Name: Manaslu Lodge Circuit
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (24 reviews)

Manaslu Lodge Circuit Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: Nepal
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
19 Days: Flight Inclusive
18 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: TNA
Carbon Footprint: 9kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Take a lesser-known trek around one of the highest mountains in the world

This spectacular and isolated circular trek skirts around the eighth highest mountain in the world, formidable Manaslu (28,258ft/8,163m). We follow the mighty Buri Gandaki River as it narrows into a spectacular gorge, passing through tiny villages perched on valley sides. Eventually, the gorge opens out into alpine meadows inhabited by a cluster of Tibetan communities below the north face of Manaslu. Crossing the Larkya Pass, we see the snow-capped peaks of Himalchuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal, before descending through forest to join the main Annapurna Circuit route.

Why trek with Exodus?

One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal
Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness
All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude
Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselves

At a Glance

Three nights in standard hotels, 13 nights in teahouses and one night in three-person sharing huts
14 days of point-to-point walking with full porterage
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and local staff (staff to client ratio of 1:4 on trek). Minimum age: 16
Altitude maximum: 16,830ft (5,130m); average: 8,860ft (2,700m)
Between five and eight hours of walking per day; the Larkya La day is approximately 11 hours of walking
Staff carry oxygen and a first-aid kit on trek
17 October 2024 led by Valerie Parkinson, Wanderlust World Guide Awards winner 2021

Highlights

Take a magnificent off-the-beaten-track circular trek around Manaslu
Cross the remote Larkya La
Enjoy rare views of Manaslu
Trek through picturesque traditional Tibetan villages

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging), mainly due to the varied and changeable terrain. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It’s a lodge-based trek with 14 days of walking and full porterage throughout – you need only carry your backpack.

The itinerary is very well staged for acclimatisation. There are some long days at the lower altitudes; as we get higher, the days are shorter to allow for acclimatisation. The maximum altitude is 16,830ft (5,130m), and the average is approximately 8,860ft (2,700m). As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.

Much of this trek is on established trails and is within the capabilities of a fit and experienced walker. The first half of the trek is at low altitude with approximately five to eight hours of walking a day on reasonably well-maintained trails. However, it can be very hot, dusty and humid at the lower altitudes (especially in spring) and there are some narrow and steep sections on the trails, which may not be suitable for those with a strong fear of heights. The crossing of the Larkya La is over rough, rocky glacial moraine and some of the descent is very steep. The day over the pass is approximately 11 to 12 hours. You should be a confident walker and be comfortable walking for five to eight hours a day, with an occasional longer day. The trails in the Manaslu region are less well-used than those in the Everest and Annapurna regions and are often rocky and uneven, requiring steady footing and concentration. This area was quite badly affected by an earthquake in 2015. Many of the trails have now been repaired but there are still landslides to cross and there may be changes to the descriptions below based on the seasonal monsoon weather bringing the potential for further landslides.

The trail crosses numerous modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys, all with mesh sides. Anyone with a strong fear of heights or vertigo may find them difficult.

You may find our Walking & Trekking Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.

To help you better prepare for your Nepal trip, please also see our Nepal Destination Guide.

Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.

Nepal flight safety

Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas. The mountainous Nepalese terrain is subject to changeable weather, which makes flying conditions complex and challenging and, unfortunately, there are significantly more incidents here than in other countries, including fatalities. The EU highlighted the poor safety record in Nepal in 2013 by including all Nepalese-registered airlines on the EU banned list, which prevents them from flying in EU airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU instigated this ban to highlight the risk of flying in Nepal to EU citizens. These airlines are unlikely to be members of any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

Flying within Nepal is therefore a known risk and we strongly encourage you to consider this carefully before booking. We suggest you refer to the following sources:

The current travel advice for Nepal issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Air Safety Network entry for Nepal

In response to concerns over this safety record, Exodus arranges for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the suitability of the available carriers. We then restrict our use to only those approved as part of this audit. In emergency situations, we will need to use helicopters, so we also have a list of approved helicopter carriers. Should concerns arise regarding the safety of an airline on our approved list, we will remove the carrier from the list immediately, and it would only be reinstated once our air-safety auditors are confident the airline meets acceptable safety standards.

