Manaslu range, the ‘’spirit mountain’’, situated in the western Nepal on the border line between Nepal and Tibet, covers a 1663 km²/ 642 mi² area in the Mansiri Himal range of the Himalayas in the Gorkha District, Nepal. The conservation area starts at 600 m/1968 ft above sea level while Manaslu mountain at 8613 m/28257 ft altitude is listed in the eighth position among the highest mountain peaks worldwide.
Since 1991, when the Manaslu Conservation Area has opened, Manaslu Circuit became the top trekking route among the trekkers community due to its untouchable and pristine landscape, its challenging trails and its intact character. Following the construction of the highway which connects Nepal and Tibet through the Annapurna circuit and the contamination springing from this, Manaslu circuit trail has been upgraded by the trekkers as the best trek area of Nepal.
The expeditions reach the north side of Himalayas moving across the immense massif of Manaslu-Baudha-Himalchuli. The trail moves alongside the Bhundi Gandaki River. There are few alternative entering points such as Arughat, Gorkha Bazaar (Barpak) and some others, a little bit higher. The circuit ends at Besisahar, the capital city of Lamgung District. Larkya La Pass at 5235 m/17175 ft is the highest point of the circuit. After this point, the arctic climate zone begins and the ground becomes more steep and rocky. The risk is considered to be high due to the presence of land falls and landslides. The fatality in Manaslu is quite high, making its ascent the forth most dangerous spot following Annapurna, Nanga Parbat and K2.
The pre-monsoon period, between April and May and the rainfalls are significantly less while in the hilly and mountain regions the temperature is cool without excessive cold. The trekking in Manaslu conservation area requires special permits by Nepali authorities. For first time n 2013, the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race took place. This year the appointment has been fixed from 8 to 21 November 2014. The Manaslu high-altitude trek requires excellent fitness and health status, flawless preparation and great determination.
Manaslu circuit trek can be one of the few truly lifetime experience on this planet!
