The Manaslu Trek allows you to explore the less-trodden path in the Manasalu region. This area was opened for foreign trekkers only in 1991 and still maintains its pristine and virginal natural beauty. Manaslu trek 12-day itinerary is the best option for anyone who wants to experience trekking in the region. Within this timescale, you will reach the foot of the 8th tallest mountain in the world – Mt. Manaslu.
Manaslu trek starts from the spectacular drive from Pokhara-Arughat and ultimately reaches Sotikholi. It requires almost one whole day to reach the location for trekking. The real journey starts when we walk through Soti Khola and arrive at Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng. Passing through stunning forests, steep ridges, terraced fields, and suspension bridges will make your trip a fun experience.
Nonetheless, our path proceeds towards Namrung from Deng. Namrung village has nice view of Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) and Mt. Himalchuli (7,893 m). The following day’s destination is Sama Gaun from Namrung. Sama Gaun is a small village with a monastery and houses built of stone. You will have walked quite some distance now; hence, we will stay at Sama Gaun for an acclimatization process.
In the following days, we will resume our trek towards Samdo – a Tibetan refugee camp and Dharmasala. From Sambo, we will finally cross Larkya La Pass, which will probably take us to the highest point in our trek. Crossing the Larkya La Pass and passing by several yak pastures, we reach Bhimtang. After this, we descend to Dharapani and take a ride to Kathmandu.
Why to Choose Manaslu Trek?
The Manaslu Trek offers relatively uncrowded trails amidst diversified but spectacular mountains around Mount Manaslu. Somewhere along the other trekking trails, there have been a lot of advancements, but Manaslu is quiet, silent, and untouched in many areas. This is because these areas are rich in biodiversity and thus protected as Restricted Trekking Areas.
The fact that the Manaslu region of Northern is close to Tibet implies that there has been a great influence on its culture and way of life from the Tibetan. This is an untouched and remote country corner where locals like Gurung, Ghale, Bhotia, and Tibetan Buddhists embrace you with open arms. This trek also allows you to engage and learn about their religion through visiting the old gompas and monasteries.
Additionally, the hike opens an opportunity to extend remote trekking tracks toward Nar and Phu Valley while in the Annapurna region or to the east through the Tsum Valley for another exciting adventure.
Best Time To Trek
The Manaslu trek is better in Autumn and Spring than in other seasons. The seasons are characterized by the beautiful weather and visibility of mountains along the way.
Spring Season:
The spring season in Nepal spans between March and May and is good for this trek and other treks elsewhere in Nepal. This season, the temperature within Manaslu is estimated to be between 4 and 18 degrees Celsius. This is when flora and vegetation open up.
Autumn Season
The weather does not get hot or too cold during this Autumn season from September to November. The temperature averages between 8 and 20°C. The night temperature might be as low as minus 3 degrees Celsius at a high altitude.
Off Seasons (Summer/ Monsson and Winter)
The coldest season of the year, which covers the period from December to February, has a very low temperature, which ranges between negative 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. You must use extreme caution in case of snowfall above 4,000m/13,123ft. Moreover, rain in the monsoon period makes the place muddy and slippery.