Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 Days

What makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek different?

The Manaslu circuit stands out among all the other treks accessible in the country because of the entire natural symphony, cultural values, and wild discoveries that provide the best opportunity to gather a once-in-a-lifetime experience of this immaculate trek. This remote trail circuits its way through Manaslu's tiny cliffs. The trails wind through a lush forest that provides spectacular photographic opportunities for subtropical, alpine, temperate deciduous, and moderate coniferous forest types.

The trek circuits the sweltering lowlands with their rice and millet terraces to the majestic Budi Gandaki gorges with their turquoise streams and stunning waterfalls. The Manaslu region's suspension bridges are unparalleled in length and height, and the yearly monsoon frequently washes out minor bridges, forcing trekkers to rely on semi-submerged rocks.

People here, unlike in the city, still wear traditional Nepalese attire and engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism. The trek allows you to explore the region's quiet villages. The circuit trek across the Himalayan foothills is sure to transport you back in time. You can immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of a variety of ethnic groups and communities in these distant settlements.

How is the 13 Days Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek designed?

The circuit trek offers spectacular mountain sceneries and a fascinating cultural experience. It begins in Sotikhola and continues through Arughat. Arughat is a small town between the Gorkha and Dhading districts of Nepal. The trail begins along the Budhi Gandaki River and winds its way around and up to the Nupri area. The Tibetan impact on customs and traditions becomes more pronounced as we progress upward. Many endangered wild creatures, such as the Snow Leopard and Musk Deer, can be found in this region. Pungyen Gumba (4,400m) is a significant landmark of the trek.

Slowly, you make your way north to the Larke La Pass, which is snowbound and close to the Tibetan border. The "Larke La Pass," which stands at 5,106 meters, is regarded as one of the most difficult routes traversing the Himalayas and is also the highest point on this trek. The altitude is a challenge here, but the breathtaking vistas of Manaslu make it virtually unnoticeable. On the descent, micro crampons are frequently utilized. The trek to the pass must begin at 3 a.m. to reach the highest point before the winds arrive, which generally arrive around mid-morning.

While Annapurna II rises ahead, a magnificent wall formed by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru throws a stream of glaciers. The view alone is reason enough to make the Manaslu Circuit Trekking a reality. Looking back, the way you trekked from the pass provides a clear perspective, but the most incredible vista occurs after you leave the pass and continue along a corridor to the west.

Major Attractions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Off-the-beaten trekking trail

The Manaslu region is an off-the-beaten-path excursion, opened not long ago for foreign visitors, which explains why there are fewer people here. Another reason there are fewer trekkers on this trekking path is that the government has designated it as a restricted territory for the preservation of the nature and culture of the region.

The trek is also remote, and it is not as well-equipped as the Annapurna base camp or Annapurna circuit trek. This is what makes the trekking route space unique from other trekking counterparts. It is still a teahouse trek, and the folks are fairly traditional, so everything tastes authentic. As a result, it is considered one of the most remote and off-the-beaten-path walking pathways.

The challenging Larke La Pass

The Larke La Pass is becoming increasingly popular among trekkers. The "Larke La pass," at a height of 5,160 meters, is the highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek and is considered one of the most grueling crossings traversing the Himalayas. The Manaslu circuit trekking allows you to have some of the most thrilling Himalayan experiences of your life. The path that leads to the top of the pass is difficult, and it may test your strength and passion several times. But the view you get to see and the feeling of accomplishment you get to feel once you've reached the top cannot be explained in words. You have to see that for yourself.

Low foot traffic for solitude lovers

Manaslu receives fewer tourists than other trekking trails in Nepal, such as the Everest base camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna circuit trek, and poon hill trek. This is due to government restrictions and low popularity. Only opened to 400 foreign tourists in 1992, this trekking route is yet to gain the popularity it deserves, but its tranquil atmosphere is something to be grateful for because it helps you connect to the environment better.

Getting around a lot of people can feel a bit frustrating when all you want is a peaceful vacation! The circuit trek is perfect for trekkers who prefer to be calm and peacefully explore the untamed outdoors, enjoying their solitude. You will also get a lot of opportunities to interact with the locals, so your social battery is still on!

Best kind of local hospitality

We treat visitors or guests as gods in Nepal, which is why Nepalese people strive to provide the best hospitality to visitors. All Nepalese are extremely welcoming, and the people of the Manaslu region are just as nice, if not more. The folks on the trekking trails are quite pleasant and cheery. As soon as they see you, they greet you with a sweet smile on their faces. Some may even say "Tashi Delek," which means "joyful to meet you." All these qualities make trekking in Nepal an adventurous as well as humbling experience.

Paradise-like journey

Another reason people enjoy the Manaslu circuit trek is that many enjoy walking on snow in Nepal's High Himalayas and crossing glaciers while in Nepal. It feels like a piece of paradise, as they say. On this circuit trek, you will very certainly have to make the journey through moving glaciers and walk through the snow. The Larke La Pass is covered with snow for the majority of the year. Thus, circuit trekking in Manaslu is an excellent choice for your journey toward tranquillity.

Which mountains can be seen from Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu region is Nepal's most scenic trekking trail, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, dense, luscious forests, pristine waterfalls, gushing rivers, small hilly and Himalayan settlements, and agricultural lands. The landscape is especially fascinating because of the mountains you pass through and the peaks you observe from the trail. The valley is steep and narrow until you reach Lho, and you can't see the mountain very well, but once you reach Samagaun, the valley opens up and gets calmer. When you're at Samagaun, you can glimpse the mountains in all their glory.

