Manasalu Circuit Trek

Places Visited:

Swayambhunath

kathmandu, Nepal

Patan Durbar Square

kathmandu

Pashupatinath

kathmandu

Bouddha Stupa

kathmandu

Activities:

Sightseeing

The sightseeing program will start from:

Swoyambhunath Stupa

This is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Swayambhu has been listed in the World Heritage Sites. The entire valley was an enormous lake, nagdah, out of which grew a lotus with five colored flame (self-arisen). Lotus was transformed into a hill and the flower became the stupa. It is still believed that the self-arisen flame is covered with dome of Stupa. The place is known as Swayambhu, meaning "Self-Created" over which a stupa was later built. Swayambhu is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal known as 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roaming monkeys. Located at one of the highest elevations in Kathmandu Valley gives panoramic views of the city. The place is praised by Buddha and meditated by several Buddha's as a pure holy site.

Patan

- City of fine arts

-Three main courtyards

It is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu and a destination of fine arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. Patan City is an enchanting mixture of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and former palace complex. Most of the monuments are back to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century as the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. Krishna Mandir- a stone temple of Lord Krishna with its 21 spires and bas-relief art depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics and surrounding Hindu and Buddhist temples. The main highlights are the Golden Gate and the Golden Window of the old Palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone, Royal Taleju temple, Vishwanath Temple and Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal located at the banks of holy Bagmati River. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. The place for different festival like Maha Shivaratri and Teej where thousands of devotees celebrate. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus throughout the world. The area is swarmed in by the Hindus from different part of the country. The two-storied pagoda temple of Pashupathinath houses the five-faced statue of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine, there are numerous temples dedicated to different god and goddess in and around the Pashupatinath temple area. This temple is an important destination for art historians. It displays a variety of temple design some of which are Dome style, Pagoda style, Shikhara style and so on. Cremation site here draws attention of many who really thrive to explore cultural & spiritual aspects of death rituals of Hindus.

Boudha stupa

Bouddha Stupa is the largest and most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet forming a religion and culture hub for the Tibetan and people from the Himalayas of Nepal. The Stupa was on the ancient trade route from Tibet. The Stupa is claimed to have the relic of Kasyapa Buddha, the third Buddha of the Bhadrakalpa. Boudha Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site significant for its historic and architectural significance, with sprouting monasteries and craftsmanship. It is said that the stupa is built by the mother Jyajhima, a poultry woman. She was very poor despite her poverty she had an intense desire for building a stupa. The mother passed away after she completed up to the vase, the dome-like structure. She had four sons, and the construction of the rest of the Stupa was completed by four sons. After they finished it, they all stood up in front of it and made prayers. Everyone made their wishes. When they were praying, all the buddhas and bodhisattvas were absorbed into the stupa, which is why the name of the stupa is also “All-Encompassing.” The stupa is a semicircular white dome and the towering spire, with unblinking eyes painted on each side that stares into the four directions. The overall shape represents a Buddhist mandala (a cosmological map) and the path towards enlightenment, as well as the mythical center of the cosmos, Mount Meru. The four Dhyani Buddha signifies the crucial points, and the fifth, Vairocana is enshrined in the central white hemisphere of the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, represents the stages that human beings must pass through to achieve nirvana. The triangular shape is the abstract for the elements of fire. Every portion has a symbolic significance: the base, dome, spire, and pinnacle represent the five elements. It is said that the stupa contains a piece of bone from the skeleton of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha

Places Visited:

Machhekhola

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Trip on a Vehicle

The formal long journey begins today with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machhekhola as we drive along various landscapes of the hilly region to arrive at starting point of our trek. After the breakfast you will be picked up by a vehicle for Machhekhola, Gorkha, through the trail of Prithvi Highway until Malekhu. From here we will cross Trishuli River and head northwards to Dhading, travelers will pass through bumpy roads and highways via Dhadingbesi, Gyalabhanjyang (hillpass), Aarughat bazar, aarkhet, Sotikhola to Machhekhola. The journey will be accompanied by incredible views of snowcapped mountains including Ganesh Himal and Mt.Manasalu. As we reach Aarughat bazar we will drive through the bank of Budhi Gandaki River, around various narrow Cliffside road to arrive at Sotikhola, a beautiful settlement of the region. From here we will drive another 1.5hrs to reach Machhekhola to settle down for the night. We can explore the region in the evening and observe beautiful views of snowcapped mountains.

Places Visited:

Jagat Gorkha

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Trekking

Today is the day we actually start our trekking. After breakfast our journey begins with gradual uphill trail by crossing Machhekhola over a suspension bridge first. Gentle climb takes you to Banshi Khola and then Tatopani, natural hot springs. Be prepared for ups & downs on trails as we are walking through forest will bring us to Doban, a confluence of two rivers (shari khola & sharpu khola) then descending to the level of Budhi Gandaki River. Again climbing slightly uphill we will arrive at Jagat, a beautiful paddy field. Jagat is a traditional village settlement where you can enjoy local culture and lifestyle while staying with hospitable locals overnight.

Places Visited:

Deng

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Trekking

After having breakfast we will continue on our trail which passes through various points to arrive at Budhi gandaki riverbank observing beautiful landscapes of nature. Crossing suspension bridge over Budhigandakai rive leads us to Philim, a large Gurung village where you can see many stupas, monasteries, chhortens, prayer flags. While continuing further we will pass through various flora and fauna of the region including pines and rhododendrons. Continuing on same trail accompanied with enchanting views around we will reach Deng, another incredible village settlement from where you will have a magical views of snowcapped mountains. Enjoy the scenery and have rest as you might have been tired of all day walk. Overnight stay in Jagat.

