Manaslu is the highest peak in the Gorkha district and is located about 64km east of Annapurna. The word ‘Manaslu’ originated from the Sanskrit word ‘manasa’, meaning ‘intellect’ or ‘soul’. It unfolds the diverse landscape and challenging climbing experience. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions, and it culminates in a peak that towers steeply above its surroundings; the landscape is a dominant feature. First ascent of Mount Manaslu was made by T.Imanishi (Japan) and Gyalzen Norbu (Sherpa) on 9th May, 1956. It is also regarded as the “Mountain of Spirit”; Mt. Manaslu is defined as Mt. Kuntang in Tibet. The photograph of the peak was first taken by HW Tilman and Jimmy Roberts while trekking in 1950.
The Manaslu expedition is much more technical and challenging than Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. Thus, each climber has to have excellent physical and mental preparation. Although there were several expeditions to Manaslu earlier but expedition to Manaslu was legally unlocked only in 1991. It is reported that in 1954, the second Japanese expedition met bitter resistance from the locals. The heal then foreigners were blamed for the avalanches and pestilence in the valley. The locals felt that the Japanese had insulted the gods dwelling in the mountains, thereby angering them into creating such adverse conditions. Till 2002, it was recorded that 175 climbers topped the summit following 120 expeditions and 49 deaths. The expedition’s minimum group size is 3, and the maximum group size is 12. Thus, each member should have previous climbing experience and knowledge about climbing.
The best season to climb Mount Manaslu is autumn, when weather conditions are more stable, and visibility is optimal. With expert planning, experienced Sherpa support, and a strong focus on safety, Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition offers a professionally guided and spiritually enriching Manaslu Expedition for seasoned mountaineers seeking one of the Himalaya’s most rewarding challenges.
Highlights of the Manaslu Expedition:
Departure Location: Kathmandu
Return Location: Kathmandu
We complete our customs formalities at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there will be a representative from our company who will take you to your hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day resting. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by our company. Overnight in Kathmandu.
On the second day, you will be given an opportunity to make final preparations for your trip. You will also be given an elaborate checklist of materials and gear that you need to make sure that you possess before taking off. We will be briefing you regarding the details of the upcoming expedition and the roles and responsibilities of each team member. You will also get introduced to fellow expedition members and guides.
From Kathmandu Valley, we will start our journey to Dharapani. The sight of hills as well as deteriorating rivers will keep us fascinated during the journey.
After reaching Besisahar, we will change our vehicle and start our journey. There is also a Dudh Khola, which means milk river for its colour. After riding in the vehicle for several hours, we will arrive in Dharapani and stay overnight in a lodge.
We will start to trek to Tilije for some hours while viewing the beautiful scenes on the way.
Today is the second day of the trek. As we gradually gain altitude, the vegetation changes from pine, oak, and rhododendron forest to open alpine forest. After arriving at Bhimthang, a beautiful village with awesome views of Manaslu, Himalung and Cheo Himal, overnight stay in a lodge.
Acclimatization day means a rest day. We rest and acclimatize at Bhimthang for altitude management for all climbers. So we don’t have any problems or difficulty in breathing because of the altitude.
Today is the longest trek day, and you have to start early as you have to pass Larkya La (5,160m) before it gets windy in the late morning. After passing some glaciers with gradual ascent, you will come to a steep section which will lead to the top of Larkya La, marked by prayer flags, the highest point of the whole trip. The surrounding views of Himlung Himal, Kanggru and the massive Annapurna II are wonderful from this point.
The trail to Samdo is full of wider pasture lands, juniper trees and long mani walls. As you are near the village, you have to cross a wooden bridge above the Budhi Gandaki. Samdo is a big village of a yak-herding community. After you reach there, you can wander through the surrounding areas.
We start our trek to Sama Gaun, while you enjoy the amazing views of Manaslu towards the South, you will reach Sama Gaun. As you enter the village, the untouched beauty of the village, including the pasture lands, herds of yak, sparse fields of potatoes and barley, and the houses made out of rock niches, will overwhelm you. If you have some spare time, you can explore the neighbouring areas like Pungyen Gompa or the nearby Pema Chyoling Gompa.
Today, on the way to base camp, you will visit Briendra Tal (3,450m), named after the late king Briendra. The turquoise Himalayan lake is just a short diversion from the main trekking trail. After that, you will continue to trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4,700m). The camp lies at the north of the Manaslu glacier. As you climb up through the moraine, the views become more stupendous with ever-welcoming mountains above and a glacial view below. After 3-4 hours of trek up the steep trail, you will reach the Base Camp. The camp becomes full of life and colour during climbing season.
In the initial days of climbing, you will do climbing preparations, training, practices and acclimatize. Once you start climbing, you will follow our experienced climbing guides. Throughout the period, extra precautions are taken regarding the safety and success of the expedition. As you go higher, you will set up several camps till you reach the summit. After your successful summit, you will descend back to the Base Camp.
As you enter the village, the untouched beauty of the village, including the pasturelands, herds of yaks, sparse fields of potatoes and barley, and the houses made out of rock niche will overwhelm you. If you have some spare time, you can explore the neighbouring areas like Pungyen Gompa or the nearby Pema Chyoling Gompa.
The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River on its left, passing through canyons and villages until you reach Ghap (2,160m). Continuing through fir, rhododendron, and pine forests along a meandering trail, you will arrive at Namrung (2,670m), a small village with shops, restaurants, and lodges. Here, you can observe the craftsmanship of the Bihi and admire traditional house architecture with common courtyards. For those who prefer a faster or more comfortable journey, a helicopter transfer can be arranged upon request.
The place, which is a small market full of shops and lodges, is next to the Budhi Gandhi River. Once you reach there, you will head towards Soti Khola in a jeep, which will take about half an hour. You will stay overnight in one of the local lodges.
You trek through beautiful Gurung and Magar villages, enjoying the views of Shringi Himal. Along with the beautiful panorama, you will also pass through lush vegetation and small waterfalls. As the place is hot and humid, you can see fields of paddy, maize and millet during the cultivation season. After a day’s trek, you will reach Macha Khola, which literally means “Fish River”.
We started our drive to Kathmandu. You will travel through Prithvi Highway till halfway and then leave the highway and head towards Kathmandu.
After the long, exhausting trek, you might have worn out a bit. Today, you can do some relaxation activities or just take some rest and connect with your friends and family back home. You can also just wander down the lively streets of Thamel and Asan and buy some souvenirs. In the evening, your tour officer will pick you up for dinner at one of the cultural restaurants of Thamel. After the dinner, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Complementaries
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
56 Days
Start – 2026-04-25
End – 2026-06-03
|
Booking Open | 1 – 12 PAX |
