Manaslu Trek

When we first trekked around Annapurna in 1981 there were no roads, the tea houses were very basic and a tent was required. It was a magic trip, staying with friendly locals, eating in the kitchen with the families and experiencing life in villages as it had been for hundreds of years. Now Annapurna is packed with multi-story "hotels" and there is a road on half the circuit. We have however discovered the Manaslu Circuit: no roads, basic tea houses, a high pass, fantastic views and about the same distance as Annapurna. It sounds perfect - and everyone we have talked to who has travelled it has loved it.

Trip description

This trek strikes deep into the heart of a previously restricted area, and covers some beautiful and unspoiled trails past a constantly unfolding panorama of majestic mountains. From the town of Gorkha, original capital of the Gurkhas, the trails are mostly excellent though hardly any westerners have ever used them. By way of one of the most dramatic gorges in Nepal, flanked by Manaslu and Ganesh III, we emerge into pine-clad hillsides to enter the high valley of Sama. whose tranquil Tibetan and Buddhist influence takes us back several centuries.

The trek is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating. The Tibetans of the upper Buri Gandaki, a region known as Nupri ("the western mountains"), are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants. Their speech, dress and customs are almost exclusively Tibetan. There is still continuous trade between Nupri and Tibet; Chinese cigarettes, for example, are found more frequently than Nepalese cigarettes. The mountain views in Nupri are sensational, and the Larkya La is one of the most dramatic Himalayan pass crossings By way of the superlative mountain vistas of the 17000ft LARKYA-LA we descend to the Marshyandhi valley and Kathmandu

Travel style

Due to the limited tea house facilities this will be a camping trip. Porters will carry the tents and camping gear, so generally you will only be carrying a day pack with spare clothes and cameras etc.

The trek begins at only 1000m - almost tropical temperatures and climbs slowly to the highest point Larke La (Pass) at 5,200 on a glacier. It is a trek, not a climb and no technical skills are required. Participants should be comfortable walking 6 hours a day, although some days are likely to be shorter or longer that this depending in part on acclimatisation achieved. Talk to us if you are concerned about the fitness required.

Manaslu is fairly remote and tourist infrastructure very limited. Don't expect too much in terms of showers, flushing loos and Internet access. Do expect to be surprised at just how good life can be without these "essentials". The luxury of being woken with a cup from your guide and opening the tent door to an amazing mountain panorama is more than compensation.

This will be a small trip, maximum 10 with a single simple route. While some of the group may travel faster during the day, we all stay at the same place each night.

Frances and I will be leading the trip together. Frances has a sensible steady approach with a great interest in the people and culture. She will be taking her sketching and painting equipment. Ross is looking forward to a more leisurely trip, but is eyeing up a few harder side trips for the odd day.

We aim to travel as group who have got to know each other and have a common set of goals. To facilitate this we will have a weekend get together a few months before the trip. This provides a great chance to sort out little questions, maybe tweak the itinerary and make sure it is going to be just the trip you want.

Dates and Prices

The trip is 21 days in Nepal plus travel time from New Zealand. Price is estimated at $NZ5,000 plus airfares. With the current movements in the dollar, oil and airfares it is fairer to set the price closer to payment date. Target departure date is 31 March 2012 to take advantage of Easter and catch the rhodedendrons in bloom.

Our aim is that everone leaves NZ at the same time, but there are many other thigs to do in Nepal if you have a few spare days at the end of the trip.

Price includes:

• porters,guides, park fees, trek fees, etc
• transport in Nepal
• all meals on trek
• NZ based guides (Ross and Frances)

Cost exclude:

• All meal during the stay at Kathmandu except two dinner
• Hard & soft drinks
• First aid kit, personal insurance, rescue flights, airport tax,
• Any personal nature expenses (telephone calls, tips & laundry)
• Personal trekking & climbing gears
• Tips.

Register Interest

Fill in the form below - or just give Ross or Frances a call. From NZ - 04 4795447. International (64 4 889 2819) Sykye rossbidmead