Compare Manaslu Lodge Circuit by Exodus Travels vs Cholo Expedition by World Expeditions

Day 1 Start Kathmandu

The tour starts at the hotel in Kathmandu. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. There are no planned activities today so you may arrive at any time; however, tomorrow is a long drive so it’s better not to arrive too late. Upon arrival at the hotel, look out for an Exodus noticeboard with details of where and when the welcome/trek briefing is held this evening. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Day 2 Drive to Arket Bazaar; trek to Soti Khola

We have an early start for the long drive to Arket Bazaar (approximately seven hours). We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley and head west following the Trisuli River towards Pokhara. At Dading, we turn off the main road and drive into the hills through Dading Besi and Arughat in the Buri Gandaki Valley. From Arughat, we continue on a rough road to Arkhet Bazaar (be prepared for an adventure). From here, we walk (approximately two hours) to Soti Khola. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: approximately 2,360ft/720m)

Day 3 Trek through forest and fields to Lapu Besi and onto Machha Khola

The first few days of this trek are quite long in terms of hours walked due to the lower altitudes and availability of decent lodges. It can, therefore, be very hot, especially in the spring trekking season. Our route begins by following the Buri Gandaki Valley north. There is a road being blasted out of the hillsides and we try to avoid it where possible. From Soti Khola, we drop to the river and cross to the other side of the valley where the trail climbs steeply for a while through forested areas and small villages and then undulates through farmland and finally drops to cross the river again to lunch at Lapu Besi. From Lapu Besi, we follow the undulating jeep track to Machha Khola Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 2,870ft/875m)

Day 4 Follow the Buri Gandaki River to Jagat

We have another quite long day as the trail undulates throughout, sometimes by the river and sometimes high above the river, passing several small hamlets and farms. The valley narrows and there are spectacular waterfalls. We start with a short climb followed by a descent to Khorla Besi. From here, we follow the wide track to Tatopani (which means hot water). The water from the natural hot springs here is funnelled through a few taps in the centre of the village. We continue up to Dovan and then to Shyauli, where we have lunch. From there, we face more ups and downs (some quite steep sections) until we drop to the river at Yaruphant. The trail levels out for a while and then we cross a suspension bridge, after which the trail undulates to Jagat, a well-kept paved village, where we see the first signs of Tibetan Buddhism. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 4,495ft/1,370m)

Day 5 Ascend through small villages to Philim; climb to Deng

We have a long day due to the lack of decent lodges. From Jagat, the trail continues up the valley through the villages of Salleri, Sirdabas and Ghate Khola, offering great views of Chamar ahead. We then drop down to the river, cross a long suspension bridge and climb steeply up to lunch at Philim (5,135ft/1,565m). From Philim, the trail undulates spectacularly with impressive waterfalls on either side of the valley. Passing the small settlements of Chisapani and Eklabatti, where we have lunch, we descend a little and cross the river by suspension bridge. The trail splits at the bridge, the right-hand side of the valley leads to the remote Tsum Valley. We cross to the left and continue following the Buri Gandaki, climbing up at first as the trail rounds the valley, which becomes narrower. We cross the river twice more as we undulate up the valley through forest to Phewa, and further on to the small village of Deng. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,135ft/1,870m)

Day 6 Cross the river and ascend via a magnificent valley to Ghap

A shorter day today. From Deng, we descend to the river and cross by bridge. After the river, our route climbs, steeply in places, up onto a spectacular trail. We pass through small settlements as we ascend the impressive valley. We see mani stones (prayer stones) carved into wayside rocks, a sign we are now in a Buddhist area. We pass through the small settlements of Rana and Bihi Phedi. The trail continues ascending (sometimes steeply) but at one point descends to cross the river. We get to Ghap by lunchtime; in the afternoon, there is an optional walk up the hill behind the lodge for spectacular views across to Prok and of the whole valley. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,925ft/2,110m)

