Join us for a trek to Manaslu and a climb of Chulu East in 2003

~ 1 April to 1 May, 2004 (31 Days). Full Service Cost: $3450, £1950, €2900.

Manaslu at 8163 metres (26, 775') is the 8th highest peak in the world and is located near to the border of Nepal and Tibet. The name Manaslu means "The Spirit-Mountain" in the local dialect, referring to the benevolent and strong deity which dwells within. After several attempts the mountain was first climbed in 1956.

Our trek starts in Gorkha, home of the British Gurkha Regiment. Trekking along the Buri Gandaki River. Crossing the LarkyaLa pass with our porters.

Buddha at Sama Gompa. Chulu Far East (6060m), climbed from photo-center on the left skyline ridge. Our porters are there to carry your pack on Chulu East.

Summit Ridge. View from the summit. Looking Toward Annapurna. Scott on a questionable bridge. S.Darsney.

We started organising treks with our expeditions when we went to K2 and 12 of our friends trekked above basecamp with us. Since then we have run treks with all our trips both for friends and new-comers.

Kids along the trail. S. Darsney. Trail side Temple. D.L.Mazur. Trekking to base. D.L.Mazur

We offer our trekkers something more than just the average trek: By hiking in with the expedition you get a very different experience as everyone is made to feel part of the expedition. Once reaching basecamp, we welcome you to climb up Tengkongma, and then above and beyond.

Included is all group equipment such as tents, fuel, food etc. (but not personal equipment). Included are all costs from Kathmandu such as hotels, transport (internal flight, jeeps), porters, cooks and other Nepalese staff. Also included are all permits and other related trekking costs.

We will be totally self-sufficient. We will have our own cook who will prepare all of our meals, and we will camp in tents throughout the entire trek.

Each days hiking is not too long (6 hours max) allowing time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and meet the local people.

Our trek begins in the exciting city of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital. After a bus ride, our trek gets underway in Gorkha village, home of the celebrated Gorkha soldiers, where we visit the ancient palace of King Prithivi Narayan Shah. Soon after, civilisation fades and we pass though ancient villages, observing the simple agricultural habits of local people. Then we ascend the Gandaki River valley, fed by innumerable rivers and waterfalls, offering the chance of a plunge into some bathing pools. From here, the strenuous section begins and yaks outnumber people in the rocky landscape. In Samagoan (3450m) we visit the glacial green lake of Birendra, and spend a day in Manaslu basecamp, before crossing into mystic Samdo, a mere 15km from the Tibetan border. Here Tibetan monks inhabit sacred monasteries. Views of the Tibetan plateau against the stark white Himalaya make this a truly spiritual place. Continuing, more monasteries await in Larkya Bazaar, along with the biggest challenge - crossing Larkya La (pass.) This 5213m snow-covered pass demands the utmost respect. Snow-covered peaks over 6500m tower above as we cross. The descent, once off the snow takes us through alpine areas, and then we spend the next several days walking to Chulu East basecamp, climb the ridge to the high camp, and then onto the 6060 summit, where we are greeted with astounding views of the Annapurnas. After summitting, we walk down to Hongde, and fly for 30 minutes back to Pokhara, and a bus ride to Kathmandu, where we have a free day for rest and shopping, and then a flight back to our home countries.

Our trek starts at Gorkha in the lower right, and finishes at Honge in the upper left.

1 April	Arrive Kathmandu. Please be here on this day for logistics.
2 April	In Kathmandu. Tour the city and arrange permits.
3 April	Bus to Gorkha
4 April	Walk along a ridge, then downhill to Arughat.
5 April	Trek through rice paddies to Sundi Khola.

6 April	Trek through forest to Macha Khola.
7 April	Trek along river banks of Buri Gandaki to Jagat.
8 April	Continue along the river to Deng.
9 April	Continue along river to Ghap, a buddhist village.
10 April	Continuealong river to Sho, first views of Manaslu.
11 April	Trek to Pungen Gompa.

12 April	Rest day.
13 April	Trek to Sama Gaon.
14 April	Trek to Manaslu base.
15 April	Rest in Manaslu base.
16 April	Trek to Dongnan, near Larkya Glacier.
17 April	Trek to Pokhari Lake.

18 April	Trek to Tanbuche, across 5100m Larkya La Pass.
19 April	Trek to Karche.
20 April	Trek to Bagarchap, through Karche La Pass.
21 April	Trek to Bhratang
22 April	Trek to Gyara.
23 April	Trek to Pani Dunda.
24 April	Trek to Chulu East basecamp.
25 April	Trek to Chulu East high camp.
26 April	Climb to Chulu East Summit.
27 April	Extra summit day, for weather, etc..
28 April	Trek to Hongde.
29 April	Fly to Pokhara, bus to Kathmandu.
30 April	In Kathmandu
1 May	Fly Home. Please don't leave any earlier for logistical reasons.