This blog covers everything you need to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek. We’ll be comparing these treks to factors such as journey through route, cultural diversity, trekking infrastructures, trail crowd, trekking restrictions, and permits. 

You can learn about these factors and choose any one of the treks that suit you more. Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek will give you an amazing experience, taking you to the heart of the Himalayas with jaw-dropping natural beauty. Let’s go through the details below. 

Introduction About Destination 

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an amazing trek to the Manaslu region bordered by Tibet. This trek takes you to the area with Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the eighth-highest peak in the World. The mountain lies within the Mansiri Himal range in the north-central part of Nepal, Gorkha district.

The gorgeous low landscapes from various cultivation to gorges of Budi Gandaki with its waterfalls lead to Larkya La Pass next to Tibet. You will encounter many beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, flora, and wildlife that make your heart flutter. 

The most difficult part of the journey is traversing the Larkya La Pass (5167 m). In return, the mesmerizing view of mountains, including Cheo Himal, Gyali Kang, Himlung Himal, and Kang Guni Himal from the Pass is a sight to behold. 

It lasts 13 days, starting from low landscapes and slowly ascending to high altitudes. It starts at Machha Khola, leading to Beshi Sahar, then north to Larkya La pass. Manaslu Circuit Trek, having Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, is the most peaceful trek you will ever experience. It is not flooded with people at all. 

Abundant mountains bring beautiful landscapes, variation of wildlife, and cultural and religious diversity here, which will leave a good mark on your heart. It is a more peaceful trek than the Everest base camp with fewer people.

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is a trek to the “Valley of Glaciers“. It is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, with mind-blowing scenic views, beautiful landscapes, and snow-capped mountains, situated in the Langtang Region north of Kathmandu.

Langtang Valley trek gives you a jaw-dropping view. Many snow-capped mountains, such as Mount Langtang Ri, Langtang, Langrisa, and Ganjala Peak, make your heart flutter from the warmest, welcoming Tamang locals and their culture.

Along the journey, you coincide with rhododendron forests, Buddhist shrines such as Langtang Gompa and Kyanjin Gompa, and bamboo forests alongside thundering waterfalls and snow-capped beautiful mountains. 

This trek also passes through Langtang National Park, where many wildlife, such as Himalayan deer, bears, monkeys, and red pandas, inhabit. It lasts for 10-15 days, leading to the elevation of 3800 m (Kyanjin Gompa) and 4773 m (Kyanjin Ri). 

The trip begins from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. Syabru Besi is the starting point of the trek. Trekkers lead to Lama Hotel from there, then to Mundu, and finally to Kyanjin. Then they return to Lama Hotel, Syabru Besi, to Kathmandu, which ends the trip.

Must read: Short Langtang Valley Trek

Journey Through the Route 

Manaslu Circuit Trek is physically challenging due to its difficult landscapes and narrow mountain passes, while Langtang Valley Trek is easy to moderate and more suitable for soft adventure trekkers. With the help of a professional guide, both trekkings are doable with some physical and mental preparation. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to a restricted area with a mixture of Nepalese and Tibetan culture, while Langtang Valley Trek takes you to the valley with Tamang and Sherpa settlements. 

While trekking the Manaslu Circuit, you can enjoy the wildlife of the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area. Langtang Valley also takes you to enjoy the wildlife beauty of Langtang National Park. 

Culture and Religious Diversity 

Both Manaslu and Langtang are full of unique cultural diversity and identification. Manaslu Circuit trek takes you to the border of Tibet, so you can see the blend of Nepalese and Tibetan culture while exploring Manaslu. Langtang Valley Trek leads to the typical Tamang and Sherpa settlements of Nepal. 

You can enjoy the mixed culture and traditional culture of Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans in Manalsu while enjoying the unique tradition, culture, and lifestyle of Tamangs and Sherpas in Langtang. 

Explore monasteries, Buddhist shrines, and prayer wheels while trekking Manaslu. You can cherish the ancient monasteries while trekking Langtang. The rich culture of both trekking regions will entertain you to the utmost satisfaction. 

Trekking Infrastructures and Trail Crowd 

Manaslu is a restricted area with less developed infrastructures. You can find tea houses along the route, but they are not well-facilitated. The restricted area requires a special permit, so many trekkers hesitate before trekking to Manaslu. That’s why these trekking routes are less crowded and more peaceful. 

The infrastructure in the Langtang region is well-developed. There are many tea houses with necessary basic facilities along the trail. Though it is less facilitated compared to other regions like Everest and Annapurna, it is comfortable to spend the night. There are few trekkers in the Langtang Region, which makes trails less crowded. 

Trekking Restrictions and Permits 

While trekking in any region of Nepal, you must follow some rules and regulations according to the designated place. You will pass through national parks, conservation, local, and restricted areas in your trek journey. So, permits are mandatory to enter the trekking regions of Nepal. 

Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area of Nepal because it is close to the border of Tibet. So, due to security reasons and control of tourism, a Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu is needed. This permit can be obtained only through the government-registered trekking agency of Nepal. 

It also covers the area of two conservation regions, so the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit are also mandatory. You can apply for these permits in Kathmandu’s National Tourism Board office.

You need a TIMS card and the Langtang National Park entry permit card for the Langtang Valley Trek. You can get a TIMS permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the Trekkers’ Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) secretariat in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

Similar article: Machu Picchu VS Everest Base Camp VS Mt Kilimanjaro

Manaslu Circuit or Langtang Valley Trek: While One to Choose

Here we present you a table to help you choose the trek that suits you best:

Conclusion 

Therefore, Manaslu Circuit Trek and Langtang Valley Trek will lead you on a beautiful journey with eye-catching destinations. The beauty of these trekking regions varies accordingly but is worth the trek. Choose the best place according to your will. 

