Manaslu Expedition - 45 Days

About Manaslu Expedition

Manaslu Expedition scales the 8th highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m). Summited first in 1956 by a Japanese expedition team, climbing Mt. Manaslu is a great option before approaching Mt. Everest (8,848 m) or Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). The trail is difficult, but gives a good insight of snow-climbing and prepares you for other most challenging Himalayan mountains. 

Situated in the midwest part of Nepal, the Mount Manaslu summit offers a surreal view of the Himalayas. The trail is extremely adventurous and passes by some of the finest villages. You trek through dense forests, where you get to see a range of unique flora & fauna. Similarly, you also get to have a glimpse of the lifestyle of locals and the rich cultural heritage that is thriving for years in this part of the world. Contact us anytime to know about the Manaslu Expedition cost or any other information. 

Variation & Custom Itinerary

You can join other expeditions like Makalu Expedition or Baruntse Expedition as well. We do offer a tailor-made Manaslu Expedition package for those who want to custom design their Manaslu Expedition itinerary.

Highlights

  • Trek through beautiful villages and dense forest
  • Get to see range of flora and fauna on the way
  • Observe the daily lifestyle of locals and their culture
  • Visit Pung Gyen Gompa
  • Scale Mt. Manaslu
  • Get to see breath-taking landscape and views of the Himalayas

Itinerary

Expand All + Collapse All -

You arrive at Kathmandu airport, where one of our team members will pick you up and take you to the hotel. He will quickly brief you about the day program and leave you to rest. Later, in the evening, you meet with other team members over a welcome dinner and stroll on the vibrant streets of Thamel.

  • Hotel
  • Welcome dinner

After having a delicious breakfast, you meet with your tour guide in your hotel lobby. He will guide you to different UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, etc. All of these places will present you the rich Nepali art and architecture.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

The day is spent preparing for the expedition. You will arrange all the documents for the journey and re-check the gears before the final packing. Today, you also meet with your team leader who will help you reach Everest. He will introduce himself and route to you.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

After breakfast, you drive to Sotikhola. Following zigzag hilly roads, the ride progresses towards Sotikhola. On the way, you get to see the countryside views.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today is the first day of the trek. Crossing a bridge, you ascend over a big rock and then descend towards the banks of the Budi Gandaki river. The trail further steeply ascends following a rocky path and heads to Labishe, a beautiful Gurung village. From here, you trek and reach Machha Khola.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Machha Khola, you trek along the Buri Gandaki river. After a few ascends and descends through hillsides, the valley widens and moves to Jagat.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Trekking through Setibas, you pass by many mani walls, which indicates the influence of Tibetan culture on the region. Further, the trail ascends to Ghatta Khola and leads you to Philim.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Descending through grassy slopes, you cross the Buri Gandaki River and walk on an easy trail. Further, walking through lush bamboo forests, you reach Deng, a Gurung village. From here, the trail ascends and descends to take you to Ghap, a small village consisting of 5 or 6 stone houses and a mani wall.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Ghap, the trail ascends through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest. Today, most parts of the trail will long ascend to reach Namrung. Here, you will see a police check post that controls the entrance of the upper part of the valley.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After having a warm breakfast, you begin trekking following the upper trail and reach Lho village. You get to see stunning snow-capped mountains like Mt. Manaslu from this village. Further, passing by a new gompa, the trail climbs through lush forests and takes you to a river. From here, you walk and reach Shya, a Tibetan settlement.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The day begins with a warm cup of coffee and a stunning landscape. After that, you begin trekking, enjoying wonderful alpine scenery and reach Pung Gyan Gompa. From here, the trail will lead you to Sama Gaon, located at the foot of high peaks.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

It is a rest day today. As you have already gained a significant elevation, it is very important to take a break and acclimatize your body before moving further. Today, you go on a short hike to a ridge where Pung Gyen gompa is suited and explore the village.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Sama Gaon, the trail steeply ascends over a glacier moraine. Passing through a serene glacial lake called Birendra Kund, you reach Manaslu Base Camp. After spending some time at the base camp, you return to Sama Gaon for a night stay.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, you will again ascend to Manaslu Base Camp following the same path as before and later descend to Sama Gaon for night stay. This activity will help your body to acclimatize with the altitude.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

You ascend to Manaslu Base Camp and set the camps with the team. Spend the day exploring around the base camp and resting.

  • Camp
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From this day onwards, you begin your climbing journey towards Manaslu. You will spend a few days on the base camp before moving further so that your body can nicely adjust with the altitude. Gradually, you will establish different camps and cross technical sections to reach the top of the summit. After reaching the summit, you retrace the path and drop down to base camp.

  • Camp
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Before leaving the base camp, you will clean it and pack all the waste as well. After having breakfast, you retrace the trail and descend along glacier moraine to reach Sama Gaon.

  • Camp
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After having breakfast, you descend and reach Shya village. From here, you pass by a river and trek through lush forests. The trail descends and passes by a new gompa. Further, enjoying a stunning view of Mt. Manaslu, you reach Lho village and descend towards Namrung.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Leaving Namrung behind, the trail descends towards Ghap village. After a few ascends and descends, you reach Deng. Further, trekking through the dense bamboo forest, you cross Buri Gandaki river and ascend on the grassy slope to reach Philim.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Passing by villages like Jagat and Setibas, you trek back to Machha Khola today. The trail includes a few ascends and descends and moves along the Buri Gandaki river to take you to Machha Khola.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, you retrace the path after having breakfast. On the way, you pass by small villages and lush forests enjoying beautiful landscape views.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, you drive back to Kathmandu. The drive will be long and scenic. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel. Relax for the day and do shopping. Later have a delicious farewell dinner with team members.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast & farewell dinner

Today, you fly back to your home or next destination. As per your flight departure time, our team member will escort you to the international airport.

