Manaslu to Tillicho Trek-25 days

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Trip Introduction

A fantastic Manaslu to Tilicho trek provide unique itinerary links the trek around Manaslu with a traverse of the northern Annapurna range to Jomsom and explore the "Great Barrier". You ascend to the foot of the North Face of Manaslu and crossing two remote passes; the Larkya pass (5,135m/16,847ft), is one of Nepal's best-kept secrets and the Tilicho Lake & Meso Kanto La (5,300m/17,388ft). You are rewarded with a stunning panorama and finest aspects of spectacular massifs.Your Manaslu to Tilicho trek begin in the ancient town of Kathmandu; from where you will board a bus to Arughat and follows the meandering Buri Gandaki River northwards to the village of Deng. Although quite board initially, the valley soon narrows down and you soon find that you are clambering high above the river on fantastic paths which cling precariously to the hillsides. This part of Nepal sees only a handful of trekkers each year and you can expect the trails to be less crowded. As you progress further northwards the valley opens up to reveal delightful alpine meadows and small Tibetan villages that are found in a cluster beneath sweeping North Face of Manaslu. You continue through Jagat, Gap Pu and Sho, typical Tibetan villages with rows of the prayer wheels and Mani stones. The trail eventually reaches Samagaon, the largest and most important village of this region. This is a key staging post for expedition teams attempting to climb Manaslu and the mountain from here is outstanding.

From the Samagaon you head west & cross the Larkya La (5,135m/16,847ft), a classic pass linking the Buri Gandaki with the Marsyangdi Valley, with farm lands forming a part of the old trading route between Manang and Tibet. From the top of this pass you are rewarded with a stunning panorama looking towards Himlung Himal (7,126m/23,379ft), Manaslu & the Annapurna peaks, with the peaks of Ganesh Himal (7,406m/24,298ft) rounding off the east. The descent passes through the alpine meadows of Bimtang to join the renowned Annapurna Circuit at Thonje. Tillman first surveyed this region in 1950 on his reconnaissance of Annapurna. After following the traditional Annapurna Circuit route for three days to Manang the trek continues to the remote Tilicho Lake & Meso Kanto La (5,300m/17,388ft) sometimes called the Tilicho pass, which provides a direct route to the Kali Gandaki valley. Tilicho Lake lies below the 'Great Barrier' and it was this huge wall of snow and ices that thwarted Herzog's initial approach to Annapurna in 1950. This fabled region has only just been opened up to trekking groups and yours will be one of the first groups to visit this area. Tremendous views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft) can be seen as the trail descends down to Jomsom, where an exciting mountain flight and transports you back to Kathmandu.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Altitude Chart

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will officially greet and meet you at Airport & transfer you to Hotel Shanker or similar category hotel. You will have leisure time, followed by an evening welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).

Day 02: Kathmandu - Trek preparation and sightseeing
Half-day guided city tours (tour includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Syambunath Stupa, Pashupati Nath Temple - Hindu Temple & Buddha Nath - The biggest Buddha Stupa in ancient Kathmandu). Afternoon pre-trip discussion of the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat: 8-9 hours
Early morning we leave Kathmandu for our trek to Manaslu. Drive by local bus to Arughat through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. Arughat is the largest village of this river basin. Explore the surrounding area and overnight in Arughat (550m/1,804ft).

Day 04: Arughat to Soti Khola: 6-7 hours
Your trek follows the river Budhi Gandaki toward its point of origin. You pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat River. After Arkhat you ascend slowly toward Kyoropani. Camp today near the confluence of Soti River - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath. Overnight in Soti Khola (750m/2,461ft). In Nepali language Khola means river.

Day 05: Soti Khola to Machha Khola: 7-8 hours
The trail descends slowly until you climb again to mountain ridge to Almara. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts into another side of the river to enter Budhi Gandaki. At Lambesi, the trail follows down to the sandy riverbed of Budhi Gandaki. Camp tonight at Machha River (890m/2,920ft).

Day 06: Machha Khola to Jagat: 6-7 hours
Cross Machha River and head upstream along the river's edge. After crossing Khola besi, there is a hot spring called "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area after this toward Doban. Below Doban, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation. Overnight in Jagat(1,350m/4,429ft).

