The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a beautiful 12-20-day walk around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters).
The trekstarts in the busy market town of Machha Khola and finishes in Syange. It's a good choice instead of the Annapurna Circuit Trek because it's less crowded and has just as beautiful views.
Trekking in Manaslu
The Manaslu region is a restricted area, and as such, you can't hike the Manaslu Circuit Trek alone. You need to have at least one person who's been approved by the government with you. There are two ways to do this:
Walking in Manaslu is like discovering a hidden gem in the Himalayas. It's tough, but the amazing views of Mount Manaslu and other snowy mountains make it totally worth it. You'll also pass through cute villages and meet friendly people.
Manaslu Trek Itinerary
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary can be customized to suit your needs and fitness level. However, a typical 12-day itinerary includes the following:
Manaslu Circuit Map
The Manaslu Circuit Map is available online and in guidebooks. It is essential to have a map with you on the trek, as it will help you to navigate the trail and stay on track.
The best way to the Manaslu Circuit is to fly to Kathmandu and then take a bus or jeep to Machha Khola. The journey takes about 8 hours. There is no airport at the starting point.
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is from September to November or from March to May. These are the dry seasons in Nepal, and the weather is generally pleasant during these months.
Autumn/Fall
The best time to go hiking in Nepal is from September to November. The weather is usually dry and sunny, with great views. It's also safer because there are fewer natural disasters during this time.
The only downside of hiking Manaslu during the best time (September to November) is that the permit costs a little more ($100 per week instead of $75). And since it's the most popular time, more people might be on the trail.
Spring
The spring (March to May) is also a good time to hike, but it's a bit colder, especially up high. Mornings are sunny, and there are lots of flowers. However, there's also a higher chance of rain or snow, and melting ice can cause landslides or avalanches.
Summer
You should avoid hiking from June to August because of the monsoon season. It's hot and rainy, and clouds and fog make it hard to see anything. Leeches are also a big problem, and landslides are at risk. The Manaslu region was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake, so landslides can be more dangerous in wet weather.
Winter
In the winter (December to February), it gets really cold, especially at higher altitudes. There's lots of snow and ice, so it's not a good time to hike the Manaslu Circuit.
Manaslu Circuit Cost
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek varies depending on a number of factors, including the length of the trek, the type of accommodation, and the number of people in your group. However, you can expect to spend around $1,500-$2,000 for a 13-day trek.
Permits for Manaslu Trek
To trek in the Manaslu region, you need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). These permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Manaslu Trek Difficulty
So how difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek? This Trek is considered moderate to challenging. It involves some steep ascents and descents, and you will need to be in good physical condition to complete it. However, it is not as difficult as the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The Trail
The trail is usually in good shape, so you don't need any special hiking skills. There are a few places where it might be a bit trickier, like when the trail goes around landslides. The ground can be a bit slippery there, so be careful.
The Effort
The trail goes up from 700 meters to 5106 meters, which is a big challenge for your body. And it's not just going up. You'll go up and down a lot, especially at the beginning, to cross rivers and climb hills.
You need to be in good shape to do this trek, but you don't have to be a professional athlete. People of all ages and fitness levels can do it. The most important thing is to hike at your own pace.
How Much Weight Will You Carry?
Your physical fitness is the biggest factor in how hard the trek will be. If you carry all your stuff, it will be harder. To make it easier, think carefully about what you need and try to pack as lightly as possible.
The trek will be much easier if you have a guide and a porter to help you carry your stuff. You'll only need to carry a small backpack with a few things, so anyone with a moderate fitness level can do it.
What to Pack for Manaslu Circuit?
You should pack different kinds of clothes for the Manaslu Trek because the weather changes a lot. You'll definitely need good hiking boots and poles, a warm sleeping bag, a good jacket, thermal layers, and a fleece jacket.
Don't forget a water bottle with a filter, sunglasses, and other sun protection. You might also need gloves, a hat, mini crampons for the Larkya La pass, a camera, a phone, extra batteries, and a good book.
Accommodation on Manaslu Circuit
The places to stay on the Manaslu Circuit are simple but comfortable. You'll mostly stay in teahouses and guesthouses along the trail. These places usually have small rooms with shared bathrooms.
Read more: Accommodation During the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Dharamsala, the last place you stay before crossing the Larkya La, has limited places to stay. There used to be only one old lodge with tents outside and some dark, smelly rooms. Now there are two newer lodges, but if the trail is busy, they might be full.
You should plan to arrive in Dharamsala early to get a room or have someone from your group go ahead. Talk to your guide about this day in advance.
Manaslu Circuit Guide
A Manaslu Circuit Guide can be really helpful on the trek. A professional guide can make your journey safe and easy, and you can learn more about the history, culture, and geography of the places.
How To Choose A Guide
If you're planning a trekking adventure in Nepal, we highly recommend checking out Places Nepal Trek and Tours. We used their services recently and were incredibly impressed.
Not only did they handle all the logistics seamlessly, but their guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and incredibly helpful. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or just starting out, they'll make sure your trip is unforgettable. Plus, being based in Kathmandu, they're easy to find and talk to in person.
Manaslu Circuit Permit Cost
To do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you need three permits per person. Your trekking agency can get them for you.
Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)
You need a Restricted Area Permit because Manaslu shares a border with Tibet. You need this permit between Jagat and Dharapani.
The price for the Restricted Area Permit depends on the season:
If you're doing the standard 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, 7 days in the restricted area is enough, so you don't need to pay for extra days.
You can only get the Restricted Area Permit from the Department of Immigration through a licensed trekking agency like Places Nepal Trek & Tours. You'll need to show your passport and insurance.
You need at least two people to get the Restricted Area Permit, but there's a workaround if you're trekking alone. If the agency has guides trekking with solo travellers at the same time, they can apply for the permit as if they were together and then hike separately. If you're traveling alone, talk to your guide and their company about these options.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
The MCAP Permit helps protect the environment and improve the lives of the local people.
The MCAP Permit costs 3000 NPR per person (only in local currency). You can get it yourself at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, or your guide can get it for you. You'll need your passport and two passport photos.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
The Manaslu Circuit goes through the Annapurna Conservation Area near Bimthang on the way to Dharapani. You need a permit for this area until you reach Besisahar.
The ACAP Permit also costs 3000 NPR per person (only in local currency). You can get it yourself at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu, or your guide can get it for you. You'll need your passport and two passport photos. It looks very similar to the MCAP permit.
Culture and People on Manaslu Trek
The Manaslu region has many different cultures and people. You'll meet people from different groups, like Sherpas, Tamangs, and Gurungs. The locals are usually friendly and welcoming.
The higher parts of the trek go through a region with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture. You'll see beautiful monasteries, long mani walls, meditation caves, prayer flags everywhere, and people chanting Buddhist mantras.
Altitude Sickness on Manaslu Circuit
Altitude sickness is common on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The highest point is Larkya La Pass, which is 5,106 meters high. It's important to go slowly and get used to the altitude to avoid getting sick.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance
The Manaslu Circuit trek is about 180 kilometers long, which is around 110 miles. Each day is a different length, but a fit walker should expect to walk for 6 to 7 hours on most days, with some days being more challenging than others.
