Manaslu Circuit Treks 16 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle, Car, Jeep and Jeep(Depends on Group Size)
  • Activity Cultural City Tour, and Daily 5- 6 Hours Trekking/hiking
  • Best Season March- May and Sept- Dec
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 14 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5220m/17122ft

Highlights

  • Less-crowded than Annapurna and Everest regions. A great off-the-beaten-path trekking option in the Himalayan region.
  • Drive through mountain roads boasting countryside sceneries and authentic Nepalese villages, not to mention the dwindling twists and turns on the way!
  • Entering the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area project (with a permit, of course!).
  • Views of Chamar Peak of the Siringi Himal range, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Himal Chuli, and Mt. Manaslu, among other snow-capped mountains.
  • Typical Sherpa and Gurung villages with intact costumes and traditions, and not for just tourism purposes!
  • Larkya La ( a high pass) at 5125m from where you can enjoy serene views of Himling Himal, Kanguru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II, among other mountains.
  • Gompas, chortens, alpine meadows, trains of mules and donkeys, countless suspension bridges, and rhododendron forests.
  • Entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area.

 

Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days  Overview

The 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, with its less-crowded route and off-the-beaten-path, is one of the Himalayas' most popular treks. Manaslu Trek is a unique trekking experience. Manaslu Trek's flora, fauna, fascinating cultural heritage, and breathtaking mountain panoramas are considered the new jewel of Himalayan trekking.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is a rare privilege for only a few travelers annually. In 1992, trekking in the Manaslu area was opened. You will be trekking through a restricted region in Nepal, which requires expensive permits for entry. Other strict rules, such as mandatory trekking with a Nepali trekking firm and only two trekkers per group (excluding the guide and the porter), also limit tourist traffic in the area.

Our trail to Manaslu Trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River from Soti Kholi until the Larkya Pass (5,125m) below, which lies the river's source. From 700m at its lowest to (5125m) at its highest, this 16-day-long journey brings you an exciting mix of Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages with varying landscapes as per the altitude: green countryside and dense forests of pine and rhododendron to high-altitude landscapes edging massive glaciers.

We pass through various Gurung settlements, Buddhist villages, Chortens and Gompas, suspension bridges, wooden bridges, trains of mules and donkeys, and views of the Siring Himal range before reaching Namrung, a charming, predominantly Lama village. It is essential to note that our itinerary doesn't cover Jagat to Deng in a single day. Instead, we divide it into two days. Making the journey less tiresome is essential for allowing you to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.

Namrung to Sama Gaon: Many consider this section the most scenic part of the trek. They are right! Namrung village has stunning views of the Siring range. Ganesh Himal, You can also learn about Mt Himalchuli In the morning while sipping hot tea. The walk through the dense forest that leads to Lihi is breathtaking. This walk is a breathtaking experience in a picturesque village of barley terraces with shortens. Ganesh Himal Background. You can see the close-up of Mt. Manaslu Home to the Ribung Gompa.

When is the Best Time to Trek to Manaslu Circuit:

 March to May and October to early November is considered the best time to trek to Manaslu Circuit.  From March to May, most of the morning and mid-day are clear for views and pleasant walks. The mid-hills are colorful with wildflowers blooming, especially the rhododendrons of various species and colors (National Flower of Nepal). The nights and mornings are colder from March to May. However, the evening remains sunny and warm with little chance of snow. From October to early November, the days are bright and sunny suitable for walks and views. However, days will be shorter with less sunlight due to the autumn season and pre-winter where minimum temperatures range from -10° C to +16° Celsius. From mid-November till mid-March most lodges are closed as the native migrates to lower warm areas to escape the cold winter. 

 

The 16-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.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal. A representative from the Adventure Club Trek will receive you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After going through your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be driven to your respective hotel on Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle. After you take a rest for some time at the hotel suite, you will be called for an orientation session with your trekking guide over a welcome dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4500ft

After breakfast, our city guide will take you to the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath stupa, the famous Buddhist monkey temple is located on the hill from where you can get a picture of Kathmandu valley from a bird’s view. Pashupathinath temple, one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, is located in the eastern part of the city. Likewise, Buddhanath is the largest spherical stupas in Asia. You will also visit the Kathmandu Durbar Squire, a centuries-old royal palace, now turned into national museums, temples, and other buildings, with the finest architecture, fine cuts, and wood carvings. In the afternoon, we get our equipment checked by our Trekking leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast.
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,500ft

After breakfast, we leave for Soti Khola, the starting point of our trek. From Kathmandu to Dhading Besi is a 3-hour comfortable drive after which will be a 5-hour bumpy and winding dirt road to Soti Khola. The total drive for the day will approximately be 8 hours. Overnight in Soti Khola.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude700m/2296ft

Today, we start walking to Machha Khola. The trail is full of ups and downs and goes through narrow and rocky terrain. We come across many beautiful waterfalls. Before reaching Machha Khola, we pass through Labubesi village which is a Gurung community. After walking for almost 5-6 hours, we arrive at our destination for the day which is Machha Khola (River). Overnight in Machha Khola.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude930m/3051ft

Today’s walk goes through the narrow trail with a few ups and downs and finally crosses the Tharo Khola and reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hot spring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1340m/4396ft

