Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you on an incredible journey through the adventurous Himalayan terrains of Nepal. This magical trek from Nepal Eco Adventure allows you to explore the virgin natural beauty of the hidden landscapes of the country.

Trekking past beautiful Buddhist landmarks and local area settlements will enchant travelers during this trek. There are majestic mountain peaks, frozen lakes, glaciers, and high mountain passes that will make this exciting trek an adventure of a lifetime!

Manaslu circuit trek is a beautiful off-the-beaten trek located in the Manaslu region. The mountain is located around 50 miles from the capital city of Kathmandu in the Gorkha district. Manaslu Himal, the eighth tallest mountain peak in the world, is part of the Mansiri Himalayan sub-range.

There are traditional settlements of the Gurungs community along the trail. The Bhutias, the Sherpas, and other people of Tibetan ethnicity also live in this region. Buddhism is widely followed in the area, and thus, you can find many Buddhist landmarks, including monasteries, main walls, chortens, and others along the trails.

After you arrive in Kathmandu, you can go on a sightseeing tour of the ancient landmarks of this valley. Many UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in this city, including Malla-era palaces, temples, and bihars. This fantastic trek journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola. Sotikhola is the starting point of your trek.

You will then start your trekking journey from Sotikhola as you trek to Machakhola, passing through rugged landscapes. The trail of this trek then passes through Jagat (1340m) from Machakhola the next day. This trail passes through beautiful scenic landscapes of the region and then leads you to your destination. From Jagat, you will trek to Deng (1860m). Deng is a beautiful settlement in the area and offers incredible views of snow-capped mountains and unique landscapes.

We will travel to another scenic settlement known as Namrung (2630m) from Deng. Namrung is a cultural settlement with many monasteries and chortens in the area. After exploring and staying for the day, you will trek to Lho (3180m), another beautiful settlement in the region.

After exploring Lho, we will make our way to Samagaun (3500m), acclimatizing for the second time along the trail. Trails of this trek then lead us to Samdo and then to Dharamsala (4480m). From Dharamsala, we will cross the Larkya la pass (5213m) and then descend to Bintang (3720 m). After arriving at Larkya La pass, you can observe Himlung, Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m), Kang Garu, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, etc.

The trail passes through the Budhi Gandaki River to arrive at Bimtang and then trek to Tilije (2300m). Finally, you will hike to Dharapani from Bhimtang. Dharapani is another beautiful settlement where you can rest and relax as our trek comes to an end. From Dharapani, you will then drive to Besisahar (760m), a small-town market with many buses that take you to various parts of the country.

You will take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu from Besisahar, observing green hills, serene waterfalls, and rivers across the region. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can explore the relaxing atmosphere and celebrate the successful completion of your journey. Finally, you can take a scenic flight back to your desired destination from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally considered one of the most beautiful treks of Nepal. The Manaslu circuit is a relatively new tour opened for trekking in 1991. The Larkya La pass (5106 m) is also the highest point of the trek. We at Nepal Eco Adventure are offering this spectacular trekking package at a reasonable cost. Read on to know more about the Manalsu circuit trek and other related information in detail.

Note: This Manaslu Circuit trek 17 days itinerary package has included one day Kathmandu day tour. Also, you need to stay at the hotel of our choice. If you want to stay at our own choice of place and skip a day tour, we have designed 14 days Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary which costs only $1300.

Things You Can Experience during the Trip

• The majestic views of snow-capped mountains, including Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Larke peak, etc., from Larke la pass.
• Experiencing the unique culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the Himalayan people
• Magical views of Himalayan mountains, green forests, serene rivers, and other landscapes
• Observing snow-capped mountains of the region, including Himlung Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and others
• Crossing Larkya La Pass, which is the highest point along the trail
• Passing through dense forests and exploring rich and endangered flora and fauna of region including Himalayan Tahr, snow leopard, and others
• Incredible hospitality of local people

Altitude Chart

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking in the Manaslu region is ideal in peak seasons of Autumn and Spring. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September - November) provide you with the best weather conditions for trekking. The weather remains stable with clear blue skies. There are warm days, whereas nights are generally colder in the Himalayas. Lush green hills, and the snow-capped Himalayas, look stunning in these seasons.

