Why the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The reasonably untouched trekking circuit of Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the best trekking routes of Nepal in terms of the experience.
The Manaslu Circuit trek route has recently started gaining popularity, but if you want a remote and challenging trekking experience with a guaranteed feeling of tranquility, this is the best trek for you.
This trek is sure to give you a unique and rewarding experience as the exclusive trek offers you a perfect blend of scenery, cultural experience, views, and expeditions. Along with being remote and spectacular, the trek is equally challenging and adventurous.
As a restricted area, this trek requires special permits. However, the off-the-beaten-path trekking experience is sure to make the experience worth it.
Manaslu Circuit Trek distance
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the longer trekking routes amongst the treks available in Nepal. Starting from Machha Khola and concluding in Dharapani, the entire trek distance is approximately 177 km.
As we cover this distance, we will be passing through a wide range of landscapes including terrains, villages, and mountain passes, while witnessing gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests, mighty peaks, and tranquil rivers.
Setting aside a day for acclimatization, with our Manaslu Circuit 15-day trek itinerary you will be covering roughly 15-20 km per day. Brace yourself as you come for the trek as we will be walking for an average of 6 hours every day.
Manaslu Circuit Vs Annapurna Circuit
With the difficult Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, the Manaslu Circuit hike offers a rough, off-the-beaten-path experience. Away from the masses, this walk is for you looking for solitude, breathtaking Tibetan-influenced culture, and constantly shifting landscapes.
However, the Annapurna Circuit trek, which crosses the famous Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, is one of Nepal’s most well-traveled treks. It is perfect for trekkers seeking a balance between accessibility and cultural immersion because of its well-established trails, lively ethnic settlements, and varied landscape.
Permits are also different: trekking in Manaslu region requires special permits such as the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), TIMS permit, ACAP and restricted area permits, whereas Annapurna only needs the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS permits.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking-A typical day
On a typical day on Manaslu Circuit Trekking, one can expect to walk for an average of 6-7 hours depending on the segment that you are in.
Start early after breakfast to cover more ground before the midday sun arises, your day is going to be filled with beautiful views of lush valleys and stunning mountains as you pass through the forests and other rough trails.
Taking small breaks for tea/coffee can be your perfect opportunity to immerse in the cultural experiences of the region. As you trek towards your intended destination, you will stop for lunch at around midday with your meal usually being dal bhat, then continue towards your destination.
Once you reach the destination, you can freshen up and explore the village a little before dinner if time permits. Engage with locals and eventually retire to your room for a much-needed good night’s sleep. You can expect each day to be a mix of beautiful scenes, challenging trails, and lots of cultural insights.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
One needs to have a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permit for this Manaslu trek. These permits are mandatory and need to be presented at checkpoints during the trek.
Food Options on the Manaslu Circuit
During the trek, you will have a variety of local Nepali and Tibetan dishes served at teahouses and lodges. Staple options include dal bhat, momos, bread, eggs, potatoes, noodles, and other warm meals. As you reach more remote areas, food choices may become limited.
Menus often feature garlic to aid acclimatization, along with a selection of hot beverages. The meals are simple yet nourishing, providing the energy you need for the journey. All meals during the trek are included if you choose our Manaslu Circuit Trekking package.
Accommodation During Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal
Accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is simple yet comfortable. In Kathmandu, you’ll stay at a comfortable three-star hotel, such as Hotel Thamel House, Hotel Jampa, or a similar-category hotel. Along the trekking route, accommodation is provided in traditional teahouses and lodges, where you’ll generally stay in twin-sharing rooms.
Most teahouses from Machha Khola to Samdo offer twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms. At higher elevations, particularly in Dharmasala and sometimes Bimthang, accommodation is more basic, and dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms are common. As you descend to Goa and Dharapani, twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms are available again.
As the trail becomes more remote, facilities such as attached bathrooms, private rooms, and hot showers become limited and may not always be available. However, the teahouses provide clean, comfortable accommodation with the basic amenities needed for a good night’s rest after a day of trekking.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time
While the trek is possible throughout the year, the ideal time for Manaslu circuit trek is during the two prime trek seasons. This includes the Spring season (March to May) and the Autumn season (September to November).
Every season offers you a distinctive experience including unique views and your own set of challenges on the trail.
During the spring, you can go on a comfortable trek as the trail is dry with warm temperatures and clear skies. You can experience beautiful views of surrounding peaks, blooming rhododendrons, and other flora and fauna which will add colors to your memorable trekking journey.
The autumn, however, is sure to leave you stunned with the captivating view of snowcapped mountains with excellent visibility. Along with panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, you are bound to get a remote trekking experience during the moderate temperature and cold breezes indicating the arrival of winter.
Despite the trek being a possibility in the monsoon, it might not be the best time as you will encounter slippery trails filled with leeches. There might also be a possibility of landslides.
