The Himalayas in Nepal are vast, gigantic and widespread. They also showcase an immensely beautiful sight that pleases the eyes, both inward and outward. The Himalayas offer a number of different kinds of treks, Manaslu trek being one of the most isolated ones. Manaslu circuit trek is comparatively new and young among the regular treks in the Himalayas as it has only recently, about sixteen years ago, been opened for the world. The joy of exploring the uninhibited and less traveled attracts some courageous and determined hearts to follow the trail of Manaslu.
Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world. Contrary to the belief that highest mountain ought to be the toughest in its ascent, the reality is somewhat different when we talk about the Himalayas. The Everest is considered to be quite easy and smooth when compared to other rugged and isolated mountains. Manaslu circuit trek is not at all easy and demands your full consciousness, mental and physical. As Manaslu has been inhabited by climbers for ages, it is quite untouched and authentic. The lovers of genuine culture, raw climbing and isolation find true heaven here. If you’re gregarious and need to see bunches of people buzzing around you, this trek is not at all for you.
The Brobdingnagian tranquility and peace that oozes out of the pleasant sights that you can behold during this trek are jaw-dropping, and so is the cold. Manaslu circuit trek is well aggrandized with the patches of rhododendron forests which house an amazing array of bird species. The Larka pass is a memorable part of the trek and is a conquering moment to enjoy in this ascent. As you head towards Manaslu, you get to witness impeccable prospects and beautiful tantrums of the Gyagi Kung, the Cheo peak, the Kang Koru, the Annapurnas, the Shringi Himal and the Himlung. The curtain-like vistas which surround you from all sides are pure and unadulterated glimpses of purity and sacredness. These are the places where hundreds of ancient yogis and true Shangri La monks have been enlightened. The Himalayas are magical and magnificent, and once you’re here, you’ll know it better.
There comes a point when the Annapurna trail meets the Manaslu circuit trek for a while and you get to meet some other climbers and know about their wonderful experience in the Annapurnas. If you’re fortunate enough, you’d catch vivid glances and glimpses of the snow leopard, the pride of the Himalayas.
The Manaslu circuit trek begins at Kathmandu where you can go for a cultural hike and meet historical aspects within. Witness the uncovering narrow lanes of Kathmandu and have your first flavors of local Nepali food. Take the blessings of God from here and sleep well for a demanding trek that is coming through.
From Kathmandu, we drive to Arughat and then Soti Khola (815m). We take the Kathmandu- Pokhara highway which gives us some of the most panoramic views and moments of Nepal. Watch the rural areas and lush village patches in slow motion as you enjoy the hill ride. The southern slopes of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Annapurnas can be seen from here. Soti Khola is the beginning site for our trek.
The next morning, we begin our trek and reach the Machha Khola (800 m). This is definitely going to be the most splendid trek of your life. You’ll walk along the edges of mountains above flowing water in narrow vistas constructed by man. Paddy fields, Budhi Gandaki river, a cliff-like ridge will be the part of this part of your trek. There are fluttering suspension bridges along the wavy and subsequent quiet waters.
The next stops are Jagat (1,370 m), Philim (1,570 m), Deng (1,865 m), Ghap (2,165 m), Lho (3,180 m) and Sama Gaon (3,525 m). After the Machha Khola, the trek takes a hairlike route until you reach Khorla Besi. There is yet another ridge and a suspension bridge over the
Budhi Gandaki, and then there is a staircase leading you to Dobhan. Another suspension bridge will take you to Yaru Khola, and then you’ll climb some stone staircases which will lead you to Tharo Bharyang. You can see some bubbly langurs here. After Jagat, you pass through Salieri and Sirdibas. And then there is Ekle Bhatti.
The village of Prok is a site for some spectacular images of the Himalayas. After it, you get to pass through dense forests and a gorgeous gorge. The subsequent villages before Sama Gaon are Sho, Lho and Shyala.
It is quite significant to rest for a while so that you can get acclimatized to the mountains and don’t fall sick in your trek ahead. We rest for a day at Sama Gaon for acclimatization.
After proper rest and acclimatization, we now move to Samdo (3,850 m) and then to Dharamshala at 4,460 m. The trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo J’s quite easy but requires a steep climb and walking across a wooden bridge. You get a rest day at Samdo which is important for proper acclimatization. You can also choose to go on a hike if you’re on your high spirits or stay back and enjoy the moment of beauty. The trek to Gya La is quite strenuous and if you’re longing for more adventure, you can use the day for conquering that feat. After Samdo comes a Tibetan Bazar called the Larke Bazar. The next stop is Larke Phadi or the Dharamshala as it is alternatively called. The next and highest stop is Larkya La at 5,135 m. The trek to Larkya pass is tough and rugged, but serene glacier lakes, pristine views, and dazzling valleys peek through at every step. You can catch some salient views of the Himlung Himal and the Cheo Himal.
Now we begin our downward climb and reach Bintang (3,590 m).
From Bintang, we move to Dharapani (1,860 m), Syange (1,080 m) and finally back to Kathmandu.
Manaslu circuit trek is not for the light-hearted, work on yourself in Advance if you decide to trek, and you’ll be well rewarded by the giant mountains of Gods.