Rubina La Pass and Manaslu Trekking – 25 Days

Rubina La Pass and Manaslu Trekking 

Introduction

White Hill Adventure offers a great adventure a combination of two fine and marvelous trekking around the Mid North-West Himalaya with Rubina La and Manaslu Trekking both of these areas located on remote and isolated Himalaya range of mountains. Probably no one has ever used these both wonderful trekking in one single package leading to complete wilderness around Rubina-la and then joining at Dyang to continue the adventure around Manaslu with high Larkya La pass of above 5,135 meters. Rubina La and Manaslu Trekking offers great panorama of worlds 08^th highest Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 m, 10^th highest Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Lamjung Himal 6,730 m, Peak 29 (7, 871m) Himal-Chuli (7,893m) and Boudha Himal (6,672 m) stretches up towards east Ganesh Himal 7,405 m with more peaks across the horizon along with the stunning sunrise views.

Starting this fabulous journey to Rubina La and Manaslu Trekking with an overland drive to Gorkha district area where this remote trek leads to unspoiled areas heading northwards away from human settlements and village for a week. Entering into the complete wilderness in the harmony of mountains and enchanting forest then reaching the high Rupina-la pass at 4,720 m, from here our route diverts to Manaslu area then following the raging Burigandkai River upstream. As walk leads past lovely farm villages of Dyang-Lo Gaon to Sama-Gaon on upper Manaslu valley, walking along with spectacular views of Mid West Himalaya covering all Manaslu mountain range with Ganesh Himal towards east. On reaching Samagaon a large village located on route Larkya La, Manaslu base camp and as well to Tibet border further north.

After exploring the Tibetan style Sama villages of Buddhist culture in the backdrop of world 8^th highest Manaslu at 8,164 m with Boudha and Himalchuli Peak, our adventure continues leading at the base of Larkya-la with rest and acclimatization heading to the top of the pass at 5,133 m. Our highest point of this trip, from here after enjoying the views descends towards Dharapani village through beautiful alpine forest. At Dharapani lovely villages with many lodges, located on famous and popular Annapurna circuit route, our walk concludes here for the drive back to Kathmandu after a thrilling and adventurous time at Rubina-la & Manaslu Circuit trekking with excellent services of White Hill Adventure Treks & Expeditions and its team of staff.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with tour and trek preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Kanchok 930m via Gorkha – 06 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Sulikot 1,460m via Deurali – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Majhghar 1,740 via Kharchok – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Dharche 2,445m via Pekma-Kharka 3,140 m – 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Bede 2, 520m near Gupsi danda 2,760 m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Kharka 3,217 m – 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek towards Rupina-la and camp at 3,440 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Cross Rubinala 4,720 m and camp at 4,020 m – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Zakbatang 3,230 m via Jarang – 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Lokpa 2,240 m – 06 hrs.
Day 13:  Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 06 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m – 04 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Lho 3,180 m – 06 hrs
Day 16: Trek to Samagaon 3,530 m – 05 hrs
Day 17:Rest day at Samagaon for acclimatization.
Day 18: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 05 hrs
Day 19: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya phedi 4,460 m – 04 hrs
Day 20: Cross Larkya la 5,135 m and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 08 hrs.
Day 21: Trek to Gho 2,560 m – 05 hrs
Day 22: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs.
Day 23: Drive to Besi Sahar – 05 hrs.
Day 24: Drive back to Kathmandu  – 07 hrs.
Day 25: International departure for homeward bound.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On reaching at Kathmandu international airport where White Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition staff will receive and then transfer you to respective hotels around Kathmandu city. After getting refreshed from the flight our guide briefs you with information of hotel, Kathmandu and Rubina-La & Manaslu trekking.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour and trek preparation.

Morning our city guide will take you for sightseeing tour at places of interest as Kathmandu valley full of world heritage sites, temples, monasteries, old king’s palaces after an interesting tour back to hotel, preparation for Rubina-La & Manaslu trekking.

Day 03: Drive to Khanchowk 930 m via Gorkha 1,143 m – 06 hours.

Morning a long and interesting drive to Gorkha district area, to start this fabulous adventure Rubina-La Circuit & Boudha Himal trekking, journey reaches warmer area after going through farm villages and towns, following Trisuli river for few hours as the drive diverts to Gorkha district. On reaching Khanchok after an interesting drive of six hours with views of surrounding landscapes and snow capped peaks.

Day 04: Trek to Sulikot 1,460m via Deurali – 06 hrs.

