Manaslu circuit trek is one of the surreal journey which offers the great Himalayan vistas, living culture and heritage, an ancient monastery and sacred caves, deep gorge, rocky canyon, and the great highlight is the unspoiled culture and heritage that the people have kept unchanged from centuries.

The Manaslu region is located in the northern part of central Nepal in Gorkha district which is separated by Budhigandaki in the east and Marsyangdhi in the west and the Himalayas separates this region in the north from Tibet. The region stretches within the area of 1663 Sq Km where most of its area is wild nature as well as the high Himalaya. This conservation area is home for 2000 species of plant, 33 kinds of mammals, 115 kinds of birds, 3 reptile, 15 butterflies and 11 different kinds of forests which ranges from the tropical zone to the alpine.

The region is very rich for its diverse culture and religion that several different ethnic group people live in this area. Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Brahmin people live in the southern province whereas northern province is inhabited by Lamas who has rich culture and history which made this region antique.

After discussing the general background of this region and the people now we are heading towards why we should do Manaslu Circuit Trek? Now let’s discuss on top 10 reasons to do Manaslu Circuit trek.

1. Offbeat and less commercialize: The region is virgin and pure and the trail is offbeat yet that its one of the less visited areas by tourist whereas in terms of modernization and commercialization Everest and Annapurna are way far than this. So if you like to explore the place which is less touristic and less commercial for sure this journey is for you.

2. Virgin and unspoiled nature: Most areas in the province are wood and mountain and its less explored region so here nature, people and culture are still unspoiled. This is the best place for you if you are seeking less explored region this is for you.

3. People and culture: The people living in this area and their culture are points of interest. Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion here, the settlement is built with the local material that most houses are built with stone and wood. We can see hundreds of monasteries in the region and a lot of Stupas and Chorten can be seen during the journey.

4. Monastery and Sacred caves: The region is enriched with several monasteries where still we can see the monks learning holy education and also there are a bunch of sacred caves where the big master Milarepa, Guru Rinpoche had meditated.

5. Mt Manaslu base camp: The journey to Mt Manaslu 8163m base camp which is located at the altitude of 4800m is another highlight of the journey. The walk to base camp is very beautiful and adventurous that we can see the birds-eye view of Birendra Lake and Samagaun.

6. Support the local economy: The region was badly damaged in the earthquake of 2015 and still, it’s in the process of a rebuild. Thousands of houses had damaged, many became homeless thus your journey will support the local economy.

7. Sama Gaun: Samagaun is the largest village in the northern province of this region whereas 300 houses are in the village and around 1500 people live here. The Samagaun village looks very unique and beautiful with its stone wall and timber roof. This village is located at the altitude of the 3500m and probably most populated village in this province at this altitude.

8. High altitude freshwater lake: The region is enriched with a bunch of freshwater lakes above the altitude of 3500m where we can see alpine migratory duck which is one of the rare species found in this region. The famous lakes are Birendra tal, Phunkar lake which we can see during the journey.

9. Larkya Pass: Larkya La pass is the main challenge of this journey. We have to traverse through the altitude of 5160m to cross this pass. We can see the spectacular view of Himalaya and glacier towards the western side from the top of the Larky La Pass.

10. Manaslu Conservation area: The government of Nepal started to protect this sanctuary with this name Manaslu Conservation area which is home to several birds and wildlifes. The conservation campaign started as project thus the institution looking after the conservation of this region is called Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).