TRAIL RUN MANASLU
DATE: 21 OCT - 05 NOV 2023
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EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW
Join us on this extraordinary trail-running expedition around one of the highest mountains on the planet - Mt Manaslu.
On our fully serviced small group expedition, we set out to trail run the Manaslu Circuit – the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Running with only a light pack, all gear and equipment are carried by mules each leg of the way.
DATE: 21 OCT - 05 NOV 2023
TRIP ADVENTURE GRADE: D3 - D4
DISTANCE: 3 - 5 hours per day
MAX. 12 RUNNERS
Would you like to talk to a Pure Trails team member to learn more about this trip?
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
Located in western Nepal, Manaslu is arguably one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes the Pure Trails Adventure team has ever visited.
Our journey begins at 700m with a variety of terrain along the way which has everything from great canyons and lush forests that characterise the entry valleys. It doesn’t take long for us to sight the first snow-capped peaks, as we run through ancient villages and over the high mountain pass of the Lakya-La (5,160m).
The region is impressively remote with small villages sprinkled throughout the mountain valleys we visit. We’ll see yak traders on their way back from neighbouring Tibet which is just a handful of miles away from where we are running.
It’s not only the mountain landscapes which are impressive as the local hospitality unveils itself in a spectacular and curious way for us to explore.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Trail running around the 8th highest mountain on the planet - Mt Manaslu (8,156m)
Fully supported expedition with 12 days of trail running in some of the most extraordinary scenery found anywhere else on the planet
See Sherpa villages, temples and a kaleidoscope of changing scenery which varies every day
OUR ROUTE
Approximate details*
Total Distance: approx. 143.0 km
Total Running Days: 10 Days
Lowest Elevation: 730m
Highest Elevation: 5,160m
Total Elevation gain: +6645 m
*The daily distances and itinerary may change according to local weather conditions and the groups condition.
INCLUDES:
4 nights accommodation at the Holy Himalaya in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast
12 nights accommodation in local tea houses (shared bathroom) when on the trail
Fully-supported trail running expedition
Full board throughout the trail run, including a team welcome dinner on the first night and celebratory meal on the last night
All transfers
3:1 Runners to Guide Ratio
1:1 Runners to Porter Ratio
Conservation and National Park Fees/Permits
Local staff Insurance
12 Days of Trail Running on magnificent trails
Comprehensive First Air Kit inclusive of oximeter and PAC Bag (Portable Altitude Chamber)
EXCLUDES:
International flights
Lunches and some dinners in Kathmandu
Beverages and snacks
Personal Equipment
Personal bills
Visa fee US$40 per person for 30 days multiple entry
Travel Insurance (REQUIRED before trip departure – for cancellation, accidents, health, emergency evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal effects)
Tips
ITINERARY
+ DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO KATHMANDU
Arrival into Kathmandu
Group transfer to the hotel Mulberry with time to check-in & relax
Catch up with the rest of our team on the balcony for tea & mountain views
Late afternoon walk around Thamel old town to get our bearings
Welcome Dinner Ceremony
+ DAY 2: KATHMANDU
Leisurely breakfast
Urban trail running / walking experience to explore the Capital
Visit Durbar Square, Thamel District and Swayambhunath Monkey Temple
Back to the hotel with time to chill
Enjoy a Nepali feast and discuss our running plans for the next week
+ DAY 3: KATHMANDU TO SOTI KHOLA
Breakfast
Check out and group transfer to Soti Khola
The journey will take approx. 8 hours with scenic stops along the way
Arrive at our Teahouse and check-in
Local dinner served from our teahouse with a further discussion before we start on the trail tomorrow
+ DAY 4: SOTI KHOLA TO MACHA KHOLA
Breakfast
Pack up our kit and transfer it to our team of Porters who will be with us for the entire duration
Begin trail running of the Manaslu Circuit, following the trail to the village of Macha Khola
Approx. 15km (3 - 4 hours) of trail running along the entry tropical valleys, via glacial rivers and pretty villages
Arrive into Macha Khola and check-in to our teahouse with the rest of the day to chill of Vuthaj where our luggage will be waiting for us
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 5: MACHA KHOLA TO JAGAT
Breakfast
22km trail run to the village of Jagat
The trail follows an impressive gorge and skirts the edge of the Macha River with plenty of Nepali flat (‘little bit up, little bit down’)
Stop at the village of Tatopani, a small hot spring and ideal spot to take a break
Arrive ino the Manaslu Conservation Area and onto our village night stay in Jagat
Afternoon to relax and explore
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 6: JAGAT TO DENG
Breakfast
Approx. 15km trail run to the village of Deng traversing dense sub-tropical forests, small rivers and local villages
The route runs alongside large gorges with huge mountain scenery starting to emerge on the near horizon
Arrival into Deng
Check-in, time to relax and explore
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 7: DENG TO NAMRUNG
Breakfast
Depart from Deng after breakfast at 08:00
Approx. 17km trail run to Namrung
The terrain continues to vary as we travel through lush forests with the major Himalayan peaks towering on the horizon
Following the trail along narrow gorges and along raging mountain rivers we emerge into Namrung
Check-in to our local guesthouse with time to relax
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 8: NAMRUNG TO SAMAGOAN
Breakfast
Approx. 20km trail run/walk to Samagoan
The trail climbs steadily to Lho with eye-watering scenery and the best views of the world's eighth highest mountain - Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)
Pass the village of Sama which has epic views of the Manaslu range
Arrival into Samagaon, a large village with a handful of local monasteries and plenty of prayer wheels, the terrain is reasonably forgiving with wide trails
Visit a local coffee house run by a local family at 3,520m
Check-in to our local guesthouse with time to relax
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 9: SAMAGOAN
Full rest day today
Optional excursions to explore the village or to do an additional route towards Manaslu Base Camp
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 10: SAMAGOAN TO SAMDO
Breakfast
Approx. 16km trail run to Samdo
A nice and easy route following a dry river bed with little incline. The mountain views along this part of the route are outstanding as we get closer to the Tibetan border
Check-in to our local guesthouse with time to relax
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 11: SAMDO
Full rest day
Today we rest day in the village of Samdo with an optional acclimatisation trek towards the Tibetan border for those who are feeling energetic
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 12: SAMDO TO BHIMTANG, VIA THE LARKYA LA
Breakfast
Approx. 25km+ trail run to Bhimtang, via Dharamasala & the Larkya La mountain pass (5,106m)
Beautiful but challenging trail that fringes the northern edge of the Larkya Glacier until reaching the encampment of Dharamsala where we break
We will walk as we continue through the glacial moraine field to the impressive Larkya-La pass at 5,106m.
