Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu

Welcome to Kathmandu, enchanting and exotic, it is a city immersed with ancient temples and tradition! Fused with colourful markets and the bustle of spice sellers and merchants, Kathmandu with its exhilarating allure is a city you won’t forget! You’ll be met at the airport by your guide and transfered to your hotel.

You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the streets and markets. In the evening we’ll have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 – 4×4 Jeep to Soti Khola (800m) 8-9 hour drive

Drive from Kathmandu, via private 4×4 jeep into the Ghorka region of Nepal. Continue driving through small villages and bustling bazaars, arriving in the settlement of Soti Khola in the Bhuri Gandaki valley. We will spend the night here in a teahouse (mountain hut).

Day 3 – Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890m)

The trek begins by following the Bhuri Gandaki River through the shady sal forest, continuing steeply uphill along a rugged Cliffside.  From here you can see the river’s white and wild rapids below. Eventually the trail drops to the Gurung village of Labubesi and follows along the riverbank until we reach the village of Machha Khola where we will spend the night.

Day 4 – Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m)

We follow the gorge and continue up the river. Langur monkeys can usually be heard playing in the jungle high above, where there are also larger Garung villages.

Day 5 – Jagat to Deng (1800m)

After spending the night in Jagat the trail begins to climb a rocky ridge where views of Sringi Himal (7187m) emerge. Continue through rich terraced fields of maize, potato and millet before entering the Nupri (‘the Western Mountains) via bamboo forests. We spend the night in the Buddhist village of Deng.

Day 6 – Deng to Namrung (2660m)

From Deng, pass by numerous Tibetan mani walls (intricately hand carved stone walls with Buddhist scriptures), weaving in and out of canyons. Enter into a colourful forest of firs, oaks and rhododendrons before arriving in the settlement of Namrung.

Day 7 – Namrung to Lho Gham (3180m)

Continuing from Namrung the trek climbs steadily into the alpine where you’ll see a first stunning glimpse of Manaslu North and Manaslu. From this point on many of the locals dress in traditional Tibetan clothing called chubas.

Day 8 – Lho Gham to Samagaon (3530m)

A shorter day of trekking allows you to acclimatize and enjoy the spectacular mountain views. Walk through a gully of mosses and rhododendron before entering into the village of Samagaon where we will spend the night.

Day 9 – Samagaon (rest day) option to trek to Manaslu Basecamp or Pungyen Gompa

A side trip to the spectacular Manaslu Base camp (4900m) is not to be missed! During the climbing season, the base camp is a hive of activity, filled with expedition teams, equipment, climbers, porters and tents. Leaving from Samagaon early in the morning, we follow the trail through forest before a steep ascent onto a slope and onto a moraine. From here there are magnificent views of the glacier, a turquoise lake and awe-inspiring mountains from all angles. The trek to base camp is around 4-5 hours, and the descent back to Samagaon is about 2-3 hours. As this is an acclimatization and ‘rest day’ we make sure to take a slow and easy pace.

An alternative to the Manaslu Base Camp is a shorter trek to Pungyen Gompa and the glacial lake, Birendra Tal. Trek through a forested area before reaching a ridge and a grassy plateau. Here you’ll discover the gompa that was destroyed by avalanche during the winter in 1953. Continue past to get to the icy waters of Birendra Tal situated at the base of a glacier, and if you’re brave take a dip!

Day 10 – Samagaon to Samdo (3860)

This is another shorter day to allow you to better adjust to the altitude. Here is a land of yaks, plentiful marmots and pastures where only barley and potatoes can grow (due the high elevation) and where we finally depart to above the tree line. A pleasant walk brings us to the picturesque village of Samdo –a town known for its yak herding. Samdo is also at the convergence of 3 valleys and is only a day’s walk from Tibet. You are quite likely to see traders coming from the valley carrying Chinese and Tibetan goods.

Day 11 – Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4480m)

Continuing on from Samdo follow along a wide, broad path, crossing the Bhuri Gandaki River and traversing along a mani wall. Continue climbing over the Larkya Glacier until coming to a ridge which offers grand views of a huge gorge. We will spend the night here, before embarking on the high Larkya La the next morning.

Day 12 – Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3720m) – climb the Larkya La (5100m)

Today is a longer day with a challenging, though not technically difficult trek over the Larkya La at a breathtaking 5100m. From Larkya Phedi, cross glacial moraine and past four frozen lakes as you make your way to the pass. It takes approximately 5 hours to reach this point. From here you can see incredible views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937). Begin your descent down a trail along a steep gully. Eventually the trail peters out into more level area of grassy moraine. The valley opens up as you continue your descent to Bimthang and we’ll overnight here.

Day 13 – Bimthang to Tilje (2300m)

Cross a glacial stream and climb over the side of the moraine descending into a spectacular forest of rhododendron and impressive pines, with view of Manaslu providing an equal amount of splendour. Descend down towards the Dudh (milk) Khola then continue through a more agricultural landscape until reaching the village of Tilje.

Day 14 – Tilje – Chamche (1410m)

Continue a rapid descent into the Marsygandi Valley through forest, crossing a suspension bridge and making your way to the well-trodden trail of the Annapurna Circuit. We’ll make our way to Chamche, staying here for the night and celebrating our success of completing the Manaslu Circuit!

Day 15 – Jeep drive to Kathmandu

We take a private 4×4 jeep down to Pokhara and make our way to Kathmandu.

Day 16 – Depart for home

Unfortunately it’s the end of this adventure. Lost Earth Adventures group services end after breakfast. Transfers to the airport are complimentary. See you next time!

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