Manaslu
Manaslu is the eight highest summit in the world which is located in the western central of Nepal with the height of 8,156m.Manaslu is renowned as ‘Kutang’ which means “mountain of the spirit,” and comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa, meaning “intellect” or soul. Manaslu is the highest peak in the Gorkha Dsistrict and is about 64 kilometers east of Annapurna. Around Manaslu trek begins by viewing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the beautiful Manaslu region. Manaslu is untouched and newly famous trekking region of Nepal. Manaslu region is one of the best selections for trekkers which provide variety of trekking options. Manaslu trek offers a perfect combination of rich cultural heritage, incomparable Himalayan beauty, and a rich mountain biological diversity. The famous Manaslu trekking route of 177 kilometers (110mile) skirts the Manaslu Mountain over the pass down to Annapurna. Nepal government has declared Manaslu as Manaslu Conservation Area in December 1998 to conserve the natural resources, cultural heritage and wildlife to promote eco-tourism to develop livelihood of the local people. The area covered under the conservation zone is 1663 square Kilometers (642 sq. mi) and is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) of Nepal.
Manaslu Himal which is identified among trekkers, provides views of the snow- covered mountains of the Himalayas and allows close interaction with the different ethnic groups who live in hill villages scattered along the trek route. The mountain is a long riders and all direction, and culminate in a peak that towers steeply above its surroundings landscape, and is dominant feature when viewed from distance. Manaslu is an opportunity to enjoy leisure time trekking away from the noisy modern world. While on trip, trekkers acquire to wonder at the splendid sights of Mt. Manaslu. The highest point is this trek is the ‘Larkya La Pass’ which is widely believed to be one of the most dramatic pass crossing the Himalayas. Manaslu have refined environment and its own natural beauty. Manaslu trek is supplying tea house trek, consequently, the tenting trek is not required until one is going off the song but if trekkers choose to do camping trek then tenting service is also provided as properly. Internet access and charging of phone and other electronic equipment are possible at the tea houses along trail. The trek also brought camera to snap great pictures. Manaslu trek with attractive perspectives of Shringi Himal 7161mtrs, Himalchuli 7893mtrs, Nagdi Chuli (peak 29) 7871mtrs, Mt. Manaslu 8163mtrs, Ganesh Himal ii 7118m, Simnang Himal 6251mtrs, Saula Himal 6235mtrs, Cheo Himal 6812mtrs, Himlung Himal 7126mtrs and different beautiful peaks, particular panorama, lakes, species of birds, variety, plants, mammals, wooded area vegetation, waterfall, historic gumba, wildlife and plant life fauna .Manaslu shows much of its culture and history with its neighboring territory, Tibet. Buddhism is major religion, which can observe Buddhist monasteries, architecture and their tradition. The region was formally opened for visitors from abroad only in 1991, falls in the Restricted Areas and tourists must acquire Trekking permit from the Department of Immigration in addition to the TIMS card for visit to this region.
Manaslu is termed in the Tibetan language as ‘Kutan I’, in which “tang” means the Tibetan word for a flat place. There are important peaks surroundings Manaslu include Ngadi chuli, Himal chuli and Baudha. A glacial saddle known as Larkya Li which lies north of Manaslu. The peak is bounded on the east by the Ganesh Himal and Budi Gandaki River gorge. There are two ethnicities mainly residing in this region which are Nubri and Tsum. Nubri has visited to Nepal after opened for tourism in1950. Tsum still maintains of its traditional culture, art and tradition. Manaslu originate at around 1000m and reach as high as 5200m, a trekker will come across a wide range of flora typical of the mid hills and alpine regions of Nepal. Vegetation which are categorized on the basis of the altitude as Low hill, Middle Mountain and High Mountain with its exclusive type of dominant forests and other associated species. Vegetation found the pine and rhododendron, while wildlife includes the barking deer, Pika and Himalayan marmots. Some of the birds found are the pheasant, raven and cough. The 2015 earthquake had a huge effect in the Manaslu region and destroyed several lodges along the trail. Reconstruction work for lodges and infrastructure is moving forward rapidly and so finding accommodation should not be open a problem as of autumn 2016. March to May and September to November are considered the best times for doing this trek. The low altitude areas are exceptionally pleasing to trek during September to November and the high altitude areas are not too cold to trek, however the morning and evenings can be quite cold.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek now usually begins in Arughat Bazaar and ends two to three weeks later in Besisahar. Generally, trekkers drive by jeep to Arunghat (600m) from Kathmandu, a pleasant market town straddling the Budi Gandaki River which takes five to six hours driving along the countryside and stay overnight at Lodge.
