Manaslu Base Camp Trek with larkya pass

Manaslu Base Camp Trek is one of the recently opened challenging treks in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Walking through the untrodden trails of the Manaslu region one can get the wonderful opportunity to explore the unique culture, tradition, rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, majestic mountain views, and the rural civilization that presents Tibetan Lifestyle. Located on the northern Himalayan range in the Gorkha district of Nepal, Mountain Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain in the world. The Nepal Government gave a trekking permit to the trekkers in 1992.

Undoubtedly during the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, you can experience a wide variety of vegetation, culture, and landscape. Crossing the famous rivers such as Budi Gandaki, Machha Khola, Tharo Khola, Deng Khola, and Ghatta Khola makes your trip to Manaslu more exciting. The cascading waterfalls along the trail of the Manaslu Base Camp are really something that every trekker would love to see. The spectacular views of Mountain Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal range, and several other Himalayan ranges add more adventure to your trek to the Manaslu Base Camp. Further the gleaming forest of rhododendron, blue pine, and bamboo on the way of Manaslu makes each and every trekker feel astonished.

As Mt. Manaslu lies in the east of Annapurna inside the Manaslu Conservation Area one can witness varieties of flora and fauna such as deer, Himalayan Marmots, Pheasant, Raven, Pika and so on.  Also due to its close proximity with Tibet, the inhabitants along the  Manaslu Base Camp Trek are mostly of Tibetan origin. You will get to experience and explore the Tibetian Buddhist culture, tradition, and lifestyle during the trek to the Manaslu region. The heartwarming hospitality of these local people and the serene environment of the Manaslu region give you eternal happiness. Far from the hustle and bustle, trekking to the Manaslu Base Camp heals one’s mind and soul. However, perfect physical condition is required to do this trek.

The trail to the Manaslu Base Camp also lets you cross the Larkya La Pass which is quite challenging. Although crossing the Larkya La is challenging and requires high stamina, when you reach the top of the pass you will be rewarded with the enthralling views of mountains and glaciers. Before heading towards the Larkya La Pass, you have to stop at Samagaon for acclimatization, At a same time you can visit the Sama Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the Manaslu region. As Manaslu Base Camp is the main destination of your trek, reaching the Manaslu Base Camp you can relish the captivating views of Birendra Lake and Mt. Manaslu.

Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can encounter few trekkers in the trekking trail of Manaslu Base Camp which makes the Manaslu Base Camp Trek unique and exciting. If you really want to enjoy the rural life of Nepal then there is no other perfect destination for you than Manaslu Base Camp.

Transportation Facility Available for Manaslu Base Camp Trek

You can start your Manaslu Base Camp Trek by taking the local bus ride from Kathmandu to Arughat or Soti Khola. You can also hire a private jeep ride also. Around 6 hours of the drive-by private jeep from Kathmandu, you can reach Arughat or Soti Khola. The first day of your journey is all about an adventure ride on the bumpy roads. From Soti Khola you can start your trekking on foot. Climbing uphill and descending downhill when you reach Besi Sahar from there you can return back to Kathmandu by local bus. You can also take a private jeep from there. 

Challenges for Manaslu Base Camp Trek

Landscape and Distance

Manaslu Base Camp provides a wide variety of terrains. Trekking along the difficult and strangely shaped trails of Manaslu is not an easy task, it requires high stamina and endurance. You have to walk 15-20km per day. The start of the trek is difficult as the trail leads to Budi Gandaki Gorge. You have to walk a lot of uphills and downhills during your trek which makes Manaslu trek more challenging. Moreover, the crossing of Larkya La Pass is really difficult. Not only physically, but you also need to be mentally prepared for the difficulties ahead.

