Embark on a 14-day adventure through the Lower Manaslu region, one of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich trekking areas. Experience stunning views of the Manaslu massif, walk through lush forests and terraced farmlands, and explore traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages. This trek offers a moderate yet unforgettable trekking experience suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
Highlight Points
- 14-day trek in the scenic Lower Manaslu region.
- Panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Explore Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages and monasteries.
- Moderate trekking suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Peaceful, off-the-beaten-path route with minimal crowds.
Overview
The Lower Manaslu Trek is a short but rewarding trek in the Manaslu region, perfect for those seeking panoramic mountain vistas and an authentic Himalayan experience without committing to the longer Manaslu Circuit. Starting from Soti Khola or Barpak, laprak the trek passes through pristine forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages before reaching scenic viewpoints with spectacular views of Manaslu (8,163 m) and surrounding peaks.
The trail is dotted with ancient monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, giving trekkers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities. Friendly locals, traditional homestays, and cultural ceremonies make this trek both immersive and enriching.
Nature lovers will enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and Himalayan wildlife such as langurs, musk deer, and a variety of bird species. The trail is moderately challenging, quiet, and less crowded, providing a peaceful trekking experience away from the main tourist trails.
Whether you are a first-time trekker or an experienced adventurer, the Lower Manaslu Trek offers a compact and fulfilling Himalayan adventure combining cultural immersion, natural beauty, and breathtaking mountain views.
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Kathmandu
Flight to Kathmandu from different cities
Day 2: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Arrival at Kathmandu airport (usually in the afternoon) already marks our entry into another world... Customs formalities, baggage collection and welcome by our local guide. Crossing the city to the hotel already offers a first discovery of the bustling and colorful capital of Nepal. Buses, trucks, bicycles and sacred cows crisscross in a friendly chaos... Depending on the arrival time, visit the surrounding area or simply settle in and rest at the hotel before your dinner at the hotel. In case of early arrival in Kathmandu, lunch will be included in the program. Free time
Day 3: Kathmandu → Gorkha (1060m)
Bus journey to Gorkha. Afternoon visit of the town and its temple.
Day 4: Gorkha → Barpak (1950m)
4-hour local jeep ride to Barpak, the epicenter of the earthquake. This village is well known for many residents serving in the British Gurkha special forces.
Day 5: Barpak → Gupsi (2780m)
Hike to a panoramic viewpoint over the Annapurna massif, Buddha Himal, and Shringi Himal (7171m). 3.5-hour walk to the pass (“mother’s cemetery”) where we stop for lunch. 40-minute walk to the new village of Gupsi, rebuilt after the earthquake. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 6: Gupsi → Laprak (new village) (2100m)
3-hour descent with views of Ganesh Himal to old Laprak village. Discover local rustic life and agriculture. Laprak has about 800 houses spread across the mountainside. Overnight at a homestay.
Day 7: Laprak → Gumda (1800m)
Walk through scattered settlements of a different ethnic group than the Gurung people of Laprak. Views of Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal. 3.5-hour walk. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 8: Gumda → Yamkang → Lapisbot → Machhakhola (869m)
Walk through several beautiful villages. Overnight in Machhakhola, a more touristy riverside village with many lodges.
Day 9: Machhakhola → Kashigaon
Cross the Buddhi Gandaki suspension bridge, followed by a long ascent to the beautiful village of Kashigaon. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 10: Kashigaon → Yarsa → Dunche (1519m)
Traverse route through several small villages to reach Dunche. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 11: Dunche → Soti Khola → Arughat Bazaar → Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by private jeep (8–9 hours).
Day 12: Kathmandu
Free time to visit the sites, shopping, rest and visit. Breakfast included
Day 13: Departure to the destination
Flight of return back to the destination. Breakfast included.
Day 14: Arrive at the destination
Arrival at the destination
Equipment Checklist
Recommended gear for Lower Manaslu Trek and laprak - 14Days. Items can often be rented or purchased locally.
🧳 General
- Four season (Zero degree) sleeping bag (we have rental available for an additional 10 dollars per day)
- Puffy down jacket
- Day pack (35-45 litre recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
- Airline tickets
👖 Lower Body
- Hiking pants (2)
- Comfortable pants for inside the tea house
- Water proof, wind proof shell
- Hiking shorts
- Inner thermal
- Technical fabric underwear
- Sports bras
- Sleeping clothes
👕 Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap ( we will provide you free glacier safari cap )
- Knitted hat
- Head lamp
- Sunglasses
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Water & wind proof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard shell outer gloves
👟 Footwear
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Trekking boots
- Micro spikes
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters
🎒 Accessories
- Passport
- Extra copies of passport sized photos
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletry kit
- Water purification tablets or uv water purifier
- Towel
- Toilet paper (2 rolls)
- High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
- Trekking poles
Includes
- Accommodation in the mountains (dinner, breakfast and lunch)
- 2 nights city accommodation (Kathmandu) with breakfast.
- All transportation, including airport pickup and drop-off.
- All transportation, including airport pickup and drop-off, Katmandou -kathmandu-Gorkha, Gorkha-Barpak,DunchKe → Soti hola → Arughat Bazaar → Kathmandu
- Trekking permits of the national park and trekking region
- guide, assistants guides (1 assis. for 4 guests), Porters (1 porter for 2 customers)
- First aid medical kit (Your guide will carry the medical kit but we also advise you to bring it for your own use)
- All government and local taxe
- Nepalese team insurance
Excludes
- Nepal entry visa at immigration at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) (approximately 50 USD) per person per month
- Location of trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, etc
- Shower, wifi, cell phone pill charging and device
- Unexpected costs due to health, flight cancellation, weather conditions, etc
- All kinds of drinks and snacks
- insurance
- Tips for the guide and porter after the trek
- International flight
Frequently Asked Questions
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