Manaslu region is a famous destination in the Himalayas that is popular as the home of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt Manaslu (8,163m/ 26,781ft). However, beyond this towering peak, this west-central region is also famous for the off-beaten trekking experience that is distinct from what the mainstream routes offer. If you are considering this quiet and tranquil with abundant natural beauty and immense cultural prospects, you might be wondering about what might be the most suitable time for embarking on this journey. Well, the Manaslu Trek in May, which takes place during one of the core periods for the Himalayan exploration, comes with a great set of rewards. You might have heard about to truly live a trekking journey in the Himalayas, you will have to do it during the peak seasons. This charming month of the spring season (March to May) is what those experienced trekkers were talking about.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in May is not about taking on a thrilling and challenging endeavor that promises breathtaking views of the alluring peaks. But it is also an opportunity to experience the true form of rich biodiversity in the region where the chirps of the birds echo in the peaceful valleys and the sightseeing of the majestic endangered species becomes a rare memory. On top of that, the festive vibrance that lights up the settlements across the trail will be something that you won’t forget easily.
Why Do Manaslu Trek in May?
Ideal Weather Condition
May is an ideal period for trekking adventure in Nepal. This month is a core period of the main trekking season in Nepal, spring (March to May). So, you can expect comfortable weather that will be perfect for outdoor exploration. At the lower points of the trail, the temperatures are at a warm level. The temperatures of the Manaslu region below the alpine zone are around 10°C to 20°C. Similarly, the higher region also has cool temperatures as it averages around 5°C to 15°C.
As for the night, it can drop from 0°C to -5°C during the early morning and night. Thus, in overall, the temperatures are just perfect during the Manaslu Trek in May. However, it will be best if you are prepared for the temperature fluctuation at the higher altitudes.
Incredible Flora and Fauna
Spring is the ultimate point when nature is at its prime. Thus, without a doubt, Manaslu Trek in May also offers you the opportunity to cherish this alluring highlight. During this period, the entire landscape of the country is lush and vibrant. The lower regions feature lush tropical flowers and colorful flowers. Rhododendron flowers, the national flower of Nepal and its diverse shades will adorn the landscape. This majestic setting creates magical moments in every step of the journey.
Similarly, it is also a perfect point to explore the rare birdlife and wildlife of the region. The Manaslu Conservation Area, from where the trail passes is home to endangered species such as snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, Himalayan tahr, Himlayan black bear, etc. So, you will have a chance of witnessng the majestic Himalayan creatures during your trek.
Breathtaking Mountain Views
Every trekking journey in the Himalayas introduces you to a different perspective of the majestic peaks. This journey on the west-central part of the country also doesn’t fall behind when it comes to boasting radiating peaks. From the trekking trail of this off-beaten route, you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna, Shringi, Tilicho and other surrounding peaks.
Due to the clear weather factor of May, your Manaslu Trek in this month will reward you with the stunning views of these iconic peaks. The towering eighth-highest peak on the planet, Mt Manaslu, is a consistent companion during the majority part of the trail and can be seen clearly from the vantage points. The colorful vibrance of the landscape and the sparkling views of the majestic peaks under the clear blue skies feels like an otherworldly experience in this month.
Cultural Experiences
The teahouse trekking experience in Nepal provides immense exposure to local culture and traditions. These accomodation and fooding establishments are managed and operated generally by the locals of the region. As Manaslu Trek in May is a core trekking period both the teahouse and villages across the trail are lively. On top of that, some of the beautiful clebrations in the country take place during this month.
Festivals such as Bisket Jatra, Nepali New Year, Buddha Jayanti, Red Machhendra Jatra, etc take place during this month. So, not only your Himalayan exploration will be a thrilling memory but also a cultural treat where you will get a first hand experience of the vibrant celebrations. This experience will be a wonderful memory that you will forever treasure.
Longer Daylight Hours
Even among the major trekking seasons, spring is famous for the longer daylight hours. The days in the autumn season start to gradually shorten as the winter closes in. However, during this pre-summer season, the daylight hours are extensive. That means you won’t have to worry about rushing with your itinerary plans. You can also take your time admiring the major highlights across the trail and have a meaningful conversation with the locals.
Furthermore, you will also have plenty of time to do sightseeing even after you reach your destination. So, Manaslu Trek in May is a great idea if you want to take leisure time admiring the Himalayan beauty and truly soaking in the cultural aspect of the journey. If you like to take your journey slow and truly immerse in the mountain experience, you definitely can’t miss this opportunity.
Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek in May
For a better understanding of how your Manaslu Circuit Trek in May will be shaped like, here is an itinerary plan with day-to-day activities. This outline itinerary will also include the altitude points of each day and the overall trekking/driving distance.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Outline
This is the standard itinerary plan for the 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek. Although starting point on the package you find on the internet may vary, this is the general circuit trekking route.
