Fact of this Trek
Country: Nepal
Activities: Tour & Trekking.
Start/End: Kathmadnu
Destination: Arupokhari, Ratmate Villages and Larkya La Pass.
Trip Duration: 24 days
Max. Altitude: Larkya La 5215 meters
Group Size: Any
Best Season: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Daily working Hour: Approximately 4-6

Itinerary in Details

Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
There you will be met by our Airport Representative and transferred to hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02- Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
In the morning after breakfast at 9 AM, we host a Pre-Trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduced your trek Leader/Guide mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other participants. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip.
PLEASE ADVISE US IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-TRIP MEETING.
In THE PRE-TRIP MEETING All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Four copies of Passport size photos each.
3. Travel Insurance Policy.
4. A writing pen
5. Notepad.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast your sightseeing trip will start at 9.45 AM in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Bodhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Later, we are supplied with our Trek Pack and departure information for tomorrow. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03- Drive to Ghampyashal (1550 meters) via Gorkha Bazar.
Your Trekking staff will come to your Hotel early in the morning at 7.00 am to pick you up, from there we have an 9 hour driving journey to Arughat. From Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazar for 5 hours is comfortable drive but from there to Arugat for another 4 hours we will be driving on dirt road. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 04- Trek to Dharapani / Ratmate Village (1250 meters). 4 hours
An early morning easy walk from Gyampyashal to Dharapani/Ratmate village.  You will be briefed on the current works taking place within the village from the Sambhav Nepal Foundation. We also address our future plans and work with you for ways in which you can bring further support, to the foundation. Overnight at Tented camp.

Day 05- Explore around village and School Projects.
Today we will explore both the Dharapani Lower Secondary School and Bhairabi Primary School and discuss the requirements and details in which we plan to change for each of the Schools. We will also visit the local Health Post site. You will have the opportunity to teach at the local school and/or work with local Nepalese. There will be a culture program arranged by the locals for the group. The evening will be finished off by singing and dancing with locals. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 06- Trek to Deurali (1600 meters) via Arughta bazaar. 5 hours
The trek start in morning around 9 AM, before we begin our walk you will be greet by local people from village with colour flower around your nick to wish happy and safe journey. It takes about 2 hours down to Arughat from village, Arughat is one of the biggest towns with many local shops, this is the only market where local people buy their daily uses product such as kerosene, salt, tea, sugar, clothes etc.  Another 3 hours trek up from Arughat will take you to the Deurali village. There is a secondary school named “ Siddha Devi Secondary School” , this is also Sambhav Nepal’s targeted project. Overnight at tented camp in school ground.

