Samagaon – A wonder village on the way to Manaslu Circuit Trek

Overview of Samagaon

Samagaon, being located at an altitude of 3,532 meters above the sea level in one of the ancient and historic districts of the country, Gorkha, is the village that nestles as the center of great cultural, historic and geographic relevance on the way to Manaslu Circuit Trek. Such traditional Tibetan civilization, located beneath the monstrous altitude of 8,163-meter, Mount Manaslu serves as a very important acclimatization site too and a destination rich in essence of natural charm, beauty with great cultural importance.

This majestic Samagaon village nestled between the laps of Himalayas, enraptures local and international tourists, visitors and most importantly trekkers with its typical balked or stone walled houses, homestays, quivering buddhists prayer flags, with the sweet and peaceful chants pouring out from ancient nearby monastery, Pungyen Gompa. Samagaon is considered as the largest village around the area of upper Manaslu region.

This vibrant village provides comfortable living experiences in homestays, lodgings like teahouses where trekkers and tourists can rest, relax while they relish local treat like Ghiu Chiya (butter tea) and Yak Cheese. The harmonious society ratifies vibrant and lively Buddhist cultures, norms and values, noticeable in routine experiences and the exceptional mani walls walking along routes in Samagaon.

The geographical situation of Samagaon makes it crucially ideal site for acclimatization too. Trekkers have a lot to come across and discover the serene Birendra Lake, visit the ancient and religious monastery, or commence on to touring Manaslu Base Camp appreciating the sublime views of the mount’s great southern face. These side visits and trips contributes in being solely ready or getting trained for Larkya La Pass which is difficult to climb as it is situated 5160 metres above the sea level.

In a nutshell, Samagaon is a centerpiece to deep scenic vistas, having a glimpse of the sunrise which brightens Mount Manaslu in golden tone, talking about the place with local shepherds by just sinking in the sublime ambiance of Alpine Himalayan experience. The perfect blend of natural charm and cultural authenticity makes Samagaon the essential and real core of the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Itinerary from Kathmandu to Samagaon

Get started on the very fantastic trip from lively capital Kathmandu to the towering altitude of wonder village Samagaon. Initiate the picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola through a very scenic route, guided by a captivating hike passing by prolific and beautiful valleys.

Trekking from starting point Soti Khola to Machha Khola distancing almost 14.2 km, taking duration of 5 – 6 hours getting to an altitude of 900 meters, where the rivers whisper natural chants stands as a great company through your way. Climbing through your path that distances 22.2 km taking a duration of 5 – 6 hours, and height of 1300 metres, a vibrant village awaits you, Jagat.

That route next day marches to Deng which is 20 km away, taking the duration of almost 8 – 9 hours, located above 2095 meters from the sea level, revealing majestic landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls. Then moving to Namrung that is 10.5 km away, 5 – 6 hours of time and 2900m above the sea level, where alpine climatic forests and culture orients that discovers Tibetan history.

Then, you will reach the wonder village Samagaon with a walk of 18 km taking 7 – 8 hours and takes you to a beautiful height above 3500 m.

Remaining Itinerary from Samagaon to Manaslu Circuit Trek

After the upper realms of Samagaon lying above 3500 meters above from the sea level, we climb towards Samdo distancing 8.1 km taking the duration of 3 – 4 hours to reach 3,690 meters altitude, breezy village serving you with picturesque Himalayan panoramas.

The trip ascends Larke Base Camp at 4,470m taking 13 km distance, 4 hours of time where cool alpine atmosphere contributes in making you ready for the trekking challenge. Through Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5160 m, we reach Bhimthang walking 8 – 9 hours to cover the distance of 25 km. Bhimthang locates at 3720 meters welcomed by grassy and greeny pastures and frost topped mountains.

We finally stretch towards Dharapani on the last walking day and then the next day we go to Kathmandu through the scenic drive in a vehicle.

Transportation arrangement to Soti Khola

Transportation is a very essential heading under trip to Samagaon because it takes modes of transportation to reach the starting point or initiating point of the Samagaon, Soti Khola.  From the time you arrive to Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. And, by the means of transportation you will reach the starting point Soti Khola from Kathmandu.

On public bus / vehicle, it takes around US$ 25 to US$ 30 on average to reach Soti Khola from Kathmandu.

