Lower Manaslu Trek Quick Facts
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11 days, 10 nights (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
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6 walking days (Days 4 to 9), 1 sightseeing day in Gorkha, 2 driving days
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Darche Danda, 3,220 m / 10,564 feet (highest night: Nambi Kharka, 2,700 m)
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Gorkha district, Gandaki Province, west-central Nepal
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TIMS card only (no restricted area or conservation area permit)
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September to November and March to May
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek, with tea or coffee
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Local jeep or bus to Gorkha and Bhachek, and from Ghyampesal back to Kathmandu. Private vehicle both ways costs extra.
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Highlights of the Lower Manaslu Trek
- Stay with Gurung families in the heritage villages of Barpak and Laprak
- Watch sunrise over the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges from Darche Danda (3,220 m)
- Explore Gorkha Durbar, the hilltop palace where the unification of Nepal began
- Walk quiet ridge trails through terraced farms and rhododendron forest, with few other trekkers
- Visit the sacred Sita Cave near Tallo Thotneri
- A Manaslu-region trek with no high pass and no restricted area permit
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Online nowOverview
The Lower Manaslu Trek is an 11-day walk through the Gurung hill villages of Gorkha district, from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. You start in the old palace town of Gorkha, stay with families in Barpak and Laprak, and watch sunrise over the Himalaya from Darche Danda at 3,220 m.
There is no high pass, no restricted area permit and no night above 2,700 m. That makes it a strong first Himalayan trek and a quiet alternative to the busy Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you want Larkya La Pass in less time, look at the Manaslu Short Trek instead.
You only need a TIMS card and a licensed guide, and we arrange both. Solo trekkers are welcome. Plan around the seasons with our best time for Manaslu trek guide.
Want to stay longer in the same villages and give something back? See our Lower Manaslu Volunteer Trek Program.
This is the quiet side of the Manaslu region. In 11 days you drive to the old palace town of Gorkha, walk ridge trails between Gurung villages, sleep in family homestays and watch sunrise over the Himalaya from Darche Danda. We handle the guide, the paperwork, your rooms and your meals on the trail.
What Is the Lower Manaslu Trek?
The Lower Manaslu Trek is an 11-day guided trek in Gorkha district, Nepal, through the Gurung villages of Barpak and Laprak. It tops out at Darche Danda (3,220 m) with no high pass, so it is moderate and suits first-time trekkers and culture lovers. The best seasons are September to November and March to May.
Why Choose the Lower Manaslu Trek
- Real village life. You sleep in community homestays and eat what the family eats, not in lodges built for trekkers.
- Big views without high altitude. From Darche Danda you see the Annapurna range, Himal Chuli, Boudha Himal and Ganesh Himal.
- Simple paperwork. No restricted area permit and no minimum group size. Solo trekkers with a guide are welcome.
- Few other trekkers. The trail sees a small number of visitors, even in October.
- History on Day 3. A full day in Gorkha for the hilltop palace, Gorakhnath Cave and the Gorkha Museum.
- Meals included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek are part of the trip.
Lower Manaslu Trek vs the Manaslu Circuit
| Lower Manaslu Trek | Manaslu Circuit Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 11 days | 14 days |
| Highest point | Darche Danda, 3,220 m (a hilltop, not a pass) | Larkya La Pass, 5,106 m |
| Highest night | Nambi Kharka, 2,700 m | Dharmasala (Larke Phedi), 4,460 m |
| Restricted area permit | Not needed | Needed |
| Where you sleep | Village homestays and simple guesthouses | Teahouse lodges |
| Best for | Culture, village life, a first Himalayan trek | High-altitude challenge and glacier views |
Want the high pass instead? See our Manaslu Circuit Trek, or the 11-day Manaslu Short Trek if you still want Larkya La but have less time.
