Lower Manaslu Trek

Highlights

Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and Mount Manaslu.
Discover the distinctive customs, way of life, and culture of the Tamang and Gurung people.
Discover the area's isolated villages and rich cultural legacy.
Walks on rough terrain and passes through gorgeous scenery, verdant forests, and charming villages.
Traversing the 5,160-meter-high Larkya La Pass.
The varied vegetation and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area are well-known.
Take in the abundant wildlife, rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, as well as a variety of bird species.
This off-the-beaten-path trekking destination is remote and less crowded.
Take in the local cuisine, be treated with friendly hospitality, and watch traditional dances and ceremonies.

Lower Manaslu trek offers a more tranquil and less crowded experience amidst the Himalayas which lies in the Gorkha district of western Nepal. It takes its name from one of the world’s eight highest mountains, Mount Manaslu (8163 m). It provides breathtaking views of numerous peaks, including Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal. The trail passes through isolated traditional villages, terraced fields, thick forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, as well as the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Gurung, Magar, and Tamang ethnic groups that call the area home will also give you the chance to experience their customs and way of life.

The Lower Manaslu trek is regarded as a moderate hike with some rolling hills and valleys. For those who are short on time or prefer a less taxing trek and are looking for a less crowded, culturally diverse experience as well as a chance to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Manaslu region, this is an excellent trip.

Permits for Lower Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Best time for trekking

The best seasons to hike Lower Manaslu are in the spring and autumn. These months have clear skies, steady weather, and excellent mountain visibility. It’s a wonderful time of year to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the brilliant colors of nature.

Guides and porters

Hiring a certified guide for the Lower Manaslu trek is strongly advised. You can therefore join us for a very knowledgeable, helpful, amiable, and licensed English-speaking guide with guide insurance. They help you tremendously, carry your stuff, impart local wisdom, and let you enjoy the walk to the fullest.

Altitude sickness

You might experience symptoms like nausea, headaches, dyspepsia, elevated heart rate, and uneasiness when rapidly ascending. Additionally, if the symptoms last longer than expected, your body may not have been able to withstand the altitude change. Thus, kindly inform your group and your guide if you experience any of these symptoms. You will receive first aid right away from your guide.

Here are some tips to reduce your risk of altitude sickness:

Stop and rest where you are.
Do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Make sure you are drinking enough water.
Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise.

Foods and Lodging

Teahouses along the trek typically offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms and a bed. There are blankets, bed linens, pillows, and mattresses on the beds. For a small additional fee, hot water is available. Nowadays, most hotels have geysers; if not, you’ll get a bucket of warm water.

Tea shops and lodges serve a wide variety of tasty food to cater to different types of hikers. Since all of the food will be prepared by a local chef using vegetables from the area, it will have a very distinctive flavor. Nonetheless, cuisine from Nepali, Indian, Italian, Tibetan, and continental teahouses is available.

Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance prior to embarking on a Lower Manaslu trek is highly advised. Verify if your insurance includes coverage for hiking at high altitudes, medical costs, helicopter emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and loss or theft of personal belongings. In the case of an unplanned accident, it can provide you with financial security and peace of mind.

Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or want to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you create the perfect holiday plan. Contact us anytime!

Day 1

Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Day 2

Sightseeing at Kathmandu

Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Ghairung

Following breakfast, we travel for approximately three hours by car along the Manakamana riverbank to Kurintar. We start the hike to Bakeswori Mahadeva temple (1515m), which is located 2 km north of Manakamana temple, after lunch at the bazaar in Manakamana. The trek continues until Pipalchap village at Ghairung VDC.

Day 4

Trek to Gorkha Bazzar via Bungkot, Kaule Bhangar

After breakfast, we set out on our trek to Gorkha Bazaar. The first-ever martyr of Nepal, Lakhan Thapa, was born in Bungkot. Kaule Bhangar is a popular destination for people to honor the country's first martyr. Aside from its historical significance, another point of interest is the Lakhan Thapa Memorial Park, which was established in honor of the first martyr and features a bust of the martyr that has been captured in midair. Lakhan Thapa's possessions, including his stone spout and swords, are on display in the park. Fascinatingly, with any outside help, the locals have increased their efforts to preserve these artistic creations. The Magar people make up the majority of the village's population. In addition to providing homestay accommodations, Bungkot serves elegant meals prepared with locally grown, fresh produce. From here, Gorkha Bazaar is 1.5 hours of walk, the district headquarter of Gorkha.

Day 5

Excursion Tour in Gorkha Palace

One thousand feet above Gorkha Bazaar, perched above the surrounding area and visible from all directions, is the historic Gorkha palace, the site of King Prithvi Narayan Shah's initiative to bring modern Nepal together. It is thought to be a sacred shrine. Additionally, it provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan panorama and verdant valleys to its guests. The Gorkhanath Cave is located roughly ten meters below the palace. The great sage Gorakhnath Baba is said to have taken refuge in the cave, which is how the district got its name. The sage, who was the Shah dynasty's guide, blessed and gave the homestay for the nation's fusion his priceless counsel. The Gorkha Bazaar is home to the Gorkha Museum. It has a wide range of pieces and personal belongings of King Prithivi Narayan Shah along with his 52 feet long chino. Apart from these collections is has also widened the of objects such as art, sculptures, coins and several other articles on display.

