The Manaslu region is an iconic destination for travelers, offering stunning scenery along the Manaslu Circuit Trek and around Mt. Manaslu. This scenic region also showcases the rich and impressive local culture. Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views from the very beginning of the trek until it concludes near the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. A highlight of the journey is crossing the high Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet)—the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This pass forms a natural barrier between the Manang and Manaslu regions in the Gorkha District.

Manaslu Himal coordinates Latitude and Longitude at 28.549444, 84.561943. The Mt. Manaslu towers at a height of 8,163 m and 26,781 feet high, listed Eighth-highest Mountain out of 14 world’s highest peaks. Located Far North Mid-West within the district of Gorkha, Nepal, Mt Manaslu extends close to the Manang and Lamjung districts.

The name ‘Manas’ comes from the ancient Sanskrit word which means the Soul of a god, similar to the holy Lake Manasarover which is in South West Tibet-China. 

Mt. Manaslu was first conquered by the Japanese Expedition with a Nepalese Sherpa guide in early May 09th, 1956. Since then the mountain has been climbed many times till the present.

7 Reasons Why You Should Trek the Manaslu Circuit

Off the Beaten Path: Untouched Trails of the Manaslu Region

Manaslu Circuit Trek leads to a marvelous adventure as the region falls off the beaten path which is seldom visited by a group of trekkers, adventurers, and mountaineers. But at present for the past few years, drawing more visitors due to its serene and tranquil surroundings in the harmony of massive snow-capped peaks of the Manaslu Mountain range.

Apart from a few mountaineering expeditions to Mt. Manaslu in the past years, the Manaslu Circuit area remained isolated from the outside world for more than a decade. This high-altitude adventure in the early days started from Gorkha town and then walked all the way to Lamjung district at Besisahar town, taking more than three weeks of walking.

At present day, one can complete the whole Manaslu circuit trek in two weeks or less, which makes the trek more possible for all types of travelers. From the early years, the villages have changed, as well off the beaten path which is well maintained with more good lodges to accommodate the trekkers.

In past decades, travelers required tents with all camping units to enjoy this fabulous adventure on the Manaslu Circuit.

Diverse Landscapes and Cultures of the Manaslu Region

Manaslu Circuit is getting as much popular as other famous adventures like the Everest region, Annapurna region, and Langtang region. On this Mid-West Himalaya, around Manaslu Circuit, one can witness great bio-diversity, a perfect place for exciting treks and other adventures.

The country changes as the walk progresses from low warm sub-tropical areas, around heavy farmland of paddies to mild temperatures on green mid-hills covered in the lush coniferous forest lined with tall rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, pines, and fir trees.

After walking past cooler hills with lovely farm villages, then we move on to a higher country towards the arctic cold zone of ice and glaciers; where trekkers can enjoy walks along with the whole Manaslu massive range of peaks, from main Mt. Manaslu, Boudha Himal to Himal-Chuli with an array of lesser mountain ranges. 

It is truly a great beautiful country to experience a once-in-your-lifetime adventure that includes huge diversity from unique landscapes, the culture of local villagers, and green vegetation from tall tree lines to bush and alpine shrubs as well as exotic varieties of flora and fauna.  

Stunning Panoramas of the Manaslu Mountain Range

On this wonderful Manaslu Circuit, where views of mountains follow you from the beginning of walks to the end of the trekking, facing breathtaking views of the Manaslu group of Mountain range, which includes the main Mt. Manaslu the world’s 8th highest, also called Kutang in the local native language of Tibetan origin means a promising valley for high altitude crops like wheat, buckwheat, barley, and other side crops and vegetables.

This great walk on the Manaslu Circuit, travelers can immerse in all the glory and charm of the area facing views of Boudha Himal, Himal-Chuli with other range of peaks that includes Annapurna eastern range and massif bulk of Ganesh towards the east. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an opportunity for trekkers to enjoy and explore its mountain wilderness with peaceful trekking in pure bliss away from the hustle-bustle busy life of the modern world. It also includes an exciting panorama from the high Larke-La Pass, which at the height of 5,106 m and 16,752 feet high, offers a sweeping and stunning panorama of the whole Manaslu range of peaks with Larke peak.

