Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the off-beaten and adventurous classic treks to the remote and untouched regions of Nepal. It offers gorgeous views of the mountain, beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, glacier lakes, and the forest. The trekkers who have already been here considered the Manaslu circuit trek among the best treks in Nepal. Through it is quite underrated compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it offers similar alluring views as this trek gives you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through the remote and off-beaten paths compared to the other teahouses treks in Nepal. Walking around Mt Manaslu-the world's eighth highest mountain is the major highlight of the trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking route was introduced and opened for the visitors in 1992, but in very short periods, it gained popularity due to its natural scenery, remote views, age-old culture, art, and tradition, its untouched and unseen beauty, and its exclusiveness.
The trek revolves along the border of Nepal and Tibet; it means you will experience the high influence of Tibetan and the Buddhist culture and lifestyles. The paths take you through the beautiful rhododendrons-covered forest of alpine woods, birch, and oak.
The beautiful 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trekking takes you to the 8th highest peak in the world. This trek offers you all views you are seeking in the trek. You get to witness both Hindu and Buddhist culture, wildlife views, fast-flowing rivers, suspension bridges, alluring mountain scenery, unseen Himalayan flora and fauna, and so on. Walking through the rich natural beauty and diverse topography, the trek also offers you a bit up and down walk experience.
Around the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will walk through the less-crowded trial of The Nepalese Himalayas around the world iconic snow-capped peaks, ethnic cultural villages mixed with people of different communities who will heartily welcome you.
Starting with the adventure drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat in Gorkha District- one of the historically significant districts of Nepal, walking through suspension bridges, collecting the beautiful memories, crossing the larky La Pass- the vantage and the attractive viewpoint of the trek which offers the breathtaking views of the surrounding snowy peaks of Manaslu region, Ganesh region and Langtang Region, give you the lasting memory of nature, culture, and adventure at the same times. You will walk through the Manaslu Conservation Area which protects the largest varieties of wildlife and the vegetation of the Himalayan conservation area of Nepal.
Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trekking
• Adventurous drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
• Alluring views of the high snowy peaks of the world including Mt Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Mt Annapurna II, and many more.
• Walking through the Budhi Gandaki River gorge.
• Attracting natural scenery and diverse topographical views
• Breathtaking Himalayan flora and fauna
• Unique Hindu and Buddhist culture
Trek facts
• Trekking destination: Nepal
• Treks: Manaslu Circuit Trekking
• Trekking region: Manaslu region
• Trek difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation: hotel/ lodge/ Teahouse during the trek
• Total distance covered: 177km
• Starting and ending point: Kathmandu
• Trek duration: 16 days
• Maximum Elevation: Larkya La Pass (5160 meters)
• Meal included: all three times meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
• Best season: Spring season (March, April, May) and Autumn Season (September, October, November)
• Walking per day: Approx 4-6 hours
Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Free day to explore around Kathmandu and shop on your own
Day 03: Drive to Soti Khola
Day 04: Hike to Machhakhola
Day 05: Machhakhola to Jagat
Day 06: Trek to Deng
Day 07: Deng to Namrung
Day 08: Hike to Samagaon
Day 09: Rest and acclimatization day
Day 10: Trek to Samdo
Day 11: Hike to Dharamsala/Larke Base Camp
Day 14: Trek to Larkya Pass (5,160m) and Bimthang
Day 13: Trek to Dharapani
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 15: Kathmandu leisure day/farewell dinner.
Day 16: Departure.
The top attraction of Manaslu Circuit Trekking is:
One of the off-beaten path trekking
Trekking to the remote and the off-beaten less crowded trekking trail is the major attraction of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. If one wants to be far from the hustling and bustling city life for a few days then this adventurous journey is for them. Adding the cultured flavor by the Tsum valley and another traditional valley of the Manaslu region, the region is mainly covered by the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. Walking through the untouched and unseen paths you have many more to share with your friends and relatives. You will collect a different experience than that of the Everest region, Annapurna, and Langtang region for its peaceful trekking routes, beautiful natural scenery, and naive people. If you are a camping lover then this is the best hiking and trekking destination for you in Nepal.
