More often than not, when somebody thinks of hiking in the Himalayas in Nepal, they refer to Base Camps. As a matter of fact, Nepal feature close to 4,000 mountains above 5,500m including, of course, the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest at 8,848m.
Since you probably already know about EBC (Everest Base Camp) or Annapurna Base Camp, the 2 most popular & widely explored in Nepal, we thought to provide you info regarding the eighth tallest mountain in the earth Mount Manaslu & its base camp. You may even have heard about Ghorepani Poonhill Trek as well as Upper mustang trek.
Where's Mount Manaslu:
Placed in the northern Himalayan range in Nepal's Gorkha District, Mount Manaslu stands tall as the eighth highest mountain the globe. Climbing & trekking this mountain aren't as widely known as other base camps, but it's gaining huge fame particularly for those who like remote & off the beaten paths. In fact, the base camp is exceedingly remote that it's only feasible to reach the jump off point by private 4×4 jeep or a local bus.
Why it's called as Manaslu Circuit Trek rather than Manaslu Base Camp:
For EBC & ABC treks, the concluding point of the hike are the base camps, and then from here you come back to your jump start point. However, for Mt Manaslu, it's diverse. As a matter of fact, Manaslu Base Camp trek is recognized by the name Manaslu Circuit Trek. For Manaslu Circuit Trek, you're making a cringle in your trek where you begin in Sotikhola or Arughat, come to the sum Valley, halt by Manaslu Base Camp, come across Larke pass & then conclude your hike in Besi Sahar in the Annapurna province. Nonetheless, in Base Camp trek, these are usually your prime destination & then you typically come back to where you begun. However, for a circuit hike, the beginning point & end point are always diverse.
What's the usual Manaslu Base Camp trek itinerary?
Relying on the rest-day & side trips, Manaslu trek schedule may varry between 14-22 days. If the hike takes place sometime from June-early September, then minimum trek is 17 days. The number of days also relies upon the side trips you want to opt for. For instance, some of the feasible side trips throughout the hike are Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake & the Tibetan border. There's also the Tsum Valley side trip during Manaslu trek which's recommended highly by several hikers.
The ideal time of the year to go to Manaslu is in October, November, March and April where the 14 days Manaslu trek is good enough as the road state can push your itinerary a few days ahead.
Martin Wynn