Larke La Pass: The Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure

Crossing over Larke-La Pass, a traverse from the district of Gorkha and the high Manaslu scenic valley to reach the eastern end of Manang district. Actually, the high Larke-La pass at 5,106 m and 16,752 feet high, is not as challenging as it looks except in bad weather or deep snow conditions and snowstorms.

However, all trekkers need to be well prepared with enough warm clothing, to withstand the cold wind, as walks take you near Larke Glacier reaching Duwang, or Dharmasala and Larke-Phedi / base, a place with a lodge serving travelers crossing Larke- La.

The adventure starts early morning on a gradual winding uphill to reach the highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek as the climb takes you to the north side of Larke Glacier with magnificent views of Cho Danda and then of Larke Peak. 

Finally, walk across the moraines of the glacier, with a gradual ascent which becomes steeper in the last section to reach on top of the pass.

From the pass, you can enjoy the outstanding views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. A long descent follows from the pass to Bhimtang, a lovely place with several lodges to stay.

Trek the Restricted Trails of Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley

To enter the Gorkha district further high on the Manaslu Circuit or for Tsum Valley Trekking, all visitors need to obtain special restricted area permits, as it is a restricted area.

It is the rule declared by the Nepal Government related to the Tourism Board to conserve its pristine environment and limit the flow of trekkers in the region.

In the region, the visitors can travel in groups of at least 2–3 people with a licensed guide from a reputed agency that you book for the trip, or with High Route Adventure.

This restricted region starts from the village of Jagat in the Gorkha district to Dharapani village, located in the district of Manang.

The more we move to the higher area of Manaslu and Tsum Valley, the more we get to see a raw and fresh country that is also close to the border of Tibet / China.

The cost of a special permit for Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley is USD 100 per person, for the first week of 7 days, with an additional USD 15 per person per day onwards till you reach Dharapani on Manaslu Circuit, or back to Jagat if you after visiting Tsum Valley.

The above cost is around the main peak season of autumn/fall around September to November. But for low seasons, and as well for springtime which is the best time from December to August, the price of permits comes down to US$ 75 per person with an additional USD 10 per person / per day from 7 days onwards to the last checkpoints. 

Manaslu Conservation Area

Whether you join in for Manaslu Circuit or Tsum Valley, the region of Manaslu to Tsum Valley falls within Manaslu Conservation Area, which was established in 1998 with an area that covers about 1,663 sq. km where trekkers need MCA (Manaslu Conservation Area) permits, and as well after crossing Larke-La Pass to reach on the other side at Dharapani in Manang, where ACAP fee is applied (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

But for Tsum Valley ACAP permit is not required unless you merge your adventure with the Manaslu Circuit trek.

The Manaslu Conservation Area helps to maintain walking trails and conserve its fertile and pristine environment from destruction, as most villagers higher up and lodge use kerosene oil or LPG gas to cook food for trekkers, where burning of wood is not allowed to save from deforestation.

In the region, trekkers should follow Eco-Tourism or Responsible Tourism rules and respect local culture, as well as not disturb its exotic flora and fauna.
Enjoy the adventure, taking photographs for memories and leaving your footprint only.  

Less Busy Trail with Least Number of Trekkers

The beauty and charm of Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trekking are that you will be walking on a less busy trail, where only a few groups of trekkers venture around this wonderful high mountain destination.

Manaslu Circuit was opened for visitors in late 1998, and Tsum Valley from the year 2000 onward. So, the area is less visited as the region falls within a restricted area, where trekkers have to pay an extra fee to travel within this beautiful fresh country.

A lovely and scenic walk and exploring local farm villages of great cultural interest of age-old heritage still exist in this once forbidden land of Manaslu and Tsum Valley. Trekkers will enjoy its complete mountain wilderness in the harmony of tranquil surroundings, being away from the mass flow of trekkers that are seen in other popular Everest regions, Annapurna region, and Langtang region.

Hence, it is truly a blissful country to experience its colorful culture along with breathtaking scenery of towering snow mountains and dramatic landscapes.

The post 7 Compelling Reasons to Trek the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal appeared first on High Route Adventure.

The restricted area Trekking in Nepal holds its uniqueness and attracts travelers. Filled with untouched and untainted natural beauty, rural settlements, and secluded trekking routes, restricted areas provide an experience different than other trekking trails. Pack your bags and get ready to experience the mysterious lands of Nepal.

