Manaslu Base Camp Trek – 17 Days

Capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, Kathmandu is a potpourri of culture and heritage at its vibrant best. In time immemorial, the region has been a meeting point for spirituality and culture with its extraordinary monuments, temples, chapels and stupas that manifest Hinduism along with Buddhism of centuries. Overland Trek Nepal arranges sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley that includes 4 world Heritage Sites; Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square. All of these three sacred locations can provide you with a rich, historical and spiritual experience of the land of Nepal.

Soon after your tour, you will be busy with preparations for trekking to the Manaslu Base Camp Trek that lures adventurers into managing through remote and tough areas while underneath Manlsu Region.

1. Pashupatinath Temple — The Landmark of Hindu Devotion

Pashupatinath Temple — Situated along the holy Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is Nepal's most important Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (the god of destruction and rebirth). It is among the ancient temples of Kathmandu that belongs to 400 AD. Best known for its extravagant pagoda-style architecture, resplendent in gold-leafed roofs and intricately carved silver doors.

Pashupatinath or “Lord of the Animals” is one of 275 ancient temples in Nepal encompassing master Shiva who saves both individuals and animals Constructed a few hundreds years ago, the temple's precise origins are as mysterious as too many legends which surround its beginnings. One of the legends has it that in these forests lay hidden Shiva as a form of a deer whom Gods sought to be brought back from this disguise, In doing so some fragments of his horn were reputed to have fallen here, which then grew into the site where Pashupatinath is located.

The temple is well known for its location near the Bagmati River, bank lies the Pashupatinath Temple where the dead bodies are burnt and it is a common cistrum of Hindus cremates every deceased body at Pashupati temple. Despite only Hindus being able to enter the temple's inner sanctum, the surrounding complex provides for a deep experience for everyone coming here. The witness of the religious ceremonies, sadhu (holy men) in meditation at the temple complex and everyday offerings provide a rurge insight onto Nepali spiritual life.

2. Boudhanath Stupa : The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism

The large Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism, has stood here for centuries. Constructed in the 5th century by the Licchavi dynasty, it is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhist pilgrims from not only Nepal but also Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa stands at 36 meters and includes a substantial white dome capped by a golden spire with the watchful eyes of the Buddha which symbolize wisdom and compassion.

There are numerous prayer wheels and smaller shrines around the stupa, guests are also allowed to walk all over round the stupa (known as circumambulating) while spinning the prayer wheels which is a common practice in Buddhism for paying respect to the Buddha and pray for blessings. During the 1950s and subsequent years Tibetan refugees who fled Chinese-annexed Tibet established a new settlement around Boudhanath, turning it into one of the most important centres of Tibetan culture outside Tibet. Today, the place has evolved into a bustling Tibetan cultural hub and you find quite a good no of monasteries in its proximity apart from some amazing Tibetan curio shops, hip cafes.

According to legend, Boudhanath was created by a Khasanita widow named Ma Jhyazima, who sought permission from the king to build the stupa. Constructed largely to house a relic of the Buddha, soon after it became an important centre of Buddhist worship and teaching.

3. A Haven Of Royal Legacy: Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square also known as Hanuman Dhoka is a magnificent complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples that show the power of the Nepalese monarch from middle age. The palace of the square served as the royal palace of the Malla kings and later until 19th century when it was turned to a museum.

While some parts of the square date back to the 3rd century AD, many of these landmarks were constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries during Georgian times. The buildings, temples and shrines in Durbar Square with their finely carved wooden structures exhibit the traditional Newari architecture of the Kathmandu Valley, and include some of Nepal's most important cultural landmarks.

One of its most famous attractions is the Kumari Ghar, an unassuming building that serves as home to the living goddess Kumari — a young girl who Newar Buddhists and Hindus regard as the earthly embodiment of Taleju. Kumari appears in public only a few times each year, during religious festivals such as Indra Jatra and Dashain. The Taleju Temple, the Basantapur Tower and the Jagannath Temple with its erotic carvings are also other neoclassical structures open to visitor exploration.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square was the coronation site for Nepalese kings. Some of the temples were damaged in the 2015 earthquake, and yet it holds on to its appeal as a historic place where you can see the real Nepal with all its cultural heritages.

4. Swayambhunath Stupa — Monkey Temple, the Symbol of Samadhi

Swayambhunath Stupa Located on top of a hill in the northwest side of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient and religious site of Nepal. Its roots lie in myths and legends. Legend holds that the Kathmandu Valley was once a great lake and that a lotus flower grew in the center. The word "Swayambhu" is translated as "self-existing," the brilliant opening and appearance of the lotus plus the presence of a divine being introduced from Mapa.

The white dome and gilded spire, crowned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha peer out over the city. A sacred and religious environment is maintained with different shrines, temples and prayer wheels surrounding the main stupa. The stupa is reached by climbing 365 steps, and has views over the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayas.

