The Manaslu region of Nepal was opened for trekking in 1992. It’s been 32 years since its opening but the trekking trails of the region were still regarded as tranquil and less crowded trekking trails. Interestingly, since 2023, the number of trekkers is increasing rapidly. Nowadays, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route of the region is alongside the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek in terms of popularity. The region is still under the restricted region category. Despite its restricted status, the surge in the trekkers’ numbers suggest immense popularity of the region. Strict rules and guidelines of the restricted region don’t allow solo or independent trekking in the region. We try to find out the possible ways to do Solo Manaslu Trek in Nepal via this blog.
People have different ways of traveling. Some people prefer to travel with friends and families. These people enjoy crowd and lots of interaction among fellow travelers. However, there are also many people who are introvert and love to travel alone. This blog will be definitely handy to those travelers who are looking for Solo Manaslu Trek options even if it is restricted by the book of law. This blogger has been working in the field of Nepal Trekking for more than two decades now. So, please go through until the end of this blog. It will surely help you make decision on your quest for solo Manaslu Trek in Nepal. Let’s go deeper into our blog on Manaslu Trek Solo:
Basic Requirements for Manaslu Trek in Nepal
At first, let’s find out the basic requirements for Manaslu Trek in Nepal. If any regions of Nepal are listed under the restricted zone then travelers entering such region must fulfill certain requirements. The provision is similar to all the restricted regions of Nepal. Major restricted regions of Nepal are Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo, and Manaslu region. The cost of the Special Restricted Area Permit differs according to the regions. For example, the most expensive special restricted area permit is of the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. It costs USD 500 per person for 10 days with extra 50 $ per extra day per person. The restricted area permit for Manaslu region differs according to the time of the year. During the spring (March – May), summer/monsoon (June – July), and winter (December – February), the cost of the special restricted permit is 75 $ per person for 7 days and additional 10 $ extra per day per person. Autumn season is slightly expensive. It costs 100 $ per person for 7 days and additional 15 $ per extra day per person.
Trekkers must trek in the trekking routes of the region under the guidance of the Nepal Government licensed trekking guide assigned by Nepal Government registered trekking agency. Solo or independent trekking is strictly prohibited. The group must clearly mention the intended trekking route and trail while obtaining the trekking permit. They must not derail from the original plan.
Is it really possible to do Solo Manaslu Trek?
If you go by the book then it is nearly impossible to do the Solo short Manaslu Trek in Nepal. However, if you plan for the trek meticulously and smartly then the solo Manaslu Trek is possible. Please note that don’t trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal alone. The geographical terrain and unpredictable weather conditions can create fatal situation to lonely trekker. For example, you will have to start the day of the trek of crossing the Larke La pass before dawn. Trekking alone in the wilderness can lead you to get lost in the landscape. This is really risky and it is not recommended. Please contact the leading trekking agency. The top trekking agency can actually make your dream of doing the solo Manaslu Trek a reality.
Let’s talk about the ways to book the Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo in Nepal. Yes, it is not possible according to the rule book of traveling in restricted zone but there are many ways that you can follow to materialize this activity.
How to book Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo?
Always look for the leading trekking agency to book the Manaslu Trek package. If you are trying to book the solo Manaslu Trek with smaller companies then you may not be able to obtain the necessary trekking permits. The biggest concern of doing the Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is obtaining the permit from the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. The trekking agency which has more groups and private trekking bookings can easily accommodate you and obtain the Special Restricted Area Permit from the Immigration Department along with the group. However, you must trek with the assigned trekking guide.
For example, the Nepal High Trek is one of the leading trekking agencies of Nepal that operates trekking in Manaslu region. Every year, hundreds of trekkers trek in the trekking routes of the Manaslu region under the banner of the Nepal High Trek. You can simply place your order and book the Manaslu Circuit Trek or Tsum Valley Trek package with this company.
Don’t Trust Trekking Agency who offer Ghost Trekker for Manaslu Trek
People always look to find out the ways to utilize the loopholes of any Governmental restrictions. Please don’t trust any trekking agencies or trekking guides who offer you Solo Manaslu Trek package citing that they can arrange for Ghost Trekker. These people often say that if you are willing to pay for the special restricted permit of two trekkers then they can operate trekking for you. It is not ethical and at the same time it is also not reliable way of exploring the magnificent Mt. Manaslu region of Nepal.
Can I join Group for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Fixed Departure Dates?
Lot’s of big trekking companies have fixed departure dates in their websites. Do you know that the Manaslu region trekking is one of the major fixed departure destinations alongside Annapurna region and Langtang region of Nepal. It doesn’t depend upon the flights like the Everest region of Nepal. Therefore, contact the travel planners of these trekking agencies which is renowned in the field of Manaslu Trekking. State your preferences to these agencies and then they will knit the best trekking plan for you including the trekking guide for proper guiding services for your trekking in an abode of the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m).
