based on The Manaslu Region, situated in the northern Himalayan territory of Nepal, offers one of the most magnificent trekking destinations in the country. Manaslu is derived from the Sanskrit term "Manasa," meaning "Intellect" or "Soul." This 12 Days Manaslu Trek takes you deep into the Himalayas around the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you can marvel at the stunning vista of Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain at 8163 meters. Other peaks you'll see include Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli peak, Ganesh Himal in the east, and Annapurna Himalaya in the west.
It has not been long since the Manaslu region opened its doors to travelers, and it did not take long for the region to gain popularity. Today, several avid trekkers from all around the globe choose The Manaslu Trek as their next Himalayan expedition. Why would they not? It has everything you need: nature, culture, adventure, solitude, and so on.
Though it's not easy to enlist everything you'll experience in this Manaslu Short Trek in 12 days, we have tried our best to give you a clear picture of what it's like to embark on this exceptional journey to the Manaslu region. Here are some compelling reasons why you should join us on our 12 days Manaslu Trek.
Best Features of the Manaslu Trek 12 Days
- Trekking in the restricted and protected area of the Nepalese Himalayan Region
- Progressing through scenic villages, lush woods, tranquil rivers, pristine waterfalls, and other natural wonders
- The stunning backdrop of Mt. Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal Mountain Range
- Witness the endangered wildlife of the Manaslu region, like the Himalayan Tahr and Snow Leopard
- Traversing through the rocky terrain of Larkye La Pass at 5106 meters
- Immerge into the rich Hindu and Buddhist culture
- Experience the warm greeting and hospitality of local people
Enjoy the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
The journey to Manaslu begins in Kathmandu. You take a long drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola along the countryside, passing through Arughat Bazar. While traveling over the slope of Kathmandu Valley, you witness Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal behind the spectacular sight of lush hilly terraces.
As you move away from the city, you will notice a gradual change in the scenery and the entire atmosphere. The surroundings appear cleaner, greener, calmer, more peaceful, and less polluted. With each kilometer you move away from the Kathmandu valley, your excitement and joy escalate for this 12 Days Manaslu Trek.
Hike through lush forests and picture-perfect villages
Manaslu Trek takes you through dense forests, home to various flora and fauna. You can see a variety of vegetation and wildflowers blooming in the region's hilly and Himalayan terrain, making the hiking even more blissful. There are also some rare animals to see, such as Blue Sheep and Himalayan Tahr.
Similarly, the trail passes through charming alpine communities. Inhabited mainly by Nepalese and Tibetan descendants, every community you visit in the Manaslu region has something unique to offer. The houses in these villages are built traditionally to preserve the cultural architecture that has been transferred from generations. A number of such beautiful houses clustered together make a perfect backdrop for picturesque photos.
Exceptional landscape with snow-capped mountains
The sight of the Manaslu region is unrivaled by any other trekking location in Nepal. The geological features that distinguish the landscape make it incredibly fascinating. The untouched nature and village ruins are like a paradise where only you and the Himalayas remain.
Throughout this Manaslu Trek 12 Days Itinerary, stunning views of snow-capped mountains such as Mt. Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and many others can be seen. You will be hiking through the base of some of these mountains. Getting this close to the Himalayas has to be one of the most incredible feelings in the world.
The relatively new and off-the-beaten Trekking route
The Short Manaslu Trek 12 Days was only opened for exploration in 1992, making it one of Nepal's newest high-altitude trekking destinations. It also comes under restricted trekking routes that require special trekking permits; hence the facilities available on the trekking trail might not be the best, but you'll still have decent food and accommodation.
The trail includes several steep climbs in the rough terrain of the Manaslu Region. The 12 days Manaslu Trek takes you through the challenging rugged path of the Himalayas, putting your physical endurance to the test. It's always good to have prior high-altitude trekking experience or at least be in good physical shape to commence the journey.
Embrace a peaceful and quiet trail to Larkye Pass Region
The Larkye La Pass, at 5,160 meters, is the highest point of the trek and is regarded as one of the most challenging crossings in the Himalayas. No wonder why Manaslu Trek has fewer visitors than other popular trekking routes in Nepal. Another reason for lesser trekkers on this trail is its location in a restricted area that requires a licensed guide and special permits.
The 12 days Manaslu Trek is ideal for trekkers who prefer calmness over the crowd and want to explore the wild outdoors peacefully. The quiet trail also allows you to interact with locals.
Discover the rich cultural heritage and simplistic lives of locals
The Short Manaslu Trek route is densely packed with mani walls, monasteries, prayer wheels, and chortens. For decades, this region's isolation has preserved its culture and traditions. As a result, you get to witness the rituals that are still practiced here for generations.
Buddhists and Hindus exist side-by-side in the Manaslu region. At the start of the trek, you will learn about Hinduism, and as you progress, you will get to immerse into the Buddhist culture of the local Tibetan descendants who have been living in the area for a long time.
The locals here are humble and welcoming and will greet you with a warm smile and "Namaste" or "Tashi Delek." They are deeply committed to their family, community, and faith. Living far away from modern society and advancement has resulted in simple but culturally rich lives in the higher Manaslu region.
Trip Customization of Manaslu Trek
The above itinerary is a standard 12 days Trek to Manaslu region and Larkya La Pass. However, we can customize the trip according to your preference. We can arrange the Manaslu Trek in 11 days if you have time restrictions. Or, if you're flexible, you can as well complete the Manaslu Trek in 15 days. (cost is subject to change based on the number of days)
If you prefer comfort during the road trip from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, we can provide a private jeep for the additional cost of US$460.
We can also remove the potter from the standard package if you're confident enough to carry your own backpack.
