Around Manaslu (restricted area)
Manaslu , which means “Mountain of the Spirit”, is the eighth highest mountain in the world, and is located in the Mansiri Himal, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in the west-central part of Nepal. Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition.
The Manaslu region offers a variety of fascinating treks, the Manaslu Circuit being one of them. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit in 1991 and it is still a Restricted Area where we need special permit acquired from the Department of Immigration to trek in this region.
The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river. This trek not only provides views of the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas but also allows close interaction with the different ethnic groups who live in hill villages scattered along the trek route. This region provides a rich variety of landscape and vegetation as it comprises sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans-Himalayan high pastures bordering Tibet, covering six climatic zones.
The Manaslu valley is also a sanctuary to many highly endangered animals, including Snow leopards and Pandas. Over 110 species of birds, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies and 3 reptiles have been recorded in this area. An estimated 1,500-2,000 plant species grow here of which many are valued as medicinal herbs and aromatic plants.
Highlights:
- Trekking along the Great Himalayan Trail through an ancient trade route to Tibet.
- Restricted area, which means away from the insanely busy tourist highways.
- Sanctuary to many highly endangered animals, including Snow leopards and Pandas
- Rich in flora and fauna
- Breath taking views of mountains, lovely forest sheltering remote hamlets and their little fields, and high country
- Larkye la – 5140 m
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu/ transfer to hotel/ welcome dinner
Day 2: Half day guided sightseeing tour/ lunch/ trek briefing
Day 3: Helicopter ride to Namrung 2660m
Day 4: Trek to Lho 3180m
Day 5: Trek to Syala 3520m
Day 6: Trek to Samagaon 3530m via Puggen gumba
Day 7: Acclimatization day
Day 8: Trek to Samdo 3850m
Day 9: Acclimatization day
Day 10: Trek to Larkya Phedi 4400m
Day 11: Cross Larkya La 5140 and continue to Bimtang 3590m
Day 12: Trek to Ghoa 2515m
Day 13: Trek to Chyamje 1430m and drive to Besisahar
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 15: Departure.
Services Includes:
- All internal transportation, in private vehicle.
- Services of English or/and Swedish speaking guide.
- Cook, kitchen helpers, porter’s and sherpa’s assistance.
- 4 nights in tourist class hotel on bed and breakfast basis while in Kathmandu.
- Welcome dinner.
- Half day guided city tour with lunch.
- Use of a personal trek pack consisting of a duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag with a fleece inner-liner.
- Full camping facilities with seelping tents, dining tents with tables and chairs, cooking tents and toilet tents.
- All meals while on trek with afternoon tea/coffee service on arrival at the campsite.
- Restricted Area Permit.
- National Park fees.
- Staff insurance, tourist service fee and all taxes applicable as per state law.
Services excludes:
- Personal accident and rescue insurance. You must provide your own rescue insurance
- Mineral water, beer, soft drinks and extra tea/coffee outside of normal meal times.
- Private room accommodation in Kathmandu unless a single supplement is paid.
- Optional tips to guides and porters.
- International airport departure taxes.
- Visa costs.
- Helicopter evacuation in the unlikely situation, although we do arrange for it and make the necessary documents so that you can claim from your insurance.