Manaslu Trekking: A Journey Through “The Restricted Area” of Nepal
Manaslu Trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that takes you through “the restricted area” of Nepal. This area was opened to trekkers in 1991 and has since then attracted adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Here is everything you need to know about this thrilling trek:
The History of Manaslu Trekking
The history of Manaslu Trekking can be traced back to 1950 when Jimmy Roberts was looking for a suitable mountain to climb. She crossed the Larkya La pass through Thinje and Bintang and reached there. The first successful attempt to climb Manaslu was a Japanese expedition in 1956. Since then, the mountain has become known as the “Japanese Mountain” due to the fact that almost all the information available about it was in Japanese.
The Difficulty of Manaslu Trekking
This Trekking is one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. The Buri Gandaki Valley, which you need to cross during the trek, does not allow you to simply walk through the valley. You have to climb and step back, and then climb again and step back because there is no other option.
The trek leads through several climatic zones, including hot and humid regions along the Buhri Gandaki and the Marsyangdi Khola in the Annapurna region. The ground in this region can be muddy and slippery, and you will need to navigate through small villages and jagged ravines with very steep cliffs.
The trek also leads across grassy slopes, scree and snow, and ice near the Larkya La (5135m). The slopes in this trek are occasionally quite steep, and the Larkya La can drop a lot of snow in the vicinity. The daily period of hiking will vary from 2 to 10 hours, and you will need to ascend and/or descend approximately 300m to 1000m per day.
How to Reach There?
To begin your Manaslu Trekking adventure, you will start your trip from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. From there, you will follow the route to the Buri Gandaki. As you continue moving to the north, you will climb higher and the landscape will become much wilder. Waterfalls and numerous suspension bridges will appear over the Buri Gandaki. The heat will decrease, and Tibetan Buddhism will change its appearance and houses. Eventually, you will leave the inhabited world behind you and pull yourself up to the glacier area of the Larkya La (5120m).
Why Choose Manaslu Trekking?
Despite the difficulties and challenges, Manaslu Trekking is an incredibly rewarding experience. The trek takes you through remote villages and stunning landscapes that are not often seen by tourists. You will get to witness the unique culture and traditions of the locals, who have lived in this region for centuries. Along the way, you will also be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu itself.
The Best Time to Trek Manaslu
The best time to trek Manaslu is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is clear and dry, and the temperature is mild. However, during the winter months, the region experiences heavy snowfall, and during the monsoon season, the trails can be slippery and dangerous.
Conclusion
Manaslu Trekking is an adventurous and challenging journey that takes you through diverse landscapes and climatic zones. The trek is more difficult than other treks in Nepal and requires a good level of fitness. However, the breathtaking views of the Manaslu range and the unique cultural experience make the trek worth the effort.
Trekking Region: Manaslu, Annapurna
Culture: The majority of the population is Gurung
Trek starts from Gorkha
Trek ends: Bensi Sahar
Total duration: 15 days Difficulty: ** (*)
Highest point: Larkya La ( 5120m )
Best season: October – November, and March – April
Himalayas highlights: Manaslu, Annapurna range
Note: (B) breakfast + (L) lunch + (D) dinner
Map of Route