Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days

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Trip Facts

  • Duration 12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle, Bus, Van and Jeep
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season March- May and Sept-Dec
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 16 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5160m/16, 924 ft

Highlights

The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is an adventurous and challenging trek with stunning mountain scenery and unique culture. It also offers remote wilderness and a rugged landscape. The Manaslu circuit trek has many highlights, including:

  • Mountain views are spectacular: the trek provides panoramic views of towering peaks such as Manaslu (8.163 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Ganesh Himal, and other Himalayan ranges.
  • Off the beaten track: The Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you to remote villages, unspoiled wilderness, and the unique culture of the locals.
  • Experience rich cultural diversity: The trek takes you through ethnic villages of the Gurungs, Tibetans, and Sherpas, all known for their warmth, traditions, and customs.
  • Larkya La pass: This challenging trek will take you to the Larkya La pass (5,160m), where you can enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
  • Landscape diversity: This trek will take you through various landscapes, ranging from lush green forests to barren high-altitude deserts. It is a truly unique experience.
  • Natural hot springs. The trek offers the chance to relax in Tatopani's natural hot springs.
  • The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a unique adventure, including scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and challenging hiking in a remote wilderness

Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days Overview 

Manaslu Circuit, 12 Days Trek, is a physically demanding trip that will bring you as close as possible to "Shangri La". The Manaslu Trail takes you through several beautiful villages and allows you to explore this little-visited, fascinating corner of Nepal. This special place was inaccessible to tourists until 1991. It is home to an ancient Tibetan culture that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Residents of this isolated, sublime valley depended on farming and yak-herding to survive and never got involved in the Tibetan salt trade. They were, therefore, not affected by the closure of the border between Tibet & Nepal after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950.

12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek begins after you arrive in Kathmandu. You may go sightseeing, but we'll ensure you have the right trekking gear and clothing for a safe and smooth trek. We will provide you with the necessary trekking permits to enter this restricted area. Then we drive to Maccha Khola via Aru Ghat, a village in Gurkha. Here we join other trekkers on the popular Manaslu & Tsum Valley Trails. We then continue along this well-traveled and exciting route until we reach Khola Besi, "where the real fun begins." We take a deep breath, leave the comfort of the Manaslu Circuit, and present our passes to the police checkpoint before heading north into the tranquil Tsum Valley.

We will trek along the Buri-Gandaki River on our way to Shyala Village and beyond. After that, we will explore the Sama Gaun village, possibly visiting Birendra Lake, climbing to Pungyen Monastery, or hiking to Ganesh Himal base camp.

This majestic region, with Larkya La as its focal point, is one of the Himalayas' most impressive passes. This is an adventure at its best. It will stay with you for a very long time. The trail crosses the fascinating Manaslu Peak [8156m.] The trail crosses Larkya Pass at 5100 meters and enters the Marsayangdi River Valley. This gives you a few attractive options for where to end your trek.

When is The best time for Manaslu Trek?  

The best times to trek the Manaslu Circuit are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Autumn is a great time for trekking because the skies are clear and the temperatures are mild. This is also a spectacular time to see the mountains. Spring is a great time for trekking because the weather is mild, and the rhododendron forest is in full blossom. There may be rain showers at lower altitudes. The winter months (December-February) are cold and snowy, which makes it difficult to hike. Due to landslides and leeches, the monsoon rainy season (June-August) can be challenging for trekkers. The mountains and landscapes will be lush and green. The best seasons to trek the Manaslu Circuit are autumn and 

How is the Food Like on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is a popular, challenging trek that takes you across the rugged and remote landscape of the Manaslu Region. Food on the trek is a mixture of Nepali cuisine, Tibetan food, and international dishes. The teahouses and lodges that line the trail offer a wide variety of food, including rice, lentil soup (dal), vegetables, curry, and noodles. Momos, a popular dish in the area, can also be found. It is possible to find meat, but it should be avoided as it might not have been prepared in the cleanest conditions. You can also pick up energy bars and snacks for the day. As you ascend higher, fresh produce becomes less available, and meals become simpler. Remember that food in this region may not be as diverse or as flavorful as you're used to. It is nutritious and gives you the energy to complete the trek. It is important to let your guide and teahouse owners know if you have any food restrictions or preferences so that they can best accommodate your needs.
  

