I've been hearing so much about the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, and I’m curious to hear from those who have done it! What were your favorite parts of the trek? Was the route as stunning as everyone says? I’m particularly interested in the cultural experiences along the way and any tips for those planning to tackle this adventure. Also, how challenging is it compared to other treks like Annapurna or Everest? Looking forward to your insights!
First of all, the Manaslu is a relatively pristine trek as it was opened for foreigners only in 1991. The rule of compulsory liaison officer accompanying a trek to the Manaslu conservation area, besides the requirement of a special restricted area permit, limited the number of trekkers until very recently.
At the moment, the region only requires a special restricted area permit (RAP) beside the conservation area permits. There are also basic teahouses run by locals to accommodate trekkers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more pristine than the Everest and Annapurna regions. Trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area is like how Annapurna used to be 20 years ago.
Regarding the
cultural experience, of course, this trek passes through lively Hindu villages to the Shamanistic Buddhist villages close to Tibet. Since the teahouses are still run by local families whose livelihoods rely on agriculture, animal farming, and trans-Himalayan trade, the trek has more opportunities for cultural immersion.
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, I recommend combining the detour of the
Tsum Valley. Tsum Valley is also in the Manaslu conservation, but it deviates from the Budi Gandaki valley and goes towards the northeast. There are several elegant monasteries and meditation caves. Villages still have traditional Khani gates (Buddhist entrance with murals) and Mani walls at the entrance, and exist. Stone houses with mud rooms are closely built to appear as a honeycomb structure. Chortens and monasteries dating back 10th century make it one of the oldest Buddhist hidden valleys in the Himalayas.
Side Trips:
Kal Tal, Birendra Taal and Ponker Lakes are a few freshwater lakes worth visiting as a day excursion from the main trail. Similarly, Hinang Gompa on the way to Himalchuli base camp, Pungen Gompa and Serang monastery are some of the ancient and enigmatic monasteries along the way, which are side trips with more authentic cultural experiences.
Regarding the trek difficulty, all of these three treks - Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Everest Base Camp fall in the same category. A trek to Everest base camp is less affected by weather as it doesn't have a high pass crossing. But altitude-wise wise all of them go above 5,000 m.
Here is a blog with a detailed comparison between these three treks:
Comparing Everest, Annapurna and Manaslu Trek