Steep down hill down into the Annapurna range taking the trail to the village of Bhimtang
Check-in to our local guesthouse with time to relax
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 13: BHIMTANG TO DHARAPANI
Breakfast
Our final long day trail running approx. 16km to Dharapani
Enjoyable flat and descending trail through tall woodland as we carry onto Dharapani
Arrival into Dharapani for our last night on the trail
Check-in to our local guesthouse with time to relax
Local dinner served in our guesthouse
+ DAY 14: DHARAPANI TO BESISISHAR & KATHMANDU
Breakfast
Check out of our tea house and 4x4 jeep transfer to Besisihar
The road from to Besisihar will take 4.hours via bumpy rock track
Arrival into Besisihar change vehicles and group transfer back to Kathmandu
Arrival at the hotel Mulberry, check-in and relax
Group dinner
+ DAY 15 KATHAMANDU
Full day rest day
Eplore the city and to do any last-minute shopping before we leave tomorrow
Farewell dinner to celebrate
+ DAY 16 HOMEWARD BOUND
Breakfast
Check-out and group transfer to the airport
Departure flight home
WHERE WE
STAY
Hotel Mulberry, Kathmandu
We love the Hotel Mulberry, not only is it slap bang in the middle of the Thamel District which makes it incredibly convenient for getting around and seeing the historic sights. But you can also relax with a cocktail in hand gazing at the nearby Himalayas from the rooftop terrace.
Contemporary design and modern features make it one of our favourite bases in the busy capital.
Tea Houses
Tea houses are part of the fabric of rural Nepal – charming, cosy and serving up hot, tasty local fare to keep you full along the trail.
It must be stressed that tea houses by their nature are simple, rooms often only have twin beds and come with a clean sheet on a mattress and pillowcase. Toilets are almost always shared and are in squat format. Tea houses in the lower valleys will have access to hot water and ‘probably’ a shower, the higher you go the less likely the chances of showering facilities, but you can always buy tubs of hot water for a bucket wash.
We always use the best tea houses in every village. Considering the environment they provide everything you need.
FAQ
FLIGHTS
We specialise in arranging excellent trail running holidays but do not book International flights. As there is a great variety of value flights departing from all over the world to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
We will discuss with you our trusted and recommended ways to book international flights through excellent ATOL-protected partners who offer great value, ease of service and flight protection.
VISAS
All travellers to Nepal must hold a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure from Nepal.
An entry visa for Nepal is also required. It can be obtained either online or at the airport upon arrival in Nepal. If you plan to obtain it in Nepal, be sure to bring the current visa fee in cash. You will also need to bring passport photographs with you which are necessary for your visa and trekking/climbing permits.
GROUP MANAGEMENT
Being a group of max. 12 runners with a mixture of ages and running abilities we may decide to split into flexible groups, all of which will be supported by Nepali running guides who will travel with us on the trip.
By splitting the group will allow us all to move more fluidly, allowing all team members to run at their own comfortable pace, without feeling pressured.
TRAIL RUNNING
Not only are the mountains spectacular, but the trail runs through a great variety of terrain every step of the way – it is a wonder.
Lush forests and canyons characterize the entry valleys where we will spend our time traversing wide dusty trails at altitudes of 700-1000m. We follow along the banks of wide glacial rivers and undulating trails.
The terrain slowly becomes more mountainous the higher we go, picking our way through large boulder fields and dry plains where gigantic mountains – seemingly in touching distance – surround us on all sides. All the while the trail is very obvious as we pass through one charming village after the next.
TEMPERATURES
Temperatures tend to be quite cool in the mornings and evenings, but heat up at midday due to the strong, direct sunlight at high altitudes. Clear mornings with the chance of clouds developing in the afternoons. Highs in the mid 20’s to mid-teens (Celsius). It will be perfect for trail running.
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