Day 07- Trek to Soti Khola (775meters) 6 hours.
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach Arkhat River. After Arkhat we ascend slowly toward Kyoropani. Camp today nears the confluence of Seti River - an ideal place to take a fresh water bath. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 08- Trek to Machha Khola (900meters) 5.30 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 river bed of Budhi Gandaki. Camp tonight at Machha River. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 09- Trek to Jagat (1340meters) 6 hours.
After crossing Machha River and Khrola besi, there is a hot spring called "Tatopani". The trail follows forested area after this toward Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergoes a complete transformation. At Jagat, there is a police check-post where your trekking permit will be checked. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 10- Trek to Ngyak (2310meters) 6 hours.
After ascending to a terraced hill of Saguleri and view of Sringi Himal (7177 meters) we continue toward Sirish Gaon, Gandaki valley narrows from herewith soaring precipitous walls. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 11- Trek to Ghap (2100meters) 6 hours.
Follow the trail upstream of Deng River - a tiny village of 4 houses. We walk through a newly built rock tunnel from here, thus avoiding the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, the Tibetan culture begins with Mani stones and chortens all around. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 12- Trek to Lho (3200meters) 6 hours.
Today is a wonderful trekking day; after passing through the seemingly deserted seasonal village of Nambachhe, planted with fields of barley and lined with mani walls, we ascend through a dense, cool forest for an half an hour, crossing the Buri Gandaki once on a wooden bridge, to Namrung, at 2540 meters, where we will stop for a cup of chai at a lodge run by a Tibetan family. As we gain altitude, we reach alpine territory and are treated to increasing mountain views. Namrung village is the start of Nubri, the region of purely Tibetan inhabitants speaking a dialect of western Tibet. Above this village the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. A few hours later, we reach the village of Lihi at 2840 meters, a substantial altitude gain. We are climbing climb gently now, cross a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, and reach the picturesque Tibetan village of Sho at 3000m, where we stop for lunch. Look for the bear claw on the upper deck of the house, and across the river to the ruins of an old Tibetan fort. From Sho, the views of Ngadi Chuli are spectacular, and further on, towards Lho, we are finally treated to views of Manaslu itself; quite an impressive afternoon! We set up camp in Lho, a lively village adorned with many prayer flags, in the yard of a small lodge. Sunset and sunrise from the campsite are wonderful, and the small gompa just below our campsite worth a visit.. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 13- Trek to Sama Gaon (3500meters) 6 hours.
Walking through the upper reaches of Lho, with the snowy peaks of Manaslu ahead of us in the distance, we pass the new gompa  and then ascend through light forests next to a small river to reach the Tibetan settlement of Shyla, where the villagers are often out in the fields. Another few hours of trekking through classic alpine scenery leads us past Tibet grazing settlements, the train to Pung Gyan Gompa, and then Sama Gaon, or Ro, as the locals call it. Sama Gaon sits in a bowl at the foot of the pastures leading to the high peaks, with mani walls, a small gompa and tightly packed rows of houses at the lower reaches of village, and the large gompa at the upper reaches.  The people settled here from Tibet over 500 years ago, and the two gompas date from this time, both having unique architecture and built of wood. The Tibetan villages here have entrance gates which are very distinctive from the Tibetan ones, and they maintain an active trade with their co-religionists in Tibet (notice the Chinese brandy and beer on sale). If the weather is good, you will see the village women weaving wool (baal) from Tibet into gowns - which are then traded back to Tibet. Taxes were actually paid to the Dzongka Dzong (fortress) at the border of Tibet, a few days walk from Sama Gaon, as late as the 1940's until it was taken over by the Gorkas in the late 19th century. Later, after 1959, the region was home to Tibetan guerillas, and thus closed to trekking until 1992.

Take the afternoon to hike up to the gompa above town, and to wander the streets of the fascinating Sama Gaon village. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 14- Trek to Samdo (3850meters) 5 hours.
Another day of incredible mountain views during the walk up to Samdo, an easy three hours away. En route we pas the long mani walls at Kermo Kharka, after which we spot the entrance chorten of Samdo high on a bluff. We descend back to the Bhudi Gandaki and cross a small bridge before another short climb to the 'kane' entrance of Samdo; look back down valley for great views. The villagers of Samdo came across the border from the village of Riu after 1959 and built their new village here, at their old herding settlement (see below). Samdo village is a collection of houses and lodges at 3850 meters, and most trekkers miss the heat of a week ago as we huddle around the stove and a wind from Tibet batters the windowpanes. Get out and take a walk around the village, where the inhabitants live an essentially Tibetan lifestyle, herding their yaks, sheep and goats, training their horses and planting barley. There is a small home gompa in a house mid-village which we visited during our last village, a puja being held by several of the reincarnated lamas living in the Samdo. Overnight at Tented Camp
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Day 15- Acclimatization and exploration day.
We will spend a day here in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air and also for local excursion.

On our rest day here why not a day trip to the border of Tibet; no passport required. It takes five hours walking to the Gya La ('large pass') to do just that, and then take in the views and ruminate on the border markers at the top: 'China, 1962.' We will probably share the trail with groups of Samdo residents, carrying timbers over the border to Tibet. True High Asia!

