Overview:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a less-traveled path in the Himalayas of Nepal. Throughout the journey, you will pass through various Tibetan villages and witness breathtaking scenery, particularly during the final days of the trek when you ascend to altitudes exceeding 5000 meters while crossing the Larke Pass, also referred to as Larkya La Pass. It is surrounded by various peaks such as Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himal Chuli, Shringi, Annapurna II, Himlung, Rani Peak, Boudha Himal, and many others.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a chance to explore a less explored region that is filled with a unique culture, Buddhist traditions, breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning views of snow-capped mountains. This trek takes you through rural villages inhabited by different ethnic groups, dense forests, river crossings, numerous suspension bridges, and the Larkey La Pass, where you can witness the majestic Mt. Manaslu (8183m), the 8th highest mountain in the world.

The Manaslu region is situated in the central part of Nepal and is located on the northern side of the Gorkha district. It encompasses the sub-tropical Himalayan foothills and extends to the trans-Himalayan high meadow that borders Tibet to the north. The elevation in this region ranges from 700m to 8,183m. The eastern border is formed by the Budhi Gandaki river, while the western side is bordered by Ganesh Himal.

Why Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The journey takes you from the hot and humid plains with their stepped rice and millet fields, through the impressive canyons of the Budhi Gandaki River, where you can find breathtaking waterfalls and turquoise waters. The ascent of Manaslu features suspension bridges that are unparalleled in terms of length and height, and the annual monsoon often destroys smaller bridges, making it necessary for hikers to cross using partially submerged boulders.

Even though it was only accessible to 400 trekkers at a time in 1992, this walk still feels like a pioneering expedition. This trek offers a visually stunning experience reminiscent of trekking in the 1980s, but it requires good physical fitness. The route takes you gradually northward towards the snow-covered Larkya La Pass, near the Tibetan border. Despite the challenges posed by the high altitude, the breathtaking views of Manaslu make it all worthwhile. Larkya La Pass, standing at 5167 meters, is usually covered in snow and can be slippery. 

Micro crampons are often used during the descent. To reach the highest point of the pass before the winds pick up, which usually happens around mid-morning, an early start at 3 am is necessary. Although it is possible to have a clear view of the path you came from, the most stunning sight is seen when you leave the key and continue along a corridor to the west. Suddenly, a massive glacial cirque appears. Annapurna II stands tall in the front, while a magnificent wall formed by Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru descends with a stream of glaciers. This view alone makes the journey worthwhile.

Key Points:

• This circuit is not as crowded as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. Although it is becoming more popular, it is still a good time to trek this circuit before it becomes mainstream.
• This trek is a remote and off-the-beaten-path adventure. However, there are tea houses available in every village along the route. This means that you can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in a bed with blankets, have access to showers, indulge in delicious meals at restaurants, and conveniently charge your electronics and cameras.
• You can reach the trailhead by car, eliminating the need to spend money on costly domestic flights.
• During the initial days of the circuit, you will follow the trail that runs alongside the Buri Gandaki river in a deep gorge. This section includes several suspension bridge crossings. Towards the end of the trek, you will encounter snowy terrain, but you can still continue with regular hiking boots. Throughout this part, you will be able to admire the breathtaking snowy mountains that surround the trail.
• As you trek, you will witness a dynamic landscape that transitions from a subtropical jungle at lower elevations to the majestic Himalayan foothills. Your journey will culminate at the Larkya La, situated at an impressive altitude of 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.

Best Time to visit:

Autumn and spring are considered the best times of year to visit Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley. Spring occurs before the monsoon, while autumn follows it. However, it doesn’t mean that other seasons are not suitable, despite being challenging.

• Spring:

Spring, with its great weather and blooming rhododendron flowers, is an ideal time for hiking. However, it’s important to note that there may still be snow on the road from the previous winter season.

