Manaslu Circuit Trek: 12-Day Guide & Prices 2024/2025
Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days was introduced as a new trekking package for adventurous trekkers around the world who enjoy exploring this rich and unspoiled cultural province. This trip offers you a unique opportunity to discover the Manaslu Region, which is dominated by Mt. Manaslu (8164 m), a holy monastery, a beautiful town, a river, and a waterfall, as well as culture, customs, and tradition. Manaslu is located within the Manaslu Conservation Area, established in 1998 for wildlife habitat conservation and nature conservation. The isolated region was only opened to foreigners in 1991 after being closed for many years. We have designed this short, sweet trip for you after analyzing the limited holiday options available around the world.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, which lasts 12 days, starts in Kathmandu. We take a bus or a Jeep up to Maccha Khola (730m), where we will spend the night. Maccha Khola, a small settlement located on the Budigandaki River, is mostly inhabited by Gurung people. They are one of the main tribes of the Manaslu area, known for their culture and traditions. The trail mostly follows the Budhigandaki River, which originates at Mt. Manaslu, 8163m. We pass through villages where the Gurung, Magar, live. The upper province is home to the Bhotia, descendants of Tibetan ancestors who speak one of the Tibetan dialects. This journey is a treasure trove of culture, traditions, customs, and lifestyles. Sama Gaun (3500m) and Shamdo (3880m) are two of the most interesting highland settlements to explore in this area. This journey's highest elevation is Larkya La, which is also its main attraction.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 12-day journey through unspoiled territory. It is the best-isolated route for trekking. This trek requires a minimum of two people in the group. It is also a semi-restricted zone, so the permit must be obtained from Kathmandu or Pokhara using a passport. The Manaslu Conservation Area permit, the semi-restricted permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area, and the Tims card are required. It is not possible to do this trek independently, so you should buy this trip from a government-registered agency. Tourist Link Trek, one of the oldest operators in the industry with the motto “Trekking for All,” is always happy to hear from you.
To minimize altitude sickness, we will stop in Samagaun for acclimatization before moving to higher altitudes. We can also acclimatize by doing a side trip to Manaslu base camp (4500m) or Birendra Lake. A second trail leads us to Larkya La Pass, where we can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, and Larkya Glacier. From Larkya La Pass, you can enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered mountains such as Himlung Himal or Kang Guna. Around the Manaslu Circuit Trek will give you an insight into both Buddhist and Hindu culture and their daily lives.
Other similar treks in the Manaslu Region. Offering various options for duration and experiences. These treks combine the breathtaking views of Manaslu with the convenience of acclimatization, offering an unforgettable adventure for trekking enthusiasts looking to save time while enjoying spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas. Some popular choices include
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days.
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - 17 Days
- Manaslu Circuit Short Trek - 13 Days
- Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days
The 12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary includes private transportation, such as Jeeps or vans, from Kathmandu to Kathmandu to ensure a comfortable and timely journey. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, we can Customize the itinerary to include public transportation, such as local buses or public Jeeps, which will help reduce the cost slightly. Please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to tailor the itinerary to suit your preferences and needs.
When is the best time to do Manaslu circuit trekking?
Pre-monsoon season, from March to May, and post-monsoon season, or from late September to December, are the optimum times to complete this Manaslu trek. The best months are often considered any time in October, November, April, and May. September, December, and March are additional suggested months for this walk. In our opinion, the next months are not ideal for undertaking this walk. It is extremely dangerous to cross the Larkya La Pass in January and February because of the high snowfall. It is best to avoid June, July, and August because of the risk of flooding and landslides brought on by excessive rains.
How difficult is the 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek covers approximately 177km/110 mi. On a 14-day itinerary, you'll walk for 10-11 days. This means that, on average, you'll cover 15-20km (9-12mi) daily. Each day. It is difficult to walk the first few days of the trail due to the steep Budi Gandaki Gorge and the uphill and downward walks. The Larkya La Pass is 5,106m /16752ft) high. This trek is the most difficult, with long hikes on snow-covered trails. Altitude sickness is a major challenge you may face on this trek due to the wide variations in altitude. If you are not doing it in the winter, you do not need mountaineering or hanging skills. You must be physically fit and in good shape, even if it is your first time. Strength and endurance training and cardio fitness training are recommended to maintain fitness levels at least three months before starting the trek.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Accommodation on the Manaslu Trek includes clean huts and teahouses. Some places have upgraded guesthouses. The guesthouses have room heaters, en suite toilets and bathrooms, and a heated floor. The lodge owners add new facilities every year to improve the comfort of their guests. We will book the best lodges and guesthouses along the route for the duration of your trek when you book with Adventure Club Trek.
Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Trekking will serve all meals on a full-board basis, whereas in Kathmandu, only breakfast is served. Three meals are served daily during trekking from menus of tea houses, lodges, or local homes. We eat breakfast and dinner every day in the same location where we spend the night. Lunch will be served in a teahouse on the way to our destination. The Manaslu area has a different level of tourist infrastructure than exists in the Annapurna and Everest regions (and this is what makes this region so attractive). There will be no variety of food available. Tibetan bread, dal bhat, and tsampa are the main local foods. Adventure Club Trek recommends that we are prepared for a small adventure.
Is there Wi-Fi and a telephone in the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
All of the teahouses where you will spend the night have electricity. Paying a little fee, you can use communal hydroelectricity or solar panels to recharge your phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. We strongly advise bringing backup rechargeable power banks or extra batteries. We do not recommend bringing your laptop because there is no free WiFi along the trekking trail, and the telephone service may be better. Although some teahouses charge for hourly WiFi access, don't anticipate high-speed internet on the inaccessible trails.
Mode Of Transportation To Manaslu Circuit Trek
We will begin our journey by traveling 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola via Soti Khola. By private jeep, it takes 7 hours, and by local jeep, it takes 8 -9 hours. The entire first day of the trip consists of an off-road adventure ride. After the hike, you will take a Jeep for a six-hour drive from Dharapani before switching to another Jeep or local bus for a seven-hour travel to Kathmandu.
Drinking Water On Manaslu Circuit Trek
Water available in taps, streams, or river water is detrimental and unfit for drinking. Sadly, large fractions of the Nepalese population in rural and urban areas are deprived of safe and adequate drinking water. We recommend that our travelers drink boiled or purified water by adding purification agents. Although we discourage bottled mineral water, if you have to use it, double-check that the seal is intact and that the top of the bottle has yet to be manhandled. Overall, it is very important to drink adequate water while trekking in Nepal to avoid any threats associated with dehydration and altitude sickness. A liter of mineral water at lower-elevation tea houses costs around USD 1 but at higher elevations costs up to $4, so the cost can add up.
Trekking Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The government of Nepal has decided to limit tourism in the Manaslu Region, which is the area between Jagat and Dharapani. This means that people who want to trek there alone can't do so. Instead, they need to get a special permit. Also, if you want to trek in this region, you have to be in a group of at least two people with a local guide. You can't just go with any guide; it has to be someone from a registered agency. You'll need three different permits for the Manaslu trek and an extra one if you plan to visit Tsum Valley as well.
Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP
The Cost of the Trekking permits
From September to November: USD 100 per person in the first seven nights and USD 15 extra per person each day after the eighth night.
From December to August: USD 75 per person for the initial seven days, and USD 10 extra per person each day after the eighth.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
This permit is required from Philm, where the Manaslu Conservation Area starts. The price is USD30 year-round for any days you spend inside the conservation area.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
You will need this permit from Dharapani to exit ACAP at Beshi Sahar. The cost of any day spent in the ACAP conservation zone is USD30.
