Manaslu Circuit Trek

Being one of the strenuous treks in the lap of Himalayan region, Manaslu Circuit Trek walks you to the vicinity of Mt. Manaslu (8156m). Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in Nepal. Likewise, it is termed as the mountain of spirit in Nepal. Less explored and untouched off the beaten trekking path in the Manaslu Region lets you observe the traditional Buddhist and Hindus culture. In addition to that, your chance to cross Larke La Pass during Manaslu circuit trek at the elevation of 5160m makes this trek unforgettable trip ever. From the top of Larke La pass, the 360 panoramas of towering Himalayan and natural paradise will be awesome. If you wish for getting pure adventure then Manaslu is the right option. Pristine flowers, wild animals, towering waterfalls, typical home stays, monasteries and the Himalayan landscapes are truly amazing. The part of Manaslu circuit trek falls under Manaslu conservation area. As a matter of fact, Manaslu Conservation Area is the home to 11 types of forests. Likewise, these forests are home to Himlayan Thar, Snow leopard, and Blue Sheep. In addition to that, you’ll walk through traditional villages in Manaslu region. Similarly, you can interact with local peoples whose lifestyle and culture akin to Tibetans. Manaslu circuit trek is the restricted area trekking so, you’ll need a special permit to trek in this region. Similarly, you will need to buy Trekker Permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek if you wish to trek alone otherwise, guide is compulsory while trekking in this region.

Why someone choose Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit is off-the-beaten-path and less crowed trek than more well-known Everest Region and Annapurna region. However, you will spend night in teahouses in each village along the way you have access to showers, eat great meals in a lodges and teahouses, and can charge your electronics and cameras.

• More wilderness experience with authentic Himalayan nature and culture. 
• Experience the culture preserve by Tibetan Tribes and the valley is renowned by a holy place.   
• Experience the deep lush valleys at lower elevations, and amazing views of 8,000m peaks, and a 5,100m+ pass crossing—all the while remaining largely unspoiled by visitors.
• Experience the Authentic culture of the Tibetan along the way and takes you around Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest mountain at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft).
• The trail head and return from can be reached by local vehicle so there is no need to pay for expensive domestic flights
• The scenery and way of life of local people is constantly changing as you go ahead up to Larkya La pass and finish your trek.

What Makes The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Special?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek considers the one of the best treks in Nepal. The trek has all the features you’d except from a best Himalayan trek- off the beaten path , deep lush valleys at lower elevations, breathtaking views of eight thousener peaks, and intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture and a 5,100 m  Himalayan pass crossing compared to the other popular treks in Nepal.  The trek takes you world 8th highest Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).Anyone can join group departures during the autumn (September-October-November) and spring (March-April-May) as well as private treks that can run on any date on your preference. 

Why Manaslu circuit trek is restricted?

Travellers in Nepal are allowed to trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in group in various sizes. However, the certain trekking regions known as Restricted Areas which are highly regulated by the Government of Nepal hence  the independent trekkers are not allowed in Restricted Areas and trekkers are subject to obtain a special entry permit. Interested trekkers should contact the authorized trekking agencies with a minimum 2 trekkers in a group, accompanied by licensed trekking guide. Additionally, your permit must be processed by registered trekking agency after fulfilling all the necessary formalities. Trekkers need three different permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and as additional one for Expand to Tsum Valley.  Trekkers must follow the conditions of restricted area declared by Nepal Government.

How Long Is the Manaslu Circuit trek? 

The whole Manaslu Circuit Trek can be done in 12-18 days. This includes 2 days getting to and back from trail. However, longer itinerary include an extra acclimazatin day  and side trips including Tsum Valley.  The longer itinerary allows you to continuing walk from Aru Ghat rather than taking transport. Now a days many trekkers start from Soti Khola from Kathmandu which save a day and it allows you to spend extra day elsewhere in the trek.The itinerary is customizable according to your time schedule, interests and your previous trekking experience.  There are many routes to enter and exit but the shorter itinerary could be rushing and perhaps missing out on some of experience like day trips (Death Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Pungyan Gompa,Lamjung La, Hinang Gompa and Hiunchuli Base Camp). If you do more leisurely, 14 days is best way to do this trek. If you are flexible, consider a side trip to wonderful T-sum Valley.  This will also increase the duration of your treks.

What Is The Best Season for The Manaslu Circuit Trekking?  

