Is Manaslu Circuit Trek the future of Trekking in Nepal?

Author: Shobita Neupane

The boundary of Nepal has always been renowned as a popular trekking destination, not only for Nepalese and Indians but for people all around the world. Many travel freaks have completed the most challenging trekking route to Nepal, which is regarded as an extreme form of adventure. Thus, while trekking to Nepal is a very renowned adventure, there are 100s of trekking routes inside Nepal that are all set to welcome tourists worldwide. For over a century, the Everest base camp and Annapurna region have dominated Nepal’s trekking tourism. However, with the increasing crowd and modernisation in this particular land, new trekking routes are emerging. The Manaslu circuit trek route is among those newly emerging trekking routes. The Manaslu Trekking zone not only has an awesome view of the Himalayas but also an equally rewarding cultural experience and exciting heritages to visit. With the famous travel agencies of Nepal, such as Himalayan Master, prioritising Manaslu, this region will soon be Nepal’s next viral trekking route.

Let’s know about this route.

Where Is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek, as the name says, rotates around Mt Manaslu. Mountain Manaslu is the eighth-highest peak in the world, with its summit at a height of 8,163 metres. The Himalayas range lies in the centre of Nepal, in the Gorkha district, about 200 kilometres west-north of Kathmandu. If you check out a fully organised trip with a travel agency in Nepal, then the Manaslu circuit trek is about 13 days. Independent travellers can complete the journey in about nine days, but that might be risky if you are a newbie traveller who has never been to a higher altitude.

Restricted regions and permits: One thing you should note about Manaslu is that the government has kept this area as a restricted zone for independent travellers. As the Nepal government has implemented the rule to preserve the local culture from the unaccounted influx of tourism, the rules should be respected. This means you should get a special permit from the immigration department in Kathmandu after you hire a guide. You should be in a group of at least two people and issue the permit before getting there.

Cultural insight:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek culture is among Nepal’s most unique cultures. There are people of a Nurbri and Tsum community. These people not only have their own dresses and language but also have a unique religion. The mountain people of Manaslu have never been exposed to the world’s chaos and live their lives in the peace of the Himalayas. These are some of the most kind-hearted people who are happy to welcome visitors to their homes and make travellers a part of their lives.

Festivals to join: Tsum Shagya Centennial Festival, Yartung Festival, Buddha Jayanti, and Loshar.

Natural Insight

The region of Manaslu is home to beautiful Mountains such as Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Siringi, Hiunchuli, and Ngadi. And since the trekking zone is close to Annapurna, you get to view the entire Annapoorna range at some point of the trek. Another exciting stop on this route is Birendra Lake, a priest in Glacier Lake formed from the water of Manasulu. Also, do note that you walk via the Manaslu conservation area, home to some of the rarest mammals in the world, including the Red panda and Snow Leopard. Birdwatching and taking pictures of a forest full of rhododendrons is a perk of trekking in spring.

Social cause

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just about having fun. A single trip to the Manaslu region can be a great way to lift the economic condition of local people. For a long time, the people of Manaslu have been deprived of basic human rights such as health, education, and good food. They have been living their lives in poverty, with children growing up without any future. After the emergence of tourism, the locals have customised their lives to adapt to the visitors. Visitors are a good source of income for their life and their way to access other basic facilities. With the increasing number of tourists, the Manaslu region will not only be recognised by the government but also have the development of infrastructure in the local area boosted. Knowingly or unknowingly, you will be making a great impact on the lives of locals during your visit.

So, if You’re looking for another great mountain vacation, get ready for the Manaslu circuit trek.