On private jeep / vehicle, it takes around US$ 170 to US$ 200 on average to reach Soti Khola from Kathmandu.

On a helicopter, it takes around US$ 350 to US$ 400 per person, discount might be given for group involvement.

Accommodation arrangement during the trip

• Basic rooms with basic furnishing in higher altitude and good hotels with luxury choice rooms.
• Shared Dining room / table in teahouses, good room services in hotels.
• Blankets and stove / firewood heaters available in dining room.
• Electricity is available as basic necessity.
• Some of the guest houses provide Wi-Fi connection for some fees / payments. But , the connection usually remain slow and sometimes inactive in the higher altitude. Hotels will complement with internet connection.
• Laundry facility is not available , if available need to pay.
• Very fundamental medical facility might be available like: bandages , paracetamols , painkillers , joint spray etc. in the guest houses. Self-dependent with your regular medicines is a great aspect.
• Toilets are communal at higher altitude. Toilet papers are available , but self – dependent with toilet tissues is a great aspect too.

Side trips

Further trek of Manaslu Circuit

After the towering heights of Samagaon lying above 3500 meters above from the sea level, we ascend towards Samdo distancing 8.1 km taking the duration of 3 – 4 hours to reach 3,690 meters altitude, breezy village serving you with scenic Himalayan panoramas.

The trip ascends Larke Base Camp at 4,470m taking 13 km distance, 4 hours of time where cool alpine atmosphere contributes in making you ready for the trekking challenge. Through Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5160 m, we reach Bhimthang walking 8 – 9 hours to cover the distance of 25 km. Bhimthang locates at 3720 meters welcomed by grassy and greeny pastures and frost topped mountains.

We finally stretch towards Dharapani on the last walking day.

Hike to Pungyen Gompa from Samagaon (4050m)

Pungyen Gompa is a beautiful monastery located at an altitude of 4050m. It takes the total duration of almost 8 hours. On a clear day, we can also have the neat glimpses of Mount Manaslu, Nadi Manaslu and Himal Chuli from the monastery. We get to see the monks praying and experience the religious emotions of Buddhism amidst serene natural beauty.

Walk to Birendra Lake (3620m)

Birendra Lake is an amazing lake that lies at 3620m above the sea level. Birendra Lake is named such after King Birendra of Nepal visited this majestic lake. We can even take a dip into this lake but you need to be courageous enough to penetrate the chillness of the fresh water. This lake is the best side trip for a day. It is almost 2 hour of walk from Samagaon.

Types of Permits required & associated Cost

Annapurna Conservation Area permit ( ACAP )

US$ 60 as ACAP and MCAP

Manaslu Conservation Area permit ( MCAP )

US$ 60 as MCAP and ACAP

Altitude Sickness, a problem in Samagaon trip?

Samagaon located above 11,483 ft. or 3500 m is a wonder village between the laps of Himalayas that surrounds Mount Manaslu and its circuit trek area, but the upper realms and higher altitude imposes the challenge of altitude sickness. As, the human body takes some duration to get adapted at lower levels of oxygen, trekkers should abide by serious precautions in order to avoid potential problem.

1. Samagaon locates above 3,500 m from the sea level, there the percentage level of oxygen is just 65%.

2. The trekkers, tourists and visitors come here after 4 to 5 days of continuous climbing and trekking, so Samagaon should be chosen as best acclimatization point, else the situation might trigger problems related to altitude sickness.

3. If you wish to further trek the Manaslu Circuit area, the next destination in the itinerary is above 4000 m + and 5000 m +, hence, proper acclimatization in Samagaon ultimately looks essential.

Transportation arrangement from Dharapani / Soti Khola to Kathmandu

Here are the modes of transportation to reach Kathmandu from Dharapani / Soti Khola to Kathmandu.  From the time you arrive to Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel.

On public bus / vehicle, it takes around US$ 25 to US$ 30 on average to reach Kathmandu from Soti Khola.

On private jeep / vehicle, it takes around US$ 170 to US$ 200 on average to reach Kathmandu from Soti Khola.

(Note: Can take $5 less or more from Dharapani.)

On a helicopter, it takes around US$ 350 to US$ 400 per person, discount might be given for group involvement.

Therefore, it is a very good trip to a wonder village on the way to Manaslu Circuit Trek. Trekkers and visitors rejoice the travel experience to Samagaon in a very pleasant way.