How is the Accommodation Like on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Accommodation on the Manaslu Trek includes clean huts and teahouses. Some places have upgraded hotels. The hotels are equipped with room heaters, en suite toilets and bathrooms, and room heating. 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 Himalayan Glacier. Visit our accommodation page to find out more.

Experience Required 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trek requiring good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience. It involves walking for 6 to 8 hours per day in steep and rugged terrain with high-altitude passes, including the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters (16,930 feet). To prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, engaging in regular physical exercises, such as hiking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, is recommended to build up your stamina and endurance. You should also undertake some high-altitude training to get used to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. It is recommended that trekkers have prior experience trekking at high altitudes and remote regions to ensure that they are aware of the challenges that may arise during the trek. Previous trekking experience in the Himalayas or other high-altitude regions can also be beneficial. Additionally, hiring an experienced guide who is familiar with the terrain and can assist you throughout the trek is advisable. That can also help you acclimate properly to the altitude and ensure you are safe during the trek.

Itinerary

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In the early morning, we set off on Journey to Machha Khola. During the drive, you will enjoy the countryside views. Along the highway, you will get an opportunity to see the meandering Trishuli River on the base of lush green hills with scattered settlements. Trishuli river is famous for rafting. We will drive on a tarmacked road from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi Bazaar, where the rough road starts. We cross Arughat to reach Macha Khola Khola. Overnight in Macha Khola.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude900m/2952ft

After breakfast. We hit a narrow trail ascending and descending before crossing Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi. There is a famous hot spring in Tatopani where we halt. For travelers taking a bath in the hot spring is a relief. We continue hiking through a forest and cross a suspension bridge over the Budhigandaki River towards a confluence. The trail ascends through stone steps across a landslide and over a ridge. We cross another suspension bridge over Yaru Khola, climb the stairs, drop into the river, and climb more stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Again, we cross
the west bank of Budhigandaki and climb over a ridge. We hike along the river and then rise toward the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude2,095m/4,395ft

From Jagat, we climb over a rocky ridge to Saguleri and descend to Sirdabas. We can view Shringi Himal as we descend to a river and cross a long suspension bridge before climbing up to Philim, a Gurung village. On the way, there are several waterfalls to Ekle Bhatti. Further, we descend and cross s Budhigandaki, advance along the west bank, travel to the east bank, and back again. The trail passes through bamboo forests taking us to Deng, The river we cross and reach Deng, a settlement. Overnight in Deng.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude2095m/6871ft

We ascend the steep trail and descend to a river which we cross and go uphill across several settlements decorated with Mani walls that give a glimpse of Tibetan heritage. On reaching Namrung, you will make an excursion to the Prok village. Overnight in Namrung.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude2,900m/9,512ft

Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal, and from the village, one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. We climb steadily, passing through forests, and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal, with Ganesh Himal permanently close by. We further pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordinary views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and explore the famous Ribung Gompa. Shyala village will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaun, where we spend the night.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude3,500m/11,480 ft

We acclimatize at Samagaon to adjust to the thin air due to higher elevation. However, we will not stay idle but explore this village and learn about the lifestyles of the locals and their Buddhist culture. We have other options - hiking to the Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake (Tal) and then climbing the ridge to Pungyen Monastery. This monastery lies south of Samagaon and takes about a two-and-a-half- hour hike. It is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu and gives us tremendous views of the glaciers. Similarly, Birendra Tal is a glacial lake at 3,450m where ice blocks tumble into the lake with thunderous displays.

In Samagaon, you have the option to see the following:

Birendra Taal (lake): At 3,450m, this is a beautiful, glacial lake. This lies around 3 km from Sama village.

Manaslu Base Camp:  It is 6 km away from the village and takes around 5 hours to reach. It lies at an altitude of 4,800m. Once here, you can enjoy views of the Manaslu Glacier, Birendra Taal, and a cave.

