Manaslu circuit luxury trek

Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek takes you around the stunning Manaslu region. Nestled in the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, this trek takes you through lesser-known trails and some of the untouched areas of Nepal. It introduces you to breathtaking landscapes, ancient traditions, and the warm hospitality of the locals while enjoying the comforts of luxury accommodations along the trail.

Rooted in the shadow of Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, this trek unfolds through a region that remained untouched by modernization until the late 20th century. Named after the Sanskrit term “Manasa” meaning soul or spirit, it is a sacred region for local Gurung and Tibetan communities. 

Historically, this trekking trail served as a trade route between Nepal and Tibet and only in 1992, they opened it for the trekkers. Later, the Government of Nepal announced it as a restricted area, giving a limited number of trekking permits each year hence, which is why, the trails of Manaslu are much less traveled unlike the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. As of today, the Manaslu Conservation Area is a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot.

Scenic Beauty And Cultural Richness of Manaslu

This journey begins in the foothills of the Manaslu region, gradually ascending into its higher altitudes. You will initially hike through the lush subtropical forests and gradually make your way through the alpine meadows. In the lower region of the Manaslu in villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, and Lokpa, the trails are adorned with vibrant rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams that cut through the valley. As you ascend higher, the environment shifts from forested valleys to barren, windswept alpine terrain.

During this journey, you will encounter villages that are steeped in ancient Tibetan traditions. Most of the high-altitude villages are the vibrant hubs of Buddhist culture and the locals here are mostly Tibetan or Gurung communities. As you walk through Ghap, Namrung, Shyala, and Samagaun, you will come across ancient stone houses adorned with intricate carvings, Buddhist stupas, and prayer wheels that have been in place for centuries. On top of that, the tranquil sounds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the rhythmic chanting of monks will surround you at all times as you explore these locations. 

One of the most fascinating cultural highlights of Samagaun is the Pungen Gompa. Standing at 4,000 meters, this sacred monastery offers a place for quiet reflection and is a perfect spot for observing the spiritual connection the locals have with the mountains. The monastery also provides panoramic views of glaciers and Mount Manaslu itself.

Additionally, Samagaun serves as a gateway to several other iconic landmarks such as Birendra Lake, the Manaslu Base Camp, and the Larkya La Pass. It is also the acclimatization point where you can take the side trips to any of those locations depending upon your time availability. 

Passing Samdo and Dharamsala, you will reach the highlight of the journey, the Tibet Border (Rui La Pass 4998 meters) continue towards one of your ultimate destinations Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), one of the highest points on the trek. From this summit, you will witness the sweeping views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and deep valleys. Some of the snow-capped beauty you will see includes Mount Manaslu and its surrounding peaks, such as Annapurna II, Himlung, Kangguru Himal, Cheo Himal, Larkya Peak, and Gyaji Kang. 

Descending from the grassy moraine area in Bimthang, you will pass Yak Kharka, Goa, Dharapani, and Besisahar which reintroduces terraced fields and lush valleys. The locals here have an agricultural lifestyle. They grow a variety of crops, including barley, millet, and potatoes, and live a simple yet deeply connected life with nature.

Altogether, the Luxury Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through diverse landscapes that hold and support distinct plant and animal life that you may encounter during the trek. If you are trekking in Manaslu during Spring, you will witness vibrant rhododendron blooms in shades of red, pink, and white in lower regions. However, the alpine meadows present hardier varieties of plants such as junipers and dwarf shrubs. If you are lucky or have a keen eye, you may also spot some of the rare medicinal plants along the way. Some of the flowers you may see are Edelweiss and Alpine gentians. 

On a similar note, these forests of Manaslu are home to an abundance of wildlife, including species like the Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, elusive musk deer, snow leopard, big cat, and Himalayan griffon vulture, to name a few. While these sightings are incredibly rare, trekking to Manaslu in Spring brings more probability of witnessing them in their natural habitat.