• Monsoon:

The monsoon season in Nepal lasts from early June to late August and is characterized by heavy rainfall. As a result, you should anticipate encountering light to heavy rain along the way, which can make the trail muddy and dampen your belongings. Moreover, the sky tends to become hazy, obstructing visibility of any sights.

• Autumn:

The best time to go trekking in Manaslu is during the autumn season, which typically lasts from late August to late November. During this time, the weather is usually clear and calm, providing excellent visibility and a peaceful atmosphere. As always, the views of the surrounding landscapes are absolutely stunning and will leave you in awe.

• Winter (late November to late February):

In general, colder temperatures persist throughout the year at higher elevations. However, during the winter, the situation becomes even more intricate. Nevertheless, the visibility improves and the sky remains clear. Nonetheless, if it starts snowing, the trail will be inaccessible until spring.

Difficulty Level:

The difficulty level of the Manaslu trek is considered to be moderate to difficult. Although it is not considered the most challenging trek, the continuous uphill and downhill sections of the trail can test your limits and endurance. Trekking in the Manaslu region requires both physical and mental strength. It is perfect for adventure enthusiasts and regular hikers can easily complete it without any difficulties. However, newcomers may find the walk challenging. To prepare for the excursion, it is recommended to engage in regular exercise and jogging. 

The difficulty level of the walk may also depend on factors such as your physical condition, the weight you are carrying, the condition of the trail (e.g. presence of snow), your hiking gear and equipment, your acclimatization process, the food you choose, and other relevant factors. This is an adventure tour in the Himalayas that offers isolation, diverse nature, Himalayan culture and customs, magnificent rivers, breathtaking snow-covered Himalayas, and rugged Larkey La Pass. The difficulty of the trek is determined by factors such as the distance of the walk, the weather during the trekking season, and the altitude.

This trek covers approximately 177 kilometers and should be completed in 12 days. However, the pace may vary depending on individual preferences. The journey starts at Larkey La Pass, which has an elevation ranging from 930 to 5100 meters. To complete the trek, you will need to cover a distance of 13 to 15 kilometers each day. The difficulty level of this trek increases as you reach higher altitudes. Therefore, it is important to be physically fit and prepared for uphill hiking before embarking on the trek.

Permits:

The Manaslu Restricted Permit is a special permit issued by the Government of Nepal to preserve and promote the authenticity of the Manaslu region. The cost of the permit varies depending on the season and the duration of stay between Jagat and Samdo. The Manaslu Restricted Permit is a special permit issued by the Government of Nepal to protect and promote the authenticity of the Manaslu region. The cost of the permit varies depending on the season and the number of days you will be staying between Jagat and Samdo. From September to November, the cost is 100 USD for the first seven days and an additional 15 USD per person per day thereafter. From December to August, the cost is 75 USD for the first seven days and an additional 10 USD per person per day thereafter.

• MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit):

To obtain permission in the Manaslu region during your trek, it is important to obtain an MCAP card. You will need to check the MCAP permit at the check post of Arughat, Gorkha. The cost of an MCAP permit remains the same throughout the year. If you are traveling with a local travel agency, they will arrange all the necessary permits and access to enter the Manaslu Region. To obtain an MCAP and ACAP entry permit and TIMS card, trekkers must submit a copy of their passport and two passport-size photographs.

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit):

Similar to an MCAP permit, the ACAP permit is another essential document that you must obtain in order to reach the summit after crossing the Larkey la pass. Until you reach the top of Larkey, you will be in the Gorkha district, which is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area. After crossing Larkey Pass, you will enter the Manang district, which falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area. Therefore, the ACAP permit is also required for this trek. Like the MCAP permit, the cost of the ACAP permit remains the same throughout the year.

