Mt. Manaslu Tour

Manaslu is one of the best-known mountains for expeditions in Nepal. It is also known as Kutang, and it is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Located forty miles east of Annapurna, it dominates the Gurkha massif. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions, culminating in a peak that towers steeply above its surroundings.

It is a striking feature when seen from afar, and its beauty becomes even more impressive as you get closer. This mountain was previously known as Kutan, with “tang” being the Tibetan word for “flat place,” describing the mountain’s general summit.

The name was later changed to Manaslu, derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa, which can be translated as “Mountain of the Spirit.” It is believed to give strength and spiritual power to those who see it, touch it, or climb it. The first ascent of this peak was in 1956 by T. Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu from a Japanese expedition team. The peak remained unclimbed again until 1971, when a Japanese team made the second ascent. In 1997, Charlie Mace made the first American ascent.

Today, there are about half a dozen established routes on the mountain, with the south face considered one of the toughest climbs in mountaineering history. As of 2003, only 240 successful ascents and 52 fatalities had been recorded, making Manaslu the fourth most dangerous 8,000-meter peak after Annapurna, Nanga Parbat, and K2. Expeditions on mountains above 8,000 meters are always risky and highly adventurous, and Manaslu is no exception.

TRIP FACTS:

Country: Nepal
Duration: 49 days
Area: Manaslu Region
Activities: Expedition
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max Altitude: 8,163 m
Seasons: March, May–September, November

DETAIL ITINERARY:

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT KATHMANDU AIRPORT (1350 m) & TRANSFER TO HOTEL

Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will greet you at the airport and assist with your hotel transfer and check-in. In the evening, we will collect your photos and passport to arrange the expedition permit. Enjoy a cultural dinner at a Nepali restaurant.

DAY 02: FULL-DAY SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU VALLEY & EXPEDITION BRIEFING

We begin with a guided sightseeing tour of Bodhnath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa. You will observe Buddhist monks chanting in nearby monasteries. We will also visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal, located by the holy Bagmati River. In the evening, your trekking pack and final instructions will be provided.

DAY 03: KATHMANDU TO GORKHA (DRIVE)

A 4–5-hour drive brings us to Gorkha. Later, visit the historic Gorkha Bazaar and the ancient palace, the ancestral home of Nepal’s Shah dynasty.

DAY 04: KHANCHOWK TO ARUGHAT (530 m)

We walk for 5–6 hours through beautiful villages toward Arughat, the largest settlement in the Budhi Gandaki region.

DAY 05: GORKHA TO KANCHOWK (956 m)

A 6–7-hour walk. The trail leads northeast toward the Budhi Gandaki River. Khanchowk offers stunning views of the Gorkha mountains.

DAY 06: ARUGHAT TO SETI KHOLA (750 m)

We follow the Budhi Gandaki, passing Morder and Simre, and slowly ascend to Kyoropani before arriving at Seti Khola. (BLD)

DAY 07: SETI KHOLA TO MACHHA KHOLA (890 m)

Today’s trail takes us through forested paths and riverbeds. We pass Almara and Riden Gaon before reaching Machha Khola. (BLD)

DAY 08: MACHHA KHOLA TO JAGAT (1350 m)

A 6–7-hour walk. We pass Tatopani hot spring, Doban, and reach Jagat, where trekking permits are checked.

DAY 09: JAGAT TO NGYAK (2300 m)

We descend to the riverbed, then climb to Saguleri for a view of Sringi Himal (7177 m). Overnight at Ngyak.

DAY 10: ACCLIMATIZATION AT NGYAK

A free day for rest and exploration.

DAY 11: NGYAK TO NAMRUNG

A scenic 5–6-hour trek through panoramic landscapes. Overnight in Namrung. (BLD)

DAY 12: NAMRUNG TO SYALLA VILLAGE

A 6-hour walk through villages inhabited by Buddhist and indigenous communities. (BLD)

DAY 13: SYALLA TO SAMA VILLAGE

A 6-hour trek. Sama Village is known for its monasteries and cultural richness. (BLD)

DAY 14: REST DAY AT SAMA VILLAGE

Explore local monasteries and prepare for the journey to Base Camp. (BLD)

DAY 15: SAMA VILLAGE TO MANASLU BASE CAMP

A 6-hour ascent to Base Camp. Overnight at the Base Camp. (BLD)

DAY 16–40: CLIMBING PERIOD FOR MANASLU EXPEDITION (8163 m)

These 24 days are dedicated to acclimatization, rotation climbs, and summit attempts. Our experienced Sherpa team monitors climbers closely to prevent altitude-related issues. Spare days may vary. (BLD)

DAY 41: CLEAN-UP DAY AT BASE CAMP

We clean Base Camp and prepare for descent. (BLD)

DAY 42: BASE CAMP TO SAMA VILLAGE

A 4-hour walk back to Sama Village, with time for local exploration. (BLD)

DAY 43: SAMA TO NAMRUNG

Following the same trail down. (BLD)

DAY 44: NAMRUNG TO PHILIM VILLAGE

A new route variation to explore different landscapes and avoid repetitive paths. (BLD)

DAY 45: PHILIM TO MACHHA KHOLA

A 6-hour walk back to Machha Khola. (BLD)

DAY 46: MACHHA KHOLA TO SETI KHOLA

A 6-hour trek through warm villages and scenic trails. (BLD)

DAY 47: SETI KHOLA TO ARUGHAT

Descending further toward Arughat. (BLD)

DAY 48: ARUGHAT TO DHADING & DRIVE TO KATHMANDU

After a short walk to Dhading Besi, we drive back to Kathmandu. (BLD)

DAY 49: FINAL DEPARTURE

We transfer you to the international airport for your flight home. Thank you for choosing Explore Tourism/Aaradhana.