Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most remarkable high-altitude trekking adventures. Before the mid-20th century, the region was completely isolated due to its remote location and cultural significance. The circuit was discovered when interest in the area started to grow after a Japanese team successfully summited Mount Manaslu in 1956. The circuit trek itself, encircling Mount Manaslu, was gradually mapped out by trekking enthusiasts. Later, it was opened to foreign trekkers in 1991 as part of a controlled trekking area. To complete this adventure, you will require a special permit. The trek is getting a lot more popularity among trekkers, and the Larkya La has been the major highlight of the entire Manaslu Circuit journey.

Facts about the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Location: Encircles Mount Manaslu in Gorkha District

Highest Point: Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters)

Trek Distance: approximately 180 km (110 miles)

Duration: 14 Days

Permits: MCAP, ACAP, and TIMS

Cultural influence: Tibetan-influenced culture

Accommodations:

Teahouses

Popularity: Less compared to EBC and ABC

Difficult: Challenging

Wildlife: Home to snow leopard and Himalayan Thar

Best Seasons: Spring and Autumn.

Pungyen Gompa

Pungyen Gompa is near Samagaun. It is the hidden gem you will find while trekking the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is one of the oldest and largest monasteries, offering spiritual and natural beauty. Overlooking the stunning Manaslu Glacier, the monastery is deeply significant to the local Tibetan and Sherpa communities.

The monastery’s name was kept from Phun Gyen, which means three peaks, referring to the three major peaks surrounding the area. The place has been serving as the major Buddhist hub for ritual practices. Manu monks also use it for meditation. During a short visit, you can observe daily prayers and take in the peaceful atmosphere. You can get there with a short 3—to 4-hour hike from Samagaun.

Most people visit this place, as this is the perfect place to stop by and utilize your first acclimatization day. You will eventually reach the monastery by making the way through meadows, alpine forests, and glacial streams. It sits at an altitude of around 4,000 meters. Upon reaching there, you can immerse yourself in this peaceful.

The total distance we will cover taking the Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 180 km (110 miles). Each day involves a daily hike of 6 to 7 hours. Starting our journey from Kathmandu, we will drive 6 to 7 hours towards Soti Khola. Throughout the journey, you will witness hills, rivers, waterfalls, and some remote villages. Soti Khola is the starting point of your trek. The next morning, we will start our trekking adventure and make our way through villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng.

As we move high, we will make our way through dense forests and cross the suspension bridge in the Budi Gandaki River. Upon reaching Namrung and Sama Gaon on the fifth day, we will start to see a glimpse of Mount Manaslu. The route from there becomes challenging, and there is thinning air as we reach Samdo. With continuous hiking, we will finally reach the trek’s highest point, Larkya La Pass, on the 11th day. You will see breathtaking Himalchuli, Cheo Himal, and Larkya Peak views from there.

After crossing the pass, our descending journey starts. To descend, we don’t require more days. It can be completed within 3 to 4 days. We will make our first descent stop at Bimthang and then pass through Tilije, Daharapani, and Besishar. We will finally reach Kathmandu. The trek will leave us with lasting memories. It offers us both an exciting and rewarding experience. With 14 days of the entire journey, we will complete our adventure and finally say goodbye to each other.

On-Season
Spring
Spring starts in March and lasts until May. It is considered to be one of the best seasons for trekking to the Manaslu Circuit. The stable and mild temperatures, along with clear skies, give you the best trekking experience and stunning mountain views. Also, rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom during this season, adding vibrant color to overall landscapes. However, in the best season, the trail can be quite crowded.
Autumn
Autumn is another perfect season for you to take an adventure in the Himalayas. Like spring, this season also offers you mild temperatures and clear skies. However, there is a slight chance of getting rainfall. Also, if you are trekking during the Autumn season, you will get a proper chance to witness the two major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar. This season not only offers you natural beauty but also the best time to experience the culture and traditions of Nepal.

Off-Season

Besides the two seasons mentioned earlier, we do not recommend you trek from monsoon (June to August) to winter (December to February). During monsoon, you will get huge rainfall, making the trail slippers and the clouds cover the views. Similarly, in winter, the heavy snowfall covers the trails, making it hard to navigate. Also, in this season, the temperature is below 0 degrees, increasing the overall difficulty.

Starting off early, we will get up around 5 to 6 and start our journey after having breakfast in the morning. The first section is also relatively easy. Making our way uphill and downhill, after 3 to 4 hours of hike, we will stop for a launch. After the launch, we will take a short break and then start our adventure. The upcoming adventure can be quite challenging compared to the morning one.

After hiking for over 3 to 4 hours, we will reach today’s final destination. Remember to bring snacks with you while you are trekking. You can also take a short break during your journey and should never miss having water frequently. We usually arrive there at the time of afternoon tea. Then we will check in to the hotel and have our tea. We will have a good rest, and in the evening, we will have dinner.

After having dinner, we will finally rest and prepare ourselves for our upcoming trekking adventure. Throughout the journey, we will see good views of surrounding landscapes and snow-capped mountains that will amaze you. This typical day remains the same for the upcoming journey, too.