The best time to do trekking in Nepal is Autumn (September-November). Generally, the weather is clear,warm and sunny days and excellent visibility. These time of the year has lower chances of weather related natural disasters which makes sense much safer  trekking  environment. The Manaslu restricted area permit is $100 per week during this period compared to all other times is just $75per week  .It is the busiest time but it’s still less crowed than other treks in Nepal. 

Spring (March-May) 

The spring season from March to May is also considered the best season for trekking. The weather is generally clear.  The flowers are blooming, bluish skies, food sunlight more visibility and green landscapes and transparent mountains driven hundreds of trekkers to the trails here and become one of the busiest period. 

Summer (June-August)

Summer is much about rainfall and cloudy season in Nepal. This time known for warm days and wettest weather according to records. The mountains are often behind of clouds however, mountains open up nicely after rainfall and that is great to watch. The trekking trails are slippery, muddy, and wet due to regular rainfall and visibility may extremely poor. Leeches and landslides is also anther problem at time of the year.  
The trekking trails are not crowded on the summer like other season but the travellers walking around the Manaslu due to its religious prospects. Anyone can do the trek to accepting the challenges with greater preparation (consider more days and upgrade your gear and equipment’s)

Winter (December to February)

December to February the country the country records the coldest time of the year. The temperatures in higher altitudes plunge. Snow and ice can make even harder but the views can be stunning after snowfall. The temperatures at higher altitude like sama gaun and Larkela pass is below but its normal during winter.
You can expect snow loaded mountains which look like newly decorated for Christmas. 

What kind of documents and permit needed Manaslu Circuit Trek ?

Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost are different (trekking permit Fees) applicable as your trekking route and time of your trek. Trekkers must have valid Nepal visa for sufficient number of days covering the trekking schedule. 

Conditions to be followed by Trekkers

1. Trekkers should respect local customs and traditions and must not indulge in any activity that goes against the established norms and culture of the society. It is important for trekkers to berespectful of local customs and traditions while traveling. They should not participate in any activities that contradict the norms and culture of the Community.
2. Individual trekking is strictly forbidden in Restricted Areas.There should be minimum two trekkers to do trekking
3.  Daily remuneration, safety gears and appropriate clothes, Personal Accident insurance must be provided to Nepali citizen accompanying travel group as guide/porter/any other supporting roles.
4. Trekkers should trek only in the specified or designated route as per the Trekking Permit. They are not allowed to change route. Or concerned trekking agency/trekking guide accompanying the group must not let trekkers change the route.
5. Trekkers and hikers trekking in a restricted area must comply with instructions given by authorized Officials
6. Mountaineers with expedition permit should get trekking permit as well if they have to pass through Restricted Areas to climb peaks. In this case, they do not need to pay fees for (Trekking) Permit.

Authorized agencies can apply for trekking permits along with following documents

1. Online application form (trekkers) Link to Trekking Permit Application
2. Copy of Passport
3. Copy of  valid Visa sufficient to cover trekking days
4. Name lists of trekkers  
5. Program Schedule of trekking
6. Guarantee letter of Agency
7. Agreement with Agency
8. Tax clearance Certificate of Trekking Agency
9. Documents relating to insurance of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepalese staff accompanying the trekkers
10. License issued by The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation to operate trekking business
11. License issued by Nepal Rastra Bank allowing exchanging of foreign currencies
12. Program schedule of trekking
13. Registration Certificate of Permanent Account Number
14. Voucher of Bank payment (fees) for permits

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) Manaslu Trek permit is valid from Jagat until cross to Sama Gaun Annapurna Conservation Area starts after cross the Sama Guan then trackers need ACAP permit.  The cost of permit depends on the number of days you spend on Jagat to Dharapani and the month (September, October and November) and (December to August) of the year.Here are the details of permit fees quoted in USD but payable in Nepali rupees too.

Manaslu Circuit spacial permit Cost:

September, October and November: 100 USD per person for the first seven days and an additional 15 USD per person per day from the 8th day onwards.

December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August: 75 USD per person for the first seven days and an additional 10USD per person per day from the 8th day onwards.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) 

Manaslu Conservation Area permits cost 

Manaslu Conservation Area Project starts from Philim  and its cost is 30USD per person same throughout the year. There is no restriction in number of days you spend inside MCAP.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit is required from Dharapani to until exit to Besi Sahar. And its cost is 30USD per person same throughout the year. There is no restriction in number of days you spend inside ACAP.