Pungen Monastery: This monastery is around 6-7 km from Sama Village. It offers better panoramic views of the mountains like Mt. Manaslu. You can also see the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. You may also see local Sherpas clad in traditional clothes and jewelry.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude3,500m/ 11,480 ft

On this day, we descend to the Budhigandaki River and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. We swiftly move across pastures before elevating gradually. On the Larkya la Trail, we pass by several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. The easy trail above the river passes through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We cross a wooden bridge over Budhigandaki and ascend the steep headland. You will be amazed by the stunning view of Manaslu as you reach Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village close to the Tibetan border.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude3,690m /12,103 ft

Today we make a short but relaxing journey to Dharmasala also called Larkya Phedi or Larkya Base Camp. We hit the trail that crosses the wooden bridge over the Budhigandaki River. From here, we start ascending. Further, we cross streams and pass by Larkya Glacier before we hike around Salka Khola valley. We make an ascent to the isolated stone guest house, a shelter popularly called Dharamshala or Larkya Phedi, or Larkya Base Camp.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude4,450m / 14,596 ft

After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent that becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. In the past, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude3,720m / 12,201 ft

Bimphedi offers marvelous views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. We descend and cross a grassland at Sangure Kharka. Upon crossing a bridge over Dudh Khola, we pass through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. We make a steep climb over a ridge and descend to a riverbank and pass by the village of Gho to reach Tilije.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude1860m / 6,102 ft

After breakfast, we set off on a downhill easy walk for about 3 hours to Dharapani. We walk down the trail over the hill with grasses, shrubs, and sparsely populated trees or farmlands or villages. Dharapani which is located on the highway to Manang is our stopover for lunch. Dharapani is the checkpoint where the trails to Annapurna Conservation Area and Manaslu Conservation Area overlap. After lunch, we head to Besisahar. Beshisahar, a small town with Gurung dominance, has grown in popularity as a trailhead for Annapurna Circuit Trek since the 1990s. Overnight in Beshisahar.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinne
  • Max. Altitude760m

After Breakfast, we will drive through Prithvi Highway at Munglin Bazaar. Further, we follow the meandering Trishuli River in reverse this time. Once again, you will enjoy interacting visually with nature through the window of the vehicle in this six-hour journey from Beshishara to Kathmandu. where you will spend the last night in Nepal.

 

  • AccommodationN/A
  • MealsBreakfast and Lunch
  • Max. Altitude1358m

NoteYour safety is of the utmost concern while traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary, but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline, and illness or injury can occur. To avoid dangerous situations, we may occasionally change the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That being said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Trip Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days map

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle.
  • Best available twin sharing Teahouse or guesthouse accommodation during the trek
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinner.
  • Surface transfer to and from Kathmandu – Machha Khola and Dharapani – Kathmandu by Jeep/Van/Bus).
  • Government-licensed; English-speaking guide trained in wilderness first aid
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Assistant trekking guides walk with the group to support as necessary.
  • Staff costs include their, Food, salary, accommodation, transportation, and medicine.
  • Insurance covers all staff, including porters as per state law.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
  • All necessary papers works (Annapurna and Manaslu conservation fees, special trekking permit for Manaslu)
  • Complimentary Adventure Club Trek T-shirt, and Manaslu Region Trekking map
  • Duffel bag for trekking
  • Exclusive Medical Kit Bag (carried by your trek leader)
  • Travel and rescue arrangements.
  • All Government and Local taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa (15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD, and 90 Days – 125 USD)
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon request)
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
  • Personal travel insurance and medical bills
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)

Useful Info

Required Permits For Manaslu Circuit Trek

This popular trek in Nepal requires multiple permits. You will need the following permits:

Manaslu Restricted Permit: Manaslu is a restricted region and requires a special entry permit. This permit can only be obtained through a Nepalese trekking agency. The permit costs 75 USD per person per week and 10 USD per additional day. All trekkers planning to trek the Annapurna or Manaslu region will need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit. These permits are issued to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region by the Nepali government. This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or at the entrance to the conservation area. Permits cost USD 30 each, and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. The permit is valid for multiple entries for a period of 30 days

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

 

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

The Department of Immigration issues the Manaslu Trek permit. The permit must be obtained in advance. The Manaslu Trek permit is needed from Jagat until you reach Samagaun. Sama Gaun is the last RAP checkpoint. Once you have crossed the village, you will need an additional entry permit (ACAP). The cost of the Manaslu Road Access Pass depends on how many days you spend between Jagat to Dharapani. Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you six or seven nights from Jagat to Samagaun.