Cost Details

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or van
  • All ground transportation
  • Entry permits for National Park/Local permit/Garbage deposit
  • All climbing permits
  • Experience Sherpas
  • Hotel in kathmadu/bb
  • Trekking guide/Porter salary their insurance and equipment
  • Three meals a day =breakfast/lunch/dinner/tea/coffee
  • Lodge accommodations/Camping arrangements overall
  • All domestic ticket for your destination
  • Entrance fees while sightseeing
  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Medical and personal high risk insurance
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Personal equipment and climbing gears.
  • Applicable permit fees and custom charge for Sat phone, communication equipment and commercial filming while on expedition.
  • International flight airfare
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Accommodation and meals (breakfast, meal and dinner) in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking.
  • Personal expense such as shopping, snacks for trek, beverages, laundry, telephone call, extra porters etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Additional costs or delays cause by out of management control for example, landscape, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes etc.
  • Personal clothing and gear

Useful Information

Manaslu Northeast Col Route

Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m)

Situated on a rocky moraine, Manaslu Base Camp offers exceptional views of the Himalayas. Before pushing towards the summit of Mt. Manaslu, you will spend a few days on the base camp to acclimatize yourself. We will be setting our permanent tents here on the base camp. The groups will be equipped with all the necessary equipment for survival. During your stay at the base camp, you will go on frequent hikes and also learn to properly use the climbing gear.

Camp I (5,700m)

It takes around four hours to reach Camp I from the base camp. The trail is composed of mixed terrain and includes many crevasses. Likewise, you have to cross short ice sections, grassy slopes, rock slabs, and moraine. The trail is divided into three parts; the first is climbing over the moraine, which takes an hour, then you reach the crampon point, and moves towards the glacier portion. There are two Camp I- Lower Camp I and Upper Camp II, which is at a distance of 100 meters.

Camp II (6,400m)

The route to Camp II is quite technical. You will be encountering the heart of the icefall. The trail includes many steep ice sections, two ladder crossing, and steep snow climbing. The total time takes around five hours to reach Camp II from Camp I. Camp II is located above an icefall on a snowy terrace.

Camp III (6,800m)

Camp III is at the shortest distance from Camp II and takes around two to three hours to reach. There will be a few crevasses on the way, but does not require ladder crossings. The fixed rope is set by the team leader. Even though the trail feels easy this time, the exposure to cold, light & wind makes the journey tough.

Camp IV (7,500m)

From Camp III to Camp IV, it is going to be a long and strenuous climbing day. You will be approaching the death zone. The oxygen level begins to decline as the elevation increases, which makes the walk difficult. You have to climb 50º-55º steep snow for around three to four hours. This part of the route is also prone to avalanche, so you have to be extra careful.

Summit (8,156m)

The big day. You will begin ascending towards the summit of Mt. Manaslu around 1:00 AM. Early ascent will make sure you reach the summit on time and return safely. There's a false summit below the main summit, which is reached through an exposed ridge. The early section of the trail is not technical. You climb through numerous basins with short headwalls. Upon reaching the summit, you get to see surreal views of the Himalayas.

Manaslu Expedition difficulty & Altitude Sickness

Manaslu Expedition is a strenuous climbing journey. You have to be a professional climber and possess technical climbing & ice-climbing knowledge to be part of this expedition. The terrain is mixed and involves numerous crevasses, steep snow walk, grassy slope, moraine, rock slabs, etc. You have to be physically and mentally strong to reach the summit.

Altitude sickness is always there while Manaslu Expedition. We will spend enough days on the base camp and move gradually towards the summit, making several camps on the way. Our professional team will look after your health and check the vitals every few hours. We are also equipped with supplemental oxygen that will come handy at a high altitude.

Best time to go on Manaslu Expedition

Spring- March to April and autumn- September to November is the best time to climb Mt. Manaslu. Spring has a well-made snowy trail and frozen scenery, while autumn makes the trail at the lower altitude covered with a range of flora.

Food & Accommodation during the Manaslu Expedition

During the climbing period, you stay overnight in tents. All the tents and necessities are carried by the crew members. We offer high-quality single sleeping tents to each member of the group and shared dining & washroom tents. Likewise, while passing through villages, you stay overnight in a teahouse that usually offers pretty basic services.

Food will be cooked and served by the crew members while camping. We offer an extensive menu to our guests and make sure they are getting all the nutrients. Likewise, you will get meals as per the menu of the teahouse while spending overnight there.

Electricity & Communication

Solar electricity is mostly available throughout the villages. Charging facilities may or may not be available. We will have fuel and solar lights during the camping. Do carry extra batteries and a solar charger for your electronic devices. Due to remoteness of the region, the cellular network might not be available all the time and especially from base camp onwards. The team leader will be equipped with a satellite phone.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must to join the Manaslu Expedition. Even though with all our efforts and measures, there can be unseen events, which we have to be prepared for. Therefore having travel insurance will come handy and keep you safe during emergencies. Your travel insurance must cover things like air evacuation, medical bills, hospital bills, flight cancellation, etc.

Environmental Measures

We carry sustainable and eco-friendly products with us during the Manaslu Expedition. Likewise, we make sure not to leave our waste behind on the trail and clean the base camp before leaving it. We also run a small organization that funds education expenses for children from backward mountain families.