The advantages of joining the fixed group departures are that you get to interact with different background of people. In addition, it is always fun to interact with people from different facets of life as well as culture. Don’t miss out to have this fun. If you don’t want to interact with the group then simply do the Solo Lower Manaslu Trek with your trekking guide separately. By doing this, you will be trekking in the Manaslu region of Nepal without breaching the set rules and regulations. It is the best way to book the Manaslu Trek in Nepal even if you are a solo trekker.
Which is the major trekking agency that operate Manaslu Trek in Nepal?
Please surf through internet and contact the top trekking agencies listed in the google list. Simply type Manaslu Circuit Trek or Manaslu Trek Booking. State your preferences to all the trekking agencies and wait for the results. Compare the prices and the kinds of the services as well as hospitality they promise. Decide accordingly. In addition, you can also surf through the review sites of these companies. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and for the credentials. If you are happy with any of these trekking agencies regarding your queries and if the plans offered by these agencies meet your budget requirements then book the trek.
This blogger can recommend you the leading trekking agency for the Solo Manaslu Trek in Nepal. This blog is published in the website of the Nepal High Trek but this blogger is freelancer! I highly recommend you to contact the travel planners of the agency. Please note that the Nepal High Trek is the only trekking agency based in Nepal who have the team of travel planners too.
What are the famous trekking routes of Manaslu Region?
Manaslu region of Nepal has two iconic trekking routes for trekkers to relish splendors of Mother Nature and unique cultural insights of Tsum Nubri People in the lap of the world’s 8th tallest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163 m). Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek are the topmost trekking routes of the region. However, trekkers can customize these trekking trips too. You can do the Upper route Manaslu Circuit Trek that includes Serang Gompa and Kaal Taal exploration. Trekkers can also include the Tsum Valley with Mu Gompa along with the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. If you are looking for more off the beaten trekking course in the region then you can book the Rupi Nala Trek.
Can I do Manaslu Base Camp Trek only?
The Manaslu Base Camp Hike is the part of the acclimatization activity during the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. The journey encompasses the exploration of the famous Birendra Lake as well. Many travelers inquire whether they can simply visit the Manaslu Base Camp and retrace the same trail back to Kathmandu. Yes, it is possible to do the Manaslu Base Camp Trek only skipping both Mu Gompa Tsum Valley and Larke La Pass (5106 m). The journey is definitely joyous and legendary like the Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. In fact, it can be more fulfilling than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek because the ABC Trek is to the base camp of the world’s 10th tallest mountain but the Manaslu Base Camp Trek is the trekking journey to the world’s 8th tallest mountain.
How to plan for Manaslu Trek in Nepal?
Some travelers argue that unplanned trip is always fascinating and momentous. However, this is not the case if you are trying to do trekking holidays in the Himalayas of Nepal. You require meticulous planning and proper itineraries for the successful trekking trips. Moreover, all these trekking trips are in the high – altitude places. Please plan your Manaslu Trek in Nepal considering transportation, permits, accommodation, meals, equipment, gear, best season, and miscellaneous things. Always ask for recommendations from the experts before finalizing the trekking trip. It is similar to all types of trekking trips in Nepal.
Cost of Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek vs Group Manaslu Trek
In every holiday activities, the cost of the group and solo always differs! The rule applies in the Manaslu Trekking trips as well. The cost of the Solo Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal ranges rom 1150 $ to 1300 $ but the group Manaslu Trek cost ranges from 925 $ to 1000 $. Therefore, it is always fruitful to trek in a group in terms of budget.
How risky is to cross Larke La Pass alone?
The Larke La Pass (5106 m) is one of the longest high – altitude mountain passes of Nepal alongside Thorong La Pass (5416 m), Kong Ma La Pass (5535 m), Chola Pass (5420 m), and Renjo La Pass (5360 m). In the high altitude places, the weather is very unpredictable. If you get caught in snowstorm or blizzard then all the tracks may vanish. You may be lost in the wilderness! So, always trek with the group or with the help of the trekking guide. Don’t attempt to cross the Larke La Pass (5106 m) of the Manaslu Circuit Trek alone!
Do I get proper accommodation if I trek alone in Manaslu?
The biggest repelling factor in doing the Solo Manaslu Trek is the difficulty in getting proper accommodation for solo trekker. During the peak season, the Manaslu Circuit Trek route’s lodging facilities struggle to provide accommodation to trekkers. There are limited numbers of lodging establishments. You may get the rooms but you might have to share the room with other trekkers.
If possible, refrain from doing the Solo Manaslu Trek! Contact the leading trekking agencies and take a trekking guide with you if you really insist in doing solo trekking in Manaslu. Feel free to inquire further to us via mail or Whatasapp number +9779851142116.
Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Explore The Himalayas
