Manaslu region of Nepal is an abode of the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). It is one of the most spiritual place of Nepal. The word “Manas” is the origin of the mountain Manaslu and the meaning of this word is spirit. The place is blessed spiritually and trekking in this region is serene and aesthetic. Trekkers can cleanse their minds and soul after trekking in the trekking routes of the region. In this Manaslu Circuit Trek Blog, you will find all the information required for the hassle free trekking in the Manaslu region of Nepal.
The blogger is from the Manaslu region of Nepal. Therefore, I have tried to accommodate all the authentic information about the Manaslu Trek. Find all the details of trekking in the region and plan out the perfect restricted area trekking in Nepal.
Why Manaslu Trek is restricted trekking region of Nepal?
Nepal has identified few places as a restricted trekking region. The major reason behind putting any places under restricted regions is to protect the natural heritages and cultural heritages of these places. Mainly the places in the northern region of Nepal are kept under this protocol. The main reasons are political ties with China and cultural – natural attractions of the place.
Manaslu region of Nepal is a restricted trekking region of Nepal alongside Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo, Nar Phu Valley, etc. The major reasons behind its inclusion are its unique culture, specific landscape, and the region is border with Tibet an autonomous land of China. Lots of people fled from Tibet to northern areas of Nepal after a war in Tibet. These people are given shelter in these places of Nepal. Therefore, they have their unique dialect and way of living. Most of these people are from Tibetan origin and speak their own language. The majority of people are either Bon Po followers or Tibetan Buddhist followers. Their culture needs to be preserved and the nature of the place should be preserved from being tarnished. Therefore, Nepal Government has placed the Manaslu Region as the restricted trekking region of Nepal.
Requirements for trekking in the Manaslu Region
Like all the restricted trekking regions of Nepal, the requirements for trekking in Manaslu region are similar. Manaslu region of Nepal is gorgeous and diverse. In order to do trekking in this region you will have to follow lots of protocols. You are not allowed to do solo trekking in the region. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited. At least two trekkers are needed to get permission for the trekking in the Manaslu region of Nepal.
You must be accompanied by Nepal Government licensed trekking guide. Apart from this mandatory policy, you need to get four permits for the trekking. They are the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit, and the special Immigration permit. It may be hectic for you to manage. Therefore, your trekking agency will handle all the hassles for you. All you need to do is to enjoy the majestic trekking to this gorgeous restricted trekking region.
Trekking Routes of Manaslu Region
There are two major trekking routes in the Manaslu region of Nepal. They are the Manaslu Circuit Trek route and Tsum Valley Trek route. Some trekkers prefer to do both these trek in one single trekking trip as the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek. However, there are many side trekking routes available in the region. The place has the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu as well as numerous other mountains like Ganesh Himal. The place is also the home of multi – ethnic people. Brahmins, Chhetris, Untouchables (Dalits), Magar, Gurung, and Tibetans live in the region. Therefore, the place has numerous places where trekkers can trek to besides doing Manaslu Circuit Trek or Tsum Valley Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is the best detour to trek. The trekking route starts from Soti Khola or Machha Khola on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. It traverses through many suspension bridges and places like Jagat, Samagaon, and Dharmasala before crossing the Larke La Pass. The Pass is in between the Manaslu region and the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is the highest commercial trekking pass of Nepal. The route is considered as the best trekking trip to do in Nepal to experience the authentic rural Nepal and Himalayan wilderness.
Tsum Valley Trek Overview
The Tsum Valley Trek in Nepal is the short trekking route of the Manaslu region in comparison to the Manaslu Trek. However, it is the most interesting and spiritual trekking route of the region. You will be able to witness lots of monasteries built centuries before. There are numerous nunneries and monasteries that have histories unlike others. Tsum Valley of the Manaslu region is considered as the holiest place by the Bon Po and Buddhist followers. It is believed that the caves of the Tsum Valley were used by the Padmasambha and 8th Eons Guru Rinpoche for meditation to get enlightenment. People took shelter in the valleys of Tsum to avoid famine and war. Therefore, the place is sacred and has countless significance.
