Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous mountain journey in a restricted region of Nepal that circles the eighth highest mountain in the world, Manaslu (8163 m). It gives you the most diverse and rewarding experiences of trekking in the remote Himalayan valleys, traditional villages influenced by Tibetan culture, and high mountain landscapes. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place in the Gorkha district in the north central region of Nepal. It is a remote mountain journey near the Tibetan border within the protected Manaslu Conservation Area. 

On average, it takes between 12 and 18 days to complete the entire trek, depending on your walking pace, acclimatization needs and any side trips included. The standard itineraries will cover the area in 12 days while the longest ones may even take beyond two weeks. 

The Manaslu trek is popular due to its remote and less crowded trails, authentic mountain villages and stunning natural diversity. The most spectacular feature of the trek includes crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), in addition to witnessing the breathtaking view of Manaslu and other snow-capped mountains.

Manaslu falls under the restricted area list as the region is known for its unique cultural heritage, pristine mountainous environment, and local communities with an untampered lifestyle. 

Moreover, due to the closeness of the area to the international border, the accessis restricted for the preservation of the region and also to ensure the safety of trekkers. 

It is a moderate trek that requires endurance and effort for walking long hours, going through uphills and downhills and dealing with high altitude areas. 

Although this trek does not have any technically challenging trails, the difficulty is mainly caused by the high altitudes involved and the remote areas you pass through. You will walk on varied terrain for consecutive days at high altitudes which makes the journey challenging. 

Experience is not compulsory for this trek. However, having some basic fitness, endurance capability and familiarity with long walks goes a long way in making your trek easier.

Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) is the most challenging portion which consists of climbing up early in the morning and walking for hours in the cold weather. After that, there is a steeper descent on the other side.

You usually cover 5 to 8 hours per day of walking according to the respective itinerary. Some days will require only 4 or 5 hours, while some may even be longer than 8 hours.

Yes. A beginner can undertake the Manaslu trekking route with sufficient preparation, basic fitness and reasonably good health. If you acclimatize properly, maintain a steady walking pace and are guided by an experienced guide you can successfully finish the route, even if it's your first time. 

You will need to be physically fit enough to walk 5-8 hours per day on rough terrains in a gradual increase of altitudes. It does not mean that you have to be a professional athlete, but a certain level of stamina, leg strength, and cardiovascular fitness is necessary for numerous ascents and descents and passing over the Larkya La Pass. 

It is recommended to spend 4-6 months preparing yourself to undertake such a challenging trek. You may go for some walking, stair climbing, jogging, cycling, or other types of activity. Also, if there is an opportunity for you, try to hike with a backpack in order to get used to this experience beforehand. 

The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters above sea level. From the top of this high altitude pass you will get stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

Altitude sickness generally occurs after you climb beyond 3,000 meters above sea level. This trek goes beyond 5,000 meters in altitude and the thin air with low oxygen levels at alpine zones may lead to altitude sickness. 

There are several ways through which altitude sickness can be avoided like ascending slowly, ensuring that you stay hydrated at all times, listening to your body and taking rest if necessary.

The common symptoms associated with Acute Mountain Sickness are headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, exhaustion, and inability to sleep well. All of these happen when your body is not able to adjust to higher altitudes.

In case you suffer from altitude sickness, the first thing you need to do is to stop moving further up and notify your guide about your symptoms. They help you adjust your pace, arrange rest or even organize evacuation if it is necessary.  

Yes, consulting with a doctor before undertaking a trek is highly recommended. It will let you confirm whether your health allows you to go through the journey without any problems. This is especially important if you have been through heart, lung or blood pressure issues. 

You will require layers of warm clothes to counter changes in the climate of the mountains, a pair of strong trekking shoes, a waterproof raincoat, quality sleeping bags, gloves and a basic medical kit. Layering is important considering the variations in the altitude.

Yes. They make the climb less strenuous by taking pressure off your knees and improving your overall balance on steep routes around the high pass.

While hiring a porter is not obligatory, it is highly recommended. They make the trek less challenging (physically), allow proper acclimatization and enhance the overall trekking experience.

The porter will carry approximately 20-25 kg with the weight split between two trekkers. Packing light is essential even when using a porter's service.

You will need to have the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. 

