Manaslu Circuit Trek Guidebook

The remoteness of the Manaslu region attracts thousands of trekkers who visit this secluded region of Nepal. Manaslu region, home to the eighth highest mountain in the world, is one of the sort trekking destinations among avid trekkers. Its isolated nature, intricate cultural background, staggering mountain sights, and the tranquil nature appeals trekkers to this distant region of Nepal. The valley is truly an admirable aspect to nature lovers and to those who are intrigued by the unique Himalayan culture of Nepal. Although trekking to the Manaslu region is not an alternative route, it is mainstreaming amongst the group of avid trekkers. This Manaslu Circuit Trek Guidebook includes almost all the important aspects of the Manaslu region that one should know before beginning their journey to Manaslu.

Those who opt for Manaslu Circuit Trek are aware of the fact that they are in stores for some spectacular views of the crystal white Himalayas. So to those who are looking to visit this remote region of Nepal, we have brought a Manaslu Circuit Trek to guide for them.

Why should the Manaslu Circuit trek be on your bucket list?

First, before we move on to any other subjects concerning the Manaslu Circuit Trek Guidebook, we would like to highlight why the Manaslu Circuit Trek should be on your bucket list. This finest trekking trail has all the amazing features that one wishing to do trekking in Nepal can experience. This trekking region flaunts the cultural, natural, and the religious side of Nepal magnificently.

The grand monasteries, the gumbas and mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags are some indications that one will get to see while on this journey. Besides these, people and their lives are fascinating to observe and to learn about. Tranquil nature is another aspect that attracts a larger prospect of trekkers in this region. The raw and authentic beauty of the Manaslu region urges others to put this destination in their bucket list. Anyone who is in love with nature and solitude will cherish their time spent exploring the Manaslu region.

Why is the Manaslu region a restricted area?

Manaslu, which signifies "Mountain of the Spirit'' is one of the less navigated trekking areas of Nepal. The Manaslu was first submitted on May 9, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, individuals from a Japanese expedition group.  And Manaslu Region (among Jagat and Dharapani) has been pronounced a restricted trekking region by the Nepal Government for some time now. The essential explanation regarding this region as restricted is to control the travel industry and monitor approaching and active voyagers. The way of life and custom of the Manaslu area is exceptional and dissimilar to some other societies of Nepal. Likewise, the individuals and this district have stayed flawless and unadulterated. Thus, to monitor the number of travelers just as to spare the authenticity of the locale, all things considered, the Manaslu zone is restricted to trekking territory in Nepal.

Best Time for Manaslu Trek

The ideal opportunity for Manaslu Trek would be the fall and spring in Nepal. The two seasons offer favorable climatic conditions and environments for explorers. The climate and the ambiance around these times are fascinating. The weather is excellent, calm, and luscious surrounding keeps on developing. Therefore, even though both seasons are an ideal time to visit Nepal and do trekking in the Manaslu area, you will have different weather to experience.

Manaslu Trek in Spring Season

Spring tumbles from March to May in Nepal. It comes after winter and before summer/monsoon in Nepal. Hence you will get to experience the essence of both seasons that come before and after a spring in Nepal. In the earlier month of spring, the weather is quite chillier, which shows winter was around the corner. Similarly, at the end of the spring, which is the month of May, the weather gets warmer giving you a hint that summer is coming. Spring is flower blooming time hence the surrounding gets colorful and green. You will get to see many flowers sprouting while on the trail and the lush green environment.

Manaslu Trek during autumn

Autumn heaves with trekkers as it is the busiest season for trekking in Nepal. Nepal experiences autumn from September to November. The season offers dry weather with crystal clear air for trekkers. Also, one reason trekkers choose this month for trekking is because of staggering mountain views. Clear and exceptional mountain views are visible during this season. Similarly, the weather is comfortably warm in autumn. Comfortable weather of autumn replaces the hot weather of summer/monsoon season. Similarly, as it is a pre-winter season, autumn prepares us for the winter is about to start. Henceforward, the weather in autumn is a mix of both hot and cold, therefore it has moderate weather. Likewise, the traffic of trekkers for Manaslu trek during autumn is high compared to any other season.

Seasons not recommended for Manaslu Trek

Summer and winter both are pretty and exciting seasons as it offers different climates in different time zones. It is not a favorable time for Manaslu trek. Trekking in these seasons is possible, but one will have to go through lots of hurdles. In the next segment, we are outlining why summer/monsoon and winter are not a favorable time for Manaslu Trek.

