14 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Blog: The Complete Guide for 2024

One of the most well-liked off-the-beaten-path hiking routes for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is one of Nepal's most difficult and adventurous hikes. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a well-known and storied trek that offers breathtaking vistas of Mt. Manaslu, which is the eighth-highest summit in the world at 8163 meters. The Manaslu circuit trek's challenges lead you through diverse landscapes, thick sal and rhododendron forests, historic monasteries, high mountain passes, walks through tropical waterfalls sculpting gorgeous hills, and passes through the dispersed Gurung and Magar villages.

Manaslu trekking takes place in the eastern part of the Annapurna Himalayan range and offers a one-of-a-kind setting that is rich in biological diversity, a lovely fusion of cultural heritage, and breathtaking views of Himalayan Flora and Fauna, making the Manaslu region one of the most renowned and esteemed trekking locations in Nepal. The stunning vistas are available on the Manaslu circuit trek. The best mountain views are available from Manaslu, as well as the tenth-highest mountain, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Mt. Machhapuchchhre, Gangapurna, Ganesh Himal, and numerous other nearby peaks.

Your possibilities are numerous while using the Manaslu Circuit Trek schedule. The distance traveled can vary depending on the points of departure and mode of conveyance. A quick drive from Kathmandu to Arughta marks the start of the Manaslu circuit walk, which concludes in Beshisahar, the fabled location of the Annapurna Circuit trek's beginning. The Manaslu Circuit Trek's off-the-beaten-path route passes through the lovely Manaslu Conservation Area and concludes at the Larkya La Pass, the higher and most picturesque pass in the Manaslu region. Larkya La Pass is likewise regarded as the most dramatic.

How Long Is The Manaslu Circuit?

In comparison to several other treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit offers a lengthier trek. It takes 13 to 17 days to climb Mount Manaslu. The majority of trekking firms provide itineraries of 14 or 15 days since they allow for sufficient acclimatization and comfort. The Manaslu Circuit spans a distance of 177 kilometers (110 miles). But depending on the schedule, the duration could change. While some trekking organizations prefer to begin in Arughat Bazar, others only begin in Soti Khola.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

The 14 Days Manaslu Circuit trek schedule is summarized here. This is only a recommended path; nothing is set in stone. Some travelers choose to stay in different towns along the way or extend their stay in Samdo by one more acclimatization day. The timings and distances for hiking are estimates.

DAY 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola either by bus or jeep which will take 6–9 hours.
DAY 2: Soti Khola to Machhakhola which will take 5 hours trekking
DAY 3: Machhakhola to Jagat which will take 7 hours and you will trek approx. 16km 
DAY 4: Jagat to Dyang which will take 7 hours and you will trek approx. 19km.
DAY 5: Dyang to Namrung which will take 7 hours and you will trek approx. 17km.
DAY 6: Namrung to Lho which will take 4 hours and you will trek approx. 10km.
DAY 7: Lho to Samagaun which will take 4 hours and you will trek approx. 8km.
DAY 8: An acclimatization hike to Pungen Gompa (4050m) or Manaslu Base Camp (4400m). On both hikes, you will hike 14km although the pungen gompa has a 5 hours return while the Manaslu base camp has an 8 hours return.
DAY 9: Samagaun to Samdo which will take 3 hours and you will trek approx. 8km.
DAY 10: Samdo to Dharamsala/Larke Phedi which will take 4 hours and you will trek approx. 6km.
DAY 11: Dharamsala/Larke Phedi to Larke Pass then to Bimthang which will take 10 hours and you will trek approx. 10km.
DAY 12: Bimthang to Tilche which will take 7 hours and you will trek approx. 18km.
DAY 13: Tilche to Dharapani which will take 2 hours and you will trek approx. 5km.
DAY 14: Dharapani to Kathmandu which will take 10 hours and you will travel either by bus or jeep. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude 

The altitude range for the Manaslu Circuit trek is 700 meters to 5106 meters. The trek begins in Kathmandu, which is 1300 meters above sea level and travels by car to Soti Khola (710 meters). From there, it proceeds by foot through Machhakhola, Jagat (1250 meters), Ghap (2050 meters), Namrung(2660meters), Sama Gaoun(3517 meters), Dharamsala (4480 meters), Bimthang trek through the Larkya La Pass (5160 meters), via Tilje (1725 meters), Tal, and Besis.

Although the Manaslu Circuit Trek is more difficult than other classic treks due to its remote location, you don't need to be as physically fit or prepared for it. Instead, just make sure you can spend at least 4-5 hours at a high altitude. The Manaslu circuit trek would be highly advantageous for you if you have previously hiked in a remote location. Your body will be more accustomed to the higher altitude, making acclimatization easier for you. The two main components of a successful trek in Nepal's mountains are acclimatization and slow and steady.

