Manaslu

The two-horned Mount Manaslu is coined from a Sanskrit word “manasa” meaning intellect or soul. In the Tibetan language the region is known as “Kutan I” where “tang” means flat place. As you trek in and around the circuit you will become mesmerised by the massif which is seemingly sculptured into a serrated wall go snow and ice hanging in the sky. Added to this are the ten peaks of over 6500 metres that add to the fabric of the rugged, snow-capped mountain environment. It is little wonder that many efforts have been made to sustainably manage this wonder and so the 1663 square kilometre Manaslu Conservation Area was declared in 1998. The area is not only abundant in natural beauty but also in rich cultural heritage with different ethnic groups scattered across the trail.

Manaslu region may be dominated by some towering giants but it also offers a range of climatic zones and ecosystems that will keep you equally captivated. From the trailhead of Gorkha (also known as Arughat) to the Larkya Pass you will find six zones ranging from sub-tropical foothills (1000m – 2000m), temperate (2000m – 3000m), sub-alpine (3000m – 4000m),alpine meadows (4000m – 5000m) to the extreme conditions experienced in the arctic zone beyond 4500 metres. The dominant vegetation as classified into low hill, middle mountain and high mountain types. In particular, the valley basin has a rich biodiversity which includes 19 different types of forests although rhododendron and Himalayan blue pine are the most common. Moreover, the landscape is accentuated by long ridges and glacial valleys which create endless opportunities for trails. To really feel like you are walking on clouds we can achieve this by taking you to the heights of Tiru Danda.

Manaslu region is the home to many endangered animals such as snow leopards and pandas and other exotic animals including Lynx, Himalayan Black Bear, Grey Wolf, Dhole, Assamese Monkey, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan tahr, Mainland Serow, Himalayan Ghoral, Wooly Hare, Horseshoe Bat and Black Lipped Pika. If that isn’t enough fauna to feast your eyes on, Manaslu also has over 110 bird species featuring golden eagles, griffons, pheasants, 33 mammal, 11 butterflies and 3 reptile varieties recorded. Partnerships with monasteries to impose hunting bans has been particularly effective in allowing wildlife to prosper.

Overall, Manaslu is a stunning region invoking mystery in its unusual geography and local superstitions. Trekking here is pure meditation for the mind and body as you contemplate the eighth highest mountain and its many surrounding peaks such as Ganesh Himal (7406m) which is so named for its southern ridge which conjures the image of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of good fortune and Himalchuli (7893m).