Lower Manaslu Trek - 13 Days

Lower Manaslu Trek

Manaslu region has many treks among which Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most popular. Manaslu Circuit Trek is strenuous as well as time-consuming.

Amongst all treks in Manaslu region, Lower Manaslu Trek is the less time consuming but has almost same trails as Manaslu Circuit Trek. This trek could be the option for trekkers who have limited time but wish to explore more!

Lower Manaslu takes you on a round trip to Gorkha. Gorkha is one featured tourist destination of Nepal. It is within 140 kilometers from Kathmandu. And the rough altitude of Gorkha is 1,135 meters. Gorkha is the historical place with significant backgrounds. It is the place from which Nepalese got the identity as brave ‘Gurkhali’.

Moreover, Gorkha is the place where the unification of Nepal was initiated by the great King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Gorkha is also referred to as the first capital of Nepal. You will experience the cultural and archaeological significances there.

As the name suggests, Lower Manaslu Trek covers certain parts of Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is an easy grade trek. The highest altitude is 3,220m at Dharche Danda.

The trek also takes you into the lower valley of Manaslu area like Barpak, Laprak, Sirandanda, Tallo Thotneri, Lambai Kharka, etc. These are the mystical land of natural wonders. You will go into the unique ride of historic, religious, cultural, and ecological lavishness. The lands are also very rich in natural resources with splendid greenery.

Lower Manaslu is also perfect for the ones who love to explore places by themselves. As the places are less known, the number of tourists/trekkers are less. The cost of this trek is very reasonable as well. For accommodation, you will have lodges but they mostly provide homestay service.

Thus, this trekking is a complete package of a historical tour, agro-tourism, and community-based homestay. You would definitely want to have those, don’t you?

Highlights of Lower Manaslu Trek

  • Amazing view of mountains and landscapes in the Manaslu region.
  • Get at the vantage point of Darche Danda. Here, you will view more than 20 mount peaks including Manaslu ranges, Annapurnas, Fishtail, Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, Budi Himal, Harka Gurung Chuli, and others.
  • Proceed through Gorkha, Sirandanda, Barpak, Laprak, Lambai Kharka, and finally Dharche Danda.
  • Visit historical town of Gorkha and explore Gorkha Palace, Gorakhnath Cave, and Gorkha Museum.
  • Soak into the rural culture, lifestyle, food, and people at Laprak and Barpak.
  • Enjoy a famous historical tour, pilgrimage tour supporting agro-tourism and community-based homestay trek.
  • An amazing cable car ride from Kurintar to Manakamana Temple.
DaysItineraryAltitudeTravel/Trek Duration
Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu1,338m, Kathmandu -
Day 02Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation1,338m, Kathmandu-
Day 03Drive to Manakamana and Trek to Ghairung1,090m, Ghairung3 hours of drive to Kurintar and 4-5 hours of trek
Day 04Trek to Gorkha Bazaar1000m, Gorkha Bazaar5-6 hours of trek
Day 05Excursion at Gorkha Bazaar1000m, Gorkha Bazaar-
Day 06Drive to Bhacheck and Trek to Sirandada1900m, Sirandanda5-6 hours of travel and 1-2 hours of trek
Day 07Trek to Barpak Village1920m, Barpak Village5-6 hours of trek
Dau 08Trek to Laprak Village2,300m, Laprak Village5-6 hours of trek
Day 09Trek to Nambai Kharka2,700m, Nambai Khaka4-5 hours of trek
Day 10Hike to Dharche Danda and Trek to Tallo Thotneri3,200m, Dharche Danda
1,658m, Tallo Thotneri
6-7 hours of trek
Day 11Trek to Gyampesal via Sita Cave1,165m, Sita Cave5-6 hours of trek
Day 12Drive back to Kathmandu and farewell dinner in the evening1,338m, Kathmandu3-4 hours of drive
Day 13 Final Departure--
Day 1
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Our airport representative will pick you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Then, they will transfer you to your respective hotel. Your hotel would be in a sophisticated place like Thamel or Airport-area.

This day is indeed a crucial day as you will get a full briefing about your trek. Also, you will meet your guide, porters, and other fellow travelers.

Day 2
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation

This day is an interesting part of your trek. You will sightsee various heritage sites of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a historical city itself. Plus, amongst 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 7 lies here at Kathmandu. The places are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Changu Narayan. As far as possible, you will visit 3-4 places among them.

Talking about the places, each of them has something unique to offer. The Durbar Squares used to be the palaces of ancient kings. All of them have a beautiful artistic combination. Also, each has an ancient story behind them to amaze you more.

Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are two popular stupas of Kathmandu. They describe the serenity and peaceful environment of Nepal. They also signify Buddhism as a long pre-existing religion.

Being the Hindu temples, Changu Narayan and Pashupatinath are two beautiful antiques at different locations. Evening ‘aarti’ at Pashupatinath temple is something that you shouldn’t miss.

Day 3
Day 03: Drive to Manakamana (Kurintar) and Trek to Ghairung

Max. Altitude: 1,090m, Ghairung

Travel Duration: 3 hours of drive

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay

Today, your journey towards Lower Manaslu Circuit begins. You will have a 3-hours drive towards the base-station of Manakamana; Kurintar. Afterward, you will be in the 10-minutes cable car ride. This will take you to the historic Manakamana temple, at 1302m, built in the 17th century.

