Alle foto: Knut Helge Thompsen

This trekking route around Manaslu takes us through three different geographical areas - offering varied landscape, distinctive ethnic groups and cultures – and we hope to be an international group.

Our first evening is a get together at the world famous Rum Double Bar, followed by an early morning wakeup and a trip through the hustle and tussle of Kathmandu – visiting the markets, various shrines and holy temples.

Day three we take a 5 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to the village of Trisuli Bajar /Bazaar- set bellow rhododendron forest covered hillsides. We will follow a track through the so called Low Foot Hills until we reach the Manaslu area.

Manaslu Himal (8163 meters) was first ascended in 1956 and is a restricted area reserved for organised groups, with special permits. This is a high altitude, alpine area, populated by highland people, including refugees from Tibet and descendants from earlier Tibetan immigrants.

Our route passes through Buddhist and Bön religious area, where the people are one with nature. We follow ancient trails, surrounded by giant alpine peaks, as we move closer to the Tibetan border. We will walk past secret lakes, cascading waterfalls, small villages and their Gompas (monasteries).

After two and a half weeks walking we cross our routes highest point, The Larkya La, at 5 135 meters (16 846 ft.). Then we descend through a wild Tolken-like gorge to reach what is the main tourist trail around the Annapurna range. Here we splurge on some western style food, maybe a cold beer, and sleep in comfortable beds!

We walk to the road that goes to Besi Sahar, and take a local jeep or bus back to Kathmandu. Depending when we arrive this may be a day bus, or an “overnight” adventure.

The trek itself takes 22 days (buffer day in case of problems with transport , sickness, strikes etc), with arrival and departure day in Kathmandu, two days bus transport to start and finish of the trek, and one whole day before and after the trek. In the event of the trek finishing early, we can explore Kathmandu (no extra costs).

You carry a day pack with 6 to 8 kg (14-18 Ibs) with camera, water bottle, some clothes. Our porters will carry your personal gear in a large bag, including sleeping bag, in a large bag (10 Kg/24 Ibs per person). They also carry our tents, kerosene and food for the journey. Most of our staff have attended our own “education program” –covering basic English, first aid, hygiene, cooking etc. All our porters are issued with good equipment; clothing, sleeping bags etc. In addition they are paid above the local wage, with bonus, and all are fully insured.

A detailed equipment list will be sent to you on receipt of your deposit. The usual walking equipment you use in the mountains at home is usually suitable for this trek – plus a down jacket for the chilly nights. What you do not have can be purchased cheaply in Kathmandu – where you find “copies” of copies of the most famous outdoor brands.

This trek The Clear Light of Manaslu is originated by Knut Helge Thompsen (Norwegian), with assistance of Welshman David Durkan, who has had 29 previous visits to Nepal. (see: www.shrinking-horizons.org).

We invite 10 other people to join us on this Himalayan odyssey.

Why Manaslu?

The inhabitants of the upper Buri Gandaki, a region known as Nupri (the western mountains), are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants who settled here in the early 1600s. In upper Nupri the speech, dress and custom are almost exclusively Tibetan. Nupri actually paid taxes to Tibet until about 1840 and there is still trade between Nurpi and Tibet. It is recorded that Milarepa (1040 -1123) a Tibetan teacher of Buddhism visited Manaslu region for meditation.

Due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Tibetan spirituality has been spread to many corners of the world. Until the invasion 25 percent of the population were fully occupied with spiritual pursuits. When the People’s Liberation Army marched across the border, the situation changed. The new masters saw the monasteries not as repositories of spiritual wisdom but as parasites supported by the sweat the poor. Most Temples and Monasteries in Tibet were destroyed.

While Tibetan spirituality has spread in the world, Tibetan mysticism and magic has not. Ancient techniques, based partly on Buddhist practice and partly on shamanic Bön, are still hidden in the remote areas of Tibet. They include: high altitude trance running, body heat generating, and levitation by sound, sound and energy healing. We pass through an area where some of these ancient arts are still alive.

For twenty million years ago the Tibetan plateau laid on the bottom of the sea. When the tectonic earth plates meet the surface rose to an average height of 5000 meter (16 000 ft) – forming today’s Tibet. The great Himalayan range itself is far more recent –the result of a massive cataclysmic upheaval.

