Manaslu Round trekking

Today, we begin our trekking tour of Manaslu. Because the road has extended further than Soti Khola, Nepal Nirvana Trails recommends driving straight to Machha Khola rather than stopping in Soti Khola or walking the route the next day. We pass through the towns of Arughat and Soti Khola on our long, dusty journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. Machha Khola is on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, which serves as our companion and guide through the Manaslu valley and whose source we will finally touch as we climb to the Larkya La crossing.

The adventure begins after a hearty breakfast. We will cross a suspension bridge that connects the route to the Budhigandaki River's shore. The pathway wound through a deep valley with cliffs. We will pass through a few small towns inhabited by the Gurung and Magar tribes. We will stop for lunch in Dovan, near the confluence of Budhigandaki and Dovan Khola. The tranquil settlement of Jagat serves as the region's entry point. The Gurung tribe, which has a rich culture, heritage, and customs, can be seen here.

We will ascend a rugged hill to Salleri before descending to Sirdibas on this day's journey. The basin widens as the path climb to Ghatta Khola. We will continue upstream to Philim, a large Gurung settlement with a large suspension bridge. Following a reasonably flat path through millet fields to Ekle Bhatti, the pathway takes a sharp turn to the north just above the community's lowest dwelling. The trail now descends into a deserted canyon. We now proceed to the meadow terrain slopes, crossing the Budhi Gandaki, then following the western banks for a while before returning via the east bank. As we continue down the route, the valley expands, and we pass through bamboo groves before arriving at the Deng Khola. After crossing the Khola, we arrive at the small settlement of Deng.

After breakfast in Deng, we'll begin one of the most important and culturally significant sections of the trek. Cross the Budhi Gandaki and walk up to the bridges, from which we will continue climbing to connect a route from Bihi. Then turn west and ascend the valley, passing through verdant forests, alpine plants, charming ethnic groups, and tall peaks beginning to appear in the distance. Prok village provides breathtaking views of the snow-covered Siringi Himal. Walking further passing through Ghap, we will reach another settlement of Namrung.

From Namrung, enjoy breathtaking mountain views as the valley unfolds before us. The temperate forests gradually give way as the pathway ascends higher, the rich greens of the lowland valley giving way to the faded browns and grays of its Himalayan topography, and the bright blue skies are experienced at altitude. We arrive in Lho, a picturesque settlement with a magnificent view of Manaslu and the tranquil Rebung Gompa monastery perched close to a mountain. We may as well encounter a few yak caravans transporting the timbers while walking through the forest until Shyala.

We will visit the Pungen Gompa carrying out a packed lunch. The drainage slopes of the Pungen glacier cross as we continue on the route until we reach the pleasant flat region inhabited by the charming settlement of Sama Gaon. During the Manaslu climbing expedition season, Sama Gaon, the closest accommodation to the Manaslu Base Camp and appropriately positioned homes with lovely courtyards and pastures on both sides of the village, is active.

Sama Gaon is our resting place for the day, and our bodies adjust to the altitude. The village offers a variety of day excursions, such as a short hike to the nearby Birendra Tal (lake), the incredibly rewarding and dramatic hiking to Manaslu Base Camp, or an alternative walk to Pungen Gompa and its peaceful setting amid the mountains.

Today, the route to the settlement of Samdo makes a northerly bend along the upper reaches of the Budhi Gandaki River. Ascending gradually, we reach the town of Samdo after passing past the confluence of the Larke River and the river created by the Samdo Glacier, which is also the source of the torrent Budhi Gandaki. Before that, on our left and in front of the point where we diverge from the route to Manaslu Base Camp, we walk through the lovely Kermo Kharka juniper and birch forests. We continue across wooden bridges and ascend steeply towards the Samdo, where we can see a huge white Kani. We get to our destination after the Kani.

Our hiking journey from Samdo to Dharamshala is relatively short. We follow the path as it passes through the Athahra Saya and Larke rivers. As we travel along the route, we gently ascend, passing through Taka Choeling Gumba with views of Naike and Pangboche Peak. We cross a bridge, walk through the Mani walls with stone houses, and then turn left to reach Larkya Bazaar, a small town with lodging. We arrive at Dharamshala or Larke Phedi, the highest point before the Larke Pass, where buildings and tents can be erected. We may see lichened stones, grazing pasture, beautiful trees, and the Syacha Glacier along the way.

Prepare for a physically demanding day as we travel to Bhimtang via the Larkey La Pass (5160m). We began our long walk early this morning. We arrive at the northern end of the Larkya Glacier after a short ascent and enter a valley with breathtaking views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We continue marching through the moraines, first slowly and then more steeply toward the end of the Larkey-La pass. The pass's summit offers views of Samdo Peak and other peaks bordering Tibet, the Larkya Peak to the south, the Annapurna area and several other mountains, and Annapurna II to the west.

We leave Bhimthang through yak meadows to the first signs of the Dudh Khola's sources trickling down the hill, with views of Manaslu and Annapurna to our left and right, respectively. After crossing a bridge, we gradually leave the alpine temperature behind as we descend through well-known rhododendron woods to a small valley with lush greenery and patchwork crops. We arrive in Tilje, a small and charming town, before ascending to Dharapani, the main hiking junction in the area and a modern starting point for trekkers embarking on the Annapurna Circuit.

After breakfast in the early morning, we board a jeep from Dharapani and travel to either Kathmandu or Pokhara. The drive will take more or less 8 to 9 hours. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will get our backpacks and move toward our hotel or hostel.