Side Treks in Manaslu Region
Besides Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek, trekkers can do lots of other side treks in the region. The place is the epicenter of 2015 earthquake. The place is Barpak and it is within the Manaslu Region of Nepal. Therefore, you can choose to do the Barpak Trekking. The place is divided between Dhading and Gorkha district of Nepal. Various trekking options to do in this region are Lower Manaslu Trek, Ganga Jamuna Trek, Gorkha Historical Trek, and some Home Stay trekking trips.
You can choose to connect with the trekking destinations of the Ganesh Himal Region as well. The region is relatively new trekking destination identified Nepal Government. Explore the grassy meadows, green lush forests, mountain base camps, multi-ethnic villages, terraced farmlands, gigantic waterfalls, and lakes. There are plenty of trekking routes where you can trek. All you have to do is find the best trekking agency that has travel planners who can knit the customized side trekking trips for you.
How Difficult is Manaslu Trek?
The highest altitude on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is 5106 m from sea level. There are numerous uphill and downhill on the trekking trails of Manaslu Trek. The landscape is rugged and rough. Therefore, trekking on these trails is not ordinary. It requires immense physical fitness and endurance. It is a moderately difficult trekking destination of Nepal. You will have to maintain the best physical fitness level. The best way to successfully complete any trekking routes of the Manaslu region is to prepare yourself at least a month before the trekking.
Do exercises that focus on cardio – vascular issues. These exercises are walking, cycling, swimming, and running regularly for about a month. If you do these exercises diligently you will be able to complete the trek easily. In this Manaslu Circuit Trek blog, I have tried to accommodate all the things that you need to do in order to successfully navigate the trekking routes of Manaslu region. Therefore, it is ideal advice that you must prepare your body suitable for high altitude trekking.
High Altitude and Need for Travel Insurance
If you are planning to do trekking in Nepal you must get the trekking or travel insurance. The insurance plan must include emergency helicopter rescue, medical expenses and other trekking related hazards. You can’t underestimate the high altitude places. Therefore, getting a security helps to stabilize the mentality. Remember that the right mind set can help you successfully complete any kinds of hardships. In fact, strong will power can help people overcome the strangest and most arduous things easily.
Best Time to do Manaslu Region Treks
The best time to do Manaslu Trek is the months of autumn and spring season. These seasons include the months of March, April, May, August, September, and November. During these months the sky is clear and the temperature is cool. You can experience to the fullest about all the attractions of the region including natural and cultural attractions. Choose to do trekking in Manaslu region of Nepal on the autumn and spring seasons.
Food and Accommodation in Manaslu Trekking Trail
The food and accommodation in Manaslu Trekking trail is top notch. The food offered in the tea houses or lodges of the trekking route has diverse menu items. The menu items include cuisines of continental, oriental, Indian, and local Nepalese dishes. Therefore, you can order the food of your choices. Please be reminded that as you trek higher the condition of lodging worsens. You may need to share the room with fellow trekkers. In some cases, you will have to spend overnight in the dining hall. In the Tsum Valley Trek route, you can choose to stay in the rest houses operated by the monasteries. Overall, the condition of food and accommodation in the Manaslu Trekking Trail are in good shape.
Manaslu Trek Cost
The Manaslu Trek cost ranges from 850 $ to 1150 $. Do not overpay for the trip. You must be smart enough to choose a reliable trekking agency to operate this restricted trekking trip for you.
I hope that the Manaslu Circuit Trek Blog has helped you to plan the momentous trekking of trekking routes of the Manaslu region of Nepal. If you would like to know more about besides the things mentioned in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Blog, contact the travel planners of Nepal High Trek. We assure you that you will get impeccable hospitality and hassle free services.
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