Lower Manaslu Trek Itinerary: 11 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | 1,340 m | Airport transfer |
| 2 | Drive Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazaar (145 km) | 1,060 m | 5 to 6 hours |
| 3 | Gorkha sightseeing: palace, Gorakhnath Cave, museum | 1,060 m | Half to full day |
| 4 | Drive to Bhachek, hike to Siran Danda | 1,900 m | About 5 hours drive, 1 hour walk |
| 5 | Siran Danda to Barpak | 1,920 m | About 6 hours |
| 6 | Barpak to Laprak | 2,100 m | About 6 hours |
| 7 | Laprak to Nambi Kharka | 2,700 m | About 4 hours |
| 8 | Cross Darche Danda (3,220 m) to Tallo Thotneri | 1,560 m | About 7 hours |
| 9 | Sita Cave, then down to Ghyampesal | 970 m | About 6 hours |
| 10 | Drive Ghyampesal to Kathmandu via Gorkha | 1,340 m | About 8 hours |
| 11 | International departure | – | Airport transfer |
Altitude and Acclimatization on the Lower Manaslu Trek
Altitude is not the main challenge here. You sleep between 1,000 m and 2,100 m for most of the trek, and only one night goes higher: Nambi Kharka at 2,700 m. Darche Danda (3,220 m / 10,564 ft) is a short visit at sunrise, then you drop about 1,660 m to Tallo Thotneri. Because you climb slowly and sleep low, the itinerary has no rest day for acclimatization.
Know the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep and loss of appetite. The risk is low on this route, but it is not zero above 2,500 m. Drink plenty of water, walk at an easy pace and tell your guide early. Worsening symptoms mean going down, and on this trek lower ground is never far away.
How Difficult Is the Lower Manaslu Trek?
We grade it moderate. You need no trekking experience, but you do need to be comfortable on your feet for several days in a row. Most walking days are 4 to 7 hours on village paths and stone steps, with plenty of up and down.
- Hardest day: Day 8, about 7 hours, with a steep early climb and a long, knee-testing descent. Trekking poles help.
- Easiest walking day: Day 7, about 4 hours from Laprak to Nambi Kharka.
- Road days: Day 2 and Day 10 are long drives, and the last stretches to Bhachek and from Ghyampesal are rough dirt road.
- Best preparation: about six weeks of regular walks, hill hikes or stair work with a light daypack. Break in your boots before you fly.
- Talk to your doctor first if you have a heart, lung or knee condition.
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Online nowItinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Written & checked by Nim Bhatta
Licensed by the Nepal Department of Tourism, Nim has led treks on the Manaslu Circuit since 2009 and is trained in wilderness first aid and altitude sickness response. He last walked the full Manaslu Circuit in spring 2025 to check lodges and trail conditions.
Last updated:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Airport transfer
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
On first arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal International Airport received by our staff and guide, with warm Nepali traditional welcome. After, getting organized and then a short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
At the hotel check into your lovely rooms with refreshing rest after the jet lag.
Then join in with other members of the group, for briefing at meeting halls or garden.
Our guide and leader will provide you with useful information regarding the trek, standard of lodge, foods and so on. If in doubt, can ask questions to make yourself at ease, after briefing enjoy the dinner in a typical Nepalese Restaurant.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazaar
Gorkha Bazaar 1,060 m / 3,478 ft 5–6 hrs- 5 to 6 hours drive
- Distance: 145 km / 90 miles
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Distance of 145 kms / 90 miles.
Morning after breakfast and getting ready for an overland journey as per size of group. Either in private cars, coach on in the comfort of Tourist Bus, for an interesting drive to Nepal Mid-West. Reaching a historical hill town in Gorkha, located on a hill, a historical town of old Shah Dynasty palace.
Towers above Gorkha town, from here the King Prithivi Narayan Shah started conquest of the country’s different smaller kingdoms and unified into a single nation to one Nepal.
Day 03: Gorkha Bazaar Sightseeing: Palace, Cave and Museum
Gorkha Bazaar 1,060 m / 3,478 ft- Half to full day of sightseeing
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
Morning visit the fort palace stands high above the town of Gorkha Bazaar;
the fort palace dominates the surrounding. Visible from all around Gorkha town. The palace also boasts magnificent work of architecture, although only Hindus are allowed to enter the palace premises. But worth walking up the stairs for the view and for a short little exercise, from here visit Gorakhanath cave, believed to be the meditating site of the great Guru (Sage) Gorakhanath. Hence the name Gorkha is named after the Sage according to legends. The cave at mere distance from the palace premises.
Another interesting place to visit the Gorkha Museum is a repository holding many artefacts. Which reflect the culture, tradition and history includes others information of Gorkha and ancient Nepal.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the Gorkha Bazaar and witness the local culture and daily life of hill people.
