Overview
Compared to other popular treks, the Manaslu trek via Laprak and Pork Village is less crowded. Key highlights include the Sama Gompa (Pungyen Monastery), Larkya Pass, Kal Lake (3,600m), and the villages of Laprak and Pork Village. Along the way, you'll visit Buddhist monasteries and learn about Bon culture, an ancient Tibetan religion that predates Buddhism. Manaslu (8,163 meters) towers over the Nubri Valley, which is close to Tibet. This trek offers a remarkable journey through breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history.
We will visit the resilient Gurung villages of Laprak and Barpak, which rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake. The trek also includes a visit to Kal Lake, a sacred lake at 3,600 meters, and Pork Village, which reflects Tibetan traditions. The Pungyen Monastery, surrounded by glaciers, is another highlight. Our itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization, leading to the challenging Larkya Pass at 5,200 meters. This trek offers a peaceful escape from crowds, taking you through villages and high mountain environments.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: one night in the hotel
Have breakfast, and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally, the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your Manaslu Circuit Trek via Laprak and Pork Village, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu.
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: one night in the hotel
We take the Private Jeep to Barpak, via a road along the Trisuli River with beautiful views of the Gorkha Himalayan range. Then, we continue in the Daraundi Khola valley to Baluwa. After Baluwa, the road is off-road up to Barpak. It has a beautiful view of Boudha Himal, culminating at 6672 m.
7hrs of driving
Final altitude: approximately 1,900m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in a Tea house
After a warm breakfast, we ascend by a peaceful forest path until we reach Pushu Danda, located at 3,000 m altitude. Our effort is rewarded with superb views of Buddha Himal (6,672 m) and the various peaks of Ganesh Himal (7,100 m). We then descend to Laprak, an authentic Gurung village. We sneak between the stone houses to join our hosts, who welcome us warmly.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We start this day of walking with a short descent to the Jarbu Khola river. Then, a gradual climb on the balcony towards Singla. We have a beautiful view of the villages of Laprak and Gumda, clinging to the sides of the mountains, entirely sculpted by the rice fields as far as the eye can see. From Singla, we see again the imposing massif of Ganesh Himal. Descend to Khorla Bensi, where we recover the classic path of the Manaslu circuit trek.
7hrs of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in a lodge
We climb gradually through the gorges of the Bhuri Gandaki. Then we change banks, and after a steep climb, we arrive in the very pretty village of Jagat.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the lodge
Ascent right bank crossing the villages of Saleri and Sirdibas to the bridge under Philim. The path turns into a balcony path with a beautiful view of the village of Pansing. For an hour, the trail is carved into the cliff above an impressive gorge. At Pewa (1750 m), the valley opens up to offer a beautiful panorama of the Ganesh Himal massif. Crossing the deep gorges of the Budi Gandaki on an iron bridge. The path evolves between wooded and rocky areas, the vegetation changes gradually. Arrival at the village of Deng where the Tibetan influence is already felt, as much by the architecture as by the faces of the villagers, or the prayer wheels.
7hrs of walking
Final altitude: Approximately 1,800m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the lodge
The “Tibetan” villages follow one another with their “manis” (engraved stone walls) and prayer wheels, signs of cultural change. The path is sometimes tricky (rockslides). Crossing of humid forest, where we can see some monkeys (without any aggressiveness). There is a steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung. It is a beautiful typical village, with its stove built in the middle of the main street and its women working on their looms.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the lodge
We hike to Kal Tal at 3,600 meters, passing through alpine forests and rugged terrain. Enjoy the stunning views and the serene beauty of the high-altitude.
Final altitude: approximately 2,600m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the lodge
The path is sometimes tricky to descend to Gapshe small villages. Crossing of humid forest, where we can see some monkeys (without any aggressiveness). There is a steep climb before reaching the village of Namrung. A beautiful typical village, with its stove built in the middle of the main street and its women working on their looms. After the superbly cultivated plateau that crosses the hamlets of Baksan, Lihi, and Wangsang, we walk against the backdrop of the Manaslu, immaculate, contrasting with the color of the fields. The trail soon arrives at Shyo, offering us beautiful views of the Ganeshs and then the Himal Chuli. We pass a beautiful series of chortens and mani walls. Arrived at Lho, we visit the village, the school, and its small monastery, then we settle down at the lodge for the night.
7hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,200m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the lodge
We also have a beautiful view of the Manaslu Himal. We visit Lho Monastery before continuing to Shyala. From Shyala, we headed towards Sama, and then we branched off towards the old monastery of Pung Gyan at 3,870 meters above sea level. This stage is a little-used variant of the Manaslu tour and allows us to perfect our acclimatization. We are in a wild environment between a rock and grassy plateaus. The panorama is exceptional, and we admire the Manaslu, which is getting closer to us every day. We are not far from the glaciers, and the chortens and mani walls remind us of a human presence from a not-so-distant time. We retraced our steps to take the "classic" path and go to the village of Sama.
7hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,500m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the lodge
Acclimatization day. We visit the superb Tibetan village of Samagaon, the monastery, and the cells of the nuns. We make a short detour to Lake Birendra Kund (3,570 m), located at the foot of Manaslu. For the fittest and best acclimatization, it is possible to climb to the base camp of Manaslu at 4,850 meters (+1,350 m, -1,350 m and about 10 hours of walking). For this you will have to leave very early in the morning and plan a picnic.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: 4,800m base camp
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the Tea house
We continue our progress towards the long Mani wall of Kermo Manan and the village of Samdo (3,800m), located very close to the Tibetan border, not far from the confluence of the Sama Chu with the Budhi Gandaki, and which is home to a community of Tibetan refugees. A caravan trail joins Tibet by the Lajyung Pass (5,096 m).
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,980m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the Tea house
Altitude acclimatization day. It is possible to discover the surroundings of Samdo before continuing our progress towards Dharamsala. A stone hut only. The highest camp of the trip, the night will be cold.
4 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 4,470m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the Tea house
Departure early in the morning, going up the course of the Larke Khola. The progression is easy at first, then becomes much steeper at the end of the ascent of the Larkya pass, the altitude of which varies quite significantly depending on the sources, from 4,910 m to 5,220 m. In any case, we have a great view of Tibet border peaks such as Cheo (6,812m), Nemjung (7,140m), and Himlung (7,126m), as well as Kang Guru (7,010m), Gyaji Kang (7,036 m), and even Annapurna II (7,937 m). On the other side of the pass, we often descend on snow, then scree, to reach Larcia, then Tabuche and the glacial valley of Bimtang, from where we can see the west face of Manaslu.
9 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the Tea house
We descend the valley of the Dudh Khola River to the wooded forest of rhododendrons and conifers to arrive at the surki Khola. We still crossed a mountain pasture with 4 hours of walking.
Final altitude: approximately 2,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the Tea house
The trek from Surki Khola to Nache Village takes you through lush forests and scenic landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful trails leading to this charming village at 2,200 m.
Final altitude: approximately 2,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: one night in the Tea house
We drive from Nache to Besisahar and continue the journey back to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views along the way. This marks the end of the trek, with memories of the adventure.
Final altitude : 2350m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Included & Excluded
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AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
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PERMITS :
All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Tsum valley restricted permit.
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Manaslu Region Trekking map.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
Land Transportation: Kathmandu – machha khola and while returning Dharapani - Kathmandu (by reserved Jeep/bus, as per itinerary)
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
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GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
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PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive Medical kit.
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL VISA FEES :
Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek is not included.
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TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. Notes: Costs may be prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified. Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure . your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another. |
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team During the Trek
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar): is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter: is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:
For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum;
Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passes.
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation And Meals during the Trek
For lodge accommodation: during the Manaslu circuit Trek, you will stay in the lodge or Tea House with twin shared bedrooms. For this trek, Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and served in the dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, Tibetan bread or pancakes, pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea, or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee. During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. and recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Physical level in Manaslu circuit Trek
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 12 days, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m. The Larkya Pass (5,150 m) often has snow later in the season.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Safety During Manaslu Circuit Trek
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllYou should plan on walking 5–7 hours a day, covering 10–14 km. But since you will be walking more slowly at higher elevations, you will cover less ground when you reach 3,500m, even though it will take you about 5 to 7 hours. We would like you to be aware that all of our itineraries are subject to change based on the weather, the participants' physical conditions, and their location.
Acute Mountain sickness (AMS) is a common symptom that occurs due to a lack of oxygen at higher altitudes. We can prevent it by taking the following measures :
Stay hydrated. Every day, consume four liters or more of water.
Quit drinking, smoking, and caffeine, as these are the main causes of headaches and dehydration.
It's not a race, so go slowly. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the higher altitude.
Don't neglect the day of acclimatization. Use Diamox to prevent and lessen altitude sickness symptoms.
The highest point is the Larkya La Pass, at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet).
The difficult climbs and extended walking distances demand for a high degree of physical fitness and endurance.
Yes, tea houses are open for lodging and food at Laprak and Pork Village as well as other points along the walk.
Yes, you need to carry your first aid box. However, our guide will also carry the first aid box. A few necessary medications, such as Diamox for AMS, ibuprofen, codeine, paracetamol, lozenges, and anti-diarrhea tablets must be there in the first aid box.
You can expect breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu (8,163m), and other beautiful peaks, as well as verdant forests and glacial rivers.
Trekkers can purchase boiling and filtered drinking water at teahouses. Although bottled water is available for purchase, we do not recommend using plastic bottles on the path due to the negative environmental impact. You can bring a reusable bottle with you and fill it with water to drink.You can also bring a water purifier.
You need to acquire three permits for the trek. You will need a Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit (MCAP ), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit ( ACAP), and Restricted Area Permit.
Yes, it is possible to charge batteries in the tea houses and lodges during the trek. You must bring your charger. Additionally, there are lodges that provide hot shower facility. You are required to pay between $ 4 and $ 10 for both.