PriceUSD 70 for the first seven days from September to November. USD 10. per day per person after the 8th day.

From December to August, USD 50 for the first 7 days. USD 10 per person each day after the 8th day. The Manaslu Road Access Permit does not require a printed photo. Instead, the photograph will be uploaded to the website and printed on the permit.

Food on the Manaslu Circuit Treks

All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — will be provided during the trek, and breakfast will only be provided in Kathmandu. We host welcome and farewell dinners for our guests. During the trek, we have breakfast and dinner at tea houses or lodges where we spend nights while there will be lunch at tea houses on the way. You have the option to choose from Nepali, continental, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines. As we take care of our guests, we ensure that you are getting healthy food. We prioritize locally produced organic food and also provide you with seasonable fruits.

Note: If you are a vegetarian, let us know in advance so that we could make proper arrangements for food as per your wish during the trek

 

Drinking Water on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Adventure Club provides all the meals on the trek but doesn't provide water. The best option is to treat the local water either with chlorine/iodine tablets or use a steripen. The tea houses will give you good quality free water and, you can also get along the trail but, you will need to treat it. If you are using the tablets make sure they dissolve completely (about 30 mins). On most treks, you can buy mineral water along the trail. A liter of mineral water at lower-elevation tea houses costs around USD 1 but at higher elevations can cost up to $4 so the cost can add up.

Accommodations on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

You will be accommodated in a three-star standard hotel in Kathmandu and tea houses/guesthouses during the trek. Note that the Manaslu region is a newly developed trekking destination therefore the facilities in the teahouses will be pretty basic. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement is available and will cost an additional.

 

Electricity, WIFI, and  Battery  Recharge on the Manaslu Circuit Route

Electricity is available in all teahouses where you will be spending the night. You can recharge your phones, laptop, or other electronic gadgets from solar panels or community hydroelectricity by paying a nominal charge. We strongly recommend you bring extra batteries or rechargeable power banks for backup. Regarding Wi-Fi, there are no free hotspots along the trekking trail and the cellphone coverage is very poor, so we do not encourage carrying your laptop. Some teahouses do offer paid Wi-Fi services on an hourly basis but don’t expect high-speed connectivity on the remote trails.

 

Getting there and away

In the morning we drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu. The highway meanders together with the Trishuli River as we pass by the countryside Dhading Besi Bazaar and further cross Arughat to reach Machha Khola. The trek starts from Gorkha, home of the legendary Gorkha soldiers, and follows the meandering Budhigandaki River or the Darundi River before reaching Larkya La Pass (5,106 m.) and crossing over into the Manang district of Annapurna Conservation Area.

 

Acclimatization, and High-altitude sickness

The acclimatization planned during the trip helps trekkers adapt to the environment with less oxygen. Our body needs time to adjust to higher altitudes. Rushing to the higher elevation without acclimatization may result in acute mountain sickness (AMS) which could be fatal. The trekkers may suffer from AMS above 2,400m/7,875ft as the amount of oxygen becomes less and less with the increase in elevation.

We can categorize AMS into three categories with its symptoms. The trekker suffering from normal AMS feels giddy, gets headaches, has Nausea, and is out of breath, and is suggested not to worry as it disappears after the body gets used to less amount of oxygen. Likewise, trekkers suffering from mild AMS show symptoms of dizziness, muscular pain, insomnia, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Mild AMS can be treated with anti-headache medicines.

A person suffering from serious AMS shows heightened symptoms including shortness of breath even while taking rest. The trekker with serious symptoms can barely walk and fluids may start building up in the lungs. The trekker having serious AMS has to be taken to a lower altitude immediately.

