Are you one of those hikers who prefers to take the less traveled paths?If yes, then Manaslu trekking is definitely the one for you. This trekking destination has recently opened to the world. This is one of the controlled trekking routes in Nepal, as it lies in close proximity to the Chinese border.

This Manaslu trekking route, located in central Nepal, is a 177-kilometer trekking route starting at a low altitude of 375 metres to reaching a final height of 5,300 metres. Because of this, the hiker is given the pleasure of sampling various forms of terrain that exist for an ardent trekker. There is a diversity of flora and fauna. The same can be said for the cultural and religious sides of the trek. As one changes terrain, so do the animals and plant species.

There is also a shift in ethnicity, with Hindus dominating the lower terrain and Buddhists dominating the higher terrain.

On this trek, one passes through subtropical forests to alpine ones and finally to the cold, deserted conditions of the high Himalayan mountains.

Since this route is a fragile ecosystem, a Nepalese Liaison officer would be a part of the hike to vouch that no litter is left behind in the area and all provisions are to be carried along the trek. This, however, should not be an impediment because the ultimate reward of the trek will be a panoramic and scintillating view of Mount Manaslu and other peaks.

The trek takes you along and above river trails, forests, through gorges, and around glaciers and mountains.

The Trek around Manaslu

The trek begins in Trisuli after getting there from Kathmandu by bus. From here, your hike is along the River Trishuli (meaning trident in Nepali) to Baran Gurun. The next stop for the night is Charan Pahadi. Then it is onto Arughat Bazaar, a tranquil town surrounded by verdant hills on all four sides.

From here, it is onto Soti and Machha Khola for the next two days. Khola means stream in the local language and Machha, fish. This means only one thing-plenty of freshwater fish to eat on the way. Then there is Jagat, a village development committee. After that, it is Pangsing, and then Deng, Ghap, and Lo. From Lo, it is onto Sama Gompa, where you get a taste of Buddhist culture and the traditions of the local inhabitants.

Then we hit the guest house to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude at 4450 metres. It is here that the view of Manaslu is strong. We stop at Tanbuche, Karche, Tal, meaning pond, and back at Jagat. From Jagat, it is Khudi and Bhote in order for our bus ride back to Kathmandu.

1.      Day One – Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

You will be met at Tribhuwan International Airport by a representative of Green Lotus Trekking holding a welcome placard and token for your overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu and to freshen up. Prior to dinner a briefing will be held. You could spend the rest of the day resting or wandering around the city of Kathmandu sightseeing.

2.      Day Two – Drive to Sotikhola (710m) – (Approx 9 hour’s drive)

It is an early morning start with a bus drive to Sotikhola and to get the pleasure of the Nepalese countryside. On a paved road to Dhading Besi (1050m) and then a rough one till Arughat, and on a further drive we will get to Sotikhola. O/N stay at the lodge.

3.      Day Three – To Maccha Khola (900m) – (Approx 7 hour’s trek)

The day’s trek begins through a sal forest, which then climbs to a ridge high above the Budhi Gandaki River. After passing Khursane, the trail becomes rocky with frequent descends and ascends and passes two tropical waterfalls. Then, through a few terraced rice fields, we get to the Gurung village of Labubsesi. Climbing further down the valley opens up where the Budhi Gandaki becomes more gravel and sandy. Trekking along the banks and overhead ridges, we finally reach the village of Maccha Khola. O/N stay at the lodge.

4.      Day Four – To Jagat (1410m) – (Approx 7 hour’s trek)

The day’s trek makes some identical ascents and descends before crossing Tharo Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. After a couple of hours, it is the hot spring at Tatopani. Then, climbing over the ridge is a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki. Here we begin to ascend a well paved stone path, a landslide and ridges to Dobhan. The stone-paved path continues to Tharo Bharyang. Over a ridge again and trekking along the river, we eventually climb to the village of Jagat. O/N stay at the lodge.

5.      Day Five – To Deng (1804m) – (Approx 7 hour’s trek)

Today’s trek takes us over a rocky ridge to Salleri, with a descent to Sirdibas. On getting to Ghatta Khola, the valley turns a little wider. Crossing a suspension, we get to the Gurung Village of Philim. At this junction, the trek turns north over a fairly level trail through fields of millets to Ekle Bhatti. Here the trek enters a steep uninhabited gorge, descending to Budhi Gandaki, where we trek along the eastern bank for some time. After crossing some bamboo groves to Deng Khola, we finally get to Deng for an O/N stay at a lodge.

