Manaslu Circuit Trek

Why is the Manaslu Circuit Trek route getting popular recently?

Recently the popularity of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is on the rise. Lots of people from across the globe are interested to trek in the trail. The natural diversity and ancient cultural roots are the main reason behind its popularity. Similarly, the trail is still raw and unspoiled by the mass tourism activities. People prefer to experience authenticity and rawness in their trek especially in the remote places like Manaslu. There are lots of scenic places in the region that contribute lots of beautiful images and videos from the trail.

Restricted Area New Government Rule

Nepal Government has changed the regulations about trekking activities inside the restricted areas. Earlier rule clearly banned trekking solo. Now, it is possible to trek solo in the trail. You can obtain the special restricted area permit even if you are a solo trekker. However, you must be accompanied by a Nepal Government licensed trekking guide. Similarly, you must trek under the supervision of registered trekking company. Drifting is not allowed and unguided trekkers may have to pay stricter fines.

Manaslu Trek Permits Information

You need 4 permits to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit, and Special Restricted Area Permit. Conservation Area permits cost NRs. 3000 to foreigners and NRs. 1000 whereas the cost of local municipality entry permit is NRs. 2000. Special restricted area permit is issued by the immigration department in Kathmandu. It costs 75 $ for a week with 10 $ per day extra for days beyond 7 days during the spring, monsoon, and winter season. Autumn season’s permit cost is 100 $ and 15 $ for same number of days.

How to reach trail head of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

There’s no airport to take a flight to reach trail head of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Trekkers must use road transportation either by jeep or by local bus. The road distance is around 165 kilometers from Dhadingbeshi route. The condition of road is okay until Aarughat Bazaar and off road from this town to Machha Khola via Soti. The cost of jeep starts from 170 $ whereas a local bus may charge you not more than NRs. 2000. It takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach the trail head. Nowadays, some itineraries include Jagat as trail head but Machha Khola is an ideal choice to start the trek.

Transportation Options Before & After Trek

The trail is a guaranteed trekking route which is accessible by road on either side of the trail. You can reach trail head by jeep or local bus. Similarly, after the trek, you can choose to ride a local four - wheel jeep to Lamjung Besisahar and continue the road trip to Kathmandu either by jeep or bus. Helicopter flights are used during emergency evacuation only and roadway is the most suitable option.

What is the total trekking distance of the Manaslu Trek in Nepal?

The total trekking distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal ranges from 153 kilometers to 177 kilometers. It depends upon the route that you take. The classical Manaslu Circuit Trek with acclimatization trek to Manaslu Base Camp is about 153 kilometers. The trek ends near Bimthang before jeep ride to Besisahar.

Larke La Pass Crossing Experience

The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is the Larke La Pass. It is at an altitude of 5106 m and it is one of the longest mountain passes of Nepal. The hardest part of the trek is the crossing of the pass. You have to start the trek early in the morning before dawn. The first phase is rugged and the peak section is normally covered in snow. The sunrise experience on the way to the top of the pass is so enticing. Upon crossing the pass, you have to trek downhill through landslide area to Bimthang Village.

Difficulty Level and Physical Preparation Before the trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging trek that requires certain amount of physical fitness level. Sound cardio - vascular ability helps you to easily complete the trek. Average walking hours range from 6 hours to 8 hours. The pass crossing day is long and arduous. Therefore, physical preparation is essential for a successful trekking. There are multiple steep uphill and downhill sections along the trail. Make sure to build your physical fitness level by indulging in activities like running, swimming, cycling, and hiking at least one month before the trek.

Accommodation and Meals Facilities in the trail

The level of accommodation and meals facilities in the trail is not as good as in the Everest Base Camp Trek route. However, it is enough to cater basic needs of trekkers. Lots of new tea houses are opening in the trail. The increase in the number of trekkers has prompted new tea houses in the trail including few luxury mountain lodges. Some places may have lodging facilities with attached bathroom. Standard meals are available in the trail. You can enjoy local Nepalese dishes and some international dishes from Chinese, Continental, and Indian cuisines. Almost every tea houses have similar menu items. The price may vary due to altitude and physical accessibility but menu items remain the same. Popular food choice is Nepalese Dal Bhat. You can get unlimited refills of rice and lentil soup. If you are planning to complete the trek, then Dal Bhat is an ideal food choice.

Major Monasteries in Manaslu Trail

The most popular monastery in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is Pungyen Gompa. It is located between Samagaon and Shyala Village. Besides Pungyen Gompa, there are significant monasteries in almost every villages. Ribung monastery in Lho and Serang Monastery in Bihi villages are two iconic monasteries alongside smaller chortens and pagodas. If you wish to visit Serang Monastery, then you have to allocate 1 day extra besides the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary.

