Manaslu Region

Manaslu Region

Background of Manaslu

Manaslu Region Trekking is an incredible experience for trekkers looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Himalayas. The region offers a challenging yet rewarding trek with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and charming hill villages.

The trek is divided into two major regions, each with its unique landscape and cultural heritage. The northern region, Upper Manaslu and Tsum Valley is less traveled and offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous people who reside in these remote areas. The mid-region, Lower Manaslu, is more accessible and offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Trekking in the Manaslu region also provides opportunities for visitors to explore historical and archaeological sites, such as the Samagaon Monastery and the ancient salt-trading route along the Darundi River Valley and Budhi Gandaki River valley. 

Overall, Manaslu Region Trekking is a must-visit destination for adventurers seeking a unique and challenging trekking experience in the Himalayas.

Geography Location of Manaslu Region

The Manaslu region, also known as the Manaslu Conservation Area, spans from sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans-Himalayan high pastures bordering Tibet. The area can be accessed from Gorkha or Arughat and extends to the Larkya La pass, covering six distinct climatic zones:

  • Tropical and sub-tropical zone, with elevations ranging from 228 to 2,000 meters (748 to 6,562 ft).
  • Temperate zone, within the elevation range of 2,000 to 3,000 meters (6,562 to 9,843 ft).
  • Sub-alpine zone, with an elevation range of 3,000 to 4,000 meters (9,843 to 13,123 ft).
  • Alpine zone, with a range of 4,000 to 5,000 meters (13,123 to 16,404 ft).
  • Meadows.
  • Arctic zone, lying above 4,500 meters (14,800 ft).

These zones coalesce with the variation in altitude from about 600 meters (1,969 ft) in the tropical zone to the 8,163 meters (26,782 ft) summit of Mt. Manaslu in the arctic zone.

In the Tibetan language, the Manaslu region is known as "Kutan l", with "tang" meaning a flat place. Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest mountain, stands at an elevation of 8,163 meters (26,782 ft). The region's long ridges and glacial valleys offer multiple routes for mountaineers. The Manaslu region is surrounded by other peaks including Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli, and Boudha. The glacial saddle of Larkya La, with an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 ft), lies north of Mt. Manaslu. The peak is bounded on the east by the Ganesh Himal and the Budhi Gandaki River gorge, and on the west by the deep fissures of the Marysyangdi Khola with its Annapurna range of hills. To the south is the town of Gorkha, located at the foot of the hill and serving as a base for trekking during the season, which is an aerial distance of 48 kilometers (30 mi) from the peak. There are six established trek routes to the peak, and the south face is reported to be the most difficult for climbing.

Climate of Manaslu Region

Manaslu region, also known as the Manaslu Conservation Area, encompasses a diverse range of climatic zones, spanning from sub-tropical Himalayan foothills to arid Trans-Himalayan high pastures that border Tibet. The area starts from Gorkha or Arughat and extends up to the Larkya La pass, covering six distinct climatic zones that vary with elevation. These zones are:

  • Tropical and sub-tropical zone, with elevations ranging from 228–2,000 meters (748–6,562 ft)
  • Temperate zone, with elevations between 2,000–3,000 meters (6,562–9,843 ft)
  • Sub-alpine zone, with elevations between 3,000–4,000 meters (9,843–13,123 ft)
  • Alpine zone, with elevations ranging from 4,000–5,000 meters (13,123–16,404 ft)
  • Meadows, and Arctic zone, lying above 4,500 meters (14,800 ft)

These zones merge with varying altitudes, from about 600 meters (1,969 ft) in the tropical zone to the summit of Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 meters (26,782 ft) in the arctic zone. In the Tibetan language, the Manaslu region is known as "Kutan l," with "tang" meaning a flat place.

Mt. Manaslu, the highest peak in the region and the world's eighth-highest mountain, boasts a favorable topography of long ridges and glacial valleys, offering several routes to mountaineers. The mountain is surrounded by Ngadi Chuli, Himalchuli, and Boudha, with a glacial saddle known as Larkya La (elevation of 5,106 meters or 16,752 ft) lying north of Manaslu. The peak is bounded on the east by the Ganesh Himal and the Budhi Gandaki River gorge, on the west by the deep fissures of the Marysyangdi Khola with its Annapurna range of hills, and to the south by Gorkha town at the foot of the hill, which is about 48 kilometers (30 mi) from the peak.

The permanent snow line is above 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) in elevation. Precipitation in the area comes from both snowfall and rainfall, with the average annual rainfall being around 1,900 millimeters (75 in), mostly during the monsoon period from June to September. Temperatures also vary widely with the climatic zone. In the subtropical zone, average summer and winter temperatures vary in the range of 31–34 °C (88–93 °F) and 8–13 °C (46–55 °F), respectively. In the temperate climatic zone, summer temperatures are around 22–25 °C (72–77 °F), while winter temperatures drop to −2–6 °C (28–43 °F) when snow and frost are experienced. In the subalpine zone, snowfall typically occurs from December to May, and the mean annual temperature is 6–10 °C (43–50 °F). The arctic zone is distinct and falls within the permanent snow line, with temperatures below freezing.

Fauna of Manaslu Region

Manaslu is a unique sanctuary for many highly endangered animals, including snow leopards and pandas, making it distinct from many other regions. Other notable mammals include lynx, Himalayan black bear, grey wolf, dhole, Assamese monkey, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, mainland serow, Himalayan goral, wooly hare, black-lipped pika, and horseshoe bat. The area is also home to over 110 species of birds, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies, and 3 reptiles. Conservation of wildlife in the area has been achieved through a hunting ban put in place by monks from local monasteries, which has helped the wildlife to thrive. As a result, the area has become an important habitat for snow leopards, grey wolves, musk deer, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr.

Vegetation of Manaslu Region

Manaslu region is home to three main categories of vegetation: Low hill, Middle mountain, and High Mountain types, which are categorized based on altitude and have their own dominant forests and associated species. While the vegetation types overlap in some places, the forest types are generally well-defined, with each type showing minimal variation in flora. The valley basin is particularly rich in eco-zone diversity and boasts nineteen different forest types, including Rhododendron and Himalayan blue pine, flanked by Ganesh Himal and the Sringi ranges. The area is also home to various medicinal herbs and aromatic plants found in different forest types and adjoining vegetation. In total, the area supports an estimated 2,000 plant species.

Ethnic Group of Manaslu region

Manaslu region is home to two main ethnicities: the Nubri and Tsum. The branching of the river at Chhikur divides the two ethnic domains. While Nubri has been a popular destination for tourists since Nepal opened itself to tourism in 1950, Tsum has retained much of its traditional culture, art, and customs. In the central hills of the region, the Gurungs are the main ethnic group, and many have joined the Gurkha army. Closer to Tibet, the Bhutias (also spelled Bhotias), who are of Tibetan ethnicity and similar to the Sherpa group, dominate the region with their flat-roofed houses and distinct Buddhist practices. The region boasts austere monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and other Buddhist religious landmarks. The traditional faith of non-violence and compassion contributes to the wildlife diversity of the region.

 

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