We appreciate you may have concerns about flying within Nepal, so we ask that you consider all the information above when deciding to book this trip.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

The group is generally between four and 16 people.

We have representatives in Kathmandu who look after your transfers to and from the airport and are around to answer other questions you may have about your trek. There is an Exodus desk and noticeboard in the Royal Singi Hotel in Kathmandu. The desk is manned morning and evening.

The departure starting in Kathmandu on 17 October 2024 will be led by Valerie Parkinson who has been leading treks in the Himalaya for more than 35 years. Valerie was the first British woman to summit Manaslu. She will share her mountaineering experience, including talking about her Everest summit expedition and Everest North Col Expedition with you along the way! Valerie won Best Tour Leader in the prestigious annual Wanderlust World Guide Awards in 2021.

All other departures will have an English-speaking Nepali tour leader throughout the trip who will be assisted by Nepali trekking guides. All Exodus leaders are highly experienced, take Exodus leader training courses, and are trained in wilderness first aid. The trekking guides are licensed by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and receive additional training through Exodus. The trekking guides will walk with the group, spacing themselves out to ensure the pace is appropriate for careful acclimatisation and to ensure the safety of all trekkers in the group, helping those who may need some encouragement or support.

On all our Nepal treks, there is one member of trek staff for every four clients – this ratio may change if a guide must stay behind with a member of the group. The leaders are assisted by additional guides and as many porters as necessary to carry the kitbags. All your main gear is carried for you and you only carry whatever you require for that day’s trek. Porters are offered porter clothing for treks above 14,765ft (4,500m), which includes waterproofs, boots, socks, gloves, hats and sunglasses. All the trekking staff are insured by our local partner in Nepal.

The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16. Anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Kathmandu
End City: Kathmandu

Land Only Itinerary

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)

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)

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Activity hours: 2

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 11mi (17km)

Ascent: 4,452ft (1,357m); Descent: 2,854ft (870m); Activity hours: 6/7

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 12mi (20km)

Ascent: 5,325ft (1,623m); Descent: 3,497ft (1,066m); Activity hours: 7hr 30min to 8hr

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 14mi (22km)

Ascent: 6,266ft (1,910m); Descent: 4,347ft (1,325m); Activity hours: 8hr to 8hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 3,215ft (980m); Descent: 2,175ft (663m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 12mi (19km)

Ascent: 5,774ft (1,760m); Descent: 2,451ft (747m); Activity hours: 7hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Ascent: 2,493ft (760m); Descent: 1,312ft (400m); Activity hours: 3hr 30min to 4hr

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 1,247ft (380m); Descent: 220ft (67m); Activity hours: 3hr to 3hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 4mi (7km)

Ascent: 2,362ft (720m); Descent: 427ft (130m); Activity hours: 4hr to 4hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 11mi (17km)

Ascent: 2,428ft (740m); Descent: 5,807ft (1,770m); Activity hours: 9-12

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 4mi (6km)

Activity hours: 3hr 30min to 4hr

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Ascent: 2,119ft (646m); Descent: 4,921ft (1,500m); Activity hours: 7hr to 7hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Ascent: 3,412ft (1,040m); Descent: 5,371ft (1,637m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Ascent: 4,167ft (1,270m); Descent: 4,856ft (1,480m); Activity hours: 6hr 30min to 7hr

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Activity hours: 1hr 30min to 2hr

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Altitude Charts

Altitude warning

This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.

On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.

Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.