Day 07: Jagat to Deng: 6-7 hours
Ascend a rocky ridge up to Salleri then to Setibas. The trail follows the best and new route to Manaslu via Ngyak. Then the trail goes ahead to Ganesh Himal Base Camp. Later on, the trail reaches to Serson. Now the trail enters a steep uninhabited gorge and descends through grassy slopes dotted with tall Pine trees via Budhi Gandaki. Further on, the tiny village Deng comes after crossing a bamboo forest and Deng Khola. Overnight in Deng (1,960m/6,430ft).

Day 08: Deng to Ghap: 5-6 hours
After breakfast you cross Budhi Gandaki again and climb up, pass a waterfall, cross a stream, and continue to climb ahead to Shringi Khola; cross it and reach Ghap (Tsak). Overnight in Ghap (2,380m/7,808ft).

Day 09: Ghap to Namrung: 4-5 hours
The trail crosses over Budhi Gandaki enters woods then it climbs up to Budhi Gandaki valley. The trek climbs over a big rock, continues up through deep fir and rhododendron forest, and then enters Namrung. Overnight in Namrung(2,700m/8,858ft).

Day 10: Namrung to Sama Gompa: 4-5 hours
You follow to Nupri region; the trail passes Barcham and crosses Hinan Khola and reaches to Sho. The trail then follows to Lho and drops down across Damonan Khola. Ascend again to a plateau at Shya. Crossing a ridge the trail descends onto a rock - strewn moraine and goes onto a ridge over looking pastures and fields of Samagaon. The Sama Gompa is nestled against a wooded moraine at the end of the valley. Overnight in Sama Gompa (3,360m/11,024ft).

Day 11: Sama Gompa: rest day
Today is rest day for ?acclimatization?. You can spend the day taking a day walk hike to lake, monastery or by relaxing and exploring Sama Gompa village. This is big Tibetan community. You will see fabulous view of Manaslu. Overnight in Sama Gompa

Day 12: Sama Gompa to Samdo: 3-4 hours
Descend to Budhi Gandaki and to Manaslu Base Camp. The Larkya La trail passes several Mani walls and reaches Kermo Kharka. The trail then climbs steeply to find Samdo nestled behind a ridge. Overnight in Samdo (3,780m/12,402ft).

Day 13: Samdo to Larkya Rest House: 4-5 hours
Go further on to Larkya La. The trail forwards and climbs in and out of the gorge and reaches the only shelter on the route to the pass, Larkya Rest House. Overnight in Larkya Rest House (4,200m/13,780ft).

Day 14: Larkya Rest House o Larkya La to Bimtang: 7-9 hours
Today you have very early breakfast and start untimely. The trail reaches at the top of the moraine at 4,700m (15,420ft) and climbs steeply to the pass at 5,135m (16,847ft). Then the trail descends to Bimtang (" Plain of Sand" in Tibetan Language). This huge valley surrounded by high peaks. Overnight in Bimtang (2,200m/7,218ft).

Day 15: Bimtang to Bagarchhap: 7-8 hours
The trek descends to Dudh Khola and reaches Gho crossing Pine and Rhododendron forests. At the foot of the valley, part of Lamjung Peak above the Marsyangdi valley comes into sight. The trail continues to Bagarchhap via Tilje and Thonje villages. Overnight in Bagarchhap (1,992m/6,535ft).

Day 16: Bagarchhap to Chame: 4-5 hours
Today you will negotiate a few steep forested ridges, along with several landslides on route, remember to look up though, as you will receive some sensational views of major Himalayan peaks of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs relief your long day trek. Overnight in Chame (2,710m/8,891ft).

Day 17: Chame-Pisang: 5-6 hours
A steep, narrow path through a very dense forest will bring you to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up you will be surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. Overnight in Pisang (3,700m/12,139ft).

Day 18: Pisang to Manang: 4-5 hours
Enter the upper Manang region, where you will notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation. The cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Incredible views of the towering Himalayan Peaks. Overnight in Manang (3,500m/11,482ft).

