Trekking in Nepal's Manaslu area is an exciting adventure that draws trekkers from all over the world, even Australia. This trek is less crowded than the popular Everest and Annapurna circuits, so it's more off the beaten road. The area is named after Mount Manaslu, which is 8,163 meters high and the eighth highest rock in the world.
Usually, the trip starts with a flight from Kathmandu to the town of Arughat or Soti Khola. Then, it's a drive to the starting place of the trek. The trail goes through lush green valleys, dense forests, and cute villages, showing off the rich cultural history of the Gurung and Tibetan people who live in the area. Trekkers will see Buddhist temples, prayer wheels, and mani walls, all of which show how spiritual the area is.
Over the course of the trip, the terrain gets tougher, with steep climbs to high passes like the Larkya La Pass, which has stunning views of snow-capped peaks. There is also a lot of different kinds of plants and animals. In the protection area, you can see rare animals like the Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep.
When you trek in Manaslu, you'll also see a lot of different climates. At lower levels, you'll be in a subtropical jungle, then you'll be in alpine forests, and finally, as you get closer to Larkya La, you'll be in a dry, Tibetan-like landscape.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to go on this trip because the weather is nice in those months. Australian trekkers would enjoy the stark difference to the landscapes they are used to. The Himalayas offer deep peace and natural beauty as a reward for the hard work of the trip.
For Australians, planning the trip means getting the right permits, like the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and the Restricted Area Permit because the area is so close to the Tibetan border. Also, it's best to go with a trekking company or guide with a lot of experience who can help you with the details and make sure you stay safe the whole time.
Overall, the trek in the Manaslu area is life-changing because it combines difficult physical tasks with the stunning beauty of the Nepalese Himalayas.