Manaslu Heli Trek - 14 Days

Quick Facts:

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (4,400ft)
Meet on arrival, be welcomed and then transfer to your hotel for check in. 
Evening-trip briefing and welcome dinner.  Two overnight at hotel.

Day 2 Kathmandu World Heritage Site Tour
Breakfast will be served at your hotel, and then depart to visit various Cultural World Heritage Sites to see ancient Nepalese arts and architect.  This is an easy day which allows you to overcome your jetlag after a long flight.  Afternoon return to hotel and remainder of the day free.

Day 3 Road to Arughat (570m/1,870ft)
We wake up early, eat breakfast, and travel by road to Aurughat. 
It is about six hour of scenic drive.  We will arrive in the afternoon, unload and get settled for the evening.  Arughat is a new and fast developing town at the bank of Burigandaki River along which we hike to one of its sources at Larkya Pass Glaclier.
Overnight stay in local lodge.

Day 4-5 Hike to Khorla Bensi (970m/3,182ft) via Labu Bensi (880m/2,886ft)
We will hike along the Burigandaki River valley passing through terraced farmlands, evergreen vegetation and scenic views.  We will see Shringi (7187m) and Ganesh Himal peaks in the distance at the start of our hike.

Day 6-7 Hike to Deng (2,600m/8,528ft) via Jagat (1,370m/4,495ft)
As we progress our hike farther upriver, we will see river carved steep narrow gorges at various points.  The ancient foot trail goes along the entire length of Burigandaki River, so we can hear the river as we hike its banks. Despite the variations in landscapes, we will see small villages, farmlands along the riverbanks and mountain slopes.  We will hike through open space and narrow gorges on again and off again until we reach Lho village.  The sheer rock cliffs, waterfalls, and the river valley evergreen scenery is part of the experience on this trail.

Day 8 Namrung (2,660m/8,725ft)
We will continue our hike along this scenic river crisscrossing at various points.  Occasionally we will walk past small settlements, teahouses and farmlands. 

Day 9 Lho Gaon (3,180m/10,435ft)
Lho Gaon is a very traditional Tibetan settlement with monasteries, stupas, mani walls and terraced farms.  The view of Manaslu and scenic vistas are excellent from here.

Today, we will hike in the extreme lower shoulder of Himal Chuli peaks through the forest covered areas and open space.  We will also see Mount Manaslu and Himal Chuli from several locations.  It is a well maintained trail so we will have fairly easy to moderate hike.

Day 10 Trek to Sama Gaon (11,565ft)
Sama Gaon, located below the majestic peak of Manaslu, is the biggest settlement of Tibetan ethnic people since time immemorial. Sama is amazingly flatland surrounded by extraordinarily beautiful peaks and scenery.  
We will hike on ancient foot trail which is well maintained and surrounded by beautiful forest scenery and excellent mountain views.  It is an easy to moderate hike to Sama.  We will camp near the village campsite.

Day 11 Samdo Gaon (12,703ft)
Samdo is a Tibetan ethnic village located above the bank of Burigandaki River and next to Sonam (Samdo) glacier and Samdo peak 6335m.  From here, we’ll have an excellent view of Samdo peak, Himal Chili peaks and Larkya Pass area.  The lodging facilities in this village are very limited and are still at the developing stage. 
We will hike along the Burigandaki River to Samdo for lunch.  It is a pleasant and easy hike.  We will pass several mani walls en route and cross couple of small wooded bridges.  The hike between Sama and Samdo is extraordinarily beautiful with excellent views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Khayang and Samdo peaks and scenic valley.

Day 12 Hike to Sama Gaon and Helicopter to Kathmandu
We will hike back to Sama for lunch and then helicopter flight to Kathmandu. 
Arrive Kathmandu Airport and transfer to your hotel. 
Farewell dinner in the evening.  Overnight at hotel / 2 nights.

Day 13 Free Day in Kathmandu
Breakfast served at hotel and free for your own activities.

Day 14 Departure from Nepal
Breakfast served at your hotel, and then our complimentary transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport for your flight. End of service.