There are so many things special about this mountain called Manaslu. Its height is 8163 m, which makes it the 8th tallest mountain in the world. It is one of the most preferred mountains for expedition, and especially the Japanese tend to love it, as it was first ascended by a Japanese called Toshio Imanishi. Also, and most importantly, the peak is considered to have a spiritual side to it. The name ‘Manaslu’ is said to have been based on the Sanskrit word ‘Manasa’ which means soul or spirit. Probably, this is the reason why many address the peak as the Mountain of Soul, or the Mountain of Spirit.
The best place to explore Manaslu is Manaslu Base Camp, and probably, the most practical and scenic way to reach Manaslu Base Camp is by walking on the Manaslu Base Camp trek. So, if you’re looking for a trekking adventure, be a part of the journey to the base of the mountain of soul, go for the Manaslu Base Camp trek.
MANASLU BASE CAMP TREK
Manaslu Base Camp trek takes you to one of the most ideal viewpoints in the entire region, the Manaslu Base Camp. From here, you can have the most amazing views of peaks such as Manaslu, Ngadichuli, Himchuli, Shringi, Ganesh, and so on. Manaslu Base Camp trek also makes you visit the most serene villages in the region; few of them are Jagat, Ekle Bhatti, Deng, Samagaon, MachhaKhola and so on.
Manaslu Base Camp Trek duration depends on whether you want to cover the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek route, after having trekked on the Manaslu Base Camp trek, or not. If the former is the case, then the trek would be 14 days long; if the latter is the case, the trek would be 10 days long. Manaslu Base Camp trek shares almost 90 percent of its route with Manaslu Circuit trek. On the 5th day of your trek, you go from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp. This is where the trekking route to Manaslu Base Camp deviates from that of Manaslu Circuit trek.
One of the noteworthy attractions of the trek are the people living in the region. The region is mostly dominated by people belonging to Sherpa, Gurung, Tamang and Tibetan communities. While the former three are the indigenous groups of Nepal, the latter are the immigrants from Tibet. Having lived in Nepal for decades, you can’t tell them apart from any of the locals here. Exploring the cultures of these different groups is one of the best things that you can engage yourself in during this trek.
MAJOR TREKS IN THE MANASLU REGION
Manaslu Region is filled with exciting trekking routes and holiday options that is sure to engage people with all kinds of interests. Manaslu Region offers the trekkers the best of trekking in Nepal, as the routes in the region, and the attractions in them, are the perfect amalgamation of natural and human elements. So, you’ll not just get the best of nature, but also that of religion, cultures and traditions.
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK
Manaslu Circuit Trek, also known as Manaslu Trek, is the most popular trek in the region. Manaslu Circuit trek joins the Manaslu Region with Annapurna region, and so, many places that you’ll come across on the Manaslu Circuit trek, you’ll also visit them on the Annapurna Circuit trek. The villages that you’ll pass through during Manaslu Circuit trek are Tal, Dharamsala, Samdo, Namrung, MachhaKhola, and so on. Apart from the peaks in the Manaslu Region, on the Manaslu Circuit trek, you’ll also get to enjoy the views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and so on.
One of the most significant attractions on the trek is Larkya la Pass, which is a high altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 5160 m. The pass is also considered to be the longest one in the entire Himalayan region. Crossing it is quite a bit of a challenge, as the road is rough, and the weather is cold.
TSUM VALLEY TREK
Tsum Valley Trek is one of those journeys that has great religious importance. The route is an extension of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. On the trek, you’ll come across villages such as Chhumling, Nile, Burgi, Philim, KhorlaBesi, and so on. One of the most significant attractions of the trek is Mu Gompa, which is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
The entire Tsum Valley is full of Buddhist religious artifacts and heritages like chortens, mani walls, stupas, prayer wheels, relics covered in prayer flags, and so on. The valley seems to have deep connection with quite a few Buddhist saints, and mainly Milarepa, who is said to have meditated in the caves around the valley in the late 15th century. This shows the kind of influence that Buddhism has over the region. During your trek here, you could explore deeper into all this, making your journey spiritual.
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK MAP
Manaslu Circuit trek is full of side treks and extension possibilities. There are so many attractions on and off the routes that it’s almost impossible for a trekker to cover everything in one go. On the trek, you’ll have to decide which ones you’d want to go for, and which ones would want to skip. And in this process, nothing is going to be more helpful to you than Manaslu Circuit trek map.
Owning a Manaslu Circuit trek map is having the power in your own hands. A map will help you understand the region better than any verbal instructions would. With a map, you’ll be able to find out, in which sections of the route the attractions are located, and on which sections the challenges are situated. So, you’re better prepared to face both of them.
Manaslu Circuit trek map makes you more independent, and with its help, you’re able to customize your itinerary in your own way, as per your interests. So get your hands on the trek map way ahead of going for the trip. But make sure that you get an accurate one, printed by a trusted company. This way, you’ll have correct information in your hands, whether it’s names or numbers.
MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK AFTER EARTHQUAKE
Manaslu Circuit Trek was quite devastated as a result of the earthquake that occurred in 2015. The villages either got leveled or got buried under the debris from the hills. Major portions of the route got erased completely, and whatever was left got layered with rocks and mud, making the terrain quite rough for a trek. Manaslu Circuit trek route probably took the longest to be brought back on the track. Though the development projects, with the objective of reestablishing the villages and clearing out the paths, started in the same year, the process continued for the upcoming 3 years. Finally, in the year 2018, Manaslu Circuit trek opened for the trekkers with its full potential.
Actually, the route was available for trekking from 2016 itself, quite like the other trekking routes. However, basic facilities like accommodation and food were not available, as the villages and settlement areas, which served as rest stops for the trekkers, weren’t established completely. Also, as the routes were not cleared completely, trekkers were compelled to walk on the alternative routes. These were rougher than the regular ones, and so it was quite painful to trek on them. Despite all these attributes, many trekkers went to Manaslu region for the trek, and they trekked on the Manaslu Circuit trek route. Luckily, no trekking accidents or casualties on the route were ever reported.
At the moment, Manaslu Circuit trek after earthquake is completely open, with all the villages and routes reestablished, and working in its best capacity. It’s completely safe to trek on the Manaslu Circuit trek route, which is evident by the fact that thousands of trekkers walk on this route every year, and they tend to complete the journey all safe and secured. So, if you have the slightest of doubt regarding your personal safety on the Manaslu Circuit trek, well, clear them out, and be rest assured as you’re going to have the best possible time during your trek in the Manaslu region.
On your journey to the base of the mountain of soul, you will not just feel ecstatic and excited, you’ll feel a sense of calmness as if you’re in peace with your soul. Get the best out of this trek by letting yourself loose; be one with nature, be one with the people. You are sure to have the best time of your life at the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, or in the Manaslu region altogether.
You may also check out other articles like:
1.Manaslu Circuit Trek – Untouched and Unraveled Beauty Of Nepal
2. Tracking The New Trail of Manaslu Circuit Trek After Earthquake
3. Experience Manaslu Climb Along With Sherpas | Great Nepal Treks
4. Six Different Routes to Climb Manaslu Mountain | Great Nepal Treks
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