Manaslu circuit with Tsum Valley trek: 18 days
About Manaslu Region
Trekking in the Manaslu Region in west-central Nepal is a relatively untouched experience, virtue of raw nature and alive tradition. Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth tallest mountain globally, hosts diverse terrains, including sub-tropical zones. Outside of the Base Camp Trek, another famous route is the Manaslu Circuit Trek, where you circle the mighty Manaslu and cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m) to have an incredible view of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal.
The region provides a great experience regarding ethnicity, as people living here belong to Gurung and are of Tibetan origin—monasteries like Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. Sama Gaun and Lho Village are examples of specially preserved villages that present traditional architecture, with stone houses, yaks grazing the village's lands, and prayer flags flying high and touching the base of mountains.
It is advisable to trek in the Manaslu Region in the spring periods of March to May and autumn periods of September and November, mainly due to proper weather conditions and dry terrains. Wildlife in the area includes snow leopards, red pandas, and the Himalayan Thar, which falls in the Manaslu Conservation Area. Natural attractions, including the Rhododendron forests, Glacial rivers, beautiful lakes, and Birendra Tal, also decorate the trek.
Teahouse trekking has been embraced in this trek, where trekkers are provided with basic facilities compared to other trekking areas, but they offer meals, shelter, etc. Some Trekkers have options for simple Nepali meals such as Daal Bhat; trekkers can have simple Nepali foods and international foods like noodles and pancakes, etc; the coffee and tea breakfasts are also suitable for trekkers. Tea and coffee are available, and snacks and energy bars may be bought in more immense centres. Sanitary amenities are standard squat toilets and bucket washrooms, with sometimes hot water available at a charge.
Trekking in the Manaslu Region entails a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, and a Restricted Area Permit. An incredible value for experienced trekkers, the region of Manaslu transmits and offers everything from extreme wilderness to cultural depth.
