GUIDELINE AND INFORMATION ALL ABOUT MT. MANASLU BASE CAMP

‘enjoy the adventure and thrills to the base of world’s 8 th highest peaks’

• Major highlights before the introduction of Mt. Manaslu Base Camp.
• One of the most exciting adventures either for treks or mountaineering
• Located between the massive peaks of Annapurna, Lamjung and Ganesh Himal.
• Least explored regions of Upper Manaslu en route world’ 8 th highest Mt. Manaslu.
• Trek from green forest to sheer mountain wilderness of ice, snow, and glaciers.
• Stand beneath the towering Mt. Manaslu with an array of adjoining giant peaks.
• Adventurous and scenic walks in the harmony of fascinating Buddhist cultures.

OVERVIEWS & INTRODUCTION:

Mt. Manaslu, the world’s 8 th highest peak with its massive ranges of peaks, extends towards Ganesh Himal in the east. Annapurna and Lamjung Himal towards west directions, stand high above the mid-green hills of Gorkha District. Located within the Gandaki Zone around Far North Mid-Western Nepal,
Mt. Manaslu towers high at 8,163 m/26,781 feet, the first ascent was on May 09th1956, by the Japanese Expedition. As well with the great support of an expert Nepali guide Norbu Sherpa, truly a classic mountaineering feat.

The name Manaslu is derived from the ancient Sanskrit language as ‘Manas’. Which means the mind and soul of a god and holy spirits. Similar to the holy Lake of Manasarover in Tibet-China across the northern border from Manaslu Valley. The native calls Kutang for Manaslu, of Tibetan origin language, which means a flourishing land. To yield and harvest high altitude major crops wheat, buckwheat
and barley, as well as for livestock. In the early days before 1970, it was a major Trans Himalayan Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet. Caravans of Yaks, mules passed through the Manaslu Valley laden with goods from both sides of the borders.

The trade still exists, but in smaller ways after Tibet was annexed with mainland China in the early 1960’s. The Upper Manaslu was closed for foreign visitors and adventurers, and then it was opened from 1991. Where all trekkers and climbers require a special permit to enter Upper Manaslu
Valley from Jagat Village onwards. Includes entrance fees for MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area), also. To safeguard and preserve its pristine environment enriched with exotic flora and fauna.

THE ROUTES AND ITINERARY FOR MANASLU BASE CAMP TREKKING:

Manaslu Base Camp, is located off the main trail of the famous and popular Manaslu Circuit routes. However, all trekkers need to reach Sama-Gaon, the major village around Upper Manaslu Valley at 3, 520m/11,548 feet. Sama Gaon is a perfect place and height for acclimatization, before heading to
higher ground. Either towards Mt. Manaslu Base Camp or for crossing high
Larke-La Pass to reach Manang areas. Most trekkers and mountaineers spend an extra or more for acclimatization, as well as to explore its scenic viewpoints.

Manaslu Circuit trek or Manaslu Base Camp Trek begins with overland journey to Maccha Khola 890m/ 2,920 ft. Located Nepal Mid-West at Gorkha District of Gandaki Zone. The drive of 6 hours covers a distance of 156 km / 97 miles.  From Machha-Khola the trek begins following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream to Jagat Village. The walking distances of 22.2 kilometers / 13.7 miles, takes more than 6 hours of good walks with steep climbing.

Jagat Village 1,350 m/4,430 ft. the entrance to Upper Manaslu Valley Restricted Area, where all trekkers must obtain special permits. After Jagat the walk heads uphill through lovely alpine forest to Deng at 1,950 m/ approx. 6,398 ft. The air gets cooler amidst the country of Tibetan Buddhist religion and culture. Takes more than 5-6 hours to Deng with mixed trails, and steep ups for some hours. After Deng to the high country Ghap 2,156 m/7,074 ft. via Bhi 3.5 k.m.

