Lower Manaslu Trek

For trekkers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Manaslu region but do not wish to take upon the complexities of the challenging routes, the Lower Manaslu Trek will be an exceptional choice! Unlike the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can expect way less crowd on this route, offering you a peaceful journey. 

Furthermore, the Lower Manaslu Trek focuses more on the captivating blend of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences without any added technical difficulties. Throughout the trek, you will encounter a series of charming villages, lush forests, serene rivers, and scenic viewpoints. 

Therefore, it is a perfect journey for trekkers looking forward to enjoying the essence of the Himalayas at a relaxed pace. This well-accessible and well-maintained journey across the Lower Manaslu region begins with a 7 to 8-hour scenic drive from Kathmandu to Barpak Village. 

But before you take this drive, we will be more than pleased to come pick you up from the Airport and transfer you to your hotel as you arrive in Nepal. Also, fear not, you will not be starting the trek as soon as you arrive here. Well, you will have a day’s time to relax and make final preparations before we head out for the trek. 

Now, you are in Barpak (at an altitude of 1,900 meters), one of the most popular villages in Gorkha that holds deep historical meanings. Known as the scenic village of the Braves, you will be able to witness the traditional stone houses, green landscapes, agricultural fields, and the captivating presence of the Daraundi River. 

Historically significant, Barpak was epicentered by the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which caused major damage to the village. 

Despite the significant loss, the village has recovered throughout the years, restoring its original charm. Today, most of the houses are rebuilt with more facilities, providing you with a better homestay experience. If you plan to make this journey in October, you will be able to celebrate Dashain and Tihar with the locals there. 

Even from the starting point of your trek, you will be greeted with panoramic views of the majestic mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Bouddha Himal, Manaslu Himal, and Siringi Himal. A fun fact - these magnificent sceneries of the snow-capped peaks will stay throughout your whole trekking journey. 

From Barpak, you will trek through the lush forest trails and verdant terraced fields to the Gurung village, Laprak. This culturally rich village will welcome you with warm hospitality. As you step onto this village, you will be surrounded by traditional stone houses nestled among terraced fields. 

During the month of January right before the corn seeds are planted, the Gurung people of the Laprak Valley celebrate the corn marriage. It is one of the most interesting rituals you will ever see as the locals wed the corn plants and enjoy the ceremony with dance and drinks. 

Talking about the interesting rituals, from the start of Basanta Panchami, the Larpak village conveys the story of King Pashramu and Queen Yambawati through Ghatu Nach. This dance is quite spiritual as the dancers are said to be possessed by the dead souls during the ceremony. You will see this ritual stretch till the full moon day of Baishakh Purnima. 

Lastly, on the night of the 22 December, the Gurung community brings a massive celebration. They celebrate Lhosar on this day which is a new year on their calendar and it also is a celebration to appreciate the change in nature. 

Leaving this interesting village, Larpak, you will take a day hike to the highlight point of the trek, Dharche Danda. It is also the highest elevation point of your trek and offers you clear views of the snow-capped mountains at the top and the changing landscapes at the bottom. If you are an avid birdwatcher you have reached the perfect spot as this part of the trek is inhabited by over 300 species of birds. 

As you spend two nights on Laprak with a side trip, you will walk through the forests and meadows down to reach the Khorla Besi. This is the peaceful section of the trek that will offer you a relaxing environment. From that point onward, you will make your way through Runchet, Kasigaun, and finally to Baseri. 

During these parts of the trek, you will pass through several water bodies and historical locations of the villages. Originally named Rukchet, the Runchet village is believed to have been the settlement of Tibetans in the past. This village is famous for the Mane Dance which is generally celebrated in the first or second week of December. So, if you get lucky to witness this dance, remember that it is believed to have originated over 1000 years ago and is celebrated to this day to avoid the death of the offspring. 

Moving on, Kasigaun is a lively hub full of traditional architecture and vibrant culture. Historically, this village used to be the Ghale King’s Fort. Today, it is one of the most genuine places in Gorkha where you will get to witness the ethnic dances of the region. 

If you have planned his trek during the rainy season, you will get to witness the Tara Devi Puja. The locals usually celebrate this when it is time to bring the crops home and they believe that this dance will keep the mice away. Some of the other celebrations you may get a chance to witness in this village are the Maruni Dance and Hyursha Devi Puja. 

The final destination of the Lower Manaslu Trek is Baseri Village, which is a hill station in Dhading. This final stretch offers a rustic view of the traditional Nepali houses on a hill with the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas. 

As you are in Baseri, you will have a final day hike to Tinsure Hill before you return back to Kathmandu. This extended hike will provide you a chance to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas one last time. 

Overall, the Lower Manaslu Trek is a wonderful introduction to the Himalayan beauty and local culture and traditions. So, this particular trek highlights the Manaslu region in summary by offering a comprehensive experience. 

Therefore, if you are looking to soak yourself in the scenic and relaxing journey in the foothills of the Himalayas with a more manageable level of complexity, you should definitely prepare for the Lower Manaslu Trek!