Manaslu Region Trekking

Manaslu trekking is the trekking along the Manaslu and Annapurna massif. Manaslu is also called ‘The Spirit Mountain’- the word was derived from the Sanskrit word “Manasa” meaning soul or intellect. Manaslu lies at the western part of Nepal and is the 8th highest peak in the world.  The majority of the Manaslu trekking route falls under the Manaslu Conservation Area (1663 square kilometers). Manaslu Conservation Area is protected under Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) with a goal to obtain sustainable development with the help of tourism on 1998. Manaslu Conservation Area is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, unexplored landscape, birds and wildlife species like snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan thar etc. Manaslu trekking route was officially opened in 1991 but was not popular due to the poor infrastructures and lack of publicity. This beautiful trekking route is now gaining its fame due to its virgin territories and beauty. Manaslu trekking route lies under the restricted region and limited trekkers are provided with the special government permit (only about 1000 trekkers per annum; Annapurna region alone gets above 70000 visitors annually).

Manaslu trekking route, which is located 40 miles east of the popular Annapurna region is also referred as the alternative to the Annapurna region trekking due to the wide range of variety of ethnic culture and landscapes. The trek to Manaslu starts from Arughat which is located at the historic town of Gorkha. The expedition continues through the bank of Budi Gandaki River via mid hills to the high hills. The unflawed landscapes, rivers, lakes and gumbas along the trek allow the opportunity to explore the pristine territory of Nepal. Along the trek one passes through beautiful location like Maccha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Ghap, Lho and reach to Samagaon. Samagaon is the biggest village of the trekking route with the predominance of Tibetan culture and monasteries to explore. There is wide range of cultural variety of people on ascending towards the highland. Gurung, Magar, Bhatia and Tibetan inhabitants with different culture are observed during this all round trekking.

The trekking leads us all the way up to the Larke La Pass (5213m) which is the prime location of the trek. After Larke La Pass we descend down hills through the beautiful forest with pine trees, waterfall and scenic view of the mountain ranges. Many beautiful Himalayas like Himlung Himal (7126m), Ganesh Himal II (7118m), Nagdi Chuli [popularly known as Peak 29], Himal Chuli (7893m), Mount Manaslu (8163m) and many more are observed during the expedition. This trek takes us closer to the Nepal-Tibet border which is also a major reason for the restriction of the area. It is a compulsion to have a special government permit and a license holder guide in order to operate the trekking. The trekking ends at Besisahar, which is also the starting point of the famous Annapurna Region Trekking.