Rupina La Manaslu Circuit Trek

Rupina La pass trekking is challenging trekking trial in Nepal. Rupina La pass is less touristy area of Nepal Himalayas lies on the Manaslu region. Rupina La pass trek was officially opened to tourist in 1991, but mountaineering expeditions have had long access to the area. In 1950 a party led by H.W. Tillman trekked from Thonje to Bimtang and col. Jimmy Roberts crossed the Larkya La looking for an interesting mountain to climb. Manaslu( 8163m) was attempted by Japanese Expeditions every year from 1952 until 1956 when the first ascent was made. Having become known as “Japanese Mountain” much of the information about the area was available in Japanese. The Japanese continued to dominate the climbing scene of Manaslu until 1971. A few trekkers including peripatetic Hugh Swift, Managed to obtain the trekking permit for the region but otherwise this trek always has been the domain of the mountaineering expedition.

Rupina La Manaslu Circuit trekking is geographically spectacular and culturally fascinating circumnavigating Manaslu peak 29 (7871m) Himal Chuli (7893m) and Boudha Himal(6672m). Mostly Manaslu Rupina la pass trekking trails cover with Tibetan culture Manaslu Rupina La trekking offer superb Himalayan scenery , Lush valleys, beautiful landscape, wild animals and birds,. We cross the Rupina-La (4520m), encounter with Manaslu circuit route to over the second pass Larkya La (5100m) and descend to the Marshyangdi river that reunites Annapurna Circuit Trail. Then further trek down to Bulbule from where we will drive back to Kathmandu.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

                       “OR”

Leisure and easy day for different interest.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu – Baluwa (755m/2677ft.), 9-10 hrs public bus drive.

Day 04: Trek Baluwa – Barpak (1950 m/6398ft.), 5-6 hrs trek

Day 05: Barpak – Gaikharka (3217m/10554ft), 6-7 hes

Day 06: Gaikharka – Bhaisi Kharka (2960m), 6-7 hrs

Day 07: Bhaisi Kharka - Rupi Na la phedi(3760m) 5-6 hrs

Day 08: Rupina La Phedi -  Rupina La pass (4643m)- Base camp 5-6 hrs

Day 09: Base camp - Jarang Lunch (3480m) – Zokbatang(3125m), 6-7 hrs

Day 10: Zokbatang – Nyak (2390m),7-8 hrs.

Day 11: Nyak – Bi Phedi  (2660m/8725), 6-7 hrs.

Day 12: Bihi Phedi – Lho (3,180m/10,430ft), 6-7 hrs trek

Day 13: Lho - Samagaon (3530m/11,578 ft) 5-6 hrs

Day 14: Day explore : Samagaon - Pungyen gompa/ Manaslu Base Camp - Samagaon

Day 15: Samagaun - Samdo (3860m/12,660 ft) 3-4 hrs

Day 16: Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4460m/14, 628 ft) 4-5 hrs (630 M ascend)

Day 17: Dharamsala - Larkya la {5100m/16, 728 ft} - Bimthang {3720m/12, 201 ft} 8-9 hrs

Day 18: Bimthang – Tilje (2360m/8396 ft) 6-7 hrs trek

Day 19: Tilje – chyamje (1430 m/4760 ft} 4-5 hrs

Day 20: Chyamje – Ngadi Bazar {930m/3100 ft) 5-6 hrs 110 m

Day 21: Ngadi Bazar – Bulbule and drive to Kathmadnu (1300 m/ 4264ft) 2 hrs. trek and 6-7 hours drive

Day 22: Final departure

Transfer to international Airport and fly to onward destination.

                     "OR"
Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.    

Cost Inclusive:

•     All airport/Hotel transfers
•     2 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB Plan
•     Welcome and farewell dinner
•     Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
•     Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
•     All mountain accommodation
•     Ground transpotation (Kathmandu/ Aarughat /Ngadi Bazar / Kathmandu)
•     An experienced English-speaking trek leader (Govt. registered trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
•     Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
•     All necessary paper work and permits  (Manaslu region special trekking permit, MCAP  )
•     A comprehensive medical kit
•     All government and local taxes
•     Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive:

•     Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks
•     Mineral water
•     Personal expenses
•     Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
•     Travel insurance & evacuation

Rupina La Manaslu trekking itinerary

Our MMT(Mountain Mart treks) Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our Treks & Expeditions logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon free.  Evening: a welcome dinner, hosted by our management team, to introduce you to your guide, brief you on the trek and check on necessities.