With off-the-beaten paths and remote destinations, a variety of accommodation options are not available in Manaslu Circuit Trek. When you are in cities area, you will have a stay at a 3-star hotel. Similarly, as your journey starts and you begin to trek, you will make your stay at teahouses. They provide you with basic amenities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Also, most of the teahouses have communal dining spaces where you can have dinner. Although you do not have to go camping for this adventure, the accommodations are limited, and you should make your booking early.

Meals are served by teahouses available there. In cities, there are many restaurants where you can stop by. However, as you reach a higher altitude, the variety of meals starts to decrease. For breakfast, you will get tea/coffee with pancakes or biscuits. You will get various options from Dal, Bhat, and lentis to American dishes like chowmin and dumplings for lunch and dinner. It is highly recommended that you carry some lightweight snacks with you in case you are hungry on your journey. But ensure you do not overeat as it can cause health problems.

Manaslu trek is challenging. Out of 5, it is graded to be 4 in terms of difficulty. Taking this trail, you will have to pass through rugged terrain and high altitude passes. The trek is more physically demanding and involves longer trekking days of about 14 days with a continuous hike of 6 to 7 hours daily. Also, the involvement of steep ascents and descents requires proper balancing and endurance capacity. Crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters) is particularly challenging due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions.

Furthermore, the trek is remote. Thus, you will get limited facilities such as accommodations, hospitals, cafes, and ATMs, and there will be fewer people throughout the trek. Altitude Sickness is a common concern on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as you will be trekking at elevations above 3,000 meters for several days. To protect yourself from altitude sickness, your itinerary should include a proper acclimatization plan. It is essential to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and recognize the early signs to prevent more severe issues.

Your preparation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek involves both physical and mental readiness. You should focus on building strength, endurance, and stamina. For this, you should take part in regular training and cardiovascular workouts like running, cycling, or swimming prior to 3 to 4 months of your journey. Similarly, including hiking with a loaded backpack can be another training regime that can be useful for you. You should also include flexibility exercises, like yoga or stretching, in your training, as they help you maintain balance and reduce the risk of injuries on uneven paths.

Similarly, being physically strong is not enough for the circuit journey. You should also build mental resilience. As you will have to navigate through challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and remote conditions, being mentally strong is essential. You can develop a positive mindset to keep you motivated throughout the journey. For this, you can meditate regularly, and also yoga and stretching can help. With proper physical training and mental preparedness, you can enjoy the trip without any worry in the back of your mind.

To trek the Manaslu Circuit, several permits and documents are required due to its status as a restricted area. You will need three main permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). Getting these permits ensures that you have legal permission to trek in the Manaslu region. These permits ensure you contribute to conservation efforts and follow safety guidelines.

You can obtain these permits through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu, as the Restricted Area Permit requires a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide. You cannot get the RAP individually, making it mandatory to go through an agency. The ACAP and MCAP permits can also be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office or through your trekking agency.

Required Documents for Permits:

• Passport (valid and photocopy)
• Passport-sized photos (at least 4)
• Travel insurance policy with high-altitude coverage
• Trekking agency registration details
• Flight or travel itinerary

Trekking boots
Warm down jacket
Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C)
Waterproof jacket
Trekking poles
Thermal base layers
Fleece jacket
Trekking pants
Backpack (40-50L)
Water purification tablets
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Gloves (thermal and waterproof)
Woolen hat
Trekking socks (multiple pairs)
Quick-dry towel
First aid kit
Reusable water bottle
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
Sunscreen (SPF 50)

Getting travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended if you are trekking to Manaslu Circuit. The challenging nature of the trek, with high altitude, remote trails, and unpredictable weather, poses risks that can be mitigated by having proper coverage. While medical facilities are limited in the area, having travel insurance that includes medical emergencies ensures you receive the necessary care without worrying about costs.

Additionally, your travel insurance should cover emergency evacuations. It includes helicopter rescues in case of severe altitude sickness, injury, or other emergencies. Considering the remoteness of the Manaslu region, quick evacuation may be necessary in life-threatening situations. Having insurance provides peace of mind as you know that you are covered for unexpected incidents. This allows you to focus fully on the trek without concerns about potential risks.

• As you pass through high-altitude passes, it is very important for you to include a proper acclimatization plan, especially before crossing the Larkya La Pass.
• It is highly recommended for you to hire a guide and poetry. A guide helps you maintain safety, while a porter can help lighten your load, allowing you to focus on the trek.
• Your packing back should be light. You need to only carry important essentials. You should bring clothing for high altitudes, rain gear, sturdy trekking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag.
• Doing regular exercise and taking part in short hikes will also help you ease your trekking adventure. You should take part in it in about 3 to 4 months prior to your journey.
• Keeping you hydrated is essential. When you are trekking, you should drink about 2 to 3 liters of water. It helps you protect yourself from dehydration.
  As the area is remote, you will not find facilities like ATMs. So you should carry some cash for food, accommodation, and other expenses.
• You should respect the local culture and traditions. You can talk to locals if you want to learn more about it.