Trip Introduction
Gorkha, place from where unification of Nepal was started by king prithvi narayan shah, is the first capital of Nepal. There are several places of historical archaeological importance in the district. Blessed by natural splendor and landmark by plethora of historic , religious, ecological and cultural importance it has very potential to be featured as one of the favored touristic destinations of the country. How ever , number of tourist coming to this region is limited. Besides the manaslu circuit trek , lower manaslu route offer mode rate trekking, historical tour, pilgrimage tour, agro tourism and community based home stay. The local are also committed towards development and promotion of tourism in the district.
Facts Of Trip
Trip Grade:Moderate
Best Month: March / May ,September / December
Per Day Average walking : 5 hours
Trek Type: Full Tea house and Camping Trekking
Maximum Elevation: 3,260m
Duration :13 Days
Region: Manaslu Region
The Route: KTM- Mankamana –Gorkha –Larpak - Gyampesal - Ktm
Mode of Travel: Ground transportation
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to the country of Top of The World! As you arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives will receive you and transfer to the hotel and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!
Day 02 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country. The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!
Day 03: kathmandu-gairung ( 1090m.)-3 hours drive, 10 minutes cable car and 5 hours trek
Manakamana cable car station at kurintar 3 hours drive from Kathmandu where a ten minute long Nepal’s only cable car leads to the manakamana devi temple at the hill top( 1315m asl.) the temple dates back to 17th century. Manakamana deve is believed to be the wish fulfilling goddess and every year million of devotees from Nepal and abroad pay visit to this temple. Legend has it that a king of gorkha was blessed by the goddess to get victory over small kingdoms in pursuit of making a big ghorkha.
After session at manakamana bazaar, beings the first leg of the trek to bakyaswori mahadeva temple (1515m) situated 2 km north of manakamana temple. It is believed that goddess sati’s tongue fell at bakyaswori mahadeva, and the shrine has spiritual power to provide speech to speech less. According to the priest, many mute children have gained speech after offering prayers to the shrineAbout 500m further up hill is a siddha lakhan thapa (founder of the manakamana temple) sacred cave which also offers a magnificent view of manaslu Himalayan ranges. Right next to the cave is a 250years old temple built during the reign of king prithvi narayan shah.After this, the trek descends to tinmane banjyang, a brief stop for tea break. The village also offer a home stay facility. Trek for day one concludes at pipalchap village at ghairung VDC. No commercial lodging is available; How ever the village has a home stay service with genuine local food and rooms.Main attraction of the village is a temple dedicated to Himalaya devi which is visited by thousand of devotees from different parts of gorkha. The temple bears a big bell dating back to 1949vs (1886AD).
Day 04: Gorkha Bazaar via bungkot, kaule bhangar first martyr lakhan thapa village(900m)-5 hours.
Bungkot is a historic birth place of lakhan thapa, the first martyr of Nepal. Lakhan thapa (1891- 1933VS) was hanged to death with friend jai sing chumi magar at his own home on falgun to, 1933VS for opposing the tyrant rana regime. Many people visit kaule bhangar to pay tribute to the first martyr of the nation.
A part from its historical significance, other attraction is a lakhan thapa memorial park build in the commemoration of the first martyr where a bust of the martyr has been stalled. The park has a collection of loakhan thapa’s belonging s like swords and stone spout interestingly, local have stepped up efforts in preserving these artifacts without any external assistance.Majority of the population in the village magar community . bungkot offers a home stay facility and a delicious delicacy mad with fresh and locally grown produce from here Gorkha Bazaar is 1.5 hour of walk district headquarter of Gorkha. There are several options accommodation -3star to budget hotel –in Gorkha Bazaar.
Day 05: Gorkha excursion
Gorkha Palace
The historical Gorkha palace from where king prithvi Narayan shah initited unification of modern Nepal is perched one thousand feet above Gorkha Bazaar; the palace dominates the surrounding and is visible from all surrounding area. It is regarded as holy shrine. It also offers visitors with fantastic views of green valleys and the Himalayan panorama. The palace also boasts beautiful architecture.
Gorkhanath Cave
The cave of Gorkhanath is situated about 10m above the palace. The cave is believed to be the shelter of Gorkhanath baba ( great sage) after whom the district obtained its name. The sage was the guide of shsh Dynasty who blessed and provided his precious guidance to the dynasty for the unification of nation.
Gorkha Museum
Gokha Museum is situated at Gorkha bazaar. It has a wide range of artifacts and personal belongings of king prithvi Narayan shah along with his 52 feet long chino (birth detail).Apart from these collections it has also wide range of objects such as art sculpture, coin and several other articles on display.
Day 06: Drive and Trek from Gorkha Bazaar –Sirandanda.(1900m).