If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Manaslu Lodge Circuit

Thirteen nights on trek are spent in teahouses/lodges, one night in Dharamsala is in basic three-person prefab huts, and there are three nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, we usually stay at the Hotel Royal Singi, located within walking distance of the buzzy Thamel district. There is a restaurant, bar and an outdoor courtyard, plus free wifi in the lobby and login codes for the rooms are available at reception. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel reception area and an Exodus representative is usually available daily in the mornings and evenings.

The teahouses are basic (especially the ones in Samdo and Dharamsala) but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains. In Dharamsala, we use three-person prefab huts. Mattresses are provided in the huts and there is a basic dining room and basic toilets.

The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on). Some tea houses above 9,845ft (3,000m) may not be heated due to local environmental restrictions. Occasionally, kerosene burners can be used to heat common areas if requested. We recommend against using these due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and your leader will not offer this to you. Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all lodges have electricity, but it is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch (flashlight) is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room, charged at approximately 150-350 Nepalese rupees (US$1.15/US$2.65) per hour per device. Many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. A few of the lodges on this trek have wifi – in some areas it works well but in others it is slow and temperamental.

The bedrooms are now almost all twin-share (although very occasionally during peak seasons you may be asked to share with three to a room for the odd night). Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are unheated and can get cold at night, so you need to bring or hire a sleeping bag.

Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian squat style; although some lodges have now installed seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided, so bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the waste can provided – do not put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either refill it or ask the lodge to.

Some lodges now have hot showers, charged at approximately 250-500 rupees (US$1.90- US$3.80) per shower. Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a shower head.

Standards of cleanliness vary, especially in the peak trekking season and in winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand-sanitiser gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks, mealtimes and after handling money. As a rule, the higher you go, the more basic the lodges and the more expensive food and services become.

Extra accommodation

If you would like to extend your stay, speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights before or after the tour in Kathmandu – please enquire at the time of booking.

Single supplements

If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara only (subject to availability). While in the tea houses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed so these have not been included in the single supplement price paid in advance. However, if a single room is available on arrival to a teahouse, you can pay locally on a day-by-day basis.

Single supplement from £ 125

Food & Drink

Breakfast is included throughout the trip.

In teahouses, breakfast comprises a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee is also served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey is served – these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish, additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately.

Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the higher altitude the more expenses the menus and extras generally are.

Lunch is at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner is in the same teahouse you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).

Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentils and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables.

Meat is available in the teahouses but we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness.

If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast/with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant, the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day.

If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount.

Drinking water

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz-135floz (3-4 litres) per day.

However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal.

The teahouses sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle.

Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).

Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.

Transport

For airport transfers, we use a private minibus/vehicle. For the journeys to Arket Bazaar and from Ngaddi, we use a local bus (sometimes from Ngaddi to Besisahar your guide will have to book transport locally). Please note, often the local buses are not equipped with seatbelts.

This point-to-point trek requires customers to walk between each overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be available along the route (horses, 4x4s etc) but Exodus is not able to take responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.

Nepal flight safety

Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas. The mountainous Nepalese terrain is subject to changeable weather, which makes flying conditions complex and challenging, and unfortunately there are significantly more incidents here than in other countries, including fatalities. The EU highlighted the poor safety record in Nepal in 2013 by including all Nepalese-registered airlines on the EU banned list, which prevents them from flying in EU airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU instigated this ban to highlight the risk of flying in Nepal to EU citizens. These airlines are unlikely to be members of any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

Flying within Nepal is therefore a known risk, and we strongly encourage you to consider this carefully before booking. We suggest you refer to the following sources:

The current travel advice for Nepal issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
The Air Safety Network entry for Nepal

We appreciate you may have concerns about flying within Nepal, so we ask that you consider all the information above when deciding to book this trip.

Weather & Seasonality

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time, and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures vary from 15C to 35C (59F to 95F) in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10C (50C) at 11,810ft (3,600m) and progressively lower the higher we go. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking:

Post monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are generally above 20C (68F). For the first few days of the trek, at the lower altitudes, the temperatures can be very hot (up to 30C/86F) and it can be very humid. Once you are over 6,560ft (2,000m), temperatures are more pleasant. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping to -5C (23F) or lower at the higher altitudes.

