Quick Facts
Warning: Undefined variable $package_group_size in /home/expeditions/www/www/wp-content/themes/highland/print-posts.php on line 121
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions.
Day 02 - Official formalities and climb preparation
These two days have been kept in Kathmandu for final preparation of Climb. Meet other team members, complete official and government formalities, final gear check and load. Upon your interest, an optional Kathmandu sightseeing can be arranged on these days. We will have a trip orientation and your trip leader will give you a brief about your climb before we head to our journey.
Day 03 - Drive to Jagat [1,290m/4,233ft]
After early morning breakfast, we will head west and follow the Prithvi Highway along the Trishuli River to the homeland of Central Himalaya including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The road offers an opportunity to have a view of rustic Nepal which comprises green hills, rivers, villages and snow-clad mountains at the backdrop. We will part ways with the Highway at Dumre and choose the branched-off route to Besisahar and continue to Jagat where we will stay overnight at a lodge.
Day 04 - Trek to Dharapani [1,963m/6,440ft]
Our first day of trekking, Early in the morning, we will lower down from Jagat village and follow the winding path along the Marsyangdi River to the forest. A brief walk through the sprawling forest will take us to Chamje village (1430m) from where we will cross the river and continue walking along its eastern edge. The trail takes a brief to ascend to the big village of Tal (1675m). Being clustered with tea houses and lodges, it will be a fine idea to take our lunch at Tal. Enjoy lunch in a serene atmosphere with mesmerizing natural views of surrounding valleys at Tal and take a gradual ascend to Karte village. We need to cross the river at several points and move past the valley and pretty tiny villages to arrive at Dharapani.
Day 05 - Trek to Gao [2,515m/8,250ft]
Today we leave the Annapurna circuit trek behind and tread the trail that leads to Larkya La Pass. Trek to Gao today.
Day 06 - Trek to Bhimthang [3,590m/11,780ft]
Today we will be ascending over 1000m climb to Bhimthang.
Day 07 - Trek to Samdo [3,875m12,710m] via Larka La Pass [5,160m/16,925ft]
Wake up early in the morning today. After a brief climb, we reach a glen on the side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are fantastic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and the huge Annapurna II. It is a pretty lengthier day than usual to Samdo, but to walk into these lower pastures with the eventide fog setting in and with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an irresistible experience to remember
Day 08 - Trek to Samagaon [3,530m/11,582ft]
Leaving Samdo behind, we follow the bank of the river. As we continue on the main trail, we soon reach the fields of Sama Gaon, 3530m.
Day 09 - Rest and acclimatization day
This is a day at Samagaon for rest and acclimatization. Today we get to discover some interesting things about Buddhist culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu; Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959.
Day 10 - Trek to Manaslu Base Camp [4,700m/15,421ft]
We will take approx. 5 hours of uphill trek and 3 hours of decent to reach Manaslu Base Camp. We will start our trek early in the morning. We will carry plenty of food and water. In peak season, the base camp site is crowded with tents, guides, porters and climbers. The trail from Samagaon takes us through forest. We will ascend the steep slope above Samagaon to the north of Manaslu glacier. The final section of the ascend is the steepest on a slippery trail on a tapered moraine. We will enjoy the panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Stay overnight in Manaslu Base Camp.
Day 11-12 - Rest and get organized/ Puja Ceremony
It is recommended to take rest so that you can mentally and physically prepare yourselves for the challenges proposed by Manaslu Mountain. Puja Ceremony will be organized according to the Sherpa ritual to ask for blessings for the successful ascend of Manaslu.
Day 13-23 - Acclimatization and rotation of higher camps
During these days, we will make frequent attempts to high camps and return to lower camps which is an essential step towards increasing altitude. We will make slow ascend through the steep sections of moraines and glaciers. We will prepare 4 camps before climbing to the summit.
Day 24-34 - Summit climb and descend to base camp
Base Camp to Camp I: After few days of acclimatization and training in Base Camp of Manaslu, we will make ascend to Camp I (5,700m/18,701ft) via the rugged path consisting of moraine and glacier. The trail stretches through crevassed glaciers and small ice steps to reach Camp I. The site offers epic views of surrounding mountains. You can also view the route that you are going to follow to Camp IV. Camp I to Camp II: Climb from Camp I to Camp II (6,400m/20,998ft) is bit technical in nature. The trail progresses through the longer sections of vertical snow and ice. We will move forward by cutting small ice steps and the expert Sherpas will set up fixed ropes on exposed sections for your safety. Climbing from Camp I to Camp II may take anywhere in between 4 to 6 hrs. Camp II to Camp III: It takes 5 to 7hrs of moderately steep climb to reach Camp III (6,900m/22,638ft) from Camp II. We will proceed through small ice steps and slopes. The route is mostly straightforward. Camp III to Camp IV: Another 5 to7 hrs of strenuous climb from Camp III will be enough to take us to Camp IV. We will take proper rest and prepare for the final climb to the summit. Camp IV to Summit and return to Base Camp: Climb to summit is not technical but it demands great physical strength. Also, the increased altitude will propose additional challenges. Sherpas will fix the cables wherever necessary to ensure the successful ascend to the summit. Finally, we will be on top of the eighth highest mountain in the world. We will capture the memories in camera and then prepare ourselves for long descend to the Base Camp. We will celebrate the successful climb and stay overnight in Base Camp.
Day 35 - Clean up and depart base camp to Samagaon
Arrange for proper disposal of the garbage we had made in Base Camp site and then we will retrace our route back to Samagaon where we will stay overnight.
Day 36 - Fly back to Kathmandu on helicopter
We will leave for Kathmandu on this morning taking a helicopter flight back. We will take a scenic flight from Samagaon to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to your hotel after arrival in Kathmandu. Take leisure and soothe your aching limbs from a long and tiring expedition
Day 37 - Free day in Kathmandu
Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Manaslu Expedition.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.
Day 38 - International departure
Finally, the undeniable day of departure arrives. You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe Journey!! We hope to see you again.
Trip Includes
- Fully supported and guided expedition to Manaslu
- 1:1 Sherpa to client ratio on summit day
- 4 bottled oxygen with the use of the latest mask and regulator
- Nepalese government royalty fees for Manaslu.
- All expedition organizational requirements
- Service of the base camp manager and climbing sirdars
- Satellite communication system at base camp but nominal charge for use
- Radio set for communication between camps
- Meals at base camp and higher camps during the expedition
- Meals and accommodation during the trekking period
- Personal tents at BC, high tents, kitchen tents, dining tents, shower tents, toilet tents, store tents, cooking utensils and more for your comfort.
- 4 nights accommodation at Kathmandu Guest House with breakfast on a deluxe room
- Samagoan to Kathmandu helicopter flight on sharing basis
- Staffs wages, allowances with their insurance
- Common climbing equipment
- Porterage of climbing equipment
- Liaison officer's daily wages and fees
- Applicable national park fees and local taxes
- 2 waterproof duffel bags
Trip Excludes
- International airfare
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Custom for bringing any expedition goods
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Insurance (Mandatory)
- Summit bonus for your sherpa (USD 1000 minimum)
- Tips for base camp (USD 300)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for staff (Porter)