What to Expect in Autumn?

Autumn is a beautiful time to take this trek as there is stable weather with less precipitation. There are clear blue skies that provide you with majestic views of snow-capped mountains. The weather remains perfect for daytime trekking adventures. Besides that, various festivals fall in this season, making it ideal for a cultural exploration of the region.

What to Expect in Spring?

Spring is another peak season providing excellent views of snow-capped mountains. There are beautiful scenarios all over the region, with wildflowers in full bloom over the hills. You can go on your trekking adventure without any hassle as there is clear weather with minimal rainfall. There are moderate temperatures all around, making it perfect for a day hiking adventure.

Off-Season Trekking for Manaslu

But you can take this trip in the offseason with proper packing and preparation as well. You can also take the Manaslu circuit trek in the winter season. But the weather remains challenging in these conditions. Winter brings cold temperatures with heavy snowfall in the higher places of this region.

Winter

December to February are the winter seasons in Nepal. Flights can get delayed or canceled frequently in these seasons. However, the breathtaking views of mountains clad in heavy snow are a highlight. Winters days are warm and sunny, while nights and early mornings are pretty cold. The winter weather can get quite chilly, and therefore, you need to pack warm clothes for your trek in high altitudes.

Monsoon

Monsoon seasons (June to August) have pretty heavy rainfall in the region, with muddy and slippery trails. There are rare and endangered species of floras and faunas along the area. Monsoon brings heavy rains all over. Therefore, rain gear is essential for the monsoon treks. Overall, with proper planning, preparation, and packing, you can complete this incredible trek with ease.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu circuit trek difficulty level is considered as challenging trek. Trekking in high-altitude conditions is a difficult task. You will trek through various ups and downs along with remote and rugged landscapes. The difficulty of the Manaslu trek also depends upon each individual and their endurance level. The Manaslu Circuit trek routes can get quite difficult for first-time trekkers.

However, prior experience and proper packing and preparation will make this trip easy for all travelers. Also, Manaslu Circuit trails take around 5 to 6 hours to complete. So, the trekkers must prepare well for the journey with high-altitude training. The training regime will help you gain stamina, strength, and fitness levels. Thus, you must start your training around two months or at least two weeks before the trek.

Besides that, this high-altitude region also presents you with a risk of acute mountain sickness. There are various ways to tackle altitude sickness along these trails. However, proper acclimatization is the primary way to stay away from these symptoms of altitude sickness. Along with that, you should also hydrate yourself regularly along trails and eat a proper diet. You can also take "Diamox tablets" as a means of precaution from these high-altitude sicknesses.

Trekkers need to pack well for the trip with all items that are necessary for the trip. Trekking with gear and equipment can get complicated, but you will get used to it with practice. Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty is moderately challenging that can get completed with preparation, training, and determination.

Why Take the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Majestic snow-capped mountain views

The snow-capped mountains of the region look incredibly beautiful on this trek. Moreover, there are incredible natural diversities along the area that look magical in clear blue skies. The gorgeous sunrise and sunsets views from various viewpoints make this trek quite appealing among trekkers. There are other green hills, vast meadows, serene waterfalls, and white water rivers to observe along the trail.

Adventurous trails

A trekking journey in Manaslu region is adventurous and passes through exciting trails. You can also go on a complete trekking adventure in tranquil and peaceful terrains. The Manaslu region includes many natural diversities, including rare and endangered flora and fauna.

There are wildflowers, like rhododendron, juniper, oak, and others, blooming over trails providing a beautiful atmosphere. This trek is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure along natural trails and is quite popular among trekkers. Travelers can trek in a less crowded atmosphere which is another advantage of this trek.

Cultural exploration

This beautiful region is also known for its incredible cultural heritage. The local community of people remains busy in their traditional lifestyle. Observing the daily rituals of these local communities is quite a unique experience. These regions are generally known for their lifestyle and cultural heritage.

There are various landmarks in the area, including monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and others. Buddhism is quite significant in the region, and therefore you will find many of these landmarks in the area. There you can find many monks and nuns busy in their daily rituals of worship and prayers.