Probability of Getting altitude Sickness During the Trek

The altitude varies along your trek to Manaslu Base Camp. The trek will begin at a lower altitude of 700m at Soti Khola and it takes you to the highest altitude of 5213m, Larkya La Pass. The body of the trekkers experiences a huge change in the surrounding. As altitude sickness is caused at high altitudes starting from 3000m and upward. There is a high risk of altitude sickness. It is important to collect information and prepare yourself against the possible risk of altitude sickness. You have to consult the doctor before commencing your trekking. Further, you should also give enough time for acclimatization during the trek to Manaslu Base Camp.

You should continue your trek with patience and should not have to rush at all.  In addition, if you observe any of the symptoms like headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and so on then you have to descend immediately to the lower elevation.

What type of clothing and equipment is required for Manaslu Trek?

The trekking to the Manaslu Base Camp is of multiple days you need to take quality trekking equipment during the trek. It is necessary for you to take the right equipment and clothing so that it can protect you from the cold of high altitude.

You can hire or buy the trekking equipment required while trekking to the Manaslu region. If you decide to hire trekking equipment then it will cost you around 1 to 2 dollars each day. But, if you want to buy new equipment then it will cost approximately 500$ to 800$. Some of the necessary equipment and clothing that you must carry during Manaslu Base Camp Trek are listed below.

1. Fleece Jacket
2. Windstopper jacket 
3. Pullover
4. Expedition thermal tops
5. Shorts
6. Cotton Trousers
7. Thermal Gloves
8. Thermal underwears
9. Thermal Bottoms
10. Thermal T-shirts
11. Cotton Pants
12. Sunhat
13. Scarf
14. Sunglasses
15. Headlamp
16. Sleeping Bag
17. Trek Bag
18. Water Bottles
19. Trekking Shoes
20. First Aid Kit
21. Wash towel
22. Toiletries
23. Waterproof trousers
24. An excellent camera

What is the best time for Manaslu Base Camp Trek?

Spring(March-May) and Autumn(September-November) are the best seasons for trekking to Manaslu Base Camp. The stable weather during Spring and Autumn graces trekkers to have a wonderful journey. The blooming colorful flowers throughout the trail makes the trek reminiscing and fascinating. 

 Avoid the Monsoon season during summer(June-August). The rain and the haze weather in Monsoon makes it the unfavorable season for Manaslu Base Camp trek. Winter is not preferable to do Manaslu Base Camp Trek. However, the trek can still be done from January to February as well with the best sunset and sunrise views from the mountains, but it will certainly be challenging with cold and snow.

What type of accommodation is available during the trek to the Manaslu Base Camp?

You can find a teahouse along the trekking trails of the Manaslu region. Finding a room is not a big deal in Manaslu Base Camp Trek. However, during the peak season, you may have to share a room with other trekkers mainly in Dharamsala. It is because during peak season a large number of trekkers trek this region. Heating is only available in the dining area and foods are available in teahouses. Toilets are normally shared and can be outside of the teahouse. Most of the lodges have hot water for the shower but with an extra cost in using them.

What type of permits is required for Manaslu Base Camp Trek?

As you have to trek through the restricted region, a special permit is required for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. The cost of the special permit is around $75 per person for one week. The average cost is $10 per person per day. You will also need to carry the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit. It will cost you around $27 per person for each of these permits.

It is also necessary to take a government-appointed trekking guide along with you during your trek to the Manaslu region. If you book Manaslu Base Camp Trek with any of the Local Trekking Company in Nepal then they will arrange all of these permits for you. However, you should be careful while booking the trekking package with the trekking company in Nepal. Among various local trekking company in Nepal, Mountain Rock Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd is one of the best trekking companies in Nepal which will provide you the Manaslu Base Camp Trek package. Booking this package with Mountain Rock Treks, without any hassle you will get all of these permits. Further, regarding the Guide, Porter guide, and Porter hire in Nepal you needn’t have to face problems as the company will provide you with the licensed and fully trained guide or porter guide for you. 

Note:- Minimum 2 people in a group is required for trekking in the Manaslu region.