Nepal has a lot of different places to visit and treks to choose from. The Manaslu Circuit is believed to be one of the most beautiful and rewarding. Every year, more than 5,000 tourists visit this route. This trail will be less busy than other touristic trekking destinations.
As part of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project, the Manaslu area is being protected. It includes well-known tourist attractions such as Larkye La Pass, Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyen Gumpa, Rui La, and more. Being a diverse trekking area in Nepal, a visitor can have different experiences with this trek. October to early December and from early March to May are the best times to start the hike.
During the trek, you can see Annapurna (8,091 m) and Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), which is in this area and is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Besides that, there are many waterfalls, beautiful and varied scenery, lush green forests, and a wide range of plants and animals.
In this article, we will point out some of the major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek that you should take notice of.
6 Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
The word Manaslu means “mindfulness.” Getting up and focusing on your thoughts can lead to joyful wholeness, which is a high state of quality relaxation. Himalayan wisdom, or awareness, can be used in many different ways to change your interest in being in Manaslu’s life toward happy wholeness.
Realizing that you want to fully experience the Manaslu Circuit Trek makes you feel happy. You can fulfill your deep desire to be in the historical Himalayas with the help of Manaslu’s existence.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered by many to be among the most breathtaking trekking routes in Nepal. This journey provides you with incredible views of the Himalayas and a wide variety of scenery. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventure that is truly unforgettable for trekkers who are looking for a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and tough terrain. These highlights make the trek an enjoyable one. Below, you will read the six major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek, which are as follows:
Kal Tal, meaning ‘Death Lake’ (3,600 m)
Don’t be scared off by the name “Death Lake,” which is Kal Tal. Up high, it’s like a little piece of heaven. Imagine a tranquil lake that perfectly reflects the beautiful blue sky and is located in the heart of a mountain range. There is no way to describe the breathtaking view it provides, and it will stay with you forever.
Your trip to Kal Tal is an exciting adventure that makes you happy when you get there. Take a moment to picture yourself walking through a lush forest on the route that connects through it, with nothing but the sounds of nature keeping your attention. Doing it is a peaceful thing to do that makes you feel better.
Make sure the weather is clear before you leave on this trip. If the weather is nice, the effort you will have to put in to reach this picturesque lake will be worthwhile. Are you ready to find this hidden treasure?
Birendra Lake (3,620 m)
Birendra Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake in Nepal’s Manaslu Conservation Area. This lake is named after the late King Birendra of Nepal. Snow-capped mountains and lush forests surround the lake, which is at an elevation of 3,620 meters (12,091 feet).
Birendra Lake is a popular destination for trekking and camping. The trek to the lake is challenging but rewarding, and the views from the lake are simply breathtaking. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and even the occasional snow leopard.
The best way to get to Birendra Lake is to trek from the village of Samagaun. To reach Samagaun, you have to take a bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The duration to reach Soti Khola is around 9–10 hours. From here, we will then trek to Khorlabesi, Jagat, Namrung, Lho, and then Samagaun. It takes around 4-5 days to reach Samagaun from Soti Khola.
Pungyen Gompa (4,700 m)
We will take a different route between Shyala and Samagaon instead of the regular route. You can take a day trip to the breathtaking Pungyen Gompa, which is accessible via a certain path. A monastery that is every bit as fascinating as the trail that ascends to get there awaits you at an altitude of around 4,700 meters.
Just below the shoulder of Mount Manaslu, which is also known as Mt. Pungyen in the area, a temple was built. We will cross the quiet village on a narrow trail and quickly reach the majestic forest of ancient pines.
An ancient Tibetan nomadic group called the Nubri people is said to have settled here 400 years ago. They believe that the area is protected by a god named Lord Pungyen, who lives high on the icy peaks. They erected the monastery to make the god happy.
The forest area came to an end after some time of trekking. Cross the long suspension bridge over a stream that comes from Pungyen Glacier, which is one of the mountain’s most famous glaciers.
One of the greatest viewpoints for Mount Manaslu and the surrounding region is right here. You will experience an immense feeling of physical and spiritual pleasure. Thus, Phungen Gompa is the spot to visit if you desire a side trip that includes spirituality, natural beauty, and some adventure.
Manaslu Base Camp (4,848 m)
Manaslu Base Camp is considered to be one of the top places to explore along the Manaslu Circuit trek. For those who are staying in the village of Samagaun, the side trip is a hike that serves as an acclimatization experience. The climb to Manaslu Base Camp is considered to be a challenging acclimatization trip. The climb to base camp and return takes approximately 6-7 hours. On the other hand, when you reach the peak and take in the breathtaking views of Birendra Lake and the Manaslu Glacier from above, you will be astonished.
Rui La, Nepal-Tibet border (4,998 m)
Start on a spectacular trip, heading from the breathtaking heights of Samdo at 3800 meters to the majestic peak of Rui La, also known as “Lajing Bhanjyang.” Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, and allow the unexpected sight of a majestic yak caravan to mesmerize you. The way to Rui La is beautiful to look at. Each step reveals a breathtaking view, overtaking the one that came before.
The magnificent Hindu and Fukang glaciers that appear behind you during the climb, as well as the breathtaking views of Manaslu in the distance, will captivate you as you proceed. The Rui La pass offers a magnificent “U” shape, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, while a border stone stands as a silent guardian that separates Nepal and China. It’s a breathtaking sight that captures both symbolism and beauty. A wide range of mountains can be seen on the Tibetan side, and with enough patience, you can also see the Yak caravan passing through Nepal.
Larkya La Pass (5,106 m)
The Larkya La Pass, which is located at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level, is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas. This is the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is between Dharmashala and Bimthang. The Larke Pass area is near the boundary between Nepal and China. The pass acts as a connection between the two most important conservation areas in Nepal, which are the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Although it does not have any sharp edges, the pass appears to continue on and on forever. Before you arrived at the prayer flags on top, you were able to observe them for a considerable amount of time. Large mountain ranges will start to show up to the left and right as you get closer. You will feel surrounded and emotionally overwhelmed by them from the top.
As part of the Manaslu circuit walk, hikers are required to pass through all of the villages along the way, including Maccha Khola, Jagat, Namrung, Sama Gaun, and Dharamsala, before arriving at Larkye La.
Final Words
Let’s explore the major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek. Each stop, like the serene lakes and peaceful monasteries, offers something special. They encourage you to go off the usual path and enjoy the Himalayas.
But these side trips are more than just places to visit. They are chances to connect with nature, experience local cultures, and challenge yourself.
So, as you start this journey, stay open-minded and ready for anything. Enjoy the surprises, appreciate the beauty, and let the mountains amaze you. Remember, the Manaslu Circuit Trek isn’t just a walk; it’s a thrilling adventure.