The Manaslu region houses numerous mountain peaks, and you'll be trekking through the bottom or base of those high mountain peaks. Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit Trekking are the two sections of the Manaslu Region trek. Mountains like Siring Himal (7,165 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Buddha Himal (6692 m), Cheo Himal, Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), Manaslu (8,153 m), Samdo Peak, Manaslu North, Larke Peak, Himlung Himal, and many other summits can be witnessed during the 14 days Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Why is Manaslu Circuit Trek a cultural experience and not just natural?

In the Manaslu region, you will get a unique cultural experience because you will pass through villages with unique cultural identities. Buddhists and Hindus coexist here. You will learn about Hinduism at the trekking start point in lower altitudes; then, you will continue the trek to the upper regions, where you'll explore Buddhist culture as you progress higher.

The chorten at every village entry, as well as the numerous Mani walls, will astound you! You'll see that the locales are fairly traditional in their attire. During the circuit trek, you can witness large monasteries in the Manaslu region where monks study Buddhism. You can learn more about the culture there! Interacting with the local inhabitants who are descendants of Tibet and who honor their Tibetan Buddhist Traditions to this day can be eye-opening.

Among the several monasteries, you can visit during the adventurous trek to the Manaslu region, the largest of which is Mu Gompa, where you can appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people and also explore the cluster of hallowed caves where the great master Milarepa meditated.

Manaslu Restricted Permit Fee

Manaslu trek permit from September to November (Autumn) will cost USD 100 for the first seven days and USD 15 for each additional day
Manaslu trek permit from December to August (Winter, Spring, and Summer) will cost USD 75 for the first seven days and USD 10 for each additional day

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit Fee 

• MCAP Entry Fee for SAARC:  NRs.1000 per person 
• MCAP Entry Fee for other nationals: NRs. 3000 per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Fee (ACAP)

• ACAP Entry Fee for SAARC: NRs. 1000 per person 
• ACAP Entry Fee for other nationals: NRs. 3000 per person

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route

Beginning with a beautiful journey from Kathmandu to Arughat and then to Soti Khola, the Manaslu Trek begins.

The trip to the trekking area lasts the entire day. The journey officially starts on day two when we leave Soti Khola and go up to Machha Khola (890m/2,965ft). As you pass through lovely forests, rocky ridges, terraced farms, and suspension bridges, the ride will be enjoyable.

You will pass through various locations on your Manaslu Circuit trek, including Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Smangaun, Samdo, Darmasala Bhimtang, and Kathmandu. A variety of mountains, including Manaslu (8163m/26774ft), Annapurna I (8091m/26545ft), Annapurna South (7219m/23693ft), Gangapurna (7455m/24457ft), Machhapuchhre (6997m/22950ft), and Annapurna III (7555m/24350ft), will be seen throughout the entire walk.

You will cross suspension bridges, rhododendrons, pine, hemlock, and oak tree forests, as well as waterfalls, rivers, streams, mani walls, and many other natural features. The 14-day Manaslu circuit trek involves 10 days of trekking and an acclimatization day.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is commonly quoted as one of Nepal's most magnificent treks. The Manaslu circuit was first made accessible for hiking in 1991. The trek's highest point is the Larkya La pass (5106 m). This amazing trekking program is available from Nepal Trek 

Adventure at an affordable price. Continue reading to learn more about the Manaslu circuit trip and other important details.

Kathamdnu - Arughat- Soti Khola- Machha Khola- Jagat- Deng-Namrung- Samagaun- Samdo- Dharmasala- Bhimtang- Darapani-Kathmandu

Best Season For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Spring season in Nepal, which lasts from March to May, is best for both this climb and other treks throughout the country. During this time of year, Manaslu has temperatures between 4 and 18 degrees Celsius. Flora and vegetation are in bloom during this time of year. Along the route is a lovely rhododendron forest, and the sky is clear, allowing for striking mountain views. April in particular is thought to be the ideal month for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Temperature is neither too hot nor too chilly from September to November during the Autumn season. The temperature ranges from 8 to 20 degrees Celsius on average. In higher altitudes, the temperature can drop to -3 degrees Celsius at night.

The coldest time of year is from December to February when temperatures range from -10 to 15 degrees Celsius. At an elevation of more than 4,000m/13,123ft, snowfall requires particular precaution. The trek can be planned at the end of February because it is the end of the winter season and there are clear views of the Manaslu peak. Due to rain, the monsoon and summer seasons are muddy and hazardous. It is advisable to avoid it because landslides and floods could occur.

Accommodations And Food For The Manaslu Circuit Trek

The tea houses along the trail offer rather basic food and lodging. Travelers will love these tea houses. They offer traditional lodging and dining services. A room with twin beds, a pillow, a mattress, and a warm blanket will provide you with the greatest results.

Trekkers should reserve these dining and lodging options in advance to avoid any hassles. These teahouses typically have squat toilets that are outside of the teahouses. There is wifi, hot water, charging, and other equipment, but it costs extra to use it.

These tea rooms typically serve meals with "Dal Bhaat," which is a dish made up of rice, dal, lentils, veggies, pickles, and other ingredients. You will be served eggs, toast, and porridge for breakfast. These teahouses also serve various beverages such as tea, coffee, hot cocoa, and garlic soup.

The tea houses also offer other Western food cuisine. While hiking on this trip, you can also bring a lot of protein bars, granola bars, dry fruits, and other refreshments.

Electricity On The Manaslu Circuit Trek

While on the trek, there is access to electricity, it is not wholly reliant. Since most tea houses have solar panels, there may occasionally be an electrical shortage caused by insufficient sunlight. To save it for the night, several tea houses also turn off the electricity. As you climb, though, the owners of the tea houses typically charge you USD 1 or 2 per hour for charging your batteries.

It is recommended to carry one or two spare batteries with you at all times. If not, you can travel with portable solar panels and power banks. Another way to conserve battery life is to keep your phone in flight mode and a battery saver.