The Manaslu Circuit Trek Is Ideal If You Prefer An Isolated Trekking Adventure In Nepal

The Annapurna Base Camp has been the most renowned trek in Nepal for many years. However, those looking for sheer wilderness & genuine village experience prefer Manaslu Circuit trek instead. Though unlocked for hikers since 1991, the Manaslu Conservation Area remains unhindered, with just a small portion — 1/30th — of the tourists who trek Annapurna each trekking season.

Generally trekked more than a period of 2 weeks, the Circuit encloses around Mt Manaslu, the globe’s 8th highest summit, looming at 26,759 feet. It starts by mounting against the current of the Budhi Gandaki River for about 3 vertical miles. The Manaslu Circuit trek sweeps through valleys where glaciers hang & drain the ice covered eaves of the earth. It crosses suspension bridges & passes via terrains of barley, as it pursues a historic trail along which groups of yaks carrying salt from Tibet have voyaged for thousands of years. Mounting higher to the last clusters of homes before the mountain wall of the Himalaya, you step into Tibetan territory. Architecture matches these ethnic lines, and as altitude rises, so do the number of monasteries, maani walls and chortens.

From there, the trail crosses into the iconic land of Ghorka where herder’s huts lay tucked high in the thawing meadows. Close to a dozen peaks over 21,000 feet serrate the horizon as the path rises to Larkya La pass, the highest point of the hike at 17,175 feet.

Cultural notes during the trek:

You’re bound to face many Maani Walls (stone bricks printed with mantras) and Stupas all through the trail. To honor the holiness of these age-old structures & the folks who build them, always try to walk to the left.

Identically, if you feel touched to spin the prayer wheels or get into a shrine move the wheels in a clock-wise direction. Prior to getting into a shrine, take away your shoes and any luggage if you have at the door. Don’t take images.

Trekking poles are recommended, especially if you plan on doing day hikes up to Manaslu Base Camp or the Tibet Border. Even if you aren’t planning to stray from the Circuit, your knees will thank you coming down from Larkya La Pass! High quality sunscreen is a must. At some point, you will be hiking on snow with very little atmosphere between you and the sun and any exposed skin will fry. Protect your eyes; don’t take sunglasses off until the sun goes down. Pack light; it is possible to hire a porter, which many people do, but this will add to your cost.

If you have sufficient time in your hand you can also plan for an Upper mustang trek alongside Manaslu circuit trek.

Everest Base Camp Trekking – What to Expect

Renowned for its awe-inspiring mountain summits & friendliness of its occupants, the Everest province is undoubtedly the most popular trekking routes for tourists in Nepal. While most of the trails through the mountains are difficult, there’re many places to rest & relish a meal all through way. Most Sherpas here understands basic English, so communication shouldn’t be an issue at all. Trekking in Nepal is incomplete if you forgot to add a trekking trip to the Eveerest base camp.

While Everest base camp trekking is possible all through the year, the most favorable time to tour are from the starting of March to mid May and from the starting of September to mid-November. The winter season tend to be really cold & snow may make it tough for trek higher than Tengboche and lodges also maybe closed above this elevation. On the other hand, summers are wet and the exceptional summits are lost in the dense clouds. April & early May is an excellent time to witness the hedgerows & tress stuffed into blossom, with Rhododendron, in specific, integrating an exceptional spray of colors to the scenery. Nevertheless, dust from the plains of India throughout the spring routinely offers less than perfect condition for clear mountain panoramas. The sights are much improved following the summer monsoon have cleared the surrounding of dust particles, but the days are cooler and shorter.

At Everest Base Camp, climbers will often spend 4 - 8 weeks, acclimatizing to the altitude. During that time, the "Icefall Doctors" will set up ropes and ladders in the notoriously unstable Khumbu Icefall. Seracs, crevasses and shifting blocks of ice make the icefall one of the most dangerous sections of the route. Many climbers and Sherpas have been killed in this section. To reduce the risk, climbers will usually begin their ascent well before sunrise when the freezing temperatures glue ice blocks in place.

The lodges and teahouses along Everest Base camp trail cook a variety of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although the taste of the food may not be same as that of cities because of remoteness and supplies are not in easy access. The higher you go the fewer varieties you will get but still you can enjoy plenty of cuisines like Nepali, Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian. Pizza, pasta, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (boiled rice and lentil soup), Tibetan bread, tsampa porridge, muesli, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes can be enjoyed.

If you are not just satisfied with your Everest base camp trek, you can add Annapurna base camp trek to your itinerary for more adventure.