Like the people of Ro, Samdo inhabitants are Tibetan, and were ceded the land by the king of Jumla over 500 years ago; but, unlike the Ro people, they only claimed their land after the Chinese takeover in the early 1950s. Since then they have established a trade with China and India, marketing among other things, the aphrodisiac root that grows in the region. We'll try to get into some of the local houses for chang (Tibetan barley beer), salt butter tea and perhaps a few carpets to buy! Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 16- Trek to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460meters) 4 hours.
We leave on the trade route to Tibet and climb through the ruins of Larkya bazaar, one of the trade markets that flourished years back. After two hours of climbing past glaciers, with increasingly awe-inspiring panoramas, we come to the campsite at Dharamsala, where we have lunch and gaze out at the views. You'll really feel the altitude and the cold here, so enjoy a more leisurely afternoon and keep warm. We'll have an early dinner in preparation for our pass crossing tomorrow. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 17- Cross Larkya La (5215meters) nd trek to Bimtang (3590meters) 7 hours.
 After a short climb above the campsite, we reach the ablation valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers where we have views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. We continue across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass, which should take us about three hours to crest. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II.  If there is fresh snow, we may see Snow Leopard prints from the evening before; it's also blue sheep (Bharal) and Tibetan Snow Cock territory.

The views from the top of the pass are truly unbelievable. After hanging our Tibetan prayer flags, and yelling 'Ki ki so so lha gyalo' (may the Gods be victorious), get ready for a steep, ankle straining drop to a trail following the glacial moraine, very slippery if covered in snow so have your 'Yak tracks' ready if you've brought them, and definitely use trekking poles. It is a longer day then usual to our campsite at Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in and Manaslu; it's an experience not to be missed. A boulder-strewn descent brings us, finally, to Bimtang, where the three sisters of the 'Three Sisters Hotel' are on hand with Himalayan chilled beer. Does life get any better? Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 18- Trek to Tilje (2500meters) 5 hours.
The campsite at Bimtang is frigid in the morning, so get to the dining tent quickly for a cup of fresh coffee! Porters pour hot water over tent pegs to get them out. Pee bottles freeze. No option if you want to get warm, move down valley into the sun, through forested hillsides to Tilje, at the end of our lost world. Here the inhabitants are a mix of Manangis (of Tibetan descent) and Chettris (Hindus), so eat a mix of dal bhaat, buckwheat dhiro, tsampa and Tibetan tea. The gorge ahead marks the land of apple pie, cold beers and hot showers - the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 19- Trek to Tal (1725meters) 5 hours.
Follow the trail downstream of Marshyangdi River, passing through the scattered villages to reach Tal village for overnight stay. Overnight at Tented Camp or Guesthouse .

Day 20- Trek to Baundanda (1275meters) 5 hours.
Ascending gently for 30 minutes and the trail runs gently down to Sanjee village, then trail goes up for 15 minutes to Gharmuu Phant. From here another 2 hours easy walk and 30 minutes up will take to the village of Bahundanda. Overnight at Tented Camp or Guesthouse.

Day 21- Trek to Beshisahar. 5 hours.
The last day of the trek, and a hot, five hour walk through gentle, muted hills and colorful villages to Bhulbhule and Khudi, where we will meet our transport back to Besi Sahar. If the road isn't passable, we continue walk to Besi Sahar to start the five-hour drive back to Kathmandu following morning. Overnight at Tented Camp or Guesthouse.

Day 22- Drive back to Kathmandu by bus. 6 hours.
It is a different world back in the Nepali hills, and the gentle light sends us on our way back to the bustle of Nepal's capital.

Finally, a shower! We have rooms at the same  hotel in Kathmandu, and wash off the grime of weeks of trekking.  Overnight at hotel.

Day 23- Leisure day in Kathmandu.
If you are interested in continuing onto Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Kathmandu Shopping Tour or Scenic Everest Flight you can start today.

Day 24- Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.

Trip price as per above program

Single supplementary US$ 350 Per Person (Only apply for those who wish to have single tented accommodation during the group trip)

Price Includes
1. Complimentary Trip for the group leaders (following condition apply)
Fifteen participants in a group – get free trip for one
Twenty Five participants in a group – get free trip for two
2. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus.
3. Twin sharing standard accommodation in four/five star hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included. (4 nights)
4. Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car / van / bus.
5. Full board meal during camping, prepared by our cook with Tea & coffee (23 Breakfasts, 20 lunches, 19 Dinners).
6. 19 nights twin sharing camping/Tented accommodation and equipment during the trek. (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
7. A government licensed English speaking Guide during the trek. A cook, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine.
8. Boiled and purify drinking water for the trek.
9. All special trekking permits & fees.
10. Surface Transfer to and from Kathmandu.
11. Down Jacket, duffel/kit bag and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (which needs to be returned after the trek.)
12. Ace the Himalaya T-shirt.
13. All our government taxes.
14. Tourist service charge, vat.
15. Official expense.
16. US$ 200 per person Donation to Sambhav Nepal.

