The off-beaten path of the Manaslu Circuit Trek will leave you breathless - with its never-ending beauty and challenging trekking route. Adventure on this particular trail will be both gruesome and rejuvenating which will keep you going back to the same memory lane even after the journey has long ended.
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Manaslu, this trek is unlike any other as it brings new wonder to every part of the journey. For anyone looking to explore the remote areas of the Himalayas while being surrounded by surreal beauty, the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be a no-brainer.
In fact, multiple reasons will convince you to take this 17-day-long journey. Whether you are an adventure seeker, nature enthusiast, or a simple traveler, it caters to all needs offering a unique experience. Therefore, here are the 10 major reasons why you should embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Stunning Views of The Mountain Vistas
Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a novice traveler, the summit view of the Himalayas will completely leave you speechless. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the scenic journeys where the more you ascend, the more dramatic the views get.
Therefore, the whole trekking experience is fascinating with a never-ending backdrop of these giants.
Well, some of the stunning peaks you will see during the various points of the treks are as mentioned below.,
- Manaslu (8,163 meters / 26,781 feet)
- Annapurna II (7,939 meters / 26,046 feet)
- Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters / 24,350 feet)
- Himal Chuli (7,893 meters / 25,895 feet)
- Shringi (7,187 meters / 23,579 feet)
- Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters / 25,823 feet)
Untouched And Diverse Landscapes
Lying in the west-central area of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek comprises dramatic landscapes - all within a few altitude gain. Well, the journey typically starts through the pine-forested area alongside the banks of Budhi Gandaki river and ends as you reach the Dharapani village which is the intersection of the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The lower region is adorned with lush green forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Additionally, you will find multiple agricultural lands and rivers, which change to the rugged terrain of mountain villages after a certain altitude gain. Gradually, you will shift to rocky paths, stone stairs, yak pastures, and arid air.
Altogether, the Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you through six climatic zones, making the trail much more challenging.
Challenging Larkya La Pass
For thrill-seekers, the Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a fulfilling challenge with its high-altitude Larkya La Pass crossing. Yes, it is the highest altitude point of this trek at the height of 5,106 meters / 16,752 feet.
Well, the difficulty of this pass varies greatly depending upon the season you are traveling in. Typically, Spring and Autumn provide a favorable condition, making it a bit easier. Anyway, you should seriously prepare for this steady climb as it acts as the real test of your stamina.
Apart from the challenge it presents you with, it is a worthy ascent. From this viewpoint, the scenery of the majestic mountain peaks is beyond explainable.
Scenic Side Trips
Aside from the primary trekking route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there are quite a few scenic side trips that you will take during this journey just within a couple of hours.
On the first acclimatization day at Samagaon, you will take a short hike to the beautiful glacial Birendra Lake which takes you about an hour. This particular lake is formed with the melting ice on the foothills of Manaslu.
Moving on to the second acclimatization day at Samdo, you will get a rare opportunity to hike to the Tibetan border at the Rui La Pass (4,998 meters). During this hike, you will also come across the Fuang Pass.
Similarly, there are a few other days when you can simply take a short hike to the nearby areas of the route, such as Serang Gompa, Hinang Gompa, Himal Chuli Base Camp, Kal Tal (Death Lake), Pungen Gompa, etc. This indeed acts as the highlight point of the journey.
Fewer Crowd
Unlike classic trekking routes in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has much fewer crowds even in the peak season. That is because this trek lies in a remote area and it is one of the restricted trekking routes in Nepal that have been left untouched. So, basically, you can say that trekking on this trail is similar to walking in an untamed wilderness.
Furthermore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is only suited for fit trekkers hence, not everyone can conquer this journey. Due to these reasons, the tourist traffic in this region is quite low, making the trail peaceful. So, for anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, then it is the trek for you!
Rich Cultural Encounters
A fun fact; the lifestyle in the Manaslu region has been untouched by modern civilization hence, preserving its ancient way of life. This uniqueness in their lifestyle will be totally visible as you pass through the authentic Tibetan-influenced villages.
During the journey, you will find a mix of Hinduism and Buddhist beliefs. Generally, inhibitants in the lower part of the trek follow Hinduism while the higher altitude people follow Buddhism.
Similarly, you will see all the inhibitants of the region in their traditional attire. Furthermore, even their houses have a unique style. All along the trail, you will walk pass ancient monasteries, chotens, and stupas, and every route is covered with fluttering prayer flags.
During this journey, you will also get close to the Tsum Valley Trekking route. As this particular valley is known as the epitome of culture in the Manaslu region, you will feel a positive energy surge inside you during this trek. Additionally, this route is also called the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
Opportunity to Spend The Night In Monastery
Imagine marking an end to a day with a peaceful night’s sleep at a monastery high up in the Himalayas. Sounds surreal? Well, you can turn it into your reality at either Serang Gompa or Hinang Gompa at the trails of Manaslu Circuit Trek.
These two serene monasteries perched up in the Himalayas open up their doors for trekkers to spend their nights. Well, it not only gives you accommodation facilities but you can also indulge yourself in meditation and witness the lifestyle of the monks. Moreover, this extra opportunity will help you rejuvenate both spiritually and physically.
Explore The Manaslu Base Camp
The major highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is reaching the Manaslu Base Camp. It is a day hike from Samagaon that will take you around 8 hours as you will ascend about 1400 meters.
Well, it is a challenging climb and a unique opportunity to stand close to one of the world’s highest peaks. As you reach there, you will be surrounded by stunning glaciers and an intimate view of Mount Manaslu. This climb offers you a raw connection with the Himalayas and gives you a deep sense of accomplishment.
Rich Biodiversity
The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place within the Manaslu Conservation Area which protects the flora and fauna of this region. From subtropical forests to alpine meadows, this trek can be a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
If you are lucky enough, you may encounter wildlife such as Barking Deer, Ghoral, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Himalayan Tahr, and many more. Likewise, the birds found in this region are the Himalayan Monal, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Himalayan Griffon, and the Yellow-billed Chough.
Photography Opportunities
The Manaslu Circuit Trek captures the essence of all travelers with multiple stunning locations that give rise to varied photography opportunities. From dramatic snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, raging rivers, and rugged landscapes to dense forests, there are dynamic backdrops for your photos.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply want a picture for your memory, this trek provides ample opportunities to fill your camera with breathtaking shots. You can immortalize the changing landscapes, authentic culture, local lifestyle, or even the flora and fauna of this region.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable adventure in the laps of the Himalayas. Its combination of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, rare biodiversity, and personal challenges throughout the trail makes it a must-try experience.
Book your trek to this well-kept secret of the Himalayas with Nepal Trekking Experts!