 

Advanced cases of AMS

If AMS is not treated in time, it can be life-threatening and lead to edema, a condition in which fluid is accumulated in the tissues of the body. Following are the two serious altitude sicknesses caused at high altitudes.

 

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

In HACE, the brain gets swollen which can lead to coma and even death. Its symptoms are paralysis on one side of the body, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, bowel dysfunction, loss of coordination, and confusion. Descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible to prevent the worsening of the condition.

 

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Fluid is accumulated in the lungs which also increases the capillary pressure. Its symptoms include severe shortness of breath at rest, dry cough that later leads to producing pink frothy sputum, and fatigue.

Important Note: Severe cases of AMS are pretty rare. All our guides at the Adventure Club Trek, are aware of the symptoms of AMS and can handle it with care. We prioritize acclimatization, talk about the use of Diamox beforehand and counsel all our trekkers on the risk and preventive factors before and during the trip. Your safety is our main concern.

 

Equipment And Packing List

We recommend that you bring the items to the list below. If your trek is longer or shorter than that, appropriate adjustments can be made, to reflect the specific requirements, season, and length of the trip. The items marked with an asterisk (*) will be provided by Adventure Club Trek at no additional cost. You are welcome to use such articles if you already have them and prefer your own. Many of the trekking items can be bought cheaply in the Thamel neighborhood of Kathmandu; quality will vary, with the items imported from China often being of higher quality. There are also several high-end shops in Kathmandu which carry well-known brands. Since your pack will be carried by our porters, please remember the weight limitation is 15kg (33 lbs since there is nothing there but some prayer flags. Also, please note that you did not send me any list of gear.

* The Adventure Club Trek will lend each trekker a set of down Jackets, sleeping bags,s and duffle bags.

* Our main guide, trained in wilderness first aid, will carry a comprehensive medical kit.

 

Important Documents And Items

  • Valid passport, 2 extra passport-size photos, airline tickets.
  • Dollars, pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepali visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, and snacks, and for purchasing your drinks and gifts.
  • Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc

 HEAD

  • Bandana or headscarf, also useful in dusty conditions
  • Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Prescription sunglasses (if required)

UPPER BODY

  • Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
  • Light and expedition-weight thermal tops
  • Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket *
  • Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

LOWER BODY

  •  Non-cotton underwear briefs
  • 1 pair of Hiking shorts
  • 1 pair of hiking trousers
  • 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
  • 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
  • 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

FEET

  • 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
  • 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
  • 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
  • 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
  • Cotton socks (optional)
  • Gaiters (winter only), optional, “low” ankle high version

HANDS

  • 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
  • 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
  • 1 pair of mittens, consisting of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

TOILETRIES

  • 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
  • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Female hygiene products
  • Small mirror
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue /toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial handwash

SLEEPING

  • 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
  • Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Rucksack and Travel Bags
  • 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
  • 1 large duffel bag *
  • A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
  • Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
  • 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

MEDICAL

  • Small, personal first-aid kit. (Simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylpolyamine
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.
  • Water purification tablets or the water filter
  •  Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
  • Extras/Luxuries
  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guidebook
  • Journal and pen
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat peg

 

Visa And Entry Procedures

Everyone needs a visa to enter Nepal except Indian nationals. Citizens of the SAARC nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan do not require visas for a period of 30 days. Fortunately, getting a Nepal visa is an easy process. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the international airport and official overland entry points. However, travelers from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia are not issued visa on arrival. After you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will find electronic kiosks that will assist with your visa processing. After taking the completed form and paying the visa fee, you need to stay in the long immigration queue for your visa on arrival.

Visitors can now apply for the online visa within 15 days of their arrival date in Nepal. For this, you will need your Nepal hotel address and a digital passport-sized photo that needs to be uploaded to the online application. After submitting the form online, you need to print out the confirmation page which has to be furnished at the immigration section in Kathmandu airport along with your passport and the required visa fee. You can apply for your online Nepal visa here.