Bhachek is about 6-7 hours of bus /jeep Drive from Gorkha Bazaar.Driving through curvaceous mountain roads overlooking Daraudi River is a thrilling experience. Sarandanda , the final leg of day four, is arrived after a short hike of one hour from Bhachek.A Hyolmo village, it is situated at the hill top from where its name has been derived to Sirandanda Major attractions of Sirindanda are Nagepokhari,Dudpokhari,Bhot dodar, chima, dharadi and tea garden. It also offers a magnificent view of sunrise and stunning manaslu range. The village has a rich diversity of medicinal herbs like nirmasi, Jedamasi, jatamasi, rato unyu,yarsagumbo satuwa, etc. home stay facility is available in the village. Agriculture produce of the village is organic potapo and unprocessed tea leaves. It is one of the few villages in gorkha district to produce its own tea (not a commercial production).Sirandanda is struggling to find its place in the tourist map despite the overwhelming scenic beauty of its landscape.
Day 07: Trek to Barpak village
After a walk of about one and half hour towards Northeast is Mathar village which is at an elevation of 1790m asl . further at a distance of 1.5 km lies ghyachowk a stopover for lunch where one can ask local to prepare lunch. The destination for the fifth day i.e. Barpak village is at a walking of about 4.5hours from ghyachowk. En route to barpak are dewalsara, sum River, daraudi River, goje and Alagang.
Barak mostly in habited by exarmymen , is also known as the village of late Capt. Gage Ghale who was honored with Victoria cross medal. Gurung and Ghale community comprise the major population of this village. It has all the basic amenities such as 24 hour electricity, internet facility, medical service, and hotel. It has road access and buses from Kathmandu commutes on daily basis (except monsoon season). The unique sloppy shape with clustered stone tile –roofed house, stone build narrow alleys and panoramic view of Buddha himal are the major attractions of Barpak. For accommodation, the village offers well organized home stay facilities along with standard hotel. Barpak has gained many national and international acclaims –nominated as a unique destination for Nepal tourism year 2011; provide d their warm hospitality to many noted personals , among them is German Chancellor Dr Roman Herzog.
Day 08: Trek to Laprak village 2100m)-6 hours walk
While on way to Laprak , one will come across Basukang(a junction that also leads to rupinala pass –famous destination among Manaslu trekkers ).Laprak village (28.29 N and 84.78 E) Located at paprak VDC is a landslide vulnerable zone (Gurung , et al. 2011). The rain triggered landslide 1999 swept away houses and about 12 hectares of cultivated land. Since then, the villagers are living in constant fear (usually during the summer monsoon). More damages were reported in 2002,2006,and 2007 due to landslide, Gurung , et al.2011).
Unlike other villages of Nepal , all 9wards of the VDC are clustered together. The temperature is warm and cool from April to October and cold and snowfall from November to march. The most notable character of laprak is the wooden roofed houses which bears a uniform look in the entire VDC. Laprak . a typical Gurung village, is also pit stop for the Manaslu trekkers. There are two hotels available accommodation . laprak is also accessible from Tatopani in the east and Gumda village in the south.The village is home to late Iman Sing Gurung, first person from the Gurung community from western Nepal to summit mount Everest. Most of the villagers are engaged in tourism business and few of them have also earned international recognition.
Day 09: Trek to Nambai Kharka 2700m 4 hours walk .
The Kharka , pasture or cow shed (is arrived after a moderate walk of 4 hours from laprak. The Kharka is an open pasture land with few temporary houses of Laprakis ( people of Laprak) whicg provides them shelter during plantation and harvest period of potatoes. Trekkers need to be self sufficient for food and lodging. There is no toilet facility as well. During the stay in Numbai Kharka, it is advised that one should stick with vegetarian diet as local believe that slaughtering of animals will bring ill to the trekkers.
Day 10: wake up early and hike to Dharche Danda –(3220m).
For sunrise view and majestic sightings of Manaslu Himalayan ranges, then trek to Lallo thotneri 1560m 7 hours walk.Dherche , the highest point of the lower Manaslu trekking route, offers breathtaking 180 degree panoramic view of more then 20 Himalayan peaks. Among Gurung community, Dharche Danda ( hill) holder a religious significance. They offer prayer to the hill deity to avoid natural calamities. Also felling of trees is allowed in the area. It is also believed that if tourists offer prayer to the hill deity, they will be blessed with clear visibility and will ward off misfortune while on trek. Some of the prominent peaks that can be viewed from the top of Dhrche are; Annapurna, Annapurna I , Annapurna II , Bharatsikhar, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamtang ,Himalchuli,Buddha Himal,Sarang peak,Malkunti peak, Babu Himal Sringi HimaL, Ganesh I Ganesh II and Ganesh III Among many others.The eight day of journey ends at Tallo Thotenery, a village enriched with Gurung culture. No commercial lodging facility is available but tourist have an option for home stay where they share local highlights ( Gurung dance and local delicacies). The place also offers major attractions such as: Sita Cave situated in the southwest and Olajung Danda.
Day 11: Trek to Gyampesal via Sita Cave.6 hours walk
The famous cave is reached after walking 1.8km from Tallo Thotneri. The cave is situated at 1165masl. Sita cave surrounded by dense forest, holds and a religious significance among Hindus and it is one the major tourist attractions. Every year Ram Nawami which is celebrated on the ninth days of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Chitra (March and April) thousand of Hindu devotees gather to pay homage to Lord Ram. It is believed that goddess Sita, wife of Lord Ram, spent some time and stayed here the caving experience in Sita Cave is thrilling and adventurous.After touring the cave we end the day in Gyampesal, the final destination of the trek, which is few hours walk from for the Sita Cave for overnight stay on comp our home stay.