Acclimating to the high altitude properly will keep your body calm and keep you from getting sick from altitude sickness and other disorders. Before hiking, make sure you are free of any knee or ankle issues because if you do, it will negatively impact your journey. Visit the doctor and receive advice before walking the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time

Autumn or Fall Season

September through November are the ideal months for trekking in Nepal. With pleasant sunny days and superb visibility, the weather is typically dry and clear. This time of year is safer for trekking because there are fewer chances of weather-related natural disasters. What is the drawback of the Manaslu Trek? In contrast to the other periods of the year, this time the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRP) is $100 per week instead of $75. Additionally, while it's the nicest time of year, it's also the busiest.        

Spring Season

The second-best option is said to be the spring season, which runs from March through May. In general, the sky is clear, albeit it is a little chilly, especially at higher elevations. Flowers are in blossom, and the mornings are sunny. However, there is a greater likelihood of rain or perhaps snow, and melting ice raises the possibility of landslides or avalanches.        

Summer Season

Avoid the summer months of June through August. Warm, humid weather brought on by the monsoon causes exceedingly low visibility due to cloud cover and mist. The potential of landslides and leeches are both significant issues at this time of year. There are several landslide zones in the Manaslu Region because it was one of the locations most severely hit by the 2015 earthquake; these can be especially dangerous in wet weather.

Winter Season

Temperatures in higher elevations plummet during the winter, from December to February. This time of year is inappropriate for the Manaslu Circuit Trek due to snow and ice.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

Since most international visitors to Nepal arrive in Kathmandu, they will likely hike somewhere other than the Annapurna or Manaslu regions. The Annapurna Region's initial obstacle to trekking is this. To reach Pokhara, one must physically go there. By default, all hiking companies provide transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Some people travel by bus, while others fly.

Typically, an itinerary includes transportation from Pokhara to Ghorepani as well as hotel accommodations in Pokhara. Some of the expenses are located here. Even though there is no entrance cost, permits must still be purchased. Without it, hiking in the Himalayas of Nepal is not conceivable. You require three different types of permits for the Manaslu Circuit:

The fee for your Manaslu Trek permit will vary according to how many days and what month you visit this area. Three different types of licenses from the Government of Nepal are required to hike in the Manaslu region.

Manaslu Restricted Permit Cost

From September through November, the Manaslu trek permit costs USD 70.00 for the first seven days and USD 10.00 for each additional day. Between December and August, a Manaslu trek permit costs USD 50.00 for the first 7 days and USD 7.00 for each additional day.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

For SAARC nationals, the entry price is 1000 NPR, whereas it is 3,000 NPR for all other nationals.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

A permit is also required for this, as you will be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Your trekking company will arranges for all necessary permits and paperworks. Due to its average length and exclusivity, the Manaslu Circuit Trip is the priciest trek in Nepal. The cost of each person ranges from 900 to 1200 euros (or 1000 to 1400 dollars).

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

This trek has been characterized in a variety of ways, including hard, demanding, and somewhat challenging. What that tells you isn't much. But there are some things about which we can be confident.

Trek Route

In terms of the trail itself, the routes are generally in decent shape. Since no technical knowledge is needed, walking is a rather simple activity. In a few instances, things can become a little challenging, such as when the trail takes a detour to avoid landslides. Here, more caution is required because the terrain can be a little slicker and less stable.

Elevation

You climb from 700 m to 5106 m in elevation during the trek. This requires a significant amount of physical effort, and it's not all uphill. The track has a lot of uphill and downhill sections, especially in the beginning. After descending to cross a river, hikers must climb once more before repeating the process farther on the trail. Being as physically fit as you can is beneficial considering the physical exertion required. That being said, you do not necessarily need to be an athlete. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is completed by people of different ages and physical levels. Keep in mind that you should hike at your own pace.

How much your trekking backpack weight for Manaslu Trek? 

This is the most crucial aspect in determining how challenging the trek will be, aside from your physical health. It will undoubtedly be harder if you decide to carry all of your equipment. Consider carefully what you need to bring, and make your stuff as light as you can to make things simpler for yourself. The difficulty level significantly decreases if you decide to trek with a porter in addition to a guide. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can complete the walk by packing only a compact daypack with the necessities.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Challenges

Altitude sickness

When you swiftly walk or climb to a greater height or altitude, a collection of symptoms known as altitude sickness may occur.

Causes & Symptoms

Barometric pressure is the name for the surrounding pressure. There is less oxygen available as you ascend to a higher altitude because of the pressure drop. If you reside somewhere at a high altitude, you are probably more accustomed to that pressure. However, if you go somewhere where the altitude is greater than you are used to, you need to be better prepared for it because your body needs time to acclimate to the difference in pressure. Altitude sickness is a possibility if you walk higher than 8000 feet.

