Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from your flight.
Day 2 - 3
Kathmandu
Spend time preparing for the expedition, including gear checks, documentation, and optional sightseeing around the city’s cultural heritage sites.
Day 4
Drive to Arughat
Drive to Arughat and arrange porters for the trek. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 5
Trek to Khanchok
Begin the trek through scenic villages and forest trails to Khanchok. Overnight in lodge.
Day 6
Trek to Khursani Bari
Continue trekking through the lush landscape to Khursani Bari. Overnight in lodge.
Day 7
Trek to Machakhola
Trek along river valleys and terraced fields to Machakhola. Overnight camping.
Day 8
Trek to Jagat (1,250 m)
Continue trekking to Jagat, following mountain trails along the Budhi Gandaki River. Overnight camp.
Day 9
Trek to Nyak
Ascend through forested trails to Nyak. Overnight camp.
Day 10
Trek to Prok
Continue trekking through remote Himalayan terrain to Prok. Overnight camp.
Day 11
Trek to Namru
Trek further along the Budhi Gandaki Valley to Namru. Overnight camp.
Day 12
Trek to Lho (2,250 m)
Ascend to Lho, a traditional Sherpa village. Overnight camp.
Day 13
Trek to Sama Gaon (3,250 m)
Continue trekking to Sama Gaon, the last village before the high-altitude region. Overnight camp.
Day 14
Manaslu Base Camp
Reach Manaslu Base Camp, situated at the foot of the 8,163 m peak. Prepare for climbing rotations. Overnight camp.
Day 15 - 48
Climbing Period
Extended period for acclimatization, higher camp establishment, and summit attempts on Manaslu. Weather windows are carefully monitored to attempt the summit safely.
Day 49
Cleaning up Base Camp
Dismantle base camp and organize gear for descent.
Day 50
Descent to Sama Gaon
Descend to Sama Gaon. Overnight camp.
Day 51
Trek to Nyak
Continue descending to Nyak. Overnight camp.
Day 52
Trek to Jagat
Descend further to Jagat. Overnight camp.
Day 53
Trek to Machakhola
Continue trekking down to Machakhola. Overnight camp.
Day 54
Trek to Arket
Trek to Arket and stay overnight in lodge.
Day 55
Trek to Gorkha
Continue descent to Gorkha. Overnight stay in lodge.
Day 56
Drive to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 57 - 58
Kathmandu
Leisure and recovery days in Kathmandu for sightseeing, shopping, or rest.
Day 59
Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight, marking the conclusion of the Manaslu Expedition.
INCLUDES
- Airport-Hotel-Airport transport
- Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis
- Domestic flights
- Excess baggage charges
- Climbing permit fees
- Porters and Yaks for loads to & from Basecamp
- Equipment allowance and insurance for Liaison officer
- Personal climbing Sherpa with wages/equipment allowance/ insurance/high-camp load ferry bonus
- Cook and cook boys with equipment allowance, wages and insurance
- Basecamp tents and mattresses
- Dining, Kitchen and Shower tents and other camping equipment
- Fresh and organic food and beverages at Base Camp and high altitude food (individual packets)
- EPI gases with burners for high camps
- Walkie-talkie and permit fee
- Satellite phone for the emergency purpose (Subject to charges)
- Solar panel/Generator with accessories at base camp for power
- Necessary climbing gear (excludes personal gear)
- Oxygen cylinders with masks and regulators
- Insurance of local team members
- Rope fixing fee
- Ice fall fee
- Accommodation and meals at tea houses to and from base camp
EXCLUDES
- Travel insurance (Should cover medical and high-altitude evacuation costs)
- International air tickets
- Nepal entry visa and Visa fee
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal climbing equipment
- Cost of emergency evacuation
- Personal expenses
- Summit bonus for climbing sherpa ($1500 min)
- Tips (for basecamp and high camp staff)
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS
Mount Manaslu expedition doesn’t require advanced technical skills, but it’s physically demanding with long days and exposed sections. Ideal for experienced, strong climbers aiming for Manaslu itself or seeking experience for higher peaks. Recommended: Alpine PD+/AD routes experience, ability to climb Scottish grade 1/ll winter routes, and prior altitude experience of at least 4800m.
A Typical Day on the Trek
Start your day around 7 am, packing your overnight gear and having a hearty breakfast before leaving camp in cooler temperatures. Trek at a leisurely pace to enjoy the surroundings, take photos, interact with locals, and stay hydrated. Lunch in scenic spots by the trail, arriving at the overnight camp by mid-afternoon for a well-earned cup of tea. An hour to rest or explore before a three-course dinner, showcasing remarkable local cuisine even in remote areas.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Experience Post and Pre-monsoon conditions from October to mid-December. April-May typically offer fair, dry, and stable weather. Daytime temperatures are warm in valleys (20-30°C), while higher on Baruntse, it can be cool to very cold, especially with wind chill. Nights are cold to very cold (possibly as low as -30°C). Essential to have a warm sleeping bag (-30°C), expedition weight down jacket, and quality down mitts.
Important – The Small Print:
Lukla flights can face weather delays. Patience and a good book are recommended. If an overnight delay occurs, accommodation (B&B) is provided. Longer delays might offer optional helicopter flights at extra cost.
MISSED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
An extra day in the itinerary accounts for bad weather. In case of longer delays (uncommon), rebooking of International flights is possible with potential additional costs. Ticket changes depend on availability and class, requiring flexibility on return dates. Additional payment to be made in Kathmandu (card payments accepted).
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Employment for local staff beyond farming, eco-conscious showers, waste disposal. Washing using bowls of warm water or ‘wet ones.’ Dispose burnable rubbish at lodges, return other items like bottles and batteries to Kathmandu. Avoid plastic bottles; bring iodine tablets and a refillable bottle for local water. Purchase soft drinks in recyclable glass bottles.
ALTITUDE
Itineraries allow sufficient acclimatization time. Move slowly, maintain a gentle steady pace, and stay hydrated. A leader’s appropriate briefing will be provided upon arrival.
USEFUL TIPS
Wear boots on the plane in case luggage is lost. Most items can be replaced, but well-worn, comfortable boots are harder to replace.
EQUIPMENT
Detailed equipment list provided upon booking. Specialist items like sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired or purchased.
BAGGAGE
Travel light; airlines typically allow 20kg baggage and Lukla flights permit 15kg. As you’ll be wearing boots and trekking clothes, some items can be left at the hotel for your return.
VISAS AND PERMITS
US/UK citizens and most EU nationals can buy Visas on arrival. Others should check with their local embassy. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the trip ends.
LOCAL EXPENSES
Most meals are included. Individuals are responsible for drinks and hotel meals, offering flexibility in dining choices.
CURRENCY
Nepalese Rupee is the local currency. UK Sterling, Euros, and US Dollars can be easily exchanged in Kathmandu. ATMs are available there.
TIPPING
Tipping is customary and part of daily life. Usually, local staff are tipped as a whole. Additionally, around 1000 rupees is customary for the Puja or mountain blessing, an important Himalayan climbing tradition.
Extensions
Everest Flight: Experience a breathtaking early morning flight over Everest. Chitwan Wildlife Safari (plus 4 days): Round off your trek with a three-day wildlife safari, including a jeep safari, jungle walk, river canoe trip, elephant ride, and cultural program, aimed at spotting rhinos and the famous Bengal tiger.