6.      Day Six – To Namrung (2630m) – (Approx 7 hour’s trek)

The trek climbs to Rana (1910m), from where we climb a bit to join the trail from Bhi that heads west up to Budhi Gandaki. Then the trail passes through a forest to Ghap. Then the trek takes us to Prok, giving us a wonderful sight of Siring Himal. We cross Budhi Gandaki a couple of times, through forests, and then a final climb to reach Namrung.

7.      Day Seven – To Samagaon (3530m) – (Approx 7 hour trek)

Initially, it is a steep climb to Lihi and then a drop across the side of the valley, giving us good views of Simnang and Ganesh Himals to sho, Lho, and Shyala Villages. We get to Samagaon on the way, getting views of Himal Chuli and Peak 29.

8.      Day Eight – Acclimatization

We need to get used to the density of air at such a high altitude, so we stay a day in Samagaon, but not without some activity. We can enjoy the hundreds of mani stones and visit Sama village, where an old gompa (pungyen) is.

9.      Day Nine – To Samdo (3860m) – (Approx 5 hour’s trek)

Today’s trek takes us down to the Budhi Gandaki River, and then turns north along the stream. The Larkya La path passes many mani walls, and the valley begins to widen. The trail then becomes easy on a shelf above the river, passing through the juniper and birch forest of Kermo Kharka. We then cross the Budhi Gandaki and steeply climb. Finally, past Kani, we get to Samdo. O/N stay at the lodge.

10.  Day Ten  – Acclimatization

Again, we need to set a day aside to acclimatize. We can take short hikes to view the trade passes and Mount Manaslu on the Tibetan side, plus other Himalayan mountains such as Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and Kang Guru. We can also mingle with seasonal herds and spot birds like Lophophorus.

11.  Day Eleven – To Dharamsala (4460m) – (Approx 5 hour’s trek)

We continue walking along the edge and crossing bridges over Budhi Gandaki towards Larkya Glacier, where we then go around the valley of Salka Khola and then climb up to the shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. O/N stay at the lodge.

12.  Day Twelve – To Bimthang (3720m) – (Approx 9 hour’s trek)

Today, we trek through the valley on the northern side of the Larkya glacier, getting good views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peaks. Eventually, walking across the moraines of the glacier, and making short ascents which become steeper, we get to the pass called Larkya Pass (5160m). Here we get scintillating views of Himlung Hima, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the massive Annapurna II mountain peaks. Then we slowly begin to descend to Bimtang with the view of Mount Manaslu in the evening.

13.  Day Thirteen – To Tilije (2300m) – (Approx 6 hour’s trek)

We begin the day’s trek by getting wonderful views of the mountain peaks mentioned in the previous day’s itinerary. We descend and cross a pasture at Sangure Kharka, followed by a bridge over Dhud Khola (a stream). Thereafter, we walk through a rhododendron forest and follow a path into a narrow valley. After crossing fields and making a steep climb over a ridge, circumventing a fast-flowing river, we get to Gho and then to Tilije. Stay at the lodge.

14.  Day Fourteen – To Tal (1700m) – (Approx 6 hour’s trek)

Climbing over a small ridge and stone pave trail, the day’s trek begins. Then crossing Dudh Khola and a climb up through a chorten shaped arch, mani walls, we get to the village of Thonje. Here we enter the Annapurna circuit trek section. Further away is the Village Karte. A bit of walking takes us over Marshyangdi Khola (stream) and finally to our nights stay at Tal. O/N stay at lodge.

15.  Day Fifteen – To Syange (1080m) – (Approx 7 hour’s trek)

Today’s trek takes us to the village of Chyamje after crossing the Marshyangdi Khola. After this the Marsyangdi Valley opens up to terraced fields. The trail then descends via rhododendron and pine woods and we finally get to our destination at Syange. O/N stay at lodge.

16.  Day Sixteen – To Kathmandu (1400m) (Approx 8 hour’s drive)

Today we head back to Kathmandu by bus via Besi Sahar which gives us an opportunity to sample the flora and fauna and the rural life style at quick glances. We are escorted to our hotel to freshen up and to get ready for the next day’s flight back home.

