Well known it is that Nepal is where the mighty Himalayan resides. The glaring crown of white snow-capped mountains certainly allures every soul from around the world. As incredible as they are, located in such an extreme and barely fully explored, they surely hold some interesting facts.

Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters is the eighth tallest mountain in the world, and it has formed to be one of the best destinations for avid-adventurers from around the world. Not just the summit is a grandeur experience, but trekking in its foothills is equally coveted. So, here are some interesting facts on Mount Manaslu and the trekking it has to offer.

1. A Japanese Mountain

Since Nepal opened its door to foreigners in 1951, it is undeniable that the mountains have been a prime attraction. And, over the years various expedition was carried out, by the members of various countries.

As Everest was sought by Britsh for years and years, and when finally Everest was scaled, it was one of them who became the first climber of the mighty peak. So, it is said that just as British consider Everest their mountain, Mount Manaslu has been always a Japanese mountain. It was also Japanese, who summited the peak for the first time on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu.

2. It has Off-the-beaten-path

Nepal is a hotspot destination for trekking and mountaineering. Definitely, the journey is worth walking on, as the influx of visitors in Nepal just growing. However, the other part of the story is, travellers find the crowd quite disturbing. And it is fair as well; after all, they have crossed such a distance to have this ultimate experience.

For your pleasure, Manaslu provides the best off-the-beaten-path, where the trail is as serene as they are spectacular. Walked by a fewer number of peoples, the major part of this region is yet to be fully explored. It was only in 1991 when the Government of Nepal issued a permit for allowing the trekkers to Manaslu Circuit, and this very reason has constituted on keeping the natural beauty of this region intact.

3. Best Place for Witnessing Himalayas

When you embark towards the summit of Manalsu, through an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki River, the slow change in contrast of nature is truly overwhelming.

Just to be precise, you will witness ten different peaks over 6,500 meters, including fewer over 7,000 meters and some eight-thousanders as well. The rail of mountains laid in front of your eyes will certainly be one of the best views of your life.

4. Treks are the best

Although Mansalu doesn’t offer the “popular” treks of Nepal, it has some of the remarkable journeys for sure. Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Base Camp Trek, Tsum Valley, Rupinala Trek, and Manaslu Panorama Trek are of the best that Manaslu region offers.

Now, a doubt might arise regarding is trekking has become safe enough? – Indeed, it is. Like the rest of Nepal, Manaslu was not spared either by the devastating earthquake of 2015. Several teahouses en route and trail were damaged, but in the present, those teahouses and trail have been restored with the help of government and local community effort and it good to go for.

5. Villages are awesome

One of the best parts of trekking in Nepal is encountering various settlement in a distant location of cities, which are rich in culture and bolsters their authentic practices and traditions. Similarly, while trekking towards Manasu as well, you will come through these beautiful villages, that showcases their ethnic and ancestral culture in full scale. Arughat, Jagat, Narang, Dharamsala, Bimthang and Tal are some of the popular settlement.

However, Samagaun at 3,530 meters is what interests and intrigues the trekkers most. The village is popularly known as “Gateway to Manaslu” because it is from where most of the Mount Manaslu expedition starts. The village has fewer tea lodges and two camping sites.

Talking about Samagaun and what about it attracts the visitors most; Samagaun is an ancient Tibetan village amid the thousands of piled up mani stone engraved with holy “Om Mani Padme Hum”, big chortens surrounded by a long wall with prayer mills and various Buddhist texts or pictures, with an immediate backdrop of stunning mountains.

Being in Samagaun can feel like stepping back in time, where there are rugged houses made of stone and wood, people in traditional dress, who barely speak Nepali, and the innocent people for whom survival in that extreme place is enough. So, the villages in Manalsu are one of the interesting things, which are so unlike.

6. Full of Wilderness

Not the captivating mountains, but the region also homes an array of exotic wildlife. As per the record, there are 110 species of bird, 33 mammals, 11 butterflies and three reptiles.

Red pandas, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan musk deer, grey wolf, black-lipped pika, Himalayan goral, blue sheep, lynx, Asia black bear and woolly hare are some of the animals that reside in the valley of Manaslu, so while journeying towards it, be on your guard, who knows you might witness one.

It is quite astounding how the region has conserved the wildlife; well, thanks to the monks of monasteries in the surrounding area, who has put a hunting ban in the region.

If you are a birdwatcher, then the trek pays you even better. Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, blood impeyan, kalij, Himalayan and Tibetan snow cocks, koklass pheasant and crimson horned pheasant are some of the bird in the area.

7. One of the deadliest to climb

Eighth tallest mountain it might be, but it is the fourth most dangerous peak to climb over 8,000 meters after Annapurna, Nanga Parbat and K2 – interesting, isn’t it? That Manaslu even topped the tallest mountain in the world.

Although the present data is unavailable; in the past, as of May 2008, there were 297 ascents towards the peak, out of with 53 deaths occurred. So, if you are looking for a daring adventure, then, Manaslu might pay your interest in the best way. However, do consider climbing in spring or pre-monsoon season, when the risk of bad weather, snowfall and avalanche is very less.

8. A Sustainable Journey

Sustainable Tourism is the need of the present situation if we still want to enjoy nature like today in future as well. And, as Nepal’s economy is highly dependent on tourism, several endeavours towards “sustainability” is being made, and Manaslu region is not behind in this matter.

Established in 1998, Manaslu Conservation Area preserves and promotes the rich natural beauty with the varied social and cultural tradition of local inhabitants. The conservation area carries out various activities in the region for tourism development. Trekking guide training, campsite development, women in conservation activities and tourism awareness are some of the main activities under the programme.