A complete guide to Manaslu region trek

Introduction

Getting its name from the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the Manaslu region is one of the untouched and unraveled beauties in central Nepal. Filled with dense alpine forests, silent lakes, and pristine mountain ranges, trekking in this region is a grand experience.

The Manaslu region hides potentials for adventures that are yet to be experienced. For people seeking adventure and thrill, this region offers a range of trekking destinations ranging from high difficulty treks to low difficulty peaceful treks. A blend of high and low mountains and hills has given birth to a diverse mountain ecosystem that awes spectators from all over the world. The changing altitude has made it possible for a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation to flourish in the region.

The hidden Nubri and Tsumbas communities and their unique culture and traditions pull travelers who want to enjoy the cultural diversity of Nepal. Priceless monasteries and gompas, scattered across the region provide shelter for peace lovers. Manaslu region is quite simply the pride of Nepal, a thrill of a lifetime, and an adventure that you will want to experience again and again.

Key Features of Manaslu Region Trek

Pristine Mountains

While talking about the snow-clad beauties of the Manaslu region, the magnificent Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) is the hallmark of the region. Mt. Manaslu is also the eighth highest mountain in the world but its natural beauty is the feature that awes travelers from all over the world. Some other mountains accompanying Mt. Manaslu is Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), Himalchuli (7863 m), Buddha (6626 m), and numerous others. Likewise, Ganesh Himal (7422 m), Shringi (7161 m), and the faraway Annapurna range also adorn the horizon.

Decorated with about an amazing array of mountains, the glorious Himalayan ranges in the Manaslu region are popular as a “wall of ice and snow hanging on the sky.”Words just don’t do justice to its serene Himalayas and breathtaking sceneries in Manaslu Region Trek

A chance to Experience Eco-tourism

The newly famous trekking route, the Manaslu region started welcoming travelers only in 1991. This is why the region is still untouched and is an ongoing attempt by the government at establishing eco-tourism.

The Manaslu region is a fairly conserved area in Nepal which also boasts a surreal volume of off-beat trails. Only recently, Manaslu Conservation Area has declared a protected site (in 1998), conserving over 2000 species of plants and more than 250 species of animals and birds. A mixture of rare flora and fauna covers the region like Snow leopards, Lynx, Musk Deer, Red fox, Jackal, Himalayan Thar, Blue Sheep, Wooly Hare, Himalayan Mammoth, and a range of rare birds like Tibetan Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, and so on.

Not only the rare flora and fauna, but the unique traditional culture of people living in this area has also been under protection. As such, travelers can carry on the narrative of the development of tourism along with the protection of the diverse nature and culture while doing Manaslu region Trek.

Diverse Trekking Experience

For anyone wanting a quiet time in the base of the Himalayas, enjoying the natural sceneries and the off-beaten natural tracks, the Manaslu region is it. Because it is a newly formed trail, it is one of the best places to enjoy a quiet time in Nepal. Thanks to this, you can enjoy the isolated trekking trails and relish the beauty of the Himalayas in the Mansiri range.

Most of the places that fall under this region are still strictly patrolled and protected. As such, it is guaranteed that you will get the best experience of exotic wildlife, clean rivers, and dense forests. Likewise, the Tsum Valley is another trekking destination in the Manaslu region which grants insight into the cultural aspect of the Tsumba community. The region is culturally enriched and even houses monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa.

The remote villages like Lho, Sho, and Sama Gaon are a gateway to adventure for many from their grueling and monotonous city life. It is also a place to experience the rich culture of these rural villages that still depend upon very simple and traditional lifestyles.

Experience the Remoteness

Influenced by the neighboring lands of Tibet, most of the people living in the higher altitudes of the Manaslu region follow Tibetan Buddhism. In the lower lands, you can find a mix of Buddhists as well as Hindu settlements. Similarly, the settlements in lower regions are easily accessible in contrary to the faraway villages like Samdo, Dupchet, and Chhekya. A reflection of their religious following can also be experienced in their spectacular Buddhist monasteries like Shringi Gompa, Mu Gompa, Pung Gyan Gompa, Namrung Gompa, and Tong Gompa.

