Description
Dates: 22 Oct – 07 Nov 2022
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Prices: Euro 3,835 per person
Single supplement: Euro 220 per person
Deposit: Euro 350 per person confirms your space
Final balance: Euro 3,485 per person due 90 days before departure
Booking window closes 21 days before the departure date.
You will pay a deposit of 10% to secure your spot. Once confirmed, your tour operator will charge the remaining amount.
Terrain: Strenuous trail running days are our hardest grade which routes through difficult terrain often including time at higher altitudes (over 3,000m). You should expect some demanding ascents and descents. The trails are typically away in remoter areas away from civilization.
Average daily running distance: 15 KM
Longest running distance in a day: 25 KM
Group size: 12 max
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What level of running is this trip suitable for?
Are there any alternatives for non-runners?
What’s NOT Included in the Price?
See Additional Information for more details on the Payment Procedure and Cancellation Policy.
What Level of Running is this Trip suitable for?
Suitable for runners who can comfortably be on their feet up to 4-6 hours per day (including walking). You need to have a good level of running fitness and be able to run up to distances of 20km+ in one push and be able to run back-back (consecutive) days. Some extra training before your trip may be required; previous trail running experience is recommended.
Are there any Alternatives for Non-runners?
No alternatives.
Accommodation
Based on twin/double share. Single supplement available but ONLY at our hotel in Kathmandu.
Dietary Accommodation
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know about them in a comment upon your booking.
What to bring?
A comprehensive kit list will be provided prior to the trip’s departure.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival into Kathmandu
No trail running.
Welcome to Nepal!
Arrival into Kathmandu International Airport, process immigration and make your way through to the arrivals hall where your group transfer will be waiting to meet you.
You transfer to the Hotel Mulberry – one of our favorite hotels in Kathmandu which has a wonderful adventurous atmosphere about it – which is about a 25-minute drive from the airport to the hotel.
Check into your room and freshen up after your long journey. We will coordinate a welcome dinner in the early evening (timing TBC) which is a great way for you to meet the rest of your Pure Trails group and to meet the trail running team. We’ll also be providing a pre-briefing about the expedition.
We then head out to a beautiful Nepali restaurant for a welcome dinner to help ease your way into Nepali life.
Day 2 – Kathmandu
City Trail Running
Today is set aside for us to explore Kathmandu and to see some of its best sites before we begin our trail running expedition tomorrow.
Kathmandu is a curious capital with ancient treasures dotted amongst the chaos and traffic of a bustling city. On the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley great mountains can be spotted.
Our city trail running guide will meet us at the hotel lobby and take us on a light jogging/walking tour of the city, an ideal way to stretch our legs whilst seeing the cities charms at the same time.
We will provide optional face masks as Kathmandu can be dry and dusty.
On our journey today, we will visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and the adventurous Thamel District. In the afternoon we’ll head to the Swayambhunath Monkey Temple.
Back at the Hotel Mulberry we have time at leisure, as well as re-checking our running/trekking gear.
Day 3 – Kathmandu – Soti Khola
Transfer to the trailheads. No Trail Running.
After breakfast, we check out of the Hotel Mulberry and join our group transfer to the village of Soti Khola which is in the foothills of the Manaslu region.
The journey today will take us around eight hours’ worth of driving with plenty of stops along the way for toilet breaks and snacks. The nature of the roads and traffic in Nepal means that traveling relatively short distances can take hours of effort, often along bumpy roads.
The vehicles we use for transfers are all new, comfortable, and fitted out with air conditioning which is designed to make the journey as comfortable as possible.
Arriving into Soti Khola we check into our tea house, an evening briefing about our first day of running tomorrow, as well as tucking into some local Nepali cuisine.
Day 4 – Soti Khola – Macha Khola
Approx. 14km (5 – 6 hours of Trail Running)
Over the course of the expedition, our porters will leave every morning at 07:00 taking the bulk of your soft bag luggage to our next destination. You will only need your running packs, day provisions, and camera for every day on the trail.
With laces tied and packs on we set out today to begin our part circumnavigation of the Manaslu Circuit.
Today we will travel to the village of Macha Khola which will take us around 5-6 hours depending on how fast or slow you choose to run. Each day we have a lunch stop scheduled, usually around the halfway point for lunch. Time for rest, eat lunch, as well as topping up on water.
Arriving into the village of Macha Khola, we check into our tea house and rest.
Day 5 – Macha Khola – Jagat
Approx. 22km (5-7 hours of Trail Running)
We depart Macha Khola after breakfast at 08:00 and begin our journey to Jagat.
The trail follows an impressive gorge and skirts the edge of the Macha River with plenty of Nepali flats (‘little bit up, a little bit down’).
We pass the village of Tatopani, a small hot spring and ideal spot to take a break. We cross several of the iconic suspension bridges as we journey deeper into the mountains, arriving at the village of Jagat – the entry point for the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Day 6 – Jagat – Deng
Approx. 15km (5 hours of Trail Running)
Depart from Jagat after breakfast at 08:00. Begin our journey to Deng.
The scenery really starts ramping up today as we traverse dense sub-tropical forests, small rivers, and local villages. The route runs alongside large gorges with huge mountain scenery starting to emerge on the nearby horizon.
Day 7 – Deng – Namrung
Approx. 17km (5 hours of Trail Running)
Depart from Deng after breakfast at 08:00. Begin our journey to Namrung.
The terrain continues to vary as we travel through lush forests with the major Himalayan peaks towering on the horizon. Following the trail along narrow gorges and along raging mountain rivers we emerge into Namrung.