Day 01: Driving from Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft) to Machha Khola (850m/ 2,788ft): 8 to 9 hours (160km)
Day 02: Trekking from Machha Khola to Jagat (2,095m/ 4,395ft): 6 to 7 hours (22km)
Day 03: Jagat to Deng (1,340m/ 4,396ft) trek: 6 to 8 hours (19.9km)
Day 04: Trekking to Namrung (2,660m/ 8,727ft): 5 to 6 hours (19.5km)
Day 05: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m/ 10,433ft): 4 hours (10km)
Day 06: Lho to Samagaun (3,520m/ 11,549ft): 5 hours (17km)
Day 07: Rest and exploration day at Samagaun
Day 08: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,875m/ 12,713ft): 5 hours (16km)
Day 09: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,450m/ 14,596ft): 4 hours (12km)
Day 10: Trekking from Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720m/ 12,201ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m/ 16,752ft): 8 to 9 hours (25km)
Day 11: Bimthang to Dharapani (1,860m/ 6,102ft) tre: 7 to 8 hours (34km)
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,593ft) from Dharapani: 7 to 10 hours (118km)
Note: If you want to design the itinerary plans as per your preference, Nepal Eco Adventure also offers a full customization option. You will have full control over how you want to shape your trip, from the day-to-day walking distance and route to the acclimatizing period, quality of services, helicopter add-on and side exploration in the Manaslu region. So, if you want to learn more about our package and have any kind of questions, please contact us using the details on our Contact Page.
Challenges of May Trek
The journey to the Himalayas, where you have to traverse across the rugged landscapes as well as steep and physically demanding segments, is not an easy feat. Certainly, you will also have to deal with some challenges along the way. Fret not; the Manaslu Circuit trek is graded as a moderate-level journey. There are not any strenuous sections or technical bits along the way. Still, there are a few obstacles that you should be careful about during teh journey and make the necessary preparations to deal with them.
Altitude Sickness
While doing high-altitude exploration, it is crucial to be cautious about altitude sickness. This is not just important for the exploration of the Himalayas but also for the other higher regions across the world. The main risk that comes with altitude gain on such a journey is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). During your Manaslu Trek in May as well, you will need to be careful about this bother high altitude sickness. As this trek doesn’t cross extreme altitudes, you will only need to worry about the AMS and not other serious variations of altitude sickness.
The higher point of this trek is Larkya La Pass (5,106m/ 16,752ft), which is one of the highest and longest passes in the Himalayas. Your trekking journey will begin from Machha Khola (850m/ 2,788ft). So, the total elevation in this trip is around 4,256 meters (13,963ft). Careful acclimatization and following other precautionary methods are necessary for such altitude gain.
Remoteness
Manaslu Circuit takes place in one of the most remote regions in the Himalayas. The trail is actually an alternative for trekkers who are looking for a more serene experience away from the hustle and bustle of the major routes’s crowd. Although the trekking journey is highly rewarding, it is important for the trekkers to be prepared for the remoteness factors. The services available aross the trail may not be on par with mainstream regions. Similarly, there are also limited infrastructural development and transportation options.
Due to the limited number of health posts on the trail, dealing with sickness and injuries can be challenging. Also, during the case of any kind of emergency, the only evacuation option from the region is via helicopter rescue. The region is also quite behind on technology, so if you want to take on this journey, you will have to prepare for isolation as well.
Weather and Climate
Although the weather conditions remain consistent throughout the lower trekking trail, when it comes to higher regions, it can be unpredictable at times. Even a good sunny day can suddenly turn into stormy skies. There can also be rainfall, snowfalls, or drop in temperatures without any warning near the basin of the highest peaks in the world. This instability factor is extremely high during the peak but is not that common during the peak traveling period like May.
However, as the saying goes ‘better be prepared than sorry’, it will be best if you account for this aspect of your journey as well. Make preparations to deal with the different climatic conditions that the Himalayas may throw your way. Bring warm layers, an umbrella, or a raincoat in case if the weather decides not to play nice.
Physical Fitness
The Mansslu Circuit Trek route is roughly around 177 km (109 miles). You will need to cover a significant distance during the trekking period. Walking for multiple hours on the roughed mountain terrain is not easy. On top of that, the altitude gain and drop in the oxygen level make even simple physical activities quite draining. That’s why it is important to have good fitness to enjoy a comfortable experience. The normal fitness recommendation for a mountain journey such as this is basic.
However, the better your fitness level you have, the more thrilling your journey will be. It won’t be like barely dragging yourself from one end of the trail to another. So, while making preparations, it is important to consider reaching the potential to walk multiple hours (5 to 6 hours on average).
Training and Preparation
After the discussion about the challenges that you have to face during the mountain journey, you may be clear about the need for training and preparation for the Manaslu Trek in May. So, here are two major preparation factors that you will need prize during your May exploration.
