Manaslu Circuit Trek A Complete Travel Guide

Are you planning for a rugged and remote trekking experience in the foothills of the Himalayas? Do you crave a hard adventure that entails religion, nature, geography, rural life, and majestic mountains all at once? If that is what you seek, Manaslu Circuit Trek suffices it all.

The Manaslu traverses through the rural landscape in the highlands of Mt. Manaslu lies on the border between Gorkha and Manang districts in northern Nepal. This trek gets its name from the eighth-highest mountain on the face of the earth: Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters). This travel guide will provide you with various wholesome information about Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Furthermore, you will have a detailed insight into Mount Manaslu and around.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the most sought-after treks which circumnavigates the Manaslu region traversing the famous Larkya La Pass (5106m). It follows through the Himalayan River of Buddi Gandaki and reaches the highlands of the Gorkha district nearby Manaslu mountain. Inhabited by the Tibetan-Burmans, Indo-Aryans, and Mongoloids, the Manaslu region is diverse in culture and lifestyle practices.

This region is home to various centuries-old Buddhist monasteries resembling millennium-old artistic magnificence and sacred practices of the natives. Additionally, you will achieve the feat of traversing beyond 5000 meters by the end of the trek which provides for a sense of accomplishment.

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route.

Mt. Manaslu is stationed in the northwestern territory of the Nepalese Himalayan belt. It borders Tibet to the north, neighbors Annapurna massifs to the west, and Ganesh Himal to the east. The southern section of the Manaslu area is filled with highlands and the Himalayan River cutting through deep gorges formations. Buddi Gandaki River, one of the tributaries of the Sapta Gandaki River system, originates from Mt. Manaslu. We follow along the river basin of the Buddi Gandaki River to reach the Manaslu region.

Our standard Manaslu trek begins from Barpak Village one of the biggest Gurung villages in Gorkha District. You will trek ascending and descending through hilly areas following through the villages: Barpak, Laprak, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Sama Gaon until you finally cross over Larkya La Pass to get to the other side. The trekking route leading to the Manaslu region, from Jagat to Bhimtang, is classified as a restricted area due to its direct connection with Tibet. Additionally, the entire trekking trail is safeguarded within the Manaslu Conservation Area, preserving its rich diversity of flora and fauna.

At the Top of Larkya Pass 5106 meters. 

Manaslu Trek Itinerary

When is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

For the most part, Nepal encloses the mighty Himalayas to the north but some portion of Indo- Gangetic Plains also touches the political border. Blessed with 4 mild weather patterns, namely: Summer (June - August - September), Winter (Dec - January - Feb), Autumn (September – October - November), and Spring (March - April - May), Nepal is an arcadia for trekkers throughout the year. That being said, one season is definitely better than the other when it comes to choosing the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in the Spring season (March, April, and May):

Spring in the Manaslu region is an amazing time right after the harsh winter comes to an end. The heavy snow in the higher areas subsides with an increase in the overall temperature during the Spring. The temperature in spring months is mild, with warm days and cool nights. During the lower section of the Manaslu trek, you'll be surrounded by a vibrant display of red, pink, and white hues. The hilly terrain is adorned with lush greenery, creating a picturesque setting. As a significant part of the trek falls within the Manaslu Conservation Area, you can expect to encounter numerous wildflowers and blooming trees, especially during the spring season.

Besides these, the Spring months coincide with various Nepalese festivals making your journey even more fruitful. Spring coincides with cultural and religious festivals in Nepal, such as Holi (the festival of colors) and Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat).

Another Excellent season for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn (September, October, November):

Autumn Season in Nepal is another preferred time for trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.  Right after the harsh monsoon rain, Autumn brings out lush greenery, sunny days, and mild chilly temperatures with calm weather patterns. This time of the year is marked by the biggest Nepalese festivals of Dashain and Tihar. Your trekking adventure during these times will be mesmerizing with joy and laughter all across.

The Autumn season provides the best views of the northern mountains and sunny days. There is a festive vibe everywhere and people are in a celebratory mood. Also, besides Spring, autumn is the most favored time of the year for the Himalayas trekking holidays in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter (December, January, February):

It is cold and chilly weather during winter in Nepal, particularly in the middle hills of the region. The highlands nearby the Himalayan belt receive heavy snowfall during December and January. There are high chances of adverse weather conditions such as snowfall, high winds, and occasional storms. High passes during your trek will be covered with deep snow making traverse and navigation cumbersome.

