Trekking in Manaslu
Trekking Manaslu one of the few hidden areas in Nepal Himalaya that still remains as restricted country, due to its closeness with Tibetan / China border it was closed for many years.
It was only opened since last past two decades, where one can visit on obtaining special permits to enter into this beautiful terrain where one can enjoy marvelous scenery within beautiful and high Manaslu valley enclosed by tiers of towering snow-capped peaks.
Mt. Manaslu stands as world 8th highest peaks at 8,163 m and 26,781 ft high first ascent by Japanese Expedition in May 9th 1956 led by T. Imamishi, K. Kato and teams of mountaineers with Nepalese climber Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa.
Over the years the mountain been climbed quite frequently and gaining much popular among mountaineers and trekkers, as walk takes you to varied landscapes and climate that makes trekking Manaslu more interesting and enjoyable.
One of the few treks around Himalaya where you can follow rivers upstream right up to its glacial source, where high Manaslu offers you exciting walks reaching near the glaciers that feeds the raging Buri-Gandaki River.
Most amazing about trekking Manaslu is that one can witness various cultures and landscapes of great bio-diversity where walks begins from low warm paddy fields and farm areas then head into cooler hills with alpine mild temperatures then reaching the arctic cold zone of ice and glaciers at Larke-La Phedi (bottom).
Great journey starting from Kathmandu with exciting overland ride to reach Nepal Mid-West Himalaya around the district of Gorkha and then entering from sub-tropical to cooler hills within lovely forest of rhododendron, oaks, pines and fir tree lines.
As walk progress reaching higher up where people and villagers changes heading into villages of strong Buddhism religion and impressive culture, where trekkers can explore its lovely villages festooned with prayer symbols and visiting monasteries of great interest.
Adventure takes you into nice and villages of Namrung, Lo and Sama-Gaon with Samdu the last villages around Manaslu valley where the locals are farmers tending fields growing crops of buck-wheat, corns and wheat in this harsh terrain as well engaged in trade across the border with Tibet.
Manaslu high valley villages falls on the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route of Nepal to Tibet where trade among locals still exist but in smaller ways than it was in good old days when Tibet was free.
From the last village of Manaslu valley walk takes you right at the bottom of high Larke-La Pass which at the height of 5,106 m and 16,752 feet high offers sweeping and stunning panorama of whole Manaslu range of peaks with Larke peak.
Views includes of Annapurna mountain range with some peaks of Manang areas with Himlung from the top of the pass a long descend takes right on the foot reaching into another district of Manang at a place called Bhimthang and back into beautiful green woodland of firs and pine tree lines.
From Bhimthang on easy gradual trail to reach on the road-head near the village of Dharapani where motor tracks been constructed since last decade making it possible to shorten the treks of Manaslu circuit.
Dharapani village where trail of popular Annapurna and Manaslu Circuit meets, from here either walk further down to warmer areas of Lamjung district to catch bus to Kathmandu or end the journey at Dharapani taking a long drive back to Kathmandu or one can head to Pokhara, after a great marvelous time on trekking Manaslu.
Season for Trekking Manaslu:
Best months of the year for this wonderful adventure from April to May and September to early November, spring time more interesting when wild flowers are in season making the hills alive with rhododendron other flowers in full bloom. Spring time with much day light however cold in the morning and night time expect snow sometimes around higher altitude as well on Larke-La Pass.
September to early week of November another best months when days are clear for views and walks but much colder morning and night time with chances of snow on higher altitude as well on Larke-La Pass.
