12-Day Manaslu Larke La Pass Trek from Kathmandu via Sama Gaun

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Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Thamel Exploration

• Welcome to the beautiful Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will gladly greet you and assist you with your transfer to the hotel.
• After you check in, a pre-trek briefing will be given regarding the official formalities required for the trek. Following the short briefing, we are free to explore the surrounding area of Thamel.

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Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat

• We set out early today for Jagat. During the 7-8 hour drive into the western mountains, we enjoy views of the Nepalese landscape, villages, farms, and mountain scenery.
• We travel on a paved route from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, and from there the road becomes off-road. We spend the night in Jagat.

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Day 03

Trek from Jagat to Deng via Philim

• We begin our trek to Deng with an ascent over a rocky ridge to Salleri.
• We descend to Setibas and continue to Ghatta Khola, where we cross a hanging bridge to reach the Gurung village of Philim.
• Passing along the millet fields to Ekle Bhatti, the trail then enters a steep, uninhabited gorge.
• As we continue walking, the valley widens through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. After crossing the Deng Khola, we arrive at the tiny village of Deng for our overnight stay.

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Day 04

Trek from Deng to Namrung

• We walk from Deng and cross the Budhi Gandaki before climbing to Rana. We then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley, crossing various streams and rivers to reach the Sringi Valley.
• We continue up and down through forests and past Mani walls before spending the night at Namrung. We can also make a side trip to visit the Tibetan Gompas at Prok.

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Day 05

Trek from Namrung to Lho

• The trail starts uphill through forest densely vegetated with pine and birch, then crosses the river roaring down a narrow gorge.
• We continue on the narrow forest path to Namru with its check post, then move past small Tibetan villages towards Lihi. A chorten with detailed paintings welcomes us to Sho village, with its cluster of stone houses.
• As the altitude increases, the mountain views become even more sensational. Manaslu, Manaslu North, Himalchuli, Saula Himal, and Dwijen Himal rise on either side of the trail as we continue towards the village of Lho for the night.

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Day 06

Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun

• We start our trek with a steep descent, crossing a rock-strewn torrent, the Thusang Khola.
• Walking through the shady fir forest, we climb to the village of Shyala on a plateau. The village is surrounded by gigantic mountains and offers a splendid panorama of Himal Chuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.
• As we move forward, we pass a large chorten into a little dip where two rows of houses form the main part of the village of Samagoan. We spend the night at Samagoan, which is home to the well-known monastery called Sama.

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Day 07

Acclimatization Day at Samagaon

• We spend our day at Samagoan for acclimatization.
• We can walk to Pung-gyen Gompa, a renowned monastery from where we can enjoy great views of the glacier. We spend the day exploring and immersing ourselves in the daily lifestyle of the village.

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Day 08

Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

• We start from Sama, passing the foot of the great Manaslu Glacier, where the trail to Manaslu Base Camp branches off.
• We take the trail towards Larkya La and pass several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen.
• We enter a forest of birch, juniper, and rhododendrons, cross a wooden bridge, and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the rivers before reaching Samdo for the night.

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Day 09

Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala

• We start our walk by crossing the wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki River.
• After crossing a couple of streams, the Larkya Glacier appears on the opposite bank.
• We steadily climb, skirting around the Sarka Khola towards the stone guest house called Dharmashala at Larkya Phedi.

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Day 10

Cross Larkya La Pass and Descend to Bhimthang

• After a short ascent, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers, where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.
• We walk across the moraines of the glacier while making a gradual ascent to the pass, where outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and Annapurna II await us. After savouring the spectacular view from the pass, we continue our walk across yak pastures towards Bimtang, enjoying the evening mist.

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Day 11

Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani

• The trail begins towards Hampuk, a rock shelter cave. After crossing a bridge, you continue walking down through forests of rhododendron and pine, passing several villages and cultivated land, and exploring Gho Village, settled by the Gurung community, as well as the Kilpu waterfall.
• You will reach Tilje, where you can rest for a while and explore the traditional Gurung village.
• From here, you continue walking towards Dharapani after crossing a bridge over the Dudh River. Explore the village and spend time enjoying the surroundings. Overnight stay at a local lodge.

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Day 12

Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar

• It takes around 7 to 8 hours of exciting driving to Kathmandu along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers.
• We enjoy splendid views of green hills, mountains, farming terraces, and villages as we drive back to Kathmandu.
• Once back in the city, we relax and stroll around Kathmandu before spending the night at a comfortable hotel.