Manaslu Circuit Trek via Upper Route - 19 Days

Welcome at Airport and transfer to the Hotel. Introduce about program then enjoy your first night in cultural diversity Kathmandu.

Free day for final trekking preparation

We start off our adventure through the Manaslu region with a bus journey to Barpak, a town beautifully set amid terraced fields and which was, tragically, at the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake that struck Nepal and caused so much devastation. The stoic residents have slowly rebuilt the community and its setting is as exhilarating as ever to behold.

Our trek begins with a steep ascent along countless stone steps that scythe through the encroaching jungle on either side, leading us through peaceful villages set serenely atop hillsides with views towards the Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal in the distance. As an alternative route to the regular path taken by the banks of the Budhi Gandaki our journey through the mountains is a serene one that gives a complete sense of isolation from everything bar the welcome interaction with the local people.

The trail to Khorla Besi begins with a steady descent until we reach a suspension bridge and a path that takes us on to the village of Singla and its glorious views of the surrounding mountain ranges. After lunch the trail leads downhill again until we come to the Budhi Gandaki River and join the main route through Manaslu.

Our old friend the Budhi Gandaki leads us away again on a trail that takes us to Tatopani and its famous hot springs. From there we hike to Dovan and finally Jagat, the threshold to the Manaslu conservation region.

Our day begins by walking through subtropical rainforest and a series of small hamlets, traversing a couple of suspension bridges on the way, the last of which leads us in to the village of Philim and its beautiful setting amidst terraced fields overlooking the river. Further along the trail we arrive at the junction for Tsum Valley and Larkya La and take the path heading northwest towards Deng.

An undulating trail and a series of suspension bridges take us to Bihi Phedi, and from there a junction leads us away from the main trail towards Prok, a scenic village where we'll indulge in the culturally unique experience of a home stay for the night.

A trail takes us through lush forests to the beautiful and rarely seen lake of Kal Tal (Black Lake) set high amidst the local ranges, and after suitable time to take in the scenic setting and eat our packed lunch we make the return journey to Prok and another evening with our hosts.

The trail from Prok takes us back to the main route, and from there we gradually ascend to Namrung and spectacular views of the mountains as the valley opens up before us. The temperate forests give way steadily as the trail breaks free of the tree line and climbs higher, the lush greens of the lower valley giving way to the muted browns and grays of the Himalayan terrain and the vivid blue skies one only experiences at altitude. The day's hike is capped off by our arrival at the beautiful village of Lho and its glorious vista of Manaslu, with the monastery of Rebung Gompa set serenely atop a hilltop nearby.

From Lho we hike to the equally impressive village of Shyala and its own spectacular vistas of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi, Naike, Kutang Himal, and Pangbuche Himal, then climb steadily through yak pasturelands to Sama Gaun. With plenty of time left over from the day there's ample opportunity to make the quick hike to Birendra Lake.

Sama Gaun is our temporary home for the day as we give our bodies time to acclimate to the altitude, and the choice is a good one as the village provides multiple choices for day excursions, including a short excursion to the pretty lake of Birendra Taal nearby, the highly rewarding and dramatic hike to Manaslu Base camp, or the alternative walk to Pungen Gompa and its serene setting amidst the mountains.

Onward and up is the motto of the day as we put our heads down determinably with the goal of Larkya La ever nearer. The trail takes us on a short and gradual climb alongside the river then begins to steepen as it leads us up to Samdo around midday. There is plenty of time in the afternoon to explore and perhaps hike to a higher altitude briefly to aid the process of acclimatization.

Another rest day to help acclimate, with the rare option to spend the day on a hike to the border with Tibet at the pass of Rui La (4998m). The views of the Himalayas and Fukang Glacier add another level to the day's journey.

Our trek to the high altitude camp of Dharmsala brings us to the very threshold of Larkya La, with snow more evident and the air ever thinner with each step towards our destination. Another brief hike to higher ground is recommended to help our bodies acclimate to the altitude and sleep better during the night.

The typical method for crossing Larkya La is to leave before daybreak, our head-mounted lights bobbing in the dark as we clamber up the path in the cold morning air, our breath apparent in the glow of the lamps. The trail to Larkya La is a deceptive one of constant switchbacks, promising everything and snatching it away with one false ridge leading to another. We catch a glimpse of the first prayer flags and finally attain our goal as we stumble wearily to the marker and pose proudly for our cameras to mark the achievement. After pausing to luxuriate in the accomplishment and take in the magnificent views we begin the hike to Bhimthang, putting our trekking poles to good use to spare our tired legs and knees from the steep descent to the arid valley below.

With views of Manaslu to our left and the Annapurna ranges to our right we descend from Bhimthang through yak pastures to the first signs of the Dudh Khola's headwaters trickling down the slope. A bridge across leads to a path which gradually leaves behind the alpine climate and takes us down through familiar rhododendron forests to a narrow valley of terraced fields and patchwork crops. We reach the small and picturesque village of Tilje, then make our way uphill to Dharapani, the major trekking confluence in the region and modern starting point for trekkers heading out on the Annapurna Circuit. With time and intent we too can head in the same direction.

A long day's driving by local transport to either Pokhara or Kathmandu

Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.