So, winter months are off-season in Nepal and the trail will be less crowded and quieter. But again, the people residing in the higher elevation may descend to lower altitudes to skip the cold, making teahouse availability low. While you have the option to choose the Manaslu Circuit trek during winter, it is highly advisable to seek assistance from a reputable trekking company. They can provide you with professional guides and necessary arrangements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Summer (June, July, August):

The summer months in Nepal are characterized by Monsoon rain. Particularly in the evening and afternoon, there is decent rainfall all across the Nepalese territory. Except for a few summer treks in Nepal like Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang, all other trekking trails are filled with muddy soil making it slippery and difficult to traverse. Additionally, high mountain areas during monsoon are prone to frequent landslides which increases the risk factor of trekking. So summer seasons are not the trekking month.

Accommodation and Food availability along the route,

Manaslu Trek is a less popular trek with a relatively low number of visitors. This is why it provides a more peaceful and remote experience to travelers. While staying in tea houses operated by the locals, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local way of life. The rooms in these tea houses are equipped with essential amenities, and you'll be served traditional food like Dal Bhat (Rice and Lentils) during your stay. Locals will also offer you local cuisines that you may find delicious and unique. Foods such as bread and jam, Momos, Thukpa, and Chowmein are also available in the tea houses. But, it’s unsure about the availability of WiFi in the high-altitude regions, while it’s available in lodges in the lower region. Camping is another exciting job to do if you’re a camping lover.

Local tea House at Bhimtang Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Difficulty of Manaslu Treks in Nepal.

Regarded as a challenging-grade trek, the Manaslu Trekking reaches its highest point at Larkya La Pass (5163m). The terrain and landscape of the trek make it challenging for the most part. You will be staying at the elevation mark beyond 3000 meters for more than 3 days depending on the itinerary planned. Apart from that, one has to make a high pass traverse along the trail to reach the other side of the Manaslu territory. The trail to Manaslu is filled with uneven paths, rocky surfaces, and narrow foot trails which makes it challenging for trekkers.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is another issue when you embark on Trekking to Manaslu. Since the elevation reaches beyond 5000 meters, there is a high chance of having altitude sickness in such conditions. It is advised to be thoroughly prepared for the challenges you may face in trekking to Manaslu.

Necessary permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek requires multiple permits for access. The section of the trek ranging from Jagat to Bhimtang is a restricted which requires a separate entry permit for access. Additionally, the entire trekking trail falls within the boundaries of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit Cost details,

December to August:
For the first 7 days: USD 75 per person
From the 8th day onward: USD 10 per person per day

November to September:
For the first 7 days: USD 100 per person
From the 8th day onward: USD 15 per person per day

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit.
As you embark on the trek through Manaslu's Conservation area, starting from Philim village, a one-time standard permit fee of USD 30 is mandatory to gain access along the route.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit.
During your descent from Larkya La Pass, you will enter another conservation area: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Analogous to the MCAP permit, access to ACAP requires you to pay a one-time permit charge of USD 30 to excess along the Annapurna Conservation area.

Bird's Eye View of Birendra Taal and Samaguan Valley

List of Gears Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek.

High Altitude traverse demands appropriate gears that can withstand the harsh weather pattern of such areas. It is paramount to prepare beforehand and gather all the requisites of a high-altitude trek. Manaslu Circuit Trek unlike other mediocre treks goes up to the elevation mark beyond 5000 meters which makes it treacherous. Below listed are the must-have gears for this trek.

• A pair of light hiking boots
• A pair of sandals
• 2 pairs of woolen socks and 2 pair of hiking socks
• 1 medium poly pro shirt
• 1 pile jacket
• 1 down jacket
• 1 woolen hat
• A pair of sunglasses
• A pair of glove shells with liner or ski gloves (opt.)
• A pair of woolen gloves
• One Trekking pack 3000 cubic inches capacity
• One Sunscreen lotion SPF 10 to 30 and One Sunscreen stick SPF 10 to 30
• Two Reading books (Optional)
• A one-liter water bottle
• A pair of trekking poles
• One flashlight
• -5 to -20c sleeping bag
• Two T-shirts and one long sleeve T/city shirt
• Two Trekking baggy pants.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek boasts a diverse landscape, cultural and geological features that are unparalleled. Trek to Manaslu bestows you with a rare opportunity to immerse in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas. Besides the natural splendors, you will explore the unseen side of the Nepalese hospitality of the natives of the area. Upon interaction with the people of Manaslu, you will discover their rich cultural heritage and humble way of life. This provides a fulfilling and wholesome trekking experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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