Day 04: Drive to Bhachek and Hike to Siran Danda
Siran Danda 1,900 m / 6,234 ft 5 hrs- About 5 hours drive, 1 hour walk
- Accommodation: Community homestay
Morning after breakfast, taking a few hour ride to Bhachek farm village reaching our destination to Siran-Danda. The drive follows Darundi River facing views of Snow Mountains, then reaching Bhachek through a small place of Chanute.
After a refreshing stop, hike starts to Siran-Danda for an hour, a beautiful hill top and a plateau. Enjoy visit of Nage-Pokhari, Dudh-Pokhari and the small tea garden are the main highlights of Siran-Danda. The area is also famous for beautiful wildflowers and herbs, after an exciting day transfer into a lodge.
Which serves a home stay, run and managed by the village communities, having local meals of organic farm products.
Day 05: Trek from Siran Danda to Barpak
Barpak 1,920 m / 6,299 ft 6 hrs- About 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Guesthouse or homestay
A pleasant morning, having breakfast start the day walk to Ghyachok heading through a small farm areas of Mathar. A gradual winding hilly trail, as walk leads to Barphak village, past Dewalsar, following a Sum stream and Darudi River.
Walk towards Goje, Alagang, finally reaching Barphak by late afternoon facing views of sunset, reflecting on high snow-capped peaks.
Day 06: Trek from Barpak to Laprak
Laprak 2,100 m / 6,890 ft 6 hrs- About 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Homestay cottage
Morning after breakfast, a short tour of Barphak interesting village, the main epicenter of the massive earthquake. Which was on the month of April and May 2015, the whole villages is returning back to normal life. After a mass destruction from the earthquakes, the village is near of completion of its restoration.
Walk leads to Basukang, where two trail branches off, where one leads to high Rupina La Pass. The trail follows continues towards our overnight destination at Laprak, another lovely hill village which is a fantastic symbol of unity here.
Arriving at Laprak by late afternoon before dusk, transfer to a nice cottage which is part of Home Stay program.
Day 07: Trek from Laprak to Nambi Kharka
Nambi Kharka 2,700 m / 8,858 ft 4 hrs- About 4 hours walk
- Accommodation: Homestay cottage
An enjoyable walk on today’s section of the trek, allows trekkers to explore the local farming and animal husbandry. Our destination towards Nambi Kharka, which means a rich pastureland for cattle herder. The trail follows a short and scenic walks with few steep climb to a high hill of Myas Bhanjyang.
Offers spectacular panorama of surrounding beautiful landscapes scenery with distant snow-capped peaks. Enjoy having a short rest on this short stretch of walks, and continue hike to Nambi Kharka for overnight in another Home-Stay cottage.
Day 08: Cross Darche Danda (3,220 m) to Tallo Thotneri
Tallo Thotneri 1,560 m / 5,118 ft High point 3,220 m 7 hrs- About 7 hours walk
- Accommodation: Homestay
Today the longest walk of the trip, start the day as early as possible.
The trail leads to a steep climb on top Darche Danda, the highest point of the trek.
From the top facing glorious panorama of stunning sunrise over rolling green hills as it reflect on Himalayan peaks. Facing views of whole massif range of Annapurna Himalayas with Vara-Shikar / Annapurna Fang, Gangapurna, Sringi Himal.
Includes Langtang, Himal Chuli, and Bauddha Himal with Ganesh Himal.
After a great scenic view, walk continues reaching another lovely Gurung farm village of Tallo Thotneri for overnight. In the comfort of nice simple Home Stay hut, after a long day walk.
Day 09: Visit Sita Cave and Trek to Ghyampesal
Ghyampesal 970 m / 3,182 ft 6 hrs- About 6 hours walk
- Accommodation: Homestay
After breakfast, visit the religious Sita Cave of Tallo Thotneri and then start the day following the path within a tropical forest to Sita Cave. A sacred site for Hindu devotees and pilgrims, visits the cave for offering and worships. After visiting Sita Cave, walk leads to Gyaji and then heading further down to Ghyampesal village for overnight halt. The last and final ending point of our Lower Manaslu Trek. Overnight in a tent or a staying in the comfort of village Home Stay at Ghyampesal.
Day 10: Drive from Ghyampesal to Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft 8 hrs- About 8 hours drive
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
Completing our marvelous trek at Ghyampesal village, from here an early morning drive from Ghyampesal to the Gorkha Bazaar. A rough ride on dirt road for few hours reaching Gorkha Bazaar. From the town of Gorkha, either on a private jeep/car or taking a regular local bus to Kathmandu. The drive is pleasant on main highway through many farm villages and towns. As the drive ends on reaching at Kathmandu by late afternoon or evening time.
