Tour of Manaslu (via Machha Khola village)
This trek, which begins at Maccha Khola in the lower Buri Gandaki Valley, also offers a great variety of landscapes and spectacular mountain panoramas. Less frequented than the Everest or Annapurna circuits, it attracts trekkers seeking authenticity and unspoiled nature. The route crosses deep valleys, lush forests, and perched villages, and passes over the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,100 meters. An unforgettable trek in the heart of the Himalayas.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Arughat Bazar – Maccha Khola (870 m)
Depart by private jeep to the village of Arughat Bazar, then continue to Machha Khola. About 7 to 8 hours of driving. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 2: Maccha Khola – Jagat (1,350 m)
Follow the Buri Gandaki River upstream through rice fields and warm lowlands, passing by the village of Tatopani, known for its hot springs. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Jagat.
Day 3: Jagat – Deng (1,860 m)
Ascend and descend along a narrow cliff-side trail carved into the mountainside. About 6½ hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 4: Deng – Namrung (2,600 m)
Follow the Buri Gandaki Gorge upstream. The first Tibetan villages appear along the way. Steep climb through a dense forest before reaching Namrung. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Namrung – Samagaon (3,530 m)
Climb through a spruce forest to Lho, a beautiful village with dry-stone houses. Enjoy views of the eastern face of Manaslu. We are in a cirque at the foot of Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Ngadi Chuli or Peak 29 (7,840 m), and Ganesh Himal. About 5 to 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 6: Samagaon
Acclimatization day. Hike up to PungGyen Gompa (3,900 m), facing the eastern side of Manaslu, then return to Samagaon. Stunning views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli. About 5 to 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Samagaon – Samdo (3,750 m)
Hike up to Birendra Tal Lake on the way toward Manaslu Base Camp, then continue ascending to the village of Samdo (3,750 m), the last settlement before Tibet. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8: Samdo – Dharamsala (4,400 m)
Continue along a balcony trail to Yak Kharka, a remote yak herders’ settlement and the last camp before the pass. About 4 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Dharamsala – Larkya La (5,100 m) – Bimtang (3,720 m)
Early morning departure for a long, gradual ascent to the Larkya La Pass, followed by a steep descent to Bimtang. Magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. About 8 to 9 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 10: Bimtang – Tilje (2,300 m)
Descend to the village of Tilje, with beautiful views of Himal Chuli and the north face of Phungi. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 11: Tilje – Jagat (1,300 m)
Descend to join the Marsyangdi Valley at Dharapani, then continue down the valley to the village of Jagat. About 6½ hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Jagat – Besisahar – Kathmandu
Depart by private jeep to Besisahar, then continue on to Kathmandu.
ChatGPT said:
Dropdown Menu – Click on Each Step to Learn More