Manaslu Conservation Area
Walking through the Manaslu Conservation area is the attraction of the trek, which gives trekkers a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy the rare plants and animals found in this conservation area. Manaslu Conservation Area has been established to protect the rare species of the wildlife and the vegetation to help balance the environment. The beautiful views of the flora and fauna found in the Himalayan conservation area are the breathtaking experience you will collect during the trek. It preserves 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 3 species of reptiles, around 2000 species of flowering plants, and much wilder flora and fauna. If you are lucky you will also get to see some rare animals of the region like Snow-leopard, Musk deer, and Red Panda.
This region also protects 19 different types of forest occupied by blooming plants. Himalayan pine and the rhododendrons including many herbal plants are also found here. To enjoy every natural beauty of this region, trek to the Manaslu circuit during the spring season. This season is best for you to enjoy the colorful flowers of different species.
Beautiful culture and religious trek
Manaslu Circuit trekking route makes its way through many beautiful settlement areas like Arughat, Jagat, Bimthang, Dharamsala, Tsum, and many other scattered villages on the hills. These places are truly exceptional, and you are going to fall for the unique culture and with the locals. You will be warm heartily welcomed by the people, and their warm hospitality will fill you with awe.
Many Gurung community people were engaged in foreign employment due to a lack of good employment and infrastructure facilities. But after the government gave the trekking permits in the Manaslu region, there has been scope for locals to stay in their own country and earn. You will see many trekkers and porter are naive from the region.
Some people here are completely unknown about the outside places like Bhotias. They are the permanent dwellers of the Tsum Valley who are completely distant from the modern world. Here you will know much more about the Age-old occupation, culture, dressing and many more. The Gurung and the Sherpa people of the region are also highly influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist culture and religions. Exploring the village house chores, Mani walls, ancient Buddhist monasteries which reflect the original Tibetan and Buddhist culture and tradition, you will also get to see the major monasteries of the region including Rachen Nunnery, Mu Monasteries, and a few others. Exploring the sacred Buddhist shrines Pirren Phu adds color to your experience.
Adventurous trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an adventurous trip to the Base camp of the world's eighth-highest mountain Mt Manaslu. Not only to the base camp but also you can reach to its summits by managing the required process with the concerned authority. Around 1100 people have already reached its summit. Hiking to the final destination Manaslu base camp at the height of 4800 meters, you will see the alluring vies of the Manaslu valley and the snow-capped mountains including Himlung Himal, Kanguru Siringi, Himchuli, Ngadi, Gnash Himal, Annapurna II, and other surrounding snowy-peaks with the incredible beauty in the sparkling sun rays. Birendra Lake is also the major attraction of the region which is extended in an area around three square kilometers at the Mnaalus Glacier; offering you the free scenery of nature. Hiking to the Pungyen Gompa to enjoy the gorgeous mountain views, the Manaslu circuit Trek is worthy to trek.
Safe trekking journey
The safe trekking trail is another major attraction of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Though the trek is less crowded, you will be trekking to the off-beaten and one of the remote corners of the country. But nothing to worry about this, you just need to be physically and mentally fit and fine. While crossing through the Larkya La Pass- the attractive as well as the challenging pass in the high Himalayas which requires great care and the safety to cross through during the winter season. Altitude sickness is common while trekking in the high altitude so you just need to take precautions on food items, walking speed, and other factors; don't forget to carry your first aid kit. Manaslu Circuit trekking is the tea house trekking, so you don't need to worry about overnight resting, you don't need to carry the camping trekking gear as you don't need to spend the nights in the tented camp at the high altitude. There are no or fewer chances of a natural disaster like an avalanche, blizzard, or glacier slides during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Frequently asked a question about the Manaslu Circuit trek!
