Manaslu Trekking

Looking for an alternative to the classic Annapurna trekking trail? Join the Manaslu Trekking, a relatively new and increasingly popular trekking experience that provides with the majestic beauty of Manaslu massif and perfect rural setting along with the authentic village to the visitors in this remote region. Manaslu Trekking takes you along the torrential Budhi Gandaki River, into the Tsum valley (also known as the Hidden Valley of Happiness), explore the grandeur of Himalayas, gorges and glaciers, experience the Tibetan culture, tradition and religion on the highlands, contour along the rich forests of bamboo, pine and rhododendron, get immersed in the spirituality radiated by Mani walls, prayer flags, monasteries and chortens, and walk over the glacial terrain to discover the amusements in the vicinity of Manaslu (8,163m/26781 ft), the 8th highest peak in the world and also known as the Mountain of Spirits.

You shouldn’t miss.…

Fabulous and Colossal Himalayas
Manaslu Trekking provides the trekkers with the awesome views of the lofty and snow-capped mountains including Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and its adjoining peaks. Manaslu is also called as the serrated wall of snow and ice hanging in the sky. Besides this, the other mountains visible from the in the Manaslu Trekking trail are Larkya La (6,249m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Himlung Himal (7,125m), Kang Garu (6,981m), Annapurna II (7,939m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), shringi (7,187m), Langpo (6,668m), Saula (6,235 m) and several other big and small snow-clad peaks. You can have beautiful and panoramic view of these giant silver peaks and the jaw-dropping scenery at the moment of sunrise and sunsets.

Diverse Flora and Fauna
Manaslu region is the home to many rare and endangered species of plants and animals including the Snow Leopard and shy Pandas. Other species include lynx, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan Goral, Assam Macaque, mainland serrow, black-lipped pika, wooly hare, grey wolf, dhole and Himalayan mouse-hare among the others. The sanctuary of Manaslu Conservation Area has over 110 species of birds, 33 mammas, 3 reptiles and 11 butterflies. On the Manaslu Trekking trail you have a high chance of witnessing one of the wildlife.

Cultural diversity and Languages
The geographical diversity in the Manaslu Trekking region has led to the diversity in terms of culture, traditions, values and other related ensembles. You can interact and experience, in the lower altitude villages of the Manaslu region, community with Hindu faith whereas the northern valleys and villages have the locals following the Buddhist faith. The Gurungs are the main ethnic community along with the Bhutias, akin to Sherpa community, who are in the region closer to Tibet. Other ethnicities include Chhteris and Brahmins, Magar, Tamang, Dalit, Bramin and Tibetan who have settled on the various parts of the region. The region is dotted with austere monasteries, Mani walls, chortens and other Buddhist religious landmarks. The traditional faith of non-violence and compassion augments the wildlife diversity of the region. The monks in the region have set the tradition of non violence upon the animals aiding the conservation of the wildlife. Gurung, Nhubria, Tsumba, and Kutanggba are major languages spoken by people in this region.

Torrential rivers, Pristine Lakes and Glaciers
Manaslu Trekking offers the trek to the vicinity of some of the most serene lakes, glaciers and rivers. On the trails in this region, the mighty Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi River shall generally mark the boundary of your trekking trail to the trekking destinations in Manaslu region. Other smaller rivers and streams are found all over the Manaslu region. There are several glittering glaciers that adorn the region. Some of the major glaciers are Manaslu Glacier, Punggen Glacier, Syacha Glacier, Larkya Glacier, Samdo Glacier, Salpudanda Glacier among the several others. Many of these glaciers shall cross your path while you explore the region. Birendra lake, Dudhkunda and Kaltal lake are the major attractive lakes in this region.

Other highlights
Besides the attractions mentioned above, you can encounter several other specialties of Manaslu Trekking expeditions. The rich forests of rhododendron and Himalayan Blue pine, medicinal herbs and plants (besides the 17 other types of forests), ancient monasteries of Mu Monastery, Gumba Lundang and Burzi Rachen Gompa make this trek enriched. Makalu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) is the other major highlight of the region that protects several endangered biodiversity. Larkya La pass (5,160m) is one of the challenging point for the trekkers.

What else you need to know?

Trekking Seasons
You have the months of March to May and September to November as the major trekking period in the region. Monsoon season, through the months of June to August, makes the trekking in this region a difficult experience to the trekkers during these months. This results in very few trekkers exploring the trails in the Manaslu region.
Permits

To complete the trekking experience in this region you need to have two permits. The first permit you need is the Trekking permission or general trekking permit and the other permit needed is the permit from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and a TIMS (Travel Information Management System) card if you plan for the Annapurna Circuit.

All in all, Manaslu Trekking is an extremely diverse, exciting and enthralling trekking expenditure for the backpackers who intend to go for a culturally rich yet adventurous trekking experience. If you have the urge to spend your holiday in such an exciting trekking trail, Manaslu Trekking is the perfect option for you. Go for Manaslu Trekking!