Manaslu region offers you a range of trekking options. Mt.Manaslu Circuit Trek-14 days, Manaslu via Rupina La, Manaslu Circuit Trekking-17 days, and Tsum Valley Trekking is some of the popular trekking routes of this region. Manaslu Circuit Trek present you with the views of the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas, and you will get the opportunity to have a close interaction with the different ethnic groups who live in hill villages scattered along the trek route. The trek starts in Arughat Bazaar and ends two to three weeks later in Besisahar (the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek). In the past, the trek required camping, but the construction of tea-houses has enabled the trek to be completed using local accommodation unless you go off the beaten track.
-1.jpg)
Manaslu 8,163 meters (26,781 ft) above sea level is the eighth highest mountain in the world, which is located in the Mansiri Himal in the west-central part of Nepal. The region is home to many endangered animals including snow leopards, Red panda, Asian black bear, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, lynx, grey wolf, dhole, Himalayan tahr, etc.
The entire Manaslu region is dominated by people from Nubri and Tsum communities. While Nubri has been frequently visited after Nepal opened itself for the tourism in 1950, Tsum still retains much of its traditional culture, art, and tradition. Closer to Tibet, the Bhutias akin to the Sherpa group, of Tibetan ethnicity dominate the scene as can be discerned from their flat-roofed houses, and they are distinctly Buddhists. The region is dotted with austere monasteries, Mani walls, and other Buddhist religious landmarks.
Suitable time for trekking in the Manaslu region
-1.jpg)
The best time to trek in the Manaslu region is from March to May and October to mid-December. October is the busiest month of the year. The trekking is not possible from June to September due to monsoon. Further, the trek is inhibited from mid-December to late February due to harsh cold winter and lodge generally remains closed.
The lifestyle of people residing in the Manaslu region
People residing in the Manaslu region follows mixed culture especially the Tibetan. They have their own tradition, culture, and art. The local wear traditional clothes and speak their own language. People of here are known for their big heart and great hospitality. Their main occupation is agriculture and animal husbandry such as barley, maize, oats, and nuts. They also make earn from the lodge and small tea houses. You will come across numerous small monasteries, gompas, and chortens throughout the trail that will give an insight into the rich culture of this region.
Permits
Manaslu Region is a restricted area between Jagat and Dharapani. You need to get special permission from the government of Nepal to trek in this region.
Things to know about the Manaslu region
- The name Manaslu means the mountains of spirit.
- The word Manaslu has come from the Sanskrit word 'Mansa', which means soul.
- Manaslu is the highest peak of the Gorkha district of Nepal.
- Manaslu is also famous for the small tea houses. Those small teahouses make the trekking in this region more fun.
- Modernization and commercialization have not touched the purity of the environment yet, so your trek to Manaslu can be time travel experience.
- On an average, more than 2000 tourists accomplish the Manaslu Circuit Trek Every year.
- The mountain has permanent snow cover all year round above 5000m.
- This region has grey wolves, snow leopards, deer, and exotic butterflies.
- The inhabitants follow Tibetan Buddhist non-violent culture, and hunting or killing of wild animals is prohibited throughout the region.
What to take with you on the trek in Manaslu region?
- Guidebook
- A map of Manaslu
- Good sleeping bag
- Down jacket
- Thermal wear
- Woolen socks & gloves
- Windcheater
- Sunglasses/sunscreen
- Head-torch
- Reusable water bottle
- Trekking Pole
- Hand sanitizer/tissues/paper soap/moisturizer
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries/camera/notebook/pen
- Snacks
