12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

Larkya La Pass

Considered the highest pass of the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Larkhya La Pass is located at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,752 ft). This is the most challenging section of the journey, which offers you panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas. Standing on the top, you will see beautiful Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru. Although this is the most challenging section, it is also the trek’s most rewarding and adventurous part.

Mt. Manaslu

This is considered to be the major highlight of the journey. Mount Manaslu, also known as the ” killer mountain of nepal.” Because of its challenging ascent and high fatality rate . It is the 8th highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft). Throughout the circuit journey, you will witness the beautiful Manaslu peak. Standing at some of the viewpoints, you can witness the panoramic views of this snow-covered mountain. The summit point looks attractive against the blue sky, making it a beautiful and rewarding experience in the foothills.

Natural Wonders

The Manaslu Circuit trek is filled with natural wonders, taking you through lush forests and terraced fields to deep gorges and glacier rivers. Located within the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area, you will also have a chance to witness the diverse flora and fauna. You can see wildlife like snow leopards and red pandas if lucky enough. Also, with these trails, you can witness waterfalls and alpine meadows. Each day of your trek brings a new surprise regarding natural beauty.

Suspension Bridges

The trek is famous for its numerous suspension bridges. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and its tributaries on the journey would be best. Thus, many suspension bridges are made there to connect the trails. These bridges sit high above deep gorges. Crossing them adds adventure to your journey and the spectacular views of the rivers below.

Cultural & Historical Experiences

Passing through several Tibetan-influenced villages, the trek offers rich cultural and historical experiences with many ancient monasteries, which you can take a short trip to. Also, the people here are so welcoming that it makes you feel at home. Similarly, the trail is covered with chortens and mani walls, so passing them can be a unique cultural experience.

The distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles). It takes you through diverse landscapes, remote villages, and stunning Himalayan views. The journey starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, where the trek officially begins. As you ascend through the trail, you will pass through Machha Khola.

You will navigate through dense forests, cross suspension bridges, and walk along the Budhi Gandaki River. As the trek progresses, the route becomes more challenging. Some popular villages you will pass include Jagat, Deng, and Namrung. After reaching Samagaun, you will take a rest day to acclimatize, with options for side hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.

The ascent towards Samdo and Dharamsala is moderately difficult, but the most challenging part of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m/16,752ft). This high-altitude pass offers spectacular views. After the pass, the trail gradually descends through Bimthang and Tilije. Finally, we will end your journey with a drive towards Kathmandu Valley.

As the days involved during the trek are shorter than the standard days, it is generally recommended to start early. You will get up at 5 am and have morning tea. Then, you will start your journey. The first section of the trek is relatively easy, involving about 3 to 4 hours of hike. Then, you will stop at a teahouse for lunch. After having lunch, you will take a break for half an hour.

Resuming your journey, you will now start your adventure again. The remaining section can be quite challenging than the morning. Making your way through uphill and downhill on steep trails, you will finally reach your destination at about 5 pm. You will then check in to the hotel and mentally prepare there. You will finally call it a day and get to bed around 8 pm.

During the on-season, lodging options on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are primarily basic teahouses. They offer standard facilities like beds with blankets, running water, and simple dining areas. While luxury accommodations are limited in this remote region, some teahouses may provide rooms with attached bathrooms or hot showers. However, these are rare and come at an additional cost.

Electricity for charging devices is available in most lodges, although it may be unreliable or limited to specific hours. In high-demand periods, especially during peak trekking season (March-May and September-November), teahouses can get crowded. Thus, booking in advance or arriving early in the day is recommended.

In the off-season, such as the monsoon or winter, teahouses may be fewer in number, as some close due to harsh weather or lack of trekkers. Facilities may be more basic, with limited access to hot water and heating and fewer food options. However, you may find a quieter, more peaceful experience. The season offers fewer amenities, but the lower crowd levels can make the trek more intimate and personal.

Food options on the Manaslu  Circuit Trek are primarily simple and locally prepared meals. The typical menu includes dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, soups, and sometimes momos (dumplings). In the on-season, most teahouses offer a variety of hot meals.

However, as you ascend, the choices become more limited due to the remoteness and difficulty of supply. Imported foods and beverages may also be available but are often expensive. Vegetarians will have plenty of options, but those with more restrictive diets should bring additional snacks.

Water is readily available along the trek from natural sources like rivers or teahouses. But, it is essential to purify it before drinking. Water purification tablets, filters, or UV sterilizers are recommended to avoid health issues.

Trekking Manaslu Circuit Trek solo is not allowed. To complete this trek, you should be in two or even in a group. Also, a guide is mandatory for you. The region’s remoteness and government regulation are essential for enhancing your safety concern. Trekking with a group ensures you will have more support with you.

Additionally, trekking with a guide means you will have a local person to navigate you in difficult terrain. They are also good at handling emergencies. Group trekking can foster camaraderie. It allows you to share the experience with others. Furthermore, trekking in groups reduces costs like guide fees and permits.

It offers added benefits, such as support in challenging moments, shared memories, and a sense of security, especially in high-altitude areas. While some may prefer the idea of solo adventures for greater independence, the regulations in the Manaslu Circuit prioritize safety and responsibility.

The best time to trek to Manaslu Circuit Trek is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). During these two seasons, you will get the best weather with stable temperatures.

