based on 192 reviews
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. The peace and solitude in this trek are unlike any other destination in Nepal. It is one of the amazing restricted trails that many people visit every year. The trail will take you to amazing views of the eight highest peaks in the world.
Imagine walking the route and emerging to an entirely new viewpoint that's even more stunning than the last. The adventure begins in an attractive, rural village of Gorkha District, where you'll be greeted with open arms and a friendly smile. Warm enough to make you feel as if you're among your family. You'll get completely involved in the customs and cultures of the area every day.
The Manaslu Circuit Trail will fascinate you with the pure, raw beauty around you as you venture farther into the Himalayan region. There are snow-capped peaks and waterfalls in the scenery. It's the spirit of discovery and adventure that follows each step. Every new day holds the possibility of discovery—hidden landscapes that only a few have ever seen.
So, what’s stopping you from taking this trek as your next trip? Prepare for this incredible journey by packing the bags, putting on your boots, and setting out. The Manaslu Circuit is waiting for you, ready to awe you with its natural splendor.
Trek Summary:
Start Point of Trek | Machha Khola |
End Point of Trek | Dharapani |
Number of Trek days | 13 days |
Walking Hour Per Day (avg) | 6 - 7 hours |
Permits | ACAP, MCAP, and MRAP |
Access to Tibet Border | Yes |
Max Elevation | 5167 m |
Independent Trek | Allowed |
Communication | CDMA and V Sat phone |
Ethnic Tribe | Chettri, Brahmin, Magar, Lama, Thakuri, Bhote |
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.
The best time to trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek best time is considered during the Autumn season. Ideal trekking conditions prevail. The amazing trails of Manaslu offer a great trip in autumn.
Autumn, which spans September to November, offers suitable temperatures and weather during the daytime for trekking. The clear blue sky and perfect weather make the trek adventurous. The temperature is moderate during this time. Although the daytime is quiet, good nighttime may be cold.
However, as most hikers arrive this time of year, prepare for overcrowded paths. During the busy season, tea houses and lodges fill up quickly, so it's recommended to make bookings well in advance to guarantee a seamless trip experience.
Spring (March to May) is considered another best time for Trek. The nice weather, beauty, and adventure make this trek memorable. All trekkers who choose spring for their trek to Manaslu find it so. An extra feature of this time of year that should not be missed is the amazing views of the breathtaking rhododendron blooming.
Cold nights require protective clothing to shield you from the chill.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit
Only three permits are required to undertake the Manaslu trek: MRAP, ACAP, and MCAP.
The Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP) costs $30 US for the whole year. On the other side, the Manaslu Restricted Area Project permit (MRAP) charges $75 US every week throughout other seasons and $100 US per week from September to November.
You must pay a fee of $15 US per day in the fall and $10 per day in other seasons if the duration of your stay is longer than a week.
In the meantime, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which can be utilized for any number of days in the Annapurna region, charges $30 US.
Food and Accommodation
Food and accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are facilitated by teahouses on the trail. Every night of the Manaslu trek is spent in teahouses. These teahouses have two single beds for basic lodging. Most have communal restrooms, which are usually outside. The dining area is a single space with heating.
The most common food served along the trek is traditional Nepali cuisine. It consists of rice, veggies, pulses, and pickles. You can find appetizing meals such as stir-fried noodles, soft flatbreads, hot soup, and muesli. Also, when it comes to drinking, you can get basic options like it's tea, coffee, water, and less variety of cold drinks.
These tea houses give you basic facilities. Most of the tea houses also have Wi-Fi facilities. But food and beverages are relatively more expensive in this remote setting.
People and Culture
Along with the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, you will also be able to encounter the colorful cultures and people on this trek. The communities of Brahmin, Magar, and Chettri are all represented on the way to Manaslu Circuit. The upper region you'll trek through has some major ethnic groups. They are the Indo-Aryans from the south. The Mongoloids are from the north. And the Tibeto-Burmans.
Likewise, you will come across Tsum and Nubri communities if you are hiking in the Tsum Valley. The wide range of people living in the Manaslu Trek region will wow you with their many tongues and practices.
Other Sino-Tibetan languages and Nepali are among the languages spoken in this region. The people who live in this area speak languages including Tsum, Nubri, Nepali, and Nepal Bhasa.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Do you know how difficult Manaslu Circuit Trek is? Is everyone able to accomplish this trek?
The Manaslu Circuit trek is famous for its extreme degree of difficulty. There are unique difficulties when trekking at high altitudes. You'll come across a range of terrain in isolated and untamed environments, from rocky roads to steep inclines. But, each person's level of endurance will determine how challenging the task is for them. Trekkers who are new to the sport may need help finding the routes.
But, all adventurers may handle this trek if they've had prior experience and prepared well. Since the walk usually takes five to six hours each day, high-altitude training must be completed in advance. This training program should ideally begin two months or at least two weeks before the walk and helps increase strength, endurance, and general fitness.
Additionally, there is a chance of developing serious mountain sickness due to the high altitude. Along the paths, preventive measures include maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and properly acclimatizing. To avoid Manaslu Circuit trek altitude sickness, some hikers may choose to take "Diamox tablets".
Proper packing is crucial for an unforgettable trip. Hiking with gear and equipment may seem stressful at first, but you will become used to it with experience. All things considered, even though the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a very severe difficulty level, it's a positive experience that may be guaranteed with enough planning, training, and willpower.
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
Fitness is required for the trek
Trekking on trails of the Manaslu Circuit requires a lot of strength and stamina. This is because it involves traveling through rough terrain at many different altitudes. It involves traveling via rural areas, climbing steep hills, and sometimes coming across bad weather, especially at the intimidating Larkya Pass. You should prepare for 6-to-8-hour daily hiking that may exhaust your lower body.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek, despite its challenges, offers deep cultural experiences in Nepal's remote regions together with breathtaking views of majestic peaks. Consider it a priority to prepare yourself. Do so by being fit and enduring. Follow a regular fitness and endurance schedule. To become used to the demands of this intense walk, it's recommended to go on preparatory walks for ten to fifteen days.
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.
