Lower Manaslu Trek

Duration

10 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Max. altitude

2937 M

Group Size

1 - 15

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best season

Feb -May/Sept -Dec

Overview and Highlights

The Lower Manaslu Trek is a short, easy 10-day trek around the Dharche Rural Municipality, a naturally and culturally rich region.

The Lower Manaslu Trek route was once starting to get popular, but due to the decade-long Maoist insurgency that started in 1996, it was left behind. After the end of the insurgency, it has again grown slowly as a trekking route. The region is hugely dominated by Gurung communities that follow one of the oldest religions, the ‘Bon religion’ mixed with Shamanism and Nature worshipping.

During the trek, one can experience the culture and lifestyle of the Gurung communities by spending the night in local homes while passing through the beautiful villages and terraced fields. The spectacular views of different Himalayan ranges can be seen during the trek. Taking a tour of the historical Gorkha Durbar(Palace) and Gorkha Museum, from where the unification of Nepal started around 250 years ago, will enrich you with the history of Nepal. One of the major attractions of this trek is Barpak village, which was the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake.

Our 10-day Lower Manaslu Trek Itinerary starts from Ranlung and ends at Sotikhola. If you would like to customize the itinerary according to your desire, physical fitness level, time frame, etc, please feel free to message us. Our experts will help you craft a perfect itinerary that ensures a top-notch experience with safety.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs.

Day 2: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, if you would like, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and prepare for the trek.

Day 3: Drive to Barpak (1915 M)

Today, the drive will be a scenic one. After breakfast, you will take the Prithivi Highway passing through numerous villages and little towns alongside the Trishuli River. You will get splendid views of various mountain ranges like the Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, etc. After 7 to 8 hours of riding, you will arrive at Barpak.

Day 4: Trek to Laprak (2100 M)

Today’s trek will be an uphill climb of around 3 hours till Mamche Hill (2800 M), where you will have lunch. From the top, you can enjoy superb views of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal, Langtang ranges, and Annapurna ranges. You will continue walking on a straight trail until Gupsidanda, a new settlement built by NRN Australia for the people of Laprak after the earthquake. From there, you will descend to Laprak.

Day 5: Trek to Gumda (2100 M)

Today, the trek will be short and easy as well. You will cross a suspension bridge at the end of the village. Then you will be passing through terraced farmland and quite beautiful forests. You will again cross a suspension bridge in the middle of a forest. After some time, you will continue walking through the terraced farmlands until reaching the beautiful village of Gumda, inhabited by the Gurung community.

Day 6: Explore Gumda

Today, you will hike around the village observing the daily lifestyles and activities of the Gurung community. You can take a short hike to the school or the surrounding hills above the village, from where you can get beautiful views of the Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Day 7: Trek to Lapu (1800 M)

Leaving Gumda behind, you will take a slow ascent to Baira Dada through the terraced farms, the cemetery of the village, and the dense forest. From there, you will descend to Nauli Khola. Then, taking short ascent and descent along the forested trail, you will reach Lapu Village.

Day 8: Trek to Soti Khola (610 M)

Today’s trail will pass through cliffs, waterfalls, and a couple of villages, presenting us with beautiful scenery. You will descend all the way to Armala via the rocky trail, mixed with forests and waterfalls. From there, you will join a rugged vehicle road and continue to Sotikhola, a small village on the edge of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Day 9: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)

After having breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu, passing by Arkhet and Arughat, and crossing Arkhet Khola. Then, after leaving Arughat Bazar behind, you will leave Budhi Gandaki Valley and head to Malekhu via Dhading Besi. Finally, you will join the Prithvi Highway, continuing to Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

Day 10: Final departure

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

INCLUSIVES

All airport transfers and ground transportation by private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.

Domestic flights as described in the program.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast Bed & Breakfast.
Accommodation during the trek in comfortable teahouses/lodges as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea with biscuits is served upon arrival at each lodge whenever available.
An experienced English-speaking or French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide throughout the trip. A French-speaking guide is guaranteed for groups of four or more participants.
A complete trekking team, including a licensed guide, one assistant guide for groups of four or more participants, and one porter for every two trekkers.
Porter or animal services for transporting luggage during the trek where required.
Luggage transport 13 kg maximum per person during the trek
All necessary trekking permits, national park entry fees, and restricted area permits as applicable.
Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
Insurance coverage for all trekking staff.
All local and government taxes.

EXCLUSIVES

International flights.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal travel insurance, including medical expenses, emergency rescue, helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage loss.
Personal expenses, including drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, and trekking equipment.
Sleeping bag rental available for approximately USD 1–2 per day if required.
Any services not specifically mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Airport transfers if you have arranged your international flights independently or if you arrive or depart on dates different from the rest of the group.

Personal Expenses at your own cost

Nepal tourist visa fee, payable upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu: approximately USD/EUR 5–10 per meal.
Optional sightseeing entrance fees for temples, monasteries, and monuments in the Kathmandu Valley: approximately USD/EUR 15–25 per person, depending on the sites visited.
Hot showers in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per shower.
Wi-Fi and battery charging in teahouses: approximately USD 1–2 per use.
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal drinks.

Tips

Tipping is a long-standing tradition in Nepal and is greatly appreciated by the local trekking team. At the end of the trek, it is customary to offer a collective tip to the guides, assistant guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other support staff as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service. Our staff receive fair wages, so tipping is entirely voluntary and should reflect your level of satisfaction with the services provided. As a general guideline, we recommend allowing USD/EUR 40–60 per participant per week for tips. Before your trek begins, your guide will be happy to provide advice on how to distribute gratuities fairly among the team.