Pre-monsoon: March to May. Both day and night temperatures are warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot and humid at the start and end of the trek at the lower altitudes and temperatures rise to 30C/35C (86F/95F) in Kathmandu and the lower parts of the trek. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

The crossing of the Larkya La is cold at any time of year. There is sometimes a high wind over the pass, which makes the crossing extremely cold and you must have adequate protection for very low temperatures for this section. There is sometimes snow and ice on the pass. You need to be prepared for this. We recommend you carry yaktrax/microspikes in case of snow on the pass.

Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes above Samdo.

In any mountain area, the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 144 24190
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Kathmandu
Location end: Kathmandu

What To Take

Essential Equipment

All luggage for the trek should be packed in the Exodus kitbag provided or in a similar soft kitbag. Many people find it easiest to pack the Exodus kitbag inside a wheelie case, which can be left at the Kathmandu hotel for free with anything not needed for the trek, while the kitbag is carried by your porter on the trek.

When packing, please consider the quantities/volume of the items you bring. Decant larger toiletries into small reusable bottles to limit weight and volume, take a lightweight travel towel etc. Each porter carries two kitbags, therefore, please respectfully limit your kitbag to 22lb (10kg) maximum per person. Your leader will weigh each bag before departing Kathmandu and may ask those with overweight kitbags to remove non-essential items and leave them in Kathmandu.

Many Nepalis are still traditional in the way they dress. You should, therefore, dress conservatively. Tight, revealing clothing is not advised and T-shirts are preferable to sleeveless tops. Long knee-length shorts are acceptable. Trousers (pants) or a long skirt are preferable for women.

Four passport photos for your trekking permits (plus one more photo if getting your visa on arrival, in case the electronic machines are out of order)
Four-season sleeping bag
Three/four-season jacket
Waterproof walking boots (worn in)
Refillable water bottle/water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak, which are useful for rehydrating on the go)
Waterproofs
Gaiters
Comfortable footwear for the evening
Warm hat
Warm gloves
Scarf/buff, which can be pulled over your nose and mouth to protect against fine mountain dust
Several pairs of walking socks
Tracksuit or thermals
Mid layer (fleece)
Light to mid-weight trousers
Shorts, shirts, T-shirts, base layers
Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
Mosquito repellent (please refer to advice on avoiding dengue fever in vaccination section)
Backpack (minimum 25-30 litres)
Towel
Headtorch (head lamp)
Dry bags
Toilet paper
Small personal first-aid kit
Plug adaptor
Small biodegradable bags, for when nature calls
Water purification treatment/Steripen
Trekking pole(s) (highly recommended for the rocky trails and steep descents)
Hand-washing gel
Biodegradable mini toiletries for the trek (please do not bring full-size items and limit to essentials)

Larkya La

The Larkya La can sometimes be covered in snow. The descent is extremely steep so if you are not comfortable walking on snow, we highly recommend you bring a pair of instep crampons/microspikes or similar to put on the soles of your boots. The microspikes with points/spikes not spirals are better. If you have not purchased in advance and your leader considers them necessary based on current weather conditions, he/she will have them available to purchase at your hotel during the welcome briefing (approximately 2,500 rupees/US$20). Your leader will carry an ice axe and rope for safety.

Equipment hire

There are many equipment shops in Kathmandu where you can buy much of the above clothing. The quality does vary and cannot be guaranteed so you should choose carefully.