Day 11: Final Departure
1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Airport transfer
Last day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a great memorable experience on Lower Manaslu Area Trekking. Our staff transfer you to the international airport terminal, and then bidding farewell to the guide and staff. As you head for the smooth flight homeward bound.
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Online now1,340 m4,396 ftDay 02 Drive from Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazaar
1,060 m3,478 ftDay 03 Gorkha Bazaar Sightseeing: Palace, Cave and Museum
1,060 m3,478 ftDay 04 Drive to Bhachek and Hike to Siran Danda
1,900 m6,234 ftDay 05 Trek from Siran Danda to Barpak
1,920 m6,299 ftDay 06 Trek from Barpak to Laprak
2,100 m6,890 ftDay 07 Trek from Laprak to Nambi Kharka
2,700 m8,858 ftDay 08 Cross Darche Danda (3,220 m) to Tallo Thotneri
3,220 m10,564 ft3,220 m10,564 ftDay 09 Visit Sita Cave and Trek to Ghyampesal
970 m3,182 ftDay 10 Drive from Ghyampesal to Kathmandu
1,340 m4,396 ftDay 11 Final Departure
1,340 m4,396 ft1234567891011
High 15°C59°F · Low 4°C39°FJanFeb Gorkha
High 18°C64°F · Low 6°C43°FFebMar Gorkha
High 22°C72°F · Low 9°C48°FMarApr Gorkha
High 26°C79°F · Low 12°C54°FAprMay Gorkha
High 26°C79°F · Low 16°C61°FMayJun Gorkha
High 26°C79°F · Low 19°C66°FJunJul Gorkha
High 26°C79°F · Low 20°C68°FJulAug Gorkha
High 26°C79°F · Low 20°C68°FAugSep Gorkha
High 25°C77°F · Low 19°C66°FSepOct Gorkha
High 24°C75°F · Low 15°C59°FOctNov Gorkha
High 21°C70°F · Low 10°C50°FNovDec Gorkha
High 17°C63°F · Low 6°C43°FDec
High 11°C52°F · Low 1°C34°FJanFeb Barpak
High 13°C55°F · Low 3°C37°FFebMar Barpak
High 16°C61°F · Low 6°C43°FMarApr Barpak
High 20°C68°F · Low 10°C50°FAprMay Barpak
High 20°C68°F · Low 13°C55°FMayJun Barpak
High 21°C70°F · Low 16°C61°FJunJul Barpak
High 21°C70°F · Low 17°C63°FJulAug Barpak
High 21°C70°F · Low 17°C63°FAugSep Barpak
High 20°C68°F · Low 15°C59°FSepOct Barpak
High 18°C64°F · Low 11°C52°FOctNov Barpak
High 15°C59°F · Low 6°C43°FNovDec Barpak
High 12°C54°F · Low 3°C37°FDec
Average temperatures (approx.), 2015 to 2024. Source: Open-Meteo, adjusted to each village's altitude.
Best time for this trek
Tap a month to see the weather, the trail and the crowds on the Lower Manaslu route.
BestGoodPossibleAvoid
January: Cool, clear and quiet
Good- Gorkha (1,135 m)15 / 4 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)11 / 1 °C day / night
- Rain and snowDry
- TrailOpen, frost possible on the high ridge
- Mountain viewsClear
- CrowdsVery few trekkers
A low route that works in winter. Nights at Barpak are near freezing, and colder at Nambi Kharka.
Packing list for January Work out your cost Ask about January dates
February: Cool and clear
Good- Gorkha (1,135 m)18 / 6 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)13 / 3 °C day / night
- Rain and snowDry
- TrailOpen, snow possible on the high ridge
- Mountain viewsClear
- CrowdsVery few trekkers
A good time for a quiet trek. Bring warm layers for the ridge nights.
Packing list for February Work out your cost Ask about February dates
March: Warm days, rhododendrons starting
Best- Gorkha (1,135 m)22 / 9 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)16 / 6 °C day / night
- Rain and snowLow rain
- TrailOpen
- Mountain viewsClear mornings
- CrowdsFew trekkers
A great month on the lower hills, with rhododendrons starting to flower.