Day 12: Drive from Gyampesal to Kathmandul.
Bus departs at 8am (daily ) to Gorkha Bazaar which is 2.5 hours of drive from Gyampesal. Bus services are available on a regular interval from Gorkha to Kathmandu which is 6hours of drive.
Day 13: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today after a leisurely start we will continue the tour of Kathmandu by visiting the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Boudhanath stupa is a world heritage site and a place which is an amazing place to see Buddhism and understand more about not only the religion but the Nepali culture.A group dinner will be had in the evening to celebrate the end of the trek.
Day 14: Fly to back to Home Extra days are available at your own cost and we are happy to arrenge this for you.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please be aware that your safety while in Nepal is our number one propriety. All itineraries are subject to change if there are safety concerns, health concerns of people in the group and/or weather concerns. This will be decided by the trek leader but we will always discuss the options with the group where possible to ensure peoples wises are taken into account, however the Treks leader decision is final.
Cost Includes
We believe that after a day trekking it is important to have the best available accommodation and food. This is why we use only the best lodges and hotels and allow our customers to choose the food they wish to eat from the menu available.
Unlike many other trekking companies our price includes all meals on trek.
This price includes the following:
Four nights accommodation in a three star Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast. This will be for the two nights before trek and two nights after trek.
Private Vehicle from Kathmandu to Kurintar and by cable car to Manakamana.
Private vehicle From Gyampesal to Kathmandu.
All accommodation whilst on trek.
You are able to choose any food, any tea and coffee from menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Return transport to the beginning and end of the trek to Kathmandu.
Trekking Permits and also for Manaslu Conservation permit is needed.
Trekking leader, guides accommodation and food.
Porter accommodation and wages while on trek.
Trekking Leader, guides and porters insurance.
An English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
Sightseeing entrance fee and guide fee.
Private transportation in Kathmandu including all airport arrivals and departures. This is also for the sightseeing tours.
All government taxes and Service Charge.
Medical Supplies (Frist aid kit).
Cost Not Includes
Nepal visa.
International airfare.
Travel and rescue Insurance
Food in Kathmandu.
Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
All the hotel accommodation or meals in Kathmandu.( in the case return early from trek due to any reason)
Personal expenses( bar bills, coke, beer, bottle of water, phone call, laundry service etc.
Tips for guide porter.
Map
Equipment Check – List
What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about! We can advise you and help you and it does of course depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops seeling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced.It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.
The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house treks. Use this list as a guide line.The basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weight no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow.
GENERAL CHECK - LIST
The following basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weight no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
-Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
-Fleece jacket or pullover.
-fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)
-Waterproof sheel jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
-Lightweight thermal gloves.
-Underwear (4)
-Shorts (2)
-Lightweight cotton long trousers / pants .
-Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms.
-Sun hat or Scarf.
-Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.
-T- shirt (2)
-Thin, light weight (inner socks) (4).
-Sunglasses with UV protection.
-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season
-Head lamp (eg petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.
-Small padlock to lock trek bag.
-Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)
-Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.
-Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)
-Camping mattress, eg thermarest pad.
-water bottles.
-Tolietries.
-Small wash towel.
-Footwear appropraite to the trip.
-Waterproof shell trousers / pants. (Preferably berathable fabric)
TREKKING CHECK LIST
In addition to the items listed in our general check list you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
-Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof sheel outer.
-Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).
-Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.
-Trekking/ hiking boods with spare laces.
-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
- Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.
-Gaiters (optional).
-Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)
MOUNTAINERING / CLIMBING CHECK LIST
In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
-Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.
-Mountaineering Safety harness.
-Mountaineering Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal preference).
-120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking caravines.
-Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).
-Prussik loops .
-Climbing helmet (optional).
-Jumer (Ascender & Descender).
-Pocket Knife.
-Head lamp.
-Mattress.
-Rope and Snow bars.
-Ice crew.
-High altimeter.
Most if not all of this equipment will be needed for any trip that crosses steep, snow – covered ground, or which includes sections of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe , Crampons ot herness/ carabiners . During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your personal trek bag, in group bags untill needed.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
In order to minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, equipmeent rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them lot cheaper than you find in europe and in Usa. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which give you an aidea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.
-Sleeping bags.
-Down Jackets.
-All purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)
-Ice hummer.
-Climbing Harness .
-2 looking Carabiners , Climbing Sling.
-12 – point Crampons.
-Plastic Climbing boots.
-Helmet.
FIRST AID MEDICINE
-Bandage for Sprains.
-Plaster/ Band- aids.
-Iodine or Water filter(optional)
-Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.
-Antiseptic ointment for cuts.
-Anti- bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
-Aspirin/ paractamol- general painkiller.
-Oral rehydration salts.
-Broad – spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin).
-Anti - diarrhea medication (antibiotic).
-Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional).
-Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
-Diamox (Altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu.
-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).
- For more details please see our staying healthy topic.