From first camp at Khanchowk, morning walk leads downhill through farm fields and terraces reaching at Lajugaon Gurung village and then climb to Deuarli ridge top at an altitude of about 2,120 meters, offering grand views of Mt. Annapurna and Manaslu mountains range with Hiuchuli and Boudha Himal. Then downhill through Bhulabari, Gyanji (Talakhani) village to complete the day walk at Sulikot village for overnight camp.

Day 05: Trek to Majhghar 1,740 via Kharchok – 06 hrs

After Sulikot journey continues with gradual climb towards Kharchok Bhanjyang at about 2, 440 meters with views of mountains and of the valley way below, from this ridge top, walk descends to overnight camp at Majhghar village a nice small farm village with grand views of surrounding landscapes.

Day 06: Trek to Dharche 2,445m via Pekma-Kharka 3,140 m- 06 hrs.

Morning with fresh mountain air as walk starts on pleasant undulating trail though small rhododendron and pine forest, leading at Thallothotaneri, Thalegaon and Pangsing villages before starting climb to a small pass at Leh Kharka at 2,770 meters. A lovely green field a grazing pasture, from here after enjoying views of the mountains, descend into forest to a place called Gurase (rhododendron, national flower of Nepal) to reach bottom of a hill at Pekma Kharka. From here a steep climb to Pekma-Kharka top ridge at 3,140m offers grand views of Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna range with Ganesh Himal towards east. From here downhill walk to overnight camp at Dharche, a small hill farm village of Magar and Gurung ethnic tribes.

Day 07: Trek to Bede 2, 520m near Gupsi danda 2,760 m – 05 hrs.

After Dharche, morning walk leads through cool forest of rhododendron, pines and oak trees, then at Kamdani, Sumpi-Kharka a cattle herder temporary settlement. Walk leads with up and downs trail for few hours to Gupsi danda at 2,760 meters with stunning views of mountains. From here on the winding trail to overnight camp at Bede, cattle herders grazing summer pasture.

Day 08: Trek to Kharka 3,217 m – 05 hrs.

After a nice morning, walk continues heading close to Rubina-la pass, from here into forest with ups and downhill over small ridges to reach an open area with super views. The path around in the dense forest can be misleading as this area is less visited by trekkers, except for some Sheppard’s, from here a nice interesting walk to reach our overnight camp at Kharka, another summer grazing place.

Day 09: Trek towards Rubina-la and camp at 3,440 m – 05 hrs.

From this lovely area, morning walk leads further north to Rubina-la area, after an hour of nice walk, on leaving the forest behind for small bushes of alpine shrubs and Burberrys, then reaching on top of a ridge called Gambogang at 3,870m. From here walk downhill on faint path to overnight camp at the base of Rubina-la pass, camp is set near a rocky moraine on small grassy field.

Day 10: Cross Rubina-la 4,720 m and camp at 4,020 m – 06 hrs.

A big day of this adventure! Early morning start to reach the highest point of this trek leading to a steep climb on narrow ill defined trail with rocks and moraine with great views of Manaslu range including Boudha-Himal at close distance. After a tough climb for an hour reaching Rubina-la top at 4,720 meters. The highest spot of this adventure the top a small rocky spot where it can be covered in snow and ice sometimes, which makes it more adventurous and challenging to walk on this narrow path. After a careful walk downhill with stunning views of Boudha Himal 6,672m and Rani peak ( Lidani peak) at 6,693, then the trail winds for an hour to reach our overnight camp on the eastern or other side of Rubina-la pass

Day 11: Trek to Zakbatang 3,230m via Jarang – 06 hrs.

Much easy walk today compared to other days trekking, morning walk leads close to glacial section, after few obstacles the walk is pleasant passing several small grazing area at Jarang 3,420 meters and then downhill for few hours to Zakbatang near Rubinala khola (stream) for overnight camp in complete tranquility

Day 12: Trek to Lokpa 2,240 m – 06 hrs.

After many days away from villages, morning walk leads back to farm villages on down-hill path with few small ups and gradual sections to reach a small place at Gomna, a cattle herders temporary huts. From here walk leads to a bridge over Buri-Gandaki River and then walk on gradual winding trail all the way to our overnight camp at Lokpa village. This is the first village after being in wilderness for a week, an interesting small village where the route to upper Manaslu, Larkya-la pass, Tsum Valley and to Arughat joins.

Day 13: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 06 hrs.