Packing list for March Work out your cost Ask about March dates
April: Rhododendrons in flower
Best- Gorkha (1,135 m)26 / 12 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)20 / 10 °C day / night
- Rain and snowLow rain, afternoon cloud
- TrailOpen
- Mountain viewsClear mornings, haze later
- CrowdsModerate
The forests are at their most colourful.
Packing list for April Work out your cost Ask about April dates
May: Hot low down
Good- Gorkha (1,135 m)26 / 16 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)20 / 13 °C day / night
- Rain and snowShowers build late in the month
- TrailOpen
- Mountain viewsHaze builds through the month
- CrowdsFew trekkers
Gorkha reaches about 26 °C, so start walking early.
June: Monsoon begins
Avoid- Gorkha (1,135 m)26 / 19 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)21 / 16 °C day / night
- Rain and snowMonsoon rain starts
- TrailMuddy, with leeches
- Mountain viewsOften hidden
- CrowdsVery few trekkers
Expect leeches and slippery forest trails.
Packing list for June Work out your cost Ask about June dates
July: Full monsoon
Avoid- Gorkha (1,135 m)26 / 20 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)21 / 17 °C day / night
- Rain and snowHeavy rain most days
- TrailMuddy, landslides can block roads
- Mountain viewsHidden for days at a time
- CrowdsVery few trekkers
Roads to the trailhead can be blocked after landslides.
Packing list for July Work out your cost Ask about July dates
August: Full monsoon
Avoid- Gorkha (1,135 m)26 / 20 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)21 / 17 °C day / night
- Rain and snowHeavy rain most days
- TrailMuddy, landslides can block roads
- Mountain viewsHidden for days at a time
- CrowdsVery few trekkers
Roads to the trailhead can be blocked after landslides.
Packing list for August Work out your cost Ask about August dates
September: Wet early, clearing late
Good- Gorkha (1,135 m)25 / 19 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)20 / 15 °C day / night
- Rain and snowWet early, drying late
- TrailOpen
- Mountain viewsViews open up in the second half
- CrowdsFew trekkers
Late September is green and quiet.
Packing list for September Work out your cost Ask about September dates
October: Clear and pleasant
Best- Gorkha (1,135 m)24 / 15 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)18 / 11 °C day / night
- Rain and snowDry and clear
- TrailOpen
- Mountain viewsThe clearest of the year
- CrowdsModerate
The best month for mountain views from the ridges.
Packing list for October Work out your cost Ask about October dates
November: Clear and cool
Best- Gorkha (1,135 m)21 / 10 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)15 / 6 °C day / night
- Rain and snowDry and clear
- TrailOpen
- Mountain viewsClear
- CrowdsFew trekkers
Clear and quiet, with cool nights.
Packing list for November Work out your cost Ask about November dates
December: Clear and cool
Good- Gorkha (1,135 m)17 / 6 °C day / night
- Barpak (1,920 m)12 / 3 °C day / night
- Rain and snowDry
- TrailOpen, frost on the ridge
- Mountain viewsClear
- CrowdsVery few trekkers
Quiet and clear, with nights near freezing up high.
Packing list for December Work out your cost Ask about December dates
Average temperatures 2015 to 2024 (Open-Meteo), adjusted to each village's altitude. Conditions vary year to year.
Compare this trek with Everest and the Annapurna Circuit →
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- 2 nights twin-sharing hotel in Kathmandu
- 8 nights twin-sharing guesthouses and homestays on the trek
- Local jeep or bus for all road travel (private vehicle available at extra cost)
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek, with tea or coffee at meals
- TIMS card
- One licensed, experienced trekking guide
- Guide's food, lodging, wages, equipment and accident insurance
- Duffel bag, T-shirt and water bottle
- First-aid kit carried by your guide
- Local and government taxes
Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
- Travel insurance, including helicopter rescue cover
- Porter (available on request)
- Drinks other than tea or coffee with meals
- Monument entry fees in Gorkha
- Tips for your guide and porter
- Personal trekking gear
- Extra nights or trips if you extend
- Extra costs from flight delays, strikes, landslides or bad weather
- Sleeping bag and down jacket (you can rent both from us in Kathmandu)
Before you go: check the insurance cover this trek needs and use our Manaslu packing list.
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Online nowCulture of Barpak, Laprak and Gorkha
Culture is the reason most people pick this trek. The villages on the route are Gurung communities, and Gorkha is where modern Nepal began.
