Trekking in the Manaslu Region: A heavenly but audacious escapade!!

Are you keen for a trekking escapade in northern Himalayan range amidst the snow-capped mountaintops of Manaslu? Regarded as one of the pre-eminent trekking destinations in the entire planet, Manaslu region Trek is the widely celebrated in recent years due to the inimitable natural and cultural heritage it possesses.  The name Manaslu has its origins in Sanskrit word Manasa that translates into “Mountain of the Spirit”. Positioned in the Gorkha District of Nepal, Manaslu is praised as “wall of snow and ice hanging in the sky” and put forward unsurpassed window of opportunity to acquire a detailed insight of justifiably “untouched” territory.

The Manaslu Circuit was unlocked for trekkers in 1991 A.D. Since trekkers were compelled to manage their basic necessities such as food and water themselves due to lack of teahouses and necessary infrastructures, the Manaslu region was initially renowned for camping trek. Porters for hire were also available that would make trekking in this region even more expensive. Though at present times, a number of tea-houses and lodges are available for business at several points alongside trekking trails that have made trekking easier and quite cheaper. Thanks to its trekking trails which have been unheeded and untouched for a long time span, trekkers are bestowed with classic trekking experience. Mt Manaslu, standing at the elevation of 8,156m asl is the 8th highest mountain in the world, which becomes visible as you trek across the region. Natives believe Mt. Manaslu to be inhabited by spiritual deities. It is supposed that “just as the British consider Everest their mountain, Manaslu has always been a Japanese mountain”.

The diverse and isolated trekking routes of Manaslu region originate at around 1,000 meters and reach as high as 5,200m asl, where trekkers are able to discover a variety of flora mainly pine, bamboo and rhododendron i.e. particular to the middle hills and alpine regions of Nepal. Additionally, wildlife including barking deer, Pika and Himalayan marmots accompanied by birds such as are pheasant, raven and chough are occupants of this diverse woodland. Apart from these, Manaslu trek showcases enthralling landscapes and panoramic vistas comprising majestic mountains encompassing Mt. Manaslu, Mount Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal mountains range, parallel to snowy summits of Shringi, Langpo and Saula. The other highlights of this region include Lhargyal La Pass, Tsum Valley and Nupri Valley.

Lhargyal La translates into victory hill or victory pass. The Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,220m, which is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The apex of Lhargyal La is adorned with delightful Buddhists prayer flags and extends awe-inspiring outlooks of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. Likewise, Tsum Valley functions as the crown jewel of Manaslu region. Located in northern Gorkha, the sacred valley flaunts exquisite outlooks of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, next to Himal Boudha ranges. To be precise, Tsum is a Tibetan word, which translates into vivid and the name is undisputedly appropriate for this picturesque Himalayan valley because of its graceful classic art, culture, and traditions; chiefly inspired by Buddhism. Moreover, most of the native population belong to Tibetan origin and speak a distinct dialect. On top of that, Manaslu region is home to Nupri Valley based in Upper Budi Gandaki, whose residents are descendants of Tibetan immigrants and share exactly same speech, dress and customs with their current Tibetan counterparts.

Rules and Permits

As the Manaslu region falls under Manaslu Conservation Area, all trekking activities within the Manaslu Circuit is monitored by the government of Nepal and it’s local bodies in order to preserve its natural resources and cultural heritage. Therefore, you will require a permit to explore the area. Depending on the month and number of days you will spend in this region, the permit cost for Manaslu Trek varies. You will need three kinds of permits issued by the Government of Nepal to backpack within the vicinity of Manaslu region. Furthermore, the rules utterly explain that you’ll require a pack of minimum 2 people plus a registered guide.  Nonetheless, you will be in need of a second permit of a “ghost” trekker, if you desire to trek alone; for that, you are obliged to have an actual passport which is difficult. Another alternative is to attach with a group up to Jagat then bid a pre-arranged farewell. Apart from original passport along with its copies, you’ll be under a compulsion to have four Passport-sized photos to acquire a valid permit. Double check everything before you go!!!

The check-in point is based in Jagat while check-out point is placed in Dharapani.

Manaslu Restricted Permit

Manaslu trek permit costs USD 70.00 for first seven days and USD 10.00 each additional day during September to November.

Manaslu trek permit costs USD 50.00 for first 7 days and USD 7.00 each extra day during December to August.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Entry fee for SAARC Nationals is NPR. 200 per individual; whereas, NPR. 2,000 per individual for other Nationals.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Entry fee for SAARC Nationals is NPR. 200 per individual; whereas, NPR. 2,000 per individual for other Nationals.

Tsum Valley Restricted Permit (Optional: if you wish to explore Tsum Valley)

Days in Tsum Valley restricted permit is independent to your Manaslu permit. If you settle the Tsum Valley trek, it will cost you USD 35 each individual per week.

TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card

As per the recent MoU signed by NTB and TAAN, TIMS card is applicable in all trekking areas of the country including restricted areas:

Group trekkers (Blue TIMS cards):

SAARC countries: NPR. 300. per person

Other than SAARC countries: NPR. 1,000 per person

FITs (Free Individual Trekkers) (Green TIMS cards):

SAARC countries: NPR. 600

Other than SAARC countries: NPR. 2000

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