Lower Manaslu Trek

Duration: 11 Days

About Lower Manaslu Trek

The Lower Manaslu Trek is 11 days short and easy trekking around the Dharche Rural Municipality, a naturally and culturally rich region. Recently, this route is getting popular as an alternative trail for those seeking to avoid the dusty road of Sotikhola to Machhakhola on the Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek. Except for this, very few trekkers visit this region even though the numbers are rising each year.

The Lower Manaslu Trek route was once starting to get popular but due to the decade-long Maoist insurgency that started in 1996, it was left behind. After the end of the insurgency, it is again growing slowly as a trekking route. The region is hugely dominated by Gurung communities that follow one of the oldest religions, the 'Bon religion' mixed with Shamanism and Nature worshipping. During the trek, one can experience the culture and lifestyle of the Gurung communities by spending the night in local homes while passing through the beautiful villages and beautiful terraced fields. The spectacular views of different Himalayan ranges can be seen during the trek. Taking a tour of the historical Gorkha Durbar(Palace) and Gorkha Museum from where the unification of Nepal started around 250 years ago will enrich you with the history of Nepal. One of the major attractions of this trek is Barpak village which was the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake.  

Our 11-day Lower Manaslu Trek Itinerary starts from Ranlung and ends at Sotikhola. If you would like to customize the itinerary according to your desire, physical fitness level, time frame, etc, please feel free to message us. Our experts will help you craft a perfect itinerary that ensures a top-notch experience with safety.  

Highlights

  • Stunning view of Manaslu Ranges, Annapurna Ranges, Ganesh Himal Ranges, and Boudha Himal ranges from Mamche Dada(2800 M) and Gupsi Dada(2937 M)
  • Experience and explore unique traditions like the practice of  Bon religion mixed with Shamanism and Nature worshipping
  • A short and easy trek around the beautiful and less touristic region of Dharche Rural Municipality
  • Learn and experience the local culture and lifestyle by staying and eating in local homes
  • Tour of Gorkha Durbar(Palace) from where the unification of Nepal started
  • A scenic drive from Kathmandu-Barpak and Sotikhola-Kathmandu

 

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and transfer to hotel

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs.

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest in Nepal, Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, if you would like, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel and prepare for the trek.

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive of 7 hours to Ranlung via Gorkha Bazar through the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli River with the beautiful sceneries of green hills, and majestic rivers, beautiful villages, etc. You will take a short visit to the Gorkha Museum and Historical place, have lunch at Gorkha, and drive back to Khaireni and continue towards Ranlung via Baluwa. Ranlung is a small village situated on a small hill just above the Daraundi River. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ranlung
  • 650 M
  • 7 hours

After breakfast, you will start trekking to Barpak. You will have to walk on a vehicle road at some places. By crossing a bridge, you will gradually climb through the forest till Mandele. You will have lunch at Mandele Dada. After lunch, you will continue ascending to Barpak via the small forest and terraced fields. Barpak is a big beautiful village inhabited dominantly by the Gurungs and Ghales situated on a top of a hill. The beautiful view of the Boudha Himal can be seen from here.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Barpak
  • 1915 M
  • 5 hours

Today's trek will be a steep uphill climb of 3 and a half hours till Mamche Hill (2800 M) where you will have lunch. From the top, you can enjoy superb views of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal, Langtang ranges, and Annapurna ranges. You will continue walking on a straight trail until Gupsidanda, a new settlement built by NRN Australia for the people of Laprak after the earthquake. From there you will descend to Laprak.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Laprak
  • 2100 M
  • 5 hours

Today the trek will be short and easy as well. You will cross a suspension bridge at the end of the village. Then you will be passing through terraced farmland and quite beautiful forests. You will again cross a suspension bridge in the middle of a forest. After some time, you will continue walking through the terraced farmlands until reaching the beautiful village of Gumda inhabited by the Gurung community. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Gumda
  • 2000 M
  • 3 hours

Today will be your rest day. You will hike around the village observing daily lifestyles and activities of the Gurung community. You can take a short hike to the school or surrounding hills above the village from where you can get beautiful views of the Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal ranges.

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Gumda
  • 2000 M

Leaving Gumda behind, you will take a slow ascent to Baira Dada through the terraced farms, the cemetery of the village, and the dense forest. From there, you will descend to Nauli Khola. On this trail, you will be likely to encounter wild animals like Deer and  White Monkeys. Then taking short ascent and descent along the forested trail, you will reach Lapu Village.   

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lapu
  • 1770 M
  • 4 hours

Today's trail will pass through steep cliffs, waterfalls, and a couple of villages presenting us with beautiful sceneries. You will descend all the way to Armala via the rocky cliff trail mixed with forests and waterfalls. From there, you will join a rugged vehicle road and continue to Sotikhola, a small village on the edge of the Budhi Gandaki River. 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Soti Khola
  • 700 M
  • 4 hours

After having breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu passing by Arkhet and Arughat and cross Arkhet Khola. Then after leaving Arughat Bazar behind, you will leave Budhi Gandaki Valley and head to Malekhu via Dhading Besi. Finally, you will join the Prithvi Highway continuing to Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 8-9 hours

After having breakfast, one of the members of the company will escort you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

  • B&B

What’s Included

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight: 12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • 3-night’s shared accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu on a BB basis.
  • Trekking Lodge/ Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the trek.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the trek.
  • Kathmandu-Barpak and Sotikhola-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • All the necessary permits and paperwork needed for the trek. 
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • Airport pick-up and drop.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • International airfare.