7 Highlights Of Manaslu Trek

By Author: Prabin Sen
Total Articles: 27
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The trans-Himalayan regions of Manaslu massif were closed until 1992. The restrictions imposed by the Nepal government following the conflict in Tibet isolated those valleys from the rest of the world until the date. A trek around Manaslu offers the best of the Himalayan Buddhist cultural insight, pristine nature and spectacular Himalayan scenery of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. The trekking route is a highly bitten path offering a highly rewarding level of adventure for experienced trekkers.
Here are eight highlights of Manaslu circuit trek which make it to the top of the bucket list of many.

1) Journey through diverse landscape within two weeks

The trek starts from the foothills of the Himalayas rich with subtropical vegetation, farming terraces and charming villages. The trail follows Budi Gandaki River valley which drains the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal massif. The valley cut deep and steep by the Budi Gandaki River over thousands of years has a historical trans-Himalayan trade route to Tibet. On the other side ...
... of the Himalayas, hidden alpine valleys surrounded by snow peaks are like Himalayan Shangri-la.

2) The bitten path of trans-Himalayan trading route

Salt, cattle and alpine herbs from Tibet were traded with cereals from southern lowland until very recently. The Manaslu circuit trail follows the beaten path formed over hundreds of years. Until recently the trails were hewn on the cliffs and marked by cairns over the high mountain passes. It has been made much safer these years. Bitten paths blend with pristine nature and exhibits history and culture with its Mani walls, cairns, cave shelters and resting places.

3) Unparalleled Himalayan scenery

Manaslu region is almost in the center of an 800 km stretch of the Himalayas that fall in Nepal. The trek starts from the northwest of the capital Kathmandu which offers a view of Ganesh Himal Range and then goes into Manaslu massif, finally coming down to the Annapurna. Its proximity with two different Himalayan ranges makes it one of the best treks for Himalayan scenery.

4) Pristine trans-Himalayan culture

The trans-Himalayan valley of Manaslu circuit is known as Nupri valley. Nupri valley is one of the Beyul which is believed to be a hidden valley where Guru Rinpoche hid scriptures to be discovered in future during the crisis. Thus the valley is highly sacred for Tibetan Buddhists. Nupri people practice pre-Buddhist Bon religion mixed with Buddhism. The villages' entrances and exits have long Mani walls and Khani gate with Buddhism murals and prayer wheels. People dress up and practice like in mainland Tibet a couple of hundred years back.

5) Rewarding adventure of crossing 5,200 m Himalayan pass

While it has rich cultural and natural heritage, the trek also offers an intriguing challenge of crossing 5,200 m Larkey la pass. It allows reasonably fit trekkers to taste their endurance and stamina and prepare for the next level. The mountain passes also is also a panoramic thrill with unfolding of new layers of mountains all the time. From Larkey La pass, one will feel like overlooking the jagged snow peaks of Annapurna.

6) Close proximity with Tsum valley, Annapurna and Ruby valley

Manaslu circuit trek passes through the Ruby valley and Annapurna allowing trekkers to get a glimpse of both. Since the trek also requires permits for Annapurna, Manaslu trek could be easily combined with Annapurna circuit trek, Tsum valley and Ruby valley trek.

7) Easy access from major tourist hubs
The Manaslu circuit trek is also in easy access from the major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. Having transportation facilities to the trail head from any of the above cities also make this trek cost effective and time saving unlike many other similar treks.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I like trekking and discovering new places. I have a degree in culture and love to read non fiction books. I also write travel journals and blogs.