Price Excludes
1. Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfare and airport departure tax.
4. Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue. You will require 2 passport size photos.
5. Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
6. Personal trekking Equipment.
7. Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).
8. Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
9. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

NOTE: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. If you are from large group such as Schools, Sporting and church groups, along with those that have a desire to make a difference please contact us we are happy to departure this trek as per your request and specific requirements.

On adventure trips of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

How difficult is this trek?
Manaslu Charity  trek is suitable for individuals, business owners, Schools, Sporting and church groups, along with those that have a desire to make a difference and looking for something challenging and energetic. You are required to be fit and we recommended you to have previous trekking/walking experiences. You must be in good physical condition and be able to hike for 4-7 hours over hilly terrain with a light daypack. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow.

Frequently Asked Questions by Our Customers

Q. As the group organizer can I travel for free?
A. Yes. Providing your group size meets the agreed minimum group number we always include free of charge place for a teacher, leader or representative. 
15 participants in a group – get free trip for one
25 participants in a group – get free trip for two

Q. How do you minimize the risk to assist the group’s safety?
A. The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Whilst acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all overseas travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than a reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff and partners. We aim to do this by:

-Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your groups
-Our leaders are all first aid trained, carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and are aware of emergency evacuation procedures
-Provide a doctor escort for all school groups (on request for charity challenges)
-Travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers.
-Complete risk assessment provided prior to travel
-Mobile phone or satellite phone communication available on most trips provide access to our company medical advisor prior to trip departure to ensure all travelers are suitable for the challenge ahead.

Q.What type of shape do I need to be in, is this trip for me?
A. Manaslu Charity trek is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or disease must seek medical advice before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
A. Yes, our Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall, he/she will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya sign with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Q. What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in trekking?
A. We use standard rooms from four or five star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. We provide a limited amount of toilet paper and facilities for hand and face washing before meals. You will also get a bowl of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

Q. What sort of food can I expect in trekking?
A. Our expert camping cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses, except along the way we may buy some fresh local produce such as fish, chicken or cheese to supplement the supplies. And the cost of all the food we prepare is included in the price of the camping treks. You can eat as much as you like. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Q. What sort of transportation you use?
A. Depending on the group size we use private cars, minibus, van or land cruiser. These small light vehicles are more maneuverable and flexible enabling us to take you through the Narrow roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

Q. What is the weather & temperature like in trekking?
A. Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. At night it is generally colder the days are generally warm. There will be always bit of snow at the pass. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any conditions. Expect the unexpected! The temperature could be as high as 20 deg C to -15 deg C low.

Q. Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?
A. These facilities will be not available in this trekking as this is remote area trek in Nepal. But in Kathmandu of course yes. Remember to bring your adapters!

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
A. There are telephones in few villages along the routes from which you can make international calls.

Q. Do I need to plan on spending any additional money?
A. Yes,In Kathmandu, you can allocate US$ 08 - 10 for a lunch / dinner. Its all depends on your spending habits. US$2 to 5 US$ a day will be enough to buy chocolates and few drinks in trekking.

Q. Do I need to tip my guide, porters, driver etc? How much would that be?
A. Tips are always expected, it is good to tip your trekking staff at the end of trek. US$10 per guide, US$ 8 for a chef and US$5 per porter per day is recommended per group. Ask your leader/guide for more information. For driver and airport representative you can tip US$2 to US$ 5 each at the airport when your final departure from Nepal.

Q. Is the water OK to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?
A. We will provide you boiled and purify water to drink. So you don’t need anything. But you can buy also mineral water in some village along the trial.

Q. Are the Ace the Himalaya Agency's staff insured?
A. Ace the Himalay insures all our trekking staff, including guide, cook, sherpa and porters.

Q. Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
A. Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc only.