Manaslu trek in Summer/Monsoon

Nepal experiences the summer/monsoon season together, and it falls from June to August. The Manaslu region is at the high altitude and the chances of the trail getting blocked because of monsoon rain are high. Hence there are greater chances of occurring unpredictable moments which may depict an unpleasant experience for you. Besides, the frequent encounter with the leeches and constant rain is not exactly a fun thing to experience. Therefore, we would not recommend trekking in the summer/monsoon season.

Manaslu trek in winter

High elevated areas of Nepal in winter is crucial. And as the Manaslu is one of the elevated regions of Nepal, so winter trekking can be a real endurance test. Winter in Nepal is from December to February. The views are magnificent, but the real complication of doing Manaslu trekking in winter would be the snow-blocked trail. The mountain passes would be closed off because of snow, and it would be difficult to cross them when it's snowed. And even if you are trekking with quality trekking gear, the constant passing through the snow would make you wet and your journeying experience would not be much great. Therefore, even though early winter is workable for trekking, it is not recommended to trek in the Manaslu region in winter.

Upside and Downside of the trek in the very depth

There is always a positive and negative side of trekking in the remote region. One of the noticeable downsides would be not having the luxury of standard accommodation and fast internet service. The companionship of reposeful and calm nature will win over the oblivious downside. And in the upcoming segment, we shall underline both sides of doing the Manaslu trek.

Upside aspect of Manaslu trek

• The tranquil and peaceful nature of the Manaslu region is effortlessly comforting and pleasing. The crowd-free trekking trail lets trekkers enjoy the amazing Mother Nature in solitude. Similarly, the journey perfectly combines all elements of Mother Nature. Every aspect will just fascinate you and amazes you. From flora to fauna, and even little creatures that you might encounter, are interesting and captivating.
• The way of life of the individuals in this region is similarly novel with other groups of people of Tibetan origin who follow Buddhism. The rich social legacy is obvious in the grand monasteries in Mu and Rachen Gompas in Chhekampar and Shringi Gompa in Bihi. Nearby instances of the congruity among religion and ecological preservation can be seen throughout the district, as Lamas from the cloisters prevent any viciousness act against natural life. This has been immensely weighty in the thriving of untamed life in MCA.

• Their major source of income depends on agriculture and animal husbandry. Also, they are reliant on natural resources such as medicinal herbs, timber, and firewood. Also, some are involved with the travel industry and trade organization. But the rate of involvement in these industries is very less. So it would amaze to see how their daily life works and ways of doing things. It will interest to watch and learn their traditional way of doing things.

• As the trekking trail is home to the residents who follow Buddhism so throughout the journey the indication of their religion and culture can be seen. The trial entails, passing through many chortens and Gompas with varieties of architecture and designs. Chortens are a small religious representation of the region. Anyone who passes through it pays respect to it. Besides, you will get to see many religious emblems while on the journey.

• The journey requires walking through the Manaslu Conservation Area. Environmentally MCA has an assorted scope of territories that flaunts many uncommon wild floral and faunal vegetation. For example, Red fox, Snow leopard, Lynx, Jackal, Brown bear, Musk deer, and many more. Similarly, the conservation area is home to their prey species like Wooly hare, Himalayan Tahr, Blue sheep, Himalayan serow, and Himalayan marmot. It is additionally home to an assortment of feathered creatures like the Tibetan snowcock, Chukar partridge, Snow Partridge, Himalayan griffon, Golden eagle, etc. Likewise, a variety of plants found in this trekking route.

Downside aspect of trekking in the Manaslu Region

• The accommodation is simple yet comfortable so we would advise you to not expect some fancy accommodation facilities.

• As it is a high altitude trek, the possibility of suffering from altitude ailment is high. So listening to guide instructions is very important.

• Some days in the journey are long and challenging as it requires passing through rugged terrain.
• Similarly, as it is a restricted area hence solo or independent, trekkers need to join the group.

• Trekking permits are expensive as it is a restricted trekking area.

• The trekking route is not busy like Annapurna Base Camp or EBC trek trails, so if you are a people person then you might not favor the solitude of the trail.

Fitness level required for the trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trek. The Larkya La pass crossing is one of the strenuous days on the entire journey. Larkya La pass at the height of 5100m is one of the highest and difficult mountain passes in all of Nepal. Hence, it is a hard part of the journey. On this trek, your mental strength is as important as physical strength. If you trek in March or November to December, it covers the pass with snow and you will have to use crampons to cross the pass. And apart from crossing the Larkya La pass, the rest of the trek is moderately difficult and will not exhaust you if you are prepared.

So apart from mentally preparing yourself for the trek, you need to work on your physical strength. And for that, we suggest you do cardiovascular endurance elevating exercises like running, swimming, cycling, and hiking. By the time of your trek, make sure you can cover at least 19 km in one hour.

