Manaslu
lies to the north-east Kathmandu in an area long
closed to foreigners because of its proximity
to the Chinese border, but recently opened. Because
the area is newly opened the trails are relatively
less trekked, and the culture and traditions are
less affected. Added to that the scenery is among
the best in Nepal. This is a fascinating route
around Manaslu (8,163m) a mountain known as the
Japanese Peak because of the expeditions that
nation sent to it before finally succeeding in
reaching the summit. We ascend beside the Buri
Gandaki River and through the contrasting worlds
of Lho and Sama Gaon (3,450m) before crossing
the trek’s highest point, the Larkya La
(5,213m), which is just 8km from the Tibetan border.
From the pass there is a classic view to the west
– Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji
Kang, Kang Guru (6,981m) and Annapurna II (7,937m).
From Larkya La, the descent is steep and usually
snow-covered as far as Tanbuche. From Tanbuche
a narrow trail reaches a wide meadow where we
camp. Then we follow the white Dudh Khola River,
passing though magnificent forests of rhododendron,
pine and juniper, these giving way to apple orchards
around Thonje and Dharapani. As we descend further
the alpine vegetation gives way to subtropical
lushness. We then walk down the Marshyangdi Khola
River valley to Besishar, the end point of the
trek. From there we return to Kathmandu by bus. |
