Lower Manaslu Trek
Lower Manaslu Eco Trail is newly accessible in the lower section of Manaslu, which is renowned for its natural beauty and diversity. The initial capital of Nepal was Gorkha, where King Prithvi Narayan Shah initiated the union of modern Nepal. There are numerous historical and archeological sites throughout the district. This territory of historical, religious, ecological, and cultural value is endowed with natural beauty and has the potential to become one of the nation's most popular tourist sites. However, only a small number of tourists visit this location. The area contains Mount Manaslu and the well-known Manaslu Circuit Trek. In addition, the Lower Manaslu trail offers easy trekking, historical tours, pilgrimage tours, agrotourism, and community-based homestays. Locals are also committed to the district's tourist development and promotion. The Lower Manaslu Trek begins at Ghairung, close to the well-known Manakamana Temple, and continues via Gorkha Bazaar, Sirandanda, Barpak, Laprak, Lambai Kharka, and Dharche Danda before reaching Gyampesal. As just a few locations offer commercial lodging, the majority of accommodations are home stays or camping.
Lower Manaslu Trek Highlights
The Lower Manaslu Trek is a less-visited and off-the-beaten-path trekking route that offers a blend of cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and peaceful surroundings. Here are some attractions and highlights of the Lower Manaslu Trek.
Cultural Diversity: Encounter a mix of ethnic communities, including Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, and Brahmins, each with their own distinct cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.
Traditional Villages: Explore charming villages like Barpak, Laprak, and Gumda, known for their traditional architecture, terraced fields, and warm hospitality.
Gorkha Bazaar: Visit the historic Gorkha Bazaar, the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah and a place of historical significance for Nepal's unification.
Gurkha History: Learn about the legendary Gurkha soldiers and their history while visiting Gorkha, which has strong ties to the Gurkha heritage.
Scenic Landscapes: Trek through diverse landscapes, including terraced fields, lush forests, river valleys, and picturesque ridges.
Budi Gandaki River: Follow the Budi Gandaki River, passing by charming villages and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere created by the flowing water.
Views of Himalayan Peaks: Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu (8,163 meters), Siringi Himal, Bouddha Himal, and others.
Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Experience the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in the region by visiting monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags along the trail.
Local Lifestyle: Interact with locals, participate in their daily activities, and gain insights into their traditional farming practices and way of life.
Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs of Tatopani, offering a soothing experience after days of trekking.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Enjoy the tranquility of a less-frequented trekking route, allowing you to experience Nepal's beauty in a peaceful and unhurried manner.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Lower Manaslu Trek is relatively less visited compared to other popular trekking routes, providing a more authentic and less crowded experience.
The Best time for Lower Manaslu Trek
The best time for the Lower Manaslu Trek is during the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November and the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May. These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience on the less-visited Lower Manaslu route. These seasons also align with the accessibility of the region's trails, as the snow has melted and the paths are more navigable.
Duration : 12 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Private car travel from Kathmandu to Kurintar 3 hours by road and on foot to Ghairung 1170m/5 hrs trek
Day 3 - Hike between Ghairung and Gorkha Bazaar 1060m/ 5hrs
Day 4 - Gorkha Bazaar Excursion
Day 5 - Trek from Gorkha Bazaar to Sirandanda 1990m/6-7 hrs
Day 6 - Trek from Sirandanda to Barpak 1915m/ 7 hrs
Day 7 - Trek from Barpak to Laprak 2100m/ 6 hrs
Day 8 - Trek from Laprak to Nambai Kharka 2700m/ 4 hrs
Day 9 - Hike from Nambai Kharka to Tallo Thotneri at 1685m during the course of seven hours.
Day 10 - Tallo Thotneri to Gyampesal trek 1000m/ 6 hrs
Day 11 - Drive Gyampesal to Kathmandu.
Day 12 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.