5 risky Landslide Areas in Manaslu that You Must Know
20 Oct 2024 Chandra Gurung
No surprises; trekking in the summer brings heavy rain and risks of landslides. The weather is not favorable, and the ground becomes loose, always making it risky for technical climbing. Today we look after landslide-prone areas, how to cross them, and even the types of landslides we encounter on the way.
Hiking on landslides in Manaslu is quite a thing. Though it’s scary in the beginning, we eventually can make it through with safety measures.
Why are landslides dangerous in Manaslu Trek?
Rescuers work day and night to clear the road blockage, and locals show efforts clearing trails affected by the landslide. However, flooding is also an additional risk aspect of landslides, which is more of a concern.
The catastrophic landslide also impacts tourism. Highway roads are disturbed on monsoon, so when there is a red alert, it is safe to stay at home, be careful, and do the necessary and minimalistic activity outdoors.
How to cross the Manaslu Circuit trek after a landslide?
Trekking in Manaslu during a monsoon is risky, as you can be confronted by a landslide, which may block your path, and you have to postpone your journey. However, some places have these wood crossings like “a makeshift bridge” made with planks and wood, so you can climb them like stairs in landslide areas.
Speaking of challenges, if you’re planning to visit Manaslu Circuit Trek, keep in mind that there’s a strict “sun o’clock” rule. No buses or private vehicles are allowed in after 5 PM. It’s a safety measure to ensure people don’t get caught in the mountains after dark. Otherwise, your private rentals can go up to Bangsing.
Risky Landslide Areas in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Without our knowledge, there are so many places prone to landslides. What else can we expect in Himalayan landscapes than a narrow and rugged path?
1. Chumchet
Chumchet, a small Manaslu village, reports several landslides every year. This remote village located in the Chumnubri Rural Municipality often experiences the blocking of foot trails and trekking paths entirely with destructive rainfall for days.
Frequent landslides along the Chumchet trail put Chumnubri locals at risk. However, the villagers over the years have been prepared for the disaster in this perilous passage.
2. Larkya La Pass
Larkya La Pass, a “tempestuous mountain pass,” is very prone to avalanches and landslides. Even though you don’t get a permit for Larkya La Pass crossing in monsoon season. The government is against it in adverse conditions. It is a “formidable foe” in monsoon rain to prevent trekkers from unpredictable avalanches and landslides.
3. Soti-Machhakhola Road Stretch
The Soti-Machhakhola road stretch is a risky vehicle route in monsoon with its steep inclines and narrow paths, making it perilous to landslides. The risks of loose boulders and landslide debris obstruct the trail, where trekking navigation becomes a tough job to do. Whereas, locals do have to live in the circumstances when the situation is brought back to normal with local and community efforts.
4. Yarubhir Area
The Yarubhir area on the Manaslu Circuit is a bit of a wildcard. As the locals say, “It’s not for the faint of heart.” Yarubhir crossing is a challenge for vehicles as roads are obstructed.
We very well know Manaslu Circuit has been a traveler favorite, but not all roads and paths are clear; the new roads are made, but it will take ages to finally take the vehicles up to the base camp, and even if we do that, the path becomes more tricky, and every year blockage arises of landslides.
It’s a narrow, rocky path that follows the Budhi Gandaki River, and let’s just say, loose boulders are a constant threat here. They can roll down the slopes at any time, so it’s important to be extra careful and keep an eye out. The rainy season is especially dangerous, as the wet ground makes the rocks more likely to slide.
If you’re planning to trek through Yarubhir, be prepared for a bit of a challenge. Forget vehicles; you need extra space to make your trek complete in wet months. To make it through, you might have to start walking before Yarubhir. And remember, we look for safety as a team. Watch out for falling rocks and be mindful of your footing.
5. Huge Landslide area in Lokpa village of Manaslu
Lokpa Bhir, the entrance to Tsum Valley in Chumnubri, suffers utter pain as the dry landslide has eroded the slight possibility of welcoming tourism.
