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Why you should push yourself for the Manaslu trek, this holiday 2022

 June 1, 2022      By Himalayan Hero
Why you should push yourself for the Manaslu trek, this holiday 2022

Among the most popular treks and travel Destinations in Nepal, the Manaslu trek is also one of them. If you're looking for a short trek, long trek, city tour, or even a trek off-beaten path, Nepal offers all kinds of environments for your adventure activities and won't let you down.

Many adventure lovers come to Nepal to do an off-beaten trek.

Trekking on Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most popular off-beaten paths among trekkers. There are many challenges and adventures during this trek. There are breathtaking views of Mt Manaslu - the eighth highest mountain on earth - if you trek the Manaslu Circuit, the classic and legendary trek.

It stands at 8163 meters. You will walk through the diverse landscapes of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the dense sal and rhododendron forests, monasteries, mountain passes, tropical waterfalls, and passing through the Gurung and Magar villages.
 
Due to the actual adventure, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic walk on an altitude between 600 and 5500 meters, the Manaslu circuit trek route is becoming increasingly popular.
 
Manaslu trekking is done in the east Annapurna Himalayan range. It is a trail that offers a unique setting, rich with biological diversity, a combination of cultural heritage, and scenic Himalayan views that make this region legendary in Nepal as one of the best places to trek.
 
In addition to stunning views of Manaslu, the Manaslu circuit trek also offers views of the tenth highest mountain, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Ganesh Himal.
 
You can choose from several options in the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. In some cases, the trip can be longer or shorter depending on the starting point and mode of transportation.
 
As part of the Manaslu circuit trek, you will drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and end in Beshisahar, one of the famous starting points for the Annapurna circuit trek.
 
Trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit trek travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Manaslu Conservation Area to the Larkya La Pass, the region's highest pass. And also, Larkya la pass is considered the most dramatic.
No doubt, despite being one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, the Manaslu trek takes you to the base of Mt. Manaslu. The trek is regarded as one of Nepal's moderately arduous and off-beaten treks.

Embarking on the Manaslu Trek, this trek is not for the faint-hearted as it circles the 8th highest mountain. As a remote trek, the trek will take you to the less trodden, untouched Himalayan flora and fauna, a picturesque village rich with local culture and tradition, and unspoiled trails in Manaslu. And you can encounter the basic Tibetan Buddhist lifestyles of good-hearted locals.
 

Exact location of the Manaslu trek, where is Manaslu?


Manaslu region is situated in the northern part of central Nepal in the Gorkha district. Budhi Gandaki separates in the east and Marsyangdhi in the west, and the Himalayas separate this region in the north from Tibet. The area stretches within 1663 sq Km, where most of its location is wild nature and the high Himalayas. Once in a lifetime, to experience diverse and scheduled topography with a fabulous experience, one should have to visit Manaslu Trek.
 

Manaslu also known as the Killer Mountain, why find the reason behind it?


Manaslu is also nicknamed "Killer Mountain" by locals because more than 60 people have died on its treacherous slopes. Trekking in the Manaslu region is quite challenging; this doesn't mean you cannot do it.

The trail of the Manaslu is narrow, even challenging to accommodate 2-3 climbers together. Thus, if you want to climb Manaslu, you can descend to Camp 2 or even Camp 1 the same day from the summit.
 

Why Manaslu trek? Why should you encourage yourself for the Manaslu trek?


The trek to the Manaslu area is famous for its ethnic group, mountain, and hospitality. If you are Orophile, then the Manaslu area is the best option where you can see ten peaks of more than 6,500 meters in height. Yes! One can see and enjoy the gorgeous views of Mt Manaslu, Himalchuli, the Annapurna region, and a few more mountains. And comparing to Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu trek is less crowded. So only human interaction you will meet on the journey is locals and their cattle.
 
Manaslu is also rich in a bunch of freshwater lakes. Birendra Lake and Phunkar Lake are some Freshwater lakes where you can see a variety of ducks.
 
In contrast, if you are interested in Nepalese culture, Manaslu is one for you. Mainly Nubri, Gurung, and Tsum ethnic group people live here. During the trek, you can see an old Tibetan village, monastery, and numerous chortens. Similarly, the people living here and their culture are pretty fascinating. Besides these, trekkers closely observe Buddhist culture, architecture, and tradition.
 
Apart from mountains and culture, trekkers can also have a unique opportunity to explore rare plants and animals found in the conservation area. Manaslu Conservation Area is famous for having more than 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 3 species of reptiles, 2000 species of flowering plants, among many other things. Similarly, you can also see animals, including Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Tahr.
 
 

Best time to visit Manaslu, when do you think is the best time?