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu combines with Tsum Valley

September, October and November: 140 USD per person for the first seven days and an additional 7 USD per person per day from the 8th day onwards.

December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August: 105 USD per person for the first seven days and an additional 7 USD per person per day from the 8th day onwards.

Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Accommodation

Manaslu is one of the tea houses trekking, each night you will be stay in tea houses run by the local communities along the route. You will sleep in the comfortable bed after long day of hiking.   There is a hot water in every teahouse for showers but they will charge you the extra fees.
The tea house is comfortable but basic two bedrooms in each room. The toilets are mostly common and shared outside of teahouse or room. Foods will served in dining area and heating facilities also only available in this area.  You will also stay in common community places along the way (Dharmasala). To know more about tea house read our article on What is tea house trekking

Food 

You will get authentic Nepalese food as well as common international Cuisine (Tibetan, continental, Indian and Italian etc.) Very common food is Dal Bhat, the combination of Dal (lentils) Veg curry, pickle, rice and vegetables.  The Dal Bhat set comes with guaranteed refill of rice, lentils and vegetables and usually the lentils and vegetables varies depending on their garden. Your breakfast and lunch will served from the menu of tea houses or guest house where you stay and lunch will serve in small teahouses along the trail. You can expect porridge, pancakes, omelets, boiled eggs, and various breads like Tibetan, buckwheat bread, chapattis etc.)in breakfast. 
Hot drinks are common on the menu at every teahouse and other shops along the way. You will get from regular black tea, coffee masala tea, lemon tea, ginger honey tea, and hot chocolate.
Snacks are not widely available in Manaslu circuit Trek. It’s good to bring From Kathmandu as your preference for whole trek.
To know more about food and manu read our article Food guide on trekking in Himalayas 

Water

The trek is physically high so its demand penalty of water. Beginning of the trek at lower altitude can be hot and no need a lot of water. When you cross 2,500m altitudes you might feel less thirsty and drinking lots of water helps your body to acclimatize. You can fill the water directly from tap along the way and teahouses and guest houses. We will provide you the water purification tablets as your necessity. 

Toilets & hot shower

The toilets facilities are often shared rather than en-suite on Manaslu Region. Some tea houses have inside the main building and sometimes in an outside and someone have western style and some have squat. Things tend to become basic in higher altitude. some of the tea house have hot shower avilable on lower eveletion but when you are in high pass there is no hot shower. 

Is Wi:Fi and Electricity Availability in Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Wifi

Wifi is available at most of the teahouses at Manaslu Circuit Trek. Some of them charges extra fees for wifi and some of them provide a free of cost but the speed of wifi may be very slow.  You can buy the Nepali SIM cards before start the trek which also help you to connect with loves one. Some places like Samagaun, Samdo and Lo have good wifi connection. 

Electricity and charging 

Electricity is available to charge you gadgets. You don’t have to pay at lower altitude but when you go up you will need to pay up to 4$ to charge your power banks, cameras, and phones. The higher altitude tea houses use solar power to charge your gadgets. Keeping the high power bank allows you to charge everything from power banks and it also saves your cost.  

Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Three things can play a bigger role on multiday trekking. Your shoe, back pack and the cloths play the key role for comfort. Your back pack must be less than 20kg. Avoid packing the unnecessary things may help you to lighter back pack. All of your things should fit in max.60L. You don’t need to sleeping bag as there are enough blankets in each teahouse and you can also wear layer of down jackets. If you still don’t feel enough then ask guide for sleeping bag he/she must have.

Here is the list of Essentials for Manaslu Circuit Trek

• 1 pair of pants that maybe convert to shorts
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 Warm or thicker pair of hiking pants
• 1 Long sleeve quick-dry shirt
• 1 Long-sleeve thermal shirt
• 2 Short-sleeve t-shirts
• 1 Thermal long underwear
• 4 pairs of quick-dry underwear
• 1 Lightweight down jacket
• 1 Heavy-duty summit down jacket
• 1 Beanie
• 1 Cap
• Sunglasses
• 1 Neck Buff
• Gloves
• Hiking boots
• Microspikes
• Headtorch
• Gaiters
• 1 pair of warm summit socks
• 2 pairs of regular socks
• Sunscreen
• Trekking poles
• Water filter
• Powerbank