Abishek Aryal

After almost three months thanks to the hard work of local people and Rescue Committee it is good news for us to hear that the obstructed Manaslu region has been opened for the Tourists. There has been only 2 routes effected from the earthquake Langtang and Manaslu.

Now the good news Manaslu is back.Not only the foreign Tourists, this pristine and Beauty of Gorkha is equally an attraction for the internal Tourism industry. The trekking route was brought into operation after the removal of the landslide debris from Aarught to Philim of Sirdibas VDC. The Nepalese Army Bhairabi Dal Battalion, Gorkha, and the Armed Police Force’s Gorkha Company cleared the rubble and brought the route into use.

The District Natural Disaster Rescue Committee had deployed the Nepalese Army and the Armed Police for the same. It took around one month to resume the trekking route. This will give a message that our mountains are ready to make a Tour in the Autumn Season.

Short Introduction:

For those who donot have an Idea where exactly Manaslu is ,it is along Northeast part of Lamjung,east to Manand and touched on west by Dhading .It is located on Northern Gorkha with 8163m.

From Sanskrit Manasalu as Soul the Manaslu Circuit Trek now usually starts in Arughat Bazaar and ends two to three weeks later in Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Until recently the trek required camping, but building of tea-houses means the trek can be completed using local accommodation.

The first ascent of this peak was in 1956 by T. Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu (Japanese expedition). The peak was not climbed again until 1971 when a Japanese team made the second ascent.The popular Manaslu trekking route of 177 kilometres , skirts the Manaslu massif over the pass down to Annapurna.

The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit in 1991. The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river. En route, 10 peaks over 6,500 metres are visible, including a few over 7,000 meters The highest point reached along the trek route is the Larkya La at an elevation of 5,106 metres . As of May 2008, the mountain has been climbed 297 times with 53 fatalities.

What is there Special ?

Flora and Fauna

Manaslu offers huge Tourism potential in the Region .This is a hub for Buddhist Monasteries. Local harmony of Nature and Religion can be seen in the region. It is also an example of how harmony and generosity of People has hindered the hunting by the preservation of Snow leopard,Grey wold ,muskdeer ,blue sheep and other species.

The huge Biodiversity in the region with medicinal plants and the other important Flora and Fauna. As we continue further, we can visit very old monastery “Sama Gompa” at Sama Gaou, along with close up view of Mt. Manaslu, and our biggest challenge will be crossing Larkya La pass, here we are rewarded with great mountains views & then we descend from alpine to tropical areas, bursting with ferns, bamboos, pine, waterfalls & aqua-blue green lakes laced with cotton- white beaches. Over 110 species of birds, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies and 3 reptiles have been recorded.

Conservation of wild life in the area has been achieved by monks of the monasteries in the area by putting a hunting ban in place. This action has helped the wildlife to prosper. The Manaslu Conservation Trust is doing its best in saving our Himalyan Heritage.

People and Religion :

Gurung and Tamang are the dominant ethic groups .Besides other castes Brahman,Chhetri ,Damai and Kami residing in small numbers were seen. The rich natural resources and traditionally have served as the foundation for the economic and cultural life of the mountain.

The biological diversity of the Manaslu region is equally rivaled by its cultural diversity. The rich natural resources traditionally have served as the foundation for the economic and cultural life of the mountain people. Its diverse and fragile natural and cultural environments characterize the Manaslu region .

The coherent existence of Nature and people with religious harmony has made the Eco tourism practicable .I even appreciate the guided and trail Tourism rather than Mass tourism from which the Locals get the economic benefit and the Flora and Fauna remains.

Recommendations :

The exploration of Kayoking and White water rafting around Budi Gandaki river could make the Tourists stay longer .This will open local business in the area .We should focus on Paraglidiing Rock climbing and Mountain bike Tours. Fotos, Arts and Documentary shows in and around the country should be highlighted.

Piligrimage Tour from Buddhist countries like Taiwan ,Thailand and these package tours would enhance the spiritual tour. Also the local Herbal plantations could open other market areas in the region. Historical visit and Excursion is needed.

There should be concern of Local NGOs ,INGOs ,local people and mountaineering agencies which needs to work on it .the government lies in creating a policy in the Formulation of rules and regulations and monitoring the activities .Regular amendments according to emerging change is essential .

How to go there?

All routes to the base camp of Manaslu begin in Kathmandu. Expedition Time: Approximate time 62 days.

The Trek to Base Camp:

Bus from Kathmandu to Gorkha. Trek from Gorkha to Arughat. Trek through rice paddies to Sundi Khola. Trek through forest to Macha Khola. Trek along riverbanks of Budhi Gandaki to Jagat. Continue along the river to Deng.

Continue along river to Ghap, a Buddhist village. Continue along river to Sho. Trek to Pungen Gompa. Rest day. Trek to Sama Gaon. Trek to Manaslu base. Rest in Manaslu base.Climb Manaslu 35 to 40-day window.

Trek Out: Trek down to Samagaon. Trek down to Nyak. Trek down to Jagat. Trek down to Macha Khola. Trek down to Arughat. Trek down to Gorkha. Bus to Kathmandu.

(The writer is the Country Head of Himalayas Magazine and has been involved actively for the Promotion of Tourism in Gorkha region)