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 till Ekle Bhatti. Further, we descend and cross Budhigandaki, then advance along the west bank, cross to the east bank, and back again. The trail passes through bamboo forests taking us to Deng River which we cross and reach Deng, a settlement.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1800m/5905ft

Today’s trek is a little bit longer and harder than previous days. We can see amazing fields of flowering mustard. After some hours of walking, we reach Ghap (2160m). After reaching Ghap we can hear the pleasant sound of the waterfall and observe ancient writings and art in the stones. After 4 hours of walking, we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2630m/8628ft

After breakfast, we walk across the Hinan river originating from Linda Glacier and continue on to Sho. Naike Peak, Manaslu North (7,774 m), and Manaslu (8,150 m) are visible from here. After some hours of walking, we reach Lho Gaon, a beautiful village with a nice view of Mt. Manaslu. On the top of the hill, we can have a look around the Buddhist monastery Ribung Gompa. Our destination village is Samagaon and that’s where we will head after that. Overnight. in Samagaon.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,500m/11,420ft

We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Today, we get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of Mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later, they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959. Overnight in Samagaon.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude(3530m/11,420ft

Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, which has turned north and follows it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch, we can view a large white Kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,690m/12,106

After crossing a couple of streams, we’ll reach the Larkya Bazaar. This village began thriving from the trade with Tibet years ago. After a steady climb, we will arrive at our lodge in Dharmasala where we’ll stay the night and prepare for the big pass climb tomorrow. Overnight in Dharmasala.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude4,450m/14,599ft

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 moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimphedi, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude3,590m/11,778ft

From a ridge at Bhimphedi, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday's tiredness, we might take an overnight rest at Gho but better lodges are available at Tilije, so Himalayan Glacier recommends we stay at Tilije.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude2,300m/7,545ft

We begin with a climb over a small ridge and enjoy a stone-paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. Crossing the bridge over the Dudh Khola River, we will climb up through a Chorten-shaped arch, and pass a Mani wall to reach the village of Thonje. From Thonje we will enter the Annapurna Region at Dharapani where we will need to go through a police checkpoint before taking lunch and driving to Beshisahar. Overnight in Beshisahar.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse/Teahouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude760m/2,483ft

After breakfast, we head to Kathmandu on our private vehicle via Besisahar. Beshisahar, a small town with Gurung dominance, has grown in popularity as a trailhead for Annapurna Circuit Trek since the 1990s. The road meets the 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 during this six-hour journey from Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, you will be escorted to the hotel. In the evening, the Adventure Club Trek will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and farewell Dinner.
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,264ft

The Adventure Club Trek ensures that you enjoy the trip and have a pleasant experience. We hope whenever you visit Nepal, you would allow us the opportunity to serve you for any other trek, tour, or outdoor sports. We will be pleased to serve you. The Adventure Club Trek will arrange for your transportation to the international airport on a private vehicle for your final flight departure. Our representatives will see you at the airport.

Note: If you still have a few days after the trekking schedule, you might be interested to experience other adventurous activities like jungle safari, Rafting, Bungee jumping, and paragliding. You may contact the Adventure Club Trek for the arrangement.

  • AccommodationN/A
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. AltitudeN/A

Note: The 16-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.

Trip Map

Manaslu Circuit Treks 16 Days map

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin share bed- and- breakfast.
  • 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 walking with the group to support as necessary (1 assistant guide for 4 trekkers)
  • 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 paper 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 arrangement.
  • 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.
  • International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the 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

The Government of Nepal has declared the Manaslu Region (between Jagat and Dharapani) a restricted area to control tourism in the region. That is to say, independent trekkers are not allowed in Manaslu and trekkers are subject to obtaining a special entry permit. It is mandatory to form a group of at least two trekkers accompanied by a local guide. Additionally, your permit must be processed through a registered agency. Freelance guides cannot issue the necessary permits for the Manaslu Circuit. Three different permits are required for the Manaslu trek, and an additional one for Tsum Valley, if your trekking package covers the valley as mentioned below

  •  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)

Manaslu trek permit is issued by the Department of Immigration. You need to get the permit in advance before you set off on the journey. This Manaslu trek permit is required from Jagat till you reach the village called Samagaun. The last checkpoint for RAP is in Sama Gaun. Once you cross the village you need another entry permit (ACAP). The price for the Manaslu RAP depends on the number of days you spend between Jagat and Dharapani. On Manaslu Circuit Trek you will be staying for six nights or seven days from Jagat to Samagaun.

Price:

September to November: USD 70 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards.

December to August: USD 50 per person for the first seven days and an additional USD 10 per person per day from the eighth day onwards. You do not need a printed photograph for the Manaslu RAP, as it will be uploaded online and will be printed on the permit itself.

 

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

The MCAP permit is required from Philim, where the Manaslu Conversation Area begins.

Price:

The price is the same throughout the year: USD 33 per person. Also, there is no restriction or change in price with a change in the number of days you spend inside MCAP. For an MCP permit, you will require a printed photograph.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

ACAP permit is required from Dharapani where until you exit ACAP in Beshisahar.

Price:

The price is the same throughout the year: USD 33 per person. Also, there is no restriction or change in price with a change in the number of days you spend inside ACAP. A printed photograph is required for the ACAP permit.

After obtaining these entry permits — Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP — there is no need to obtain a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card.

 

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 your 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 pegs)

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 12mi.) 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 for only 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.

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