Manaslu Circuit Trek is a well-known and much-loved trekking in the Manaslu region. It has become the first choice for those trekking enthusiasts searching for ‘Wilderness and authentic Culture’ experiences.
Manaslu Trek is the ultimate offbeat trek 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. A perfect trek in the Himalayas 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).
On this 16-day 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.
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. Nearly 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. 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 goral. And over 200 species of birds reside in this conservation area.
Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse, off-the-beaten trek. It begins at Machha Khola, which is situated at 900 meters (2,952 ft) and requires an 8 to 9 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. The trail goes along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing numerous suspension bridges and passing by many lovely waterfalls. The lower part of the trail is mostly walking through lush forests and terraced fields. Once you are above the treeline, the trail is rugged and rocky.
The upper part of the Manaslu circuit trail involves navigating through landslide debris, gorges, moraines, and galenical courses. Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/16,752 ft) is the highest point of the trek. From the starting point of the trek to the highest point, you will gain approximately 4,376 meters. Likewise, the total distance you will cover during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is around 177 km (110 miles).
Depending on your level of physical condition, trekking speed, and requirements, there are many itineraries to the Manaslu Circuit Trek available that last anywhere from 12 to 17 days. As though you were competing in a 100-meter race, the majority of the companies have created short-day itineraries. So, based on my best knowledge, you should enjoy your vacation to the fullest as a leisure traveler, not as a runner. Among them, the 16-day itinerary, from Kathmandu to the Manaslu Circuit, and back to Kathmandu, is the best and most common. However, we can customize it according to your requirements and preferences. This 16-day itinerary can be extended by 1–7 days or shortened by 1-2 days. So, kindly get in touch with us for the best itinerary as per your needs for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost varies depending on several factors, such as group size, duration of the trek, level of accommodation, type of transportation, inclusion of services, etc. A typical 12- to 16-day trek can cost between USD 900 and USD 2000. This cost covers accommodation, food, transportation, permit fees, guide and porter services. These all services come under the manaslu trekking package. However, it might increase if you select more luxurious options like private transportation, a higher standard of accommodation in Kathmandu, an add-on program, or a longer trek than the scheduled itinerary. It depends on your requirements and preferences. Kindly get in touch with us for the most affordable and reliable services that fit your requirements and preferences.
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 2023 or 2024, we highly recommend you travel with a local and trusted trekking company like us. You can join our fixed departures or trek privately with your group. For more information, kindly contact us.
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.
Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The climate remains stable and mild during this time of the year, which makes trekking in the Manaslu region safe and pleasant. The trail gets packed with seasonal vegetation and flowers. You can see many birds, too.
During the spring, the forests bloom with rhododendrons. The lakes at higher altitudes begin to melt, and the Larkya La pass once again becomes approachable after a harsh winter. The temperature ranges from 5 °C to 15 °C. Mornings and nights are a bit colder than daytime.
Talking about off-season trekking, summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are not ideal times for traveling in the Manaslu region. The locals migrate to lower elevations to spend the winter. Where the trail gets slippery and muddy during the summer or monsoon. The weather is very unpredictable in these seasons, so trekking is not a good idea.
Larke la Pass is one of the peaceful calm and tranquil journeys which includes in Manaslu circuit trek. this is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal. this long pass trail is situated above 5106 meters from sea level. Manaslu circuit trek begins from arughat gorkha. and trails heads toward along with sotikhola Macha Khola and ends at beshishahar in Lamjung. And its highest elevation Larke La Pass less crowded circuit of this Manaslu is suitable for those trekkers who are interested in a trek on a less traveled road which includes a more peaceful solo trek trail road.
The Mountain Manaslu is derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa which means spirit or Mountain of spirit. The height of the Manaslu is 8,163 meters from sea level. It is part of mansiri Himal. Manaslu Trek offers a diverse culture and reflects the typical Nepali lifestyle. Manaslu Mountain 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 rather than other treks. when you reach the remote Manaslu region then it offers to climb up the next rough rocky mountain the moment which is really heartbreaking and breathtaking. so before going to trek, you need to be more prepared about how to face the Manaslu circuit trek difficulty.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet and greet at the international airport and transfer to the hotel. 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