Wildlife exploration

There is incredible wildlife that is rare and endangered in the region, including Himalayan Tahrs, snow leopards, dance, etc. The natural habitat of the area is diverse in terms of geographical landscapes as well. There is various wildlife that remains protected in conservation areas and restricted areas. Manaslu region is hence a beautiful region with a large number of wildlife.

A Typical Day On Manaslu Circuit Trek

The day begins as we wake up early in the morning, around 6 AM. After freshening up in the teahouse, you can head to the dining area, where you will have your breakfast at around 7 AM. You can then pack your luggage and then start the trail by 8 AM, with only necessary snacks and water bottles.

You can observe majestic views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful surroundings along the trail. There are various points along the path where you can stop to enjoy the sights and take photographs of the region. You will have your meal at a local teahouse in and around noon.

After resting for around an hour, we will continue our trek on the trail. This allows you to arrive at your destination before dark. Upon arriving at your destination, you can rest at the local teahouse. You can have some light refreshment after your arrival at around 5 PM.

You can gather at the dining common hall area to warm yourself in front of the stove and socialize with fellow trekkers. Trekkers will need to walk around 5 to 6 hours daily. The hike passes through the highest mountain passes and rugged terrains of the region. You will then need to hydrate regularly and acclimatize well to complete this incredible trekking journey with ease.

You can play cards, talk with fellow trekkers and have your dinner at around 7 PM. After having dinner, you can then speak to your guide about your trekking journey the next day, including the route, difficulty, and others. You can then rest for the evening in the teahouse.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permits

Trekking permits are an essential part of any trekking journey in Nepal. There are various Manaslu Circuit Trek permits that you need to obtain before starting on this trek. These trekking permits include Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs around NRS 3000(USD 30) for Non-SAARC nationals and NRS 1,000 for SAARC Nationals. Similarly, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs around Rs 3000 (30 USD) for foreign nationals and NRS 1,000 (10 USD) for SAARC Nationals.

Besides that, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for September to November costs around USD 75 per person for the first week. Then trekkers will have to pay an extra 15 USD if your trip extends from 1 week. Similarly December to August, trekkers will have to pay USD 75 per person for the first week. And then they will have to pay an additional 10 USD per day if you stay more than a week.

TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) permit is unnecessary for this trek as you will have a special trekking permit. But if you want to extend your trip to Annapurna base camp, you should get this permit as well.

Basic Cost Details

This Manaslu circuit trek cost includes various aspects like meals, accommodation, and trekking permits. The accommodation costs in the region can start around US$ 5 - US$10 per night, with food costs anywhere between US$ 5 to US$ 20. Hiring guides or porters will cost you around US$ 25 to US$ 40 per day.

The cost in Himalayan routes gradually increases as you move progressively high along trails. Sometimes the tour can go over budget. Hence, you need to carry extra cash along the trails. A professional trekking guide with a license costs around USD 20 to 25. A porter in the region costs around USD 15 to 20. These costs include salary, food and accommodation fee, and insurance.

Accommodation fee costs around USD 6 to 9 for a twin sharing room. Food costs around USD 5 per meal and USD 15 to 20 in total per day. Kathmandu to Soti Khola transportation cost is around USD 10 per person and vice versa if you travel by a Local Bus. Moreover, a private jeep trip will cost you around USD 150 to 200 per person.

But, if you choose our package which costs you around $1,400, you don’t need to worry about many things. Do not forget to check out our cost includes and excludes.

Food and accommodation along Manaslu Circuit Trek

The food and accommodation in the tea houses along the trek are pretty basic. These tea houses are ideal for travelers. They provide standard meal and accommodation services. You will get the best benefits of a room with twin beds, a pillow, a mattress, a warm blanket.

Trekkers should book these food and accommodation facilities in advance to be safe from any hassle. Toilets in these teahouses are generally outside of teahouses and are in squat style. There are wifi, hot water, charging, and other facilities, but that is available at an added cost.

Meals in these tea houses are generally served with "Dal Bhaat," which includes rice, dal, lentils, vegetables, pickles, and others. For breakfast, you will get eggs, bread toasts, and porridge. Tea, garlic soup, hot beverages, coffee, and others are also served in these teahouses.

