Manaslu to Annapurna Trek

from

£3,200

Manaslu to Annapurna trek is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. This region offers a good mix of cultural diversity and fantastic high mountain views. During the trek, Manaslu and Ganesh appear in the distance as a gigantic barrier of serrated and glittering mountains, suspended above the ground and only attached to the earth by thin layers of mist. During this trek, you will see the houses are scattered along the hills. Oxen and cows pulling the plough provide milk and meat. Join us now on this Manaslu to Annapurna trek to have an adventure of your lifetime!

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Style Type
- Expedition
- Mountainous
- Nepal
- Secret Planet
- Trekking
Discovery, Trekking
Level Strenuous
5/8
Group Size Medium Group
2-6

All about the Manaslu to Annapurna Trek.

Manaslu to Annapurna trek is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas and the region offers a good mix of cultural diversity and fantastic high mountain views. During the trek, Manaslu and Ganesh appear in the distance as a gigantic barrier of serrated and glittering mountains, suspended above the ground and only attached to the earth by thin layers of mist. During the Manaslu to Annapurna trek, you will see the houses scattered amongst the hills are covered with thatch and painted according to tradition. The feet of the hills and the bottom of the valley are terraced rice fields and the oxen and cows pulling the plow provide milk and meat. Bananas are abundant and cicadas gathered in the trees during flowering bring another dimension to the landscape.

Travel Advice Summary

Nepal travel advice
by GOV.UK on 04/10/2024 at 10:25 am
Information on potential disruption to domestic and international air travel at Kathmandu airport (See ‘Air travel’ on the ‘Safety and security' page)