Day 19-22: Manang to Tilicho Lake to Meso Kanto La -Jomsom
From Manang one heads out through the western gates and then one follows the path down to the river. Cross it and continue on the south side of it through coniferous forest towards Khangsar. One section is across a steep and exposed scree slope. Cross the Khangsar Khola on the bridge below Khangsar and ascend the slope to the village. Continue from Khangsar on a large path. Pass a Gompa (monastery). The route ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend towards the line of the ridge. The former is the old path, and is much more difficult as it goes on really steep scree; the latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. Continue along the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switch backs carved out through the scree slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp.

From Tilicho Base Camp the path continues up along moraine ridges and grassy slopes to some large switch backs carved out of the slope. Reach the watershed. On the other side is Tilicho Lake. Camp sites are found on its north eastern shore. To go this far is rather uncomplicated. The route ahead is more far more complicated and demanding. There are two ways ahead. One may cross the glaciers that come down from Tilicho Himal. Unless one is a party with complete ice climbing gear, and the competence to use it, this should only be attempted when the glacier is bare so all crevasses are visible. The second way traverses no less than three minor passes in the mountains north of the lake. This account covers that route. Continue along the shore to a little plain. Leave the lake here and aim for a small saddle in the ridge above. The path is rather steep and there is plenty of lose scree and boulders. The first pass Reach and descend to a valley on the other side. Follow it upwards and step on to a flat glacier. It has no crevasses and is safe. Follow its left (south) side upwards. Leave it where an obvious saddle westwards is visible. Go through this watershed. There is a little lake.

Continue ahead on a faint path, lose a little altitude, and then gain another saddle. On the other side one descends in to a small valley that turns south. Coming out off it one has reached the western shore of Tilicho Lake. See Addendum. From here the path follows a partly dry valley westwards. It is also possible to follow the ridge of a glacial moraine. South of it is a rubble covered glacier. Reach the watershed. Cairns. Here it is absolutely essential not to go straight ahead. If one does one walks straight into a restricted area! The correct route goes up a steep scree slope (switch backs) north of the lowest watershed. Use the great gendarme as a land mark. The correct route goes just north of it. Reach the crest of the ridge. etc.

Descend on an obvious path on the other side. It goes in faint switch backs down a very steep scree slope. It would be a crux if snow covered, or icy. Below it one holds slightly north, rounding a spur, and enters a larger basin. Descend to its bottom, there is a stream, and continue, past a kharka, holding slightly right to reach a point where a ridge with trees goes out in the valley. It goes in a long traverse along the northern slopes high above Lampoghyan Khola towards Thini, reaching the valley floor first at Thini. One passes a couple of kharkas (summer pastures) and the path progressively becomes better the closer one gets to Thini. Continue short trek to Jomsom for overnight. This will be the last night for you to get mutually with all of your fellow trekkers. It will be a good idea that all of the group members go for a farewell dinner party. You can have a good time with two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' or 'Rakshi or Jomsom brandi.' Enjoy evening with your crewmembers in the Nepali way.

Day 23: Jomsom to Pokhara: 25 minutes by flight
After the breakfast, your trekking crews will help you carry your duffel bags to the airport and offer farewell for the last time. Our representative in Jomsom will make all the arrangements for your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Transfer to your hotel in Pokhara lake side. Onward times free for you.

Day 24: Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hours
Early morning drive to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel; the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu and evening celebration dinner together. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 25: Farewell Friend
Today the journey comes to an end. There's nothing to do but trade emails with your new friends, organize all your photos and finally depart from Nepal. Or get ready for the next adventure

What's Included

Himalayan Glacier Trekking has a philosophy with trip inclusions as much as possible is included so HGT customers know the total cost of the adventure trip up front.

All domestic flight, hotel/airport transfer
Deluxe Shanker Hotel or similar category hotel at Kathmandu
All ground transportation by private vehicles
All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks no extra charge for single travelers
Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bag (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
Welcome & farewell dinner
All porterage costs
All cost for a Himalayan Glacier leader(First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking) and sherpa, a sherpa assistance leader(s) and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek
All necessary paper works and permits.
Travel & Rescue arrangements
Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
All government and local taxes if necessary.
Himalayan Glacier Kit Bag

What's Not Included

Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)/ International airfare to & from home city/
Excess baggage charges
Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu.
Travel and rescue insurance
Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures.
Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
Tips for guides and porters.
Optional trips and sightseeing if extend