Day 7 Continue to Lho, offering fantastic views of Manaslu

Today is quite a strenuous day with a lot of ascent. The valley widens and there is extensive farmland all around where we may see the occasional lookout platform, built to ward off bears. From Ghap, we cross the river three times and have a long steady climb through the forest (look out for langur monkeys) to Namrung. A short descent followed by another climb brings us to Lihi, where we have a simple lunch. Another descent to the river and climb brings us to Sho, after which we climb further to Lho. We are now passing through Tibetan-style villages and we start to see the magnificent mountains all around. From Lho, we get our first view of the Manaslu and Naike peaks Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 10,400ft/3,170m)

Day 8 Climb to Samagaon

A short but magnificent walk as we continue up the valley and gain altitude. The trail climbs out of Lho to the monastery, which we can visit. We then follow the valley with great views of Manaslu ahead. The trail climbs for a couple of hours to Shyaula village, from where we are surrounded by amazing views. Manaslu is ahead and we can see Himalchuli and Naike peaks. Soon we reach the fields and stone houses of Samagaon, where we stay for the night. From the lodge, there are magnificent views of Manaslu. We should arrive at Samagaon by lunchtime so there is time to explore the village and visit the monastery and Birendra Tal, a glacial lake, in the afternoon. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 11,580ft/3,530m)

Day 9 Trek to Samdo

The trail crosses grazing areas and gradually climbs the valley. We have fantastic views of the mountains, especially Himalchuli, behind us. We can also still see Manaslu. As we reach our destination, Samdo Peak rears up behind us. It’s an easy half-day walk to Samdo, the last permanent settlement in the valley. This remote village is only a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. In the afternoon, there is time for an acclimatisation walk and to explore the village. Please note, the lodges in Samdo are basic. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,665ft/3,860m)

Day 10 Ascend to Dharamsala

Leaving the village, we cross a stream (the last time we see the Buri Gandaki) and climb steadily to the deserted Larkya Bazaar. Years ago, this village thrived off trade with Tibet. Behind we can see Samdo Peak and, as we climb, Manaslu comes into view to our left and we can see the whole spectacular climbing route to the summit. Climbing all the time with a few steep sections, we reach a very basic lodge at Dharamsala, which is the last place to stay before the pass. Look out for blue sheep, which often come down to the small stream near the lodge. In the afternoon, the energetic can climb a hill behind the lodge for even better views of the surrounding mountains. Please note, the accommodation at Dharamsala is extremely basic due to limited properties in this location. There are three-person prefab huts or, where available, tents are provided for those that do not wish to triple-share. Mattresses are provided in the huts and there is a basic dining room and basic toilets. Accommodation: Three-person huts (sleeping altitude: 14,700ft/4,480m)

Day 11 Cross the Larkya La; descend to Bimthang

We have an early start (usually in the dark). Today is a long day and if there is any snow it can take us a long time to cross the pass, especially the descent. The trail leaves Dharamsala and climbs steeply at first but then more gradually by the side of the moraine of the glacier with great views of Larkya Peak. The ascent is gradual most of the way and is easy if there is no snow (if there is snow or ice it takes much longer). As dawn nears, Hindu Peak glows orange with the first sun rays. It’s a long and rocky ascent on the moraine with some short steeper sections all the way to the top of the Larkya Pass. The first area of prayer flags at 16,830ft (5,130m) is the official Larkya La from where the views are outstanding – a wonderful panorama of peaks including Larkya Peak, Cheo Himal and Hindu Peak and, in the distance, we can see the tip of Annapurna 2. From the top, there is a 10-minute almost-level walk to the second summit (which is a little higher and is also marked with a few prayer flags). From here, the long, very steep descent starts. We need to take care as the path is steep and narrow. It is a sandy scree trail when there is no snow but if there is snow and ice, we need to take care. There is a landslide we must cross carefully. The steep part of the trail eventually eases off onto a path, which takes us down to the glacial moraine. The views are superb as we descend, and we can just spot Pongkar Lake, a brilliant-blue glacial lake amid the three glaciers below us. We stop for a well-deserved rest at the bottom of the steep part of the descent, surrounded by immense snow-capped peaks. The descent now becomes a bit easier, but no less spectacular, as we descend the valley to Bimthang, where we stay tonight. If it’s clear, we can just see the summit of Manaslu high above. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,140ft/3,700m)