The following equipment can be hired through Exodus – the equipment is good quality and will keep you warm but it is bulky and you should take this into account when packing due to the porterage weight limit. Hire equipment should be requested and paid for in advance of travel but will be provided locally in Kathmandu. Approximate hire prices are as below:

Down jacket (approximately 3.9lb/1.8kg): From £54 / US$69
Four-season sleeping bag (approximately 5lb/2.3kg): From £72 / US$92
Package including a down jacket and a four-season sleeping bag: From £90 / US$115

Donations for porters, children and the elderly

If while packing, you find a spare bit of space in your bag then you may be interested in donating to one of Exodus’ projects. Exodus supports a Porter Clothing Bank in Kathmandu and school children in Kathmandu and various villages, and an old people’s home in Kyanjin Gompa in the upper part of the Langtang Valley. If you have any old walking gear this can be donated to porters. Similarly, any warm clothing or blankets would be appreciated by the old people’s home – please leave these items with your leader or at the Exodus desk at the Royal Singi Hotel. Books, stationery, games, warm clothes/underwear etc suitable for children aged five to 18 should be taken to the Ambassador Garden Home in Thamel and given to Prakash Lammichanne. Contact No: +977 1 4700724.

Exodus kitbag

If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your free bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.

Practical Information

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you submit your application for a visa. You should also ensure your passport is up to date, is valid for the entire length of your stay and that you have completed the emergency contact details page inside your passport.

Visa

Nepal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Nepal. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/nepal
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/nepal
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Nepal.html

You can obtain your visa in advance or on arrival. If possible, apply in advance as queues on arrival can be very long and the Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate.

Visa in advance: Apply for this through your local consulate or embassy. The Nepalese government has an online application system, but it is currently only accepting payments through Nepalese payment channels.

Visa on arrival: When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there will be three lines. If you have already secured your visa, go straight to the Immigration line. If not:

Fill in a tourist visa form at the electronic kiosks. After inserting your passport, the machine will automatically fill out an application form, take an electronic photograph of you and print a paper slip. If the machine won’t read your passport, complete the details manually using the touchscreen. We recommend taking a passport photo with you just in case.
- This process can be completed through the online immigration portal (click ‘Visa On-Arrival’) within 14-days prior to arrival in Kathmandu, helping you to avoid lengthy queues at the kiosks when you come through immigration – ensure you print and bring the confirmation with you. If you have completed your visa on arrival form in advance, go directly to the visa fees counters with your printed confirmation and skip the kiosk queues.
Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (in cash, if possible). Make sure to keep the receipt. Card payments are not always possible, so paying in cash is easiest, most currencies are accepted but US dollars are preferred.
Go to the relevant immigration desk and present your tourist visa form, payment receipt and passport to obtain your 15-, 30- or 90-day visa stamp. Please check you have been given the correct visa duration.

Vaccinations and Health

Nepal

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

There is little to no risk of malaria in Nepal; therefore, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain high-risk groups. You may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in Nepal with an outbreak in September 2022. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis, so take extra precautions (such as wearing full-length trousers, long sleeves and applying insect repellent during the day, dawn and dusk) to prevent being bitten.

Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.

When trekking at altitude, and particularly in cold weather, there is a higher chance of developing a cough (sometimes referred to here as the Khumbu cough) or cold symptoms. These symptoms could be a result of inhaling cold mountain air or dust (in the Everest region). You can mitigate against picking up coughs and colds by washing your hands with soap and water at available opportunities and using hand sanitiser. Also wear a buff over your neck and mouth when walking at altitude, particularly in colder weather, which will help limit cold, dry air entering your airways and keep your neck and chest warm.

Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.

Local Time

Nepal's time zone: Asia/Kathmandu (UTC +05:45)

Electricity

Nepal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz Mains electric 'load shedding' (planned temporary power cuts) occur regularly throughout towns and cities in Nepal. On teahouse treks, the majority of lodges now have electricity and charging facilities in the communal areas for batteries, for a fee. Battery life can be affected by cold; lithium batteries are best.

Money

Nepal's currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR) It is illegal to import or export rupees, but foreign currency is not limited, provided it is declared on arrival. Keep your change receipts, as you will need them if you want to change rupees back into hard currency at Kathmandu airport.