We are guests in another land, and on this journey we respect the local beliefs and custom, for example we walk on the left hand side of the Mani (holly) walls – this is a journey to another land, another time.

Safety
Many are concerned about their safety – good. We take this seriously. Recently Nepal emerged from a people’s revolution, where approximately 20,000 people died, but not one tourist was harmed. Yes, things can go wrong – strikes, break downs, sickness etc – but David believes: “when things go wrong we can put them right – just give us a little time.”

Once we have received your deposit, David will send you information on health, on acclimatization, and a host of tips –and he can answer personal medical questions via direct mail.

Personal preparations
We advise that one read one of the many travel books about Nepal. One popular book is Seven years in Tibet, that gives information on the daily life of the people, and as the people in our area are originally from Tibet this is relevant reading. Another is The Snow Leopard. A useful map is “The High Route Around Manaslu” (1:125000) from Himalayan Map House Pvt. Ltd. – this can be bought in Kathmandu.
You are going to walk with a light backpack for 6 to 9 hours each day, and sleep in a tent or in a very basic lodge. You do not have to be super fit – but at a reasonable fitness level helps. A high level of tolerance and a good sense of humour are more important than fitness – and are a prerequisite for a successful and enjoyable trip.

Travel insurance
Ordinary travel insurance will do, as long as it includes treks above 4000 meter (13 000 ft.) – please ensure that there are no restrictions. This is a walking holiday, not an expedition. All members must have confirmation of valid insurance, and contact information.

In the event of emergency our agent in Kathmandu will take all necessary contact with your insurance company at home. If feasible they will arrange evacuation, hospitalisation and eventual transport to your home country – in accordance with your travel insurance coverage.

Visa
You will need a visa to enter Nepal. This can be arranged via any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate. In the event of difficulty it is also possible to get visas at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport, on arrival – have with you two passport photos and US Dollars or Euros – they don’t take credit cards on the airport!

Permit
Each individual requires a general trekking permit, called TIM, and as a group we require a special permit for entry to this restricted area. Please have four passport photos available.

Vaccination’s before the trek
Recommended vaccinations are tetanus and Hepatitis A – but contact your local doctor.

What is included in the trek?
- Flight from Norway to Kathmandu and back to Norway
- Airport transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu, and to the airport on departure.
- Accommodation in double room in tourist class hotel, two nights before and two nights after.
- All meals in Kathmandu.
- Half day sightseeing – with Registered Tour Guide, entry fees, and transport (members tip guide).
- Private Bus transport to the start off, and public jeep and/or bus at the end back to Kathmandu.
- Agency fees, TIM and national park fees, and special group permit.
- Western guide (David), registered Nepali guide, trained cook, staff – insured, and well equipped.
- Tents, sleeping mat, and all joint equipment (kitchen, stoves etc and dining tent).
- All food during the trek (3 meals a day), including beverages like tea, coffee.
- Purified water in “wilderness” areas.

Drinking water in towns/villages, beer and drinks are not included.
Tips: 60 € per person is usual for the Nepali staff – for hotel staff, drivers, and our own trekking staff – distributed via Nepali guide on pre-agreed share basis.

PROGRAM

Day 1: You arrive, and we pick you up for transfer to the hotel. Welcome diner, meet group.
Day 2: Kathmandu – half day sightseeing. Organising money/last minute things.
Equipment in Kathmandu costs 1/4 for the same type equipment in most western countries.
Day 3: We drive by bus to the start of our trek. Meet our Nepali staff.
Day 4 to approx day 24 – we trek
Day 25 – some form of public transport back to Kathmandu.
Day 26 – free in Kathmandu or Patan or Baktapur.
Day 27 – Depart Kathmandu.
Dates: The group will meet for dinner Kathmandu the 1st of November.

Minimum 8 persons, maximum 10.

Dato: 2. - 26. november 2010

Price: 31 275 NOK

To book this trip, contact:
Jarle Trå on epostadresse or telephone 907 65 330

If you have detailed questions about this trip, contact:

Knut Helge Thompsen: epostadresse
or:
David Durkan: epostadresse