Prepare for an unimaginable journey with the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a shocking 12-20 day journey across the majestic Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak towering at 8,163 meters.
Kicking off within the bustling market city of Machha Khola and winding down within the peaceable village of Syange, this trek is a hidden gem for explorers. In comparison with the busier Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu route gives equally breathtaking views with fewer crowds, letting you soak within the Himalayan magnificence in tranquility.
Right here’s every thing it is advisable to know to plan your journey!
Right here’s an outline:
Trekking in Manaslu
The Manaslu area is a restricted space, and as such, you’ll be able to’t hike the Manaslu Circuit Trek alone. It’s essential to have at the least one one that’s been permitted by the federal government with you. There are two methods to do that:
Strolling in Manaslu is like discovering a hidden gem within the Himalayas. It’s robust, however the wonderful views of Mount Manaslu and different snowy mountains make it completely value it. You’ll additionally go via cute villages and meet pleasant individuals.
12 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary may be custom-made to fit your wants and health degree. Nevertheless, a typical 12-day itinerary contains the next:
Manaslu Circuit Map
The Manaslu Circuit Map is out there on-line and in guidebooks. It’s important to have a map with you on the trek, as it should enable you to to navigate the path and keep on monitor.
One of the best ways to the Manaslu Circuit is to fly to Kathmandu after which take a bus or jeep to Machha Khola. The journey takes about 8 hours. There is no such thing as a airport at the start line.
Finest Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
The perfect time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is from September to November or from March to Could. These are the dry seasons in Nepal, and the climate is mostly nice throughout these months.
Autumn/Fall
The perfect time to go mountaineering in Nepal is from September to November. The climate is often dry and sunny, with nice views. It’s additionally safer as a result of there are fewer pure disasters throughout this time.
The one draw back of mountaineering Manaslu throughout the very best time (September to November) is that the allow prices just a little extra ($100 per week as a substitute of $75). And because it’s the preferred time, extra individuals is likely to be on the path.Â
Spring
The spring (March to Could) can be a very good time to hike, however it’s a bit colder, particularly up excessive. Mornings are sunny, and there are many flowers. Nevertheless, there’s additionally a better likelihood of rain or snow, and melting ice may cause landslides or avalanches.
Summer time
It’s best to keep away from mountaineering from June to August due to the monsoon season. It’s sizzling and wet, and clouds and fog make it laborious to see something. Leeches are additionally a giant drawback, and landslides are a threat. The Manaslu area was severely broken within the 2015 earthquake, making landslides much more hazardous in moist climate.
Winter
Within the winter (December to February), it will get actually chilly, particularly at greater altitudes. There’s a number of snow and ice, so it’s not a very good time to hike the Manaslu Circuit.
Manaslu Circuit Value
The price of the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies relying on quite a few elements, together with the size of the trek, the kind of lodging, and the variety of individuals in your group. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to spend round $1,500 to $2,000 for a 13-day trek.
To trek within the Manaslu area, you want a Restricted Space Allow (RAP) and a Manaslu Conservation Space Allow (MCAP). These permits may be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Issue
So, how tough is the Manaslu Circuit Trek? This trek is taken into account average to difficult. It includes some steep ascents and descents, and you have to to be in good bodily situation to finish it. Nevertheless, it’s not as tough because the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is about 180 kilometers lengthy, which is round 110 miles. Every day is a special size, however a match walker ought to count on to stroll for six to 7 hours on most days, with some days being tougher than others.
The Path
The path is often in fine condition, so that you don’t want any particular mountaineering abilities. There are just a few locations the place it is likely to be a bit trickier, like when the path goes round landslides. The bottom generally is a bit slippery there, so watch out.
The Effort
The path rises from 700 meters to five,106 meters, presenting a big problem to your physique. And it’s not simply going up. You’ll go up and down lots, particularly at first, to cross rivers and climb hills.Â
It’s essential to be in fine condition to do that trek, however you don’t should be an expert athlete. Folks of all ages and health ranges can do it. A very powerful factor is to hike at your individual tempo.
How A lot Weight Will You Carry?
Your bodily health is essentially the most important consider how laborious the trek will likely be. For those who carry all of your stuff, it is going to be tougher. To make it simpler, think twice about what you want and attempt to pack as flippantly as potential.
The trek will likely be a lot simpler in case you have a information and a porter that will help you carry your stuff. You’ll solely want to hold a small backpack with just a few necessities, so anybody with a average health degree can take part.
What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit?