Day 6

Trek from Gorkha Bazzar to Sirandada

From Gorkha Bazaar, it takes roughly 6 to 7 hours by bus or jeep to reach Bhachek. Traveling on winding mountain roads with views of the Daraudi River is an amazing experience. The last part of day four, a one-hour hike from Bhachek, brings you to Sirandanda. Located on the hilltop from which its name is derived from Sirandanda, this village is Hyolmo. The tea garden, Bhot dodar, Chima, Dharadi, Nage pokhari, and Dudh pokhari are some of Sirandanda's main draws. It also provides a magnificent sunrise and Manaslu range view. The village is also home to a wide variety of therapeutic herbs.

Day 7

Trek from Sirandada to Barprak Village

Day 8

Trek from Barprak to Larprak

One will encounter Basukang on the way to Laprak. Laprak village is situated in the landslide-defensible zone known as Laprak VDC. In 1999, a landslide caused by precipitation destroyed approximately 12 hectares of arable land along with several houses. The houses in Laprak with wooden roofs, which have a uniform appearance throughout the VDC, are its most recognizable feature. A typical Gurung village, Laprak serves as a rest stop for Manaslu trekkers.

Day 9

Trek from Laprak to Nambai Kharka

After a four-hour moderate walk from Laprak, the Kharka arrives. The Kharka is an area of open pasture with a few makeshift Laprak homes that serve as their shelter during the potato planting and harvest seasons. Trekkers must provide for their own needs in terms of food and housing. There are no restrooms available either. It is suggested that visitors to Nambai Kharka adhere to a vegetarian diet during their visit because the locals think that trekking parties will become ill if animals are slaughtered.

Day 10

Trek from Nambai Kharka to Darche Danda

At Darche, the top of the lower Manaslu trekking route, you can see over 20 Himalayan peaks in an incredible 180-degree panorama. The Gurung community considers Darche Danda to be sacred. In order to avert natural disasters, they pray to the holy hill being. Furthermore, it is forbidden to fell trees in the area. In addition, visitors who pray to the holy hill deity are said to be granted unobstructed vision and protect themselves from misfortune when trekking. The following are a few of the well-known peaks that are visible from the top of Darche: Babu Himal, Sringi Himal, Bharatsikhar, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamtang, Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, Sarang peak, Malhunti peak, GaneshI, GaneshII, and Ganesh III.

Day 11

Trek from Darche Danda to Gyampesal via Sita Cave

From Tallo Thotneri, it is 1.8 km downhill to the well-known Sita Cave. The cave's elevation is 1165 meters. It is surrounded by a thick forest, which is one of the main tourist attractions and has religious significance for Hindus. Thousands of Hindu devotees assemble annually on Ram Navami to honor Lord Ram. It is thought that the goddess Sita, who was married to Lord Ram, stayed here for a while. Sita Cave caving is an adventurous and exhilarating experience. After exploring the cave, we conclude the day by walking a short distance to Gyampesal, the trek's endpoint, where we spend the night in a homestay or camp with a full board meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Day 12

Drive from Gyampesal to Kathmandu (6 hr drive)

Day 13

Departure at Tribhuvan International Airport

Inclusions

What's included

Airport picks up and drops by private vehicle
3-night hotel in Kathmandu with twin/double sharing deluxe accommodation
One day full Kathmandu sightseeing by private vehicle
kathmandu to Ghairung and Gyampesal to Kathmandu by local Bus
Helpful trekking guide and porters salary/accommodation/ insurance
All the accommodation with three meals during trekking period (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) including tea coffee
TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) fees
Manaslu Conservation Area entry fees
All the government taxes and company service charge
Medical support kit box
Farewell dinner, Nepali culture cuisine

Add-ons

What's not included

International airfare and visa fees
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses of bar and beverage bills, WiFi, hot shower, bottle of water, extra porters, laundry or any other things which are not mentioned by the company
Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
Your travel insurance which should include the emergency rescue
Tips for your guide and porters
Entrance fees during the sightseeing
Extra expenses due to any event such as strikes, weather conditions, or flight delays

FAQs

How difficult is Manaslu Trek?

The Manalu Trek has a high difficulty rating. This hike is difficult, and it is not advised for inexperienced hikers. There are many ups and downs, as well as river crossings. You'll have to pass ragged cliff faces and climb steep hilly slopes. Crossing the 5165-meter-high Larkya La mountain pass is the most challenging part of the trip. To get over the pass, you will have to hike on snow and climb a challenging trail. Low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures make the crossing even more challenging.

How much does Manaslu Trek cost?

Depending on the outfitter, the Manaslu Trek can cost different amounts. The cost of the trek will vary depending on the agency you choose, the services you are willing to pay for, and how much you want to spend on trial amenities (e.g., hot showers, Wi-Fi, food, and drinks). If you decide to pay for your own meals and lodging and only use the guide and porterage services, the agency will charge you less. If the cost of your vacation includes transportation, meals, and lodging in addition to guide and porter services, you will have to shell out a substantial sum. Allowing the outfitter to take care of all the logistical details will guarantee a hassle-free trek.

Do you need a guide for the Manaslu Trek?

Yes, trekking with a local guide is mandatory on the Manaslu Circuit. Since Manaslu Region is a protected zone, solo or independent entry by outsiders is prohibited. There should be a minimum of two people in a trekking group.