Talking about the best time to travel Manaslu, the spring and autumn seasons are the best. The sky remains blue, and the snow-covered mountains are more transparent and visible. And it is neither cold nor too hot because of the moderate weather and stable climate the season offers. However, we know that each season has its unique appeal and drawbacks. So to trek Manaslu, it depends on upon trekker themself. 
 

How can you go to Manaslu? By foot, or by jeep or by heli?


The Manaslu peaks above the pine forests of Nepal's Budhi Gandaki river valley, making it the closest to Kathmandu of the major Nepalese treks.
 
The journey of Manaslu Circuit starts from Soti Khola, which is located at the altitude of 700 meters from seas level. Sato Khola is a charming village at the bank of Budhi Gandaki river. After passing through lush rice paddies terraced fields with water buffalo and thatched huts, the north direction takes you to a mountain-capped high route. To complete the whole trek takes around 12 days.
 
Day 1: On your first, you should leave Kathmandu by bus or a private jeep through the beautiful landscape. After seven hours of drive, you will reach Soti Khola, at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River.
 
Day 2: Your second-day journey starts from Soti Khola. The trek takes you through the shady sal forest, continuing steeply uphill along a rugged Cliffside. On this day, you have to walk on a riverbank and wild rapids below. At some point, you will reach the Gurung village of Labubesi. The town will lead you to your second day's destination Machha Khola.
 
Day 3: Your third day of the trek started from Machha Khola to Jagat. You will walk through the jungle high above along larger Garung villages during the trip. After trekking through the villages of Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dovan, Thulo Dunga, and finally, you will reach the cultural town of Jagat at the elevation of 1340m. After 6 hours of trek, you will see the first Tibetan Buddhist culture-influenced village on the Manaslu trail. The village is non-other than the Jagat.
 
 
Day 4: After spending the night in Jagat, your fourth-day trek will start. At the beginning of the day, you have to walk through a rocky ridge where views of Sringi Himal are 7,187m tall. After continuing rich terraced fields of maize, potato, and millet, you will reach bamboo forests that will lead you to Nupri. After around 6 hours o trek, you will get den here. You can spend your night with warm hospitality.
 
Day 5: After passing the Tibetan village, your fifth-day trek will start in canyons. You can see a colourful forest of firs, oaks, and rhododendrons as you enter the forest. Once you've finished your tour, you'll settle Namrung for an overnight stay.
 
Day 6: Sama Gaun is located at 9701 ft high altitude. As your trekking starts, you will see a stunning glimpse of Manaslu North and Manaslu. The most exciting thing during the trek is non-other that people are covered with locals dressed in traditional Tibetan clothing called chubas. As you go inside, you will also pass Sama Gaun through the villages of Shyo, Lho, and Shyala. Following a 7-8 hours walk, you will reach Sama Gaun.
 
Day 7: After spending the Night at Sama Gaun, on your next day, you can travel along with Birendra Taal (lake), Buddhist monasteries, Samagaun, a prominent Tibetan cultured community, and a side trip to Pun Gyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp.
 
Day 8: From this day, the altitude problem will start. To adopt the attitude, you will have a short day. You will see various yaks, plentiful marmots, and pastures where only barley during the journey. The most important and beautiful thing about this trek is that you can visit a field covered with yak. After about 5 hours trek, you will reach a Samdo. Tibet is only a day's walk away from Samdo, situated at the convergence of three valleys.
 
Day 9: On day nine, your destination will be Dharmasala. After crossing a wide, broad path, crossing the Bhuri Gandaki River, and traversing along a mani wall, you will reach Larkya Glacier. After climbing Glacier, you will finally visit the high Larkya La the following day.
 
Day 10: Today will be the most tiring day compared to another day. While walking over Larkya La, it might be technically challenging. To reach today's destination, you must pass Larkya Phedi, cross a glacial moraine, and pass through four frozen lakes. Yes, to cross the lake you might have to walk approximately. After crossing the lake, those walks and tiredness fade away when you see incredible views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After a few hours of walking, you will reach Bimthang.
 
Day 11: As you pass through a glacial stream, you have to climb over the side of the moraine descending on your 11th day. With a magnetic view of Manaslu, you have to be left down towards the Dudh Khola, then continue through a more agricultural landscape until reaching the village of Goa, Tilje, and finally down to Dharapani.
 
Day 12: By four wheels, you will head back to Beshisahar on day 12 after you can head back to Kathmandu via a local van. The journey might be long and tiring.
 