Winters are a time that you might like to avoid as well due to cold temperatures and snowfall, which might cause blockage at the trail.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) During Manaslu Trek
Acute Mountain Sickness is one of the potential concerns for people wanting to embark on the Manaslu Circuit trek, as we pass over an altitude of 5,000 m. AMS is caused when your body is not able to acclimatize and adjust to the decreased level of oxygen at a higher altitude.
It can be a life-threatening situation and displays symptoms like headache, nausea, blocked ears, insomnia, and other forms of discomfort.
It is very important to understand the risks of AMS and take steps for its prevention before going for the trekking Manaslu Nepal. For your safety, it is advisable that you undergo a physical examination before the trek, avoid substance consumption, stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and gradually acclimatize your body during the trek.
While our guides are first aid trained for emergencies, we would advise you to get more details on how to prevent AMS.
How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit trekking is a somewhat difficult trek which can be quite challenging. Involving long hours of walking along the rough trails, the trek is physically and mentally demanding.
Difficulty Levels:
The trails are rough and rugged with several terrains, including rocky trails and mountain passes which can be quite difficult to pass. Besides that, you will encounter steep ascents, and descents, and the altitude can be challenging as well.
You might suffer from altitude sickness and other challenges due to thinning air. Additional challenges may be posed by weather conditions and other unforeseen situations.
Physical Fitness:
Given the challenging trail of the hike and tough physical conditions, you must have a good level of physical fitness for the trek. Stamina and endurance play an important role in the completion of the trek. Therefore, one must engage in regular cardio or strength training activities so that it becomes easy to trek for longer hours at higher altitudes.
Manaslu Trek Preparation:
For a successful trek, you must always be adequately prepared; both physically and mentally. Preparation includes packing appropriate gear, consulting with a healthcare professional, physical conditioning, cardio, strength training, and mental preparedness for remote conditions.
Why is Restricted Area Permit required for Manaslu trekking?
Falling within the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is a restricted region, the Manaslu trekking route is a controlled trekking route. The area has high natural and cultural significance, including a diversity of flora and fauna and gorgeous landscapes. Therefore, to ensure responsible tourism, a restricted area permit is required for the Manaslu-Larkya La Pass trek.
The permit system helps to maintain the ecological balance in the area by regulating the number of visitors while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It also helps the locals throughout the route through tourism-related revenue as the trekkers experience and indulge in the local culture.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Price depends on several factors like duration of the trek, trekking season, whether you choose to go with an independent guide or with a trekking agency, and other individual preferences.
However, the cost range is usually between $1500 to $2500. Costs might fluctuate based on personal preferences, service chosen, and other factors, which is why you should consult
We offer the Manaslu Circuit Trek Package at a standard price of USD 1,550 per person for 15 days and 14 nights. This price applies for a minimum of 2 participants.
To give you a subtle breakdown of the price, it is inclusive of all your transportation, accommodation, meals, permits required during the trek (MRAP, ACAP, TIMS and MCAP), porters, and the fees of the guides.
Phone and WiFi on the Manaslu Circuit Nepal
Major villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, and Samagaon have typically good mobile phone service, with Nepal Telecom and Ncell networks providing stronger signals. However, in rural areas and high passes, the signal strength may be minimal or nonexistent. Be aware that 3G and 4G services are non-existent along this trail.
WiFi is available throughout the Manaslu Circuit trail in guesthouses. However, as you ascend to higher altitudes, such as in Dharmasala and Bhimtang, the WiFi services can be unreliable. The cost of WiFi is around USD 3 to 4 per day, with prices increasing as you reach higher altitudes.
Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Manaslu trek. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee once you are in Kathmandu.
1. General
Four-Season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner
2. Upper Body
Sun hat or cap (We’ll provide you with a free Ace the Himalaya baseball cap.)
Knitted hat/Beanie
Headlamp
Sunglasses
3. Torso
Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
Waterproof, windproof shell
Fleece jacket or pullover
4. Lower Body
Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
Hiking pants (2)
Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
Waterproof, windproof shell
Hiking shorts
5. Hands
Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
6. Feet
Wool or technical fabric warm socks
Hiking socks
Liner socks (optional such as silk)
Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes
Casual shoes
Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
7. Undergarments
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
Sports bras (women)
Pajamas or sleeping clothes
8. First Aid Kits and Medications
(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
Sunscreen
Lip balm
ointment
9. Other Essentials
Passport
Extra copies of passport-sized photos
Reusable water bottle
Toiletry kits
Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
Hydration bladder
Towel
Pillowcase
Toilet paper (2 rolls)
High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
Earplugs
Trekking poles
10. Optional
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
Power bank or extra batteries
Cameras and mobile phone
Cards/book
Binoculars
Whistle
Thermos for hot water
Comb
