I love to be surrounded by nature and immerse myself in its beauty, so it's no surprise that trekking and hiking have become my favorite activities. I've previously trekked to the famous Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, both of which are unique cultural experiences with breathtaking views.
However, this time, I wanted to explore a hidden gem in the remote regions of Nepal. I started looking for such a place and talked with several friends who are nature enthusiasts like me. That's when I came across the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trust me when I say this: seeing the pictures of the Manaslu Circuit Trek made me fall in love with the place instantly. I began planning for it right away.
How about I explain my entire trekking journey in detail below? Stay with me until the end, as I have some surprising factors and useful tips for a successful Manaslu Circuit Trek experience.
Trek Preparation Time
My destination was fixed: the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, even before I planned the trek, I had to know a lot, from the best time to go and the trail conditions to its difficulty. Importantly, Manaslu is a restricted zone, so it's mandatory to go through a registered company.
I started to research different trekking companies in google and evaluated them through TripAdvisor and Google. Many responded late, and some were too costly. After extensive research, I chose Nepal Trekking Experts. They stood out due to their fast response, accuracy, informativeness, and over 600 positive reviews. Rajesh, the owner, was friendly and answered all my queries.
Their prices fit my budget, so I booked my trip with them for the last autumn season, 2023. Rajesh suggested coming in early autumn to avoid the crowds, which was great advice, as my trekking experience was peaceful and solitary.
Packing and Preparation
During packing time, I followed a trekking gear checklist sent by Nepal Trekking Experts. The best part was that they provided a complimentary down jacket and a sleeping bag for me to use during the trek, so I only had to carry my essential clothing and accessories. Plus, it made it easier to carry light and required things only.
Furthermore, Nepal Trekking Experts handled permits like MCAP, ACAP, and the Restricted Area Permit without any hassle for me.
My friends advised me to start with day hikes, take more stairs, and focus on being physically fit. I was eagerly looking forward to starting my trek in September to explore the untrodden paths of Manaslu.
Manaslu Trekking Journey Begins
After landing in Kathmandu, Nepal Trekking Experts warmly welcomed me at the airport and dropped me off at my hotel. I spent a day exploring Kathmandu and purchasing all the missing gear, medication, and snacks. At the same time, I had a meeting with my guide, Kedar. He briefed me on the trekking route and trail conditions, checked my gear, and everything I needed to know.
The next day marked the beginning of my journey. After a long drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola, I entered the lower Manaslu region. From there, the trail followed alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, with the majestic Mt. Manaslu provides constant motivation.
As I hiked, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through lush forests filled with pine, rhododendron, bamboo, and oak trees, I gradually ascended into the mid-Manaslu region. The trails involved around 8 hours of walking each day, including ascending progressively and descending, which were challenging initially but became easier as I acclimated to the terrain. Along the way, I was captivated by stunning peaks like Ganesh and Shringi, leaving me in awe.
After several days, the trail turned northwest at Jagat, leading me through picturesque mountain villages such as Namrung, Sama Gaon, and Samdo. Here, the landscape is transformed into a desert-like terrain with brown-colored areas and flowing glaciers, creating a unique and striking contrast.
Throughout the trek, I encountered cultural artifacts like stone-carved gates at village entrances and monasteries resonating with the chants of lamas, creating a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. I made it a point to spin prayer wheels clockwise for good luck and took in the sight of flying chortens and intricately carved mani walls, which added to the cultural richness of the region.
Tea Houses and Friendly People Along the Way
The people along the way in the lower Manaslu region are inhabited by the Aryan community, while the upper area is home to Sherpa and Tibetan people. All of them were friendly and made my journey even more exciting.
The tea houses in the lower region are quite well-developed, and as I trekked higher, the tea houses were in decent condition, with many of them still growing. Most of the time I got a private room with an attached toilet which was a bonus.
Alluring Side Trip
Between Samgaon and Samdo, I enjoyed two designated rest days, which allowed for exciting excursions to Manaslu Base Camp and Pungen Gompa. The hike to Birendra Lake, nestled amidst glaciers, immersed me in the beauty of Mt Manaslu. Pungyen Gompa, located at an altitude of 4050 meters, provided deep insights into Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
Continuing, I explored the ancient route to Tibet via Rui La Pass at 4998 meters, experiencing the remote and rugged landscapes that connect Nepal and Tibet. The trek culminated with the ascent to Larkya Pass, just two days of hiking from Samdo.
The final destination, Larkya La Pass, was more than just a challenge. Reaching the high pass at 5,106 meters, I was left in awe of the immense beauty the surrounding mountains held. I could only stay there for 20 minutes, but every moment there was worth it.
Finally, the trail descended to Dharapani through beautiful villages Bhimthang and Goa, where I enjoyed stunning views of Annapurna II before taking a bus back to Kathmandu.
During the bus ride, I took time to explore those photos and cherish the memories of my 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Supportive Guide and Porter
Along my 14-day trek, the friendly guide Kedar and the porter Chhwang were incredibly kind and pleasant. On some days, it was hard for me, but they were always motivating and cheering me on. They were local from the region and really made me feel at home.
After completing the trek, Kedar and Chhwang bid me farewell. This will be one of the best and most cherished memories of my lifetime.
My Final Thoughts
One of the best trekking areas with a blend of untouched Buddhist culture and diverse landscapes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has truly stolen my heart. Every moment was filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, warm interactions with locals, and deep cultural experiences. Nepal Trekking Experts made the adventure seamless and enjoyable, ensuring I had everything I needed and more.
Finally, I would like to say a wholehearted thank you to Kedar, Chhwang, and of course, Nepal Trekking Experts for going beyond their job and exceeding my expectations. I would highly recommend Nepal Trekking Experts for anyone who is planning to visit Nepal. I will definitely book my next trip with them. See you guys. Have fun!
Mr Alan Daley Australia
