river at far distance
Day 17: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu, which takes about seven hours. It is a picturesque to get back to Kathmandu along the bank of Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers with splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces and villages at both sides of road. |
