Manaslu Circuit Trek Via Larke Pass Trip Highlights
- The early departure from Kathmandu hotel to Machha Khola, an 8/9 hours’ drive through the unfamiliar narrow highway and countryside roadway is out of the ordinary with an enormous landscape view at the backdrop.
- Manaslu trek being remote and basic it’s less trodden where anyone can experience the thrill of being in the wilderness trekking from the subtropical region to the alpine.
- Due to its remote location, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a sense of isolation and tranquility that's hard to find on more popular routes.
- Walking into the deep-cut gorges of Budi Gandaki River with ample suspension bridges and a gigantic landscape setting with sky-high rock faces and cliffs to your sides is more of an adventure.
- Walking on the ancient salt-trading legendary route through the longstanding classic Gurung villages with their exceptional culture is way more stunning than anything.
- The close view of the magnificent extensive green hills, the Tibetan-Buddhist culture, and the territory of the rustic lifestyle from the very first day is charismatic.
- Getting closer to the 8th highest mountain in the world and a visit to a holy Birendra lake on your 10th and 11th day is sure to add more excitement to your holiday.
- Going over the challenging but very rewarding Larke Pass is a different experience that offers you a handsome opportunity to walk over the outstanding ancient salt trading valley with stunning mountain views.
- Eventually descending down to the most beautiful valley of Bhimthang - The Paradise on Earth
- Shortly, joining the classic Annapurna Circuit valley in the vastness of the Himalayas is worthwhile.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Via Larke Pass Trip Overview
Manaslu Circuit Trek offers anyone the opportunity to walk into the less-trodden enchanting deep valleys. This region of Manaslu is the main epicenter for the tragic 2015, 8.2 Magnitude earthquake. Then, trekkers were of the notion about Manaslu not being a safe destination which is simply a lack of true information.
Though the earthquake has undeniably brought about a transformation on the regular trekking trails nevertheless, Manaslu is very safe. Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek which is part of a Great Himalayan Trail.
Furthermore, it is less trodden and offers anyone a variety of trekking options. Starting from the District of Gorkha we eventually finish our trek in a Different district of Manang completing a distance of 177 km / 109 miles.
We don't recommend the Manaslu Circuit Trek during the winter season starting from December to February. It's pretty challenging if you want to know the difficulty level of Manaslu Trek. However, the ascent is very gradual which on the other hand provides enough acclimatization time for everyone.
Manaslu being a restricted area Trekkers are not permitted to trek alone without a Local Guide. All foreigners must be affiliated with a local company, obtain special permits, and be accompanied by a local guide.
“Climb mountains not so that the world can see you, but so you can see the world”
Mt. Manaslu and its Legends - Traditional Stories
Mt. Manaslu: The 8th Highest Peak in the Mighty Himalayas.
Nestled in the heart of Nepal's Gorkha district stands the formidable Mt. Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). This revered peak in the western Himalayan range presents climbers with tremendous challenges thanks to its technical climbing routes and notoriously fickle weather.
However, the risks have not deterred intrepid mountaineers from attempting to ascend this "Mountain of the Spirit," as Manaslu's name translates to in the local dialect. The mountain holds deep religious and cultural significance for both Buddhist and Hindu faiths in the region. According to ancient legends, Manaslu was once a goddess who transformed into her current, towering form to protect local villages from malevolent spirits.
There are further many legends about Mt. Manaslu according to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. These stories give the mountain a divine meaning.
In Hinduism, the stories say that the Hindu deities often visit the peaceful, beautiful mountain to enjoy its views and receive its sacred blessings.
In Buddhist tradition, Manaslu is named one of four especially holy mountains. Myths tell that the Bodhisattva of Compassion lives on Manaslu.
So in both Hinduism and Buddhism, Manaslu is seen as a holy place where gods and saints reside. These rich legends add to the mountain's sense of wonder and mystery for both local Nepali people and traveling visitors. With all these legends, summiting Manaslu becomes a spiritual journey through a sacred landscape.
Today, the Manaslu Conservation Area, a popular trekking destination in its own right, preserves the area's stunning alpine ecology. Endangered species like Snow Leopards, Himalayan Red Panda, and Musk Deer roam the region under the watchful presence of the mountain's divine spirit.
Since its first successful ascent in 1956 by a Japanese climbing team, Manaslu has gained global recognition as a climbing challenge for the most experienced mountaineers. Climbers must obtain special permits and work closely with knowledgeable local guides to have any chance of reaching the summit and returning safely. Proper technical skills, physical conditioning, and provisions are an absolute must.
Still, Manaslu continues to draw intrepid climbers wishing to test their skill and grit against one of Nepal's divine peaks, which watches over this corner of the Himalayas just as its goddess form did ages ago according to the enduring myths. Those successful in their summit quest are forever changed after confronting the Mountain of the Spirit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Trip Profile:
The region of Manaslu is still a RESTRICTED area. The Government of Nepal permitted trekkers to Manaslu Circuit only in 1991. Manaslu is also the region of the Suspension bridge and the sky-high cliffs. Despite its popularity and the construction of new tea houses in the region since 2010, the Manaslu Trek however is very remote and basic. In comparison to other tea-house treks in Nepal, Manaslu still needs progression.
Though we need a special permit to get through, the picturesque beauty of the Manaslu region cannot be denied.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is famous for its stunning mountain views, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural diversity. Usually, the Manaslu Trekking trail starts from Arughat and passes through several remote villages and dense forests, with the highest point of the trek being the Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters. The trek provides an opportunity to witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the local people, who are mainly of Tibetan origin.
If you are looking for an extended version of Manaslu Trek it's good to opt for the Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trek combination.
Larke Pass 5106 m/16,751 ft is the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit trek. Moreover, this is a classic and tough ancient salt trading route that links the Manaslu Valley with the Annapurna Valley. The view from the Larke pass is simply Terrific with Chuli, Himlung, Cheo Himal, Larke Peak, Himal Chuli, Annapurna II, and Mt. Manaslu.
After the pass, the valley opens up in a very paradise-like setting. We will stay overnight at Bhimthang. Moreover, this village is uniquely located in a Himalayan meadow at the lap of Manaslu and Himalchuli which is simply incredible. Soon we enter the tree line area with lush green woodland and cruise towards the famous Annapurna circuit trail followed by spectacular views.
Toss aside your guidebooks and Trek to the mystical lands of Manaslu.
For more details on the beauty of significance of Manaslu Circuit Trek check this Blog Post: 10 Beautiful Reasons To Do Manaslu Circuit Trek.
