Manaslu Circuit Trek

The typical trek to Manaslu Circuit is almost identical daily—starting in the early morning and reaching the teahouse at another destination. So, let’s get into the typical day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here is the day-to-day most common activity in the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary.

6 AM to 7 AM: The day of the trek begins early in the morning when trekkers wake up at around 6 AM. They bathe and prepare for the trek by packing all their luggage. At around 6:30 Am, the trekkers will have breakfast and start moving forward.

7 AM to 12 PM: The trek begins around 7 AM. Due to night-long rest and a healthy breakfast, the trekkers can cover longer distances quickly. The early stretch of the trek ranges from 7 AM to 12 PM, after which your guide will take you to a suitable restaurant for lunch.

12 PM to 1 PM: After the first portion of the trek, it’s time to stop for lunch. You will have up to one hour to have lunch and take a bit of a rest.

1 PM to 6 PM: The second stretch along the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins after the end of the lunch. During this portion, the distance you cover will be less. After midday, the sun started to set slowly,so now it’s time to trek towards the new destination. You will reach your new destination in the evening.

6 PM to 8 PM: You will stroll in the new village or teahouse in the evening. After reaching the new teahouse, you will meet new people, visit locals, or drink in a bar. At around 7 PM, the trekkers will have their lunch. After lunch, they will sit around a fire or in the tea room to discuss the day.

8 PM to 9 PM: The end of the typical trekking day begins after having lunch. From 8 to 9 PM, the trekkers wake up and call it a day. It is essential to get enough REM sleep so that they are rejuvenated for the next day.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the underrated treks in Nepal, but it is also gorgeous. It is one of the off-the-beaten treks, which means that trekkers will enjoy the raw and natural wilderness of Nepal. The trek takes you through different landscapes, subroads wide fields, lush forests, high-altitude passes, glacial moraines, and snowy mountains, leading right to the majestic Manaslu Base Camp Trek and the chance to see the stunning Manaslu peak.

Vantage Point for Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli and other Majestic Peaks

The adventurous trek in the Manaslu region lets the trekkers see stunning mountain views. As the trekkers pass through different trails, they will be awe-struck by the panoramic views of the mountains like Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and others. To see the breathtaking views of the mountains, you can also reach the peak of Larkya La Pass, the best vantage point of the trek.

Remote Villages & Off -the-Beaten Trail

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is among the best off-the-beaten trails in Nepal. During this trek, the trekkers will pass from remote settlements and explore through the off-beaten trail to reach another village that lacks infrastructure. This trek differs from the Everest Base Camp Trek, making it less crowded, peaceful, and attractive to confident trekkers.

Tsum Valley Trek

Another primary reason to choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the chance to mix another amazing trek in Tsum Valley. It is near the Tibetian border and is among the unexplored and off-the-beaten trek. The Tsum Valley is rich in art, culture, religion, and the chance to see and meet new people.

Larkya La Pass

Larkya La Pass is a stunning mountain pass located in the Manaslu region. It is a must-see place for trekkers who love adventure in the mountains. Trekkers from the Larkya La Pass can see the whole Manaslu region and have panoramic views of the beautiful mountains. However, trekkers must be prepared for high altitude weather, freezing temperatures, and the relentless blowing of cold winds, so they must be prepared for it by packing adequate woolen clothes.

Birendra Lake

Birendra Lake is another stunning attraction that provides picturesque and breathtaking views. The lake is pristine and beautiful, surrounded by panoramic mountains, lush green forests, and remote settlements. This place is the perfect place to stop for some relaxation for lunch. After a while, you can continue your trek or go back to staying in the teahouse you are staying.

Himalaya360 is one of the reputed trekking agencies in Nepal. They are partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) from the USA, TAAN, NMA, the Nepal Government, and NTB. Himalayan360 was established by two trekkers who became expert guides to provide the best service at a reasonable price. They also offer a wide array of trekking and touring itinerary packages and well-maintained facilities. The staff of Himalayan360 serves the guests securely and safely. They will also guide the trekkers through the challenging Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here are some of the reasons you should choose Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Expert Guides

Himalaya360 is an exceptional choice for trekkers planning to explore the Manaslu region. One significant advantage of choosing the company is the opportunity to trek with expert guides. These guides are experts in navigating challenging areas and have extensive experience providing safety and security to the general public.

Customizable Itineraries

Another reason to choose Himalaya360 is the opportunity to select the customizable itinerary. The itineraries are flexible and can be customized to the wishes of the trekkers. This allows trekkers to choose the trek based on their fitness, time, duration, and ability. Creating a personal itinerary enables you to select from calm and comforting treks to more challenging ones, like the Manaslu expedition. This customizable itinerary ensures a majestic and unforgettable experience during your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit is among the restricted areas in Nepal. To explore the Manaslu Circuit freely, the trekkers must possess the trekking permits. There are three permits that the trekkers must have in their hands: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Restricted Area Permit, which is for every restricted area in Nepal. So, let’s get into them.

Restricted Area Permit

Since the Manaslu Trek area is restricted, the trekkers must have a restricted area permit. The trekkers themselves can’t issue the restricted area permit, but the local and authorized can issue them on behalf of the trekkers.

