The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a well-known and much-loved trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It has become the first choice for those trekking enthusiasts searching for ‘Wilderness and unique cultural experiences.
Manaslu Trek is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path tea house trekking in Nepal that offers the adventure of a lifetime, breathtaking landscapes, and an immersive cultural experience. The journey is packed with breathtaking vistas, adventure, learning, and ecstasy, from sub-tropical forests to the top of a high mountain pass. It is the perfect trek in the Himalayas of Nepal for experienced trekkers."
Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you on an adventurous voyage to the base of the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft). Located in the remote northwestern part of the Himalayas in Nepal, the Manaslu region is a restricted area and has a border with Tibet. The trek explores picturesque villages, beautiful river valleys, and rocky moraines and crosses a high mountain pass called Larkya La (5,106 m/16,752 ft). It is the highest point during the Manaslu circuit trek and is popular for its Manaslu circuit trek altitude.
On this 15 days Manaslu circuit trek, you will discover the exotic flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area and the unique lifestyle of the natives. Far away from bustling cities and fast-paced modern life, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is all about a daring escape to nature. As the trail ascends and descends through dense forests of rhododendrons and alongside verdant hills, towering Himalayan mountains unfold majestically.
The Manaslu circuit trek route presents some of the best mountain panoramas that include Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), Siringi Himal (7,155 m/23,474 ft), Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft), Gyaji Kang (7,038 m/23,090 ft), Mt. Kang Guru (6,981 m/22,904 ft), and many others. The landscapes are diverse, from lush green hills and valleys to barren and rocky hills and mountains.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great alternative to the very famous Annapurna Circuit Trek due to the road construction in some sections of the Annapurna region. This trek is less crowded and a bit more demanding. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal for adventure lovers. To make the journey more exhilarating, you can extend the trek to the hidden Tsum valley or start the trek from Barpak village and cross Rupina La.
Therefore, the mesmerizing view of the majestic Himalayas and scenic grandeur combined with rich biodiversity, cultural richness, and an eco-friendly environment have made it one of the most well-loved places in Nepal.
It is the holy mountain, which is derived from the Sanskrit word manasa, which means spirit or mountain of spirit. It is 8,163 meters above sea level, ranking as the world's 8th highest mountain. It is part of Mansiri Himal. Manaslu Trek offers a diverse culture and reflects the typical Nepali lifestyle. It lies in between the Gorkha and Lamjung districts. Local forest fruit is also available while doing this trek, so this trek is unique and different from other treks. When you reach the remote Manaslu region, you are offered to climb up the rough, rocky mountain, which is really heartbreaking and breathtaking. Therefore, before going to trek, you need to be more prepared about how to face the Manaslu circuit trek difficulty.
The area is renowned for its cultural richness in addition to its rich biodiversity. There are people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Especially the fusion of Nepalese Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures exists.
People of many ethnicities live and practice Hindu culture and traditions in the lower part of the Manaslu region, particularly in the lower Budhi Gandaki (river) valley. While those living in the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley are direct descendants of Tibetan immigrants, almost all of their traditions, language, attire, and cultural practices are Tibetan. A site called Nupri, which in Tibetan means "Western Mountain," is a hub for trade between Tibetans and local Tibetans. Trade between Tibet and Nupri is still ongoing.
Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek. Tea houses are one of the simplest accommodations in the Himalayas. We book twin-sharing rooms. Single rooms are only available in some villages at lower elevations. The rooms are not so big, but they are good enough to spend the night in. The washrooms are mostly common. You can find Western-style toilets in the newly built tea houses, otherwise, most of them have squat toilets.
We provide three meals a day during the trek, and trekkers are free to buy additional snacks and drinks on their own. You usually get toast, eggs, muesli, oats, porridge, soups, chapati, veggies, etc. for breakfast. For menu meals, dishes like dla bhat, momo, noodles, curries, burgers, tibetan bread, thukpa, thenduk, etc. are available. There are plenty of options for vegetarians.
Drinking water is also available throughout the trekking route. You can use water purification tablets for double purification. We do not recommend drinking tap water or water from streams directly, as you may not be able to digest it. Get your favorite snacks and bars in Kathmandu to munch on during the trek.
The Manaslu region is rich in biodiversity due to its unique geographic position and latitudinal variation. The Manaslu Circuit Trail goes inside the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a protected area with rich biodiversity and hundreds of birds and wild animals. The vegetation in the Manaslu Conservation Area is incredibly diverse due to the varying altitude and climatic conditions. At lower elevations, subtropical forests and, at higher altitudes, alpine meadows and snow-covered peaks can be seen.
Likewise, the diverse topography and vegetation support a wide range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Among the notable mammal species found in the region are the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, and Himalayan ghoral. Over 200 species of birds reside in this conservation area.
