I went alone, fearing isolation. I returned with new friends, stronger legs, and a deeper sense of self. That’s how my journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trek began—and ended. I had no trekking partner, no big expectations, and honestly, I was scared. But what I found along the trail was way more than just mountains and miles. I found warmth in people, peace in silence, and strength in myself.
文章重點
My First Big Solo Trek: Why I Chose Manaslu
Before the trip, I googled “quiet treks in Nepal,” and Manaslu Circuit Trek came up. Compared to Everest and Annapurna, it gets far fewer visitors—around 7,000 trekkers per year (Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal). That sounded perfect. I wanted something less crowded, more peaceful, and truly local. The trail circles Mount Manaslu, the 8th-highest mountain in the world. It looked wild, remote, and beautiful. I booked it.
The First Few Days Were Hard (and Quiet)
The first two days were quiet—too quiet. I missed conversations. I missed having someone to laugh with about how awful the uphill sections were. But something changed fast. A tea house owner in Machha Khola made me the best ginger tea ever and asked about my home. A guide from another group invited me to play cards with his clients. A local kid walked with me for an hour, just smiling and holding my hand.
That’s when I knew—I may have come alone, but I was not alone.
Meeting People, Sharing Stories
Every day brought someone new. I met a woman from Poland who taught me how to stretch sore calves. A solo traveler from Korea who was also on her first trek gave me snacks on a tough climb. Porters smiled and shouted “ramro cha!” (meaning “it’s good!”) when I made it to Larke Pass. These small things mattered so much.
In one lodge in Samagaun, I shared a fire with a group from Spain. We couldn’t speak the same language, but we laughed over boiled potatoes and mountain stories. I realized: language doesn’t matter when you’re freezing at 3,500 meters. Warmth is universal.
A Deeper Kind of Connection
The Manaslu region is home to many small villages, mostly inhabited by Gurung and Tibetan communities. Every time I stayed in a village, I was welcomed with smiles and stories. I listened. I learned how they live in such tough weather. I learned how they plant potatoes, dry yak meat, and keep prayer flags flying year-round.
The people here don’t have much, but they give everything they can. A bed. A blanket. A story.
Larke Pass: My Strongest (and Coldest) Day
Crossing the Larke Pass was the hardest part. It stands at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet) above sea level. My head ached, and I was tired. But I wasn’t alone. I walked beside other trekkers I had met earlier. We didn’t talk much—just nodded, encouraged, and kept going. That moment at the top, with the wind howling and prayer flags flapping—I felt proud. I felt free.
What I Learned on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Going solo doesn’t mean being lonely.
Strangers can turn into your biggest support.
Local people are the heart of the Himalayas.
You’re stronger than you think.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about doing a trek alone, don’t let fear stop you. The Manaslu Circuit Trek gave me a new view of life. I came back home with sore legs, new friends, and stories that still make me smile.
And if I can do it—someone who had never trekked solo before—you can too.