Places Visited:

Namrung

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Sightseeing

As Sun rises, get fueled up with powerful mountain breakfast as we are going to make another day a very adventurous and memorable. We will first walk on winding path of various small village settlements of Deng. Then continuing on same trail uphill and downhill we will reach Log Bridge, crossing it over to reach isolated watermill. From this point we will descend to Bihi phedi and cross Serang Khola over a small bridge. The winding routes will take you to Basalt walls, pass through maize and wheat fields as well as small waterfalls. After crossing a suspension bridge over a beautiful valley river, we will arrive at Ghap, pass through lush green forest with rhododendron and pine trees. Then trail is descending to the level of river bank and continuing walking alongside the river, crossing it and continuing a while through the bank of river will bring a Namrung village. This incredible village is also the gateway to upper Nurpi. The culture in the region is relatively well influenced by Himalayan Buddhism. Overnight stay at Namrung.

Places Visited:

Lho

Kaski, Nepal

Activities:

Trekking

We will continue our journey after the breakfast with a commitment to reach Lho. Our path takes us through beautiful Lihi village, then reach Sho crossing stream which originates from Lindada glacier while enjoying the views of Simnang Himal (6251m). Overall the trail provides us a majestic views of snowcapped mountains including peak 29, Mt. Manasalu, up close views of glaciers from moraine is really outstanding. Once you reach Lho, you can start exploring this beautiful village settlement with large Gompa where many children study primary education and Buddhism. Hilltop provides you an amazing and probably the best view of Mt.Manasalu as well as can observe Fishtail Mountain. Overnight stay at Lho.

Places Visited:

Samagaun

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Trekking

Today’s trail goes through forested path and barley fields to begin with after powered up with mountain breakfast until we reach Lihi. During this period of our hike, we will observe beautiful views of snowcapped mountain including Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli. Today’s trail is comparatively short and easy until Shyala village. From Shyala we will walk almost an hour gentle uphill to reach Samagaun by crossing a suspension bridge over Numa Khola. Once you reach Samagaun, you will no longer see mountain views however you will be attracted to beautiful settlements and yak pastures. Samagaun is the principle village of Nubri people

Places Visited:

Samagaun

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Today we are to have a rest for one whole day to acclimatize ourselves to high altitude environment. That doesn’t mean we are going to stay idle, rather we will set on to explore Samagaon in its entirety. If you are really willing you can opt to hike for sometimes to explore rich Sherpa culture, visit various monasteries in the region including Labrang Gompa and Kargya Chholing Monastery. Additionally you can also hike up to Pungeon Gompa and be enchanted with the breathtaking views of Mt. Manasalu, Pungeon Gompa and Nadi River. Once you have completed all activities you will return back to your Hotel for overnight stay.

Places Visited:

Samdo

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Trekking

After the breakfast the trail begins for today on descending path to Budhi Gandaki along the base camp trail which passes through Juniper trees before descending to a wooden bridge. We will pass several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. After crossing the bridge we will climb uphill to a ridge, then we will walk through various barren lands observing majestic views of snowcapped Mountain, Dharmashala and Siachen glacier as we almost close to Tibetan border. Walking further enjoying the beautiful views will get you to Samdo village where you will spend overnight.

Activities:

Trekking

Once you are fueled up with mountain breakfast, we will start today’s trekking that passes through various landscapes. The trail first leads us to a seasonal Tibetan market called ‘Larkya bazar’, descend to Budhi Gandaki River, cross wooden bridge and walk upward crossing two streams while witnessing Larke glacier. Then heading towards the valley of Salka khola and climbing up again finally get us to Dharmashala, a place to spend overnight. The place is best for views of snowcapped mountain including Larke and Naike peaks.

Places Visited:

Bimtang

Gorkha,Nepal

Larke La Pass

Manang

Activities:

Trekking

Have a powered breakfast because we are going to hike longer for today. Today is a very special day as we will walk on highest point of our trail, Larkya La Pass (5160m.). The walk might be quite challenging in snow and bad weather, yet doable. This day you got to wake up quite early & leave teahouse because our target will be to cross Larkya La Pass before lunch. This is of course challenging but if you walk steadily you will make it up to Pass successfully and number of rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, and beautiful valley will keep you going. Once you stand at Larkya Pass, you will witness stunning views of Himlung (7126m.) near Tibet, Kangaru (6981m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and many more as you will feel completely spellbound. After spending our special time at pass we will walk down for three hours towards Bimtang for an overnight stay. Great views of huge icefalls and mountains in all directions, Pongkar Glacier Lake will accompany you while descending.

Places Visited:

Dharapani Gorkha

Gorkha,Nepal

Activities:

Trekking

Today is the last day we will be walking on the trail of Manasalu circuit. We will start descending to Budi Gandaki River and cross it over to enter the rhododendron forest which leads to cultivated area called ‘Karche’ on top of Budhi Gandaki valley. Walking further in next couple of hours you will walk through quite rough trail with the signs of glacial flood with tree trunks smashed and bank undermined. Walking further you will be dropped to Tilije (Gurung Gau), a real village after Samdo. This village is also famous for brandy. Continuing further passing several Mani walls we will reach Thonje village then enter to Dharapani. Overnight stay at Dharapani.

Places Visited:

Kathmandu

kathmandu, Nepal

Activities:

Trip on a Vehicle

Today is the last day of our entire trekking. After an early breakfast we will catch a local bus to reach Beshishahar. From Beshishahar a private vehicle will be arranged to transport you to Kathmandu where you can enjoy and relax a modern comfort which you might have been missing for long days. In the evening, our office will organize a farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural performance. Cheers, dance and enjoy.

Activities:

Farewell

Our office representative will see you off at the airport. It’s time to say ‘See you again’. Have a nice and safe flight.