Physical Preparation
Physical fitness is a must, no matter which part of the world you are exploring. It is evident that the better your fitness level you have, the more enjoyable your experience turns out to be. Even just a basic fitness level of fitness is recommended for the trek; you can always strive to be the best version of yourself. Normally, you should train for 3 to 8 weeks if you are planning high-altitude treks in Nepal. If ou have good fitness, you don’t need to stretch your training period for that long. However, if you don’t have any prior experience in high-altitude trekking and you are not in good shape, you will have to take the training very seriously.
With the aim of covering an average walking distance of 5 to 6 hours on the inclining Himalayan trails, you will need to emphasize your strength and endurance level. Focus on the shoulder, core strength, arms, legs and back exercises, which will be very crucial for this high-altitude journey. Similarly, cardiovascular exercises will help you improve your stamina level. Exercises like swimming, jogging, kickboxing, cycling, etc, boost your stamina level exponentially. Moreover, these exercises also have been proven to be beneficial for helping the trekkers to acclimatize to higher altitudes. So, you should definitely add them to your training program.
Note: Practise hiking is also one of the efficient ways to prepare for the high altitude treks in Nepal. These exercises are very effective as they can simulate the actual mountain terrain and you will also be able to test how your body reacts at different altitude points.
Mental Preparation
When it comes to trekking and other adventurous sports, most of us are just too immersed in the physical preparation part. However, mental preparation is also equally important and even determines the overall success rate of your adventures. When your body starts to stress out with all the pressure, it’s the mind that has to stay calm and composed. That’s why staying positive is the key element when it comes to overcoming challenges. Here are some additional mental preparation tips that you can use for your journey on this off-beaten route of the Himalayas.
Mental Preparation Tip for May Manaslu Trek
- Set a very realistic expectation for yourself, focus on enjoying the journey over reaching the destination
- Do some research about the trek, learn about the altitude, weather and what the daily schedule is like
- Prepare for the altitude challenges that come with this trek, learn about its symptoms and preventive measures
- Have a positive mindset and visualize success
- Practice mindfulness; you can medicate to stay present at the moment and reduce the mental fatigue
- Learn to leave your comfort zone and mentally preapre for the discomfort you have to face
- Strengthen your mental resilience and stay flexible with the plans
- You also need to prepare for the limited communication in this remote route
Permits and Regulations
For the trekking journeys in the Himalayas, it is important to learn about the necessary permits for different parts. This high-altitude region of Nepal houses the protected areas and restricted areas of the country. So, it is essential to match the requirements so you won’t have to face fines or even permanent bans. There are also several sets of rules and regulations that you will have to follow that are related to the ancient culture and traditions, spirituality and the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.
That’s why it is much easier to go through a reputable agency for your trek. This way, they will manage all the necessary permits without the need for you to get involved. Similarly, the licensed guide will make sure all the precautionary methods and regulations are being followed. Here are the permits that you will need for doing this off-beaten route.
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek in May
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)— US$ 30
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)— US$ 30
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)— US$ 50
The trail of this central Himalayan exploration is one of the major conservation areas in the region. So, it is necessary to get permits to access both. As for the MRAP, it gives access to the region from Jagat to Samagaun as well as the villages in between (a restricted part of the trail). Although the cost for the conservation area permit is consistent throughout the year, for the restricted area permit, the cost is US$ 70 in autumn (September to November). During other seasons, it is US$ 50 per person for the first week.
Packing Tips
To ensure your Manaslu Trek in May remains a seamless journey, you will have to carefully consider all the packing essentials. The first and foremost priority goes toward packing comfortable and necessary layers. Even if May is a peak trekking period with comfortable temperatures, you will need to understand the climate variations at different altitudes. At the lower regions, the temperatures may be on the warmer side, but as you close-in to the alpine zones, the temperatures will start to drop gradually. That’s why it is best to adhere to the layering system.
Pack something comfortable and moisture-wicking, like thermal tops and bottoms as base layers. Bring insulated clothes like a fleece jacket, hoodie, or bomber sweater as the mid-layer. Similarly, you will also need to pack protective outlet layers like a windproof/waterproof jacket for the lower regions and a buff down jacket for the higher regions. As for the lower, bring comfortable trousers, quick-drying pants and hiking shorts. Likewise, for the trekking gear, a comfortable set of trekking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bag, backpack, water bottle, torch or headlamp, water bottle, powerbank, etc, should be your top priority.
Furthermore, for this remote exploration on the mountain, you will have to bring a sufficient supply of personal hygiene items as well as toiletries. Bring snacks and chocolate bars to keep yourself motivated and boost your energy level when it feels like necessary. Small first aid kits, electrolytes, personal medications, etc, are other crucial checklists for packing.
Note: The porter assigned for trekking will carry around 30kg (66 lbs) of luggage (two porters are assigned a single porter). So, the weight distribution is 15 kg (33 lbs) per trekker. Even if you have to manage all the essentials for the trek, make sure the packing remains light. Otherwise, you will have to carry the additional luggage over the limit; there is also an option to hire an extra porter.