Based on the trekking route, itinerary, as well as your requirements and preferences, there are different Manaslu circuit trek packages ranging from 12-17 days, such as Manaslu circuit trek 12 days package, Manaslu circuit trek 14 days package, Manaslu circuit trek 15 days package and so on.
The majority of companies have designed Manaslu circuit trek 14 days package. However, focusing on your best exploration, convenience, and safety during your journey, we have designed Manaslu circuit trek 15 days package including trekking or hiking, international arrival and departure, and a city tour of Kathmandu. This Manaslu circuit trek 15 days package also includes accommodation, meals, permits, guide, porter and transportation cost as per the itinerary. However, we may, customize it according to your requirements. Please get in touch with us by email, social media, or phone calls provided in our contact information to design the perfect Manaslu Circuit Trek package or Manaslu Trekking package that matches your needs and choices.
Depending on various factors such as physical health, walking pace, starting and ending points of the trek, and requirements and preferences, there are different Manaslu circuit trek itineraries that range from 13 to 20 days. The majority of the companies have designed the shortest itinerary, as if you were competing in a 100-meter race. However, based on my knowledge, you should enjoy your vacation to the fullest as a leisure traveler rather than as a runner. Among them, the Manaslu circuit trek 15 days itinerary is the best and ideal, beginning in Kathmandu, continuing to and crossing Larkya La Pass, and ultimately ending back in Kathmandu. It also includes international arrivals, departures, and city tours of Kathmandu, which are available in our itinerary section. However, we can extend it by 1–7 days or shorten it by 1-2 days, depending on your needs. We may customize it as per your requirements and preferences. Please get in touch with us by email, social media, or phone calls listed in our contact details for the best Manaslu trek itinerary or Manaslu circuit trek itinerary.
The Manaslu circuit trek cost varies depending on various factors such as group size, trek duration, itinerary, route, type of accommodation, mode of transportation, inclusion and exclusion of services, etc. Manaslu trek cost also depends on your requirements, preferences, and organizing company. Typically, the 15 days Manaslu circuit trek cost, Manaslu circuit trek 15 days cost, or Manaslu circuit trek 15 days price ranges from USD 900 to USD 1400, which is available in the price section of the Manaslu circuit trek package. This Manaslu trek cost is only an estimate. It may, however, increase if you choose a more luxurious option, such as a higher category of hotel accommodation in a city, private transport rather than shared, traveling during the peak time of year, extending your journey beyond this itinerary, or adding on activities. Generally, this Manaslu circuit trek cost includes accommodation, food, transportation, permit, guide, porter, and official service fees. However, we can customize it according to your needs and choices to meet your requirements. Please contact us at Galaxy World Travels services by email, social media, or phone calls listed in our contact information for the best Manaslu trek price or Manaslu circuit trek package price and trustworthy services.
Manaslu Trek is an off-the-beaten-path teahouse trek. The Manaslu circuit trek route depends on variables such as itinerary, trek duration, and your requirements and preferences as well. However, the most common and standard route is as follows: The starting point of this 15 days Manaslu circuit trek route is Machhakhola, which is an 8- to 9-hour drive from Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal as well as your international arrival and departure city. The route then passes through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, Sam Do, Dharmasala/Larkya La Phedi, Larkya La Pass, Bimtang, Tilje, and Dharapani, respectively. The journey then continues to Beshisahar by a 3–4 hour Jeep ride, and then to Kathmandu by a 5–6 hour ride. It may, however, change depending on your requirements. Please get in touch with us via email, social media, or phone calls available in our contact information for the best Manaslu trekking route that fits your requirements.
The Manaslu circuit trek distance varies depending on the trekking route, such as the starting and ending points of the hike. According to our 15-day Manaslu trek route as per the itinerary, the total Manaslu circuit trek 15 days distance is approximately 180 km, and this distance includes Machhakhola as the trek's starting point and Dharapani as its ending point.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Route was opened in 1992 with a limit of 400 trekkers, and from then on, the region remained restricted, welcoming only a fraction of trekkers every year compared to other famous trekking routes in Nepal like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Solo trekking is not allowed, nor can you get the restricted area permit with the help of an independent guide.
If you wish to join the Manaslu Circuit Trek in 2024 or 2025, we highly recommend you travel with a local and trusted travel and trekking company like us. You can join our fixed departures or trek privately with your group. For more information, kindly get in touch with us via email, social media, or phone calls, as provided in our contact information.
The limitations of the Manaslu region have made trekking here like traveling back in time. Many things are still intact, from the lifestyle of the locals to their beliefs and the unspoiled nature. The Manaslu Circuit Trail is home to the Nubri community. The Nubri people are of Tibetan origin and belong to the larger ethnolinguistic group known as the Tamang. Their traditions, customs, language, and beliefs are all linked to Tibetan Buddhism.
