Round Manaslu with Barpak - Laprak
Moderate to Hard
Mt. Manaslu that lies at the elevation of 8156M and world’s eighth highest mountains in the world stays majestically away from the crowds. Similar in many respects to the Annapurna tour, the Manaslu trek takes place in a valley of lesser frequentation. The recent construction of lodges sees this circuit evolve over the years. The gompa (monastery) of Sama, in an amphitheater at the foot of the Manaslu, marks the entrance into Buddhist territory. The Larkya Pass (5140m), the high point of the route, presents a gentle slope before plunging abruptly to reach the lower valleys. Superb panoramas, typical villages inhabited by different ethnic groups.
This trek avoids the walk on the dusty road at the beginning of the classic route, instead it passes through beautiful Gurung villages like Barpak and Laprak and join the classic Manaslu route in Khorlabesi. This is one of the real highlight of this trip.
Trip Highlights
- Avoids the dusty roads from classic Manaslu route, instead passes through the beautiful Gurung villages like Laprak & Barpak
- The diversity of the landscapes of the Manaslu, massive little frequented.
- An acclimatization with the ascent to the Punggen Monastery at the lap of the Manaslu with superb panoramic view of the mountains.
- Experience the pleasantly contrasting feature of landscape on this trek with narrow trails turning into wide pastures and green lush valleys turning into glacial moraines.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.Overnight in Hotel
Meals: B
Day 2: Drive to Barpak (1900m) – 10 Hrs Drive
An early morning breakfast and we head towards Barpak driving along the Trishuli River. The first half of the drive will take place on the paved road and the remaining drive on the off road. The reason we chose Barpak to Arughat as a starting point is due to the construction of the roads in the classic route, good view of the mountains and also to avoid the crowd.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 3: Trek to Laprak (2100m) – 5 Hrs Trek
An easy walk today, the trail is uphill in the beginning from Barpak. The trail passes through the beautiful rhododendron forest. If you happen to be there in spring season, you will see the hills covered with different colored rhododendron flowers. We climb gently till Bhosu Khang (2800m), today's highest point where we stop for awhile and enjoy the view of the Ganesh Himal range and Buddha Himal (6672m). Then we slowly descend towards Laprak village, beautiful Gurung village. Before we reach Laprak village, we pass through Gupsi Danda where the new houses are being built for the Lapraki people after the earthquake, 2015.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 4: Trek to Khorla Besi (900m) – 7/8 Hrs Trek
Today, the descent on the stone stairs continues till Machha Khola river and gradually starts uphill until Sing La village. On the way, we will have the view of the snow capped mountains almost the whole day and the villages like Gumda, Laprak, Lapu are seen at a distant. From Sing La, the trail descends until Khorla Besi passing through Khorla village.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 5: Trek to Jagat (1340m) – 6 Hrs Trek
As we cross through several steep section open to Budi Gandaki River while passing through herds of mules. It is important to remain on the wall side to avoid being pushed away by the mules carrying the loads. We arrive at Tatopani, a small hotspring from where we cross the Budi Gandaki River through a suspension bridge. As we arrive at Jagat, we will notice the large cliff on both sides. A gate painted with “Welcome to Manaslu Conservation Area” welcomes stand visibly as we walk a bit further to arrive in our lodge.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 6: Trek to Deng (1804m) – 7 Hrs Trek
After our guide takes care of the permits at the checkpoint, we continue our trek through the rocky ridge and several bridges. We see a beautiful village Philim right next to the Budi Gandaki. Crossing the suspension bridge, we take a straight uphill all the way to Philim where we stop over for lunch. The village has a school built by Japanese that you can see while the lunch is being prepared. After lunch we continue through the trails that passes through the village of Ekle Bhatti. After crossing the narrow ridge and narrow trail we arrive at Deng that has few hotels. We spend an overnight here.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 7: Trek to Namrung (2630m) – 7 Hrs Trek
The trail today passes through the forest and Mani after heading west from Budi Gandaki. Crossing Budi Gandaki several times we encounter several monasteries along the way. As we enter the epic section of Manaslu. Crossing few other settlements we arrive at Namrung that is located next to the Budi Gandaki River. You can take a walk around the village or visit the monastery.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 8: Trek to Lho Gaon (3180m) – 7/8 Hrs Trek
The early morning greets you with the sunrise over Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli in the south. After breakfast we will have an easy walk until we cross Lihi village. Just after Lihi village before crossing Hinang River, we head towards the direction of Himal Chuli Base Camp (4020m) at the left for a visit to a beautiful buddhist monastery Hinang Gumba (3120m) and return back the same route to continue towards Lho Gaon.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 9: Trek to Punggen Monastery (4050m) - Samagaon (3520m) - 8hrs Trek
Acclimatization Day: We will start our trek early morning. Easy walk through the pine and rhododendron forest along the river then climb steadily to reach Syala village. From here, we continue towards the suspension bridge. After crossing it, we head towards Punggen Monastery leaving the trail that heads towards Samagaon. The monastery is situated at the lap of the Manaslu mountain. You are rewarded with the 360° view of the mountains like Manaslu, Hiuchuli, Nadi Chuli (Peak 29) and Rani Peak. After taking some pictures and enjoying the view, we descend down the same trail and continue towards Samagaon.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3875m) – 4 Hrs Trek
