Freezing time in the form of photographs is a true blessing and an art that photographers are true exerts at and addicts to. Some of us travel in search of capturing these special landscapes and moments in time.
Sound relatable? For your inspiration, here’s a rundown of Nepal’s Manaslu Circuit, a lesser-known, majestic photographer’s paradise awaiting to be appreciated through the lens of your camera.
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The Manaslu Circuit Trek welcomes you with its picturesque raw beauty and rich tapestry of culture that unfolds along the trail. Dialing into the photographic expedition of the Manaslu Circuit is not only about capturing breathtaking landscapes, it is also about immersing your soul into the visual journey and preserving the memories that echo the allure of the Himalayas.
Let’s go through everything you must know for your photography trip to the Manaslu Circuit.
How to Prepare for the Expedition?
Although the Himalayas appeal to photographers, trekkers, and adventure seekers with their timeless beauty, the treks are filled with challenges. Before setting foot on the trails, it is vital to prepare yourself for the journey.
From grabbing your best trekking boots & HQ lenses to getting permits and booking a photography trek, you need to be as thorough as possible.
As a photographer, you will certainly know the importance of equipment to capture breathtaking shots in challenging terrains. So, begin packing your hiking camera and the rest of your gear beforehand so you won’t be remembering a crucial item while boarding the plane.
Best Season for Your Manaslu Photography Expedition
The ideal season for a photography expedition of the Manaslu Circuit depends completely on your personal preference. Some times of the year are generally more recommended than others however as some months are particularly challenging, so your comfort and adaptation levels might also play a part in your decision.
Whether you like orange and red hues or white blankets of snow, you can select the season based on your photography genre.
Here are the main seasons and what they offer:
Spring (March-May)
Spring is deemed to be the ideal season for capturing the beauty of nature. The stable weather and colorful hues of forests, trees, and flowers present a vibrant sight worth beholding.
The blooming flowers and rhododendron forests are perfect to capture through the lenses to appreciate for a lifetime.
Monsoon (June-August)
This is one of the worst seasons for photography or even trekking. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, thus enhancing the chances of landsliding and slippery trekking trails.
The foggy and misty mountains impair the visibility, making it unsafe for adventurers and photographers alike.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is another beautiful season covering the landscapes in orange and red drapes. Photographers claim this season to be an excellent season for snapping landscapes.
With clear blue skies, a soft breeze, and pleasing panoramic views, it calls for the perfect opportunity for photographers to pick up their lenses and do the magic.
Winter (December-January)
Winters in Manaslu are harsh and extremely cold. There is heavy snow and acclimatization becomes challenging for trekkers or photographers. Therefore, it is not a preferable month for photography or trekking adventures.
Moreover, trekking is not allowed in many regions during this season, and most of the stay areas and hotels will be closed.
Itinerary to Photograph the Manaslu Circuit
The ideal route to take in the best – and most photogenic – parts of the Circuit begins and proceeds as follows:
Kathmandu to Soti Khola
The Manaslu Circuit trek begins at Kathmandu and proceeds towards Soti Khola. As the bustling villages gently flip into serene landscapes, the adventure truly begins. Along the way to Soti Khola, keep your cameras ready to photograph the beauty of villages, cascading waterfalls, and terraced fields.
Soti Khola to Jagat
After resting at Soti Khola, march towards Machha Khola to capture the lush forests and vibrant villages of Jagat.
Jagat to Namrung & Samagaon
Treading from Jagat to Deng and Namrung, the scenery changes drastically and takes your breath away while your hands click the beautiful landscapes. The picturesque village of Samagaon also presents a huge appeal.
Samagaon to Samdo
After appreciating and learning the culture of Samagaon, it is time to dive into the ancient marvels of Samdo Village. This is the best place to capture the ancient beliefs, customs, and history of the village.
Samdo to Crossing Larkya La Pass
Larkya Pass, aka, Dharmasala comes next to the Samdo village as you move along the trek. The crossing of Larkya Pass is challenging and leads up to Bimthang. Stay for a while to take pictures in the middle of Larkya Pass. It’ll be truly memorable.
Bimthang to Besi Sahar
Here’s where your journey comes to a conclusion. Pack up your photography gear and head to Besi Sahar while passing through Dharapani.
Conclusion
The Manaslu Circuit trek offers a wealth of photography opportunities including picturesque landscapes, jaw-dropping peaks, lush forests, Vibrant villages, rich cultural traditions, ancient marvels, and much more. It can be a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas and document the soul of this remarkable journey.
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