Conservation Area Permits grant access to the respective protected zones while the Restricted Area Permit is necessary for certain areas of the route that pass through the Nepal-Tibet border region.

Yes, having a licensed trekking guide is necessary when doing the Manaslu Trek. The Nepalese government makes it mandatory that all trekkers traveling in the restricted area have a registered trekking guide with them.

Not really! While organizing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will need a registered guide appointed by the Nepalese government for your tour as it comes under restricted trekking regions.

No, you cannot do independent trekking on the Manaslu Trek. All the travelers must go via a registered trekking company and have a licensed guide accompany them.

The permit acquisition should be arranged through a trekking agency registered in Nepal who will fill out all the necessary paperwork and submit your documents before your trek starts. Nepal Eco Adventure will arrange permits for you beforehand of the journey.

Yes, you will have to take your permits with you during the trek. At certain checkpoints there may be a check for permits and it is possible that officials will ask you to show them. Keeping permits accessible will help avoid delays during your journey. Your guide will be there to handle the permit registration process on the trail.

Yes, of course. As a solo traveler, you can definitely participate in fixed departure group trekking with us. This is very much essential as Manaslu is a restricted zone, and therefore group trekking accompanied by a licensed guide is mandatory. 

Sure, you can plan your trek privately which is quite suitable for those who like flexibility. You'll get your exclusive guide during a private trek, and according to your acclimatization ability, you can change the pace of the journey, including rest days.

Spring (March - May) and fall (September - November) are regarded as the best seasons for undertaking the Manaslu Circuit Trek, because of relatively mild temperatures and pleasant weather. In addition, the trails would be dry and accessible and visibility is great for viewing beautiful Himalayan scenery. 

Although it is feasible to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek during winter (December - February), the weather conditions may not be favorable. Winter is characterized by extremely low temperatures at high altitude sections of the trail. Likewise, snowfall may make the path slippery and difficult to walk through.

While it is possible, heavy rain makes the trails slippery and muddy and increases the risk of landslides. Likewise, frequent cloud cover blocks the Himalayan views. So, it is not a good time to go for the mountain treks like the Manaslu Circuit.

The climate is different based on the season and elevation. In higher areas like around Larkya La Pass, nighttime temperature can reach below -10°C (14°F). It could even be colder during the winter seasons. Proper cold weather clothes along with a decent sleeping bag are needed to prepare for the low temperatures at night. 

The visibility is usually very good during the autumn and spring seasons. There are clear skies and dry conditions that make visibility very clear, allowing you to admire the glorious view of Mt Manaslu and other mountains around the area.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is mainly catered to by basic teahouses and lodges located along the path. The teahouses provide simple twin-sharing rooms equipped with beds, mattresses, blankets and shared toilets. Though basic, they are quite sufficient to take a well-deserved break after each day of trekking. 

Yes, private rooms can be booked in the lower parts of the trail in big and popular villages. As altitude goes up, accommodation options become limited, hence making room sharing necessary during peak season trekking. Availability can vary depending on the time of year and the number of visitors.

The trek teahouses provide simple meals to keep the trekkers energized throughout the days. The most common meals are Dal Bhat (rice, lentils and veggies soup), noodles, fried rice, soups, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, porridge and some Western dishes like pasta and pizza. 

Yes, vegetarian food is very much available all along the trek route. It is mostly preferred due to its freshness and easier-to-digest property. Common vegetarian foods include Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, and potato dishes.

Yes, food expenses increase gradually as you climb higher up. Due to the need for transportation of food from the lowlands to remote mountain locations by porters or mules, it becomes limited and more expensive in the higher elevations.

Various types of beverages can be found at teahouses on the Manaslu circuit trek. Some of them are tea (milk, ginger, lemon and herbal), coffee and hot chocolate. There may also be soft drinks, mineral water, and in some lower places, even fresh fruit juices.

Most teahouses on the route are generally clean and safe, especially in lower and mid-altitude villages where facilities are better developed. However, hygiene standards tend to become more basic as you move higher into remote areas. 

Yes, charging is provided in most of the teahouses; nonetheless, it is always paid per device or by the hour (USD 1-7). 

It gets quite expensive to charge your equipment at high altitudes since electricity is rare there and it might be either solar energy or mini-generators. It's highly advised to have a power bank with you as well. 