Can I trek Manaslu Circuit Trekking solo?
Well to be straightforward, no, you cannot trek the Manaslu Circuit trek alone. According to the government, you should be at least two to trek in this region. The region is quite remote and off-beaten, so you also need a licensed guide to embark on the Manaslu Circuit trek.
An experienced guide will help you with the right direction, so no chance of getting lost; they are also very helpful during emergencies. The 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek is quite long if you are a first-time trekker, so hiring a porter can help you a lot to carry the baggage for you. You can enjoy the long walk without worrying about your heavy burden.
How can I Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Trekking Manaslu Circuit means you are trekking to the remote and off-beaten corner of the country so you should first prepare physically, working on your stamina. You need to walk around 6-8 hours per day through up and down, rough terrains. You can increase your stamina by walking around 1 month up hills and down hills for 4 hours per day, by doing other cardiovascular exercises like cycling, swimming, going for short hikes. You can improve your walking habit by taking stairs instead of lifts or elevators.
If you practice these then there are fewer chances of getting altitude sickness and other problems. Also, you can enjoy yourself more without worrying about health or pain or anything else which will be very worthwhile.
Where are the starting and the Ending point of the Trek?
The Manaslu circuit trek starts with a drive around 8 to 9 hours from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat and ends with a drive around 6 to 7 hours to Kathmandu from Beshishar on a local bus or a private jeep.
To enjoy a safe and comfortable journey, a private jeep is the better option than the bus, as the local bus here takes a longer time.
Do I need a permit to trek to Manaslu?
Yes, you need special permission to trek in the Manaslu Region as the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route is in a remote and restricted area that remains protected under the Manaslu conservation plan.
The permits you need to trek Manaslu Circuit Trek are:
• Restricted Area permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project permits (ACAP)
In the peak seasons like March, April, May, September, October, and November the cost of the permits is higher compared to another season, so if you want to avoid the high cost you can trek it in other seasons.
Since you get the permit you don't need to get the TIMS card to trek the Manaslu Circuit trek.
What should I need to pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
It is one of the tricky questions that cross every trekker's mind. They always get confused about the stuff they need to pack. So before packing the things you need to be clear about few things like when which season you chose to trek, how long you are going to trek, and so on. Check the weather condition to trek and pack accordingly.
Don't carry the things that are not necessary while trekking like Laptop and other fancy clothes, cause carrying too little or too much can give you a hard time and a bad experience during the trek.
Remember to check your things twice while packing; you can also arrange all the trekking gear and equipment after you arrive at Kathmandu.
Remember the weight of your luggage should range between 15 to 20 kg, for both you and your porter.
Is it possible to customize your trek?
Of course yes, we will arrange your Manaslu circuit trek as per your needs and requirements. We will help you to plan your trips that fit your budget and vacation, the cost, and the number of days. So don't worry about this.
Things to know more about the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Book before going
If you do not book in peak season you might end up getting no rooms. It does not matter whether you book or not during the offseason cause the trail is less crowded. You can easily get rooms and other facilities. But during the peak season, the trail is pretty much crowded, and finding a good lodge can pose to be a big problem. So make a smart move and book the room early. It will make your trip comfortable and beautiful. You can talk with the owner of the hotel a day earlier or you can also ask your agency for help in this cause they have well knowledge about this.
In the high altitude, there is a lack of lodges so if you don't book your room here early you may have to spend overnight in the tents.
Not a solo trek
These trekking regions of Nepal don't allow to trek solo, as this region is a restricted region so the government of Nepal had said at least two people should be in a group. In another hand, there are not many trekkers, and have a few less crowded routes so it is advised to take someone along to help and guide you.
Taking a professional guide with you will help you in guiding the direction, give you information about the villages you come across and the mountains that are seen from different places.
The Manaslu circuit trek is undoubtedly worthy for adventure and culture lovers. Everything around gives you different memories and experiences. Do more inquiries about the region here: nepalhikingtrek.com
