From Rice Fields to Himalayan Peaks: My Manaslu Circuit Trek
Protected by Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area Park Manaslu Circuit trek we started from Sotikhola after one day bus ride from Kathmandu. It was good experience trekking through the rice fields in surrounding which was nearly harvesting time. We planned our Manaslu trekking in main trekking season in Nepal, not cold and not hot, fair weather and climate. As the weather was so clear we could see dark blue sky, white Himalayan peaks, walked through inspiring village time by time. The suspension bridge on the way to Filim we passed through was almost gone, not working properly and hanging so bad, so we had to wait others till they reach other side of bridge.
We had no problem with our temper until Lho Village. It’s a beautiful village inhabited by locals, we looked around the village in the late afternoon. As we were ascending gradually a day after another we had some problems like headache, difficulty on walking, tiredness. So our walking temper slow down itself, we had to take a rest several times in a day. From Low Village we could sew Mt. Manaslu face every day and surrounding sceneries were becoming wider and wider. We spent our acclimatization in Samagaun as a day hiking to Manaslu Base Camp, tremendous Mt. Manaslu we left behind and return to our tea house for overnight. Another spare day in Samdo we did excursion to Tibetan border, it was long day but super.
On our day to Dharamshala was not very good as it was so cold and snowing from early morning but we moved on to our shelter. We saw some camping group in Dharamshala who don’t look happy with their tents because of weather as it was so cold. I couldn’t sleep properly that night as I had headache and I didn’t get warm even for a minute throughout the night.
Our challenging journey to Larkey La Pass started very early morning, put boiled water in our mettle thermos. Our struggling pace reaches us on top for sunshine, so lucky we were. Sliding descending over the snow after completing the trek, I realized that Manaslu Circuit trek 13 days itinerary would be the best and can do it nicely. We talked some trekkers along the route who are doing Tsum valley Trek with Manaslu Circuit, our plan is to do Manaslu Circuit via Larkey La Pass and through the Annapurna Circuit trekking.
Day excursion Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp- Birendra Lake
The day hiking from Samagaun to Birendra Lake is a tranquil adventure in the heart of the Manaslu trekking region. This gradually ascending path through the alpine meadows and forest takes us closer a moment after another to Mount Manaslu and Manaslu Base Camp.
This journey is quite but the sound of nature is so natural and hypnotizing. We see nothing else than nature and breathtaking views surrounding peaks. One we reach the Birendra Lake the surrounding becomes even more serene.
The atmosphere becomes even more tranquil when we reach Birendra Lake. The lake lies at 3525m which a spectacular glacial body is surrounded by white peaks and landscapes. This area is culturally significant as locals often visit for spiritual practices.
This day excursion from Samagaun to Birandra Lake is a perfect acclimatization to go further Samdo and ultimate Larkey la Pass. This 5-6 hours day trip would be our one of the perfect choices from Samgao Village.
Most challenging day
Our most awaited and challenging journey started very early – 4:00 am, weather was very beautiful, could see stars twinkling on the sky. We had more resting time than walking, very slow walking. So we got updated that better walking slowly and continuously rather than resting time for this destination. We reached top at 7:45, took nearly 4 hours. I felt like I were in heaven, thank god ….. A cup of hot chocolate over the Larkey La Pass 5140 meter gave me energy and made me strong enough descending excursion to Bhimtang. People on the pass were so happy, hi fi each other, some of them were even having rum, very good celebration.
Downhill walking was terrible. Trekking trail was so sliding and there was a lot of snow during downhill. It was a long and heavy day but we were extremely happy that we did the Larkey La Pass. We had party in Bhimtang the place where slept after the Pass. Our trekking now is at end, took public bus from Tal and change another bus to Pokhara.
Manaslu circuit Trek difficulty
I must say this is difficult trekking. But this totally depends on level of your physical fitness. I would not recommend this trip for the beginners and those who require luxury foods and accommodation. The journey is easy going in the beginning and becomes tougher and tougher a day after another. If you don’t get altitude problem whilst trekking then you can reach the top, Larkey La Pass somehow but descending to Bhimtang is extremely difficult.
My suggestions to the trekkers who want to do this trekking to train a lot, be physically fit and prepare mentally.
Travel tips for Manaslu Circuit Trekking
- Do not forget to bring water purifier or some pills to make spring’s water drinkable.
- A pair of trekking polls would be ideal, especially for descending.
- Make sure if you have enough bills Nepali Rupee, exchange rate is low in mountain.
- Take some chocolates and dry foods for long days or for day hiking
- Torch light for this trekking is mandatory
- Porter (porters) from agency is more trustworthy and risk free as they are insured for high altitude sickness and risks.
- General medicines such as Paracetamol, Aspirin, Diamox, some anti-diarrhea tabulates, bandages are recommended
