Manaslu Trek

Manaslu October 2012

This fully escorted trip departs New Zealand on the Saturday 6th October with optional return dates of 28th October, 31st October or 10th November (3 to 5 weeks).

Manaslu - 3 week option

The Manaslu circuit is a classic Nepalese trek. It begins at low altitude in the farming commmunities and travels up a river, gradually assending to a pass at 5,100 metres, before a relatively quick descent to Pokhara (unless continuing on the optional extension over a second pass on the Annapurna circuit).

It is suitable for people comfortable with walking about 6 hours a day. No mountaineering skills are required and in fine weather the pass trail may be snow free.

The accommodation is mostly in new tea houses (lodges) that have been built in the last 2-3 years as the region is recognised as offering one of the best trekking experiences available.

We begin with two nights in Kathmandu. This is a chance to recover from the flights, buy or rent any last minute items and to sight-see in this fascinating city. It may be polluted, dirty and noisy, but it is also vibrant, and a hugely interesting mix of Hindu and Buddhist culture, western and eastern influence, subsistence and capitalism. Living here would be tough, but visiting is safe with far to much to do.

After most of a day driving to the start we begin our trek up through the valley. For the next 10 days we steadily walk up the valley to Dharamsala (4,460m). Sometimes in farming communities, sometimes in narrow gorges and sometimes in forest or yak pasture, but always on the paths that connect the villages. The Larkya Bhanjyang Pass at 5,100 is often snow free, but provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Another 2 days steady trekking takes us down the valley to Dharapani where we join the Annapurna circuit. From here those with only 3 weeks for their break can head down the valley and out to Besi Sahar, with time for a couple of nights in Kathmandu before flying home.

Manaslu - 4 week option

Those with a few more days to spare can continue the other way around the Annapurna circuit from Dharamsala, crossing the Thorung La (5,400m). This is a good way to see the best parts of the Annapurna Circuit that are less affected by road building. It also includes the most dramatic mountain scenery on the pass.

Those with even more time can join the trek into Mustang. Otherwise it is a flight out of Jomson to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

There are a few options on the way back. Pokhara is well worth spending a couple of nights in (the paragliding from the nearby peak is a real blast). By this time you will also be ready to soak up more of the special character of Kathmandu and will want 2 nights there as well.

Other extensions

Continue on with the related Mustang trip.

Add a trip to Chitwan National park to ride and swim with elephants and see the white rhino. We have also seen bears and gharial (crocdoiles) and heard the tigers.

Trip Costs

Manaslu 3 week option - landed cost $NZ4,400

Manaslu 4 week option - landed cost $NZ4,850

Those people wanting to travel from NZ to Nepal with the Guides may join their flights for $NZ2,250 return flying Singapore Air (price includes hotel night in Singapore en route).

COSTS INCLUDE:

All meals during the trek & 4 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
All trekking staff including guide, Sherpa, porters and their insurance, foods, salary & accommodation.
Special trekking permit fees & national park permit fees.
Ground transport and domestic airfare as per the itinerary.
Sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley with tour guide.

COSTS EXCLUDE: