MANASLU TREK 2015 TRIP NOTES

MANASLU TREK
  2015 TRIP NOTES

MANASLU Trek
                                         Nepal 2015
                        Trip 1: April 7 – 24, 2015 (pre-monsoon)
                        Trip 2: September 8 - 25, 2015 (post-monsoon)

                                              Trip Notes
                            All material Copyright ©Adventure Consultants Ltd 2015

The Manaslu trek is possibly the very best `circuit’ trek in Nepal. The trail circumnavigates
the highest peak and namesake for the region that stands as the world’s eighth highest
mountain; Mt Manaslu. We spend 14 days on the circuit, celebrated for its beautiful
mountains, variety of terrain and intriguing insight to the local inhabitants. This trip offers a
physical yet beautiful trek in an unspoiled region.

Because we want you to remember this trek for being so much more than just a hike, we at
Adventure Consultants have taken enormous pleasure in planning a fusion of all the best
components that we know make this a truly memorable experience.

We have created a very workable program that incorporates a look around the best
attractions in Kathmandu before we embark on the journey to discover the real highlights in
the Manaslu region. On the trek you will be supported by our friendly guides and fabulous
cooks who will take you on a fun-filled and informative journey delivering many magical and
memorable moments.

We operate this trek in both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, with the post-
monsoon known season for clear autumnal weather and the pre-monsoon for spring
flowers. Our many years of Himalayan experience allows us to introduce you to the best
food, accommodation, destinations and experiences that are available.

Trip outline

Firstly, we introduce you to Kathmandu with visits to the
more interesting parts of this ancient and eclectic city,
highlighting active temples and palaces, followed by time
wandering around the bustling Thamel district with its
menagerie of shops, restaurants and bars.

We travel by coach from Kathmandu, through Gourka, and onto the small town of Araghat, the
staging point for our trek. We get onto the trail the next morning, travelling at a relaxed pace
through small villages with terraced fields of rice and corn that are farmed by Hindus. As we
ascend to higher altitudes, the vegetation evolves to green river valleys and forested hillsides

and here the valleys are inhabited by Sherpa people. Due to the high altitudes in these
locations, the primary produce is restricted to potato fields and the raising of yaks for the wool
and milk products. The trail sidles the Budhi Gandaki River to its source in the shadow of Mt
Manaslu, finally crossing over the high Larke Pass (14,600ft/4460m) before descending the
Dudh Khola and Marsyongdi rivers.

The people we meet on the Manaslu region live very traditional lifestyles that have remained
virtually unchanged over hundreds, if not thousands of years. Each day we pass through the
many fascinating villages, and as we stop to lodge for the night we can enjoy the evenings
meandering about, often meeting up with some of the locals. Frequently it is these
interactions that become the most enduring and pleasurable memories of the journey.

This is primarily a lodge based where we stop each night at a locally run guesthouse. Here you
will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the local families and enjoy wholesome hot meals
featuring fresh local foods.

                                            We take a rest day at the town of Sama Gaon.
                                            Those who are enthusiastic for more exercise can
                                            join in for a five hour hike to Manaslu base camp
                                            (some rest day!) But don’t worry, if you would
                                            prefer something more sedentary, you may instead
                                            elect to visit the local Gompa to receive a blessing
                                            from the head Lama, or merely sleep in then
                                            wander around the fields getting up close with
                                            baby yaks. Those visiting Manaslu base camp will
                                            see a small tent city established by the various
                                            expeditions that are here to climb this Himalayan
                                            giant. This side-trip aids our acclimatisation to
                                            enable us to adjust to the high altitudes we’ll
                                            encounter as we cross the Larke Pass.

                                           We set out early to hike to the summit of Larke
                                           Pass where we are surrounded by Himalayan giants
                                           with views galore! We then make a descent over
                                           reasonably steep terrain and at times through
snow. Stout trekking footwear is required for good security on this passage and gaiters will
keep the snow from filling your boots. Once we have crossed over the Pass, we have only four
more days to enjoy the views as we all-to-quickly descend down valley towards the
culmination of this unique journey. By this stage of the trip everyone is fully immersed in the
routine of the daily trek which can become quite meditative as the trials and tribulations of our
`normal’ lives are forgotten as we live `in the moment’ to enjoy the revelations that each
corner of the trail brings.

While not considered a difficult trek, this journey would rate as a physical hike with one longer
day during the crossing the Larke Pass. It is suitable for adventurous people looking to enjoy
beautiful mountains accentuated with an insight to the local people and their culture.

Our staff are the most affable western or Sherpa guides working in conjunction with our
excellent cooking teams, to promise you an experience of a lifetime!

Trip 1: April 7 – 24, 2015 (pre-monsoon)
Trip 2: September 8 - 25, 2015 (post-monsoon)

Day
1         Arrive Kathmandu
2         Kathmandu
3         Drive to Arughat        570m (1,870ft)
4         Trek to Soti Khola      730m (2,395ft) 6 hrs
5         Trek to Khorlabesi      970m (3,182ft) 6 -7 hrs
6         Trek to Jagat           1370m (4,495ft) 5 hrs
7         Trek to Deng            1540m (5,050ft) 9 hrs
8         Trek to Ghap            2165m (7,103ft) 3 hrs
9         Trek to Lihi            2840m (9,317ft) 6 hrs
10        Trek to Sama Gaon       3525m (11,565ft) 3 hrs
11        Sama Gaon, rest day, visit Gompa or trek to Manaslu Base Camp 4,800m (15,750ft)
12        Trek to Samdo           3738m (12,263ft) 4 hrs
13        Trek to Dharamshala 4460m (14,632ft) 4 hrs
14        Cross over Larke Pass 5213m (17,103ft)
          Trek to Bhimtang        3590m (11,778 ft) 8 hrs
15        Trek to Tilje           3010m (9,875ft) 6 hrs
16        Trek to Syange,         1175m (3,854ft) 6 hrs
17        Jeep to Besishahar      825m (2,706ft), then bus to Kathmandu
18        Trip Ends – depart from Kathmandu

The Expedition Fee

The cost of the Manaslu Trek ex Kathmandu, Nepal is US$4,100 per person

This is an inclusive cost and covers the following:

         Nepalese Government trek royalty fees
         All trek organisational requirements
         All trekking permits
         Airport Transfers in Kathmandu
         All transport and accommodation in lodges ex Kathmandu
         All group equipment for the trek
         All trek staff, including western and Sherpa guides, porter support
         Transport of 15kg of personal equipment
         All meals after departing Kathmandu and before arriving back in Kathmandu
         Purified water and all hot drinks including good coffee on the trek
         Back up Medical services

The trek fee does not include the following:

         Air travel to and from Nepal
         Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
         Purchases of bottled water while on the trek, gifts or alcohol.
         Entry visas for Nepal (suggest getting 30 day tourist visa for Nepal on arrival into KTM)

     Personal clothing and equipment
         Personal expenses whilst trekking such as laundry, showers, internet use
         Personal travel / trip cancellation insurance
         Excess baggage charges for the trek over 15kg
         Any rescue costs

Deposit

A deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition trek.

Balance

The balance is payable by February 7, 2015 for Trip 1 and July 8, 2015 for Trip 2.

Payments

All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
Wellington
New Zealand

for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited

Account # 1000-594771-0000
Or, we can accept a US Dollar bank check made out to Adventure Consultants Limited. We can
also accept your payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex ).

Please Note: All charges with bank transfers are for the remitters account.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of
fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may
then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:

         Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
         For cancellations made within 59-30 days of the trip commencement date we reserve
          the right to retain 50% of the full fee.
         For cancellations within 29 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of
          the full fee applies.
         We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent.

Group Size

For the Manaslu Trek we will take a maximum of 12 people hence spaces are limited.

Visas

Members will be required to obtain an entry visa into Nepal at the beginning of the expedition.
This is easily procured at Kathmandu airport on arrival. Currently a 30-day visa costs US$40.
(The trekking permits are a separate matter dealt with by the expedition agent.)

Food

Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please
inform us if you have any special dietary requirements. Once in the Manaslu Valley during the
trek we will be staying and dining in local lodges.

Equipment List

Expedition trek members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be
individually provided.

Medical Examination

Expedition members will be provided with a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their
family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by
the expedition doctor and treated with full confidentiality. Advice on immunisations will be
provided at this time.

Documentation and Photographs

Expedition trek members will need to provide 3 passport-photographs for trekking permits and
a copy of their passport bio-data page.

The advantages of trekking and climbing with us

Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their
expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics

coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our trekkers the
best possible experience.

We employ strong and specialised Expedition leaders and Sherpa staff, who are some of the
most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best
back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food,
comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical
back up.

Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a
previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return
because they know we do our very best to make treks and expeditions safe and successful.

How to join this expedition

If you would like to join the expedition, please request a Trek Application Form and forward
along with the deposit for the trip.

Adventure Consultants Ltd
PO Box 739
20 Brownston St
Lake Wanaka 9343
New Zealand

Email: info@adventure.co.nz
Web: www.adventureconsultants.com
Phone: + 64 3 443 8711
Fax: + 64 3 443 8733

Adventure Consultants – is affiliated to the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA), New Zealand
Alpine Club (NZAC) and a corporate member of the American Alpine Club (AAC). Adventure Consultants perform to
IFMGA/UIAGM standards and are world leaders in high altitude guiding.

                                                         All material Copyright © Adventure Consultants Ltd 2015