1) Trek from Arunghat to Lapubesi (6-7hrs)
Trekkers trek through Gurung and Magar villages, on the left bank of the Budi Gandaki. It can be hot and humid so trekkers eat wet rice, maize and millet as the main crops and can able to see monkeys in the forests. Trekkers climb on stairs as the valley becomes wilder, prettier and narrower and descend to Soti Khola (710M). There is a swimming hole in the Soti Khola, popular with locals. Then after, trek on through shady Sal forests then climb up and down for some time an exposed track blasted from the cliff and views way below of wild rapids, eventually dropping to the Gurung village in Lapunbesi. Stay overnight.
2) Trek from Lapubesi to Khorlabesi 970m, (5-6 hrs.)
Next day, early morning trekkers continue their journey through Machha Khola (930m) and continue on the same side of the Budi Gandaki, Up and down again and across Sandy River flats. The Monkeys and Langurs in the jungle above can knock rock down, so watch out. Large Gurung villages are way above while the track passes few houses, like lower Khorlabesi (960m) which was largely destroyed by a huge rock slip 22 years ago. There is a botanic garden and nice lodge from which owner sells his organic coffee. Goat herders passing through this area wear the distinctive smoke- browned capes called bokkhu made famous in the book Honey Hunters of Nepal. Stay overnight at Lodge.
3) Trek from Khorlabesi to Jagat1340m (5-6 hrs.)
Early morning trekkers continue up and down over a couple of ridges of Tatopani and climb over a ridge and cross the Budi Gandaki on a rickety suspension bridge, climb on a well-made marble stairs in the narrow valley for some time through Doban. Shyaule Bhatti, one hour later has large rock with views at the wild gorges ahead. After crossing the Yaru Khola (1363m), emerge into river flats for lunch at Yaru (1140m). Look downstream at the massive rock fall that chokes the river. Just past Yaru, cross to the left bank and enjoy easy up and down to Jagat (1410m),In this area, potato, maize and climbing beans are all planted at the same time — the potato for food and to suppress weeds, the maize for food and to supply a trellis for the beans, which are an important source of protein. Stay overnight at Lodge.
4) Trek from Jagat to Deng 1860m, (5-6hrs)
Then trekkers, climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri (1440m) with views of Sringi Himal (7187m), then descend to Sirdibas (1430m) where one can view the first signs of Buddhist culture here. While trek from Jagat to Deng one can have walk through various villages such as Salleri, Sirdibas, Phillim, Eklebhatti, Nayak and then finally reaches Deng following ascending and descending with crossing few suspension bridges to reach Deng .Before crossing Nepal’s longest suspension bridge to the east bank and a tiring climb up to prosperous Philim (1590m) surrounded by rich fields of maize, potato and millet. Traverse north out of Philim on the obvious track signposted to the Larkya-La, through some pretty forest with views up the narrowing valley. After 1hr climbing enter the increasingly misnamed Ekle Bhatti (1600m),then traverse high above a spectacular gorge, entering a largely uninhabited area of pine trees. Trekkers cross the Budi Gandaki on a solid bridge and traverse to a welcome bhatti just around the corner for tea and a last look up the Tsum Valley. After crossing to the east bank at one point and then back again to the west bank on a sloping suspension bridge. Now trekkers enter Nupri (‘the western mountains’) through bamboo forests to Deng (1800m), resided by Gurungs who practice Buddhism. Stay overnight at Lodge.