ATM Availability

There are ATMs in Kathmandu and other major towns but there are none on the Manaslu trek itself so you have to carry cash.

Do not rely wholly on ATMs as many are broken or run out of money. Often there are ATM lounges (a small room with several ATMs). Some banks have a withdrawal limit equivalent to only US$125 per time. If you need to withdraw more, look for another ATM with a higher limit as there are transaction fees (others have a maximum withdrawal limit equivalent to about US$380 per time).

Credit cards are accepted in many of the larger shops and restaurants in Kathmandu but are no use on trek.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

We recommend taking your personal spending money in cash (US dollars, British pounds or euros can all be changed easily). Please note that any marked, torn or damaged notes may not be accepted. Please remember, £50 notes, Scottish or Irish currency cannot be changed in Nepal. Cash can be changed easily at the airport on arrival in Kathmandu or at money changers in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Hotels in Nepal can also change up to US$300 per person. Please note, travellers cheques can NOT be exchanged in Nepal. Our staff will advise you about how much money to take with you on the trek.

You need to withdraw/exchange enough money in Kathmandu to last the duration of your trek – to cover meals, drinks, tipping and other incidentals. It is a good idea to carry spare cash on the trek in case of an emergency. Carrying a large amount of cash is unavoidable so we suggest splitting it up into a few different places – but remember to keep track of how much you have stashed where.

Prices of food and amenities in teahouses generally become more expensive the higher altitude/more remote you are and access to ATMs/money changes are extremely limited. Please allow 4,400 – 5,800 rupees (US$33-US44) per day for lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, showers, toilet roll and charging on trek, and for meals not included in Kathmandu. This amount is given as a rough guideline only.

Your expenditure will be towards the top end if you buy boiled water rather than treating cold water, and depending on how many hot showers you take, if you pay to charge electrical devices, drink alcohol, use wifi on the trek and so on.

If you’d like to purchase a trekking map for 500 rupees (US$4), please speak to your Leader at the welcome briefing and he will provide the relevant map for you.

Optional excursions

Several optional tours and activities are available from Kathmandu.

Prices for a half-day sightseeing tour start from approximately 4,650 rupees (US$35) per person, based on a group of six or more. For all trips, return transport and a qualified sightseeing guide are included. The price does not include lunch or entry fees. Please enquire with your leader in Kathmandu, who can provide further information.

An optional Everest sightseeing flight is available on your free day (weather permitting) from around 27,810 rupees (US$210) per person (price subject to change). If you intend to book, please refer to the Transport section for information about the safety of flying in Nepal.

Tipping

Tipping is part of the culture in Nepal and usually expected. Tipping can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader will usually offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip porters in hotels, local guides, assistant guides, porters and the drivers. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but a rough guideline is provided below.

Tipping of the leader is at your discretion and separate to the amount he will suggest for the other staff. We suggest you send an envelope around the group at the end of the trip and you can put in what you like and give to the leader on the last evening.

The following are guideline amounts received by each staff member from the group as a whole…

Tour leader: 40,000-45,000 rupees (usually tipped on the last night in Kathmandu)

Your trekking crew (tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek in Jagat):

Head trekking guide and assistant guides: 25,000-30,000 rupees for each guide
Trek porters: 15,000-17,000 rupees for each porter

General tipping guidelines:

Drivers: Kathmandu to trek start point (full day): 2,000 rupees in total from the group. Besisahar to Kathmandu (full day) – 2,000 rupees in total from the group.
Hotel porters: 100 rupees each time for each room
Teahouses and lunch stops on the trek: It’s customary to round your bill up to the nearest 50 or 100 rupees
Restaurants: 10% of the bill if good service

To help budget for the tips, generally there will be one member of trek staff (guide/assistant) for every four clients. You also have one porter for every two clients to carry your luggage. If you are unsure on how much to budget, check with your leader when you arrive in Kathmandu. Please try to give all tips in local currency.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

