Embarking on the journey of the Manaslu circuit trek can be both challenging and unforgettable at the same time. During the journey, one can trek around Manaslu, also known as the mountain of the spirit, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. There are different reasons to trek in the Manaslu Circuit.
One can experience an excess of unique plus native flora and fauna, diverse Tibetan culture, surrounding mountains, varied landscapes, and monasteries. A trek to the Manaslu circuit will change your perception as you will experience the Tibetan lifestyle and culture.
There are infinite reasons to circumnavigate the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal. However, we have narrowed down the list to just twelve which are the main features of the Manaslu circuit trek.
1. Remote and Off-the-Beaten track
The Everest Base Camp(EBC) and Annapurna Base Camp(ABC) trek are more renowned than the Manaslu circuit trek, so the Manaslu trek experiences less volume of trekkers.
Most trekkers have yet to discover the remote villages, culture, and landscapes of Manaslu. This trek is ideal for someone who likes less human intervention and noise. If you want to be at one with nature and let all the mountain scenery sink in peacefully, you are good to go.
Nonetheless, the traffic can slightly increase during September and October as these are the peak seasons.
Despite being an off-the-beaten track, the trail is well-established. Leaving all your worries and isolating yourself from the hustle and bustle of the world by walking through the Manaslu trail will definitely be soul-lifting.
2. Spectacular mountain views
One of the reasons to trek in the Manaslu circuit is throughout the trek you will get the chance to observe breathtaking views of Manaslu (8163m), Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal(7,422m), Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), Shringi(7,083m) and many more. Surrounded by all these mountains, you will find yourself surrounded by complete solitude and kilometers of unspoiled, natural splendor.
3. Incredible cultural experiences
Everything we see on the trail reflects Tibetan Buddhism. The area is yet to be fully explored, and the region’s wild beauty is still unhindered. The area is rich in monasteries, and one can hear prayer mantras and hymns in the morning and evening. You will also have the opportunity to observe the Tsum Valley, which is much more lively.
4. Unique Accommodations and Cuisines
The typical cuisines of Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, and continental cuisines are served at the lower region of the Manaslu circuit trek. As elevation increases, your food choices will be narrowed down to a few.
The most popular meal that is certain to be available in all the restaurants is Nepalese cuisine (rice, lentils, and veggies). Cereals, oats, bread, pancakes(chocolate, banana, apple), eggs(poach, boiled, scrambled, fried), and soups are commonly available for breakfast during the trek.
Rice meals, noodles, thukpa, dumplings, pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, pizza, and rolls are popular for lunch and dinner. In the lower regions, you can find single rooms with an attached bathroom for a cheaper rate. However, in the upper region, hotels are sparse.
5. Challenging yet achievable trek
One of the reasons to trek in the Manaslu circuit is its challenge. Because of the elevation, harsh climate, and rugged trails, the trek can be a handful. Certain spots like Larkya La Pass can give you a nightmare as it is one of the most challenging places to pass through.
Moreover, according to the season, you will face problems like rain, snow, wind, and dust. Nonetheless, the trek is entirely doable with proper planning and training.
6. Varied Landscapes
The Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you past diverse landscapes, thick rhododendron forests, multiple monasteries, and high mountain passes. You will stroll alongside tropical waterfalls that cascade across lovely hills, river banks, and trees that will gradually give way to the rugged landscape and snowy glaciers.
The trail alongside Budhi Gandaki features dense green forests accompanied by mules with tinkling bells. After entering Manaslu Conservation Area(MCA), the snowy peaks become visible, and the hills appear naked as fewer trees are found.
However, at Namrung valley, picture-perfect fields and pine trees make the environment more lively. At Samagaun, Mt. Manaslu and its surrounding mountains can be witnessed in close proximity.
Entering Samdo, the sole vegetation is sparse, prickly plants and dry, yellow/green grass. The reds, yellows, and oranges of the plants complement the mountains’ green and brown color scheme.
7. Diverse Flora and Fauna
One of the best facts about the Manaslu region is the flora and fauna. In the Manaslu region, 33 species of animal, 11 species of butterfly, over 110 species of bird, and three species of reptiles can be found. Red pandas and snow leopards are two critically endangered species.
