10 beautiful Reasons to do Manaslu Circuit Trek

In the heart of the world’s 8^th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), you can knit the beautiful holiday full of spiritual myths and legends. The region is not only for amazing trekking activities but also for self discovery! Nepal has unlimited places where people can feel as if they are in the fantasy land. The diverse landscapes, vegetation, and the most hospitable people create a platform for momentous holidays. Today, we go deeper into finding out 10 beautiful reasons to do Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Iconic Trekking Routes of Manaslu Region

There are two of the iconic trekking routes in the Manaslu Region. They are the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek. Some more adventure lovers also walk on the Rupinala Trek which is off the beaten and detour walking trail of the Manaslu Region. However, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has become the cornerstone of Nepalese Trekking industry. The popularity of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is on par with the various commercial trekking routes of Nepal like the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Langtang Valley Trek, and the Mardi Himal Trek.

Why people travel or do trekking in Nepal?

The major reason behind the trekking activities is to relish the beautiful nature. This is obvious but to be honest, trekking offers great sense of self belief and help you find the soul. The uphill and downhill, the panting while you walk about 6 to 7 hours in an average, the sound of river and the breeze of fresh air coming out of mountains; all these make trekking in Nepal overwhelmingly beautiful. The presence of snowy mountains also makes the country an ideal place for Himalayan experiences. Moreover, the country has many ethnic communities even if it is one of the tiniest countries in the world in terms of area.

People can experience mountains, wonder of Mother Nature, and grandeur of multi – ethnic culture in one single trip of Nepal. In addition, the cost of trekking in Nepal is comparatively cheaper than many countries across the globe. According to the lonely planet and various reputed travel magazines, Nepal is one of the best places to spend holiday for varieties of reasons. You can do trekking, peak climbing, adventure sports activities, family friendly leisurely tours, pilgrimage tours, and heritage tours in Nepal. The country is the one stop destination for different types of holiday activities.

Let’s find out now about 10 beautiful reasons to do Manaslu Circuit Trek. For years, the Manaslu Circuit Trek was hidden from the public eye but since 2022 the trail is getting lots of attention from people across the globe. Nowadays, the trail is surely the top 5 treks to do in Nepal!

10 Beautiful Reasons to do Manaslu Circuit Trek

Restricted Area of Nepal

The region of Manaslu is not ordinary. It is extraordinary and listed under the restricted area of Nepal. The geo – political reason, unique vegetation, culture, and volatile Himalayan landscapes are the major reasons behind keeping the region in the restricted zone. The foreign policy of Nepal towards China is “One China Policy” that doesn’t recognize the Tibetan movement. Therefore, some areas bordering Tibet (Autonomous region of People’s Republic of China) are in the restricted zone. For example, Nar Phu Valley, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Upper Mustang, and Upper Dolpo are the restricted regions of Nepal alongside the Manaslu Region.

You need to obtain special restricted permit alongside the regular trekking permits (national park entry or conservation are entry permit and local rural municipality entry permit).

500 to 700 years old Monasteries

The most interesting thing about the Manaslu Circuit Trek is that there are many chortens, stupas, pagodas, and monasteries in the trekking trail. Wherever you go in this region including in the Tsum Valley Trek route, trekkers get chance to visit centuries old monasteries. It is believed that some of these monasteries are built by the Guru Padmasambha himself. Lots of 8^th eons monks meditated in the caves and valleys of the Manaslu Region. Therefore, you can call this place the spiritual and serene where you get chance to find the peace. Fluttering prayer flags, pine smell of incense, and sound of mane wheels constantly remind you the spirituality of the place.

Diverse Vegetation and Landscapes

The trekking route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek traverses through diverse vegetation. In the lower altitude places, trekkers can experience the sub – tropical forests. Temperate deciduous forests follow after the sub – tropical vegetation. In the middle sections slightly in the higher altitude places, trekkers can experience alpine and meadows vegetation. Finally, you can also experience the tundra vegetation in the places above 4800 m from sea level. Therefore, in terms of the vegetation diversity, you can call this trail as the rich bio diverse trail.

Landscapes in the trail continuously changes every day of the trekking. From the lower river valleys to the high mountain passes, the trail is rich in landscape diversity. Travelers walk through the terraced farmlands, narrow gorges, barren Himalayan valleys, glaciers, and moraines. It is the rich walking experience in many landscapes in one single trip. In addition, you can call this a heaven for landscape photography.

Manaslu Base Camp

The trail’s one of the most iconic place is the Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m). The base camp of the world’s 8^th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu is definitely the place that you want to leave your foot prints. As a part of the acclimatization process, the Manaslu Base Camp hike comes up with the chance to explore the beautiful Birendra Lake (3700 m). So, don’t miss out to reach this iconic place of the region. Among 10 beautiful reasons to do Manaslu Circuit Trek, this is surely the most prized reason.

Multi-Ethnic Villages

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a unique cultural diversity due to the presence of multi – ethnic villages. As you journey along the trail, you’ll encounter communities of Gurung, Tibetan, Nubri, and Tsum people, each with their own language, customs, and traditions. In the lower altitude, you can find the Brahmins, Chhetris, and Dalits. This cultural blend enriches the trekking experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in centuries-old rituals, prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries.

Larke La Pass

Larke La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5,106 meters, is the highest point of the 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek and a thrilling highlight of the journey. Crossing this pass is a physically demanding yet deeply rewarding experience. The ascent offers dramatic scenery, with frozen lakes, cliffs, and sweeping glaciers surrounding you. Upon reaching the top, trekkers are greeted by breathtaking views of peaks like Himlung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The sense of accomplishment is unmatched, making it a moment of pure triumph.

Tranquil Less Crowded Remote Trail

Unlike the more commercialized treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit remains blissfully serene and relatively untouched. Its remote location and restricted permit system keep the crowds away, allowing for a more peaceful and personal trekking experience. This tranquility lets you fully connect with nature, appreciate the silence of the mountains, and enjoy unspoiled landscapes without distraction. For those seeking a meditative and less touristy adventure, the Manaslu Circuit delivers unmatched calm and remoteness at every step.

Spectacular Mountain Vista

The Manaslu Circuit is a feast for the eyes, offering some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in Nepal. From the very beginning, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped giants like Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest peak in the world, along with Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal. Each day brings a new, breathtaking perspective. For photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, these views alone make the journey unforgettable.

Authentic Tea House Trekking Experiences

The journey along the trail is now the tea house style. There are many lodges and eateries in the trail which are mainly run by the locals. Therefore, eating in the kitchen with the locals help you connect with the place. Tea house trekking is the best way to know about the culture and lifestyle of the local people. You can get the hearty meal of your choice from the menu that has cuisines of the world including local dishes.

Journey of Self Discovery and Peace

It is true fact that trekking in the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just a regular walking holiday. The journey is purely blissful through serene valleys, pristine lakes, spiritual monasteries, and tranquil villages. While walking uphill and downhill, you get to know about yourself. Away from the chaotic city life, you can get rid of mental drabness in this trekking trail. If you are looking for a getaway journey of self discovery and peace, then the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an ideal choice.

These 10 beautiful reasons to do Manaslu Circuit Trek are not enough. The trail is magnificent and you need to do the trek to believe it. You can contact the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. for an amazing trekking package with authentic itinerary prepared by the local experts.