The most strenuous day you will endure in this journey is the day you cross Lakya La pass and get to Bhimpdei from Dharamsala. On this day, you will walk almost 25 km, hence the journey becomes strenuous. Besides this day, on average you will walk for 5 hours daily. So preparing for the trek, you can begin by jogging every day. You may start your pace slow in the beginning and accumulate the pace every day. Also, if possible, for cycling once in two weeks. Similarly, you can swim as well to increase your endurance level.

How to get to the Manaslu Region?

On this trek, the only way of transportation available to go to the Manaslu region is by land transportation. The start point of the trek in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you will take a bus to Soti Khola from Bus Park if you would like to have local experience. You can a jeep and travel up to Soti Khola comfortably. And from Soti Khola, you officially start your trekking journey. The trek officially ends in Chamje. You will take a bus to Kathmandu from Chamje.

Also, if you are running out of time, then you can drive up to Machha Khola from Kathmandu on the same day. And stay overnight at the Machha Khola. It usually takes two days to reach Machha Khola from Kathmandu, but for people with time constraints, they can arrange it in one day. However, this kind of schedule is difficult to keep up with as it requires you to be active most of the day. In this alternative way, the trek ends at Dharapani. You may take a local or private vehicle from Dharapani to Kathmandu. One con of this alternative route besides the long drive is that you will miss the views of the lower part of the journey.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Extension

Another fantastic extension in the journey would be Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Manaslu Circuit trek ends in Dharapani and you start your Annapurna Circuit trek from there onwards. It takes about 8 to 9 days more to do this trek with Manaslu trek. The journey will start from Dharapni and ends in Jomsom. From Jomsom, you can fly back to Pokhara and drive to Kathmandu. Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal’s classic teahouse and off the beaten trekking trail that takes you past a wide range of spectacular mountain scenery. Also in an adventure of crossing Thorong La pass at 5416m, which is probably the highest mountain pass. It has long been considered a world of great treks for its captivating and magnificent cultural and natural beauty.

What about traveling solo to the Manaslu region?

Traveling Solo in the Manaslu region is not possible. Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area of Nepal, so to trek in any part of this region, it requires you to purchase a trekking permit. Also, trekking permits can arrange through a trekking company. You must trek with a registered guide in a part of two or more. Hence, solo traveling to the Manaslu region for foreigners is not possible.

Guesthouses during the Manaslu Trek

As per the accommodation, in the lower part of a teahouse, you can get to stay in a room with twin beds to share amongst two adventurers. You can discover the rooms with a connected washroom in Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Namrung, Samagaun, Dharapani, Bhimtang, and Chamje. However, as you move higher up, the standard of the tea house diminishes. All things considered, rooms are simple, and they set beds with a sleeping mattress, bedsheet, and cushions for your solace.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Guidebook About Food

Food is a crucial part of the trek. And during the Manaslu trek, you will find varieties of dishes to satisfy you. From local traditional dishes to international meals, you will find almost everything on the trek. Teahouses provide their guest with a food menu where you can find varieties of dishes and request anything you like from the menu. The menu contains local traditional foods and international meals. Similarly, if you have dietary restrictions, then also do not worry. Because cooks at the teahouse will prepare meals as per your request, keeping your restrictions in mind. Hence, if you are vegan or would like to eat veg meals or you need to eat gluten-free meals, dishes, inform your guide before ordering your meals from a menu. They prepare as per your requirements.

Drinking-Water on the Manaslu Trek

There are three available options to access drinking water on the trek. These available options are to buy bottled water, purchase hot water, or filter the spring water. Bottle water for purchase is available everywhere, and it costs up to NPR 300 per bottle. Also, you can purchase hot boiling water at the teahouse and it costs up to NPR 200 per liter. And for the last alternative is to filter spring, water will not cost you a penny on the trek. It is a highly recommended alternative among all the mentioned methods. For this, you just need to bring water purification tablets, purify water for about 30 minutes and you can drink water.

WIFI, Internet, and phone reception

WIFI is available at the lodges except for Dharamshala at the moment. For the services, it cost some fee. Similarly, phone coverage is also available. Therefore, we would recommend you purchase a sim card. You can find phone reception in Soti Khola, Jagat, Nanrung, Samagaun, Tilje, Dharapani, and Chamje. When wifi/internet is not working, the most reliable means of communication is phone reception. When there are no WIFI services available, you can use internet data packages via a local SIM card. Also, for internet services, all the teahouses provide internet package in this trek route. It cost around NPR 500.00 which you can use while at the teahouse, and until you leave the teahouse. This provision is one of the well-considered ways to use internet services by trekkers.