Spring

The peak season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is spring. During this trek, you will witness the breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes and mountains. Besides, this season brings blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The vibrant color of landscapes, along with clear skies, mild temperature, and stable weather, cannot just offer you beautiful views but also enhance safety in your journey.

Temperature: 5°C to 20°C

Autumn

Autumn is an ideal season for you to trek. Like spring, this season also offers you clear skies, beautiful views, and stable weather. This season can be the best option for you if you want to experience the unique culture of Nepal. The two major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, fall during this season, not only offering you beautiful views but also a chance to immerse yourself in the deep culture and tradition of Nepal.

Temperature: 0°C to 20°C

Off Season

Besides these two seasons, we do not recommend you do the Manaslu Circuit Trek during winter (December to February) or summer (June to August). Winter brings heavy snowfall, making the trail slippery and hard to navigate. Also, the extra cold temperature can also be life teetering. Similarly, summer brings monsoon. Thus, you will have a chance to encounter rainfall again, making the trail slippery and hard to trek. Further, the chances of getting leeches throughout the trek are also high.

Yes, permits are necessary for Manalasu Circuit Trek. You have to issue three permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You can get these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Getting all these permits is essential to trek to the Manaslu Region.

Note: If you have booked the complete package with us,  we will get all those permits on your behalf.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

As the Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through some of the restricted areas of Nepal, issuing this permit is essential for you. Upon reaching Sama Gaun, your permits are checked at different checkpoints. However, you cannot issue this permit. You will only get this permit if you have a guide with you. This is for your safety as the area is slightly dangerous for you to make a climb yourself.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Passing through the Manaslu Conservation Area, this permit is issued to protect the biodiversity of the surrounding area. Although getting this permit requires a guide, it is not essential; you still hire one. Getting MCAP ensures you are a responsible traveler and will make your way through the area safely without affecting the surrounding conservation area.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Similarly, getting the Annapurna Conservation permit is essential. Although the trek lies in the Manaslu region, some part of the trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation, too. Thus, getting this permit is equally important as getting the Manaslu Conservation Area permit. You can issue these permits together, or if you have a local guide with you, he will get you these permits as per the documents you submitted.

Considered to be a challenging adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is both physically and mentally exhausting. Located in the remote region of Nepal, you will have to take off the beaten paths and use limited facilities. Getting proper accommodations and meals throughout the trek can be quite a hassle. Also, the region does not offer other amenities such as ATMs, hospitals, Wi-Fi, etc.

Similarly, the rugged terrain and long days of hiking can be other reason challenges for you. You have to walk in steep terrain for about 6 to 7 hours daily, which can be tricky. Also, as far as the standard time for you to complete the trek is concerned, it is 14 days. However, taking a shorter Manaslu trek day immensely increases hiking time with less time for acclimatization and breaks.

Furthermore, the high altitude involved in the trek is another difficulty. As the trek takes you over 5,000 meters, you will likely get altitude sickness. The thinness of the air at higher altitudes can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and headache. In some situations, this sickness can also be life-threatening. Overall, rugged terrain, high altitude, and remote location can make the adventure challenging.

Physical Preparation

Trekking toward the challenging trek requires a high level of preparedness. Being physically active is necessary as you have to pass through rough terrain with a continuous day hike of 6 to 7 hours. For this, you can include cardiovascular exercise in your training regime. Exercises like hiking and swimming can also be beneficial for you. Besides, you can also indulge in strength training like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. For proper training, it is generally recommended for you to do it 3 to 4 months before your journey.

Mental Preparation

As important as physical exercise, mental preparation is equally essential. Trekking toward a remote location with limited amenities is necessary to be mentally strong. Being calm throughout the journey and continuously overcoming difficulties require some mental stability. To maintain that, it is generally recommended that you include yoga and meditation in your training. This training not only helps you remain calm but also helps you keep your balance during the trek.

Trekking towards Manaslu Circuit Trek means you will encounter difficulties, and to overcome those, you need to pack the proper gear and equipment. It is highly recommended that you make a plan. Your back should not include more than 9 kg as a porter will carry your bag with fellow trekkers in a duffle bag. But you may wonder what to pack to make your bag not so heavy.

Here is the list of gear and equipment to consider while making a perfectly fit backpack for your trip towards the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Clothing

• Base Layers (1-2 pairs)
• Insulating Layer (1-2 pairs)
• Outer Layer: Waterproof and
• windproof jacket
• Trekking Pants (2 pairs)
• Trekking Shirts (3-4 pairs)
• Trekking Socks (4-5 pairs)
• Gloves
• Sun Hat/Cap
• Warm Hat
• Neck Gaiter or Buff
• Underwear (3-4 pairs)

Gear & Equipments

• Backpack: 45-60L backpack with a rain cover
• Daypack: 20-30L daypack for essentials during the day
• Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -15°C
• Trekking Poles
• Headlamp
• Water Bottles: 2 reusable water bottles (1L each)
• Water Purification
• Sunglasses
• Trekking Map

Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• Camp Shoes

Personal Items

• Personal Medications
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Toiletries
• Wet Wipes
• Toilet Paper
• Portable Charger/Power Bank
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and
• other high-calorie snacks

Miscellaneous

• Trekking Permit Documents
• Camera/Phone
• Notebook and Pen
• Cash: Local currency (Nepali Rupees)
• Earplugs

First-Aid Kit

• Band-aids
• Antiseptic Cream
• Pain Relief Medication
• Altitude Sickness Medicine
• Anti-diarrheal Medicine
  Rehydration Salts