From Jagat, walk continues heading higher areas through many small farm villages and then a short climb with downhill crossing over suspension bridge to reach at Nagjet and Philim, a large village with scattered farm houses. After Philim walk through farm terraces of golden fields of wheat’s and barley, then a climb on rocky ridge top into bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Dyang village.

Day 14: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m – 04 hrs

Morning walk from Dyang leads to cooler area where you can feel rise in altitude, on entering Himalayan alpine region, continue walk downhill to a river side to reach at Bihi Bazaar a small village near a river side. From here onwards encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, walk leads on gentle trail with few short ups and downs till Ghap village is reached for overnight stop.

Day 15: Trek to Lo Gaon 3,180 m – 06 hrs.

From Ghap village with nice good walk following Budhi Gandaki River, then crossing this river through small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat and millets to reach at Numrung village with first close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face and adjoining peaks. Walk continues passing few villages of Banjham, Lhi and Sho, then as altitude gains with an hour up to Shrip village to Lo Gaon for overnight stop in a nice cozy lodge.

Day 16: Trek to Samagaon 3,530 m – 05 hrs

After Lo Goan tree lines fades only for few short juniper bushes and some willow trees, walk leads on nice path with views of peaks and finally the day ends at Samagaon for overnight stop, this is a large mountain village located on route Manaslu base camp, Larkya-la pass and to Tibet border.

Day 17: Rest day in Samagaon for acclimatization.

A necessary rest day for acclimatization before the climb over Larkya-la pass, at Samagaon explore around this interesting village of Tibetan culture.

Day 18: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 05 hrs

Today walk leads to last village of Manaslu area at Samdo which lies close on route Tibet border, the villagers of this area have long history of trading with Tibet, the trade still continues as you can find many Chinese goods around the village shops and stores.

Day 19: Trek to Dharamsala / Larkya phedi 4,460 m – 04 hrs

A short day walk to Larkya phedi or Dharmasala, after a nice overnight at Samdo village, morning walk leads towards more dry and barren country. As the altitude gains slowly with few short ups and downs then completing the morning walk at Larkya phedi, means base of the hill or pass with afternoon free to relax or short walks. 

Day 20: Cross Larkya la 5,135m and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 08 hrs.

Another big day of this adventure, starting early to reach the top of Larkya-la pass at 5,135 m, a long climb with views of surrounding mountains Mt. Manaslu, Larkya peak, Bouddha Himal, Himalchuli and of Peak 29. After a tough climb reaching the pass, festooned with Buddhist prayer flags offering super views, after a short rest a long descend to Bimthang for overnight stop a beautiful place surrounded with forest of tall rhododendron and pines trees.

Day 21: Trek to Gho 2,560 m – 05 hrs

After a hard walk, today an easy trekking on downhill most of the way to Gho, located in middle of forest, walk enters through woodlands of rhododendron, pines and oaks tree lines passing several farm shades to reach at Gho for overnight stop.

Day 22: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs.

From Gho in the middle of lovely forest, morning with downhill walk most of the way to Telje village by the Marsyangdi River, after Tilje an hour climb to reach at Dharapani. A large village with many fine lodges located in Manang district and on famous Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. Day 23: Trek to Chamje village 1,360 m – 05 hrs. With enjoyable overnight stop at Dharapani village, walk leads downhill crossing over Marsyangdi River and heading towards Talbesi which is the last village of Manang area. From here with gradual walk to Chamje village, situated in Lamjung district area. At Chamje our last overnight on high hills of Mid North West Himalaya in the comfort of nice good lodge.

Day 23: Drive to Besi Sahar - 05 hrs.

From Dharapani drive to Besi Sahar passing through Syange by sharing Jeep.

Day 24: Drive back to Kathmandu via Beshishar – 07 hrs.

From Bes Sahar drive continues on good road, on reaching Kathmandu after a fascinating trip Around Manaslu and Rubinala, in Kathmandu afternoon free for individual activities and shopping.

Day 25: International departure for home ward bound.

After a memorable and great adventure in Nepal around Rubina-la & Manaslu trekking with great services of White Hills Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition guides, our staff transfers you for final departure homeward bound flights.

Cost Information

Equipment

FOR HEAD

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sun glasses and Head lightFor Upper Body
3. Water Proof Jacket
4. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
5. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

FOR LOWER BODY

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant
4. For Hand
5. Gloves

FOR FEET

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

OTHER ACCESSORIES

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toiletpaperetc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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