An undiscovered trail in Nepal’s Himalayas is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You spend each night in a different Tibetan village along the path, which winds up and around the base of Mount Manaslu. Situated amidst the Annapurnas and the Ganesh Himal, this magnificent trail is occasionally overshadowed by its better-renowned relative, the Annapurna Circuit.
The word “Manaslu” comes from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” which means “Intellect” or “Soul.” Since this area was originally opened to trekkers in 1992, few people have visited due to the strenuous physical nature of the route, contributing to the area’s unique “pioneer” feel.
The centrepiece of the Manaslu region is Mt. Manaslu, standing at 8163 meters and ranking as the eighth tallest mountain in the world. Major peaks in this region include Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), Himalchuli (7893 m), and Siringi Himal (7187 m).
The Manaslu region has just opened its hiking trails to the public, so this trip is perfect for those who are in good physical shape and prefer solitude. Without authorized guides who are registered with the government, individual trekkers are still not permitted to reach certain restricted areas. Hiking pathways in this area are still largely unexplored and undiscovered.
Why Trek in Manaslu Circuit?
- A magnificent journey and a little-known jewel among Nepal’s trekking routes is the Manaslu Circuit journey.
- With its stunning scenery and varied environments, which include forests and windswept passes, the Manaslu trip offers a singular experience. You’ll pass through quaint, historically and culturally significant communities along the route.
- The Manaslu Region includes the 1663 square km Manaslu Conservation Area.
- Since many endangered species call it home, including Himalayan tahr, Asian black bears, Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, red pandas, and snow leopards, it was designated as a conservation area in 1998.
- This region is home to 35 animal species, 3 reptile species, and around 110 bird species.
- Views of some of the highest peaks in the world, such as Mt. Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu Mountain (8,156m), etc.
- The trees, rivers, and vegetation of the Manaslu region are adorable.
- The prospect of observing wild endangered animals such as snow leopards.
- Captivating nature and fauna.
Nevertheless, some of its areas are still part of a controlled or limited area. It means that foreigners are not allowed to visit this location without a specific permit.
Brief Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1400m).
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola.
Day 03: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat.
Day 04: Trekking to Deng (2,095m).
Day 05: Trekk from Deng to Namrung (2,900m)
Day 06: Trek to Lho village.
Day 07: Trek from Lho Village to Samagaw.
Day 08: Acclimatization at Sama Gaw.
Day 09: Trekking to Samdo village.
Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m).
Day 11: Crossing Larkya Pass (5106m) and trekking to Bhimtang.
Day 12: Trekking to Dharapani.
Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Final Departure.
Permits necessary for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Situated in the limited area of the region is the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Special permits are needed for trekkers to visit the Manaslu region. Your Manaslu Trek permit cost will change based on the number of days and months you spend in this region. Two districts that you will journey through are the Manaslu region and the Annapurna region.
To trek, foreigners must obtain three different permits. It also requires a special restricted permit, which must be obtained by at least two trekkers and a local guide. You require:
- The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- The Manaslu Special Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Furthermore, if you want to go on a side trek to Tsum Valley, you need to have special permission. Permit for the Trekkers’ Information Management System, as well.
Documents required for the Manaslu Trek
You must turn in the following paperwork to the relevant trekking agency to obtain all of those permits:
- Copies and originals of your passport.
- Points of entry and exit.
- Passport-sized images.
- Details of Travel Insurance.
- The dates that your journey begins and concludes.
- Itinerary/path.
- Emergency Details of Contact (both domestic and international).
- Additional paperwork may be needed.
Trekking Route on the Manaslu Circuit
A strenuous ascent follows the Manaslu trip’s moderate trek. Owing to its remoteness and rigorous trekking regulations, the Manaslu area is considered off the beaten path. A bus or jeep ride from Kathmandu to SotiKhola, where you can stay the night before beginning your walk, is the first leg of the majority of the Manaslu journey.