Tourists can also apply for a Nepali visa at the local Nepali Embassy or Consulate located in their respective countries. Or, they can even mail their visa application to the visa office near their location, but well ahead of time to allow sufficient processing time. Nepal visa information for all categories of travelers and their correspondence cost can be very handy, so for more information and contact details of the Nepali Embassies and Consulate around the world, you may CLICK HERE.

Whichever way you enter Nepal, you will be given a 15/30/90-day visa as per your requirement. The general Nepal tourist visa fee on arrival for multiple entries is:

15 days – US$30, 30 days – US$50, and 90days – US$125

Tourist visas can be extended for a maximum of 150 days in a year and these extensions are granted only at the department of immigration offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu. For more information on Nepal visa, visit our visa information page.

 

Our Trekking Guides/Leaders 

Here at Adventure Club, our staff is like family. We only use locals to support their communities and we train our staff rigorously to be the best they can be – for you! 

  •  Full first-aid training
  • Guide Training (trekking)
  • English and other common languages (as requested) 
  • Village and land Conservation 
  • Mountaineering (for specialty expeditions or climbing treks)

All our guides are carefully trained for leadership as good leadership is vital for your trek to be enjoyable, safe, and successful. Most of our guides grew up in Sherpa country or other mountainous parts of Nepal. Their pride in their region shows itself in the way they lead treks and interface with you. 

 

Porters Care

Courtesy and respect are fundamental for an enjoyable and worthwhile experience on any team. Our porters are an essential, integral part of each trekking team, and as such, they are well-treated and well-paid. After your trek, we believe you will find that they have fully earned your gratitude and respect. We do expect all trekkers to keep the weight of their baggage under 22kgs/40lbs. Adventure Club Trek maintains a full commitment to the rights of our porters, providing them with appropriate clothing, gear, and lodging. In case of serious accident or sickness, they receive the same care as anyone else employed on the trekking team, even including evacuation by helicopter at our expense if appropriate. We fully support the IPPG (International Porter Protection Group), which strives to maintain and improve our porter's working conditions.

 

Experience Requirement

The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is roughly 177km/110 mi. and on a 17 to 18-day trek itinerary, you will be walking for 11 to 13 days, which means walking an average distance of 15 to 20km (9 to 12 mi.) each day. The first few days on the trail become difficult due to the harrowing steep Budi Gandaki Gorge and lots of uphill and downhill walks. Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,106m (16,752ft.) is the most challenging part of this trek with a long day hike on trails filled with snow and ice. With great variations in terms of altitude, one major difficulty you could face during the trek is altitude sickness and your ability to adjust to the high altitudes. You do not require any special hanging or rope-climbing and mountaineering skills unless you attempt to do it during the winter. However, you need to be in great shape and physically fit even if you are a beginner. We recommend strength and endurance training, as well as cardiovascular fitness training to maintain your fitness level at least 3 months prior to starting the trek.

 

Travel Insurance

To be adequately protected in terms of insurance, you will need specialist travel insurance for participation in hazardous activities. A travel insurance policy that covers helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment, and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking and climbing. If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter from a remote area only if you have definite proof you can pay for it. Adventure Club Trek has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. They pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism or you may have a difficult time settling a claim.

 

Communication on trek

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, the internet service will be available at lodges with some extra service charge. You can contact your family and friends from the guesthouses, but as we reach high altitude, the communication will be through the phone for safety purposes. We communicate with all our valuable clients through the team leader at least once a day to make sure you are fine and enjoying the trip. The Adventure Club Trek office in Kathmandu will constantly touch you for help you may need during the trek. Depending on the network you use, there could be a poor signal to the network before the high altitude. Upon your request, we can provide you with a separate local sim card for a better network. Many places have WIFI service available at an extra cost.

 

Group size and Team Composition

We always try to form a small group of like-minded people to give them a wonderful and perceptive travel experience. It provides opportunities to interact and share with each other in a fun-filled environment when out in the wilderness. Generally, our travel group comprises a maximum of 14 members. We need at least two participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, the number of group members do not apply. We always strive to form a team ensuring that the members are comfortable with one another.