Days 1 and 2 ARRIVAL KHATMANDU
Arrival into Kathmandu.
Generally the arrival is done on day 2.
Welcome by our local team and free time to discover the city.
Transfer: in a private vehicle (1/2 hour)
Accommodation: night in a standard hotel
Meals: free lunch and dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 1,300 m
Day 3 KATHMANDU- ARUGHAT - SETI KHOLA
We leave by bus to Pokhara.
The road offers magnificent views of the Trisuli River Valley. After the road finishes, we turn north through beautiful tropical landscapes.
At Arughat Bazar we change vehicles or we walk 3 hours to Seti Khola camp
Transfers: by private vehicle (8 hours)
Number of hours of walking: 3 hours
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch /
Altitude dinner at the end of the day: 700 m
Day 4 SETI KHOLA - MACCHAKHOLA
We go up the course of Burhi Gandaki, through fields and rice fields, to Macchakola, passing the villages of Arkhet, Almara and Lapubesi.
Number of hours of walking: 6 hours and 30 hours
Difference in altitude: + 720 m / – 520 m
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 930 m
Day 5 MACCHAKHOLA - JAGAT
We continue our progression along the river until Kanigaon and Khola Bensi, with sometimes beautiful views of the peaks of Ganesh Himal and the valley of Machha Khola.
We reach Tatopani quite quickly, on the same bank of the river, where there is a hot spring, then we cross the Budi Gandaki by a suspension bridge to reach Dobhan (1300 m).
The valley of Budi Gandaki then narrows before arriving at Jagat.
Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 660 m / – 220 m
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 1,300 m
Day 6 JAGAT - DENG
Walking along a balcony path, that passes over the river, we cross several villages including that of Philim.
Himalayan pines adorn the path. We change shores several times and the gorges tighten. We arrive at Deng, a Tibetan culture village with the first Buddhist temple and chortens.
Number of hours of walking: 8 hours
Altitude difference: + 1,040 m / – 520 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 1,800 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 7 DENG - NAMRUNG
We cross the Kutang area, populated by Gurung practicing Buddhism.
Many villages and landscapes punctuate the day: forest of pines and bamboos, rivers, torrents, villages of Rana, Ghap, Bihi before reaching the beautiful stone houses of Namrung.
Number of hours of walking: 8 hours
Elevation gain: + 1,340 m / – 600 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 2,520 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 8 NAMRUNG - SAMA GOMPA
Always trekking along the Budi Gandaki, we cross many villages inhabited by the Bhotias, of Tibetan origin, including those of Bengsam, Lihi, Sho and Lho. We eventually reach the glacial plateau where the beautiful village of Sama can be found.
After Sho, the view emerges on the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m) and we are dominated by Himalchuli (7,893 m) and Ngadi Chuli.
We also have a beautiful view of the Ganesh Himal.
Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 1,350 m / – 500 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,400 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 9 SAMA GOMPA
Acclimation day.
We visit the beautiful Tibetan village of Samagaon, the monastery and the cells of the nuns. For those who are in shape, there is the possibility to climb to the base camp of Manaslu.
We make a small hook to the lake Birendra Kund (3,570 m ) at the foot of Manaslu, before discovering the monastery of Sama (Sama Gompa).
Number of hours of walking: 4 to 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 550 m / – 550 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3 400 m
Accommodation: night in lodge or tent
Dining : breakfast lunch dinner
Day 10 SAMA GOMPA - SAMDO
We continue our progress towards the long wall at Mani of Kermo Manan and the village of Samdo (3,780 m) located near the Tibetan border. Not far from Sama Chu with Budhi Gandaki, which houses a community of Tibetan refugees.
A caravan path also reaches Tibet via the Lajyung pass (5,096 m).
Number of hours of walking: 4 hours
Altitude difference: + 400 m / – 50 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3 850 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 11 SAMDO - DHARAMSALA
Acclimation day at altitude. It is possible to discover the surroundings of Samdo before continuing our progression towards Dharamsala … a stone barrack only.
We camp at the highest point of the trip, the night will be cold!
Number of hours of walking: 4 hours
Altitude difference: + 600 m / – 50 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 4,480 m
Accommodation: night in a very basic lodge or tent with camp beds
Meals: breakfast / lunch / having dinner
Day 12 DHARAMSALA - LARKYA LA (5 150 M) - BIMTANG
Departure early in the morning, up the course of the Larke Khola.
The progression is easy at first, then becomes much steeper at the end of the climb of the Larkya Pass, whose altitude varies quite significantly according to the sources, from 4,910 meters to 5,220 meters.
In any case, we have a superb view of the Tibetan border summits, such as Cheo (6,812 m), Nemjung (7,140 m) and Himlung (7,126 m), as well as on the Kang Guru (7,010 m) , 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 see the western face of Manaslu.
Number of hours of walking: 9 hours
Elevation: + 750 m / – 1,450 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,710 m
Accommodation: overnight in lodge or tent
Dining: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 13 BIMTANG - DHARAPANI
We descend the valley of the river Dudh Khola to the village of Tilije, inhabited by the Gurung ethnic group.
We still cross hamlets of alp, then find wooded areas and the first villages.
Number of hours of walking: 8 hours.
Elevation: + 350 m / – 1,950 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 1,900 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 14 DHARAPANI - CHAME
The trail curves steeply to the west to enter a valley where vegetation becomes alpine with pines and junipers replacing the virgin forest.
In Chame, if conditions permit, we can take a bath in the hot springs near the village.
Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 1000 m / – 220 m
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Altitude at the end of the day: 2700 m
Day 15 CHAME - PISANG
From forests to clearings, from crossings of brooks to bridges, our route gains altitude and beautiful snow-covered mountains appear, such as Lamjung Himal (6,931 m), Pisang Peak (6 091 m) and Annapurna II (7,937 m).
This stage is long but very progressive.
Number of hours of walking: 6 hours
Elevation gain: + 850 m / – 350 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,200 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 16 PISANG - MANANG
Since Chame, the ethnic groups and the villages we meet are of Tibetan origin, with the characteristic architecture of the high valleys of Nepal: flat roofs, mani walls and chorten.
We arrive in Manang, the main village of the region and continue through the pastures still frequented by yaks who are waiting for the first snow to descend into the valley.
Number of hours of walking: 7 hours
Altitude difference: + 640 m / – 320 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,500 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 17 MANANG - LEDER
After a morning to enjoy the village of Manang we continue steadily on our journey to Leder.
Overnight in lodge in the hamlet of Leder.
Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Altitude difference: + 900 m / – 150 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 4,200 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 18 LEDER - THORUNG PHEDI - HIGH CAMP
The last day before the ascent of the Thorung Pass which rises to 5,416 meters.
We take our time among the yak herders, before trekking across a succession of glacial moraines reaching the altitude camp of Thorung Phedi.
Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Altitude difference: + 750 m / – 150 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 4 800 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 19 HIGH CAMP - THORUNG HILL LA (5,416 M) - MUKTINATH
We begin early, our slow climb to the pass, where everyone takes his pace.
The pass, which rises to 5,416 m, is dominated by Khatung Kang (6,484 m) and Yakawa Kang (6,482 m). On the other side of the pass, the valley of Muktinath, close to Mustang, offers us its arid landscapes, illuminated by the snow and the glaciers of Dhaulagiri (8 167 m).
We visit the shrine of Muktinath, a shrine of pilgrimage, both Buddhist and Hindu – A natural gas escape ”The eternal flame that springs from the Earth” gives the place a sacred character.
Number of hours of walking: 8 hours
Altitude difference: + 700 m / – 1,800 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 3,800 m
Accommodation: night in lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 20 MUKTINATH - LUPRA (2,790 M) - JOMOSOM
We climb to a pass at 4,000 m above Muktinath, the view is magnificent towards the Dhaulagiri. We descend to the only village of the prebuddhic religion Bôn.
We continue towards Jomosom.
Number of hours of walking: 5 hours
Altitude difference: + 500 m / – 1,300 m
Altitude at the end of the day: 2,710 m
Accommodation: night in the lodge
Meals: breakfast / lunch / dinner
Day 21 FLIGHT JOMOSOM-POKHARA-KATHMANDU
Departure for the flight over Kali Gandaki. Stop at Pokhara then continue to Kathmandu.
NB: In case of difficult climatic conditions and cancellation of Jomosom-Pokhara flight, we will go by road to Pokhara and take a Pokhara-Kathmandu flight the next day.
Afternoon and free evening.
NB: flight not guaranteed and subject to the weather conditions and available places.
Since 2017 only the Tara Airline operates these flights and this poses problems of availability of places. The flight can be replaced by a long day’s driving (8 to 10 hours) on an uncomfortable track and a Pokhara flight Kathmandu the next day.
Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast / lunch / free dinner
Day 22 KATHMANDU
A Day for you to rest and explore Kathmandu.
Accommodation: in hotel
Meals: breakfast / free lunch / free dinner
Day 23 KATHMANDU - INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
Depart Kathmandu

