Manaslu Pioneer " Jackets Project" Trek

 

MANASLU (8,156 m/ 26,758 ft) literally means “Mountain of Spirit,” and it is the 8th highest mountain in the world, a spectacular snow peak in the Himalayas of Nepal. Some of the best treks in Nepal can be had in the very picturesque Manaslu Region but very few visitors have discovered its rough beauty and rustic, medieval charm. This is because it is located in the remote north-central district of Gorkha where there are limited transportation options by flight or by road.

The cultures and peoples encountered in this region are Gurung (of Gurkha army fame) and Tibetans with smatterings of Tamang, Magar, and Brahmins, Chettris and Newars. Mountains above 6000 m on view from this region are Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Lantang  and Boudha Himal.

When you choose to do this trek, you will be supporting one of our local charity partners, Friends of Singla (FOS); the aim of this organization is to support the residents of Singla, one of the villages along this trek route. Inspired by an American friend, Leeli Bonney of New Hampshire who several years ago started her work helping in the Himalayas by bringing used and new jackets from USA to villages in the Lower Solu Khumbu region, we would like to initiate a “jackets project” for Singla Village. You can simply collect as many warm, children’s winter jackets as you can for the 200 students who attend the local Singla primary school.  

Trip Notes

Duration of Trip:

9 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)

Number of trekking Days:

8 days

Best Time of the year to go:

September to December and February to May 

Highest Point (altitude):

Kupsi Danda (2700m)

Trip Grade (level of difficulty):

Moderate

Type of Activity:

Trekking/ Hiking on average for 5.5 hrs per day

Type of Accommodation:

Basic rooms in village homes/tea houses OR Tented Camps  

 

Detailed Itinerary

Days

Itinerary

Day 01

Trek Begins! Drive Kathmandu to Gorkha (1143m)
After breakfast, Pick up from the Hotel Lobby and drive (approx 5 hours) by private Bus/jeep to Gorkha Bazaar, which is home to the former palace of Nepal’s Shah Kings. After lunch inGorkha, trek begins with 1 hour of downhill and second hour and half alongside the river to Sikhar. Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp

Day 02

Trek to Dhuteni – approx 6 hrs
After early breakfast, trek continues along the riverside through many pretty agricultural villages and with views of livestock. After 3 hours of walk, stop at Arkhol 810 m for Lunch and another 3 and half hours of walk to Dhuteni.  Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp

Day 03

Trek to Barpak – approx 6 hrs
Barpak is probably one of the most picturesque villages in Nepal, with stone roof houses and walking paths made of stone, against a backdrop of amazing views of Mt Baudha.
Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp

Day 04

Trek to Laprak – approx 5.5 hrs
The day starts with 3 and half hours of  walking steeply up to Kupsi Dada 2800m, the highest point of the trek and a beautiful view point where you can have the views of Baudha Himal 6672m, Ganesh Himal 7111m and Manaslu Himal 8163m. After 2 hours of walking downhill comes the destination of the day Laprak Village.
Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp

Day 05

Trek to Singla – approx 4 hrs
Walking along narrow trails for about 4 hours of moderate uphill ascent with beautiful views of the terraced hills and rhododendron forests you reach the serene Singla village with the back drop of Mt. Ganesh Himal. In the late afternoon/early morning, there will be a welcome ceremony and official handover of the jackets from you to the children of Singla local primary school. Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp 

Day 06

Trek to Khorlabesi – approx 5 hrs
Start trek early in the morning to Korlabesi after a farewell from children and residents of Singla village. Walking 2 and half hours down hill you stop in khorla Gaon (village) for lunch. Down hill continuous for next 3 hours till you reach Korlabesi. You can go to Tatopani (Hot water spring) half an hour walk from Korlabesi for a relaxing hot water natural spring bath or you can also relax your tried feet in the cold water of the river near camping site in Korlabesi. Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp

Day 07

Trek to Soti Khola – approx 6 hrs
The day starts walking along the Bhudhi Gandaki, encountering small villages on the way and walking through forests and narrow trails with great views of waterfall until we reach Soti Khola 710m after an average 6 hours of walk in total for the day. Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp

Day 08 Trek to Arughat – approx 4 hrs
Today’s walk is mostly along the river banks of Kali Gandaki to Arughat, the main bazaar and major market center within the Manaslu Region. Overnight Local Home/ Teahouse or Tented Camp
Day 09 Private bus to Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu by private bus which takes about 5 hours. Transfer to your hotel.

NOTE ABOUT ACCOMODATION ON TREK: There are two ways to make this trek; one is staying in local homes converted into very basic teahouses and the other way is to stay in tented accommodation with camping and kitchen/dining tents and equipment provided by us. On the teahouse trek we will only take a maximum of 4-5 people in a group as the local homes/teahouses are not ready to accommodate more people at this time; please be aware that facilities will be basic, small rooms with low ceilings in typical village houses of this region, we can provide sleeping bags or you can bring your own. The tented camping trek can accommodate groups of up to 12 people, two-man tents and single tents will be provided with comfortable sleeping mattresses, pads, sleeping bags. There will also be a “dining room” tent, a kitchen tent and a portable toilet tent. Food will be prepared fresh by a cook and his kitchen assistant/s who will accompany you on the trek.

SERVICE INCLUDED

  1. 1 Sherpa English speaking  guide.
  2. Transport by private bus/jeep from Kathmandu to Gorkha and Arughat to Kathmandu. 
  3. Necessary Porters to carry your baggage for your entire trek days.
  4. Local Trekking Crew Insurance and General Medical Kit.
  5. Sleeping Bags, carry all duffel bags and down jackets (as required).
  6. 3 Freshly prepared Semi-Western style Meals a day (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).

 SERVICE EXCLUDED

  1. Alcoholic Beverages + soft drinks + mineral water
  2. Liabilities of Loss, Theft, Damage
  3. Rescue Operation by any means of Transportation.
  4. Personal Warm Clothing such as Jackets, Pants, Boots etc.  
  5. Personal Expenses.
  6. Tipping etc.

For further questions and cost of this trek, please email us at challenge@sts.wlink.com.np

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