It takes more than 6 hours to cover a distance of approx. 17 km / 10.5 miles.  From Ghap to Lo Gaon 3,150 m/10,335 ft. about 06 hours treks covering. Approx.12. km / 7.5 miles. One of the largest and lovely villages with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu. The route, then takes you to the major village at Sama-Gaon, 3, 500 m/m 11,483 feet high. Approx.17 k.m / 10.9 miles. Walking distance of near to 5 to 6
hours. Enjoy the rest day for acclimatization before heading higher elevation to Manaslu Base Camp or beyond towards Larke-La Pass. Towards Mt. Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m/15,748 feet. Approx. 14 km/9 miles. The walks from Sama-Gaon diverts from the main Manaslu Circuit routes, heading south to picturesque higher locations.

An enjoyable and exciting hike, after rest day at Sama Gaon the walk follows to Birendra Tal. A scenic glacial lake just beneath the tumbling glaciers and ice falls of Mt. Manaslu. Walking hours of 4-5 hours, where tented camp needs to be fixed, as there are no lodges or human settlements. Either start preparation for the ascent of Mt. Manaslu takes a minimum of more than a month. To reach the summit adding 3-4 high camps after base camps with good preparations and logistic support. For normal trekkers, just to enjoy the hike and to set foot beneath the world’s 8 the highest Mt. Manaslu. Can return back to Sama-Gaon on the same day, after a long day of hiking taking more than 8 hours.

OPTIONS FOR NON CLIMBERS ASCENT OF MT.MANASLU:

Most normally bypass hike to Mt. Manaslu Base Camp, as it is located off from the main trekking routes. Climbers can prepare for mountaineering expeditions taking more than a month. Non climbers can head back to Sama-Gaon after a great wonderful experience trekking to Mt. Manaslu Base Camp.
For the non-climbers and trekkers visiting Mt. Manaslu will support with acclimatization, especially for trekkers heading beyond high Larke-La Pass. Trekkers can enjoy the walks to Samdo Village about 14 k.m. or approx. 9 miles, takes near to 4-5 hours. The last permanent village and settlements of remote

Gorkha district and Manaslu regions. Located en route to Larke-La Pass via Dharmasala or Larke Phedi, as well on the caravan trail to Tibet border. From Samdo short walks to Dharmasala at about 9 km/ 6 miles, situated in the corner with few tea-houses. Next morning climb towards high Larke-La Pass at
5,106 m/ 16,752 ft. Descent to Bhimthang, a temporary settlement with fine good lodges within Manang district. The trek covers a distance of 24.7 km/15.3 miles, to Bhimthang or Bhimphedi at 3,590 m/11,778 feet. After completing the toughest day on Manaslu Circuit, walk towards lower mid-
hills at Dharapani Village 1,963 m/ 6,440 ft. Located on the mid-ways of the famous Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit routes, it offers good lodge accommodations and food. Dharapani is the finishing point of Manaslu Circuit, then on an exciting overland journey to Kathmandu. Driving distance of approx.
215 km /134 miles takes more than 6-7 hours via Bhesishar Town.

AROUND MANASLU PLACES TO VISIT BESIDES MANASLU BASE CAMP:

Birendra Tal (3,450m/11316ft): Hiking distance of 2 to 3 hours Birendra Tal is a turquoise lake at the foot of the Manaslu glacier. The lake can be visited on the way to Samdo from Sama-Gaon. It is relatively a short diversion from the main trail. Pungent Gompa (Approx. 4, 050 m /11, 316 feet): 5 to 6 hours hike both ways. It is a full day hike, the trail diverts between Shayla and Sama-Gaon.
About an hour to reach a Yak pasture field, and then one and a half hours to reach the Gompa. Located at the end of a wide grassy plateau surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. One of the best spots for views of Mt. Manaslu and its surroundings. The Gompa includes a small prayer hall and some monk dormitories built amidst mountains.

THE BEST SEASONS FOR MANASLU BASE CAMP OR CIRCUIT TREKKING:

The best season is late spring from April to May, and during autumn/fall of September to November. These are the best times to visit Manaslu base camp or for the whole circuit of Manaslu.