The mildest kind of mountain sickness is known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), and it is a very common illness that affects people who hike to relatively high altitudes. Its signs include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Hangover-dizziness
• Muscle pain

The condition known as high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs, can be fatal. Altitude sickness can show some of the following symptoms:

• Difficulties sleeping
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Reduced appetite
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Nausea

Solution

• It is recommended to drink 4-5 liters of water each day.
• If altitude sickness symptoms appear, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
• While traveling at higher altitudes, stay away from alcohol, narcotics, smoke, and sleeping medicines.
• Eat a balanced diet that contains more than 70% carbohydrates while you are walking at a high altitude.
• Instead of driving or taking a flight, start below 10,000 feet and hike your way up to a high altitude.
• If you have to drive or fly to an altitude higher than 10,000 feet, you must spend a day at your first stop before continuing to the high altitude.
• Your best bet for avoiding altitude sickness while walking at a higher altitude is to move slowly and steadily.
• If you notice any altitude sickness symptoms, please tell your guide right away. If the situation is urgent, get to the hospital right once.

What Is Unique About The Manaslu Circuit Trekking?

The Manaslu Circuit is unquestionably unique. The route of the walk, which was historically used for the salt trade, follows the steep bank of the Budhi Gandaki river. Walking through the Manaslu region allows you to see ten peaks that are over 6,500 meters (21,300 feet) high, including peaks that are over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) high. The Manaslu Circuit is much less crowded than its busier brother, the Annapurna Circuit, and this distinguishes the journey from it.
The Nubri and the Tsum are the two main ethnic groups in this region. These two racial regions are divided by Chhikur, which diverges from the river. Following Nepal's tourist opening in 1950, Nubri was widely visited, but Tsum has kept much of its traditional culture, art, and custom. In the region's central hills, the Gurung people make up the largest ethnic group. You should locate a companion to go on the Manaslu Circuit with you if you're traveling alone. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area, thus you need to get permission and a start date from a minimum of two persons. 

Is it challenging to hike the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal?

In the Annapurna Region, hiking or trekking can be difficult. This does not, however, imply that you will fail. You can make it if you enjoy hiking and make sure to start working out well before the start of your adventure. Although the typical walk in the Annapurna Region is not challenging, hikers and trekkers should nonetheless be in reasonable physical condition. You are still traveling across the Nepali Himalayas, after all.

What Health Advantages Can the Manaslu Circuit Offer?

Trekking and hiking provide several health advantages, including lowering your risk of heart disease, lowering your blood pressure and sugar levels, and of course, helping you manage your weight. It only gets better from there once you are prepared for the hills. Gregory Miller, the president of the American Hiking Society, claims that a 5% to 10% slope results in an increase in calorie burn of 30% to 40%. Our mental clarity and improved mood are health benefits. We stay sane by going on hikes. It's time to put your stamina to the test after a few months of dependable hiking.
 

Why choose the Manaslu Circuit over the Annapurna Circuit?

While the 14 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek is excellent and provides everything you need for trekking in Nepal's Annapurna Sanctuary, you won't be alone on the trails, though, since many people know how awesome the Annapurna Circuit Trek is. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most popular in Nepal following the Everest Base Camp Trek. The Manaslu Circuit offers a more authentic trekking experience while maintaining all of the features of the Annapurna Circuit.

The Annapurna Circuit's villages have historically had difficult access, and contemporary society demands modern infrastructure. The Annapurna Circuit has been partially tarred as a result, which is highly encouraging for the nearby towns. Trekkers naturally seek the most secluded trails, and while the Annapurna Circuit still has a few, the Manaslu Circuit is sure to have more. The Manaslu Circuit is no longer as silent as it once was. Nowadays, teahouses can be found sporadically along the trail, although in the past camping was essentially the only option for spending the night in this isolated area of the world.

Conclusion

• Compared to the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, this circuit is significantly less congested.
• Although it is becoming more well-known, now is a perfect time to travel this circuit before it becomes more widely accepted.
• The Manaslu Circuit trek is the isolated and off-the-beaten path. However, there are teahouses in every village along the road, allowing you to take advantage of showers, eat delicious meals in restaurants, charge your devices, and enjoy a good night's sleep in a bed with covers every night.
• There is no need to pay for pricey domestic flights since it is possible to drive to the trailhead.
• Even though the final few days of the walk are spent in the snow, you can still hike in regular hiking boots while admiring the sizable snow-capped mountains that flank the trail on either side.
• Before reaching the Himalayan foothills, you will travel through a subtropical jungle at a lower elevation, and the scenery will continually change.

 Feel free to contact us, if you are a planning a trip to Manaslu Circuit Trek or any other trip in Manaslu region, we will help you to create a customized itinerary on your specified month and cost.