In Sama Gaon, you will have the option to hike to Pung Gyen Gompa (3,980 m/13,058 ft), Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,748 ft), and Birendra Lake (3,691 m/12,110 ft). Likewise, from Samdo, you can hike to Rui La (4,998 m/16,398 ft), a traditional Nepal-Tibet trade route. On the way, you will come across many other ancient monasteries, stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, and mani walls. And share the trail with villagers and yak caravans.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging journey. It is a high-altitude trek, and the trail is offbeat. Unlike the known trekking routes of Nepal, the Manaslu circuit trail is not well paved, and the tourist infrastructure is also poor. The difficulty of the trek may vary depending on individual health, age, and hiking experience.
However, those with moderate to good physical fitness and prior long-hike experience can complete the journey with a positive mindset and proper acclimatization. While the Manaslu Circuit Trekking may not involve technical climbing or mountaineering gear, it poses challenges such as high altitude, steep ascents and descents, and rocky terrain prone to landslides.
The constant increase in elevation during the trek raises the risk of altitude sickness, which is quite common while trekking in the Himalayas. To avoid it, trekkers have to acclimatize as they trek. We have ample acclimatization days in our Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary, which also allows trekkers to have a gradual ascent. And our professional guide will further assure your safety during the trek.
Trekking in the high Himalayas of Nepal is quite challenging physically as well as mentally, and weather is the foremost factor in determining whether trekking is successful and enjoyable or unsuccessful and unpleasant. A stress-free journey through pristine nature with a clear vision of stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain views is the paramount concern. Rain or snowfall not only disrupts the journey but also puts people's lives in danger. It is a vital factor affecting hiking in the Himalayas. Therefore, based on these factors, it is wise to select the best time for the Manaslu circuit trek, or Manaslu circuit trek best time. The optimum seasons or best times for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is stable, mild, and pleasant with a clear blue sky, providing a spectacular view of picturesque landscapes, traditional settlements, and majestic mountains, making the trek safe. The trail is dry and packed with seasonal vegetation and flowers. There are also many birds to be seen. The weather is pleasant in the spring, with a clear sky. The temperature ranges from 5 °C to 15 °C. The days are warm, but mornings and nights are slightly colder. Trees bloom, and most of the forests bloom with rhododendron flowers, providing breathtaking panoramas. After a winter, the lakes at higher altitudes begin to melt, and the Larkya La pass becomes accessible. Talking about the off-season, summer or monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are not suitable times for traveling in the Manaslu region.
During the summer or monsoon, heavy rain generates landslides and floods, and the trail becomes slippery and muddy, making the journey difficult with poor vision. While the winters are bitterly cold and snowy, the locals even migrate to lower elevations by shutting down their tea houses to escape the cold. As a result, the journey becomes difficult and almost impossible. Trekking is not recommended during these seasons due to the unpredictable weather. Therefore, these are also not considered the best time for Manaslu trek or the best time for Manaslu circuit trek.
Larkya La Pass is the highlight and focal point of the Manaslu Trek, a peaceful, calm, and tranquil journey at an elevation of 5,106 m above sea level. This pass, which is the highest point of this trek considering its Manaslu Circuit Trek altitude, is one of the longest in the Nepalese Himalayas. The journey for this Larkya La Pass begins in Machhakhola, which is an 8–9-hour drive from Kathmandu, and ends at Dharapani. It is a less crowded location in the Manaslu region and is suitable for those trekkers who are interested in a less traveled area, which includes a more peaceful and stunning trekking trail.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet at the international airport and transfer to the hotel. A short briefing of the trip. Check in to the hotel and rest for refreshment. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
1. Headlamps with extra batteries, 2. Sunglasses with UV protection, 3. Sun hat (summer), 4. Wool hat (winter), 5. Sunscreen & Lip balm, 6. Face wet wipes, 7. Neck gaiters (winter).
1. Light-weight gloves (summer), 2. Heavy-weight gloves (winter).
1. Hiking shorts & T-shirt (summer), 2. Air & waterproof jackets & trousers, 3. Fleece jacket or Pullover, 4. Thermal inner wear (winter), 5. Insulated down jacket & pants (winter), 6. Hooded rain jacket.
1. Hiking boots with mid-weight wool socks.
1. Backpack (40-50 liters), 2. Thermal bottle (2 liters), 3. Trekking poles (1 pairs/person), 4. Sleeping bag (-15°C), 5. Water purifying tablets.
For Manaslu circuit trekking, you will need the Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu and Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit). Likewise, towards the end of the trek, you will enter the Annapurna region, too. So, an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit (ACAP) is also required. Our Manaslu circuit trek package includes all these permit fees.
Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit cost: USD 30
Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit cost: USD 30