Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide

By Glorious Himalaya on July 19, 2019 in Trekking

Planning a trip to Manaslu? This Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide not only helps you to plan and prepare your trip accordingly but also helps on developing a mindset to tackle the challenges that the trek may bring along. 

Overview

Standing out as among the most popular and best off the beaten trails in the country, the venture of Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to the reasonably untouched region of Nepal from the lowlands to the soaring heights of Larkya La pass at 5,153 meters.

The remarkable height of Mt. Manaslu (8,156 meters) holds the record for the eighth highest mountain in the world and has a remarkable way to welcome the trekkers with its aromatic view and natural glory.

The area falls under the restricted area of the Manaslu Region and only a few people decide to go for this challenging trek which will test the physical and mental endurance of the trekkers to a new level. The rich Himalayan cultures, wildlife, flora, and fauna amidst the staggering views of mountains and the beautiful landscape integrate to Manaslu Circuit Trek taken into consideration as one of the fascinating treks.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
Manaslu Circuit TrekPermits
Manaslu Circuit Trek Duration
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Manaslu Circuit Trek Side Trips
Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time
Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Profile
Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Manaslu Circuit Trek Gear Checklist

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

  • Circumnavigation of Mt.Manaslu (8,156 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world
  • Explore the remote Himalayan wilderness, people, culture, flora, and fauna of the Manaslu Region
  • Trek from the subtropical jungle at a lower elevation, through the Himalayas foothills to the high, cold, and Challenging passing of Larkya La above 5,100 meters / 17000 ft.
  • Teahouses at an everyday stage for food and accommodation
  • Easily road accessible. 
  • Walking along Budi Gandaki River in the initial days
  • Cross several Mani Walls and Visit Buddhist Monasteries

Manaslu Circuit Trek permits

The route of Manaslu Circuit Trek takes backpackers near the Tibetan border, which is why it requires a special restricted area permit to access this route, which can be issued by a local company. 

You will also need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) Permit as well as a TIMS card the region lies in the conserved regions of Annapurna and Manaslu.

Plus: You require a special permit to enter the route at Jagat, an MCAP permit at Samagaun, and  ACAP Permit and TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System ) card while checking out from the Annapurna region.

Your guide will take over every hassle and requirement to do with your permits, 
while you just need to enjoy your trek.

NOTE: Two persons are compulsory for this trek.

Summary:

  •  Special Restricted Area Permit
  •  ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project )Permit
  •  MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project )Permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System ) Card

Manaslu Circuit Trek Duration

From your arrival to departure, you’ll require a minimum of 15 days for your overall trip. You’ll stay overall 3 nights in Kathmandu i.e arrival night, permits processing night, and the night after you’ve finished your trek. We require one whole day to get your special permits issued from Nepal immigration using your original passport during which you can have heritage sightseeing in and around the Kathmandu Valley. 

The trek itself requires a minimum of 2 weeks duration when you follow the shortcut route, which will include one acclimatization day in Samagaun. However, If you have longer holidays, you can extend your trip duration by adding Tsum Valley to your route, adding extra acclimatization days, and side trips.
We’ve carefully tailored and prepared 20 days itinerary for you below 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,360m)
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing 
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar
Day 04: Trek to Soti Khola – 5 hrs walk
Day 05: Trek to Machha Khola (990m) -5-6 hrs walk
Day 06: Trek to Jagat (1,370m) – 6 hrs walk 
Day 07: Trek to Ekkli Bhatti (1,610m) – 5 hrs walk
Day 08: Trek to Bihi (1,990m) – 6 hrs walk 
Day 09:  Trek to Lihi (2,920m) – 6 hrs walk
Day 10: Trek to Samagaun (3,500m) – 6 hrs walk
Day 11: Samagaun Exploration Day 
Day 12: Trek to Dharmasala (4,460m) – 4 hrs walk
Day  13: Trek to Bhimphedi (3,950m) via Larkya La (5,215m) – 8 hrs walk 
Day 14: Trek to Tilje (3,900m) – 5 hrs walk 
Day 15: Trek to Tal (1,725m) – 5 hrs walk 
Day 16: Trek to Jagat (1,300m) -5 hrs walk
Day 17: Trek to Bahundada (1,275m) – 5 hrs walk 
Day 18: Trek to Beshisahar – 5 hrs walk 
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu – 7 hrs drive 
Day 20: Departure Day 

For a detailed itinerary click here

Manaslu Circuit Trek Side Trips

a) Birendra Lake 
On your acclimatization day at Sama Village (Day 10), instead of just resting, it is better to do some hiking activities nearby the village. Just about half an hour hike away from the village will reward you with the gorgeous view of a Glacial Lake called Birendra Lake which is formed by the ice melting from Mt. Manaslu.

The beautiful turquoise-colored lake is a reflection of the blue sky by the water surface which is where most people spend their acclimatization day. An extra couple of hours of walk from here will take you to the Manaslu Base Camp. 

b) Manaslu Base Camp 
Manaslu Base Camp is perhaps the most appealing side trip encompassing Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. A couple of hours of a hike from the Sama Village will take you up to the lap of Mt. Manaslu where you will get some unique experience standing before the Himalayan giant.

You can also get here from Birendra Lake just after one an half hour hike. You would not want to miss this easy and exciting side trip around Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

March, April, May, and  September, October, and November are considered to be the best time to visit Nepal as the skies are mostly clear offering you wonderful views and the temperature is also very favorable.

However, October is considered to be the busiest month where the trail is filled with trekkers opting for the trek. The whole country celebrates its biggest festival Dashain and Tihar during October when you can join the celebration with the local people which will add extra colors to your trip.

While, the monsoon starts from mid-June and stays till August, making the route unfavorable for trekkers, December and January are considered to be very cold months. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Profile

Manaslu Circuit_Trek_Altitude_Chart
Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude Chart

Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation

As fewer trekkers decide to board this trekking route, the local hotels and tea house throughout the trek have limited yet optimal facilities which are primarily focused on the basic needs and requirements of trekkers.

Likewise, not many varieties are available on the menus as transportation of the foods and vegetables is difficult in the isolated and Himalayan regions of the country.

Although, new teahouses with better facilities are being established. However, the price rises as you proceed deeper into the trail, though this trek is cheaper in comparison to other treks in Nepal in terms of accommodation and food.

Manaslu region was considered among the best routes for camping trek but the need for camping declined significantly with the increased establishment of tea houses. The devastating earthquake of 2015 demolished the tea houses in the area, but almost all of them have been restored. The over-all cost yet is cheaper than the cost incurred in other treks.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

The trek is moderate and any person with moderate fitness can do this trek. We have seen people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes complete this trek. The trek is challenging but rewarding in every way.
Some prior trekking experiences will be beneficial.

However, those who don’t have any such experiences can try exercising a few weeks before the trekking which helps to boost your endurance level but also brings your body in proper shape condition. The major issue of every trek is AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness ).

But don’t worry, we’ve included enough acclimatization days for your trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Gear Checklist

Please follow this link to our gear checklist. 

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