After breakfast, day will start with our city trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley such as, pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Stupa Bouddhanath, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas visit historical Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temple, unique ancient art, architectures, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs.

Leisure and easy day for different interest.

After breakfast, boarding the public bus from New bus park. Drive through the tropical and sub tropical landscape along a famous rafting river Trishuli Nadi. Our bus turns toward Baluwa along the bumpy road, 15 Km before Gorkha Bazar, head quarter of Gorkha district. Our bus resumes picturesque villages and finally, brings a little village Baluwa next to Daraudi River offers a chance to bath on frace water. Overnight stay in camp.

Today, our trail follows the upstream of Daraudi River passing paddy field to right flank of the river. About 3 hrs sub tropical climate trek, we arrive a perfect lunch spot before climb steep hill.  Our trail ascends right after Lunch. As we ascend higher up, a lovely view of river valley and Buddha Himal (6672 m) on the background can be seen amazingly. Trail raises though dry terraced farming field and herds shelter. Still today’s route prolongs steeply toward the largest village of area Barpak. An early evening explore village that exposes social culture, life living and village community. Overnight stay in camp.

Our day starts with stunning view of Buddha Himal range since morning. Trail ascends as we leave Barpak village passing rhododendron and oak forest. View of Himalayas gets closer and panoramic as we trek further to the lunch. After lunch, trail is a lot easier to herders grazing land Gaikharka. Overnight stay in camp.

Today, our trail hides and exposes in zig zag forested trail. It’s relatively easier than yesterday.  A huge specious beautiful lawn greets you for night camp

After breakfast, our day begins gradual tiny trail to Bhedi Kharka by the Lunch time. A three hours trek after Lunch brings you Rupina La Phedi (Rupina La base camp), Overnight stay in camp.

After an early breakfast, we proceed our trek toward Rupina La pass following steep trail. About 4 hrs trek arrives the pass. Descend down to other side base camp where is a small  herders hut. Overnight stay in camp.

Today, we cross two glaciers to Jarang and moderately flat tail to another beautiful campsite with the closest stunning view of Himalayas. Overnight stay in camp.

It’s one of the longest day of the trek. Our trail continues zigzag up hill to the Lunch, hereafter passes a steep hill to our final destination to Nyak. Overnight stay in camp.

Another long day. Continue from Nyak down an easy exposed track until the trail from Philim comes in from the right. We resume through bamboo forests staying in left side of the river to Deng (1800m), inhabited by Gurungs who practice Buddhism. There is a good lodge here after the mani wall. Just beyond Deng cross to the east bank and climb to Rana (1980m) and resume uphill to campsite  Bihi Phedi (2130m; Bihi). Overnight stay in camp.

Our trail continues in and out of canyons, cross the Serang Khola coming from the north and climb steeply again before finally circling into Ghap. The trail follows the upstream of the river through dense forest, few houses and animal shelter. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrug. Climbing steadily in the shade of a forest takes us to Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. We still have to few hours to our final destination Lho. Ganesh Himal rises high into the sky when we turn around. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal. A chorten with detailed paintings announces. Sho, another nice village with fine views up the open valley. One final steep slope needs to be climbed and then we reach the houses that are lined up on a ridge Lho. Overnight stay in the camp.

The Budi Gandaki River flows far down in the valley. The trail continues crossing the bridge over Damonan Khola and we follow a small tributary instead. Walking in the shady pine forest is very enjoyable. A short climb to a plateau Shyala village. Huge mountains surround us, Himal Chuli (7893m)and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7873m) to the left, Manaslu (8156m) and large glaciers straight ahead, other snowcaps to the right, at the far end of the valley, Ganesh Himal can be clearly visible. After a large chorten into a little dip area, where two rows of houses form the main part of Samagaun. Trek far end of the village, overlooking the valley stands the well-known monastery of Kargu Choling Monestery in Samagaun. Overnight stay in the camp.

