-
Day 1 Arrival at TIA airport, Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Elevation:
1400m/4593ft
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
N/A
You will be met at the arrival terminal and transferred to the group hotel. The hotel locates within walking distance of Thamel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Thamel area or can choose to relax.
-
Day 2 Paperwork in Kathmandu, shopping.
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BD
We will set this day aside for us to help you get some last-minute supplies or finalize any official documentation needed for the expedition. You will be briefed about the program by our team members as well.
-
Day 3 Drive to Besishar
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
After late breakfast at the hotel, we drive westwards on the Prithvi Highway towards Pokhara. After 4 hours, we arrive at the small town of Dumre, beside the Marsyangdi River, where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we leave the highway and turn north to the narrow road to Besishar. Before the off-road drive towards Manang, we spend overnight at Gateway Himalaya Resort.
-
Day 4 Drive to Dharapani and trek to Gowa
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
From Dharapani, we start our day strong by crossing a large suspension bridge above the Marshyangdi River to reach the idyllic stone-paved Gurung town of Tilje, making our way deep into the Manaslu Conservation Area. On the way to Gowa, we pass rhododendron and oak forests with majestic views of Manaslu, Nadi Chuli, Himal Chuli, and Annapurna II. After a walk of 2-3 hours through the Dudh Valley, we will rest for the night at Gowa.
-
Day 5 Trek to Bhimthang
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
Today, we walk 4 to 5 hours to Bhimtang, where you will first pass Hompuk through a forest trail. As you near Bhimtang, you notice Manaslu, surrounded by white Himalayan peaks filled with impressive glaciers such as the Ponkar, Kechakyu, and Suti Glaciers. Two glacial lakes, the Ponkar and the Nayamlo, are also major attractions in the area, not just for humans but also for migrating ducks!
-
Day 6 Trek to Samdo crossing Larke Pass (5215m)
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
Today is an exciting day for us as we cross the famous Larkye Pass at 5213 meters, which is one of the highest Mountain passes in the Himalayas. Once at Larkye Pass, you can see the beautiful valleys and glaciers below you. You also get majestic views of Cheo Himal, Humlung Himal, and Annapurna II. On your way down to Samdo, you pass by Dharamshala, with rustic villages, ancient monasteries, and Prayer flags to keep you company. You will also pass by the seasonal Larkye Bazaar and cross a wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki River. After a walk of 8 hours, you will spend the night in a cosy lodge in Samdo.
-
Day 7 Trek to Sama Gaon
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
Today, we will walk for about 5 hours alongside the Budi Gandaki River as we cross quaint birch and juniper forests. Panoramic Mountain views, especially that of Manaslu, always stay on our side as we are close to the Tibetan border. Plenty of stupa and mani walls also keep us company today. At Sama Gaon, Sherpa people wear traditional clothes and ornaments. We will spend the night at Sama Gaon.
-
Day 8 Rest day at Sama Gaon
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
Today is the rest and acclimatization day before we climb most exhausting steep climb to the Manaslu base camp.
-
Day 9 Trek to Base camp
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
It is about a 5-hour climb to the Manaslu Base Camp and worth every minute of it. On the way to the Manaslu Base Camp, you will see Sama Gaun from above and Birendra Taal, a freshwater lake in Manaslu Glacier, from which you also have magnificent views. In addition, peaks such as Manaslu, Naike, and Samdo will be seen near as you make your way up the base camp. Finally, you will spend the night in the base camp with our experienced guides.
-
Day 10 Rest Day at Base Bamp
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
We will spend a day at the Manaslu Base Camp, surrounded by majestic views of Manaslu, Naike, and Samdo Peaks and many glaciers and lakes in the region.
-
Day 11-32 Climbing Period
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
Puja Ceremony:
The Puja ceremony is a crucial tradition followed by the Sherpa and the international climbers before the start of the climbing. It is a religious ceremony in which the climbers ask the mountain for permission to climb and for the safety of all those involved in the expedition.
Acclimatization:
After the puja, the group leader will begin planning the acclimatization rotation. Acclimatization involves gradually ascending to higher camps to allow the climbers' bodies to adjust to the altitude, a crucial part of the expedition as it helps prevent altitude sickness, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. The acclimatization rotation usually involves climbing to a higher camp, spending a few days there to rest and adjust, and then descending to a base camp.
Rest Days:
During the rest days, the climbers will take time to recover and prepare for the final push to the summit. Eating high-energy foods, hydrating, and getting plenty of rest is very important. The climbers need to be in peak physical and mental condition before attempting the summit.
Summit Push:
Finally, with the best weather window, the group leader will coordinate the final push to the summit, which is a highly coordinated effort involving all climbing team members. The climbers will make their way up the mountain, often roped together for safety, and work together to reach the summit.
-
Day 33 Rest day and packing
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
After your summit attempt (or success), we will prepare to leave the base camp by packing and cleaning up before the next leg of our journey.
-
Day 34 Trek to Sama Gaun and overnight at the hotel
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BLD
We make our way down to Sama Gaon in about 3 hours, where we take a well-earned rest while enjoying the hospitality of the villagers. You will pass by Pungyen Monastery and Birendra Tal on the way back. You can enjoy the icy cold and equally beautiful waters of Birendra Tal.
-
Day 35 Early Back to Kathmandu by helicopter/helicopter available only in group
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
BD
The helicopter flight from Sama Gaon takes 50 minutes to Kathmandu. Depending on arrival time in Kathmandu, we provide a transfer from the airport to the Hotel. Back at the Hotel, you will take a proper shower and rest.
-
Day 36 Transfer to TIA and final departure to your destination
Elevation:
N/A
Distance:
N/A
Time Taken:
N/A
Meals:
B
Today is the last day of the program; depending on your flight time, we will arrange the transfer to the airport, and your guide will go to see you off. The airport check-in time is 3 hours before flight departure, and the checkout time at the Hotel is noon. If your flight is later in the evening, you can request a late checkout at the hotel reception.