Day 12 Daywalk to Pongkar Lake or spare day as required

A spare day to be used as and when required – if the weather is good and everything runs to schedule, we spend the day exploring the area around Bimthang and resting after the pass. There is a half-day walk to a beautiful glacial lake, Pongkar Lake, which we can do in the morning, then return to the lodge for lunch and have a free afternoon to rest. If, however, there has been a delay earlier in the trek, the group needs more acclimatisation or rest before the pass, or if there is poor weather, your leader may decide to use the spare day earlier in the trek. Also, if the weather is bad at Bimthang, your leader may suggest trekking down the valley earlier. This is at the leader’s discretion. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,140ft/3,700m)

Day 13 Spectacular walk to Tilje

From Bimthang, we cross high pastureland and have a magnificent walk down into the valley of the Burdin Khola. The walk from Bimthang is one of the most spectacular of the trek as a wall of mountains lies behind and in front. We pass the terminal moraine of the Cheo Himal and cross a small wooden bridge. Ahead, we have our last magnificent views of Manaslu. We now descend into rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley to Karche and the Soti Khola. A short climb past terraced fields brings us to the Karche La, where we are in sight of the Marsyangdi River below. Descending through forest, we come to Tilje, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,350ft/2,240m)

Day 14 Trek to the remote Nache; descend to the main Annapurna Circuit trail

From Tilje, we walk through the village and cross the river by bridge. A small footpath then leads away from the main trail and we follow this uphill through the forest. A higher path takes us to a small monastery among pine forests. We get great views of Dharapani below and Annapurna 2 above. We then descend past terraces to a suspension bridge, which we cross. The trail then climbs up to Nache village. This old village rarely sees trekkers and has beautiful traditional Gurung houses. We can also see Manaslu and Himalchuli. We then descend quite steeply to the main Annapurna trail at Korto. Staying on the same side of the river, we follow the old trail, which climbs high above the river and undulates until we descend to Tal for the night. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 5,580ft/1,700m)

Day 15 Descend to Syange via Chyamje and Jagat

A short climb out of Tal brings us to a long descent to cross the Marsyangdi by bridge, followed by a short climb to Chyamje. From Chyamje to Jagat, we can climb above the road and follow the old trekking trail through the forest to Jagat. From Jagat to Syange, we have to walk on the jeep track for a short while for our last night of the trek. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 3,545ft/1,080m)

Day 16 Drive to Besishar; transfer to Kathmandu

Leaving early, we take a local private bus to Besishar on a rough road for approximately 2hr 30min. From here, we meet our next transfer for the long drive to Kathmandu (approximately five to six hours). We should arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Day 17 Free day in Kathmandu

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We offer a full range of sightseeing tours, which can be booked and paid for locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section of the Trip Notes or the Exodus notice board in the hotel in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)

Day 18 End Kathmandu

The trip ends after breakfast. Free departure transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied us with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer.

Day 1 Join Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

meals : Array

Day 2 Free day in Kathmandu or drive to Ramechap (approx 5 hours)

Depending on the season, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu's bustling streets and significant landmarks or embark on a bus ride to Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gate way trekking in the Everest region. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or Private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla during Spring and Autumn trekking seasons (March-May and October-December) may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap. This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally.

meals : B

Day 3 Fly to Lukla, trek to Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.

We transfer to the airport for the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our first overnight stop at our private eco campsite at Monjo.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek to Namche Bazaar (3400m)

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. The establishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of fire-wood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of it being primarily for their personal use. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa 'capital' of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader's stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain. Overnight: eco-lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 In Namche Bazaar, rest and acclimatise

Sagarmartha National Park Headquarters just above our private eco campsite offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542 m), Thamserku (6808 m), Kantega (6685 m), Ama Dablam (6856 m), Nuptse (7896 m) and Lhotse (8511 m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848 m), rises at the head of the valley. The Sherpa Cultural Centre has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. Those who are fit and acclimatising well may wish to take the optional walk to the Everest View Hotel (4-5hrs) where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen. For those feeling well acclimatised there is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung. Khumjung is where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse In the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital is close by. World Expeditions supports both of these famous community facilities, as well as the many other projects operated by the Himalayan Trust. There will generally be the opportunity for you to visit the hospital and school. We will also be able to visit the monastery at Khumjung where we may have the opportunity to see the “scalp of a yeti”. Overnight: eco-lodge