Manakamana is the wish-fulfilling God. As the name itself suggests, it is believed that upon stepping on this temple, all your wishes will come true. Many pilgrims and tourists from many countries visit this famous temple.

Your actual trek begins after having lunch at Manakamana. At first, you will walk along the paths of the Bakyaswori Mahadev. This is a renowned spiritual temple with many believed divine powers. Further, you will move uphill towards Siddha Lakhan Thapa cave. It offers a clear and magnificent view of Manaslu ranges. The place also has a 250 years old cave, built during the reign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

You will then descend towards Tinmane Bhanjyang. Then you will conclude your trek at Pipalchap village in Ghairung. There is no lodging in this area. But you will get a cozy homestay facility.

Day 4
Day 04: Trek to Gorkha Bazaar

Max. Altitude: 1,135m, Gorkha Bazaar

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving Ghairung, you will head towards another historic place called Bungkot. Bungkot is Magar dominated village. It is also the birthplace of Nepal’s first martyr, Lakhan Thapa. You will also visit the nearby Lakhan Thapa Memorial Park. The park has different wonders that you will love for sure. Along with the big idol of Thapa, there are historical artifacts like Thapa’s sword, stone spout, and many more.

Bungkot also has the facility of homestay and other local organic markets. You can also stay there if you wish. But as our the-day-spot is Gorkha Bazaar, you will 2 hours more for the final destination of the day.

Gorkha Bazaar is the district headquarter of Gorkha. You will have more options for accommodation, food, and others.

Day 5
Day 05: Excursion at Gorkha Bazaar

Max. Altitude: 1,135m, Gorkha Bazaar

Accommodation: Hotel

Gorkha itself has a good historical and cultural background. It was the unification point of our modern Nepal. That initiation was by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Thus, it is still recognized as the ancient capital and origin of modern Nepal. Also, it is one featured touristic place.

So, there are a lot of places that you should explore in Gorkha. For that sake, a day excursion at Gorkha is a good option. You will visit a lot of interesting places here.

Mainly, you will tour places like Gorkha Palace, Gorakhnath Cave, and Gorkha Museum.

Gorkha palace illustrates Gurkha’s history very artfully. The palace is about 300m above Gorkha Bazaar. Made in the 16th century, the Gorkha Durbar is also a medieval fort and a temple. It is in such an elevation that you will have superb views. Along with this, you will get the beautiful panoramas of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. Nearby the palace, you will also see the burial of Guru Gorakhnath, the spiritual guide of young Prithvi Narayan.

Talking about the Gorakhnath cave, it is another renowned attraction at Gorkha. The carvings are artful in this crude hidden shrine. It is also renowned as “the sacred hearth of the Gurkha race.” The cave used to be the shelter of an ancient sage named Gorakhnath.

Another spot is Gorkha Museum. It is within Tallo Durbar. Built in Newari style, the building belongs to the 18th century. You will witness the wide range of ancient artifacts and belongings of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The museum displays 52 feel scripts, ancient artifacts, coins, sculptures, and historical things along with a statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The museum’s exhibits are limited but very interesting. The large garden in the ground is very nice for a soothing walk.

Other places like Old Town has many temples on its surroundings. Ratna temple is the guarded temple above the bus-stand. You will see the Vishnu temple along with the statue of Nandi & Lord Ganesh. You may also enjoy going the pagoda-style temple of Bhimsen.

Day 6
Day 06: Drive to Bhacheck and Trek to Sirandada

Max. Altitude: 1900m, Sirandada

Travel Duration: 5-6 hours

Trek Duration: 1-2 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay

The next day you will take a drive about 6 hours to a Bhacheck village. This could be your another unique experience through narrow and curvy mountain roads. The path is along the Daraudi river.

From Ghacheck, an easy hike of 1-2 hours will take you to Sirandanda. Sirandada is the settlement at the altitude of 1900 meters. In Nepali, Sirandada means ‘hilltop’. As the name suggests it lies on the top of a hill.

Inhabited by Tamang people, there are many attractions here. Dudhpokhari, Nagpokhari, Bhot Dodar, Chima Dharadi, and a tea garden are some of them. Alongside, you get the magnificent view of Manaslu range. Also, the view of sunrise and sunset is pretty awesome.

Moreover, the village is a rich diversity of medicinal herbs like nirmasi, jatamasi, rato unyu, yarsagumba, and satuwa. You will see big farmlands of organic potato and tea leaves. This village will give you the real taste of ethnicity.

Day 7
Day 07: Trek to Barpak Village

Max. Altitude: 1920m, Barpak Village

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay/Hotel

Leaving Sirandada, this day you will walk towards the northeast direction. The first stop will be at Mathar village, 1,790m. Then, you will reach Ghyachowk within few hours. This is also the lunch-spot for the day.

After your lunch, you will be encountering diversified places like Dewalsara, Sum Khola, Daraudi Khola, Goje, and Alagang. Finally, you will reach Barpak village. It is a settlement of Gurung, Tamang, Ghale, Sunars, Pariyars, and others.