Guide and Porter:

Trekking in the Manaslu region is a difficult task. However, with the assistance of experienced team members, delicious food and drinks, relaxation, and acclimatization, you can explore the most famous trekking route in the world. As usual, the porter will help you carry your belongings. Most tour guides are knowledgeable professionals who can communicate in English fluently. It is important to remember that the guide and porter expect generous tips from you at the end of the journey. These individuals put in a great deal of effort and strive to safely guide you and your group through the challenging mountainous terrain. A guide is mandatory for this trek. It is important to follow the government-imposed law, which requires lone hikers to be part of a group with at least two other hikers and an experienced guide. This also means that you must pay the Manaslu trek guide fee.

Altitude Sickness:

Yes, definitely! Since you will be at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters above sea level, it is important to be cautious about altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a common problem during the Manaslu trek, but there are various ways to prevent it. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which can range from mild to severe. These symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and other signs. If your condition becomes urgent, it is necessary to seek help and be rescued. To prevent altitude sickness, it is important to follow several measures. Firstly, maintain a nutritious diet and eat properly. Stay hydrated consistently. Avoid consuming alcohol at higher altitudes. Gradually increase your pace while ascending. Take time to relax and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.

Food and Accommodation:

Because there are fewer tourists visiting the area compared to the Everest Region, there are limited teahouses and dining options available when trekking the Manaslu Circuit. As a result, typical Nepali cuisine Dal Bhat Tarkari will be served. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will receive a warm welcome and be transferred to a hotel. During your stay in Kathmandu, you will have various options for accommodation, including 5-star homestays for overnight stays. However, our standard offering is 3-star accommodation with a complimentary breakfast.

Foreign trekkers are not allowed in Manaslu due to its boundary with the Autonomous area of Tibet. Entry into the Manaslu region is subject to strict regulations and a special permit is required for the Manaslu circuit trip. The Manaslu Circuit Trail is known for its isolation, difficulty, and tight requirements, making it a less crowded and less frequented trail. In addition, the majority of individuals in this region are of Tibetan origin and follow Tibetan traditions, customs, and religion. 

The area is adorned with magnificent monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and other cultural landmarks, as well as less populated communities. This trek offers a limited number of lodges and tea shops. As you climb higher, there will naturally be fewer accommodations and facilities. Nevertheless, all the resorts at higher altitudes comply with tourism regulations and are predominantly managed by local families.

Packing List:

Since this trek is graded as moderately difficult in the Manaslu region, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary items for the trek and avoid bringing unnecessary items. Proper management of trekking gear and equipment is crucial for this trek. When packing, it is important to understand that a well-prepared packing list can make your trek enjoyable, while a poorly packed one can make it miserable. Additionally, it is important to note that you will be trekking in Manaslu, so there is no need to bring any climbing gear that is not necessary for you. As you will be staying in tea houses every night, you do not need to bring a lot of things. Generally, for clothing, you can bring a pair of base layers, a second layer, and an outermost layer. Here is a packing list that is essential for most trekking trails in Nepal, including this trek.

• A set of hiking pants and shorts.
• In the normal trekking season, it is also beneficial to have a waterproof shell jacket and raincoat. There may be instances of unexpected rainfall.
• Trekking shirts made of lightweight polyester.
• Underwear and a minimum of 4 pairs of socks are necessary.
• Bring a pair of hiking shoes, sunglasses, sandals, a trekking bag, and any regular medication you may be taking.
• Gloves, hat, neck, and mount cover are necessary to protect your face from the strong wind.
• Sleeping bag, toilet paper, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, suncream, and hand sanitizer for your everyday needs.
• If you want to drink regular water, the most useful things are a water bottle and a water purifier.

Conclusion:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable journey through some of Nepal’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. From lush forests and cascading waterfalls to rugged terrain and towering peaks, every step along the trail is imbued with a sense of adventure and wonder. The unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of the local communities, creates an enriching experience for trekkers of all levels. Whether you’re seeking a physical challenge or a spiritual retreat, this trek promises to exceed your expectations and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So lace up your boots, embark on this epic adventure, and discover the magic of the Manaslu region for yourself.”

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