Manaslu , which means “Mountain of the Spirit”, is the eighth highest mountain in the world, and is located in the Mansiri Himal, part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in the west-central part of Nepal. Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition.
The Manaslu region offers a variety of fascinating treks, the Manaslu Circuit being one of them. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit in 1991 and it is still a Restricted Area where we need special permit acquired from the Department of Immigration to trek in this region.
Overview
The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river. This trek not only provides views of the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas but also allows close interaction with the different ethnic groups who live in hill villages scattered along the trek route. This region provides a rich variety of landscape and vegetation as it comprises sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans-Himalayan high pastures bordering Tibet, covering six climatic zones.
The Manaslu valley is also a sanctuary to many highly endangered animals, including Snow leopards and Pandas. Over 110 species of birds, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies and 3 reptiles have been recorded in this area. An estimated 1,500-2,000 plant species grow here of which many are valued as medicinal herbs and aromatic plants.
Highlights
- Trekking along the Great Himalayan Trail through an ancient trade route to Tibet.
- Restricted area, which means away from the insanely busy tourist highways.
- Sanctuary to many highly endangered animals, including Snow leopards and Pandas
- Rich in flora and fauna
- Breath taking views of mountains, lovely forest sheltering remote hamlets and their little fields, and high country
- Larkye la - 5140 m
