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MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK IN NEPAL INTRODUCTION Manaslu circuit trek is one of the most famous circuit treks in Nepal. It is also an alternative to the Annapurna circuit trek. According to some of the people who traveled to Manaslu Circuit trek, this trek is Nepal’s best circuit trek. So, it is no wonder that hundreds and thousands of people from all around the world for this trek. This trek allows trekkers to experience a beautiful mixture of nature, culture, art, and mostly adventure. Manaslu circuit trek is also the best trek known for its solidarity and preservation. Manaslu circuit trek lies in 100 kilometers northwest from Kathmandu and in the lap of Manaslu Himal which is the world’s eighth highest mountain with a height of 8,156 m.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK 1. Exploration of the basement of Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m). 2. Astonishing views of mountains, including Manaslu, Ganesh, and many more peaks. 3. Exploration of arts and cultures of the people living in this area and learning the lifestyles of the people. 4. Exploration of houses styles and awesome hospitality of the local people. 5. Walking experience through the Budhi Gandaki Valley. 6. Some of the Tibetan cultures and terraces of crop fields. 7. Exploration of flora and fauna of this region as the world’s rarest animals can be found. 8. High pass crossing Larke La (5210 m). 9. Visit tea houses in the area and enjoy tea in the cold weather. 10. Cross several Mani Walls and visit Buddhist Monasteries.
BEST SEASONS FOR MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK All seasons for trekking are possible. However, during some months, it is very difficult for trekking. So, if trekkers are ready to challenge difficulties, then those months are also possible.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Temperature is warm and favorable, and skies are mostly clear offering trekkers the astonishing views of mountains and forests during the months from March to May and September to November. These months are mostly favorable months for trekking in Manaslu. Among these months, October is the busiest month with many trekkers. This is also a time for a festival (Dashain and Tihar) which is the major festival of Nepal. During this festival, trekkers can also join the celebration and enjoy the festival with the local people. This will make this trek more colorful and enjoyable. But during the period of monsoon, it is difficult to trek. From June to August, the route for the the trek is unfavorable because of rain and slippery road. In this period of months, one mistake can cost trekkers life. It is also very hard to trek during December and January. It is extremely cold in these two months making it difficult for the trekkers. But the trekkers who can handle cold can try in these two months. Very few or sometimes no trekkers trek in the Manaslu circuit in these two months.
DURATION OF MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK This trek will consume a minimum of 12 days and a maximum of 16 days. It will take 2 to 3 days for the departure of this trek after arriving at the capital, Kathmandu. It will take one day to get the special permits to issue from Nepal
immigration. During these days, trekkers can explore the Kathmandu or sightseeing the world heritage sites around Kathmandu Valley.
PERMITS NEEDED FOR MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK Trekkers will require three trek permits and a card for completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The route for Manaslu Trek is near the Tibetan border, which is why a special restricted area permit is required to access the route. This permit can be acquired from a local company. Besides, trekkers will also need ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permit since the region lies in conserved regions of Annapurna and Manaslu. A trekker will also need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card.
Manaslu Base Camp Overall, trekkers will need three trek permits and a card namely special restricted area permit, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permit, and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card.
THE DIFFICULTY FOR MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK The trek is neither easy nor difficult but moderate. People having experience in trekking won’t have any major difficulties. People with good fitness and mentality can trek in this circuit. The trek is challenging for people with poor health but also rewarding in every way if trekkers complete this trek. People having less trekking experience can also trek in this circuit, but it will be beneficial if trekkers are more experienced. The major issue for the trek is AMS
(Acute Mountain Sickness). People with no experience of the trek can also trek in the circuit but it would be helpful if a person without experience trains themselves for 2 to 3 weeks before the trek. The training will boost their physical fitness and endurance. The trek is worthwhile because of some reasons mentioned below:
AFFORDABLE PRICE The trek is affordable and costs a minimum of money. The trek is also known as remote trek so the tea houses and hotels are based on basic needs and requirements for the trekker. This reduces the money spent in very less amount and also helps in saving. Although the price of food is higher with the preceding trail, this trek is cheaper in terms of accommodation and food compared to another trekking circuit in Nepal. This trek was famous for best route trekking with camping but an increase in tea houses decreased the need for camping significantly.
Larke Pass Manaslu
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Since the route is through the Mani Walls, Prayer Wheels, monasteries, etc., this trek is full of culture and arts. During the trek, trekkers will also be able to visit different valley including hidden valleys such as Tsum Valley. This valley is a
widely popular unique cultural language and the preservation of the ancient monasteries. Local people in this area still maintain the practices of ancient Buddhism. Tibetan Culture is mostly popular in this area. Aside from other circuit treks, this trek provides the chance to enjoy the aroma of foothills, cultures, traditions, warm hospitality, lifestyles of local people and many more.
SAFE AND SECURE The trek itself is safe and secure. Even though the trekking is in a remote area but the entire region is restored and repaired. Local people in the region are very friendly and provide trekkers with warm hospitality. There are proper facilities for people who are prone to altitude sickness. To avoid any poor health conditions, trekkers should take care of proper hygiene and favorable clothes should be worn. Also, trekkers can trek slowly and complete the trek as they can get enough rest in the region. The environment is also favorable without any obstacles.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK
AND CLOTHING FOR
For this trek, trekkers should prepare the necessary materials and clothing. It would be impossible for trekking without proper equipment. Trekkers should wear warm clothes as well as air proof jackets. The main thing that every trekker should consider is to keep warm while still being lightweight. Since there are fluctuations in different altitudes, types of clothes would be needed.
Trekking Equipments
For high altitude, trekkers will need warm clothing all the time and it should also be windproof. So, down jackets are more suitable at higher altitudes. But for lower altitudes, only evenings are cold and need warm clothes. So, Fleece jackets are adequate for lower altitudes.
HEAD Since the trekking is in a higher altitude headscarf is necessary. To prevent the ears from being cold, warm hats which cover ears as well are needed. To protect from the sun rays, sunglasses are also required. Headlamp with extra batteries is also required.
UPPER BODY To be able to trek easily, light clothes with proper warmth should be worn. For protecting the body from wind and water, trekkers should wear a fleece wind stopper jacket or waterproof jacket. To make the body warm down, the jacket should also be worn. Not to make bod heavy warm and lightweight thermal tops are also necessary to prevent trekkers from suffering colds.
HANDS For trekking, a pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves would also be necessary. These kinds of gloves will help trekkers to keep their hands warm and comfortable. A pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves would also be quite helpful during the trek. Trekkers will be able to climb the hills and mountains easily through the help of these gloves.
LOWER BODY For protecting the lower body, different warm clothes should be worn such as noncotton underwear briefs, a pair of hiking shorts and trousers, thermal bottoms and waterproof pants. These clothes will help trekker from many problems such as uneasiness, cold, water etc. Trekker won’t have to worry about their lower body with these clothes.
FEET Clothes for feet are also very important while trekking. Different footwear such as lightweight inner socks, wool socks, a pair of hiking boots with water resistance and ankle support, shoes and sandals etc. These footwears will help trekker to walk in a good position and support the trekkers from any ankle aches or colds.
MEDICAL The very first thing a trekker should always have is a personal first aid kit for any case of slight injuries and sprains. Trekkers should also prepare the band-aids, antidiarrhea pills, anti-headache pills in case of sudden headaches and abnormalities. Since the trek is in high altitude, most trekkers may have altitude sickness so antialtitude sickness pills such as Diamox are needed. If a trekker is used to glasses, then extra glasses or lens should also be needed in case of the glass being broken.