There are no more transit choices or airports in the Manaslu region. You can get a taste of the variation by beginning your walk on a lowland trail. Observing numerous monasteries and chortens will lead you to Samagaun. A popular stopover on the Manaslu trek, Samagaun is also used for acclimatization prior to mountain ascent.
The tracks are kept immaculate and perfect by the army and the villagers. You can descend to Jagat from the Larkey La Pass, which is the highest point on your walk at 5,100 meters above sea level. From Jagat, you can drive yourself back to Kathmandu via Beshisahar.
Channel of Communication in the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nowadays, the majority of teahouses include Internet WiFi access. Additionally, for a specific fee, you can purchase a SAT phone to use for communication with your friends and family. However, in this area, local phone service is scarce.
Trekkers can communicate more easily because NTC and Ncell’s mobile networks span the whole Manaslu region. But because of the unpredictable weather prediction, when you reach higher elevations, the network signal may occasionally get weaker or stop working completely.
It’s important to remember, too, that geography and weather can have an impact on the quality of internet connectivity. It is always a bad signal, regardless of where you trek—the Everest base camp, the Annapurna circuit, or the Langtang Valley.
Best season to trek Manaslu Circuit
Trekking in Manaslu is particularly popular in the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). For this reason, during these seasons, trails get crowded.
Spring (March to May):
The ideal time of year for exploring the Manaslu Circuit is now. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the local glaciers and Mount Manaslu due to the excellent weather. Bright mornings and blooming flowers are the norm. The springtime offers excellent visibility and frequently calm weather, making it possible to glimpse the Himalayan peaks.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August):
The monsoon produces warm, muggy weather with mostly cloudy and misty visibility. There is a considerable risk of leeches and landslides at this time of year. June through August is the summertime period to avoid.
Fall / Autumn (September to November):
The Manaslu trip in Nepal, which draws a lot of hikers, is likewise ideal during this time of year. A fantastic trekking climate arrives as the monsoon gradually recedes. 20°C is the highest temperature during the day and -6°C is the lowest.
The weather is usually dry and stable with clear skies. Enjoyable temperatures combined with excellent visibility offer stunning views of the neighboring mountains.
Winter (December to February):
The trek becomes nearly impossible when the temperature drops and it starts to snow. Another off-season for trekking is the winter. Snow can cause paths to vary significantly in a matter of hours because of the unpredictability of the weather.
Manaslu Trek Packing List
This list includes everything you need to bring for a Manaslu Circuit Trek in order to avoid any last-minute issues. It is recommended to use this list. You are free to change it to fit your requirements and tastes.
- Rucksack bag with a dust- and rain-resistant waterproof cover
- Sleeping bag
- T-shirts
- Warm Vest
- Thin thermal shirts
- Fleece Pullover or Jacket
- Woollen Cap
- Hiking socks made of thick, cozy wool
- Waterproof Coat
- Strolling sticks
- Waterproof shell trousers
- Pants
- Shorts for hiking
- Breathable walking pants
- Pants with tracksuits or fleece
- Slender inner socks
- Towels
- Sandals for Camp
- Hefty gloves
- Sun Hat Scarf or bandana
- Sunglasses
Food and Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek
While trekking the Manaslu Circuit, you will get Dal Bhat Tarkari, a typical Nepalese dish, as there are several options available. There are fewer teahouses and culinary alternatives available than in other regions.
Trekking region provide indigenous, Asian, and Western cuisine on their menus; however, the menus get shorter as you ascend. Tibetan cuisine, such as momo (dumplings), Chowmin, and hot vegetable and non-vegetable soup, is served during the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture.
Along the route, there are guest houses, often called tea houses, where you can stay in cozy beds and utilize the restaurant and bathing facilities (for an additional fee). Very cozy place to stay after a strenuous hiking day. Since most of the villages are home to Tibetans, you can learn a great deal about their distinctive way of life.