Given their religious following and culture, the people in this region are welcoming and helpful. You will be able to find people of ethnic groups like Lamas, Sherpa, and some other Hindu ethnic groups. Due to the adverse climatic conditions, people in these regions are still subjected to the very traditional lifestyle and most of them depend upon agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism as their economic source.

A fact to know is that the protection of the Manaslu Conservation Area has been a collaborative attempt from both the locals and the government. This has helped the region retain its authenticity in culture and nature. All in all, exploring the Manaslu region will allow you to experience the remote lifestyle for yourself.

Challenging Trails

The Manaslu region is most popular among trekkers for its challenging and strenuous trails. Most of the popular trekking routes open for travelers in this region are graded moderately difficult to highly difficult attracting people from all backgrounds to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Although easily accessible and well facilitated, the rough trails of the Manaslu region can be challenging at higher altitudes. However, the spectacular view of mountains as you reach your destination will surely make the hard trek worth your time.

If you enjoy daredevil activities like high-altitude treks and mountaineering expeditions, the Manaslu region Trek will be the best experience you have ever had. The ancient salt-trading trails and steep incline along the Budhi Gandaki River allow you to explore the rugged parts of the region. Similarly, the Larkya La Pass (5160 m)is also an excellent destination for adventure junkies. The Rupina La Pass (4720 m) is also one of the attractions in the Manaslu region along with the pristine trails to the Tsum Valley.

There are still plenty of trekking routes that are easy to climb and are suitable for small trips with your family and friends. However, it is the presence of the challenging trails that truly help identify the Manaslu region.

Key Activities in the Manaslu Region

There are varieties of trekking activities you can enjoy in the Manaslu region that will fit your agenda.

For people looking for some rough adventures, you can enjoy natural trekking routes like Rupina-La Pass and Bara Pokhari Trek. Although of moderate difficulty, these treks are the best way to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.

You can take short lower valley treks to Lower Manaslu Eco-Trek or Tsum Valley Trek where you can enjoy the terraced paddy fields and the calm rivers. Or you can enjoy longer and challenging treks in altitudes above 5000m like Manaslu Circuit Trek, where you will be able to get a close-up view of glistening snow-clad mountains that touch the sky.

Manaslu Circuit trek is the most popular trek in the Manaslu region that combines the experience of both natural and cultural trek. The total distance of 177 Km is a cheap price to pay for the spectacular view of the great Himalayan ranges you get to view at your destination. Peaks like Himchuli, Ganesh, Shringi, and Manaslu will await you at Larkya La Pass at the height of 5235m also known as one of the best mountain viewpoints in Nepal.

You can also enjoy short cultural treks to view the large Buddhist monasteries and Gompas in the region or small lower region treks with your loved ones.

Best time to visit Manaslu Region

Like most of the trekking regions in Nepal, autumn and spring seasons are the finest times to trek to the Manaslu region. The Autumn season brings in warm and dry days along with it. Starting from late September, it is one of the best times to enjoy trekking in the Manaslu region, especially in the higher altitudes. It is the time just before winter so the peaks are decorated in glowing white snow without any disturbances.

Spring starts its magic at the start of March when the winter winds finally settle down. The temperature becomes warmer and the days longer. Trees start to turn green again and the forests are filled with Rhododendron, which is why spring is also one of the best times to visit Manaslu.

Likewise, winter starts as autumn takes its leave and lasts from December to February. The higher regions during this time are almost inaccessible because of thick snow along the trekking trails. Tea houses and other accommodations are rarely open in higher altitudes because of the adverse weather. Monsoon (June to Mid-September), however, can be quite irritating because of slippery lands and clouded skies.

Conclusion

Trekking in the Manaslu region is an all-rounded activity. You will be able to enjoy both the natural as well as the cultural beauty of Nepal and so much more. With so many attractions, the treks in the Manaslu region are a mix of surreal natural drama and Himalayan scenery. All in all, the Manaslu region treks allow you to revel in the true beauty of Nepal.