Manaslu Base Camp Trekking

Manaslu base camp trek is an enthralling route, in which we visit the three peaks of Manaslu, known as "Japanese Peak". Manaslu base camp trek is a Challenging trek in Manaslu Region. The eighth highest peak of the world, Manaslu, towers 8,163 meters above sea level. It is situated in the western central part of Nepal in Mansiri Himal. Manaslu is a Sanskrit name given to the mountain which means “Mountain of the Spirit”. Most of the Japanese prefer to climb this mountain just because Toshio Imanishi of Japan with the assistance of Gyalzen Norbu (Nepali) climbed the mountain for the first time in 1956. This is why the Japanese consider Manaslu as their mountain just like the British considers Everest as theirs.

Manaslu base camp trekking is another popular trekking recognized in the Manaslu region. It is an "untouched" natural paradise rural valley trail in Nepal and located on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Manaslu base camp trek route was officially opened as an adventure walking trip for tourists in 1992 and a very less amount of tourists visited in Manaslu base camp trek because it is one of the restricted trekking routes in the Manaslu Region, requires special trekking permits.

Manaslu Base Camp treks offer rich culture, tradition, adventure, scenic beauty, and rural civilization that represents the ancient Tibetan lifestyle. Due to the newly opened route, this trek surrounding the entire Manaslu ridge offers a chance to expansively explore the full range of Nepal’s natural and cultural diversity. Mount Manaslu is one of the impending geographical appeals dominating the historical kingdom of Gorkha.

On the trekking way to the Manaslu Base Camp, there is the resident of local peoples very innocent, and still, many locals are mostly of Tibetan origin & speak their own vernacular. During the journey, our licensed trekking guide will be there to brief you in detail about that area and you also can explore real Nepalese life and visit many Buddhist "MONKS inhabitant" holy monasteries and combined with the great views of Tibetan highland against stark white Himalayas all prove it as a truly mystical place. During the Manaslu Base Camp trek furthermore, you can visit the very old monastery "Sama Gompa" at Sane Gaou along with the close view of Mt. Manaslu even reach up to Manaslu base camp is another prime wonderful prospect of this trek.

Manaslu is located in the Gorkha district, some 64 kilometers east of Annapurna. Nepal Government gave trekking permit for Manaslu region in 1991. The trekking trail follows the same ancient route of Budi Gandaki River which people used to walk for salt trading then. More than 10 peaks of over 6,500 meters and a few of over 7,000 meters are visible en route. The trek route paves the way to many scattered villages of the region where resides different ethnic groups are in social harmony. Landslides and landfalls and encounter with yaks while passing the trail makes the Manaslu trekking more memorable.

Landscape and distance during Manaslu base camp trek

Manaslu Base Camp trek provides a wide variety of terrains. The landscapes are difficult and strangely shaped. You will be walking 15 to 20 km each day. Walking harrowing steep trains along the trek will test your staying power as well as patience. The beginning of the trek is difficult as the trail leads to Budhi Gandaki gorge. You will walk a lot of uphill and downhill in your trek. The crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,213 meters) is challenging. It will test your strength and capabilities. You need to be mentally prepared for the difficulties ahead.

How much difficult is the Manaslu base camp trek? 

For Manaslu Base Camp Trek, you should be able to walk for 6 to 7 hours a day. There is one particular day, where you have to walk before sunrise to avoid tempest at Larkya La. It is because the guide has a strict deadline to pass the Larkya La before afternoon which should be operated according to the itinerary. Similarly, at this point, there is a step down which makes the trail a bit difficult to pass due to the frozen path. In that case, you can use crampons on boots to pass the frozen path to reach Bumthang. If you complete this day, then another path is quite easy to trek down around the Annapurna Region. While on trekking, the guide will suggest you take a different level of walking pace depending on your destination of the day. This will make your trekking a lot more physically friendly.

NOTE: Larkya La Pass is the highest point as well as the longest day in Manaslu Trek at an altitude of 5,160 meters.

What about accommodation facilities during Manaslu base camp trekking?

Accommodation is not a big issue during Manaslu Trek. There are ample tea houses for accommodation in the Manaslu region. The rooms are simple and cozy. Only a few teahouses have a private room with a shared toilet. 
Also, kindly note that, during the peak trekking season, you may need to share a room with other trekkers, especially in Dharamsala. It is because of the high number of trekkers flowing in the area.

What type of food do I get during Manaslu Trek?

On the Manaslu trail, almost all tea houses serve the most common Nepali dish “Dal Bhat” (pulses and rice). The vegetables served in tea houses are produced from their own field. Hence, foods are usually organic and hygienic for your health. There is a problem with proper transportation so it’s difficult to supply food materials. Thus, continental foods are limited and costly.

What about altitude sickness during the trek?

It’s impossible to predict who gets affected by altitude. Altitude sickness is caused by thin air at the high altitudes starting from 3,000 meters and upward. The highest point of the Manaslu Trek is 5,120 meters above sea level. So, you should give enough time to acclimatize. 
The main precaution while trekking is not to go up too high, too fast, and do not rush at all. If you suffer from symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite then descend to some lower elevation immediately and seek medical help via guide.

Why is the Manaslu base camp trek known as a restricted trek in Nepal?

One main cause behind this restricted region is that Nepal Government especially Nepal Tourism Board and other concerned governing bodies aim to preserve this place from being spoiled. Another reason is to ensure security to trekkers while passing open border points – Larkya La Pass, Rui La Pass, and Tsum Valley, which shares the border with Tibet.

Which is the best season for the Manaslu base camp trek?

The best seasons for Manaslu Trek are March, April, May, and the last week in September to mid-December. The peak time for this trek is October. The low season is the monsoon (June to September) due to rain and haze weather. In late December to early March, there is a probable chance of winter snow and the lodge will be closed mainly in Laryka Phedi, Bhimthang.