Definition
To do a Manaslu Circuit Trek for fifteen days means to walk around Mount Manaslu for fifteen days, going from lower warm areas to higher cold ones. One goes stepwise through woods, rivers, hills, and snow-covered passes. One stays in small tea houses, eats warm food, and lives the simple life of the mountains. The trek is like a gradual acclimatization plan that makes one feel safe and strong. This trek is longer than short routes and thus one has more time to rest and explore.
Purpose
Slowly and comfortably the real nature of the mountains becomes visible through this trek. One gets enough time to breathe fresh air, watch the clouds moving, and feel the calm of the mountains. It helps one understand the culture of the mountain people. How they live, how they speak, and how they smile even when life is simple is what you learn. The trek also allows the body time to adjust to the altitude so that breathing becomes easy.
Classification
Manaslu Circuit Trek is basically divided into three simple sections. The lower part is where the weather is warm, and the forests are green and dense. The middle part is where villages are nestled quietly beside the hills and the wind is cool. The high part is the place from where the trees vanish and the world turns white and magical. All these three parts together form different chapters of one story.
Characteristics
The 15-day trek is very soothing, slow, and quite nice for the body. It provides an opportunity to walk at a slow and gentle pace without hurrying. It provides an opportunity to rest on some days and lets the body get used to the height. The villages that you come across are very nice and friendly. The villagers welcome you warmly, and the mountains are there as silent giants to support you. Sometimes the trails are easy, sometimes steep, and at times snowy. But after every step, the earth appears to be more beautiful.
Geography
The trek is close to Manaslu mountain
regions. It is first seen in a lower place with green trees and air which is warm. After climbing higher, the land looks stony and barren. Rivers become noisy, and bridges look like small threads hanging over the water. If you move even higher, the entire area is covered with snow. The sky becomes clearer, the air gets colder, and the mountains look like they are coming closer. The earth keeps transforming and looks like a picture that is moving.
Daily Flow
Each day opens with a hot breakfast and a smile from the owner of the tea house. Bags are packed, and walking is started. One's walk is never too quick. Nature in all its forms is enjoyed - the view, the river, and the chirping of birds. Lunch is taken in a tiny village and the locals are talked to. After that, walking is done again until the place where one is going to sleep for the night is reached. When the sun goes down, people eat soup, take tea, and rest in their comfortable rooms. Sleeping is done early so that the body remains strong.
Accommodation
Tea houses are the places where one is going to stay, and they seem like small homes. They offer wooden beds, warm quilts, and simple food. The rooms are decent and peaceful. One takes a seat in the dining room along with other trekkers and talks about the day. Apart from offering accommodation, tea houses also give a feeling of being at home. They make one feel secure and happy. Also, when the weather is cold outside, they help one stay warm.
Food and Water
Food on the trek is easy and warm. One eats rice, noodles, soup, vegetables, eggs, and pancakes. The food energizes the body and makes it pleased. Warm tea is taken all the time to keep the body warm. Water bottles are refilled every day and clean water is taken so that one remains healthy. Eating well and drinking enough water is like a must for a long walk.
People and Culture
People living in the Manaslu region are very gentle and kind. They are always ready with a smile and speak in soft voices. They live in small houses made of stones and do as per their age-old practices. Most of them being followers of Buddhism, you will find prayer wheels, prayer flags, and small monasteries everywhere. When they speak to you, you get warmth in your heart. Their friendliness makes the journey very special, as if you were moving along with friends.
Nature Experience
One gets to see big forests, deep rivers, tall cliffs, and shining snow-covered mountains. Sometimes yaks are seen walking slowly, and sometimes small farms can be seen along the way. The air has a very fresh smell, and the wind that touches the face is light. In the morning, the mountains seem soft and in the afternoon, they look bright. At night, stars look like tiny lamps. Nature becomes your friend and keeps you company every day.
High Pass Experience
The most significant moment of the whole trip is the crossing over Larke Pass. This pass is extremely high and blanketed with snow. One leaves for the walk very early in the morning, and the sky appears to be very calm. Under your feet, the snow is making the crunching sound. After the top is reached, the world appears to be extremely vast and beautiful. One feels full of strength because one has climbed so high. The mountains glitter like silver, and you feel happy and proud.
Challenges
On occasions, the trek may seem tough as the air becomes thin with ascent resulting in you climbing high. You could feel that your legs become tired and slow. The weather can also be changeable and thus be cold or windy. However, if you are walking slowly, eating properly, resting well, and following your guide, it should not be difficult. The trek will teach you to be patient and courageous.
Safety
Your body gets enough time to get used to the high mountains through the plan for the fifteen days. To keep safe, one should walk slowly and take plenty of water. The guide informs you about any danger and helps you find the way. Safety is made easy if you pay attention to what your body tells you and take your guide’s advice.
Conclusion
Manaslu Circuit Trek for fifteen days is very much like a long and gentle dream. One walks slowly, meets kind people, and sees places that look like works of art. One gets to learn about simple living, warm smiles, and the beauty of nature. When the trek comes to an end, one’s heart feels full, mind calm, and memories remain bright forever.