Trekker on Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Man sitting lodge fireplace holding cup.

Accommodation and meals

ACCOMMODATION

Standard category hotel (basic: double room) in Kathmandu and Pokhara, during the rest of the trip in tents (tents 3 places for 2 people) or lodge depending on the trip. The lodges in Nepal are of very random comfort. In general the conditions are rather good on the Annapurna tour and the Everest region, on the other hand in Mustang, in the Tsum valley and in the region of Kangch or Makalu they can be very rudimentary to the point of being a dormitory sometimes even a kitchen. The lodges can look like a shelter or sometimes a cottage from home. This is mostly a family home with double, triple or dormitory rooms. The toilets and showers are always separate. The cold or hot showers are sometimes payed for (between 1 and 2 pounds), most of the time the water is heated with solar energy.

MEALS

In the cities there are many small restaurants allowing us to discover the typical local cuisine. With the exception of Kathmandu, breakfasts and evening meals are prepared by the kitchen team or the cooks of the lodge. Food can be taken in to the dining room of the lodge or mess tent. Depending on the profile of the steps (length of day walking and / or presence of water), midday snacks will be served hot or cold in the form of picnics.

WATER: You should bring water purification tablets to disinfect the water you put in your bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide.

For your trip, allow 13 to 15 kg maximum, outside your hand luggage, even if in most flights you will be entitled to 20 or 30 kg in the cargo hold and 10 kg in the cabin. There is no point in being too busy and a little space is available to bring back memories. Attention, any extra and overweight bag will be charged directly by the airline during check-in. For domestic flights in Nepal: the baggage limit is 20 kg for Kathmandu – Pokhara flights and 10 kg for all other domestic flights.

