- Expeditions
- 8000M Peaks
- Manaslu
Altitude
8163m
Co-ordinates
28.5497° N, 84.5617°
Duration
43 Days
Best Season
Autumn
Activity
8000m Expedition
Trip Grade
Extremely Difficult (Alpine TD+/ED – Très Difficile to Extrêmement Difficile)
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Manaslu Peak Expedition
Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters, rises entirely within Nepal’s Gorkha District. Its name means “Mountain of the Spirit” in Sanskrit, reflecting deep spiritual significance to local Gurung and Tibetan communities. First summited in 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu, it’s considered one of the more accessible 8,000ers but still demands solid acclimatization and avalanche awareness. Our expeditions run 30–40 days via the scenic Northeast Face route through culturally rich valleys. We provide experienced Sherpa guides, permits, camps, oxygen, and comprehensive safety support for this rewarding climb.
Detailed itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you are warmly greeted by our expedition staff and assisted with airport formalities. A private transfer then takes you to your hotel, where you can relax after your international journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to rest, enjoy the hotel amenities, or take a short walk to experience Kathmandu’s vibrant streets. This first day is kept light to help you recover from travel and prepare comfortably for the adventure ahead.
Today is dedicated to essential administrative and expedition preparations in Kathmandu. The team completes government permit processing and final documentation while climbers attend a detailed briefing led by the expedition leader. Topics include route plans, safety procedures, acclimatization strategy, and emergency protocols. A thorough equipment check is conducted to ensure all personal and group gear meets expedition standards, with time available for final adjustments or purchases. This organized preparation day ensures everything is in place before leaving the city and entering the high mountain environment.
Today you depart Kathmandu and begin a scenic overland journey toward Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek. The drive follows winding mountain roads, passing through rural villages, terraced farmland, and river valleys that offer a glimpse into Nepal’s countryside. As you leave the busy capital behind, the landscape gradually becomes more remote and peaceful. Upon arrival at Soti Khola, located beside the Budhi Gandaki River, you settle into a local lodge, relax, and prepare for the trekking phase of the expedition starting the following day.
Today marks the first day of trekking as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail winds through lush subtropical forest, crossing suspension bridges and narrow paths carved into the hillside. You pass small Gurung villages, terraced fields, and waterfalls along the way, gaining insight into local mountain life. The trek involves a mix of gentle ascents and descents, allowing your body to adapt gradually. Arrival at Machha Khola brings a peaceful riverside setting, where you rest and prepare for higher elevations ahead.
Today’s trek continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, following a rugged trail that alternates between forested paths and rocky riverbanks. You cross several suspension bridges and pass through small settlements, hot springs, and terraced hillsides that reflect the traditional lifestyle of the region. The route includes steady climbs as the valley narrows and the terrain becomes more dramatic. Upon reaching Jagat, a traditional stone village and entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area, you settle in for the night and enjoy your first real sense of mountain remoteness.
Leaving Jagat behind, the trail enters the Manaslu Conservation Area and follows the Budhi Gandaki through a deepening gorge. Today’s trek involves crossing several suspension bridges and navigating narrow paths carved into steep cliffs. The landscape gradually shifts, with subtropical vegetation giving way to pine and bamboo forests. You pass traditional villages influenced by Tibetan culture, marked by mani walls and prayer flags. Arrival in Deng, a small settlement nestled against the mountains, offers a quiet place to rest as altitude slowly increases.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley as the trail climbs steadily toward Namrung. Crossing suspension bridges and passing through dense forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron, you begin to notice stronger Tibetan cultural influences in architecture and daily life. The valley opens gradually, offering your first clear views of snow-covered peaks in the Manaslu region. As altitude increases, the air becomes cooler and thinner, encouraging a slow, steady pace. Arrival in Namrung provides a comfortable stop with impressive mountain scenery and improved acclimatization.
Today’s trek leads you into the heart of the Manaslu region as the trail climbs steadily through alpine forests and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. Passing stone houses, chortens, and mani walls, you enjoy expanding views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and surrounding peaks. The landscape becomes more open as you approach Samagaun, one of the largest and most culturally rich villages in the area. Set beneath the towering face of Mount Manaslu, Samagaun offers an ideal location for acclimatization, rest, and immersion in the unique mountain culture.
These days are devoted to proper acclimatization and recovery in the beautiful village of Samagaun, an ideal location for adapting to higher altitude. Guided side trips are recommended to nearby destinations such as Pung Gyen Gompa, an ancient monastery set beneath Manaslu’s glaciers, or to viewpoints on the route toward Larkya La Pass. These hikes allow you to gain elevation during the day and return to sleep lower, supporting effective acclimatization. Time is also spent resting, hydrating, exploring local culture, and preparing both physically and mentally for the higher stages of the expedition.
