Welcome to the trail with a thousand waterfalls! Well, too many to count, at least. Quietly nestled away in central Nepal along the Tibetan border, between two of Nepal’s more popular national parks is the protected Manaslu Conservation Area, home to the world’s 8th highest peak, Mt Manaslu (8,163m). Despite being situated above Nepal’s most historic city, Gorkha (origins of Nepal’s first king) and being home to its namesake Himalayan giant, Manaslu, few know the secret beauty of this region therefore it is only beginning to gain popularity for trekkers.
Unlike other more popular trails in Nepal, this trail begins close to sea level in a subtropical climate at 530m! We follow the Budhi Gandaki river upstream into Upper Manaslu via a deep and narrow gorge trail with countless cascading waterfalls that feed into the river in summer and autumn. The trail meanders through traditional Gurung farming villages and dense forests on both sides of the river, so we will cross suspension bridges on the way. As you trek on a warm day, you will be tempted to cool off under an invigorating waterfall, and then just keep on trekking – a magical experience.We steadily climb into low and high alpine climates, to lands inhabited by Bhotia people (Tibetan descendants). In Sama gaon we take an extra day to acclimatise and explore Pung Gyen monastery or, for those feeling energetic, a day trek to the base camp of Mt Manaslu and a beautiful glacier lake.
We will then make a long traverse of Larkya La pass (5,106m) from which you will enjoy a panoramic vista including Manaslu, Cheo and Himlung. Over the pass, we walk out through the Marshandgi valley, following the Dudh river, now in the Annapurna Conservation Area in Manang, and through Magar villages.
The significant altitude range involved in this trek requires a good level of fitness. Some days include long steep ascents and descents. Prior trekking experience is recommended to join this trip. You won’t be disappointed. This trip is truly magical. Get your friends together and let us know your preferred dates, or join our scheduled departure, and we can make it happen.
Book this trip as a private departure - for any group, big or small.
Day 1
Arrive in KathmanduDay 2
In KathmanduDay 3
Drive to Arughat (530m) -6 hrsDay 4
Trek Arughat (530m) to Khursani Bari/Liding (860m) -6 hrsDay 5
Trek Khursani Bari (860m) to Machha Khola (930m) - 6 hrsDay 6
Trek Machha Khola (930m) to Dobhan (1,070m) -5.5 hrsDay 7
Trek Dobhan (1,070m) to Philim (1,570m) -6 hrsDay 8
Trek Philim (1,570m) to Deng (1,860m) -6 hrsDay 9
Trek Deng (1,860m) to Namrung (2,582m) -6 hrsDay 10
Trek Namrung (2,582m) to Sama gaon (3,525m) -6 hrDay 11
Acclimatisation in Sama gaonDay 12
Trek Sama gaon (3,525m) to Samdo (3,860m) -3 hrsDay 13
Trek Samdo (3,860m) to Dharmsala (4,460m) -3.5 hrsDay 14
Trek Dharmsala (4,460m) to Bimthang (3,610m) via Larkya La pass (5,106m) -8 hrsDay 15
Trek Bimthang (3,610m) to Tilje (2,300m) -4.5 hrsDay 16
Trek Tilje (2,300m) to Tal (1,707m) -4 hrsDay 17
Drive Tal to Besisahar -5 hrsDay 18
Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu - 6 hrs and in KathmanduDay 19
In KathmanduDay 20
Depart KathmanduNote: Daily walking hours include a lunch break, and regular rest breaks.