From German Cities to Himalayan Summits: The Manaslu Circuit

Two German friends chased Himalayan dreams. Nature and adventure attracted them. International travel

led them to Nepal. It was the Manaslu Circuit Trek that beckoned them. It’s less popular but for unbridled

beauty. They had a challenge ahead of them. What they found made them best friends forever. This trek

was their lifetime adventure.

Arrival in Nepal: Gateway to the Himalayas

Kathmandu stunned them with rainbow chaos. Sophie and Lina walked Thamel’s busy streets. Shouts of

vendors rang through narrow alleys. Swayambhunath’s monkey temple had them enthralled. Prayer flags

fluttered on the breeze. Pashupatinath’s riverfront ceremonies appeared otherworldly. They were amazed

at Nepal’s kaleidoscopic diversity. Permits in pocket, enthusiasm gained speed fast.

A jeep jounced them to Soti Khola. Mountains protruded with dust blowing everywhere. They shared

nervous giggles during the journey. Momo were sold by a street vendor in Kathmandu. Sophie enjoyed

the spicy and hot dumplings with relish. Lina clicked images of prayer wheels. Their Himalayan gateway

was flung wide open.

Kathmandu atmospherics: Vibrant and interesting.

Temple experiences: Monkeys and rituals.

Travel arrangements: All by @TheNepalCallingTravel.

The Journey Starts: Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Day one was a easy transition. Budhi Gandaki River ran beside them. Rice fields were splashed with

morning sun. Woodlands were loud with birds and rustling leaves. Small villages hugged the end of the

path. Children smiled shyly with laughter always. People greeted them with tea in cups of mud. Sophie

and Lina were home right away.

Wood bridge creaked beneath. They paused to watch fish below. Legs throbbing with happiness in

Machha Khola. Stars twinkling above from the humble lodge. Sophie strummed a softly borrowed guitar.

Lina drew the river at moonlight. Their Himalaya journey started.

Trail moments: Woods and paddies.

Village days: Smiles and tea.

Memory of night: Stars and paintings.

Gear List for Day One

Boots: Waterproof ankle-high trekking boots.

Backpack: 30L capacity with water bladder.

Snacks: Dehydrated apricots and nuts.

Mounting Challenges: Steep Rises and Suspension Bridges

The path became challenging by the third day. Steep mountains made them breathless. Suspension

bridges swayed at each step. Bubbling brooks growled deep beneath their feet. Rocks came tumbling out

from under weary feet quite often. But loveliness fed exhausted souls. Snow-kissed peaks raised

themselves to blue heavens. Waterfalls fell into misty ponds.

There arrived by a caravan of donkeys with jangling bells laden with merchandize. Sophie stumbled but

suppressed her laughter. Lina photographed an old rickety bridge. They ascended to 3,500 meters at

Samagaun. Cold and thin was the atmosphere. The tranquility in Pungyen Gompa calmed their soul. Yak

butter tea with hospitality’s warmth served them by locals.

A grandmother spun wool manually. She smiled, furrowed and warm eyes shining. Sophie tried to spin

and didn’t succeed but in a haplessly clumsy way. Lina learned that “Tashi Delek” is hello. They sipped tea

in her stone house. Mountain culture seeped into their pores.

Trek challenges: Up and bridges.

Scenic victories: Tops and descends.

Cultural jewel: Sipping tea with villagers.

Gear List for Challenging Days

Poles: Collapsible on steep trails.

Jacket: Windproof, fleece-lined.

Gloves: Thin, but warm.

Crossing Larkya La Pass: The Test of Perseverance

Larkya La Pass lay before them at 5,106 meters. It was their milestone. Yips of wild animals snapped

sharply through the air. The oxygen in the air decreased with each agonized step. Sophie’s nose throbbed

with bursts of chill air. Lina wrapped her scarf tighter about her. Poles were used to support themselves.

Other adventurers yelled encouragement to them.