5) Trek from Deng to Namrung 2630m, (5-6hrs)
Just beyond Deng, trekkers re-cross to the east bank and climb to Rana village (1980m) and pass the trail up to Bhi (2130m). The river roars below except one place where a rock fall has created a huge dam. The Serang Khola coming from the north and climb steeply again before finally circling into Ghap (2160m). The Mani walls here and onwards as far as Bimtang often display intricate quality carvings of various Buddhas in meditation, incised in the hard local stone by a family of carvers from Bhi. A side-trip from a bridge below Bhi can take trekkers up to Prok (2380m), with an MCAP office and emergency radio and an excursion to Kal Tal (3685m), then back down to Ghap which takes one additional day. There is a beautiful forest of fir and rhododendron with many birds, staying on the south bank, cross north on a wooden bridge with a roaring narrow canyon below then cross back to the south bank on a second wooden bridge with grey langurs watching. The main trail now climbs on well-made stairs, but a shortcut to the right just after the bridge and along the riverbank is far quicker and through superb pine forest. Finally trekkers arrive in the neat village of Namrung (2660m) after about 1.5hrs from Ghap, with shops, a restaurant and the Thakali Lodge across the flag stoned square. The architecture characteristic of upper Nupri starts here: several houses gathered together about a common courtyard and livestock shelters on the ground floor, with heavy wooden shingle roofs and log stairs to dark verandahs. Stay overnight at Lodge.
6) Trek from Namrung to Samagaon 3520m, (6-7hrs)
Next day morning trekkers pass Mani walls, fields houses and enter the fir, rhododendron and oak forest before climbing to Lihi village (2900m) in 45mins, then onto Sho village (2950m) where there is a bhatti. The platforms in the fields are where people keep overnight watches to chase bears from their crops. Most people from here onwards wear traditional Tibetan dress, with the children in small chubas like dressing gowns, asking for shim (Tibetan for candy). There are excellent views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) from the Mani wall at the far end of the village and from the gompa on the hill to the west, worth the walk up. This long day takes us into the mountains with time to enjoy and acclimatize. Easy walk to Syala (3520m) up a pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin clear stream and enjoy 360° views from here due to a fire and extensive deforestation. Another easy hour to the large village of Sama (3530m), losing the gigantic views of Manaslu but entering a world of yaks, pastures and houses which seem to have grown from the stones. Only potatoes and barley can be grown at this altitude. Stay overnight at Lodge.
7) Hiking up to Manaslu Base camp 4400m, (6 -7 hrs.) and back. Stay overnight at Lodge.
8) Trek from Samagaon to Samdo 3875m (3 -4hrs)
Today is another short day because of the altitude, with time to go via the iceberg-covered Birendra Tal (3450m) under the Manaslu Glacier, wade the exit stream depending on the time of year and drop down to pick up the main trail from Sama to Samdo. Easy walking through yak pastures up a broad valley with long Mani walls, marmots in all directions standing on their burrows. Finally leave the tree line behind, although low-lying juniper is all around, climbing to a ridge and drop to cross the Budi Gandaki on a wooden bridge. It takes some time to reach the white kani above but immediately behind is Samdo (3860m), a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding, so much so that there are more animal and fodder shelters than human accommodation. Side valleys and Samdo Peak call out for afternoon wandering but take a jacket as cold wind can come up at any time. Trekkers can view the main track for Tibet over the Lajyang La (Lajyung Bhanjyang, (5098m) sloping up the right hand valley. The Larkya-La trail is ahead and left. The track to Tibet is currently closed but stocks of timber are being carried up to Samdo by yak in expectation of resumption of trade. The nearest Tibetan town is only one day away and there is Chinese and Tibetan beer and food for sale in Samdo. Stay overnight at Lodge.
9) Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m, (3-4hrs)
Morning Trekkers descend beyond Samdo on a broad trail, dropping to cross the much-reduced Buri Gandaki at 3850m and passes another trail to Tibet to the right and climb left after a mani wall, traversing through juniper with many marmots. Trekkers cross two ravines on narrow tracks. There is no Larke Bazar despite what many maps assert; at one time traders from Namche Bazar came through Tibet to trade in this area and maybe some of the scattered stone shelters. Dharamsala (4480m; Larke Phedi, Larkya Resthouse) is a stone hut with three rooms and an almost intact roof, but the lack of doors means that it can fill up with snow and remain full of ice for months. The views are marvelous. A large herd of blue sheep call the tussock-covered hills home. Stay overnight at Lodge.
10) Trek from Dharamsala to Bimtang 3590m, (7-9hrs) via Larkya-La Pass 5160m
Trekkers climb steadily over the ridge behind Dharamsala and beside the large lateral moraine of the Larke Glacier. The climb is not difficult but it is long and rocky underfoot, particularly as you top the moraine. Trekkers descend past four frozen lakes and make a final tiring climb to the left up to Larkya-La (5100m), marked by prayer flags. It takes about 3-5hrs to reach the pass and it can be very cold and windy with a risk of exposure if under-equipped or ill. The peaks to the west are Himlung (7126m) near Tibet and Kang Guru (6981 and Annapurna II (7937m) in the Annapurna Range. We descend over the moraine to the west, on the right side of a deep gully, and then drop steeply on loose screed, eventually traversing left on steeper screed. There are several places where snow or ice would make this treacherous and some groups fix a rope on the steepest piece. The track runs left of the large lateral moraine, rocky at times, in a widening and beautiful valley all the long way to very scenic Bimtang (3720m; ‘plain of sand’), a descent of 1400m in about 3hrs. The views during the descent are huge — icefalls and mountains in all directions, a medial glacial lake (Pongkar Tal) between the Pongkar and Salpudanda Glaciers, and the joining of these two glaciers with a third glacier to form the Bhimtang Glacier whose lateral moraine towers over Bimtang. Stay overnight at Lodge.
11) Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani 1860m, (7-9hrs)
Trekkers climb above Bimtang on the lateral moraine, walk south along the crest to find a route down the moraine wall and cross the Bhimtang Glacier, which can be loose underfoot. If trekkers are in rhododendron season in spring, the mauves, reds, pinks and whites are stunning amongst the huge pines. The views of the back of Mt. Manaslu are equally stunning. And descend rapidly along the true right bank of the aptly named Dudh (‘milk’) Khola through a bhatti at Hompuk (3420m) in a forest clearing. Gentle riverside walking continues rapidly to Karche (2700m) for morning tea after about 3.5hrs. In the next hour trekkers will see many signs of flood, with tree trunks smashed and banks undermined, the track becoming quite rough, climb steeply over a ridge and drop to Gurung Gho (2560m) and the first real village since Samdo. The valley becomes more agricultural, pass fields and copses of oak and rhododendron, staying on the north (true right) bank until Tilje (2300m) and passes through the Dudh Khola and descend rapidly towards the Marsyangdi Valley through scrubby forest. Trekkers cross back to the north bank just below Thonje (1900m) and climb up to join the main round-Annapurna trail, over the Marsyangdi Khola on a long suspension bridge. Turn left into Dharapani (1860m). Stay overnight at Lodge.
12) Trek from Dharapani to Syange 1100m, (6-7hrs)
Trekkers climb down along the Marsyangdi River, first cross by an iron bridge just end of the Dharapani village. Then, continue up stream of Marsyangdi River until reaching Kotro and cross by a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. The trail continues right hand through the small battis in the canyon. There is again other suspension bridge, cross over the bridge and drop down to sandy area near the Tal village. After Tal, the trail drop down to the River in rocky trail and climb up the through the dense forest area and again cross by a suspension bridge near the Chyamje where lunch break. Then, the trail continues in the left hand until reaching Jagat Village. After that, keep walking in the rocky trail dropping down to Syange. Stay overnight at Lodge.
The journey begins from ‘Arunghat’ and end up destiny in ‘Syange’ with experience of trekking, feel peace to spend time with the beauty of nature. It takes seven hours to travel from Syange to Kathmandu in land cruiser passing through Besisahar with beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages along the countryside. The views of mountains are spectacular during the traveling.