Visiting Monasteries and Rules

You don’t need to pay an entry fee to visit monasteries of the region. However, these monasteries run mainly on donations. Therefore, you can choose to donate the monastery. If you wish to do it, make sure to inform our travel planners in an advance. Special puja ceremonies require certain amount of money. Lama and monks will perform puja ceremony inside the monastery.

What are the risks of altitude sickness during Manaslu Trek?

Any visits above 2500 m altitude have high risks of altitude sickness. The risk is same in the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Therefore, trekkers are required to do at least one acclimatization activity before entering 5000 m high places. Manaslu Base Camp hike is the best way to adjust to the demands of the higher elevation places. Make sure to maintain the uniform pace and heed instructions of your trekking guide. Eat soupy foods and drink plenty of water. Use of diamox may help you but you must take the medicine starting from lower elevation until the end of the trek.

Manaslu Base Camp & Birendra Lake

The most popular acclimatization activity during the trek is hike to the Manaslu Base Camp (4800 m). On the way to the base camp from Samagaon, trekkers can spend quality time on the shores of Birendra Lake. The location of lake is in a scenic place surrounded by snow - capped mountains and alpine forests. The trail to the base camp is challenging as it is vertical uphill. However, the scenery is astounding. The total round trip takes around 7 to 9 hours from Samagaon and back.

Emergency Helicopter Rescue Protocols

You must get travel insurance before the trek. Make sure to leave the copy of the insurance plan to our city office. During time of emergency, our city staffs coordinate with authorities and insurance company for quick helicopter evacuation. The agency will notify the helicopter company and they get clearance from authority to land in the conservation area. Once the clearance is received, you will be picked up and transfer to Kathmandu.

Possible Side Trips

The main trail of the Manaslu region is the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. There are few side trips trail possible from here. You can choose to include cultural side trip to Tsum Valley up to Mu Gompa. Similarly, you can choose to include Serang Gompa as side trip. If you are planning to include Tsum Valley, then you can book our Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek package. It includes visit to Mu Gompa and again coming back to main circuit trail. It is longer than the classical Manaslu trek. Furthermore, it is going to be the cultural, natural, and Himalayan wilderness trek in an enticing Manaslu region of Nepal.

Local Trekking Guide and Porter Information

Trekking inside the restricted areas of Nepal require special regulations. You must be guided by a trekking guide assigned by the registered trekking company. A guide may charge you around 30 $ to 55 $ per day. Similarly, you can hire a porter starting from 20 $ to 30 $. Make sure to contact our travel planners to include the extra services of a porter. Remember that a porter carries not more than 22 kilograms to 25 kilograms. Two trekkers are given a single porter. Our trekking crew members are from the Manaslu region. Therefore, you can have authentic experiences while trekking with us. Furthermore, you can also feel much more safer with our local crew members. They are well aware about the climatic conditions, geographical terrain, and major vantage points.

Drinking Water Availability

Lots of spring water sources are available during the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. However, natural spring water are not highly recommended to drink directly. Use water purifying tablet before drinking. You can also get hot drinking water from tea houses. Bottled water is also available but it is very costly. Similarly, the plastic bottle wastage is not highly recommended from environmental point of view.

Typical Trekking Day Activities

Your trek starts early in the morning after the breakfast. Once you wake up, you can stroll around the place until breakfast. After breakfast, short stretching session will be headed by a trekking guide. Your guide will decide where to rest along the trail. Lunch will be served in an eatery around 12 to 1 pm and continue the trek. Upon reaching the overnight tea house, your luggage will be taken to your room. Once the dinner is served, you will be briefed about the day’s trek events and upcoming day’s attractions. You will also be screened for your oxygen level and overall body conditions. Make sure that you state your conditions diligently to your trekking guide. If you are not feeling well, then you must rest or descend instead of continuing the trek.

Suspension Bridges Crossing Safety and Guide

Another highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the presence of countless suspension bridges. These hanging bridges are helpful to cross two ridges or rivers and these are also thrilling to cross. Don’t playfully swing the bridge and be careful about your gadgets. Your mobile phone or camera may drop while taking pictures. So, be extra careful. Avoid crossing the suspension bridges together with cattle (mules). It is so thrilling to cross these suspension bridges over a raging streams.

Ideal Season for Better Trekking Experiences

Best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal for better trekking experiences is during the months of spring season and autumn season. March to May and September to November are ideal times for the trek. Among these months, April and October are best among the best. However, these seasons have clear skies, stable weather conditions, and excellent trail conditions. Besides these months, you can also choose to trek during winter and monsoon season after consulting with our travel planners. The pattern of weather has changed drastically over the years. Therefore, end of August and early December may be ideal for trekking activities in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. Consult with our travel planners.