Essential Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

You need to buy three permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need to purchase the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) under the organization of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which costs USD 30 per person. Trekkers need to show their MCAP at Philim. The cost of the ACAP is USD 30 for each person, which remains the same throughout the year. Voyagers need to show their ACAP from Dharapani to Besisahar.

With that, you also need to purchase a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which is otherwise called a special permit. The special permit (RAP) fee is USD 100 for each individual every week from September to November. Also, if your journey goes past seven days, it moreover costs USD 15 for each individual every day. The RAP costs USD 75 for every individual for each week from December to August. On the off chance that it goes past a week, it moreover costs USD 10 every day for each individual. The license date begins from the day you leave Jagat.

Other than the previously mentioned grant, no other trekking permits are essential. Which includes TIMS cards.

Travel Insurance

For any treks in the Manaslu region, you need to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance is mandatory while trekking in Nepal. Although without travel insurance people go for trekking, it is highly not advised to do so. Travel insurance covers all the extra medicinal expenses incurred during trekking. Similarly, it is important to pick travel insurance that offers an emergency helicopter evacuation, extra medicinal expenses, and other additional expenses. Also, check if the provision covers the height over 5500m altitude. There are several travel insurance providers, you can easily find them. And you may purchase the provisions that suit you the best.

The distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

It takes around fourteen days to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, it is stretched out according to your enthusiasm concerning the spot. The 13 days itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek is the standard one, relevant to all the travelers. However, there is such a significant amount to see and explore that even 3 weeks may not be sufficient. Other than that, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate to challenging trek so a few difficulties can be experienced while on the excursion. You will stroll for around 5-6 hours every day. Overall, every day you will gain around 450-500m elevation. You will cover around 10-15 km of distance each day.

Tentative Daily, Walking Distance

• Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola and the total distance for the day is 140 km.
• Soti Khola to Machha Khola and the walking distance for the day is 14.2 km.
• Machha Khola to Jagat and the walking distance is 22.2 km. It is a long and one of the strenuous days on the whole day. So keep your pace up for today's journey.
• Jagat to Deng and the walking distance is 20 km.
• Deng to Namrung and the walking distance is 19.4 km. This another long day in the trek. You will cover almost the same distance as the day before, you take rest and eat healthily.
• Namrung to Lho Gaun and the walking distance is 10.5 km.
• Lho Gaun to Samagaon and the walking distance is 8.1 km.
• Samagaon to Samdo and the walking distance is 8.1 km.
• Samdo to Dharamsala and the walking distance is 6.6 km.
• Dharamsala to Bhimphedi via Larkya La Pass and the walking distance is 24.5 km. This is another long and strenuous day because not only will you be walking for hours, you will also cross Larkya La pass at the great height of 5100 m.
• Bhimphedi to Tilje and the walking distance is 26 km. It is another long walking day.
• Hike from Tilje to Chamje and the walking distance is 19.4 km. It is the last walking day of the trek.
• Drive from Chamje to Kathmandu and the distance between two journeys is 215 km.

Why pick Manaslu Trek with the Nepal Hiking Team?

This fabulous trip requires a specialist group that has long stretches of traveling experience in the Manaslu region. Plus, the Manaslu circuit journey being in a restricted trekking area, it needs the help of a traveling organization like the Nepal Hiking Team, which is registered under the government of Nepal.

Nepal Hiking Team is a privately based organization that has years of practical experience in trekking and touring activities in Nepal. Henceforward the organization has the skill, experience, and information on trekking in various locales of Nepal including the Manaslu area.

Nepal Hiking Team puts the prosperity and the solace of the clients as their top priority. For NHT, earning clients' trust and faith is everything. Hence they endeavor to ensure customers are experiencing the best time in Nepal. Likewise, all our staff and trekking leaders are articulate, proficient in their work, have long periods of engagement with trekking, and have immense information about mountains and the people that live there.

Thus, you are in the care of experts and specialists who will appraise everything regarding the Himalayas and their tenable and fascinating lifetime. Also, with NHT, your prosperity and comfort will keep as the highest need and your trip will operate by a team that has a wide scope of information.

Conclusion

This Manaslu Circuit Trek Guidebook incorporates all that you have to think about the Manaslu area. This Manaslu Trek manual will be useful in arranging and getting ready for your up-and-coming experience. On the off chance that there is much else you have to think about the trip, kindly drop a message to our support team. They associated with you to help you with your uncertainty. The Manaslu Trek is an incredible excursion in the remote territory of Nepal. The beauty and the legitimacy of the locale are outstanding and admirable.