We stay a night extra in Samagaun for rest and acclimatization. Wonder at the thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and paintings including Kargu Choling Monastery. Explore Samagaun village, culture, customs and Tibetan way of living. Take a side trip to Pungyen Gompa, a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year by the avalanche after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year they met so much resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They finally summitted the the mountain in 1959. If you have more energy continue to fascinated glacial Lake at 3450 m and climb another 3 – 4 hours to Manaslu Base Camp at 4900 m. Late afternoon back to Samagaun to the campsite and overnight stay in the camp.

Descend to the Budhi Gandaki River that has turned north, and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kerma Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can see a large white mani, finally passing through the mani we Samdo village before the Lunch. Overnight stay in the camp. It’s worth to utilize leisure afternoon, hike to Samdo peak through the colorful prayer flags for finest view of Mt. Manaslu.

Follow wide gentle trail passing the many fields, prayer flags, large mani wall and stone archway. We continue our walk down to the river, cross the wooden and begin walking upward. Cross two streams and witness the Larkya Glacier. Turn around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again and come to the stone guest house (4450 m) which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called DharmShala, also known as Larkya Phedi. We pitch our tent and have a rest to prepare for next day crossing of the famous and awaited Larkya Pass (5100 m) Short walk can be taken vicinity of Lake Base Camp and relax in the camp.

Trail climb to ridge in front of camp site, eventually long gentle climb to a moraine. Cheo Himal and Larke peak will emerge north side of the Larkya Glacier. After a short climb, we reach the ablation valley on the North side of the Larkya Glaciers. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section to the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal (7120 m), Cheo Himal (6820 m), Kangguru(6680 m) and the huge Annapurna II (7937 m) The descend begins along the top of the moraine I the west then drops steeply and becomes fairly gentle through rocky alps.It is a longer day then usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures feel less heavier then previous days. As we are closer to the greeneries, Bhimtang a flat plateau encounter just on the right time. Overnight stay in the camp.

Trail drops to the glacier stream, cross the wooden bridge , pass high pasture, descend the valley of the Burdin Khola. From a ridge at 4150 meters, you have excellent views of Manaslu to the South East and Annapurna II to the South West. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meters. From here we cross a slide, then trek across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. Follow the trail through farming fields, rhododendron and oak forest bring you to warmer apple campsite Tilje. Overnight stay in camp.

Climb over a small ridge to the stone - paved village and wind among the closely spaced houses of this large Village. Leaving the village, cross the suspension bridge over Dudh Khola and trek along the river embankment. Cross a wooden bridge back to the northern side of the Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch and past a mani wall to Thonje. Cross Marshyandi river by suspension bridge again to reunite with Annapurna Circuit trail in Dharapani. Remain days, we will follow the downstream of Marshyandi river along circuit route to complete our trek. A busy and easy trail with scenic view of waterfall and valley bounces in Small Tibetan village Chamje. Overnight stay in camp.

Here is road and jeep available to shorten the trek, off road bumpy drive to Beshi Sahar.

Trail follows jeep road to narrow Marshyandi valley to Jagat nd continue to the beautiful waterfall high above south bank of river. Cross the bride and pass rice field, cross small streams and short steeply climb a typical village Bahundanda. There is marvelous view of the green Marshyandi deep valley and trail drop down to the river to Ngadi Bazar. Overnight stay in camp.

Retrace the circuit trail along the river bank and rice field to Bulbule. Cross the bridge and get the bus stand to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar. Trail suppose continue to Annapurna Circuit starting point “Besi Sahar“ but due to the road and dust most trekkers prefer drive back to the civilization. Road links with Pokhara those who are willing to wonder Lake city 145 km from Bulbule alternatively.

Transfer to international Airport and fly to onward destination.

                     "OR"
Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.    

Departure Dates for Rupina La Manaslu Circuit Trek

Body wear:

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear:

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear:

Gloves

Foot wear:

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories:

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, tawel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek:

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room.

What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities!

Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room, rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health:

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tips for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical kit

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails:

The trekking trail of Nepal vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be specially  careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather:

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to processed and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude.

If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude:

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchage on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people:

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could usetons of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment:

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance:

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.