Discover the quaint and untainted beauty of Nepal as you trek through these restricted areas.

Significant Features of Restricted Area Trekking

The government of Nepal designated some areas as restricted trekking routes to conserve the nature and culture of those areas. Most of these treks lie in the mountainous regions of Nepal, where the settlements are still out of touch with the rest of the world.

The beauty of these treks lies in these rural settlements that provide a new outlook to travelers who are so used to busy urban lives. Upper Mustang is one of the best examples of restricted treks, as it was secluded from the rest of the world until recently. The rich culture and history of this place are still intact, giving people all the more reason to want to visit this restricted area themselves.

For trekkers who are looking for challenging trekking routes along with splendid sights of mountains, then restricted area trekking is the best option. Along the trek, you will come across countless rural settlements that are less crowded than the popular trekking routes of Nepal. You can enjoy your trek in peace and away from the crowd.

Each of these treks holds a story of its own and a rich history, which is the reason why they are so earnestly protected. It is an adventure to experience these hidden gems with your own eyes and enjoy the magic that a restricted area trek brings along.

Food, Accommodation, and Trail of Restricted Area Trekking

Restricted area trekking in Nepal requires trekkers to have a special permit for entry. Different from other trails, restricted area trekking also requires you to have a guide along with the necessary special permit. Trekkers are not allowed to travel alone in these areas as most of the trails are off the beaten and challenging. A group must require at least two people, along with a licensed trekking guide. A registered trekking agency will need to arrange the trip for you.

Upper Mustang trek

Upper Mustang, also known as “the forbidden kingdom,” is among the many restricted trekking regions of Nepal. As it falls in the rain shadows of Dhaulagiri, this area expects little to no rainfall throughout the year. The panoramic view of mountain ranges above these rigid desert-like mountains makes the trek even more worthwhile.

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo is another restricted area filled with pristine natural beauty and massive mountain ranges. The rich and unique culture and traditions that hold this place together are worth a look.

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek falls among them as well. One can experience a unique mix of Tibetan Buddhism borrowed from the Tibetans on the other side of the border.

Manaslu Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, and Rara Lake Trek are also some examples of restricted treks available in Nepal.

Being far away from modern cities, it is challenging to venture into these rural areas. You are supposed to bring your tents and sleeping bags as you will not find proper accommodations. As of recently, there has been a rise in teahouses that accommodate travelers in peak seasons. The food provided in these teahouses is simple home-cooked meals. Dal, Bhat (rice), and curry is the main dish. Since your trekking agency will arrange a cook for you, you will not have to cook for yourself.

Special Trekking Permit for Restricted Trekking

The Department of Immigration provides special area trekking permits. Your authorized trekking agency will prepare the permit on your behalf.

Certain rules need to be followed after getting the special trekking permits. As they are for a certain region, trekking in other areas that don’t fall under the area specified by the permit is considered a violation of the law. Trekkers should carry the trekking permit at all times, and he/she is required to show it to police or immigration employees when needed. Travelers are also not allowed to indulge in any activity that negatively affects the nature or culture of these places.

The cost depends upon the area of the trek. Most of the costs are calculated in USD but are also payable in Nepali rupees. Some of the most popular restricted area trekking routes and their permit cost are included below:

• Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo Trek require USD 500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 per person per day beyond the days limit.
• The lower Dolpo area requires USD 20 per person for a week and USD 5 per person per day beyond one week. 
• Gorkha Tsum Valley area requires travelers to pay USD 40 per person for seven days and USD 7 per person for the time exceeding seven days (September to November). From December to August, the cost decreases to USD 30 per person for seven days and USD 7 per person per day beyond one week.
• Manang trek requires USD 100 per person for a week and USD 15 per person per day beyond a week (from September to November). From December to August, the cost is 75 USD per person for a week and USD 15 per person per day after that.

Source: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/trekking-permit.html

Trekking along the restricted areas of Nepal will bring you many unique experiences. For adventure seekers who want to travel around the more rural regions of Nepal, restricted area treks are the best option. The adventurous trails and still un-ventured lands hide in an aura of mystery, giving travelers an experience that takes their breath away.

The post Restricted Area Trekking in Nepal appeared first on High Route Adventure.