 

Best season to do this trek

The Manaslu trek is best done in pre-monsoon season i.e., from March to May, and post-monsoon season i.e., from late September to December. In general, any time during October, November, April, and May are considered the best months. Other recommended months for this trek are September, December, and March. We do not recommend doing this trek during the rest of the months. Due to heavy snowfall in January and February, it becomes very risky to cross the Larkya La Pass. Likewise, heavy rainfall causing floods and landslides can be experienced during June, July, and August, so it is better to avoid these months.

 

Need to know about Manaslu Trekking Permit 

Where to obtain the necessary permits?

Authority does not issue an individual trekking permit for Manaslu. The Adventure Club Trek will carry out the procedures and have your permit issued for you.

 

Do I need a TIMS Card for Manaslu?

No, you don’t need a TIMS Card. However, if you continue towards the Annapurna Circuit from Dharapani then you will need a TIMS, but the same ACAP Permit can be used for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Why do I need an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit for the Manaslu Trek?

A part of the regular Manaslu Circuit Trek route from Dharapani to Beshisahar comes under (ACAP). Although you will trek only for two days in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you still need to obtain a permit.

 

How much does the permit for Manaslu cost?

Permits for both Manaslu and the Annapurna Conservation Area cost USD 33 per person for each area unless you are a member of SAARC country. However, for the restricted area permit (Manaslu RAP), the price varies depending on the number of days you spend between Jagat and Samagaun.

 

How many photographs do I need?

You need two printed passport-sized photographs and a scanned photograph. Printed photographs will be used for ACAP and MCAP, whereas the scanned photograph will be uploaded on the online application form for the Manaslu RAP.

 

How long does it take to obtain the permit?

It may take an hour to obtain the permit. Sometimes the online system goes down and everything needs to be done manually, which might take a little more than an hour.

 

Can permits be obtained in advance before we arrive in Nepal?

The permits cannot be obtained in advance, as the Department of Immigration needs to verify the details with the original passport and required visa details. However, in certain circumstances, it can be issued in advance. For that, Adventure Club Trek will require a scanned copy of your passport’s main page, an e-copy of flight tickets to Nepal, and visa number if you have already obtained one in your home country.

 

Do I need a separate permit for the Tsum Valley?

Yes, a separate permit is required for the Tsum Valley. This will cost USD 40 per person per week and an additional USD 7 per person per day from September to November and USD 30 per person per week and an additional USD 7 per person per day from December to August.

 

 Can a permit be issued on a Saturday or any other public holiday?

No, the Department of Immigration remains closed on public holidays. Thus, we need to issue the permit in advance if there is a long public holiday coming up.

 

Tipping 

Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal as most services include a service charge. However, if you want to express your gratitude, you are free to offer a tip to drivers, and hotel staff among others. People usually welcome such generosity. When it comes to tipping your porters or trekking leaders, use your discretion as per the quality of the services. Tip money does not form a part of our employees’ wages. However, you can use tipping as a way of showing appreciation for excellent service at the end of the trip.

  • James RodenT
    James RodenTAustraliaDate: May 10, 2023

    The Best

    Three of us (two adults and a 13 year old) from Australia had the most incredible time thanks to Adventure Club Treks. We dealt with Birendra before the trip and he met us at the Kathmandu airport and took care of us the whole time with his kind and strong group of porters. All the gear, the planning, logistics, food, adventure, teahouses where we stayed, luggage, buses, jeeps...everything was thought of and taken care of. The walks were hard but spectacular and we will never forget Nepal, Birendra, the people, the animals, the food, the sights...everything was brilliant.

  • MARIE-HELENE V
    MARIE-HELENE VFranceDate: April 29, 2023

    THE "WAOW EFFECT "

    What an incredible time, journey, experience, share, and discovery... This trek has been such a beautiful life chapter. Everything was great! very well organized, safe conditions, magical moments of life sharing with Birendra, heart opening moments in the middle of Annapurna, meeting great people on great spots, sharing great times, unforgettable sceneries with unforgettable humans !!!
    One of my best trip ever. Back for Everest in 2024 !!!

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