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.
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