8 reasons to choose Manaslu Trek

In the amphitheater of snow peaks, Nupri and Tsum valley of Manaslu nourished the ancient Bon and Buddhist practices until recently. Politically in Nepal the trans-Himalayan regions of Manaslu exhibits simple and peaceful life in harmony with nature and high mountains. Being open for foreigners only in 1992, trekking in Manaslu still requires special permits which is expected to reduce the impact of mass tourism in its fragile political situation, cultural heritage and ecology. Major highlight of the trek is the view of the 8th highest mountain, exploration of hidden trans-Himalayan valley with untouched Tibetan culture and the rewarding adventure of crossing the 5,225 m Larkey La pass to Annapurna. 
Here are top five reasons to choose Manaslu circuit trek. 

1. Beaten path of trans-Himalayan trade route

   Manaslu trek follows the historic trans-Himalayan trading route to Tibet. Traders and pilgrims traversing the treacherous Kali Gandaki valley since the time of Silk Road have established the beaten path. The beaten path was carved on the vertiginous mountain sides and crossed high current streams on wooden plank bridges. Southern planes were market for wool, rock salt, herbs and cattle from Tibet. In exchange they got cereal to Tibet. Manaslu trek still follows the historical beaten trail that follows deep Budi Gandaki valley. However the trail has improved a lot with proper suspension bridges, stone steps and wide paths over time. Unlike concrete and bulldozed modern day trails, beaten trails have great harmony with nature, culture and environment.

2. Diverse culture and landscape

   Manaslu trek starts from the southern foothills of the Himalayas abundant in subtropical flora, agricultural terraces, and picturesque villages. The trail follows the deep gorge wedged between Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges and comes above the treeline on the other side. The narrow valley opens wide and bright in the trans-Himalaya, nourishing a unique variant of Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Within a few days, one can trek from verdant foothills with Hindu cultural influence to arid cold valleys surrounded by high Himalayas. The trail passes along the Yak pastures and sheds affluent with Mani stones, Buddhist Khani entrances with mural arts and prayers wheel and cairns.

   Manaslu Trek

   Customize Manaslu Trek

3. Awe-inspiring Himalayan views

   Manaslu mountain range is almost in the central Himalayas with its trails starting from the foothills of the Ganesh Himal and ending into the Annapurna. Depending upon a trekking route you have chosen, the first few days of the trek offer spectacular views of Gahesh Himal and Himalchuli. The valley on the other side is dominated by Mt Manaslu and other peaks in its range. The trail around Manaslu ultimately descends down to Annapurna offering unparalleled views of the snow peaks. Its closeness to two distinct Himalayan ranges make it one of the premier treks for experiencing Himalayan scenery.

   
   Trekkers at Larke Pass (5,225 m) in the Manaslu Circuit Trek

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. Itallows 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. Excursion of pristine alpine lakes, enigmatic monasteries and base camps

   Customize your itinerary with excursions of pristine alpine lakes, remote monasteries and base camps for more authentic experience during the Manaslu trek. Kal Tal, Birendra Taal and Ponker Lakes are few freshwater lakes worth visiting as a day excursion from the main trail. Similarly Hinang Gompa on the way to Himalchuli base camp,  Pungen Gompa and Serang monastery are some of the ancient and enigmatic monasteries along the way. 
   
   500 years old Serang Monastery (3,100 m) a sidetrip from Bihi village in Manaslu

7. Adjacent to Ruby valley, Tsum valley and Annapurna 

   The Manaslu Circuit trek is in the middle of other popular trekking routes like Ruby valley, Tsum valley and Annapurna. This makes it convenient for trekkers to combine Manaslu trek with other areas. Ruby valley, Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit are part of the 'Great Himalayan Trail'. 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. 

8. Close from the mojar tourist towns

   Bening in the center of the Nepalese Himalaya, the Manaslu circuit trek could be accessed easily from the popular tourist cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. Options of private and public transportation to the trailhead from any of these cities also make this trek both cost-effective and time-efficient, in contrast to many other comparable treks.

Manaslu Circuit Trek