Manaslu Trek
Are you on a quest for an incredible trekking experience? Do you want to trek a less travelled path but still with the luxury of tea-houses? Then the Manaslu trek is just right for you! Many tea-houses have been built along the route in the last few years making this the trek to go on before it becomes too popular and starts getting ‘touristy’. The Manaslu trek lies northwest of Kathmandu, only a 9-hour bus ride away. The trek circumnavigates the world’s 8th highest mountain Mt Manaslu at 8156 meters above sea level.
Soti Khola (710 m), which is 9 hours from Kathmandu by road is the starting point for the Manaslu trek and also its lowest point. The highest point is at the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5220 meters. The trek offers spectacular views of Mt. Himalchuli (7893 m), Mt. Ngadi Chu (7871 m) and Mt. Ganesh Himal (7422 m), not to mention Mount Manaslu.
This is an absolutely amazing trekking route with untouched landscapes. Along the way you will pass through lots of local villages, waterfalls, beautiful pine forests, Buddhist monuments and monasteries. The entire Manaslu trek is filled with spectacular views. The trail itself keeps on changing from narrow trails hacked into cliffs, broad walking paths in the middle of pine forests, to dried-out river banks.
The trekking trail runs through the Manaslu Conservation Area was which established in 1998. It covers an area of 1663 square kilometers and harbors a mosaic of habitats for 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 11 species of butterflies, and 3 species of reptiles. You will be taken through 6 different climatic zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, sub-alpine, alpine and arctic. The extreme contrasts within this approximately 200 km trail are associated with tremendous differences in topography and precipitation.
This is an adventurous trek of a lifetime where more than once you'll be taken aback by the stunning scenery. Here at Bookmundi we highly recommend the Manaslu Trek - and do believe that it indeed is one of Nepal's best treks.
Manaslu - Trek Facts
- Trek Difficulty: Level 4 - Difficult
- Trek Duration: 14 Days
- Remoteness: Remote - Very Remote
- Max Altitude: 5220 Meters
- Accommodation: Teahouses / Guesthouses / Lodges
- Best Season: Mar-May, Oct-Nov
- Transport To/From Trek: Bus
- Permits Required:
- Restricted Area Permit (which means that you can’t do the trek alone and will need to hire a licensed trekking guide)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Alternate Routes:
You can complete the standard Manaslu trek in 14 days. If you wish for more adventure, you can also add the Tsum Valley trek to your Manaslu itinerary. This will add another 6 days to your trip but is well worth it if you have the time. Tsum valley is a beautiful place with strong Tibetan culture. It was a restricted area that has only been open for trekking since 2008. In addition to the three permits, you will need a Tsum Valley Special Permit if you decide to do the Tsum Valley Trek.
This trek can be done in the in the counter-clockwise direction as well but it might take longer. The reason for this is that this direction has steeper ascents which results in slower climb. It may also be necessary to take an extra day of acclimatization in Bimthang before crossing over the Larkya La Pass.
Manaslu - Safety Considerations
All trekking agencies available at bookmundi.com take safety seriously and are assessed on their safety standards after every trek, via trekkers’ feedback. They will therefore go through safety procedures with you during your pre-trek meeting. However, please note the following particulars for the Manaslu trek:
- The Manaslu Trek is a high altitude trek and therefore careful acclimatization is needed.
- The day of crossing the Larke Pass is hard. Please start early, and carry plenty of water and food, and please wear warm clothes also.
In conclusion, if you love scenic treks and are prepared for some difficult ascent, then the Manaslu Trek is a great option for you. Bookmundi invites you to embark on this magical trek.