17.  Day Seventeen – Farewell from Kathmandu.

The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Click to View Altitude Graph

What is the best time of year to trek?

You can find good places to trek somewhere in the Himalayas at anytime of the year. However, for most regions, the best time is from October to May, with October to November having the best weather for trekking. During the autumn, nights are cold in the high Himalaya, but the bright sun makes for a pleasant daytime temperature (20 degrees centigrade to 5 degrees centigrade in the night). Above 3500m, the temperature range goes down to -10 degrees centigrade, and in winter (Dec-Jan), it is about 10 degrees colder.

How fit do I have to be to do a trek?

While you do not need to be super-fit, you need to be fit enough to comfortably walk for 5–6 hours per day in the mountains on reasonable trails. Most of our customers have an interest in walking in the hills or countryside of their homeland and are used to similar daily trips.

What is the typical group size? Will I fit in?

We pride ourselves on our small group approach to adventure travel. Small groups allow you to share great company without crowding your experience. Our typical groups range in size from 2 up to 8. One of the attractions of such a trip is the chance to meet people with different backgrounds and personalities.

What if the dates for the group treks don’t fit my itinerary?

If this is the case, we can organize a personalized trek for you. Additionally, if you want to spend more time in Kathmandu before or after a trek, we can organize the hotels and quote you a price.

Are your tours guaranteed to run?

If you are a group of two or more, the trip is guaranteed to run.

Do I need to buy special equipment?

Usually, our clients simply bring their existing clothing and equipment and, if necessary, supplement this with some extra items purchased cheaply in Kathmandu.

What gear to bring?

Passport (with photocopies)

Photos for Nepal visa on arrival:

Travel insurance (with photocopies)

flight tickets (photocopies)

Daypack for daily personal items

For Trekking:

Walking boots

Light sandals or plimsolls to wear in the lodges

2 pairs of underwear.

2 pairs of walking socks.

2 thick fleece or warm shirts

1 pair thin thermal underwear

Long trousers for walking (or a long skirt for women)

T-shirt

Shorts

Gloves (it’s cold on the Thorung La, Laurebina Pass and Cho La)

A warm hat which covers your ears (for the Kali Gandaki and Thorung La – it’s windy)

Base ball caps or broad brim hats to keep the sun off (Australian Barmah recommended)

Sunglasses (vital)

Sun cream

Soap dish and soap

small towel

Toothbrush and toothpaste.

Wet wipes or moist towelettes

Hand sanitizing lotion

Head torch

Moisturizer, Lip balm

Tampons are hard to buy in rural areas.

Ear plugs for light sleepers

Toiletries

Sheet of plastic (use as a poncho if it rains)

1 toilet paper roll. You can buy more on the way.

2 large plastic bags. One for smelly clothes, one for things that must be kept dry.

A small, good quality padlock

Water bottle

Iodine tablets for water purification

Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, and snack foods.

Notes: All of the trekking items are available in Kathmandu at nominal prices. However, we suggest you bring hiking boots from your home country if you decide to purchase these items in Kathmandu .

Can I store stuff that I do not use on a trek?

Yes, all hotels provide storage facilities for free.

Do I need travel insurance?

Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. It is a condition of booking a tour with Green Lotus Trekking, and your responsibility to ensure the type of tour you are undertaking; the policy must include satisfactory cover for repatriation, high altitudes, trekking and climbing, and helicopter rescue. Please forward your insurance details (e.g. policy number, 24-hour emergency telephone number, and name of insurance company) to Green Lotus Trekking when available.

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Yes. You can apply in your home country through the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate or obtain it at the airport on arrival by paying a fee as below:

Multiple entries for 15 days: $25 USD

Multiple entries for 30 days: $40 USD

Multiple entries within 90 days: US $100

Notes: We suggest you bring the exact change. You also need to bring two passport-size photos.

Tourist Visa Extension

The visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency, and the visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day.

A tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).

Gratis (Free) Visa

A gratis visa for 30 days is available only for tourists from SAARC countries.

Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Nepal.

I am a single traveler. How does this work?

Normally single trekkers have no problems fitting in with a group. Normally single trekkers share rooms or lodges with other trekkers of the same sex, but if we have an odd-number we ensure that a room or lodge is organised accordingly.

How will my booking be processed?

