If there's one good option other than Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or Annapurna Circuit Trek, ticks all the list required for the best trek, it got to be Manaslu Trek. Manaslu Trek is a less-popular trek in Nepal that takes you through off-the-beaten-path. Also called Manaslu Circuit Trek, this trek is one of the closest trekking trails from Kathmandu.
Walk around the picturesque Budi Gandaki and Nubri Valleys. Trek under the shadow of Manaslu. Explore Buddhist Monasteries. Gain insight into Bon religion, an ancient Tibetan religion. Embrace stunning views of the towering peaks like Manaslu, Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal, and surrounding peaks. And there's more. Among many reasons, we have prepared the 10 best reasons to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
1. Less-Explored Trail
First, on the list we have less-explored trail. Unlike the popular EBC and ABC trek, the Manaslu trek passes through the less-explored trail. The Manaslu Circuit area is restricted, meaning the visitors need special permits to enter the area. In comparison to the EBC trek, very few trekkers actually embark on an adventure to the trail of Manaslu Circuit.
For anyone who wants to walk through less-trodden paths, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an ideal choice. Even in the peak season, the trail sees very few trekkers compared to that of Everest Base Camp. Not everyone wants to trek to the popular trail and for them, the Manaslu trek is the perfect trek. The Barpak village destroyed by the 2015 earthquake-now welcoming tourists with a new look- is one of the major attractions for the trek. Very few travelers have been to this village. Arguably, it is one of the underrated travel destinations in Nepal.
2. Breath-taking views of the mountains
Most treks in Nepal bestow stunning views of the towering peaks that you'll cherish for the rest of your life. Among all the treks, Manaslu Trek, takes you to the foothill of Manaslu and rewards awe-inspiring views of the mountains and dramatic landscapes. Doing the Manaslu trek means you will be trekking under the shadow of the world's eighth-highest peak, Manaslu.
Trek for a couple of hours through off-the-beaten and isolated trail brimming with natural scenery and towering peaks. For those who love mountain views, Manaslu Trek is a perfect treat. Every day get blessed by the stunning view of mountains like Mount Manaslu, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and neighboring peaks.
3. Challenging Pass
One of the shining highlights of Manaslu Trek is the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. Larkya La Pass is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal. While doing this trek, Larkya La Pass is the highest point located in between Dharmashala and Bimthang.
Larkya La Pass can be a challenging point for many trekkers. Therefore, it is recommended to acclimatize properly before ascending to this point. The pass connects Budi Gandaki Valley with Marshyangdi Valley. To cross the pass, you will need to walk carefully past the treacherous moraines of the glacier.
4. High Altitude Freshwater Lake
High altitude freshwater lake is yet another reason why many trekkers circumnavigate mt. Manaslu. En route, you will witness the beauty of Birendra Lake, a freshwater lake located in Manaslu Glacier in northern-central Nepal. This turquoise lake fed by the waters of the Manaslu glacier is an amazing sight to behold.
5. Remote Lifestyle
When you enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, you will find the area dotted with remote villages and people living a remote lifestyle. These villages are simple but reflect the unique lifestyle and tradition of the local people who are isolated from the modern world. The people living in the Manaslu region are ever-welcoming.
The trek is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and daily lifestyle of different ethnic communities. You will see and experience something you will never find anywhere else in the world. Rest assured, you will experience something magical and something beautiful because the people of this region welcome everyone with great hospitality.
6. Unique Cultural Experiences
No doubt, the unique culture existing in the Manaslu region is something to look for while doing the Manaslu Circuit trek. The trekking trail of this trek features numerous prayer wheels, chortens, mani walls, and monasteries. In the lower region, people follow the prevalent Hindu tradition. But as you ascend higher, you will find a lifestyle influenced by Tibetan culture. You will also encounter Bon culture existing among the local people there.
7. Affordable Price
The price of treks in Nepal depends on many things. This is obvious that the prices for the same trek are different and offered by different travel agencies. Basically, the price of any trek depends on factors like the number of days, group size, permit cost, food and accommodation, and transportation cost. Compared to the price of the EBC trek and ABC trek, the cost of the Manaslu trek is slightly cheaper
8. Manaslu Conservation Area
Established in 1998, Manaslu Conservation Area is a protected area comprising mountains, glaciers, and abundant watercourses. In elevation, this conservation area ranges from 1,400 to 8,156 m. Manaslu Conservation area is home to 33 species of mammals, including snow leopards and musk deer. Similarly, over 110 species of birds and over 1500–2000 species of flowering plants are found in this area.
9. Side Trips
Manaslu Circuit trek offers many areas to explore. There are many side trips trekkers can do while doing this trek. Birendra Lake, Phungen Gomba, and Tsum Valley are some of the popular side trips one can embark on. You can also explore Manaslu Base Camp and Kal Tal. It takes 4-5 hours to reach Manaslu Base Camp from Sama Goan and about 3-4 hours to reach the Kal Tal from the village of Prok. While Birendra Lake and Phungen Gomba are a couple of hours away, it takes 2, 3 days to do the Tsum Valley side trip.
10. Safe Adventure
Trekking in Nepal can be arduous and unsafe at some points. The trails are often challenging as you ascend higher. As for the Manaslu Trek, you will be crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass and trekking through off-the-beaten-path. You need to be physically fit for the Manaslu trek. Even though the trek is a moderate trek, it is definitely a safe trek, even for solo trekkers and novice trekkers. The routes are much safer and well-maintained than they used to be. The rise in the influx of tourists in recent years has increased the number of teahouses along the route. And the trail is restored after the devastating earthquake.