There is a large amount of monkeys on/around Swayambhunath and it is also known as the Monkey Temple. The monkeys are revered as deities and are said to be descendants of a Hindu god called Hanuman. The stupa worship place of both Buddhist and Hindu highlighting the harmony between two religions in Nepal.

Manaslu Base Camp Trek-Trek Prepration

What follows is exploring all the rich history and spiritual legacy of Kathmandu followed by gearing up for probably one of Nepal's most beautiful as well as demanding treks — The Manaslu Base Camp Trek. Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) high. With each passing day of the trek you traverse through utterly pristine and inhospitable landscapes viewing Himalayan panoramas never to be experienced elsewhere, and willingly thrust your psyche into region-specific cultural immersion.

After breakfast head towards Soti Khola, following the winding roads of the Prithvi Highway. The drive takes around 8 hours passing through various settlements dotted along the lush hills of central Nepal. Along the way witness views of the snowcapped mountains, raging river networks, and endless lush hills. Upon reaching Soti Khola head towards your tea house and rest.

Today is your first day of trekking, start early following the forested route with sounds of nature. Following the rapids of the river head towards Maccha Khola. The trail takes you past various bridges, traversing across a huge section of rocks, and finally following the Buri Gandaki river. Upon reaching Maccha Khola head towards your accommodation and later head out to explore the area.

After breakfast head towards the trail, following the rapids of the Buri Gandaki rivers. As you progress you will be traversing high ridge sections and cliffs. After crossing the ridge sections, the valley widens, and following the trail, you will reach the settlement of Jagat. The village used to be an old customs and tax collection point for trade to and from Tibet along this ancient route.

Following the trail, you will reach Dudh Pokhari Khola from here start ascending a rocky cliff towards the beautiful village of Salleri. Next head towards Ghatte Khola this section of trail is covered with mesmerizing views of Shringi Himal and Langju Himal. Traversing across lush woodlands you will cross a suspension bridge hanging across the Budhi Gandaki River to Philim.  

From Philim you will be traversing across deep canyons and a jagged path to Chisopani, Eklo Bhatti, and finally to a junction separating Tsum Valley and Manaslu. Head towards Pewa and ascending on an incline steep you will reach the village of Deng. 

After breakfast head into the trail. The trail takes you on a zigzag pattern along the hills of central Nepal towards Bihi Phedi. At Bihi Phedi explore the small mani wall with images of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig, and Buddha magnificently carved. After exploring head onto the trail again, all along the way to Ghap explore several Gompas. Serang Gompa and the ruins of Kwak monastery. From Ghap, ascending through the deep wilderness of Pine forest head towards Namrung.

Traversing across lush woodlands you will start your trek. As you progress the deep wilderness shifts into arid landscapes. As you trek along with this section witness grand views of Manaslu. Along with the trial witness and learn about the unspoiled and primitive culture of the local people. Upon reaching Samagaon head towards your accommodation and rest.

Wake up early and after breakfast head towards Manaslu Base Camp. The climb takes you past various changing landscapes with views of snowcapped mountains. Upon reaching base camp enjoy the magnificent view of Manaslu, glaciers, and icefalls. After spending a brief time at the base camp head towards Samagaon through a different route and witness the views of Birendra Lake a high alpine lake.

After breakfast head into the trail. Following the tracks of the wide valley pastures, descending to the lush woodlands passing various settlements and sections of lush green hills. Along the way pass ancient gompas, a series of mani walls and settlements. Following the trail cross a wooden bridge over Buri Gandaki and you will reach Kani. A village having high pasture lands, from Kani after a short trek you will reach Samdo.

From the village, the Larkya La trail is on the left above the valley. Explore the village and witness the grand views of Samdo Peak during sunset.

Start early after breakfast. Today’s trail will take you on an ascending route, so take it slow and have frequent rests. Along with the route witness grand views of the greater Himalayan range and high alpine pasture lands. Traversing on rugged and arid terrain you will reach Dharamsala.

Today you will cross the high mountain pass of Larkya La. The climb is non-technical but the altitude can be a problem for some so, take it slow and have frequent rest. Upon reaching the summit witness grand views of mountains, glaciers, and icefalls. After spending a brief time at the summit retrace your steps towards Bhimthang.

Today’s trek is mostly on a downward section. From the alpine ground, you will be heading towards lush jungles of sub-tropical forests. Keep an eye out as you can spot the endangered species of the region.

Today’s trail is mostly downhill and takes you across the lush wilderness of central Nepal. Along the way cross several settlements. Upon reaching Chyamche head towards your tea house and rest. Later head out to explore the area.

Start early after breakfast, trekking across the woodlands of central Nepal. After reaching Bhulbhule head towards your tea house, later celebrate the last night on the trek, and also celebrate the success of your trek with your team members.

After breakfast head on a long drive towards Kathmandu. The drive takes you across the hills of central Nepal following the rapids of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. Upon getting to Kathmandu head towards your tea house. In the evening join in for a special dinner program to mark the end of your trek.

A representative from Overland Trek Nepal will drop you at the airport before your flight. Bid your farewell to Nepal and the friends you made.