Gorkha Bazaar: Gorkha Durbar, the old palace and fort, sits on the ridge above town. King Prithvi Narayan Shah set out from here in the 1700s to unite the small hill kingdoms into one country. Only Hindus may enter the inner shrine, but anyone can climb the stone steps for the view. Nearby is Gorakhnath Cave, linked to the sage the town is named after, and the Gorkha Museum tells the story of the Shah kings.
Barpak: Barpak (also spelled Barphak) sits at 1,920 m on a steep slope facing Boudha Himal. Its stone houses and narrow lanes are packed tight, and many families have a long history of service in the Gurkha regiments. The village was close to the epicentre of the April 2015 earthquake and has since been rebuilt. Ask your guide to show you the old stone walls next to the new homes.
Laprak: Laprak, at about 2,100 m, is a large Gurung village a day’s walk west of Barpak. Families farm terraces, keep sheep and buffalo, and mix Buddhist and older shamanic traditions.
- Take your shoes off before you enter a home or a temple.
- Ask before taking photos of people, especially elders.
- Walk clockwise around chortens and mani walls.
- Dress modestly in the villages, with shoulders and knees covered.
Want more time in these villages? Our Lower Manaslu Volunteer Trek Program spends 16 days in the same area.
Best Time to Trek Lower Manaslu
| Season | Months | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September to November | Clearest mountain views, dry trails, cold mornings on the ridges | Best overall |
| Spring | March to May | Rhododendrons in flower around Siran Danda and Darche Danda, hazy afternoons | Very good |
| Winter | December to February | Possible because the route stays low. Frosty nights at Nambi Kharka and short days | Good if you dress warm |
| Monsoon | June to August | Heavy rain, leeches, mud and landslide risk around Laprak | Not recommended |
- Autumn: October and November are the most reliable months. Early September can still bring monsoon showers and wet dirt roads.
- Spring: March and April are the best months for flowers. Haze builds through May, and afternoon cloud can hide the peaks.
- Winter: days are clear but short. Nights at Nambi Kharka drop below freezing, so bring a warm jacket and a good sleeping bag.
- Monsoon: rain can close the dirt roads to Bhachek and Ghyampesal, and the slopes around Laprak are prone to landslides.
Read more: Best Time for Manaslu Trek: A Season-by-Season Guide
Required Permits for the Lower Manaslu Trek
This is one of the few treks in the Manaslu area with simple paperwork. The route stays south of the Manaslu restricted zone and outside the Manaslu Conservation Area, so you only need a TIMS card. We arrange it for you. You just send a passport copy and a passport-size photo.
| Permit | Where it applies | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) | The whole trek | Included in your trip. We arrange it before you start. |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | The upper Budhi Gandaki valley, from Jagat northward. This route never enters it. | Not needed |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | The northern Manaslu area. Barpak and Laprak sit outside it. | Not needed |
Rules to know:
- A licensed guide is required. Nepal stopped independent trekking on most routes in April 2023, and TIMS cards are now issued through registered agencies.
- There is no minimum group size. One trekker with a guide is fine.
- Carry your passport and a printed or phone copy of your TIMS card. Police or local checkpoints may ask to see it.
- Adding the Rupina La or the Manaslu Circuit to your trip changes the permits. Ask us and we will sort it out.
Last checked: October 2026. Rules can change, so we confirm the paperwork before you travel. For the permits on our other Manaslu routes, see the Manaslu trekking permit guide.
Lower Manaslu Trek Packing List
| Head and hands | Sun hat, warm beanie, UV sunglasses, light gloves |
|---|---|
| Upper body | Quick-dry T-shirts, long-sleeve shirt for village visits, fleece jacket, light down jacket, waterproof shell jacket |
| Lower body | Trekking pants, thermal leggings for cold nights, waterproof pants in spring |
| Feet | Broken-in walking boots with good grip, wool socks, camp sandals for homestays |
| Gear | Sleeping bag (you can rent a four-season bag from us in Kathmandu), trekking poles for Day 8, headlamp, 25 to 35 L daypack, water bottle plus filter or purification tablets, power bank |
| Personal items | Small towel, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, lip balm, basic personal medicines |
| Documents and money | Passport with visa, travel insurance with helicopter rescue cover, passport-size photo, enough Nepali rupees in cash for the whole trek |
You can leave crampons and heavy expedition gear at home on this route. For a fuller list, see what to carry for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Accommodation & Food
Kathmandu and Gorkha: You spend two nights in a Kathmandu hotel and two nights in a guesthouse in Gorkha Bazaar, all on a twin-sharing basis.