Some tea houses also provide various dishes, including noodles, momo, pizza, chowmein, burgers, etc. You can also carry multiple protein bars, granola bars, dry fruits, and other snacks while trekking on this tour.

Things to Consider for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Professional Trekking Guide

There are various rugged and remote landscapes in these regions that are ideal for a superb trekking atmosphere. However, there are various challenges while navigating these trails. Hence, you should hire a professional guide with a government license to trek along these trails.

These Manaslu circuit trek guides will help you explore the beautiful local heritage and lifestyle. Moreover, if you cannot trek in a region with heavy luggage, you can also hire a porter. Porter guides are also available so that you can get facilities for both.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is quite common, especially in such high-altitude trails. There are various challenges of altitude sickness which you can tackle through acclimatization and regular hydration. The altitude sickness should get taken seriously as it can lead to fatal conditions.

Especially to travelers who have not trekked in high-altitude conditions before. Travelers should separate their acclimatization points before this trek. Professional guides and porters should also help their customers with getting proper help ahead of this trip.

Trek Permits

Travel permits are a significant part of any trekking adventure in Nepal. Trekkers need to pass through various routes and conservation areas that require Manaslu Circuit Trek permits. There are multiple permits, including local area permits, national park permits, TIMS(Trekkers Information Management System), etc. These trekking permits are available in the Nepal tourism board's office in Kathmandu.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness and stamina are essential when it comes to trekking in high-altitude regions. Thus, a proper training regime that includes physical exercises and cardiovascular activities like cycling, jogging, hiking, swimming, and others are essential for this trek. Acclimatization is also crucial for high-altitude tours as it helps maintain physical and mental fitness while trekking in the region.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is a significant part of any trekking journey in Nepal. There are many factors that this travel insurance covers that include accidents, medical injuries, loss, theft of property, and others. Moreover, there are situations where travelers need helicopter evacuation, which costs anywhere between $5000 to $10000. Therefore, travel insurance is essential to cover this high-altitude trek.

Packing List - Manaslu Circuit Trek

Clothing

• Trekking shirts
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket
• Trekking pants
• Fleece jackets
• Trekking boots
• Thermal wears
• Woolen gloves
• Woolen trekking socks
• Windproof jacket
• Warm woolen cap
• Raincoat

First Aid

• Water purifying tablets
• Anti-nauseant medication
• Mosquito and insect repellent
• Rehydration salts

Toiletries

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush
• Quick-dry towel
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Sanitizer

Others

• Phone
• Power Banks
• Solar Charges
• Extra Batteries
• Local SIM card
• Reusable water bottles
• Camera
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

Important documents

• Passport
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
• Travel insurance

Trip Safety

Our primary concern is your safety. Hence, there are various safety protocols in place in any trekking journey you undertake with us. Our professional trekking guides have experience in conducting first-aid. They can also check oxygen levels in your body using pulse oximeters as well.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is another essential factor that you must consider during this trek. Hence, there are various acclimatization days in the itinerary of this trek. The highly experienced Manaslu circuit trek guides know how to tackle an emergency. In the case of AMS, they will help you descend to lower elevation as soon as possible, following the safety protocol.

They will constantly monitor your situation and then take the necessary steps required. If the condition of trekkers improves after a night's rest, they will help you join back to the group. But in case the condition worsens, you will get escorted to lower elevations. You will get airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for further medical help if needed.

Essentials Tips For Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Acclimatize and hydrate regularly
• Start early on your tour to arrive at your destination early
• Book your meal and accommodation facilities in advance
• Get a routine training regime before starting on this trek
• You should only pack those items that are necessary
• Carry power bank, extra batteries, and solar charger to save costs
• Carry water purification tablets along with a water bottle
• Carry snickers, protein bars, granola bars, and others to satisfy your hunger during the trek

Training Regime

This incredible trek requires you to be in a physically fit shape with proper strength, stamina, and endurance. For that, you will have to train well ahead of this trek. Ideally, you should prepare around 2-3 months before this trek. However, you can also train for at least two weeks before going on this beautiful trek in the Manaslu region. The trek regime should contain physical exercise, cardiovascular exercise, and mental preparation.