The cost of the RAP is: For SAARC and Other Countries

(From September to November)

• per week US$ 70
• per day US$ 10

(From December to August)

• per week US$ 50
• per day US$ 7

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

To trek in the Manaslu trekking region, you’ll need a permit that you can obtain from Philim, the starting point of the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP). The cost of this permit is $30 per person, and this price remains the same year-round. Additionally, it doesn’t matter how long you stay within the conservation area; the permit fee won’t change based on the number of days you spend there. You must submit essential documents like a passport and passport-size photos, etc. The cost of the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit

Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek passes by the Annapurna Sanctuary, the trekkers must pass through the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit of ACAP. You can issue the ACAP at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and the TAAN office in Pokhara. So, ensure you have all three permits next time you think of the Manaslu trek. The cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is as follows:

The 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is arduous as trekkers must reach high altitudes and remote locations in Nepal. This is why the meals and accommodation trekkers receive are essential for their health and safety. Staying in a remote settlement for fifteen days is difficult, so trekkers need adequate and suitable accommodation facilities.

Accommodation

The Manaslu Trek itinerary includes fifteen nights in good lodges along the trek. You will stay for seven nights in rooms with private bathrooms at Sotikhola, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun for two nights, Bhimtang, and Gho. You will have eight nights in standard rooms at Machha Khola, Doban, Philim, Deng, Ghap, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Dharapani. You may need three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu before and after the trek, but this is not included in the package.

Foods

The trekkers in the Manaslu region can taste delicious local and Western cuisines. However, they must be wary about eating food with enough nutrients to give them energy for over two weeks. During the fourteen-day treks of the Manaslu region, the trekkers will have three meals daily, barring the final day of departure. So, let’s get into some of the menus you can have during your trek, which are differentiated into breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast

Breakfast is the first meal trekkers can enjoy during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is the most important meal you cannot afford to skip, as it provides instant energy for the first portion of the trek, essential for covering more distance. The trekkers can enjoy some of the breakfast menus during the Manaslu Trek.

• Local Tsampa porridge
• French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Honey
• Oatmeal
• Pancakes
• Eggs
• Tibetan bread or Chapati
• Muesli Breads
• Cornflakes
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Hot Drinks

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch and dinner are also foods that trekkers will eat daily during the trek portion. After the first portion of the trek, the guide and porter can take trekkers to a suitable location to have lunch. After lunch, the trekkers will begin their trek to the next destination, where they will stay in the teahouse and enjoy dinner. The menus for Lunch and Dinner are almost identical. Here are some of the options you will find for lunch and dinner during Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles
• Sherpa Stew
• Snacks (Papad, Prawn)
• Pasta
• Macaroni dishes
• Momo (dumplings)
• Desserts
• Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed)
• Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari
• Tibetan Bread
• Various Soups
• Sandwiches
• Steaks
• Vegetable curry
• Potatoes
• Vegetables
• Salad
• Thukpa

Drinks

In a high-altitude trek like Manalsu, the trekkers must always be hydrated as it can reduce the chance of altitude sickness. There is simple drinking water that can keep you hydrated, but there are also plenty of other options.

• Ginger Tea
• Mint Tea
• Black Coffee
• Green Tea
• Lemon Tea
• Milk Coffee
• Black Tea
• Milk Tea

Internet access and WIFI connection are essential for trekkers to connect with their families or gain information about their surroundings. The teahouses in the region often have internet and WIFI connections, but the trekkers might have to pay a little extra for it. Let’s look at how the internet connectivity range changes from lower altitude to higher high altitude.

Low Altitude WIFI

Wi-Fi services are easily found in low-altitude places like Soti Khola and Maccha Khola. Accessing Wi-Fi here usually costs around USD 2-3. The connection quality is fair, but it can become slow during busy times when many people are online. The connection is somewhat decent in the lower altitude, so you won’t have any problem running an internet connection and talking with your loved ones.

High Altitude Trek

Contrary to the low-altitude trek, the high-altitude trek has poor connectivity, and internet access in the hotels or teahouses is challenging.Some teahouses, like those in Bimthang, might have Wi-Fi, but it often works poorly because of the high altitude and weather. Internet costs are higher in the mountains, averaging $15 to $20 per hour, while in lower areas, it’s around $5 per hour.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is among the most challenging treks in Nepal. There are many challenging factors of the trek that increase the difficulty level. However, if the trekkers choose this trek at the best time, they will somewhat reduce the difficulty level by some distance. In Nepal, there are two ideal trekking seasons: Spring and Autumn. On the other hand, there are two off-seasons for trekking: the Monsoon and Winter Seasons.

On Season

Spring

Spring season begins in March and ends in May. It is among the best times for trekking in any region in Nepal, which includes the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The major advantage of spring trekking is that you can enjoy the beautiful route filled with blooming flowers and colorful jungles. The weather and temperature are also ideal for hiking during the Spring season. However, the trek is more crowded than other seasons, so if you plan to book the trek in Manaslu Circuit, make sure you book extra.