4 a.m. Headlamps cut through darkness. Stars vanished at dawn. The summit gave a stunning vista.

Himlung glowed gently in rose color. Cheo Himal protected it all. Kang Guru and Annapurna II sparkled.

Sophie’s soft whisper, “We did it, Lina.” Frost formed on happy lips.

They planted a small German flag on the snow. A Guide whistled a Nepali song. Laughter echoed over

snowy pass. This victory crowned their great trek.

Pass facts: 5,106 meters, cold.

Evidence of effort: Wind and panting.

Summit joy: View and tears.

Gear List for the Pass

Crampons: Light for icy bits.

Headlamp: Good with spare batteries.

Thermos: Hot tea for heat.

The Descent: A Journey of Reflection

The challenging nature of the trek was eased by descending. White ridges were replaced by green ridges.

Pine scents came in place of cold winds slowly. Sophie and Lina walked with ease. They referenced their

pass conquest often. Teahouses were lit by kerosene lanterns. A host told them tales of Manaslu. His kids

played with a yak bell.

They saw prayer flags in Bimthang. A whispering monk accompanied them. Sophie bought a hand-knitted

wool scarf. Lina sketched the valley at sunset. Their bond was tighter than ever. Dharapani closed their

path with silence. Guide Prem enveloped her in a sister’s bear hug. Porter Raj carried their gratitude away.

The Kathmandu jeep roared on. They sang off-key road songs. Photos flashed on Lina’s camera screen.

Every mile was now a tale.

Descent shift: Snow to pines.

Teahouse nights: Stories and heat.

Final farewell: Hugs and gratitude.

Cultural Insight: Mountain Hospitality

Nepalis welcome guests as family at all times. Teahouses serve dal bhat with love. Smiles bridge the

language divide easily. Sophie and Lina lived it every day.

Adventure, Love, and Self-Discovery

Manaslu Circuit changed their mind. It was not trekking in the mountains. Sophie depended on Lina

through every one of the storms. Lina had faith in Sophie’s silent strength. Friendships cemented in

adversity last forever. Little things—like tea—were rewritten. Feral Himalayan grandeur humbled them.

Locals’ strength left scars never to be erased.

A shepherd drove yaks close to Samagaun. His whistle cut misty air. Sophie asked him how he managed

day by day. “Mountains are home,” he smiled. Lina offered him a chocolate bar. That was an experience he

and she never forgot.

Lessons of Nepal shaped their world tour. There could not have been a tour more memorable.

Friendship builder: There was more trust.

Change in life: Simplicity became precious.

Mountain impression: Nepal left profound imprints.

Cultural insight: Buddhist influence

Mani walls line the trail often. Prayer wheels turn with gentle creaks. “Om Mani Padme Hum” is murmured

softly. Peacefulness seeps into trekkers’ weary hearts.

Tips to Future Trekkers

Ready for Manaslu? Take these tips. Sophie and Lina vouch for them.

• Physically Prepare: Train six months beforehand. Cardio builds lung strength fast.
• Hire a Guide: They know hidden routes. Safety and stories come free.
• Pack Smarts: Layers calm chilly nights. Boots prevent rocky slides.
• Be Mindful: “Namaste” opens warm doors. Respect demands mountain blessings.
• Slow Walk: Altitude attacks fierce and quick. Rest days save your energy.
• Prep necessary: Cardio matters.
• Guide extra: Local insights sparkle.
• Pace trickery: Slow begins the day.
• Complete Gear List
• Clothing: Thermal bottom layers, fleece, down parka.
• Shoes: Extremely well-broken-in boots, wool socks.
• Essentials: Sleeping bag, first-aid kit, map.

Final Words

The Manaslu Circuit forged Sophie and Lina. It was a struggle with raw passion. Discovery hovered in every agonizing mile. They were stretched to the limit and transformed. Raw Himalayan beauty awaits. Do you trek the legendary route?