Prepare for an unimaginable journey with the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a surprising 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 part it’s essential to know to plan your journey!
Right here’s an summary:
Trekking in Manaslu
The Manaslu area is a restricted space, and as such, you possibly can’t hike the Manaslu Circuit Trek alone. It’s worthwhile to have a minimum of 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 powerful, however the superb views of Mount Manaslu and different snowy mountains make it completely value it. You’ll additionally cross by means of cute villages and meet pleasant individuals.
12 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary may be personalized to fit your wants and health stage. Nevertheless, a typical 12-day itinerary contains the next:
Manaslu Circuit Map
The Manaslu Circuit Map is offered on-line and in guidebooks. It’s important to have a map with you on the trek, as it is going to enable you to to navigate the path and keep on observe.
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 isn’t a airport at the place to begin.
Finest Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
The most effective time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is from September to November or from March to Might. These are the dry seasons in Nepal, and the climate is usually nice throughout these months.
Autumn/Fall
The most effective 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 one of the best time (September to November) is that the allow prices slightly extra ($100 per week as an alternative of $75). And because it’s the most well-liked time, extra individuals is likely to be on the path.
Spring
The spring (March to Might) can be 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 probability of rain or snow, and melting ice may cause landslides or avalanches.
Summer season
You must keep away from mountaineering from June to August due to the monsoon season. It’s scorching and wet, and clouds and fog make it laborious to see something. Leeches are additionally an enormous downside, 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 increased altitudes. There’s a variety of snow and ice, so it’s not time to hike the Manaslu Circuit.
Manaslu Circuit Value
The price of the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies relying on a lot of components, together with the size of the trek, the kind of lodging, and the variety of individuals in your group. Nevertheless, you possibly can 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 Problem
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 will want 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 distinct 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 good condition, so that you don’t want any particular mountaineering expertise. 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 is usually a bit slippery there, so watch out.
The Effort
The path rises from 700 meters to five,106 meters, presenting a major problem to your physique. And it’s not simply going up. You’ll go up and down loads, particularly at the start, to cross rivers and climb hills.
It’s worthwhile to be in good condition to do that trek, however you don’t must be an expert athlete. Folks of all ages and health ranges can do it. A very powerful factor is to hike at your personal tempo.
How A lot Weight Will You Carry?
Your bodily health is probably the most important consider how laborious the trek will probably be. In case you 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 evenly as doable.
The trek will probably be a lot simpler when you have a information and a porter that can assist you carry your stuff. You’ll solely want to hold a small backpack with just a few necessities, so anybody with a average health stage can take part.
What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit?
You must pack quite a lot of garments for the Manaslu Trek, because the climate circumstances change steadily. You’ll positively want good mountaineering boots and poles, a heat sleeping bag, jacket, thermal layers, and a fleece jacket.
Don’t overlook 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 cross, a digicam, a cellphone, further batteries, and ebook.
Associated learn: Gear Information: Should Haves for Tenting and Mountaineering
Lodging on Manaslu Circuit
The lodging on the Manaslu Circuit are easy but comfy. You’ll largely keep in teahouses and guesthouses alongside the path. These locations often have small rooms with shared bogs.
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 outdoors and a few darkish, smelly rooms. Now there are two newer lodges, but when the path is busy, they is likely to be full.
You must 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 prematurely.
Getting a Manaslu Circuit Information
A Manaslu Circuit Information may be actually useful on the trek. Knowledgeable information could make your journey protected and simple, and you may study extra in regards to the historical past, tradition, and geography of the locations.
Learn how to Select a Information
In case you’re planning a trekking journey in Nepal, we extremely suggest trying out Locations Nepal Trek and Excursions. We used their providers lately and had been extremely impressed.
Not solely did they deal with all of the logistics seamlessly, however their guides had been educated, skilled, and extremely useful. Whether or not you’re a seasoned trekker or simply beginning out, they’ll be sure your journey is unforgettable. Plus, being primarily based in Kathmandu, they’re simple to search out and discuss to in particular person.
Manaslu Circuit Allow Value
To do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you want three permits per particular person. 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 worth for the Restricted Space Allow relies on the season:
In case you’re doing the usual 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, 7 days within the restricted space is sufficient, so that you don’t must pay for further days.
You may solely get the Restricted Space Allow from the Division of Immigration by means of a licensed trekking company like Locations Nepal Trek & Excursions. You’ll want to indicate your passport and insurance coverage.
You want a minimum of two individuals to get the Restricted Space Allow, however there’s a workaround for those who’re trekking alone. If the company has guides trekking with solo vacationers on the identical time, they will apply for the allow as in the event that they had been collectively after which hike individually. In case you’re touring alone, discuss to your information and their firm about these choices.
Manaslu Conservation Space Undertaking (MCAP Allow)
The MCAP Allow helps shield the atmosphere and enhance the lives of the native individuals.
The MCAP Allow prices 3000 NPR per particular person (solely in native foreign money). 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 images.
Annapurna Conservation Space Undertaking (ACAP Allow)
The Manaslu Circuit goes by means of 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 particular person (solely in native foreign money). 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 images. It appears similar to the MCAP allow.
Tradition and Folks on Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu area has many alternative cultures and other people. You’ll meet individuals from completely 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 stunning monasteries, lengthy mani partitions, meditation caves, prayer flags in every single place, and other people chanting Buddhist mantras.

Altitude Illness on Manaslu Circuit
Altitude illness is widespread on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The best level is Larkya La Cross, 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 by means of the guts of the Himalayas, circling the awe-inspiring Mount Manaslu. From the full of life 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 suitable 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 eternally!