Today is relatively a short walk passing through Birendra Lake and heading northwest of valley as we encounter the chortens and mani walls along the way. We arrive at Samdo in about 4 hours after which you have the rest of the day to yourself.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 11: Trek to Larkyay Phedi (4460m) – 4 Hrs Trek
A short and easy walk to Larkyay Phedi from Samdo takes about 4 hours. We cross a wooden bridge as we start ascending from here. Along the way, we can witness the Larkyay Glacier. We continue climbing as we arrive at a guest house in Larkyay Phedi which is also known locally as Dharmasala, there are some isolated tea houses.Overnight in Lodge
Day 12: Trek to Bimthang (3590m) – 9/10 Hrs Trek
Today can be regarded as one of the most challenging days of the whole trek. After climb for a short while we get spectacular views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. As we ascend towards the pass the trails becomes steeper. Once we arrive at the Larkya Pass (5140M), we are greeted with amazing views of Kangguru, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Namjung Himal, Ratna Chuli and Annapurna II. We descend steep towards Bimthang from here with the view of Manaslu. You need to be careful that some sections while descending are too steep and icy, you are advised to put on your crampons.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 13: Trek to Tilje (2300m) – 7 Hrs Trek
As the hard part of the trek is over, we head towards Tilje where the trail passes through the dense rhododendron forest and fields slowly coming into sight. Arriving in the Manang district, we are in the restricted part of the Manang after Nar Phu. We continue our trek further down to Gowa where we will have lunch and continue descending towards Tilje.Overnight in Lodge
Meals: BLD
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (1963m), Drive to Besisahar and Then to Kathmandu
The last day of trip, we start up early following the trail to Dharapani about 1hour. Here, we take the 4x4 jeep to Besisahar. At Besisahar we will take another vehicle to get back to Kathmandu. We will check into our comfortable rooms and enjoy the hot showers and freshen up.Overnight in Hotel
Meals: BLD
Day 15: Free Day in Kathmandu
We deserve a free day where we can relax in our hotel garden with some chilled beers or go for a full day sightseeing that can be arranged upon request.Overnight in Hotel
Meals: B
Day 16: International Departure
Depending on your flight time, our airport check in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12PM. In case our flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel. Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.Meals: B
Essential Info
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.Eating & Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.
Although meat is available in the tea houses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.
Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
More Info
This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.
Though technically harder than Mera Peak, for those with the necessary experience this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit. The climb requires strong lungs and a great deal of will power - it is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. We cross the glacier roped up (there is one ladder to cross), and then come to a 200m steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to a 20m summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. There are fixed ropes up the headwall (approximately 200m) and along the summit ridge. On the ascent you will need to use a jumar and on the descent you will need to use an abseil device.
Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group. We ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.
The climb itself is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo and the main trail itself crosses three modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys - all of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high.
Equipment Checklist
Our Specialist
Mountaineering
Trekking
Emergency Contact
How to Book
We like to offer a personalized service to our clients – you can contact us by email or telephone any time. Please let us know if you wish to chat with us via Skype, Whatsapp or Viber and we can connect with you at a time that is suitable for you and us, depending on where you are in the world and the timezone you are in.
Check availability:
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
To Book
Let us know which trip you would like to join. For trips that require a certain level of skills and prior experience, we will ask you to provide us with details so that we know the trip is the right one for you.We will send you a form for you to complete your personal details, medical and fitness information. We will also send you our bank details for you to make payment – we will tell you how much and how to pay.
When you are ready, simply complete the form and send it back to us and let us know once you have deposited the relevant funds into our bank account.
We will send you back a written acknowledgement and other information about your trip such as a gear list and any other relevant information specific to your trip.
Of course, at any time leading up to your trip, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us as we will want to give you as much information as you need so that you can feel comfortable and excited about your forthcoming adventure.
We look forward to having you on an adventure with us!