Trek Highlights
- Travel with a diverse ecosystem in which you will find a wide range of flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Trek around less crowded and off-beaten trails in the Manaslu region.
- Immerse yourself and interact with ethnic groups like Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans.
- Experience walking over long suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and steep areas where the river flows aside.
- Closely encounter the beauty of the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu(8,163m).
- Explore the uniqueness of Nubra Valley, where you will get a close view of the Tibetan Buddhist way of living.
- Cross one of the high mountain passes the Larkya La Pass which stands at a height of 5,106m/ 16,925 ft.
- Larkya La offers breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Gyaji Kung, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and Himlung.
- The journey will take you through lush green forests of Himalayan foothills to alpine terrains of mountains with glaciers.
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trek that goes around Mount Manaslu which is the world’s eighth tallest mountain standing at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). Located in the Manaslu region of Nepal, this trek is one of the finest because it has all that a thrilling trekker wants, scenery, culture, and wilderness.
The trek more often starts in Soti Khola, a village which can be reached from the country capital of Kathmandu. This segment is followed by slightly upward movement passing through the terraced paddy fields and subtropical vegetation to reach the higher and comparatively more barren zones of the Himalayan trail.
The trek takes the trekkers through some delightful villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, and Philim through which you get to meet the Gurung and Tibetan people. These villages will give the visitor an insight into a traditional way of life, culture, and Religion.
The vegetation and landscape of the trek vary as it advances from the terrains of the greenish hilly region to the flaming meadow up to barren and rough marble-like landscapes near the Tibetan border. Of course, one of the most important milestones of the trek is the Larkya La Pass reaching an altitude of 5106 meters (16725 ft). This part provides spectacular scenic views of some of the large mountains in the Himalayan range such as Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal.
After crossing the Larkya La Pass, the trail gets down into the Marsyangdi River valley and then takes through more beautiful sub-tropical forests and culturally rich villages finally terminating at Besisahar. Trekking through the area, one can meet different types of animals and plants such as the snow leopard and blue sheep as well as various zones from the green valleys to the zones of high desert.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not as busy as the more famous ones such as Everest Base Camp (EBC) or Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), which makes this trek more pure. However, it involves a moderate-difficult level of hiking and demands a good level of fitness and acclimatization since the trail is situated at high altitudes while the climate varies. Altitude must be managed properly for the travelers and that would require good preparation and time for acclimatization.
All in all, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an incredible trip for those who are ready for a thrilling and transforming experience in the middle of the Himalayas sharing marvelous landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
What can you expect during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal?
One of the best treks for nature and adventure lovers is the Manaslu Circuit Trek which is famous for its nice sceneries and complicated trails. Here's what you can expect during this remarkable journey:
It covers about 180 Km, and crosses ten Himalayan Peaks including the world’s eighth highest peak, Mt. Manaslu 8,163m high. Get ready for the spectacular views of snowy mountains, green meadows, and impoverished forests.
As compared to the treks of Langtang, Mustang, Kanchajungra, and Dudh Kosi, Manaslu is comparatively untouched. Many of the trekkers you will come across on the Manaslu Trail only happen to be one-tenth of the number of those on the Annapurna Circuit.
Engage the local communities as they move from one place to the other. This trail will pass through typical local settlements, monasteries and temples, and multilevel rice farmlands.
Along the entire trek, there are accommodation in teahouses. You will not need to carry food or tents, making it cheap and relatively easy to accomplish. Comfortable lodges with a warm welcome are available.
Flora and fauna are found in large numbers which will be a great way to start with, and then start a slow climb right through the Himalayan zone. It becomes a bit harsh for the trekker while approaching the Larkya La Pass which is above 17,000 feet.
If you want more adventures, you can take the journey further to Tsum Valley which again enriches the cultural aspects along with the days of the trek.
Thus, the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be described as a spectacular, stunning, adventurous, and challenging hike in Nepal.
Why trek around Manaslu?
The option of Trekking around Manaslu is one of the most interesting and challenging treks in the remote areas of the western part of Nepal situated in the Himalayas. Here's why it's worth considering:
Manaslu Circuit Trek goes round the eighth tallest mountain globally Mount Manaslu(8,163m/26,781ft). You will be blessed with beautiful sightseeing of the great Himalayas such as Annapurna II and Gyaji Himal in the form of snowy capped mountains.
The trail leads you to Tibetan-styled settlements where you will witness the cultural dance and display if you get lucky, taste traditional food, and even join the dance. This region follows the Bon religion as well as Tibetan Buddhism.
Flora and fauna can be seen in The Manaslu Conservation Area. You are likely to meet some exotic animals among forty-three endemic mammals; one hundred and ten birds; and two hundred and eleven butterflies.
Bordering the Tibetan plateau, there are several beautiful peaks, and hiking through the Larkya La Pass at 5,165m/16,929ft is extremely remarkable. Splendid high valleys, serene lakes, and time-worn monasteries also create a wonderful impression.
Contrary to other familiar paths, the Manaslu trail is not very popular. Contemporary developments of tea houses offer simplicity in amenities, but the setting continues to be calm and artsy.
It is paramount to note that the best time to go trekking is during the spring season (March-May) and autumn season (September-October/November).
Therefore for those who wish to have an adventurous and wild trekking experience involving cultural interaction and a view of the wonderful scenery, the Manaslu Trek should be on your trek bucket list.
Is this trip right for you?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is particularly for experienced hikers who fancy a trek without many people around them. This trek is suitable for those people who are fit, have a good level of strength, and have also done trekking before. The path becomes quite challenging yet it is a great pleasure to see the highlands and breathtaking mountain views
However, the trek is quite energy exhaustive and requires good acclimatization since it involves crossing high altitudes and the pass Larkya La Pass is at the height of 5106 meters. Trekkers must also be ready to encounter fluctuating weather conditions as well as the strenuous activities of the day’s trek.
However, the trek is also cultural where clients visit some of the remote villages, and it is therefore worthwhile to have an interest in the people's way of life. For those with a passion who find pleasure in going off the ‘tourist circle’ and can endure the geographical challenge that comes with hiking at higher altitudes, the Manaslu Circuit is the perfect treasure.