Yes, in many teahouses located along the Manaslu Circuit Trail hot showers are available. Nevertheless, the availability will be limited when you climb up and it will depend on the season and the type of energy source (solar panels, gas, or boiling). You will need to pay extra money (USD 2-7) for hot water which increases with altitude.

Bottled water is readily available from teahouses and small local stores along the way, although it becomes harder to find and gets costlier with altitude. For environmental reasons, avoid water bottles and get boiled water (USD 1-3) in teahouses.

Laundry service is provided by some low-lying villages along the path and you should pay extra for it. Also, due to the low temperature and difficulties for drying clothes, taking up extra pieces or quick drying clothes is advisable.

The starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is usually Machha Khola in the  Gorkha district of Nepal. You will access the trailhead by road journey from Kathmandu. There can be variation in the starting village depending on your choice of trekking routes and road conditions.

Your Manaslu Circuit Trek will end at Dharapani, from where the Manaslu trail meets the Annapurna region. The journey then goes via a road drive towards Besisahar and finally to Kathmandu. 

The trail often begins with a journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola that lasts about 7-10 hours based on road conditions, traffic, and weather. The drive involves both paved and bumpy mountain roads as well as your first experience of rural Nepal.

On concluding the trek in Dharapani, you will have to travel by a private jeep to Besisahar before making your way back to Kathmandu, a journey lasting the entire day.

While mobile signals are available, they are limited and the connection might be spotty depending on the specific location along the trail. Samagaun and other lower altitude villages are where you will probably get a network through NTC (Nepal Telecom) and Ncell. 

WiFi is available in some teahouses, particularly in low and mid level altitude teahouses. Nonetheless, it is very slow, unpredictable and separately charged (USD 2-8). WiFi is scarce or nonexistent at high elevations; thus, it's better not to rely on it when it comes to vital communication purposes.

There are no ATMs found along the entire path of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is necessary that you carry enough money with you in Nepalese currency to pay for day to day trail exepenses since everything is done by cash here.

Yes. We require trekkers to have a valid travel insurance policy before beginning the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is necessary because of the fact that it’s a wilderness trail with only basic and limited medical facilities.

The coverage provided by your insurance company should include high-altitude trekking (5,500-6,000 meters), medical emergencies, evacuation, hospital stay, and trip interruption. 

The insurance is necessary since the area is quite isolated with poor access to roads and hospitals. If you experience any illnesses or injuries, you may need an evacuation via helicopter. The cost is quite high without insurance, and hence it would guarantee your safety as well as financial security.

Yes. It is possible to do certain modifications in terms of walking distances, and include more days or a particular village stay during the journey. Changes will be made depending on your fitness levels, time availability and acclimatization requirements. 

There are quite a few choices for the Manaslu Trek extension. One would be the Tsum Valley, which is a culturally rich place but is less visited area with heavy Tibetan Buddhist influence. 

Alternatively, another choice would be to extend the trail to the Annapurna region via Dharapani. It will enable you to have a longer trek through diverse parts of the Himalayas. 

While a rigid itinerary is not mandatory, a well-structured plan is strongly recommended. Since the Manaslu trekking area is a restricted zone, your itinerary has to be registered with permits in advance. Therefore, if there is any alteration to be made regarding the itinerary, please discuss that matter beforehand. However, flexibility exists for daily pacing and minor adjustments. 

Yes. A tourist visa is a mandatory requirement for entering Nepal. It can be obtained on entry to the airport or prior to visiting Nepal from your own country. 

No. The 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek package does not include any airport pick-up and drop-off service. You have to handle airport to hotel transfer on your own. But this can also be made available on request at an extra charge. 

Yes. The visa on arrival is granted at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu for most nations. You must have:

• Valid passport (valid for six months or more)
• Passport size photograph (can be digital)
• Nepal visa fee (depends on the number of days you stay there) 

You will usually get the Neapl visa for a duration of 15 days, 30 days and 90 days. The visa for the Manaslu trek should preferably be a minimum of 15 to 30 days to cater for:

• Arrival and getting ready in Kathmandu
• Duration of the trek
• Additional days if needed

You can apply for an extension of your visa at the Immigration Department of Kathmandu. Extensions are usually done in increments of days and require additional fees. 

No. Here’s what you should expect:

• Fill in the arrival form
• Pay for visa charges
• Go to the immigration counter
• Retrieve baggage and exit