Though they may not have all the amenities, some guesthouses even have attached bathrooms with hot showers. In addition, many places charge an additional price for amenities like Wi-Fi, electricity, and phone access. Twin beds or numerous beds arranged in a dormitory manner are the standard bed configurations in rooms.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Every trekking path in Manaslu reaches an altitude of 5,106 meters, or the Larkya La Pass. So, trekkers may have altitude sickness as a result. Altitude sickness could strike you when traversing Larkya La Pass. Therefore, you should be aware of the symptoms of Manaslu and the acclimatization process before starting the trek.
Altitude sickness primarily manifests itself when you are above 2000 meters in altitude. For mild cases, a restful night’s sleep is necessary. To keep your illness at bay and continue on your tour, you must eat and drink enough warm water, soup, tea, etc.
The Manaslu Circuit trekking path is long, which increases the difficulty of the trek. There is a considerable amount of elevation increase across the 122 kilometers of your trip. Some days, the trekking distance reaches over 15 km.
Manaslu is less sickly than similar base camp treks in Nepal, even though it’s a high-pass climb. All because over ten days, the trek gradually ascends to 5,160 meters at Larke Pass from its starting point of 750 meters below sea level in Setikhola.
Since you’ll be trekking at high altitudes and over mountainous terrain, the acclimatization day is reserved for rest. It will also assist your body to acclimatize to the thin air in the Manaslu region if you take a rest day. Your oxygen level will progressively drop the higher you walk, therefore you need to be more mindful of your health.
But if a hiker takes the necessary precautions to acclimatize to the environment while on the trek, someone between the ages of 58 and 65 can also successfully finish this one.
FAQs:
What is Manaslu’s distance from Kathmandu?
The Manaslu trekking trailhead is approximately 126 km away from Kathmandu. Nonetheless, the aerial distance from the Kathmandu Valley is around 123 kilometers.
At Manaslu, how chilly is it?
When the trek starts, the weather is subtropical. Generally speaking, the year-round temperature range should be between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, in the winter, the highest parts of the hike will experience temperatures as low as -20 degrees.
What is the Manaslu Circuit Trek’s highest altitude?
The highest point on this trek is Larkya La Pass, which is 5106 meters above sea level.
Can I take a Manaslu Helicopter Tour?
Helicopter travel to Manaslu is, of course, feasible and open. Travelers who wish to make the most of their quick exploration of the most of the Manaslu region might consider the Manalsu Helicopter Tour. For anyone who is physically incapable of trekking to Manaslu Circuit, this vacation is ideal.
Is Trekking the Manaslu Circuit Safe?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek carries no risks overall. However, it is not advised to do it during the rainy season due to its susceptibility to landslides. Passengers are regarded as safe while walking outside of this window.
What are some ways to prevent altitude sickness while hiking?
Give up caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. Drink four or more liters of water a day, walk at your own pace and at a leisurely pace, and make sure you don’t skip the days of acclimatization.
Before I start my trek, do I need any permits?
You require both the Conservation Area Permit and the Manaslu Special Permit in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
What season is ideal for trekking Mount Manaslu?
The best seasons to go trekking in the Manaslu region are March through May and September through December. The spring season extends from March to May, and the autumn season runs from September to December. The majority of travel occurs in the spring because it’s significantly warmer than the autumn.
Final Say
As you spend each night in several Tibetan communities along the way, the route takes you up and around the base of Mount Manaslu. The last few days of the circuit are particularly breathtaking because of the breathtaking scenery as you cross the Larke Pass, also called Larkya La Pass, and ascend to elevations over 5000 meters.
When compared to the Annapurna circuit trip, the Langtang Valley walk, and the Everest base camp trek, the Manaslu circuit trek is a less popular trekking route. Being away from the bustle of the city allows you to enjoy the trip in quiet and with the beauty of nature.
The Manaslu Trek is rewarding despite its difficult nature. You feel rejuvenated on the inside after this walk and are itching to return. Because it provides an excellent track that runs through a variety of verdant settings, a forest rich in flora and animals, and mountain peaks covered with snow.
Pravin Baniya, a local and licensed tour and trek guide in Nepal, is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences and expert guidance in exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural wonders of the region.