It’s best to pack quite a lot of garments for the Manaslu Trek, because the climate situations change ceaselessly. You’ll positively want good mountaineering boots and poles, a heat sleeping bag, a very good jacket, thermal layers, and a fleece jacket.Â
Don’t neglect a water bottle with a filter, sun shades, and different solar safety. You may additionally want gloves, a hat, mini crampons for the Larkya La go, a digicam, a telephone, further batteries, and a very good guide.
Associated learn: Gear Information: Should Haves for Tenting and Mountain climbing
Lodging on Manaslu Circuit
The lodging on the Manaslu Circuit are easy but comfy. You’ll principally keep in teahouses and guesthouses alongside the path. These locations often have small rooms with shared loos.
Lodging at Dharamsala/Larke Phedi (4460 m)
Dharamsala, the final place to remain earlier than crossing the Larkya La, has restricted lodging choices. There was once just one outdated lodge with tents exterior and a few darkish, smelly rooms. Now there are two newer lodges, but when the path is busy, they is likely to be full.
It’s best to plan to reach in Dharamsala early to get a room or have somebody out of your group go forward. Discuss to your information about today upfront.
Getting a Manaslu Circuit Information
A Manaslu Circuit Information may be actually useful on the trek. An expert information could make your journey protected and straightforward, and you’ll study extra concerning the historical past, tradition, and geography of the locations.
Select a Information
For those who’re planning a trekking journey in Nepal, we extremely suggest trying out Locations Nepal Trek and Excursions. We used their providers not too long ago and have been extremely impressed.Â
Not solely did they deal with all of the logistics seamlessly, however their guides have been educated, skilled, and extremely useful. Whether or not you’re a seasoned trekker or simply beginning out, they’ll be sure that your journey is unforgettable. Plus, being primarily based in Kathmandu, they’re straightforward to seek out and speak to in individual.
Manaslu Circuit Allow Value
To do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you want three permits per individual. Your trekking company can get them for you.
Restricted Space Allow for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)
You want a Restricted Space Allow as a result of Manaslu shares a border with Tibet. You want this allow between Jagat and Dharapani.
The value for the Restricted Space Allow depends upon the season:
For those who’re doing the usual 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, 7 days within the restricted space is sufficient, so that you don’t have to pay for further days.
You possibly can solely get the Restricted Space Allow from the Division of Immigration via a licensed trekking company like Locations Nepal Trek & Excursions. You’ll want to indicate your passport and insurance coverage.
You want at the least two individuals to get the Restricted Space Allow, however there’s a workaround in the event you’re trekking alone. If the company has guides trekking with solo vacationers on the similar time, they’ll apply for the allow as in the event that they have been collectively after which hike individually. For those who’re touring alone, speak to your information and their firm about these choices.
Manaslu Conservation Space Mission (MCAP Allow)
The MCAP Allow helps defend the surroundings and enhance the lives of the native individuals.
The MCAP Allow prices 3000 NPR per individual (solely in native forex). You may get it your self on the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, or your information can get it for you. You’ll want your passport and two passport pictures.
Annapurna Conservation Space Mission (ACAP Allow)
The Manaslu Circuit goes via the Annapurna Conservation Space close to Bimthang on the best way to Dharapani. You want a allow for this space till you attain Besisahar.
The ACAP Allow additionally prices 3000 NPR per individual (solely in native forex). You may get it your self on the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, or your information can get it for you. You’ll want your passport and two passport pictures. It appears similar to the MCAP allow.
Tradition and Folks on Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu area has many various cultures and folks. You’ll meet individuals from totally different teams, like Sherpas, Tamangs, and Gurungs. The locals are often pleasant and welcoming.
The upper components of the trek undergo a area with a powerful Tibetan Buddhist tradition. You’ll see lovely monasteries, lengthy mani partitions, meditation caves, prayer flags in all places, and folks chanting Buddhist mantras.

Altitude Illness on Manaslu Circuit
Altitude illness is frequent on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The very best level is Larkya La Move, which stands at 5,106 meters in peak. It’s important to go slowly and get used to the altitude to keep away from getting sick.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable journey via the guts of the Himalayas, circling the awe-inspiring Mount Manaslu. From the energetic streets of Machha Khola to the tranquil village of Syange, this 12-20 day journey gives gorgeous views, wealthy cultural encounters, and a peaceable escape from the crowds of the Annapurna Circuit.
With the proper preparation—permits, a trusted information, and a well-packed bag—you’re set for an epic expertise. So, seize your mountaineering boots, embrace the problem, and let the magic of Manaslu create recollections you’ll cherish without end!