Manaslu Expedition
Trip overview
Manaslu Expedition, in full
Manaslu Expedition itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Everest Region
- Duration
- 55 days
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Max elevation
- 8163 m
- Group size
- 1-14 people
- Activities
- Scenic Flight, Driving Trekking and Climbing
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport
Namaste and welcome to Nepal, the land of the Himalayas. At Tribhuvan International Airport, our team greets you warmly and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively mountaineering hub. Streets buzz with climbers, trekking shops, and fluttering prayer flags. In the evening, a traditional Nepali dinner with cultural dance introduces you to the spirit of your journey.
- 2
Kathmandu Preparation & Sightseeing
Over two days, the expedition team finalizes permits, logistics, and equipment checks. Guided sightseeing takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu — Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath, spiritual blessings before you enter the mountains. Evenings are free for shopping or rest.
- 3
A Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
A long drive west follows the Trisuli River before winding into the Manaslu region. Terraced fields, rivers, and small villages line the road. By evening, you arrive in Soti Khola, the gateway to the Manaslu Circuit trek.
- 4
Trek begins from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
The trek begins with trails winding through forests and along the Budhi Gandaki River. Waterfalls cascade down cliffs as you cross suspension bridges. By afternoon, you reach Machha Khola, a small settlement surrounded by rice terraces.
- 5
Moving towards the Jagat
The path climbs gradually through lush hills and crosses several bridges. Small Gurung and Magar villages dot the trail, offering cultural glimpses of local life. Jagat is a charming stone village and official checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- 6
Ascend to Deng from Jagat
The trail climbs steadily, entering denser forests and crossing rivers. Snowy peaks appear faintly in the distance, reminding you of the greater heights to come. You arrive in Deng, a village with Tibetan influences.
- 7
From Deng, Trek to Namrung
Passing mani walls and Buddhist chortens, you climb higher into alpine terrain. The air grows cooler, and the villages feel more Tibetan in culture and architecture. At Namrung, stone houses sit beneath towering pine forests.
- 8
Heading towards Sama Gaon
Today’s trek is one of the most scenic. Surrounded by alpine ridges, glaciers, and snow peaks, you arrive in Sama Gaon, a Tibetan-influenced village and the cultural heart of the region. Here, you catch your first close views of Manaslu (8,163 m) towering above.
- 9
Rest & Acclimatization at Sama Gaon
Two days are spent resting, acclimatizing, and exploring. Short hikes to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint help prepare your lungs for higher altitude. The village offers cultural immersion with monasteries, yak pastures, and warm Sherpa hospitality.
- 10
Base Camp Rest, Puja Ceremony & Training
Days are spent acclimatizing and preparing for the climb. A Puja ceremony is held by Sherpa lamas, blessing the team with safety on the mountain. Training sessions refresh technical skills: fixed rope use, crevasse rescue, and ice climbing techniques.
- 11
Ascending to Manaslu Base Camp
Leaving Sama Gaon, you climb through rocky moraines and alpine meadows. By afternoon, you reach Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m), set at the foot of the glacier with sweeping views of Manaslu’s north face. Here begins true expedition life - tents, dining halls, and the hum of climbers preparing for the climb.
- 12
Climbing Period : Mount Manaslu
The climbing route follows the Northeast Face, a mixture of steep snow slopes, glacier travel, and exposed ridges. Four camps are established above Base Camp: ● Camp I (5,700 m): A long glacier walk and crevasse navigation. ● Camp II (6,400 m): Reached via steep ice and fixed ropes. ● Camp III (6,800 m): A challenging section with avalanche risk and ice cliffs. ● Camp IV (7,400 m): Launch point for the summit push. Summit Day (8,163 m): Beginning around midnight, climbers ascend steep icy ridges and wind-swept slopes. After 8–12 hrs of climbing, you stand on the summit of Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The panorama includes Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and eve
- 13
Return to Sama Gaon
After dismantling Base Camp, you trek down to Sama Gaon. The warmth of the village contrasts beautifully with the icy solitude of high camps.
- 14
Descend to Namrung from Sama Gaon
Retracing your steps, you descend through alpine valleys and forests, enjoying richer oxygen levels and easier trails.
- 15
Return trek from Namrung to Deng
The descent continues through Tibetan-style villages and mani walls. At Deng, you enjoy the cultural and natural beauty of the lower valley.
- 16
Descend Back to Soti Khola
A long day retracing your route along rivers and forests, eventually reaching Soti Khola, where your trekking circuit began.
- 17
Drive back to Kathmandu
Return by road along river valleys and terraced hillsides. Arriving in Kathmandu, the bustle of the city feels alive after weeks in the wilderness. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with Sherpas and teammates.
- 18
Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight. As your plane soars over the Himalayas, you carry home memories of glaciers, high camps, Sherpa chants, and the triumph of standing on Manaslu (8,163 m). Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online
