Geography
The trek is located in the Manaslu area and is quite a distance from loud cars and crowded towns. The trail is laid out in low and warm areas where big trees grow and birds sing. As people go up day by day, the nature around them changes. What was once a hill is now a mountain, and what was a mountain is now a snow-covered giant. They say the river accompanies the trek for a few days but it is there all the time, making soft music. When the trekkers reach the upper part of the area, the land looks vast and quiet with rocks, snow, and a cold wind. The topmost point of the Larke La Pass is the closest thing to walking on the earth's absolute top.
Duration and Structure
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is of thirteen days duration which is enough for a slow and safe exploration. Every day begins with the sun coming up over the mountains and hot tea being served in small cups. The folks walk for several hours with short breaks, and gradually, they take in the beauty of nature. At the end of the day, they rest in tea houses, meet other trekkers and have hot meals. The twelve days follow a still and quiet rhythm. There are some days which are longer and can take one to a higher place. There are other days when the body is given a chance to relax. This schedule makes the trek a perfect and gentle exercise for the heart and body.
Day-by-Day Experience
On the first day of the trek, the warmth and friendliness are very prominent. The road passes through villages where the kids are playing, and the animals are going about their business. The river walks hand in hand with the trail, and it sparkles in the sun. The earth smells fresh, and the trees are opening their arms invitingly to give shade.
On the second and third days, the road becomes a bit steeper. The river is becoming louder, and the houses are becoming fewer. The mountains on both sides of the road are getting taller. In some areas, the trekkers may be walking in the woods where the leaves are whispering with the wind. Small waterfalls are coming out of nowhere, making the air cool and clean.
By the fourth and fifth days, the earth is becoming quieter. The villages are getting smaller, and the houses look more traditional. People wear warm clothes as the air feels cooler now. Prayer flags are flying in the air, and carved stones are decorating the walls that are appearing along the way.
On the sixth and seventh days, the trekkers can feel the altitude. The area is becoming rocky, and the forests are getting thinner. Big mountains are showing their snow-covered peaks clearly. The sky looks bigger and of a darker blue color. People slow down their walking pace as their bodies need more oxygen. The effort of the climb is well worth it against the backdrop of this stunning scenery.
Most of the time, the eighth day is a rest day for acclimatization. This day is very important for the body to get used to the thin air. Trekkers can take short walks, eat warm soups, keep themselves comfortable, and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The day is very slow and gentle, and it is like taking a deep breath before the big climb.
On the ninth and tenth days, the trekkers come closer to the high mountain world. There is snow alongside the trail. The wind gets colder and stronger. The houses at this height may be simple but are still full of warmth. People observe that yaks are moving slowly, and their hairy backs look heavy but their eyes are calm and peaceful. Each step is like moving further into a new land that has only rocks and ice.
The eleventh day is the most important day of the whole trek. It is the day when the difficult Larke La Pass is crossed. It is very early in the morning when the start is made, even before the sun rises, when it is still cold and dark. On the snow-filled trail, you hear only the crunch of the snow under the shoes as the trekkers walk slowly. At the end of the pass, the world is as large as it can be. The mountains are very white and look like enormous towers all around. The sky looks very light, and the air is very thin and fresh. This very moment is almost like magic, like finding a secret place in the sky.
On the twelfth and thirteenth days, the trekkers are going downwards. The snow is being taken away bit by bit. The trees are coming back. The river is getting loud and merry again. The atmosphere is becoming warmer and the villages are starting to show up. The trip is going back to being comfortable, and the people are feeling both peaceful and proud of themselves for completing a long and beautiful adventure.
Culture
The people, who live in the Manaslu region, have their lives, which are deeply rooted in age-old traditions, that not only make their lives simple but also filled with warmth. Their villages consist of small and quiet communities. Their homes are made of stone and wood. The trekkers are welcomed by them with friendly smiles and hot meals. In many places, you can see the prayer wheels, which are slowly turning, and the prayer flags, which are fluttering in the wind. There are old monasteries sitting on the hilltops and, monks there, chanting softly. The culture is like a gentle, patient, and heartfelt person. Talking with the locals is like talking to friends who are deeply in love with their mountains.
Nature
The nature on the trek is a continuous cycle of change.
At the beginning, all is green and consists of forests, flowers, and birds that sing. Later, the area becomes rockier with deep valleys and tall cliffs. Further up, there are no trees and the mountains are larger. The snow starts covering those parts of the path that are at the edges. The air is getting cold, and the wind smells of ice.
The animals also are changing. At the bottom of the mountain, goats, mules, and birds can be seen. At the top, yaks and eagles can be seen and sometimes, small footprints of wild animals. During the night, the sky is decorated with stars. Nature is pristine, strong, and has a sort of magic.
Difficulty
The trek is a long one and very high, so it calls for patience if success is to be achieved. Some days are almost without difficulties, but e.g. the days near the pass are hard as the body is required to do more work to get enough air for breathing. People, however, can make the trek safe and they will be able to enjoy it if they walk slowly, drink enough water, take rest, and keep themselves warm. The most difficult is the Larke La Pass day, but with steady steps and calm breathing, it can be done and will give you a sense of accomplishment.
Accommodation and Food
Tea houses are the lodging of the trekkers during the trek. These tea houses can be considered as the trekkers' homes during their stay; they are of modest and old-fashioned style with wooden rooms and warm blankets. In the dining rooms, everyone gets together around the stove to warm their hands. The meals that are brought in this region are wholesome and are good for comforting. The diet is made up of rice, noodles, and soups, and tea and hot chocolate are perfect for giving energy and should be drunk after the long walk. Even the simplest foods can taste great after hours of walking.
Best Time
No one can doubt that the best time for the trek which takes thirteen days is in the spring or autumn seasons.
There are many good things about spring such as flowers blooming and the air being mild. Autumn, however, offers clear sky and sharp and bright mountain views. These times of the year make the trek safe and pleasant.
Safety
A trek’s safety can be ensured if measures like walking at a slow pace, resting when needed, drinking water in enough quantities, and keeping warm are taken. Besides that, the mountain situation can completely drain a person's energy, so it's always better to be very cautious. By maintaining a good tempo and being calm, the trek becomes not only safe but also enjoyable.
Conclusion
Manaslu Circuit Trek in thirteen days is a calm and beautiful trek through forests, rivers, villages, and snow-clad mountains. One beholds the impression of crossing from one world into another.
The mountains remain standing tall, the people are smiling warmly, and nature is sharing its beauty every day. This trek turns into a memory full of serenity, bravery, and wonder.