Barpak is the home village of Late Capt. Gaje Ghale, an ex-army and the recipient of the famous Victoria Cross medal. This village has all the basic infrastructures like electricity, internet, medical service, and transportation.

As Barpak was severely affected by the earthquake of 2015, you also get to witness its renovating phase. The stone-roofed houses along the narrow alleys are just amazing. The place gives the best view of Buddha Himal. Due to its geographic features, the village was one unique destination in Nepal for ‘Nepal Tourism Year 2011’. And this place also targets for many tourists in ‘Visit Nepal 2020’.

Day 8
Day 08: Trek to Laprak Village

Max. Altitude: 2,300m, Laprak Village

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay

Again, another day of extensive walk begins. This day you will head towards the beautiful village; Laprak. Laprak is the popular destination for Manaslu trekkers.

Your first spot of the day is Basukang. Basukang is the junction that leads to Rupinala Pass. Eventually, you will reach Laprak.

Talking more about Laprak, it is a typical Gurung village. There are beautifully settled villages with welcoming locals. Their unique culture and traditions are something to watch for. Laprak signifies the diversity in the typical Gurung lifestyle and cultural community. The view of various snow-capped mountains is again the major highlight. The mountain-view is fully panoramic.

This typical Gurung village is also a popular stopover for the Manaslu Circuit trekkers. There is homestay for accommodation at Laprak. Also, there are 2 hotels in the village that will give you full satisfaction.

Day 9
Day 09: Trek to Nambai Kharka

Max. Altitude: 2,700m, Nambai Kharka

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay

Now, the next stop is Nambai Kharka. This day of a moderate walk will take around about 4-5 hours. In the local language, ‘Kharka’ means pastureland and Nambai Kharka is open pasture land with a thin settlement. There are temporary houses of Laprakis (local residents of Laprak).

This is a remote area so you will get basic facilities on lodging and fooding.

Day 10
Day 10: Hike to Dharche Danda and Trek to Tallo Thotneri

Max. Altitude: 3,200m, Dharche Danda; 1,658m Tallo Thotneri

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay

On this day, you will get up early and climb to the top of Dharche Danda (hill). This is the highest point of the Lower Manaslu Trek.

The view from Dharche Danda is breathtaking and 180 degrees panoramic. You will view more than 20 Himalayan peaks from here. The famous peaks include Annapurna I, II, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Langtang, Himalchuli, Ganesh (I, II, III), and more. The viewpoint is at 3220 meters altitude (similar as Poon Hill). Compared to akin places, Dharche Danda has the best mountain view. Also, the view of sunrise and sunset is excellent.

Darche Danda even has a religious significance amongst local Gurungs. Locals believe that ‘praying to the Hill-God will avoid all natural calamities’. Even tourists pray here hoping for clear visibility and none trek-misfortune.

After the lovely mountain views, you will move towards another Gurung village; Tallo Thotneri. The descent will take up to 6-7 hours. Thallo Thotneri is another village with an average commercial facility. But the homestay has the excellent service. You will enjoy the local’s traditional dance and their typical delicacies.

Furthermore, you can visit around Sita Gufa and Olajung Danda there.

Day 11
Day 11: Trek to Gyampesal via Sita Cave

Max. Altitude: 1,165m, Sita Cave

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Home Stay

On this eleventh day of your journey, you will progress through the path of Sita Cave. You will walk along the middle dense forest here. Sita cave holds a major Hindu virtue and also a tourist attraction. There is a big ‘mela’ in Ram Navami here. As Lord Ram and Goddess Sita are believed to stay in this cave, devotees worship their resemblance.

After the thrilling experience of the cave, you will forward towards Gyampesal. Gyampesal is the final stop of your journey. This is another descent that will take a few hours. You will have the option of homestay or tent here at Gyampesal. Also, the services are basic here.

Day 12
Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner in the Evening

Max. Altitude: 1,338m, Kathmandu

Travel Duration: 3-4 hours of drive

Accommodation: Hotel

As your journey ends, you will drive back to Kathmandu. There is a daily bus service from Gyampesal to Gorkha Bazaar. The drive to Gorkha bazaar will take 2-3 hours. From Gorkha Bazaar, you will take another bus that will come up on a regular interval. You will be back to Kathmandu within about 3-4 hours.

After freshening up in your hotel room, you will join us in the farewell dinner and meetup session hosted by our team.

Day 13
Day 13: Final Departure

This will be your final day in the land of Himalayas. After your fabulous trip, our airport representatives will drop you back to the airport. We wish you a good trip back to your home. We hope to see you soon and give service to you in near future.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Lower Manaslu Trek

Trip Facts

  • Manaslu Region
  • Homestay Trekking + Teahouse Trekking
  • 3,220m, Dharche Danda
  • 13 Days
  • 9 Days
  • Min 2 to Max 14 persons
  • Easy to Moderate
  • 5-6 hours
  • Spring (March-Mid May) and Autumn (September-November)
  • Kathmandu
  • Manakamana (Kurintar)/Gyampesal

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