Autumn

Another ideal season for trekking other than spring is autumn. The Autumn season begins in September and ends in November. Like the Spring season, Autumn also provides perfect weather and temperature for trekking. Autumn is another prime season for trekking the Manaslu Circuit, known for its clear skies and moderate weather. The season has its unique aspects of beauty. Some major attractions of trekking the Manaslu Circuit in the autumn are the stunning views of mountains and skies and the chance to see cultivated fields filled with different crops, such as wheat, rice, barley, maize, sugarcane, etc. This season is also the harvesting season when the trekkers will see new crop harvesting methods.

Off Seasons

Monsoon

The monsoon season is the first season that is less suitable for trekking. This season begins in the middle of June and ends in August. Summer season starts in early June, and a few weeks later, the monsoon season begins with heavy to mild rainfall almost daily. Monsoon season brings many difficulties, from wet and slippery trails, insects, leeches, and natural disasters like floods, landslides, and erosions. Even at high altitudes, the constant rainfall brings problems like Avalanches.

Winter

The Winter season is the least ideal time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. During this season, the temperature of the trek decreases to a lower level during the day and way below freezing during the night. Sometimes, it decreases to about -25 degrees. However, there are also some advantages of trekking in winter, such as stunning views of the snowy mountains. The trekking trails are pretty and peaceful, and the region’s visibility is excellent.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging trekking spots in Nepal. It is known to be a killer mountain in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is mainly difficult due to the off-the-beaten trekking conditions. Trekking on rough terrain in remote areas can be challenging. Hiking at higher altitudes increases the risk of altitude sickness.

Additionally, the long hours of walking can make you tired. To handle these challenges, you need to take safety measures and even prepare months before the trek. Good physical fitness, stamina, and mental strength are best to complete this trek comfortably. Several factors of difficulty make the Manaslu Trek challenging, so let’s get into them.

Altitude Sickness

One of the significant factors of difficulty is the high altitude at which the trekkers are. Sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is common for people who climb high places. This usually becomes a concern when you’re above 3,000 meters (about 9,800 feet) above sea level.While trekking the Manaslu circuit, you will be at altitudes above this level, which increases your chances of experiencing mild symptoms of AMS. These symptoms can include:

– Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
– Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
– Headache
– Shortness of breath
– Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

As you go higher, the air becomes thinner, meaning less oxygen is available. Your body needs time to adapt to this change. If you climb too quickly without allowing your body to adjust, you may experience altitude sickness. To prevent AMS, it’s essential to acclimatize properly. This means gradually getting used to higher altitudes, which helps your body adjust to lower oxygen levels.

Long Duration

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most extended treks in Nepal, taking about 16 to 20 days. Since this trek is quite challenging, trekking for so long is strenuous. Every day, the trekkers hike for about six to seven hours. However, the long duration helps with acclimatization. It is still hard for the trekkers, especially beginners.

Difficult Terrains

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in a remote area at the base of the mountains. It features winding paths and stone stairs. The landscape of the Manaslu region is very tough due to loose soil, slippery steps, and snowy ridges, which are challenging to climb or descend. Hence, the trekkers need to build their stamina and be physically strong if they don’t want to feel tired all the time.

How can we Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Unsurprisingly, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is complex, and trekkers will face many challenges. Some challenges are natural and can’t be avoided; others can be minimized by preparing for the trek beforehand. There are natural ways to prepare for the trek, like trekking in the ideal season. So, let’s get into this.

Physical Preparation

Physical preparation is essential for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Since the trek is challenging and the trekkers must pass through stressful terrains for at least two weeks, they must be physically strong and raise their stamina. Trekkers also need to increase their cardio level and strength if they don’t want to feel fatigued continuously.

Mental Preparation

Just like physical preparation, mental preparation is also essential. I know and admit that the trek will be arduous, and some days will be more challenging. If the trekkers prepare for the toughness of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, then they won’t be demoralized and will expect the difficulty. It is also essential to learn how to breathe at a high altitude. You can practice breathing in a challenging atmosphere using Yoga and Meditation.

Medical Consideration

Preparation for the trek begins before the trek is booked. During the Manaslu Trek, the trekkers will climb an altitude of over 4000m, which means they are susceptible to altitude sickness. So, trekkers with previous medical conditions must consult their doctor to determine whether they are healthy enough for these long and challenging treks. Also, if they are healthy enough to trek, they must take their medical prescription.

Packing for a trek can make or break your trip. It’s best to pack light, but don’t forget the essentials. You should take the essential clothing item based on the season and weather you plan to trek. Due to the dynamic weather, you should prepare for warm and cold temperatures. Furthermore, there is a chance of snowfall, mainly in areas above 3000m, so you might need to carry some essential gear like trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

• Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
• Sunscreen with high SPF, Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Day pack, Duffle bags
• Sleeping Bag for up to -15 Degree Celsius
• Water bottle
• T-shirt and Shirt
• Small Hand Towel
• Torchlight
• Fleece Jacket and Down Jacket
• Additional pairs of socks
• Warm Gloves
• Hat and beanie
• Hiking Boots