A large flexible travel bag or backpack minimum 60 litres. This luggage must be water resistant (use a cover if necessary). You can also protect your belongings from dust or moisture by storing them in one or more plastic bags inside your bag.

A small backpack of about 40 litres for your personal belongings during the days of hiking. It will also serve you as hand luggage and cabin during air transport.

A secure waterproof bag to put your personal papers, passport and insurance, credit card and some bank notes, prescriptions on medical treatments personal, etc.

CLOTHING

The technique is immutable! You need several layers to add or remove depending on the temperature and your activity. You’ll be able to wash some quick drying things on the way, including underwear and socks. For T-shirts, underwear and socks, plan to change 2-3 times a week if you do not wash anything on the way.

¨ Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex® jacket

¨ Poncho or rain cape

¨ Polar and Gore-Tex® gloves

¨ Down jacket of mountain

¨ Buff, hot hat

¨ Sweater or micro-fleece jacket, thinner and / or softshell

¨ Technical and / or short-sleeved t-shirts (avoid cotton, long to dry)

¨ Lightweight canvas trousers

¨ Mountain trousers

¨ Zipper trousers, cropped trousers or Bermuda shorts

¨ Socks

¨ Underwear

¨ Swimsuit

¨ Hat, cap or headband covering the neck to protect from the sun

¨ Walking sticks (very useful during crossings of snowfields)

¨ A pair of practical logging cleats on frozen snow on a low slope

SHOES

¨ A pair of low-rise walking shoes, which you’re used to (to avoid blisters) to evolve on easy trail.

¨ A pair of high walking shoes for the possible courses in snow or on screes

¨ Possibly a pair of flip flops, sandals or Crocs® type for the toilet, especially but watch out for the weight!

SMALL MATERIAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

¨ 2 gourdes (1 liter minimum) or 1 Camelback® (ideal to hydrate many times while walking) in addition to a 1 liter bottle.

¨ Pellets to disinfect water

¨ Pocket knife type Opinel® or Laguiole® and / or a “Swiss army knife” multi-purpose, to put in the baggage recorded in the hold

¨ Petzl® headlamp + spare batteries

¨ Torch (with manual reloading, it’s greener and more economical)

Category 4 sunglasses

¨ Sunscreen (high index) + lipstick.

¨ Pair of binoculars to observe wildlife (optional).

¨ Camera and / or camera (optional). Remember to protect it from dust and moisture (in a zippable plastic bag with Silicagel bag for example).

¨ Bring enough spare batteries to store in a warm pouch so they do not discharge or a solar system that fits on the bag to recharge while walking.

¨ Color photocopy of the passport facilitates administrative procedures in case of loss or theft (not to be kept in the same place as the passport!). Always in case of loss or theft of the passport, having aside two pictures of identities can be of great service.

¨ Four passport photos (for visa and various permits)

TOILET AND LAUNDRY

¨ Personal toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

¨ Biodegradable soap sometimes used as laundry or biodegradable laundry

¨ Medium size towel quickly drying

¨ Plastic thread and some clothespins to dry your clothes

¨ Biodegradable wipes and tissues

¨ Sewing kit, with needles, threads, buttons, safety pins, etc.

PERSONAL PHARMACY

¨ As well as your own pharmacy kit if needed, we recommend taking the following:

¨ Altitude sickness tablets

¨ Pain relief

¨ Antibiotics

¨ Analgesics: Paracetamol 500mg

¨ Antidiarrheal

¨ Dioralyte

¨ Antihistamines (for bites, allergies etc)

¨ Local antiseptics

¨ Ointments

¨ Antimycotic powder (feet)

¨ Eye Drops

¨ Set of adhesive bandages and some compresses

¨ Double skin dressings for blisters

¨ Elastic adhesive tape (Elastoplast type)

Indicative list and not limiting, takes at least one of the products for each member. Take advice from your doctor or a tropical medicine centre if necessary.

When traveling, do not administer a drug to anyone who asks you to do it without the express consent of your guide. If in doubt do not hesitate to ask us.

Please click the link for the latest health advice

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