Are you tired of visiting the same old tourist spots and familiar terrains? If you yearn to discover the true beauty of an unconventional trek, pick up your pens and jot down ‘The Manaslu Circuit’ on your bucket list.
Nestled in the western Himalayas in Nepal, the Manaslu circuit trek offers you an opportunity to appreciate the natural vistas while familiarizing yourself with the local culture. A trip to this place can make for the ‘much needed’ break from your mundane daily routine.
Now, You may be wondering what makes this trek so special. Well, Let me break it to you. While many tourists are appalled by the beauty of Everest and Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit is like the hidden gem that waits in all its glory to be discovered.
The journey wrapped around Manasula massif paves the road through lush forests, awe-inspiring villages, and terraced fields. Although the stunning mountainous sceneries make this trek worth your time, what makes it truly exceptional is the interaction with the locals and their culture.
Let’s map out the trek that is a word of mouth these days.
Beginning: Arughat to Soti Khola
This trek begins with a lively town, Arughat, that leads to Soti Khola, an unofficial beginning to the trek. As the terrain changes, you’ll cross suspension bridges and pass the charming terraced fields. Meeting some friendly locals is the cherry on top of the sweet trip.
Soti Khola To Machha Khola
While you advance from Soti Khola to Machha Khola, the scenery begins changing gradually. The green forests start taking the shape of rocky landscapes as you move far away from the villages. The villages give a vibe of ancient times and make you feel as if you are traveling back in time.
Deng and Beyond
Right as you leave Jagot, the route leads to an ascent into the valley that leads to another beautiful village of Deng. Right about this point, adventurous people usually start catching sight of breathtaking vistas. The Buddhist mani walls along the trek represent the region’s religious beliefs and cultural values.
Chill in Namrung
Now that you are getting closer to the mountain peaks and the air begins to get thinner, it is just the right time to acclimatize and blend in with the locals. Namrung is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local culture and spend the night.
Sama Gaon and Samdo
After getting back on the trek and climbing higher, you’ll get to appreciate the jaw-dropping charm of Sama Gaon. The village stands tall in all its breathtaking beauty and snow-capped peaks. This is exactly where you can enjoy the high-altitude life in the Himalayas.
Leaving Sama Gaon, the trek leads to Samdo, which is a small Tibetan Village close to the Tibetan border. People residing there have a unique lifestyle from which you sense both Tibet and Nepal’s connection.
Larke Pass and Bhimtang
Larke Pass is the highlight of the whole Manaslu adventure. Located at a height of 5,160 meters, this place gives you a strong sense of accomplishment and presents sceneries beyond words. The stunning panorama is a sight to behold.
After Larke Pass, the steep descent will take you to Bhimtang, which is another charming village with magnificent views. Although you will feel exhausted at this point, the nature surrounding you will make it worthwhile.
Bhimtang to Tilje
I know you feel drained, So now is the time to get down from high and back to civilization. The descent from Bhimtang to Tilje will open doors to several teahouses and comfort areas for you to enjoy a well-earned rest.
Back To Arughat
As the trek wraps, you will find yourself back in Arughat, right where it all began. You will be left with incredible memories to cherish forever.
The Bottom Line
In this fast-paced life, wanderlust is like a breath of fresh air. Embarking on adventurous journeys can help you to uncover hidden truths and introduce you to new realms. So, If you are ready to explore the unknowns in the natural world, trekking Manaslu Circuit will be worth every single penny.