Overview
About Manaslu base camp trek to samagaun
Samagaun is one of the beautiful villages and precisely located on the base of Mt Manaslu. Samagaun is gateway to the basecamp of Mt Manaslu. Manaslu base camp trek to samagaun is not adventurous unless you want to make it so.
The multiple options of side trips from samagaun village has made this trekking trip a versatile trek in the manaslu conservation area. Manaslu conservation area is a restricted trekking trail of Nepal.
To trek to manaslu basecamp everyone needs to get to the village of samagaun which is village stop before the basecamp, even for the Mt Manaslu expedition memebers. The village of samagaun is trekking right next to the larkey pass and inside the restricted zone where one must have special permit for the entrance.
Good thing about this trekking in Manaslu is that, you can explore all of the major attraction of manaslu circuit trek on samagaun side of Larkey pass trek. Birendra Glacier Lake, Samdo village, boarder to Tibet, winter shed of Yaks, Pungen monastery and manaslu basecamp are attraction which can be visited from samagaun village stay. Larkey pass is 10 hours away from samagaun village.
Samagaun village trek avoids the hard part of Manaslu circuit trekking but keeps all the beautiful views on the samagaun side of Manaslu larkey pass trek.
Manaslu circuit trek vs. Manaslu base camp trek
Circuit trek obviously means to trek around the massive mountain Manaslu. But in Manaslu base camp trek we will go to the base camp and make Manaslu circuit trek lighter than longer circuit trek.
Benefit of Manaslu base camp trek over circuit trek are- easy trekking, wider exploration of Nubri valley, cultural exploration, viewpoints in different villages and sighting of mountains closely.
In case of Manaslu circuit trekkers will get to Bhimtang side of Manaslu circuit trek, which is exactly on other side of Samagaun. Or say, Mt Manaslu is in middle of Samagaun and Bhimtang village. Because of not going on other side of Manaslu trekkers trekking to Manaslu base camp in this trip plan – will not be able to see the complete north face of Mt Manaslu.
But still – there are good view points to see the Himalaya range, valley view and the wild life in Manaslu base camp trek alone. View point in Samdo will be an isolated point to find your happiness. You will not trek to Larkey pass which is 5106meters above the sea level but still if you want to get to this height Samdo view point will take your height interest.
Nevertheless trekking to Manaslu basecamp worth over Manaslu circuit trek for many people who want to explore Manaslu region of Nepal Himalaya without crossing the Larkey pass as this pass is not an easy trekking pass. Physical fitness is surely tested in this longest trekking pass which takes 8 to 14 hours to cross. Walking these longer hours in a day itself is not an easy thing if you are not looking for ample of adventure in your Nepal trip.
However, the Manaslu base camp trek surely gives you the insights of the region with major attractions of Manaslu circuit trekking itself.
Special trekking permit
Trekking to Samagaun might sound like you are not trekking in the restricted region but you are. Starting from jagat village itself – you will be inside the special region or so called restricted trekking region of Nepal.
For Manaslu base camp trek you need to buy special trekking permit. This special trekking permit will costs less than $100 USD per week. Because of this extra cost on top of your accommodation, food and service – Manaslu base camp trek costs more than other general trekking in Nepal.
If you are looking for trekking to Manaslu region without special permit – Manaslu cultural circuit will entertain your interest. Manaslu cultural circuit trek will take you in the lower region of Manaslu conservation area and this trekking trail lies in the not restricted trekking region of Manaslu area.
Highlights of Samagaun Trekking
- Majestic views of Mountain range from Manaslu range like – Mt Manaslu, Mt Himalchuli, Mt Nike, Mt Samdo etc…
- Excursion of local villages whose culture and tradition similar to Tibetan People
- Infinite river valley, tall waterfall and numerous suspension bridges
- Trekking along the forest with wilderness and beauty remote areas
- Trek to Manaslu Base camp, Birendra Taal (glacial Lake)
- Sighting of Centuries old Monasteries and settlements
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