Manaslu Region

Trekking in Manaslu region is a noble experience of knowing people living in stone-age in the 21st century and Tibetan Buddhism. The region was hidden until 1990 for outside world, but in these days it is one of popular destinations for adventure lovers and Tibetan Buddhism neophytes.

Some of the parts of trekking route in Manaslu region are quite challenging, and thus journeyers are sincerely suggested to be well equipped before starting the adventure. It is an isolated trekking area where no lodges or guesthouses are available for accommodation and meals though some of care-free trekkers can find some yak-sheds and teahouses to sleep and eat. For a caring person, it is better set off camping trek. The best way to start trekking in this region is to drive, approximately 7 hours, from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar via Dhading Bensi though some people drive to Gorkha Bazaar; the classical route and start trek from there. The major “Mountain Peak Groups” visible from the trail are the Manaslu, Annapurnas, Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal and so on. The journeyers in this region get to see a large numbers of waterfalls and can even swim in swimming holes in Himalayan River.

The lower part of this region is the homeland of the bravery Gurkha-soldiers of the British army whereas the upper part is dwelled by Tibetan Nepalese. The trekking trail is level, gradual ascent and descent and sometime steep ascent and descent through fertile farming land, scattered villages, grassy fields, gorge, slopes and forest of tall pine trees, rhododendron and orchard, and high passes amidst Himalayan peaks. Furthermore, journeyers can see wall paintings and carvings; almost are related to Buddhism and its sects, all the way through. Many of the carvings depict the Buddha in various meditative poses all over the trekking route. When one once visits this region, s/he realises that this region must be listed in world heritage site to preserve.

In the last few days of this trek, journeyers have to cross the Larkya La (High Pass 5150 meters) usually early in the morning. The tremendous views to the west of this pass are of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. As the journeyers descend from the pass, the trail becomes easier and reaches at the village of Thonje. From here some trekkers walk down Besi Shahar and then drive to Kathmandu whereas some like additional adventure in Annapurna region up to Jomsom through Manang Village, Thorong Pass (5416m) and Muktinath, and then fly back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Some popular treks in Manaslu region are given below.