Given the risks, locals exclaimed, they reconstructed a cantilever bridge for 1.8 million, but it did not even last for 2 years. A permanent solution awaits for the safety of people who want to explore the beautiful Tsum Valley, and even for the convenient lifestyle of locals, out of this risky path.
The Lokpa Bhir trail they use is a constant worry. Loose soil, falling rocks, and landslides make it super dangerous. Villagers have to walk through this scary path twice a week for groceries in Gorkha’s Chumnubri Rural Municipality-7, Chhekempar, and things get worse in monsoon.
What type of landslide can occur in the Manaslu region of Nepal?
The Manaslu region in Nepal is a stunning place, but it’s also a bit of a landslide hotspot. Why? Well, it’s got a unique combination of factors that make landslides more likely.
1. Debris flows
Manaslu Circuit trails often have unpredictable weather; sometimes heavy rains and melting snow do a lot more damage than usual. The soil becomes loose and can lead to debris flows, where mud and rocks come rushing down like a muddy river.
Melting snow during warmer months can contribute additional water to slopes, increasing the risk of debris flows. This rapid movement is dangerous for those walking on foot, so be extra careful and watch out for landslide-prone areas beforehand.
2. Areas Prone to Rockfalls in Manaslu
As we all know, the mountains are steep and rocky, and there are lots of loose rocks that can fall anytime. This happens quite often on the ascended steep slopes along the Budhi Gandaki River, just near the edges. From June to August, the situation gets more adverse with monsoon rain.
3. Topples in Manaslu
Topples, the giant block of rock, fall down the hill slopes on the edges of the Marshyangdi River. Areas with cliffs and rocky slopes are at risk after heavy rain and seismic activity. There are seasonal risks where wet soil destabilizes the rocky slopes and makes the rock movement extra damaging.
4. Rotational slides or slumps
Then we have rotational slides or slumps. This is when a big chunk of earth slides downhill. It primarily occurs on the steep terrain of Sama village, located near Manaslu Base Camp. Heavy rainfall is the root cause of rotational slides, so trekkers must always watch out on steep slopes.
There is the possibility of occurring it on the trails around Ghap village and steep hill slides in Deng and Bhimthang. Larkya La Pass is no exception to this, as there are steep angles and potential points for snowmelts.
5. Translational slides
Finally, there are translational slides. This is like a block of earth sliding along a flat surface, almost caused by sheer stress evident on different geographic locations in the Manaslu Circuit trek.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is always crucial for navigators at Manaslu to be aware of the inherent risk of landslides. The areas we mentioned—Yarubhir, Larkya La Pass, Lokpa Bhir, Sama Village, Deng, and Ghap—are some prime-time danger places, based on their landslide history.
As you plan your next trek to Manaslu, remember, you are well-informed on weather conditions. You need to choose a safe trekking route and have a proper trekking guide who can be aware of potential threats and make your trek a safe experience. Why wait when a trusted Manaslu guide is by your side?
FAQs
1. What precautions should trekkers take when facing landslide-prone areas?
Stick to designated trails on marked paths, and cross-check for unstable terrain with your local guide. It’s always safe during good weather—bright, not very sunny—and when chances of precipitation are less.
As a trekker, it’s our role to pay close attention to our surroundings and avoid walking on paths with cracks and loose rocks, which show signs of erosion. Trekking solo is fun, but having a companion can save you “a big time” in catastrophic situations, with the hand of help, moving quickly through risky areas.
Trekkers should have an emergency kit with first-aid, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and extra water. Your guide will make you familiar with local emergency services, so worry less and navigate safely. Don’t go on steep edges and cliffs; seek safer alternatives because all challenges are not worth it.
2. Are there any specific training programs for trekkers to handle landslide emergencies?
There are both online and physical classes one can have to handle landslide emergencies. Trekkers can take that to respond effectively in catastrophic situations, which includes Basic Life Support (BLS) Training, Wilderness First Responder Training, Specialized First Aid Training for Trekkers, and others. You can always rely on your trekking guide if you select the best and most experienced, with skills and knowledge in landslide management.
