Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights:
- Stunning views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world
- Challenging Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5135 meters
- Unique culture and lifestyle of Tamangs and Gurungs
- Remote Tibetan-style villages like Samdo and Lho
- Beautiful landscapes and lush forests
- Endangered species like snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, and musk deer
- Ancient monasteries and gompas
- Rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and natural hot springs
- Opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions and customs of the locals
- Panoramic views of the Annapurna range and other surrounding mountains
- Clear, spectacular weather during the autumn and spring seasons
- Physical challenge and opportunity for adventure and personal growth.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview:
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 13-day journey around the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It begins in Maccha Khola and ends in Beshishara. This is a great trek for those who want to experience something new in Nepal but still enjoy the most stunning and jaw-dropping views. The Manaslu Circuit is often compared to the Annapurna trek before it became popular! The region was closed to tourists until the early 1990s and is still restricted. It's not as high as the Annapurna circuit, but still a beautiful, less-trodden route.
The drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola takes approximately 8/9 hours. The drive from Dharapani back to Kathmandu is about 7/8 hours. The 9-day trek is a long one. Two days are set aside for rest and acclimatization. You will stay in the same village during these two days. After climbing to and over Larkya La (5160 meters), the trek ends at Larkya Phedi. You can see Himlung Himal,Kang Guru, and Annapurna II from there. It takes approximately 3 days to descend.
Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you around the Manaslu Conservation Area. The view from the top of the eighth-highest mountain in the entire world is breathtaking. If you have already done the Annapurna circuit, this trek is a good alternative. Manaslu Circuit Trek starts at Maccha Khola and ends at Beshi Sahar. It can be extended up to 21 days by adding a side trek into the Tsum Valley.
This trek was only opened in 1992 to 400 trekkers. It still feels like an expedition that is pioneering. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an excellent way to experience what trekking was like in the 1980s. But you must be physically fit. You wind slowly north to the Larkya La Pass, which is surrounded by snow and borders Tibet. It is difficult to deal with the altitude, but it's almost forgotten when you see Manaslu. Larkya La Pass, at 5,167 meters/16.952 feet is often covered in snow and ice. On the descent, micro crampons are commonly used. To reach the highest point, you must start your trek at 4 am to avoid the wind. The winds usually arrive around midday.
Looking backward from the pass gives you a clear picture, but the best view is after you leave the pass and walk along the corridor towards the west. The great cirque of glaciers bursts in view. The wall of ice created by Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal is awe-inspiring. Annapurna II stands in front. The view is worth the trek. Adventure Club Trek will arrange for your 13-day all-inclusive trek. If you don't want to camp, then the trek can be done in a teahouse. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less popular than the Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek is physically challenging, yet scenically rewarding and culturally enriching.
Other similar treks in the Manaslu region
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days.
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - 17 Days
- Manaslu Circuit Short Trek - 14 Days
- Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days
How difficult is the 13-day Manaslu Trekking?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 177km long (110 mi). It takes 13 days on average to complete. You'll hike for 10-11 consecutive days and average a daily distance between 13-16km (7-10mi). The steep Budi Gandaki Gorge and the uphill and downward sections of the trail can make the initial stages of the trek challenging. Larkya La Pass is at 5,106m (16752ft), the highest point on the trek. This section is the most difficult and involves hiking on long snow-covered trails. Altitude sickness is a major challenge you might face during the Manaslu Circuit Trek due to the significant changes in altitude. If you do the trek in a different season than winter, then no mountaineering skills or technical knowledge are required. Even for novice trekkers, it is essential to maintain a good level of physical fitness. To maintain fitness, it is recommended that you engage in strength- and endurance training as well as cardio-fitness exercises at least three months before starting your trek.
When is the best time to trek Manaslu?
The ideal time to go on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons. These periods offer the best weather and optimal conditions for a successful and enjoyable trekking experience. During autumn, the weather is generally stable with clear skies, providing magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu, which stands at 8,156 meters (26,759 feet). The moderate temperatures make it comfortable for trekking, and the trail is typically dry and easily passable. The landscape comes alive in spring with colorful rhododendron blooms and lush vegetation. The weather remains pleasant, and the clear skies allow for stunning vistas. The temperatures gradually rise, melting the winter snow and ensuring safer passage across high-altitude sections of the trail.
What is the accommodation on the Manaslu Trek like?
The most common type of accommodation on the trek is a basic guesthouse. These are simple guesthouses with twin beds and shared bathrooms. It's best to bring a sleeping bag with you for warmth. Blankets will usually be provided. The meals are usually served in communal dining areas, with a menu that includes both local and Western cuisine. As the trek becomes more popular, some lodges may offer slightly better amenities, such as attached bathrooms, heated showers (often at an additional fee), and comfortable beds. These lodges are usually found in the larger villages along the route.
What is the food like on the Manaslu 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 daily 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 on the Manaslu Trek?
All the teahouses where you will be staying overnight during the Manaslu Circuit Trek have access to electricity. You can pay a nominal fee for communal hydroelectricity or solar panels to recharge your phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. It's recommended to bring backup rechargeable power banks or extra batteries in case of any power outages. However, we advise against bringing laptops as no free Wi-Fi is available along the trekking trail, and the telephone service may be more reliable. While some teahouses may offer hourly Wi-Fi access for a fee, don't expect high-speed internet due to the remote location of the trekking trail.
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 USD 30.
How Is Drinking Water On Manaslu 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, it can cost up to $4, so the cost can add up.
What is the cost of Manaslu Trekking?
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies depending on several factors, including the trekking route, duration, and overall quality of the services provided. The average cost ranges from $1,200 to $1,500 per person for a 13-day trek with a reputable guide and porter. This cost usually includes lodging, meals, permits, and transportation. The cost may be higher or lower depending on the number of individuals in the group, the season, and the level of comfort required. Additional expenses may include travel insurance, gear rentals, and tips for guides and porters. Booking the trek with a government-registered agency is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Experience Required for 13-Day Manaslu Trek
During the 13-day trek, you'll walk for about 10 to 11 days, covering an average distance of 15 to 20 kilometers (9 to 12 miles) daily. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is 177 kilometers (110 miles) long. The first few days of the trek can be challenging due to the steep Budi Gandaki Gorge and various uphill and downhill sections. The most difficult part of the journey is crossing the Larkya La Pass at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), which involves a full day of hiking on snowy and icy trails. Dealing with altitude sickness and adjusting to high elevations are significant challenges during the trek, as the terrain goes through significant height variations. Technical mountaineering or climbing skills are only required if you undertake the trek in cold weather. However, being in excellent physical condition is important, even if you are a beginner. Maintaining your fitness levels by exercising strength, endurance, jogging, and running at least three months before the trek is recommended.
