Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best and most rewarding Nepal Himalaya trekking trails. This off-beat trail encircles Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world and offers jaw-dropping Himalayan views.
The trek traverses from subtropical forests to icy, high-altitude passes. It is an adventurous, rugged and remote adventure that will take you through traditional trade routes to Tibet.
Trekking Routes
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most exciting trekking routes in Nepal. It offers picturesque valleys, mountain cultures, ancient monasteries and spectacular peaks. Moreover, the route is less-crowded and boasts a sense of adventure. The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for hikers looking for a challenge.
The trek begins in the small town of Soti Khola and travels around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest peak. The trail passes through a remote and isolated area of Nepal, which makes the experience even more authentic.
The trek is challenging, but it’s a possibility for first-time hikers with proper physical preparation and acclimatization. The high altitudes can cause altitude sickness, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the journey. The trek also includes crossing the Larkya Pass, which is a thrilling experience that will reward you with mesmerizing views.
Trekking Time
While the Manaslu Circuit Trek is growing in popularity, it remains less crowded than popular treks like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. This is thanks to the fact that the trail features teahouses (guest houses) where trekkers can rest, sleep in a warm bed, and enjoy great meals in the local villages.
On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekkers can expect to see a wide variety of landscapes and wildlife. The region is a biodiversity hotspot with an abundance of plants and animals, including oak and blue pine forests, ground-hugging rhododendrons, and alpine meadows filled with edelweiss and gentians.
The Manaslu Circuit trek can be challenging for first-time hikers because of the high altitude. It is important to acclimate slowly and take it easy at the higher elevations to avoid altitude sickness. Additionally, the trail can be quite rocky and steep in some areas. Nevertheless, the Manaslu Circuit trek is a fantastic option for hikers looking to experience the beauty of Nepal’s mountains without the crowds.
Hiring a Guide
Trekking the Manaslu Circuit alone is not recommended as it can pose many risks. For this reason, the government of Nepal has made it compulsory to hire a guide while trekking through the region.
A guide knows the trails well and can help you save a lot of time by navigating efficiently. They also know how to handle unforeseen situations that can arise on the trail. They can also provide moral support and encouragement to you when needed.
Hiring a guide is essential to make your trekking experience safe and memorable. Moreover, they can assist you in designing an itinerary that includes all the views and places that you want to visit. They can also ensure that there are sufficient acclimatization days in your itinerary.
They can also help you understand the cultural history of the region. This is important because the lower Manaslu area follows Hinduism, while the upper Manaslu area is influenced by Tibetan-Buddhism.
Safety
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten trail that provides big alpine thrills and a unique cultural experience. It takes you through the ethnic hallmarks of Nepal’s far-off villages and offers a spectacular view of the world’s eighth highest mountain peak, Mt. Manaslu.
This trekking route also passes through a number of Tibetan settlements and monasteries, which gives you the chance to witness the rich culture of this area. The trail will also take you through a high-mountain pass called Larkya La, where you can enjoy stunning views of some of the world’s tallest peaks.
Due to its high elevation, the Manaslu Circuit trek can lead to altitude sickness in some trekkers. To prevent this, you should make sure to stay hydrated and eat enough food during the trek. Also, you should use sunscreen and wear a hat and gloves to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Moreover, you should be well-acclimatized before beginning the trek.