Health & Experience Requirements

Walking in this high land of Annapurna & Manaslu region usually require maximum 6-8 hours of walking everyday; Climbing to the high mountain and crossing Larkya La (5213m/17103ft) & Meso Kanto La (5099m/16729ft) are the challenging section of your adventure and need long hours of walking. You should be prepared max 14 Km of walking or jugging exercise everyday 3 months before your wonderful Manaslu Trek starts because you are walking on high altitude for long and short days. And also you must need a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking experience preferred and technical experience preferred. You must have lots of willpower, tolerance of harsh conditions and reasonable fitness, good health and physical condition are the basic measure of your success. It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to HG Trekking at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Himalayan Glacier reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don't arrange or sell insurance. For more information

Accommodations

Accommodations are included in the trip cost and HG Trekking has chosen. During the Manaslu to Tilicho Trek you will spend three nights at 4 -star in Kathmandu (Shanker hotel) or similar category hotel, one night 3-4 star hotel in Pokhara and 18 nights comfortable two men camping tent, foam mattress, 4 season sleeping bag will be provided. We maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. All hotel accommodations & tent is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; at no extra charge. On request single supplement will be charge US$275.

Toilet Facilities - On trek, toilet facilities are available near by your tent is an optimum distance in a toilet tent. After use of such facilities, wastes will be cover with necessary natural preservation.

Meals

Freshly cook Meals on full board basis will be provided by our experienced and trained cook during the trek with high level of balance diet, hygiene and safety. Three meals (Nepali, Sherpa, and Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cousins) will be provided from the camp according HG Trekking's menu. Each day dinner and breakfast will be provided in the same camp you spend the night. Lunch camp will be fixed on a pleasant surrounding.

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Manaslu to Tillicho Trek certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Acclimatization

Our Manaslu to Tilicho Trek itinerary is planned with a high degree of minimization of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to kill. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is in the air. While crossing Larkya La (5213m/17103ft) & Mesonkantu La (5099m/16729ft) are the challenging section of your trek and require days of acclimatization, hence your trek itinerary is gradually ascending getting up these height where you expect 40% less oxygen than at sea level. Your body needs many days to adapt to this, so for a safe trek it absolutely essential to allow for sufficient time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS.

We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.

Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff

HGT itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS but it is important to remember, some people can be more susceptible than others.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

Himalayan Glacier only employs and train Nepalese leaders and local staff. By employing and training local people they put something back into their communities. HGT currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your Manaslu Trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.

Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
Trekking Guide Training - Nepal Government's Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
English Language - KEEP
Conservation & Biodiversity - KEEP
Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Our Trek Leaders obviously speak the English language but consider this is not our mother language and this enables a HGT traveler to pick up and use a few of the local greetings and get first hand experience of the local culture. The guides and porters know the route direction like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and it shows.

Our operation is smooth as a safety concern; there will be one Leader, one assistance leader and one sherpa porter on each group of two. This ensure if in case one get sick, it would not disturb the itinerary, the trip still running as plan as in itinerary. And please understand that our group start from 2 and maximum it goes up to 10 which is good team to communicate and facilitate in every manner.

Porters Protection: Each trekker is allowed his/her gear bag weighted not exceeding 15kgs/33 pounds that Himalayan Glacier Trekking strongly stand on porters rights and solely against any exploitation on its operation. And we are closely working with IPPG (International Porters Progress Group)

Responsible tourism practice: Trekking are gently in the Himalayas during the recent days, areas like Everest, Annapurna & Langtang. We therefore do our best to reduce minimal impact on each trip to the mountain and all Himalayan Glacier trips aim for "zero footprint" impact on the natural environment and the people who live off its resources. We enforce a number of do"s and don"ts for our customers and staff when out in the wilderness. Himalayan Glacier Trekking and Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) had done some clean up campaign in the past and support its other environment awareness activities. read more...

Pre Trip Meeting

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.

Best Season

Trekking season
The best months are September, October & November during the Autumn season and after mid March, April & May during the spring season are consider as the best seasons for attempting trekking crossing Larkya La (5213m/17103ft) & Mesonkantu La (5099m/16729ft) section. Early winter Mesokantu La might be icy while crossing and normally closed. During the winter months these two passes will be closed for normal trekkers.

Trip Start Dates & Price

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: US telephone: 704-200-7512 Asia telephone: 00977-98510-55684

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