Trek to Manaslu Circuit/Base Camp, unmatched joy of crossing Larkya La Pass over the 5,167 meters, and experience the tradition and cultures in the Local villages.
Often termed as "New Annapurna Circuit", Manaslu Circuit Trek is now looked at as an alternative trekking destination to Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Robin Bousted, a traveller and author of The Great Himalayan Trail, highlights the vibrant cultures, inspiring valleys, dramatic lowlands, arresting highlands, and spellbinding mountains, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal make the trek to Manaslu the best trekking in Nepal.
Even made accessible for foreigners in 1991, the growth of trekkers in Manaslu Circuit Trek Route began after 2010. Manaslu Route can undoubtedly be your go-to place if you're looking for a peaceful trek in Nepal. Not many trekkers plan their trek plans here. So, you can hike all day in a small group enjoying the inspiring landscapes.
The self-sufficient way of trekking here slowly ceased after the growth of tea houses with decent services throughout the route, as of which, in 2019, nearly 8,000 trekkers trekked the entire circuit.
Trans Himalayan pasture lands, traversing six climatic zones, ten mountains over 6,500 metres, the world's 8th highest Manaslu in proximity, and crossing Larke Pass at 5,106 metres are specials of Manaslu Trekking in Autumn.
The access to electricity, telephones, good meals, comfortable accommodations, improved trekking routes, picturesque moments, Tibetan-influenced cultures, and Buddhist Monasteries make the hike comfortable and entertaining.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is now no longer a strenuous grade trekking route in Nepal. Even trekkers with decent physical fitness and a couple of high-altitude trekking experiences can now successfully hike to Larke and complete this Manaslu trek in 2023/2024.
With increased trekking activity over the last decade, Manaslu Conservation Area is now concentrating their plans to improve the trek routes, regulate the services, and make the trek safe for trekkers.
If you have adequate time for trekking in Nepal, out of many routes, the Manaslu Base Camp route can be your preference. The last time you can complete this trek is 12-14 days. A further extension to Tsum Valley takes around 20 days of high-altitude hikes in the Manaslu and Annapurna regions.
Check out about Manaslu circuit trek permits and Manaslu trek packing list
What to Expect in Manaslu Trek
There are many reasons why Manaslu Circuit Trek lures trekkers to hike on remote trails in Manaslu Conservation Area.
First the off-the-beaten Manaslu Trekking Route. Even with the growing trekking fashion in Nepal, not many trekkers hike to Manaslu. This makes Manaslu the least walked trekking route in Nepal. It has become an ideal trekking route for peaceful trekkers to avoid the trekkers.
Second, the timeless landscapes and the preserved lifestyle of the Nubri people of Manaslu. Being untouched by the growing commercialization of trekking in Nepal, still Manaslu region is far from its impact. The traditional lifestyle, cultures, and occasional festivals, all make it a particular hub for trekking.
Further, the landscapes and terrains filled with serene vegetation, terrace farmlands, towering hills, mountains, glaciers, and lakes give the wholesome high-altitude trekking experience.
Manaslu – Is this trek right for you?
Even a decade ago, being self-sufficient, the peaceful trekkers, to get away from a trail filled with huge trekkers, used to plan Manaslu Circuit Hike. Tea houses were very few at places, but with all their struggles, trekkers hiked to Larke Pass and Manaslu Base Camp.
Today, tea houses have improved and there are many. There are nearly forty tea houses and lodges en route to Manaslu. These tea houses offer hot showers, wifi, satellite telephones, decent accommodation, and meals.
With these services, many trekkers who hike Manaslu Trek Route consider the entire experience fantastic. But, if you think it to be as commercial as Everest, you'll be wrong. The commercialization is not anywhere near Everest and Annapurna.
Here are the facts about trekking Manaslu that might be your expectations on this trek to Larke Pass.
No independent/Solo Trekking Option
Trekkers get the option of independent trekking in other best trekking destinations in Nepal. Even without hiring a trekking guide, you can plan your trip for months with just trek permits.
But, Manaslu Trek Route sits inside a Government restricted area, making it inaccessible without a permit and trek guide. Two trekkers and one trek guide are a must for foreign nationals.
Thus, if you are travelling to Nepal and looking for an independent Trek in Manaslu , this trek is not for you.
Customizable further to Tsum Valley
Trekking is not always about adventure but also a time for self-actualization within the serenity of mountains.
Trekking Manaslu Circuit and expanding the trip further to Tsum Valley can be the ultimate customization of trek in Nepal.
The word "Tsum" means bright and vibrant. Like the word, the valley's remoteness, tranquil trekking routes, timeless Buddhism history, and Tibetan-influenced traditions, cultures, and lifestyles make Tsum Valley a unique trekking destination after completing Manaslu Circuit.
The genuinely mesmerising Rachen Gompa, Mu Gompa, and Dephyudonma Gompa bestow a serenity on you. Hence, within the peace of mountains and inspiring landscapes, Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley can be an ideal time to reflect on your life.
Inspiring landscapes and mountains
Manaslu Trek takes you to inspiring landscapes like Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 metres, Birendra Lake at 3,691 metres, Ponkar Lake at 4,133 metres, and Larke Pass at 5,106 metres. Undoubtedly, these landscapes are the hidden gems in Manaslu and those who explore them experience a once-in-lifetime travel experience.
To elevate your trek experience, you'll witness the world's 8th highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu, 8,163 metres tall. Besides, you'll be entertained by the mountains in the Annapurna range and the Ganesh Himal range.
