Nepal, a highly diverse country rich in beautiful destinations and multitudinous gift of nature, is a dream of any trekking and mountain lovers. While most of the tourist destinations of Nepal get busy during the peak seasons, it’s always a good idea to travel to the places that are less explored if you love solitude and want to have more relaxed holidays. There are numerous unique trekking destinations in Nepal that are quieter, yet equally beautiful. Manaslu region is one of them.

Tucked away from civilization, Manaslu region, the home of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) – the eighth highest mountain in the world, is extremely beautiful snuggled amid snowcapped mountains where you can find beautiful landscapes and feel at home with the typical culture of Tsum and Nubri people. Trekking in Manaslu region takes you through the diverse and impressive sceneries, snowcapped mountains, pristine glacier lakes and rich flora and faunas. Starting right from the green paddy fields and subtropical forests, the trail slowly meanders through higher landscape to reach mountain passes and arid cliffs surrounded by breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Mt. Himlung (7126 m), Mt. Kanguru (6981 m), Mt. Annapurna South (7937 m), Himlung Himal (7126 m) and Cheo Himal (6820 m). Not just nature, you can also get insightful cultural experiences that include Tibetan Buddhist traditions, exquisite Buddhist art, monasteries and festivals of different ethnic groups.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular treks in this region. This trek encircles Mt. Manaslu. The trek normally begins through the rugged path across the hilltop of Dhading towards the green terraces, lush hillsides and heads up to Budi Gandaki Valley. The trail passes through several small villages, widened valleys, terraced cultivated fields, steamy lowlands, and amazing waterfalls. At Lokpa, you also have the option to go towards Tsum Valley, one of the remotest Himalayan Valleys. The Valley is especially known for its rugged inner terrain and authentic trans-Himalayan culture. Some travelers combine this trek with Manaslu Circuit trek. After completing Tsum Valley trek, they join the Manaslu main trail again, from where the path  descends down across the wide sandy river bed and go after steep, craggy valley side and eventually crosses the Tharo khola to reach the beautiful settlement at Namrung. Furthermore, you pass through lovely monasteries, beautiful chortens, manis and get the opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes of many mountains such as Himlung Himal (7126 m), Cheo Himal (6820 m) and Annapurna II (7937 m) as soon as you reach Samagaon. The trail then circumvents gigantic Manaslu peak (8163m) and crosses Larkya-La pass at 5106m which follows the narrow path that finally emerges into Marshyangdi Valley along the main trail of Annapurna circuit. The trek traces towards Tilche along the pasture of Sangure Kharka through rhododendron, oak and pine forest and finally concludes at Jagat. So, trekking in Manaslu region is a complete Himalayan adventure that offers not just a regular trekking but also a life changing experience infused with diverse natural and cultural insights.

The officials of Nepal Tourism Board have decided to invite the international experts to assess trekking routes of Nepal. The assessment will include the quake affected trekking routes including the popular Everest and Annapurna Regions. Once the team of national and international experts do the inspection of these trekking routes, the team will declare safe to only those routes, which are absolutely safe for the hikers.

The quake that triggered landslides and avalanches in Everest, Langtang and Manaslu Regions has caused significant damages in the routes. Langtang and Manaslu Regions are closed for hikers at the moment. For rest of the trekking routes an assessment to assure safety has been essential.

“After the quake it is essential to examine and certify that the routes are safe,” said Tulsi Prasad Gautam, Deputy General of Tourism department.

Gautam added that international trekking operators are concern about clients’ safety, as well as insurance companies show slight interest to cover trekkers visiting Nepal.

Sources say, the team of geologists will survey the trails of Everest and Annapurna Regions in a month’s time. The trails of other regions will also be surveyed if necessary.

Mr. Andersen Ole Krarup and Ms. Sorensen Ingrid all the way flew from Denmark to Nepal to spend their 26 days long vacation in Nepal. They arrived to Nepal on February 13, 2012. Our guests through our sole Danish partner Kipling Travel were here for their trekking trip to Manaslu region.

Just a day before the beginning of their trek, they spent a free day at Kathmandu making final preparation for their 20 days trek to the rarely treaded trial on the trek to Manaslu region.

The trek began on February 15 from the historic place at Arughat located at Gorkha district. It is a well-known trek passing through the giant steep valley to the distinct world of Sama, ascending trial to Pungen glacier via Honshanso Gompa, traversing the snow-covered Larkya La Pass 5100m, climbing laterally along the mani stones and the deserted houses, entering Bhimtang and finally sliding down along Marsyangdi River valley to Bawundanda. Their trek finally concluded at Bhulbhule on March 4.

After the lengthy trek in the isolated Himalayan locations they spent three free days around the hustles and bustles of Kathmandu city. The cultural city is very busy which stands nowhere close to the tranquil Manaslu region. However,  Kathmandu Valley  has the high availability of  the best cultural exploration in Nepal.

On March 8, 2012 they had the departure schedule. Explore Himalaya escorted them to the airport. Just before their departure they thanked the team of Explore Himalaya and entire Nepal for providing them the best vacation ever. They praised our trekking guides with whole hearts.

Mt. Manaslu.
Manaslu is the newest trekking trial in Nepal, which got initiation in 1991. Despite, of untouched beauty in the region, the trek in the region is still considered to be challenging. Unlike other trekking trials in Nepal, the trial has limited resources facilitating the trekkers in the region. Explore Himalaya is continuously playing a significant role to upgrade the tourists facilities in the region. 14 Danish trekkers decided to accept the challenge and explore around the untouched beauty in the region with Explore Himalaya.

Camping.

Explore Himalaya made the best possible arrangements for these trekkers. Since, the group size was big enough for the camping trek Explore Himalaya chose the even. The trek started on the perfect day of the perfect season. It was October 12;  the day the team reached to Arughat Baazar. The exciting trek had a day rest at Sama on 2oth. On 22nd the team were at Larkya Phedi crossing the Larkya La Pass. The Larkya La is one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalaya.

Crossing Larkya La Pass.

In every sense, the 5,200m pass is the high point of the 18-day Manaslu circuit. On 23rd after the long 1,700m descend they were at Bhimtang. Bhmtang is a sublime high alpine valley surrounded by Himalayan peaks.The team led by Tejs Moeller with the experienced guide Nima Tamang and a wonderful cook Men Dorje Tamang made the perfect utilization of the expedition acclimatizing the high altitudes along with enjoying the beauties of wilderness. The wide ranges of the Himalayas closely overlooking them were spellbinding experiences. The team trekked down to Bhulbhule on October 28. From there, they were escorted to Kathmandu safe and sound.

Alpine Valley- Bhimtang.

Pics: Explore Himalaya.

Explore Himalaya successfully trained 31 representatives of Lodges and Home-stays in the Manaslu region this year. Experience the difference in this region with Explore Himalaya.