Lately, everyone has been a fan of Manaslu Circuit Trek. But do they even know where the Manaslu circuit trek is located? If not, then we will discuss its location in more detail. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most spectacular treks in Nepal with a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Located in western Nepal, this trek takes you around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). The trek is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the generous hospitality of the local people.
Location and Accessibility of Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Trek is located in the Gorkha Zone of Nepal and is some 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The trekking starting point is Soti Khola, which can be reached by enjoying a vehicle drive from Kathmandu. Soti Khola can be reached in around 6- 8 hours jeep/ Bus ride; the road condition significantly impacts the total time taken. This drive is thrilling because it provides the best scenery in the countryside, the terrains of crop fields, the great Himalayas, and all that is natural.
Route and Highlights
The Manaslu Circuit Trek measures approximately 177 kilometres or 110 miles and generally takes between 12 and 18 days, depending on day-long stops. It’s an anti-clockwise circular route covering the central part of Mount Manaslu, beginning at Soti Khola. The group enters the forests, agricultural lands, villages, and mountain passes during the journey. Some of the key features of the trek include: Some of the key highlights of the trek include:
Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters / 16,930 feet): It is a spot where the hiker stands at his/her highest altitude; it is normally one of the best vantage points to view the mountains and glaciers.
Samagaon Village: A beautiful village at the foothills of Mt. Manaslu, which allows trekkers to immerse in hospitality similar to the Tibet region and explore the historic monastic site of Pungyen Monastery.
Budhi Gandaki River: The trek alongside this river is completed for a considerable distance. One gets to behold the river Budhi Gandaki and its steep gorges through much of the trail.
Manaslu Base Camp: This is a small detour from the lodge in Samagaon that provides great vantage points to view Manaslu and the glaciers feeding into it.
Cultural Experience of Manaslu Region
However, another notable feature of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the cultural interaction enjoyed on the trek. Nowadays, the region is occupied by different ethnic groups, such as Gurungs, Tibetans, etc., who have their own culture and way of life. Trekkers have enough opportunity to visit the monasteries, chortens (Buddhist shrines), and traditional Bhutanese villages and get acquainted with the customs and lifestyle of Bhutanese people.
According to the local culture and tradition, the villages on the trek, including Namrung VDC, Lho VDC and Samagaon VDC, are Buddhists, which is a set of Tibetan Buddhism, as evident from the different prayer wheels, the Mani walls and the fluttering prayer flags along the trail. This peaceful environment, complemented by a warm reception from people, makes the trekkers feel at home.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is also something that nature lovers will truly appreciate. It crosses all these ecosystems as it goes through different biomes, such as subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain deserts. There are different species of plants and animals. Trekkers get an opportunity to observe the rhododendron forest, pine tree, and bamboo forests and animals like snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, and blue sheep.
It also presents splendid packages of the highest peaks in Asia, Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. The beauty of the landscape is supplemented by opportunities to enjoy complete tranquillity in the inaccessible areas of the mountains amid picturesque valleys.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu
This circuit is best hiked during spring and autumn periods, from March to May and September to November, respectively. The climate is moderately cool and dry in these months, though there may still be some cloud cover with a fair amount of sunshine, perfect for trekking. Spring is still more colourful with the flowering of rhododendrons and other wildflowers. Autumn provides clear mountain views, favourable trekking weather, and comfortable temperatures during the day.
Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trekkers need to obtain several permits to undertake the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These include:
● Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: Required for trekking in the restricted areas of the Manaslu region.
● Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Required for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area.
● Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for the final section of the trek that passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area.
It is also mandatory to trek with a registered guide and in a group of at least two people for safety and to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit Trek perfectly blends adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness. It is ideal for trekkers seeking a less crowded alternative to the popular Everest and Annapurna treks. With its stunning landscapes, diverse cultural experiences, and the challenge of high mountain passes. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a passionate adventurer, this trek will leave you with lasting memories and a in-depth appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Nepal.