Assam macaque, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, mainland serow, Himalayan goral, wooly hare, horseshoe bat, Himalayan mouse-hare, and black-lipped pika are some of the mammals that can be seen during the trek.
Moreover, rhododendron and red pine forests, alongside 17 other types of forests can be witnessed in the Manaslu region.
8. Beautiful Lakes and Glaciers
One can witness unparalleled views of charming lakes like Birendra Taal (3,640 m) at Samagaun and Kal Tal(3,700m) above Prok village.
Moreover, one of the most scenic glaciers(Manaslu glacier) can be found at Birendra lake. This glacier is the source of water for the Budhi Gandaki river and feeds it throughout the year.
After you pass the difficult Larkya La, you will spot the Larkya glacier. Descending to Bhimtang, Salpundada glacier will welcome you with its breathtaking beauty.
9. Larkya La Pass
Unarguably, the most challenging region to pass through is the notorious Larkya La pass, one of the longest in the Himalayas. However, once you cross this milestone, it will bring tears to your eyes. The feeling of achievement mixed with the beautiful Larkya La glacier and mountains will please you to your core.
10. Monasteries, Mani Walls, and Prayer Wheels
Trekking via Mani stones, Prayer wheels, and monasteries is a significant attraction of this journey. You can tour historic monasteries and mansions that are exceptionally well-built. Tranquility is best characterized by the remote communities you pass through.
You can explore the monasteries, chat with monks and learn about their culture. You can even join them at dawn and dusk in chanting prayers and mantras. Additionally, you can see Mani stones and walls and prayer wheels. Rotating the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction is said to bring good luck to the trekker, as gods will always look at them.
11. Chance to explore remote villages
One of the major perks of circuiting Mount Manaslu is that you will get to explore many remote and scenic villages. Famous villages you get to see are Gurung villages, situated at an altitude of (880 m / 2887.14 ft) when trekking from Sotikhola to Labubesi.
Moving on, we move via the communities of Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dovan, Thulo Dunga, and ultimately the 1340m-elevation historical village of Jagat. Moreover, we will march toward Philim, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Sama Gaun, and Samdo before advancing toward the base camp.
12. Reach Manaslu Base Camp
After we reach the samdo village, you will move further towards the Manaslu Base Camp, passing Sama gaon on a rugged trail that passes via rocky ridges.
You may tour the Gompa, which offers breathtaking views of Ngadi Chuli(7,871m) and Mt. Manaslu. From Sama Gaon, the arduous trek takes about 4 hours. The trail begins briefly in the woods before emerging into the open above Samagaon, north of the majestic Manaslu glacier.
As you ascend, the view gets even more impressive, with mountains stretching forever, a glacier up close, and a turquoise lake below. Moreover, the last stretch of the ascent, which is up a narrow moraine on a slick trail, is the sharpest.
FAQs
The list of crucial equipment required for the Manaslu circuit trekking is a backpack, UV protection goggles, a headlamp with battery backup, trekking poles, a raincoat, a drinking bottle, a mask, first aid, proper trekking shoes, and outfits.
You cannot get the permits on your own because of the restrictions. In accordance with government regulations, you must reach out to a registered agency.
The documents required for the Manaslu circuit trek are an authentic passport, 3-4 passport-sized photos, travel insurance documents, flight tickets photocopy, a scanned copy of the passport, and a Nepal visa.
We recommend a potter to everyone because the Manaslu trek gets harder once you get to the higher elevation. A potter can carry roughly 25kgs and you can carry about 8-10kgs. This will definitely speed up your journey and you will feel less exhausted.
We begin the Manaslu circuit trek from Sotikhola and end the trek at Besisahar. The total. The distance between Sotikhola and Besishahar is about 134 km.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the reasons to trek in the Manaslu circuit are numerous. However, the main reasons that stand out are challenging and remote trails, moderate yet doable tracks, diverse landscapes, distinct wildlife and vegetation, breathtaking views, and Tibetan culture.
Moreover, other features of the trek are Larkya La pass alongside vibrant lakes and glaciers, monasteries, untouched remote villages, and the Manaslu base camp.
