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Having been opened to trekkers only since 1992, the Manaslu Trek has since gained massive popularity mainly due to its pathway through mesmerizing natural beauty and pristine views. This trek passes along the Nepal and Tibetan border, allowing one to experience the essence of the cultural magnificence of both the Hindus as well as Buddhists of the region. Trekkers, while on this trail, will pass through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, cedar, birch, and juniper, while basking in the golden sunlight when crossing rolling meadows that intersperse them.
This particular trek lasts for around 16 days and circumnavigates eight of the highest peaks in the world, while enabling ones who venture into its trails to view rare wildlife, explore unique flora and delight in the stunning landscapes, all the while enjoying learning from the warm people who have called this region their home
Now, speaking about Manaslu, the main objective of the Trek, it stands tall at above 8000 metres and is enveloped by the Annapurna range to the West and the Ganesh Himal to the East. However, even though it has gained in popularity over the last few decades, one must note that this particular trek is physically demanding and would do well for seasoned trekkers. It is maybe for this particular reason that only 2% of all trekkers actually conquer this trek.
The Manaslu trek circuit takes one from the misty lowlands of the Himalayas, full of terraced rice, paddy and wheat fields and the gorgeous Budhi Gandaki gorge with its turquoise waters and frothy waterfalls. The trek also takes you across innumerable suspension bridges that scale across heights and are sometimes outrageously long.
As this trek is particularly long, this package also provides you with an option of altering the itinerary based on your interests and needs. Therefore, this is a flexible trip and can be customized as per your requirements.
The trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and onto Soti KHola. Taking most of the day to reach this final destination, it is only on the second day that the trek truly begins with one hiking from Soti Khola to Machha Khola through verdant forests, steep ridges and long suspension bridges.
From macha Khola, the trek takes on to Doban, passing the Tharo Khola that flows through a rocky cave to reach Khorla Besi, which is a traditional Gurung Village. It is from Khorla Besi that one moves towards Tatopani and then crosses a suspension bridge to finally reach Doban. Doban is a Nepali term that refers to the confluence of two rivers.
The next day, the trekkers leave from Doban, hiking across rugged trails that ascend and descend, with passing glimpses of Sringeri Himal, before reaching the destination for the day, Philim. Philim is a large Gurung settlement that is surrounded by lush fields of corn and millet.
On the fifth day of the trek, hikers will continue their journey towards Deng, walking across several suspension bridges and viewing several white and frothy, youthful waterfalls. Deng village is a Buddhist village that apart from containing monasteries and rivers, also gives one the first glimpse of the snow-capped mountains. Moving on to the next day, the trail meanders its way to Ghap. It begins with descending down from Deng and ascending via the Rana Bridge to enter a region of Buddhist settlements, the evidence of which lies in the many Mani walls and stone statues that adorn the path to Ghap. From Ghap, one will walk to Namrung, passing through the town of Prok- a famous viewpoint for the Siringi Himal. Trekkers will remain in Namrung for the night, before starting once again for Lho, the following morning. On the way to Lho, hikers will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and then walk along a forest before reaching their destination.It is to be noted that Namrung village is known for the view of Ganesh Himal and Mt.Himalchuli.
Upon reaching Lho, one will move towards Samagaun. The trail descends from Lho to cross Thusang Khola and reach Shyala village. Shyala village offers breathtaking views of the Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. From there one will trek into Samgaun, which is a small hamlet with houses built of stones and a quaint monastery. It is here that you will be resting for a while to acclimate yourself to the heights. Here you may use your time to explore the village and its surrounding areas, including the Birendra Lake, Pungyen Monastery and the Manaslu Base Camp.It is from Samagaum that the trek starts to Samdo (A Tibetan refugee Village), to reach which one crosse’s beautiful pastures and crosses through birch and Juniper forests. It is from her that one will get resplendent views of several mountains, including that of Manaslu.
From Samdo one will now walk to Dharamsala and will witness the mesmerizing sight of the Larkya La Pass, while crossing through trails lined with prayer flags and Mani walls. This trail will take one around the Salkha Khola Valley to reach Dharamsala. Therefore, this is also known as the Larkya la Phedi.
It is finally on the thirteenth day since the start of your trip that you will cross the Larkya La Pass, the highest elevation of your trek, after passing through the pristine Larkya Glacier, crossing over frozen lakes and meandering through the views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal and Kanguru. Being one of the longest passes of the Himalayas, this trail offers one to gather beautiful memories to pack and keep for a lifetime. It is after this that one will pass through Yak pastures to reach Bhimtang. Reaching Bhimtang, marks that one has completely circled the Manaslu mountain and it marks the beginning of the return journey. The return journey is made by trekking south to reach Gho, which passes through dense pine forests while catching glimpses of sheep, horses and even Jackanapes on the way down.
Finally, on the last day of the trek one will move from Gho to Dharapani, which takes one mostly downhill towards Telje Village, along Marsyangdi River, and then ascending to reach the destination. Dharapani lies at the junction of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trail. It is from here that one will take a local bus to Besisahar, from where one will catch a bus to Kathmandu, enjoying all the views of the villages and Khudi towns that the drive has to offer. At Kathmandu you may catch your flight back home, taking with you a bagful of memories and new experiences to last for a lifetime.
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