Today you trek from the culturally rich village of Samagaun toward Manaslu Base Camp, gaining significant altitude as you enter a more rugged alpine environment. The trail ascends gradually across glacial moraines and open yak pastures, with spectacular views of Manaslu’s massive ice walls and surrounding peaks. As the air becomes thinner, a steady pace and proper hydration are essential. Upon reaching Manaslu Base Camp, set beneath towering glaciers and seracs, you settle into camp and begin preparations for the climbing phase of the expedition.
This extended period is dedicated to the full climbing phase of the Manaslu expedition, including acclimatization rotations, route preparation, and the eventual summit attempt. During these days, climbers move progressively between Base Camp and higher camps, carrying loads, fixing ropes, and establishing camps as conditions permit. Carefully planned rest days are included to allow the body to adapt safely to extreme altitude and recover from exertion. Weather conditions are monitored closely, and flexibility is essential, as summit timing depends on snow stability and favorable forecasts. This phase demands patience, discipline, teamwork, and peak physical and mental performance, forming the core of the expedition and determining its overall success.
After completing the climbing phase of the expedition, today you begin the descent back to Samagaun. Leaving the high-altitude environment of Manaslu Base Camp, you retrace your steps across glacial moraines and alpine terrain. As you lose elevation, breathing becomes easier and energy gradually returns, bringing a sense of physical relief after weeks spent at extreme altitude. Returning to Samagaun feels especially welcoming, offering comfortable lodges, warmer temperatures, and a chance to reconnect with village life while reflecting on the challenges and achievements of the climb.
Over these days, you begin the return trek from Samagaun to Soti Khola, retracing the same route through the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Walking through familiar villages such as Namrung, Deng, and Jagat, the journey feels more relaxed as altitude decreases and energy levels improve. The trail winds through alpine forests, deep gorges, and traditional settlements, offering time to reflect on the expedition and appreciate the cultural richness of the region. Each day ends in comfortable lodges, gradually transitioning from high mountain wilderness back to lower elevations.
Today you complete the overland journey back to Kathmandu with a scenic drive from Soti Khola. Traveling along winding mountain roads, you pass rural villages, terraced hillsides, and river valleys, gradually reentering more populated areas. The transition from remote trekking routes to the vibrant capital is a noticeable change, bringing modern comforts back into reach. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel, where you can rest, refresh, and reflect on the remarkable journey through the Manaslu region.
These final days in Kathmandu are reserved for rest, reflection, and flexibility following the expedition. A formal debriefing session is held with the expedition team to review the climb, discuss highlights, and conclude logistical matters. A summit celebration or farewell dinner honors the achievements of the climbers and support staff. There is also ample time for souvenir shopping, sightseeing, or personal relaxation. These days serve as a contingency buffer in case of earlier delays, ensuring a smooth and comfortable conclusion to the journey.
Your Himalayan expedition formally concludes today with a scheduled transfer from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home. As you depart Nepal, you carry with you unforgettable memories, personal achievements, and the deep satisfaction of completing a demanding high-altitude journey. The experiences gained resilience, teamwork, and respect for the mountains remain long after the expedition ends, marking this adventure as a defining chapter in your mountaineering life.
Includes:
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
Four nights’ deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (two on arrival, two on return/rest days).
Domestic flights and airport taxes where applicable (standard Manaslu approach by road).
All required ground transportation between Kathmandu and Soti Khola (round trip).
Three meals per day throughout the trek, at Base Camp, and during the expedition for members and staff.
Full Manaslu expedition permit, restricted area permit, conservation/national park fees, liaison officer charges, garbage deposit, and related government permits.
High-altitude food, cooking equipment, and utensils up to and at Base Camp.
Group climbing equipment including ropes, ice bars, fixed lines, walkie-talkies, and essential team logistics.
Base Camp setup with twin-sharing tents during the approach trek, single tents at Base Camp, plus dining, kitchen, toilet, and shower facilities where applicable.
Supplemental oxygen cylinders for members and high-altitude Sherpa, high-quality mask and regulator sets, and emergency oxygen reserves at Base Camp.
Porter services for gear transport to and from Base Camp, with full wages, food, equipment, clothing, and insurance for all Nepalese staff and crew.
Experienced high-altitude Sherpa guides and assistants with dedicated summit support.
Excludes:
International round-trip airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal tourist visa fees on arrival or arranged in advance.
Lunch, dinner, and extra meals in Kathmandu beyond breakfast.
Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu beyond the scheduled four nights.
Personal travel, medical, high-altitude mountaineering, and emergency helicopter evacuation insurance.
Extra drinks and beverages during the trek and at Base Camp.
Hot showers and hot/boiled water charges during the trek.
Local entry fees and donations at monasteries, temples, schools, or similar sites.
Costs for optional acclimatization or additional peak climbing permits and logistics.
Helicopter charges for evacuation, faster descent, or non-emergency flights.
Personal climbing equipment, clothing, boots, sleeping bag, and technical mountaineering gear.
Drone permit fees and related government charges.
Wi-Fi, internet, and communication costs during the trek or at Base Camp.
Additional oxygen cylinders beyond the allocated amount.
Laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, optional activities, and any services not listed in the “Price Includes” section.