Cost and permit needed while Manaslu Circuit trek

The Manaslu trek is average and exclusivity more expensive in the context of Nepal. If you are from a foreign country then the permit costs USD 70.00 for the first seven days and USD 10.00 each additional day from September to November. Overall including lodging and flooding, one must have a budget of 1000 USD and 1400 USD or 900 EUR and 1200 EUR per person.

The price may vary from person to person. For climbing Manaslu Mountain, one must have to pay USD 7,500 at Base Camp Service. Talking about the needed permit you must have a Manaslu trek permit is required from Philim, where the Manaslu Conversation Area starts, and a printed photograph for the MCAP permit.
 

Trekking the Manaslu circuit: accommodations during the circuit trek

Among the famous treks in Nepal is the Manaslu circuit trek, a teahouse trek. The teahouse is very convenient and easy to find, it is very popular with trekkers. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers the possibility of camping as well.
 
We have included all the teahouses you will see while trekking Manaslu Circuit Trek in the article below.

Kathmandu: Where to stay
The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, offers a variety of accommodation types from simple 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels with all the amenities. Before setting out on an adventure trek, Thamel is a popular place to settle down for a few days. Kathmandu offers a wide selection of accommodations and services within your budget.
 
The cost of accommodation in Kathmandu is between $50 and $60.
 
Accommodations in teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Soti Khola
You will visit So Khola on your way from Kathmandu. You can skip the Soti kola if you start walking early in the morning and stay at Machha kola instead. 
Some teahouses provide you with the Wifi service and telephone for communication and basic accommodations such as a bed and a room.

Machha Khola
The next stop after leaving the site is Machha Khola.
Suitable includes good food and accommodations, wifi service, electric device charging facilities, and hot showers, but you need to, extra for them.
 
Jagat

The trek from Kathmandu to Jagat takes three days and around seven hours from Machha Khola. There are four teahouses providing basic accommodation facilities with a good internet connection.
In Jagat, you will need the restricted permit for Manaslu and Tsum Valley treks, and you will be asked to show your permit card to continue the trek.

Deng
The next stop will be the teahouse, where you'll have access to basic facilities.
You'll find a good wifi service at a teahouse in the Deng area, but you won't get hot showers.

Namrung
Your next stop after leaving Deng will be Namrung, where you can get a hot shower and wifi service here. The teahouse here is very limited, but they offer good wifi connectivity. 

SamaGaoun
A night will also be spent in the village of Samagaoun while trekking to the Manaslu circuit trek. During your visit to the village, you will see three teahouses where you can find food and lodging.

Samdo
Upon reaching Samdo, you will stay in the teahouse, basic accommodation and food service facility after walking for 4 hours from Samagaoun. 
 
Dharamsala
Besides the two teahouses in Dharamsala, you can find the following basic accommodation facilities: you will be able to access the wifi, but a hot shower isn't readily available:
 
Bimthang
There are services at the teahouse on this day, such as a hot shower and access to the internet. 

Dharapani
Before you return to Kathmandu from the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we make a stop in Dharapani. There are many different teahouses available at Dharapani, so you can choose the one that suits your budget. All amenities will also be provided to you, including attached bathrooms, hot showers, and wifi services.
 

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit: difficulties faced during the trek

Altitude sickness while trekking at a high altitude.

When you rapidly climb to a higher elevation or altitude, you can experience the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Why does it cause?

Barometric pressure refers to the pressure surrounding an object. Walking at a higher altitude results in lower pressure and less oxygen available.

You might be more familiar with high altitude pressure if you live in a high altitude area. Travelling to an altitude where you aren't used to would require your body to adjust to the change in pressure, and you should be prepared for that.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone who walks above 8000 feet.

Types

 
People who walk to the little high altitudes are prone to acute mountain sickness (AMS) as it is the mildest form. 
 
An increase in fluid in the lungs, known as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), can be dangerous and even deadly.

Taking preventative measures towards altitude sickness

  • Water should be consumed at least four to five litres per day.
  • Altitude sickness symptoms should always be treated by moving to a lower altitude.
  • When trekking at high altitude, avoid drinking, using drugs, smoking and taking sleeping pills.
  • Take a balanced diet that includes at least 70% carbohydrates while walking at a high altitude.
  • If possible, drive or fly from low to high altitude rather than starting at 10,000 feet. A day must be spent at your first stop before going to high altitude if you have to fly or drive over 10,000 feet.
  • Altitude sickness can be avoided by walking slowly and steadily at higher altitudes.
  • Your guide should be informed immediately if you notice symptoms of altitude sickness, and if it is critical, you should go to the hospital immediately.
Yes , by now you might have obtained the entire overview of Manaslu right, now we guess you are prepared, so this is the best season to head for the Manaslu trek. Book Now ! 


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