To confirm your booking, we will require a deposit of $250 for treks and $300 for peak climbing, which can be made by bank transfer or online through paypal.com (the leading transaction site). The balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash or traveler’s cheque. Alternatively, the balance can be paid by bank transfer or PayPal shortly before arriving in Kathmandu.

Besides deposit payment, what other information do I need to forward?

The following details are needed to process your trekking permit, national park permit, flight booking etc.

Gender:

First Name:

Last Name:

Passport number:

Expiry date:

Issue location:

Nationality:

Year of birth:

Occupation:

Your arrival details (time, date, flight number, airline):

All the above info can be sent electronically via email.

How far do I trek each day?

You will typically walk 4–9 miles (5-8 hours) each day. Some days may be rest days for impromptu exploration. In high and steep areas, you may move more slowly. Most people begin to feel the effects of high altitude over about 2000 meters, and your trekking pace is always adjusted to permit safe acclimatization. Our treks follow established trails used by local people. You will probably carry only a light daypack.

How flexible is the trekking day?

You can hike at your own pace, stopping when you wish. There is ample time to cover the necessary hiking distance each day with lots of stops. If you are on a private trek, you may wish to take more or fewer days to cover a given distance, or add in rest days. If you like to hike fast, your guide will be concerned that you acclimatize to high altitude effectively. You may wish to reach camp at a measured pace, but take a side hike after arriving at camp. Your guide is always interested in learning about your personal interests and accommodating those interests as the trip permits.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:

nausea, vomiting

Loss of appetite

Insomnia or sleeplessness

Persistent headaches

Dizziness, light headaches, confusion,

Disorientation, drunken gait

Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs, slight swelling of hands and face.

Breathlessness and breathing irregularly

Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In the event of the appearance of any of the above symptoms, any further ascent should be reconsidered; otherwise more serious problems can occur, which can cause death, sometimes within a few hours. The only cure for altitude sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS.

Will I be able to deal with the high altitude?

Our itineraries are designed so that our clients ascend at a sensible and safe rate. The effects of altitude are felt by everyone, even the Sherpas, but most people find that gentle acclimatization allows them to reach their high point without any problems.

What are teahouse and camping treks?

Accommodation: There are a number of lodges along the popular trekking routes in the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang regions. These lodges are called “Tea House Lodges” and are managed by local people. Private rooms, dormitories, toilets, shower rooms with hot and cold water, and one attached restaurant are among the basic requirements for overnight accommodation at these lodges.The quality of food offered might vary from lodge to lodge, but most serve simple and hygienic meals. The teahouse trek provides you an opportunity to feel the warm hospitality of friendly Nepali hosts. The money you spend goes to the local community.

Camping Trekking

In a typical camping trip, each pair of trekkers will sleep in a spacious mountain tent with a durable rain fly and full insect netting. The tent is fitted with foam mattresses. When your campsite is near villages or lodges, you may be invited to sleep in the lodges or homes of local people.

What are the typical foods on the treks?

Breakfast options include oatmeal,French toast,Chapatti, Tibetan bread, eggs, pancakes, muesli, and for lunch or dinner you can have sandwiches, soups, momo (dumplings), macaroni dishes, pizzas, noodles, steak, dal bhat (rice, lentils, veg platter), pasta, etc.

What is your guide like?

Our trekking guides are carefully selected for their ability and are generally from Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and other communities from remote mountain villages. Each guide is trained in eco-friendly trekking methods and safety measures. They help to maintain your health and your happiness as well as the crew members. Our guides are committed to making sure that all our trekkers have an enjoyable trek, come back safe and are overwhelmed by their experience. Your guide will be a friend and companion, who takes pleasure in showing you his country’s specialties and, perhaps, meeting his home and family too.

What about the Porters?

The majority of the fees our clients pay go directly into the community where you trek.

How much should I tip the guides and porters?

Tipping is at your discretion and always appreciated. A good rule of thumb is anywhere from $2–5 dollars per day for the guide and $1.5–3 dollars per day per porter. The total amount can then be divided among the group.

What is your Kathmandu contact address in case my family needs to contact me in an emergency?

Please have them contact us at any of the following numbers:

+977-98510-32108 or 9841-250248 for cell phone. 977-1-400-50379 (landline) (office hours) 77-1-400-5037 or 444-5475. We check email frequently throughout the day, so you could also write to our email: info@green-lotus-trekking.com if it’s not urgent.