Magnificent Manaslu with Larke Pass

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Our destination for today will be Maccha Khola, which we will begin from Kathmandu via bus. After about 9 hours by bus, we will begin our trek. After crossing a bridge, we will trek through beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki to reach Khursane, upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff.

The path eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We will further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. After dropping to the sandy riverbed, we will walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge, from where we will head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Maccha Khola.

Jagat

The following day, we will start our trek by walking across a forest trail by the Budhi Gandaki River, eventually reaching Khorlabesi. Khorlabesi is a Gurung village where you will get to witness the wonderful Gurung culture. After a few more ascends and descends, we will come across the hotsprings of Tatopani. If you want to feel rejuvenated, you can take a warm shower here.

After a short break, we will climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we will climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Doban. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we will come across stone stairs which drops to the river following more stone stairs climb, eventually to reach Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we will climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Note: You will verify your trekking permits at a check post in Jagat.

Deng

Today’s trek begins by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, which descends back to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We will continue further upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. Upon reaching Philim, we will be greeted with a lot of flags and gumbas of the Buddhist religion.

After, the trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays fairly level as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we will descend to the grassy land slopes across the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while. After a brief walk along the trails of the Budhi Gandaki, the valley widens, and we will pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the river, we will reach the tiny village of Deng.

Namrung

After a hearty breakfast in Deng, we will start out day with a brief walk beyond Deng. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki, we will climb to Rana (1,910m). Make sure to take a look around to find some monkeys in this area. The trail continues on to from Bihi, from where we head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail passes through lush forests and “manis”, turning towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Makre sure to follow your guide’s instructions around this area as it is prone to landslides.

Even though there is an alternative route, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal where you can take a short rest. We will then again cross the Budi Gandaki River. Today, we will cross the Budi Gandaki several times and come across several gompas en route.

The uneven trail then follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down to a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense, and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb, you will reach Namrung. Namrung is home to the Nubri people, who are Tibetan-Nepalese, and their lifestyle shows a great harmony between the two cultures.

Samagaon

Our day today starts from Namrung, which is a great viewpoint for Mt. Siring and Mt. Ganesh. You can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south from there. After a steady climb and passing through green forests, we will reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Mt. Simnang, with Mt. Ganesh close by.

We will walk further and pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. In the villages, you will notice people with traditional Tibetan attires. In Lho village, you can enjoy extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village. you will be surrounded by high mountains like Mt. Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon, where we will spend the night.

Note: You will be gaining a steady altitude today (2630m – 3530m) so make sure to walk at a slow pace and tell your guide if you are not feeling well.Samagaon: Arriving in Samagaon, you’ll reach a picturesque village situated against the backdrop of towering mountains. This village is a hub for trekkers and serves as a base for exploring higher altitudes, including Manaslu Base Camp.

Pungyen Gompa

Today, we will spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. In Samagaon, you will get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture, and witness the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu. The gompa is named after Manaslu (Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks).

Samdo

Our destination for today is Samdo, a small village along the trail. We start by descending to the Budhi Gandaki River north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail that you will see to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf where you will see junipers and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We will drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. We will then see a stone arch where you can view a large white Kani. Finally passing through the Kani, we will find Samdo.

Today is an adventurous day from Samdo to Dharamsala, where we will witness the beauty of the Manaslu region. We will start today by continuing to walk down the edge of Samdo, crossing a wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki, after which we will begin an ascent.

Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier, we will go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is considered to be sort of a shelter. We have reached Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon.

Larkya La

Today, we will reach the highest point of the trek (5,160m) so make sure to pace yourself and follow your guide. We will begin your day early from Dharamsala, where after a short climb, youwe will reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers. From here, you can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We will then walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper as you go in the last section of the pass. From the pass, you can witness outstanding views of Mt. Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II.

We will have walked almost 7-8 hours by now, but the day is still not over! After spending some time at the pass, we will descend down to Bimtang walking through low pastures in the evening. The evening mist coming in from the mountains, and with Mt. Manaslu looming close by, the descent is bound to be an overwhelming experience.

Dharapani

Today will mark the final day of us being in the Manaslu region so make sure to look at Mt. Manaslu plenty! We will start you day with views of Manaslu to your left and the Annapurna ranges to your right, descending from Bhimthang through yak pastures. We will then see signs of Dudh Khola’s headwaters trickling down the slope, from where we will cross a bridge.

The bridge leads to a path that gradually leaves behind the alpine climate and takes you down through familiar rhododendron forests to a narrow valley of terraced fields and patchwork crops. We will then reach the small and picturesque village of Tilje, from where you will make your way uphill to Dharapani, a major trekking confluence in the region and the modern starting point for trekkers heading out on the Annapurna Circuit to reach the Thorang La pass. We will stay the night at Dharapani.

Pokhara

Today, we will descend down from Dharapani via a vehicle. We can go to Pokhara too as today will kind of be like a leisure day where you can catch up with some last-minute shopping. The drive to Kathmandu takes 6-7 hours. After reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel, where the Magnificient Manaslu Trek will be complete.