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Trek to Thame (3800m)

We head west along the valley of the Bhote Kosi to the remote valley of Thame. The route is situated at an important junction along the old primary trade route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La (Pass). We cross Phurte and Thamo villages. We descend down to the river and cross a bridge before making a final steep climb to Thame. There is a spectacular monastery on the way. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Marlung (4000m)

We ascend further up the valley towards the Renjo La. It is an isolated valley, and as we head further north the bustle of Namche feels far away. There is a chance we will meet Tibetan traders descending from the Nangpa La pass. This is an ancient trading route that leads through the Himalayas from Tibet. Traders still use this route today with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with goods. We can explore the Sherpa villages of Yellajung and Taranga before arriving at our wilderness campsite at Marlung.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 In Marlung, rest and acclimatise

A day to rest and acclimatise as we build strength and energy for the weeks ahead. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Trek to Yak Kharka (4900m)

A slow and steady climb today as we cross deserted yak pastures and climb high into the mountains. Keep an eye open for Himalayan Thar on the rocky slopes, which are often spotted in this region. There are great views today of Cho Oyu and Machhermo Peak. Our wilderness campsite is at the base of the pass, our goal for tomorrow.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Cross the Renjo La (5340m)

Crossing the Renjo La Pass will be exciting and challenging. From Yak Kharka we have a 3 hour ascent through boulders and a zig zagging incline to the top of the high pass at approximately 5340m. From atop the pass the views are truly spectacular, with panoramic views of giant Himalayan mountains in every direction. Overnight eco-lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 In Gokyo

Today will be spent in picture perfect Gokyo, an excellent location for a rest and acclimatisation day. Overnight eco-lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 To Cholo Base Camp (5340m)

There are great views today of Cho Oyu and Cholatse. A slow climb after lunch as we cross deserted yak pastures and climb high into the mountains. This is spectacular high alpine terrain and Base Camp will be in a secluded spot near a small lake at the base of the Abi Himal icefall. We follow the normal path to the Cho La, but turn north shortly before the base of the pass and follow a broad and easy angled ridge for a few hours to base camp. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Cholo Base Camp

A day set aside to rest and for preparations at base camp. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 Cholo high camp (5650m)

High Camp will be established on the saddle between the two peaks of Abi Himal, Cholo and Kangchung at an altitude of about 5500m. The exact location of high camp will be dependent upon the condition of the icefall. We will launch our climb of Cholo from this high camp, which is situated in a truly spectacular alpine environment. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Climb Cholo (6097m)

We have two full days set aside for climbing this magnificent peak that is hidden deep in the Everest region, in the shadow of Cho Oyu, just south of the Tibetan border. An alpine start will be required and the climbing is moderately angled with a few prolonged steeper sections, with some mixed ice and rock pitches. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 16 Contingency Day

Contingency Day set aside for weather. Overnight: Wilderness camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 17 Trek to Dole

Leaving the high mountains after three weeks of climbing and crossing high passes, we walk down the Gokyo valley on the high eastern trail. The climate will be appreciably warmer here after almost three weeks above 4500m. We will enjoy a good nights rest, plenty to eat and drink and time to reflect on our recent achievements in the mountains. Overnight: private eco-campsite or eco-lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 18 Trek to Monjo

If the weather is clear, the mountain views from Thyangboche monastery as we pass through are outstanding - Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360 degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. It's a pleasant walk down to Namche and as we near the village we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. We will continue down the valley to our campsite at Monjo and enjoy a last evening with the entire team, celebrating the adventure we have shared. Overnight in private eco campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 19 Return trek to Lukla

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. Overnight eco lodge.

meals : B,L,D

Day 20 Fly to Kathmandu or return via Ramechap

We start the day with a stunning morning flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

meals : B

Day 21 In Kathmandu, trip concludes

Following a final breakfast together, the trip will conclude with a departure transfer to the airport for onward flights.

meals : B