The use of a local leader and trekking support staff (guides, porters/yak herders) means our customers will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, teahouses and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and by supporting other local enterprises.
Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Exodus has been able to support Karma, our local partner’s Food Package Project in Nepal, which has distributed food parcels to those in need on the streets of Kathmandu at a time when lockdowns and a lack of tourism left many without an income.
It was not until 2005 that the ancient tradition of chhaupadi (banishing menstruating women and girls to huts or sheds during their period) was made illegal in Nepal. In rural parts of the country, menstruation is still a taboo subject. Since 2018, Exodus has supported the Freedom Kitbag Project, providing reusable sanitary wear and education in reproductive health to many hundreds of women and to their wider communities.
Exodus has had a deep connection with Nepal since the 1980s and over the years has supported, and continues to support, many Himalayan Community Projects, including an elderly person’s home, the High Altitude Workers Welfare Association, providing solar cookers, smokeless stoves and running medical camps in hard-to-reach communities, to name but a few.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group and on foot, for the most part, led by a local leader, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We buy our trekking permits and pay our Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fees, the income from which helps to preserve the region.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead recommending that you refill your own reusable bottles with boiled water on the trek or that you treat tap water.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

In Kathmandu, we stay at a family-run Nepali-owned hotel, rather than using a large international hotel chain, and during the trek we stay in small locally owned teahouses, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of this trip.
Few crops grow nor do animals graze at these altitudes, and as there are no roads to the more remote villages, food is often carried in along the trails by porters or yaks/mules, making its transportation footprint inherently low carbon.
A vegetarian diet is common in Nepal, especially in the mountains where eating meat is not generally recommended due to hygiene concerns and a lack of refrigeration facilities. The staple diet is dal baht, which comes in various forms but generally includes lentils, vegetable curry and rice.
Exodus established the Braga Tree Nursery Initiative in the Upper Annapurna Region of Nepal in the 1980s to play a part in tackling the deforestation problem at the time, and to this day, the tree nursery sustains itself.
The provision of solar cookers to many villages along the popular trekking routes in Nepal has helped prevent further deforestation in the pursuit of wood used for cooking.
There is no mains electricity in the mountains and many of the teahouses use solar power for hot showers or lighting.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you. When trekking – biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toilet paper are recommended. Keep to paths to reduce damage to plants and disturbances to wildlife.
Plastic waste reduction: Avoid using plastic bottles or buying mineral water and instead use refillable water bottles wherever possible. Buy boiled water or carry water purification treatment (we recommend a Steripen or similar type of handheld UV water purifier).
Try to buy locally made handicrafts but be wary of items made from wild animals eg shahtoosh shawls made from endangered Tibetan antelope.
If while packing, you find a spare bit of space in your bag then you may be interested in donating to one of our projects. Exodus supports a Porter Clothing Bank in Kathmandu and also distributes clothing to villages and schools.

Cultural respect:

The Nepalese greeting is namasté with hands held in front of the face, the higher they are held, the more respect it exudes. Men will shake hands with men but not with women.
Walk in a clockwise direction around temples or monuments. Ask permission before entering places of worship and remove your shoes. Leave leather behind before entering Hindu temples.
Pointing your feet (the least sacred body part) at people or religious places or pointing or beckoning with a single finger is considered impolite.
Displays of affection should be kept at bay, and loose-fitting clothing that covers legs and shoulders is advisable, especially when visiting homes, monasteries or temples.
Do it like the locals! The left hand is associated with toilet duties, so eat, wipe your mouth, pass food, give and receive with your right hand. Only handle your own food and drink.
Ask before you capture people on camera. Exchanging a few words or gestures beforehand can go a long way. Offering (and actually sending) a copy via post is a great way to benefit both parties!

Important Information

Optional activities and excursions

If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.

This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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