Physical exercise

There are various physical exercises that you should perform before taking this challenging trekking adventure. Different strength-building activities will help you gain strength and stamina. Moreover, these experiences also help you gain endurance for challenging Manaslu Circuit Trek routes along trails.

Physical exercise also helps you build muscles in various areas of your body, including arms, shoulders, and legs. You can get a trainer who will help you with some weight using exercises as well. Besides these, you can also go on practice hikes along the region to get a decent idea of your trek.

Cardiovascular exercises

These cardiovascular exercises are also known as aerobic exercises, as they will help you increase your flexibility along the trail. You can perform activities like hiking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and others to gain flexibility. These exercises also help you breathe more easily along the trail and especially in low oxygen conditions.

These aerobic exercises can include squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and others that you can perform independently. Overall, these exercises are essential and prove to be significant for a successful trekking adventure.

Mental preparation

One of the critical factors of this trekking adventure is mental preparation. It is one of the essential trekking preparations that any trekker should take before making their journey in the high-altitude region. This mental preparation includes asking for advice from veteran trekkers, practicing hikes, researching the internet, and others.

You can also keep yourself motivated along trails. It will provide you with a positive attitude along the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. A positive approach to whole trekking will lead you to a successful journey across these trails.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo Vs Guided

A professional trekking guide is essential during this trek. Since this trek lies in a restricted area, you must trek along with a guide and a trekking group comprising at least two trekkers. The trekking guides are essential along the trail as they provide you with a navigation facility and manage all your logistics.

Your Manaslu circuit trekking guide must have a license from the government. The expert guides will also provide you with local insights to go on a cultural exploration of the region. They will also help you in any emergency like injuries, altitude sickness, and others.

They will help you make the right decisions. Therefore, having a licensed guide along the trek is essential during this trek. Besides that, you can also get a porter to carry your luggage along the trail. These porters will help you immensely by taking the weight of your back. This allows you to trek in the region with ease.

Why Trek With Us?

There are hundreds of trekking companies in Nepal. However, you must not select any random trekking agency without any research. We at Nepal Eco Adventure provide you with some of the best trekking experiences in Nepal. Read on for why you should trek with us.

Local Trekking agency

Our company is a locally run and operated trekking company in Nepal. The local knowledge and insights of the place are of significant help while trekking in the region. This factor is hence important while hiking in the country.

Professional trekking guide

We have a great team of local guides and staff who have intimate knowledge of the Himalayan terrain. You can get proper safety and comfort during this trek.

Attention to detail

Conducting a good trekking adventure is all about the details. We provide you with complete attention to detail so that you will have the best possible trekking experience in Nepal.

Personalized service

We will provide you with a customized service keeping in mind the needs and demands of our customers. Every customer is different, and therefore our approach is also focused on each customer.

Culture insights

Our team comprises people born and red in the Himalayan terrain of Nepal. They will provide incredible insights into the area, about its cultures and traditions. They will allow you to have a greater appreciation of the region's heritage and lifestyle.

First Aid Training

There are various medical emergencies you may encounter while trekking in a high-altitude region. Therefore, it is essential to have first aid facilities before starting on this trek. Hence, our Manaslu circuit trek guides provide a first aid kit that is ideal for any medical emergency.

Great value for money

We provide you with incredible service that is excellent value for money. So you don't have to worry about where you are spending your hard-earned money. You will get all your money's worth in this trekking adventure.

Flexible itinerary

Our trips are customizable and flexible so that you can complete your trip according to your schedule. You can therefore schedule trips in your free time. You can even lengthen your itinerary if you want to trek for a long duration with proper acclimatization and exploration.

No hidden charges

There are no such hidden charges that you will encounter in this trek with us. Our costs are transparent, so you don't have to worry about any hidden charges. There is complete fair pricing on all our services. We provide incredible services at a reasonable cost.

Secure payment

There are secure payment channels on our trips, so you don't have to worry about payment channels. There are various government-approved means of payment, including Visa/MasterCard, internet banking, traveler's cheque, cash, etc. The trek packages can get booked swiftly and without any hassle.

Experience members

Our experienced members have many years of experience. These incredible team members work their best to provide you with complete hassle-free services.