Day 8 – Namrung – Lho
Approx. 16km (5 hours of Trail Running)
We leave Namrung after breakfast at 08:00 for our journey to the village of Lho.
The trail begins to climb steadily as we continue to pass through forests and local villages, rich in stupas, prayer wheels, and fields of barley. We then reach the spectacular village of Lho with eye-watering scenery and the best views of the world’s eighth highest mountain – Mount Manaslu (8,163m).
We check into our teahouse with plenty of time to explore the village, the nearby monastery and to soak up the magnificent surroundings.
Day 9 – Lho – Samagaon
Approx. 15km (4 – 5 hours of Trail Running)
Depart from Lho after breakfast at 08:00. Begin our journey to Samagaon.
We first pass through the village of Sama where extraordinary views of the Manaslu range continue, it’s hard not to take your eyes off the horizon.
We continue to Samagaon, a large village with a handful of local monasteries and plenty of prayer wheels, the terrain is reasonably forgiving with wide trails.
A local coffee house run by a local family was established a couple of years ago and is worth a visit for a cappuccino (if it is open!) at 3,520m.
Day 10 – Samagaon – Samdo
Approx. 16.4km (2 – 3 hours of Trail Running)
Depart from Samagaon after breakfast at 08:00. Begin our journey to Samdo.
The terrain today is nice and easy, following a dry river bed with little incline. The mountain views along this part of the route are outstanding as we get closer to the Tibetan border.
Day 11 – Samdo
Rest Day. No Trail Running.
Today we rest day in the village of Samdo with an optional acclimatization trek towards the Tibetan border for those who are feeling energetic.
Day 12 – Samdo – Dharamsala
Approx. 12km (2 – 3 hours of Trail Running)
The trail begins to steepen as it follows past the seasonal Larkya Bazaar – a spot used by local traders to exchange and auction off yaks and cheese – the trail fringes the northern edge of the Larkya Glacier until we reach the opening of Dharamsala, a tented camp which is our base for a few hours. Dharamsala is a very basic spot with a makeshift canteen serving simple food and with very basic facilities.
We use Dharamsala as a point to rest before our early morning departure the following day to ensure we reach the Larkya – La mountain pass by sunrise.
Day 13 – Dharamsala – Lakya-La – Bhimtang
Approx. 24.7km (5 – 6 hours of walking)
Very early this morning we depart Dharamsala (typically around 04:00). Today is a hiking day given the altitude. The route follows the remains of a glacial moraine field, walking past big boulders and surrounded by extraordinary scenery. The highest point of the pass is crowned in thousands of prayer flags flapping in the wind which is a perfect place to take in the views, realize your achievements and take photos – you are at 5,160m after all!
We follow the trail down into the impressive Annapurna range which steepens quickly and can make for difficult running given the dry scree slopes that gives away easily if you are not careful. Do take care.
The steep decline is tough on the legs, but eventually gives out by a small tented encampment where we can stop for a hot chocolate or bowl of noodle soup. The trail continues to ease until reaching the valley bottom at the village of Bhimtang.
Day 14 – Bhimtang – Dharapani
Approx. 16km (3 – 4 hours of Trail Running)
We have a final long day today, departing Bhimtang the terrain is wonderfully flat with outstanding mountain views in every direction you look. The trail runs past a raging glacial river and through a tall wooded forest as the descent continues. It is a beautiful trail for running.
We arrive into Dharapani our last night on the trail before we head back to Kathmandu tomorrow.
Day 15 – Dharapani – Besishar – Kathmandu
No Trail Running.
The Manaslu Circuit is completed – Well done!
We check out of our tea house after breakfast where 4×4 jeeps will be waiting to transfer us to the town of Besisishar. The road is bumpy, and it will take up to four hours for us to make the journey from Dharapani. There will be stops along the way for snacks, drinks and to use the local facilities.
As we arrive at Besisishar, we change vehicles for our group transfer back to Kathmandu. The journey will take a further five-six hours depending on the traffic.
We arrive back at the Hotel Mulberry with check-in for a well-deserved shower and time to relax.
Day 16 – Kathmandu
No Trail Running.
We all have a full rest day today in Kathmandu. Have a leisurely morning or take your time to explore the city and to do any last-minute shopping before you leave tomorrow.
This evening we will have a farewell dinner for the group to celebrate our achievements and to toast the experience of our part circumnavigation of the Manaslu range.
DAY 17 – Homeward Bound
It’s time to pack up and bid farewell to your new-found trail running friends and our local team.
Private transfers are arranged for you back to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport in time to connect with your onward flight back home.
What’s Included in the Price?
- 4 nights accommodation at the Hotel Mulberry in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast
- 12 nights accommodation in local tea houses (shared bathroom) when on the trail
- Fully-supported trail running expedition
- Full board throughout the trail run, including a team welcome dinner on the first night and celebratory meal on the last night
- All transfers
- 3:1 Runners to Guide Ratio
- 1:1 Runners to Porter Ratio
- Conservation and National Park Fees/Permits
- Local staff Insurance
- 12 Days of Trail Running on magnificent trails
- Comprehensive First Air Kit inclusive of oximeter and PAC Bag (Portable Altitude Chamber)
What’s NOT Included in the Price?
- International flights
- Lunches and some dinners in Kathmandu
- Beverages and snacks
- Personal Equipment
- Personal bills
- Visa fee US$40 per person for 30 days multiple entry
- Travel Insurance (REQUIRED before trip departure – for cancellation, accidents, health, emergency evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal effects)
- Tips
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