Manaslu Region Facts & Complete Travel Guidelines

Before you commit to setting foot on the Manaslu circuit or an expedition to the summit itself, we recommend you go through this informative article about Manaslu Facts and Travel guide we have put together. Prior knowledge of the journey you are about to embark on is essential, as this can surprisingly help you in ways unbeknownst.

Preparation is key to your Manaslu trek because trekking/climbing in this region is no joke. The Manaslu Facts and Travel Guide is designed to inform you about everything that you need to know about this trip.

Introduction

This is the Eighth Highest Mountain in the world, and it stands at an altitude of 8,163 meters (26,781 ft.) above sea level. It is situated in the Mansiri Himal, in the west-central part of Nepal. Manaslu means “Mountain of spirit,” and it derives its name from the Sanskrit word Manasa meaning “Intellect.”


Manaslu was first climbed on the 9th of May 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu as a member of the Japanese Expedition. Hence, Manaslu is also called the Japanese Mountain.

Spanish group in Manaslu trekking
Trekking Group and Office Crew in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu is located 64 km east of Annapurna in the Gorkha District of Nepal. The region offers a lot of trekking options. In 1991, the Government of Nepal began permitting treks in this region, as it was a completely restricted area prior to that. This trail is on an ancient trekking route beside the Budhi Gandaki River.


We can observe 10 peaks over 6500 meters in height, including a few over 7000 meters. The highest point in the Manaslu trekking route is the Larkya La pass with an elevation of 5106 meters. Apart from climbing the Manaslu Mountain, trekking is also familiar in this region as part of the Manaslu Circuit.


The Manaslu Conservation Area was established in 1998 under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. This area covers 1663 square kilometers (642 sq m) and is managed by National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). The central theme of this region was— “to conserve and sustain management of the resources and rich cultural heritage, including the promotion of ecotourism.”

Nice mane wall in Lho village, Manaslu region
Mt. Manaslu View From Lho Village

Geography

The Manaslu Conservation Area consists of sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to Trans-Himalayan areas around the Tibet border. This area covers six climatic zones, from Arughat to the Larkya La Pass. The tropical zone varies from 1,000 to 2,000 meters, the temperate zone from 2,000 to 3,000 meters, the subalpine zone from 3,000 to 4,000 meters, the alpine zone from 4,000 to 5,000 meters, and the arctic area above 4500 meters.

Birendra Lake Made from Mt. Manaslu Glacier
Birendra Lake Samagaun

With views overlooking the glacial valleys, Manaslu offers several routes to mountaineers. Manaslu is surrounded by the Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli, and Baudha peaks. Larkya Peak lies north of Manaslu, with an elevation of 5106mtrs.


The peak is also surrounded by Ganesh Himal and Buri Gandaki River gorge in the east, fissures of Marsyangdi Khola with Annapurna range hills at the west, and the Gorkha town southwards.

Climate

Manaslu Trekking group on the way to Larke La Pass Top 5130M.
On the way to Larke La Pass Top 5130M.

The permanent snow line of this region is above 5,000mtrs. Here, the annual rainfall is about 1900mm during the monsoon time (June to September). In this area, the temperatures vary widely with the climatic zone.


The temperatures during the day in summer are 20-25 degrees celsius, dropping to 15-29 degree averages at nighttime. During the winter season, one can expect single-digit temperatures during the day and sub-zero ranges of temperature at night. Of course, the arctic zone is permanently below the freezing point.

Fauna

Himalayan Marmot enjoying a day time on the way to Manaslu base camp
Marmot in Manaslu region

This region is home to endangered animals like the Snow leopards and Red Pandas. Other mammals include the Lynx, Asian black bear, grey wolf, dhole, Assam macaque, Himalayan Musk deer, blue sheep Himalayan Thar, mainland serow, Himalayan goral, wooly hare, horseshoe bat, Himalayan mouse-hare, and black-lipped pika. Over 110 types of birds, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies, and 3 reptiles are found here. The hunting ban in this place has achieved the conservation of wildlife. This area is now a critical habitat for the snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, and the Himalayan Thar.

Boy in Tsum valley  and Rainbow backround of him
An innocent boy in Tsum Valley with a Rainbow Background

Vegetation

Pine Tress are in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Pine Tress around Bhimtang

Mainly, three types of vegetation are identified in this area. This vegetation can be categorized into Low hills, Middle mountains, and High mountains. Depending upon the microclimate and other aspects, an overlap of vegetation is noticed in adjacent areas. This region includes nineteen different types of forests, including Rhododendron and Himalaya Blue Pine. There are 19 types of forests, and other dominant vegetation has been recorded from the area. There are 1500 to 2000 species of plants growing here.

Nice and tall mani wall in tsum nubri valley
Tall Mane Wall in Tsum Nubri Valley

Trekking Routes:

The trekking route of the Manaslu region passes through mountainous terrain prone to natural calamities of monsoon rainfall, like landslides and landfalls.

Manaslu facts and travel guide: Trekking Routes

The following are the best trekking in the Manaslu Region:

  1. Manaslu Circuit Trek
  2. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
  3. Tsum Valley Trek
  4. Manaslu Two Passes Trek
  5. Ultimate Manaslu Trek
  6. Rupina La Pass Tsum Valley Trek
  7. Lower Manaslu Trekking

Peak Climbing/Expedition

British couple on Larke La Pass Top 5130M during there  Manaslu trip.
A British couple on Larke La Pass Top 5130M

The Manaslu expedition is a complete climbing adventure of an 8000-meter peak in the Himalayas of Nepal. It offers access to the restricted trekking region of Manaslu, which unfolds the diverse landscape and challenging climbing experience. For the Manaslu expedition, the climber needs to have excellent physical and mental preparations because it is more technical and challenging than the Cho Oyu and Sishapangma. 

It is regarded as the “4th most dangerous peak”, and climbing the Manaslu Peak requires favorable weather conditions and strength of character. The ideal time to test yourself on this expedition is during the spring season.

There are two peaks in this region for climbing.

  1. Manaslu Expedition.
  2. Larkya Peak Climbing


Links:-
Annapurna Trek       Everest Trek       Peak Climbing       Langtang Trek       Tour in Nepal

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