On the trail: There are almost no commercial lodges between Siran Danda and Ghyampesal. You stay with families in community homestays and small guesthouses. Rooms are simple and twin sharing. Toilets are often outside and squat style, and hot showers are not guaranteed.
Nambi Kharka: This high grazing pasture is the most basic night of the trip and the coldest. Have your warm layers and headlamp ready.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek are included, with tea or coffee at meals. Expect dal bhat, noodles, eggs, potatoes, local greens, maize and millet. Food is fresh and simple, often grown by the family you stay with.
Drinking water: Bring a filter or purification tablets and refill from taps or boiled water. Bottled water is hard to find in the villages.
Power and signal: Charging is possible in most villages, but power cuts happen. Mobile signal comes and goes on the ridges, so carry a power bank.
Cash: Villages take cash only. Carry enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Gorkha Bazaar for drinks, snacks and tips.
Safety & Guide Information
Guides: Your guide is licensed, speaks English and knows the trail and the host families. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and checks on you each evening.
Emergencies: If someone is injured or ill, we arrange transport to the nearest road and on to a hospital. If needed, we arrange a helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu. Evacuation costs are your responsibility, so travel insurance with helicopter rescue cover is essential. Make sure it covers trekking up to at least 3,500 m.
Porters: A porter is not included. You can carry your own bag or add a porter before the trek. If you carry your own, keep it to about 8 to 10 kg.
Trail hazards: The main risks are slips on steep stone steps and the long descent on Day 8. Walk slowly downhill and use trekking poles.
Communication: Mobile signal comes and goes on the ridges and in the valleys. Your guide keeps in touch with our Kathmandu office when signal allows.
Season to avoid: Monsoon rain from June to August brings landslide risk around Laprak and can close the dirt roads to Bhachek and Ghyampesal.
- Off the Beaten PathA newer route through parts of Gorkha that few trekkers have seen.
- Barphak and LaprakStay in the heritage Gurung villages that make this trek special.
- Big Views, Lower AltitudeWide views of the Manaslu range without the high pass.
- History of GorkhaWalk in the district where the unification of modern Nepal began.
- Licensed Local GuidesOur guides know these villages and their families well.
- 24/7 SupportOur team stays on call for your whole trek, including emergency evacuation coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trip takes 11 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. You walk on 6 days (Days 4 to 9), spend a full day sightseeing in Gorkha, and have 2 driving days.
It is a moderate trek. Most days are 4 to 7 hours of walking on village paths and stone steps, with no high pass and no technical sections. The hardest day is Day 8, with a steep climb to Darche Danda and a long descent.
Darche Danda at 3,220 m (10,564 ft) is the highest point. You reach it on the morning of Day 8. The highest place you sleep is Nambi Kharka at 2,700 m.
You need a TIMS card, which we arrange for you. The route stays outside the Manaslu restricted zone and the Manaslu Conservation Area, so you do not need a restricted area permit or MCAP.
Yes. There is no minimum group size on this route. You still need a licensed guide, as on most trekking routes in Nepal. We run this trek for one person with a guide.
The risk is low because you never sleep above 2,700 m. It is not zero, though. Tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep, drink plenty of water and walk at an easy pace.
You stay in a hotel in Kathmandu, a guesthouse in Gorkha, and village homestays or small guesthouses on the trail. Rooms are simple and twin sharing. Toilets are often outside, and hot showers are not guaranteed.
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek are included, with tea or coffee at meals. You mostly eat local food such as dal bhat, noodles, eggs and seasonal vegetables.
October and November give the clearest views. March and April are best for rhododendron flowers. Winter works too, as there is no high pass, but nights are cold. Avoid the June to August monsoon.
The Lower Manaslu Trek is shorter, lower and quieter. It stays below 3,300 m and focuses on Gurung village life. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek takes 14 days, needs a restricted area permit and crosses Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m.
Yes, if you are reasonably fit. You need no trekking experience, but you should be happy walking 4 to 7 hours a day for six days. About six weeks of regular hikes or stair work before you go will help.
Yes. Villages on the trail take cash only, in Nepali rupees. Change money in Kathmandu before you leave, or use an ATM in Gorkha Bazaar before you start walking.
Lower Manaslu Trek Map
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