We have already discussed the important factors that tell the differences between these regions. This information will help you decide which trekking region to choose. Choose carefully and have fun trekking.

The post Manaslu Circuit vs Langtang Valley Trek: Ultimate Comparison appeared first on High Route Adventure.

Manaslu conservation area project is popular as the trekking zone. The trek in this area starts from the Gorkha – home of legendary Gurkhas warriors. The trail is marched from Budhi Gandaki River and Larke la Pass, along with crossing the Manang district in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Climate

The world’s 8th highest mountain- Mount Manaslu (8163m), falls in the Manaslu conservation area. Basically, MCAP ranges from an elevation of 600 m to 8163m. Due to the high elevation, the climatic zone here ranges from subtropical to temperate.

The protected areas consist of glaciers, mountains, and several watercourses, due to which there occur changes in the temperature. The temperature remains up to 34 degrees Celsius in the summer season in the subtropical zone. However, the temperature can fall up to -6 degrees Celsius during the month of the winter season.

Wildlife and Vegetation

Manaslu Conservation Area is home to 33 mammals, 11 types of beautiful butterflies, over 110 species of birds, and 3 varieties of reptiles. Snow leopards, red panda, musk deer, 110 species of birds, and 3 species of snakes are found in this area. The protected area is covered by more than 200 species of flora and fauna. Besides this, this conservation area preserves the Impeyan Pheasant and Crimson horned species of birds.

The Local Population at the Buffer Zone

About 7000 people of various cultural backgrounds reside in this area. People of this region have the lifestyle of Tibetan culture as they share the international border with Tibet. People farm and engage in agricultural occupations to satisfy their living. However, during the winter season, people move to the lower areas to make their livelihood. 

The Famous Place that lies inside the Manaslu Conservation Area

Tsum Valley – hidden valley

Nested in the Manaslu Conservation Area lies Tsum Valley, a peaceful and untouched valley steeped in history and culture. Also referred to as the “hidden valley,” it is a devotee of Tibetan Buddhist culture, and century-old monasteries and meditation caves, as well as colorful celebrations of their heritage, can be found here. The valley’s peacefulness and the warmth of the people make the valley the perfect getaway for anyone who wishes for some peace of mind.

Birendra lake

Birendra Lake is a picturesque glacial lake at the base of Mount Manaslu. The lake’s deep turquoise hue mirrors the white-crested summits encircling it and creates a riveting sight that seems almost too good to be true. Trekkers will normally stop here and appreciate the silence and quietness of this wonder of nature before continuing on their journey.

Samagaun- old Tibetan village which have numbers of chortens and monasteries

The small and traditional Tibetan village of Samagaun has a rich history. The remote stop boasts plenty of monasteries and chortens dating as far back as the centuries and showcase a lifestyle that has not changed for hundreds of years. The village also affords scenic views of Mount Manaslu and remains a favored stop for tourists who travel through the area.

Pungen Monastery

Situated on a hill between the surrounding glaciers and mountaintops, Pungen Monastery is a tranquil haven where you can retreat from it all. It’s a pilgrims’ and trekkers’ delight and has wonderful views and a quiet space in which you can contemplate or meditate. The peacefulness and views from the monastery itself are a reward enough after the trek to arrive here.

Larkya la pass- the highest point of Manaslu circuit trek 

The most challenging and possibly most strenuous part of the Manaslu Circuit Trail lies at Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters above sea level. While challenging as it may be to climb, each step rewards you with a panorama of views. The white-crowned mountains, stones, and clear-blue sky make the trekking travelers speechless and proud of their success.

Things to Do In Manaslu Conservation Area

Trekking

Trekking is one of the most famous things that people love to do inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. From the evergreen forests to weird villages, there is a lot to see, not to mention the mountains of the sky. Manaslu Circuit Trek and Tsum Valley Trek are one of the most famous routes. Along the way, you can experience the wonderful culture of the region and also catch a glimpse of the magnificent icy mountains. The trip is ideal for experienced trekkers with nature lovers and gives something new with each step.

Mountaineering

Do you like challenges? Then Mount climbing inside the Manaslu conservation area is perfect for you. With a height of 8 163 meters, Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world and should be at the top of the bucket list if you love adventure. It is enough to do this journey alone, not to mention the new strength you want to achieve while climbing. Standing on top is not just for the summit, but is incredible.

Bird watching

Do you see yourself as a bird-triggering enthusiast? If you do, Manaslu Conservation Area is perfect for you. A home for more than a hundred species of birds, this area is a cure in itself. From the vibrant Himalayan Monal to the rare snow types, their presence is almost guaranteed. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or someone who likes soft outdoor activities and the peace of nature while seeing a bird, this place makes it special.

Snow leopard tracking

This is an experience of a lifetime tracking of snow leopards in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Snow leopards are found in elevated areas of the conservation area. It takes patience and luck to see the snow leopard.

Himalayan Thar

The Himalayan Thar is a wild goat or mountain goat, famous for its incredible ability to walk and stay on cliffs, and can be seen in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Watching these beautiful creatures shows the amazing diversity that nature has provided us.

Red panda tracking

The red panda, one of the endangered species, is also found within the Manaslu Conservation Area. It’s hard to spot this animal, but when you do, you’ll be amazed by its beauty. These shy creatures are known for their red fur and bushy tails. You will understand the real importance of importance of protecting endangered animals when you visit here.

Manaslu Conservation Area – Permits and Entrance Fees

Manaslu Restricted Permit

• Manaslu trek permit costs USD 70.00 for the first seven days and USD 10.00 each additional day from September to November
• Manaslu trek permit costs USD 50.00 for the first 7 days and USD 7.00 each extra day from December to August.

Read more in details: Manaslu Permits

The post Manaslu Conservation Area appeared first on High Route Adventure.