Manaslu region of Nepal is one of the hottest restricted regions of Nepal. There are many trekking regions in Nepal which are listed as the restricted area. The major reason behind keeping the place as the restricted region is the geo – political issues. In this blog, you will find out all the details and things to know before Manaslu Trek.
Most of the regions bordering Nepal and Tibet (Autonomous region of the People’s Republic China) are listed as the restricted place. Additionally, the unique culture and traditions as well as the natural resources are the major reason behind keeping these places as the protected region. Manaslu region, Kanchenjunga, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, and Upper Dolpo are the major restricted regions of Nepal. Among these places, Manaslu region is slowly becoming the hottest trekking destinations of Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek are the major trekking routes of Nepal. In this list, the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek route is also gaining lots of popularity among trekkers from across the globe. Therefore, there are many inquiries about the region. This blog will help you to plan for the Manaslu Trek! You can find all things to know before Manaslu Trek in this blog.
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How to reach Machhakhola from Kathmandu?
Do you know that Aarughat is the trailhead of the classical Manaslu Trek but nowadays trekkers can directly reach to Machhakhola for Manaslu Trek? Yes, you can reach the famous trail head of the Manaslu Trek the Machhakhola Village from Kathmandu either by a jeep or by local bus. The total road distance between Kathmandu and Machhakhola is about 160 kilometers.
The road condition from Kathmandu to Aarughat is well maintained but the road condition from Aarughat to Machhakhola via Aarkhet and Soti Khola is bumpy. It is on the banks of Budi Gandaki River. You can either choose to take the local bus or private jeep to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu. It costs about $15 on a local bus and if you choose to go by the jeep then it costs about $200 to $250 for one way drop to Machha Khola from Kathmandu.
Is it possible to reach Jagat from Kathmandu on a jeep?
Yes, it is possible to reach Jagat from Kathmandu. The total hiking distance of Manaslu region has decreased due to the construction of the road network on the Larke La Pass Highway. Therefore, you can now book a jeep to Jagat from Kathmandu. Please note that you can’t get the local bus ticket to Jagat but if you are on a private jeep then you can directly reach the Jagat Village from Kathmandu. It can save a night’s expense for the Manaslu Trek in Nepal.
Basic Requirements for Manaslu Trek in Nepal
The Manaslu region of Nepal is under the restricted trekking region. Therefore, you must fulfill basic requirements for Manaslu Trek in Nepal. It is necessary for you to understand about the things to know before Manaslu Trek in Nepal.
Note that you are not allowed to do solo independent trekking in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Trekking is possible in the Manaslu region if you are in a group of at least two trekkers. Solo trekking is strictly prohibited. In addition, your trekking trip must be organized by the Nepal Government registered trekking agency. You can get the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit but you can’t get the special restricted area permit.
Physical Requirements for Manaslu Trek
Manaslu circuit trek is a high altitudes and challenging terrain in Nepal. The trek involves 5-7 hours long daily walk over the steep and rugged trekking trail that goes up to 5106 meters. So, you should be physically and mentally fit beforehand.
To overcome with such challenges, you should do physical training at least 8 weeks before the trek. Focusing on cardiovascular exercise such as walking on stair, running, swimming and cycling can help to build your stamina.
Additionally, train your leg to strengthen by participating on long hikes with uphill walks. And gradual walk and proper acclimatization is crucial for a safe and enjoyable Manaslu journey.
How much does the Manaslu Permit cost?
Don’t forget about permit cost while understanding the things to know before Manaslu Trek in Nepal. You have to buy MCAP permit and Special Restricted area permit for Manaslu trekking in Nepal. The cost of Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) is Nepalese Currency 3000 for foreigners and 1500 for the SAARC nationals.
The cost of special permit for Manaslu is 100 USD for peak season and 75 $ for off season (winter and monsoon). This is the cost for 10 days and if it exceeds then you will have to pay 15 $ and 10 $ extra for peak season and off season respectively for each day.
What happens if I don’t have special restricted permit in Manaslu Trek?
You will be penalized if found that you are trekking without the special restricted permit in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The cost of the permit is doubled and you will have to face the legal actions if found that you are trekking without the special restricted permit in Manaslu Trekking region.
Can I do Tsum Valley Trek during Manaslu Circuit Trek?
You can book the Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek package in the Manaslu region of Nepal that consists of both itineraries. Normally, you have to add at least 4 to 5 days extra during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal to add Tsum Valley section.
Why should I buy Annapurna Trekking Permit for Manaslu Trek?
Upon crossing the Larke La Pass (5106 m), trekkers enter the Annapurna region of Nepal. You can also do the Annapurna Circuit Trek after the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. The journey spans between Manaslu and Annapurna region of Nepal. Therefore, you must get the ACAP permit alongside the MCAP and Special Restricted Permit for Manaslu Trek.
How long does it take to reach Manaslu Base Camp from Samagaon?
You must do the acclimatization if you are on the high altitude trekking in Nepal. Trek from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake is the part of the acclimatization hike. It takes about 8 to 9 hours to do the round trip from Samagaon to base camp and back to the village.
What are the major trekking routes of the Manaslu Region of Nepal?
Major trekking routes of the Manaslu region of Nepal are Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Tsum Valley Trek route. You can customize the trek including the 2015 earthquake epicenter Barpak village inside the region. The Ganga Jamuna Waterfall and surrounding low altitude Manaslu trek routes are also possible for travelers to trek.
What are the things to know before Manaslu Trek in Nepal?
You can’t trek solo or independently in the restricted region of Manaslu. Make sure that you buy the trekking package. If you buy the package then you can enjoy the trek without troubles of logistics.
Please follow our blogs to know more about trekking and tours in Nepal. Our blogs are written by the travel planners and trekking guides who have been working in the field of Nepalese tourism for more than a decade. It is wise to understand things to know before Manaslu Trek.
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