Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days

Major Attractions of Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Scenic drive to and from Kathmandu to Arughat and Beshisahar
• The unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture
• Pristine Budhi Gandaki River valley
• Crossing the Larkya La pass at 5153 meters
• Wild and remote trails with diversified unspoiled ecosystems
• The tropical green hills with pine and oak forests
• The glacial river Budi Gandaki. A deep and long river gorge with many suspension bridges.
• The Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Impressive forests, rivers, flora, and fauna.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Different Seasons

Autumn Season (September, October, and November)

Autumn is the best time to trek in the Manaslu circuit. The weather in autumn tends towards perfectly stable weather. The skies are blue and clear. The crispy surrounding views are enchanting.
 
The daytime temperatures are mild. Thus, you will have pleasing experiences during day hikes. Also, the nights aren’t as cold as in winter.

Spring Season (March, April, and May)

Spring is the season of colors. It is also a popular time for Manaslu trekking. The weather in Spring is similar to that in autumn. It remains quite stable and clear. Days are bright and the surrounding views are beautiful.
 
Spring is a beautiful time to trek as the temperature in the Manaslu region is moderate. You will have wonderful memories walking through the colorful hills and forests.

Summer Season (June, July, and August)

Summer is the offseason to trek in the Manaslu region. Summer is the time of monsoon. So, the trekking trails will be muddy, wet, and slippery. Also, the summer bugs like mosquitoes and leeches will be more active on the trail.
 
Generally, in Summer, it rains during the evenings. The heavy rain continues throughout the nights till early morning. Sometimes, the rain may continue for days. Also, there are possibilities that the mountains vistas get obstructed by dark clouds and blurry atmosphere.

Winter Season (December, January, and February)

Winter is the coldest time in the Manaslu region. The high altitude passes like the Larkya La pass dips inside the huge piles of snow in mid-winter. You will also see snow on the trekking trails. During the mid-winter, some passes and the high altitude ridges are very difficult to walk through.
 
Manaslu region gets very cold in winter. Days are warmer than the nights. Temperatures at night can be very low. You will need warm gears for nights. Else, it will be hard to stand the freezing cold.

Trekking Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu circuit is a restricted trekking route in Nepal. You will require a special permit called the restricted area permit to trek to Manaslu region. Also, you will be walking into the areas of Manaslu Conservation Area and the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, you will need conservation area permits.
 
The permits for MCAP and ACAP cost NRs 4000.  And the Manaslu restricted area permit costs US$ 70 per week for the restricted area.
 
You can get the Manaslu restricted area permit only after you have trekking groups with one or more trekking partners and a guide.  Individual trekkers are not allowed in the region. So, the trekking permit is not issued for solo trekkers.

Transportation at Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu circuit trek is growing its popularity amongst the trekkers day by day. The trail is popular because of it's off beaten, isolated and off-road trekking trails.
 
There are no proper roadways in Manaslu region that connects it to the developed areas. The only means of transportation that you will get access to are the local buses or private jeeps. The transportation facilities are only available until you reach Arughat or Sotikhola. These are the starting points of the Manaslu circuit trek. From there, the only way to go further is by trekking.

Food and Accommodation during 10 days Manaslu Circuit Trek

Food / Meals

Manaslu is a rural area. While trekking in the Manaslu region, you cannot expect the high or the standard facilities as in the towns. There are no proper roadways to transport materials for foods and other items. So, the costs of foods en route are higher than in the other areas.
 
The food items that you can enjoy on the trek are few. The food menus get shorter as you trek towards the higher altitude regions. The tea houses en route serve basic food items like Dal Rice, Tibetan Breads, and some popular international cuisines.
 
The remoteness of the region makes the costs of foods expensive. Though the food is expensive here, it is still cheaper than in the Everest and Annapurna treks. The cost of one meal on the Manaslu trek is approximate $5. But the cost varies depending on what you choose to eat.

Accommodation

Manaslu is a teahouse trek. There are lots of tea houses en route that will provide you rooms for overnight stays. There is no need for camping unless you want to stay in tents.
 
Accommodation is easier in the Manaslu trek. It is a less chosen trek route. The trekking trails aren’t so occupied even during peak times. In addition, there are lots of new teahouses that are being built on the trail after the Gorkha earthquake of 2015.
 
The tea houses and lodges en route are ready to serve tourists again. You will have better teahouses with good rooms. The teahouses provide rooms on a twin sharing basis. A room costs from USD $6 to $9 for one night. This cost divides for two people sharing a room. If you want a single room, pay the full price.

Trek Difficulties during Manaslu Circuit Trek

Altitude / Height

The Larkya La Pass, 5213 meters is the highest altitude that you will reach during your Manaslu circuit trek. Crossing this pass is the most challenging thing on the trek. The high-altitude profile of the pass is the factor that makes it tough.
 
Altitude Sickness is a problem that comes with high altitudes. After you reach the higher altitudes, you must watch out for the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Total Length or Distance of the trek

During your Manaslu Circuit trek, you will cover a distance of 177 km. On our 16 days Manaslu circuit trek, you will cover around 11 kilometers per day on average. During your trek, you will not be walking on a well facilitated and easy trail. Walking uphills and downhills over the rugged and remote trails is quite difficult.

Weather and Temperature

At the high altitude points on the trek, you might have to encounter drastic weather changes. Especially when you are trekking during the off-seasons (monsoon and winter), the weather and temperature will introduce lots of difficulties. Trekking in autumn and spring is the best thing to do to reduce the trek difficulties due to weather and temperature.

Can I go alone or trek solo on Manaslu Circuit Trek?

No, you cannot trek alone or solo on the Manaslu Circuit. Trekking alone in the Manaslu region is not allowed as the region is a restricted trekking area. If you are willing to trek in the Manaslu region, you must trek in a group.
 
The group must include two or more members. In addition, you must hire a licensed and experienced guide. If you don’t want to trek with a guide, you can hire a porter. The porter must be an experienced one. You can also trek with a porter guide. A porter guide is someone who will guide you and will share your load. S/he will act as a combo of a guide and a porter.

 Tips That Can Be Helpful for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

• Start early. If you start early, you’ll reach your destination early. This is safer as it will be difficult to walk on the isolated and rugged trails as the daylight fades.
• Walk Slow. Take your time. There is no need to rush. Take rest at intervals while trekking.
• Drink plenty of water while you are trekking. Your body will dehydrate faster while trekking at altitudes. Take some water breaks in the middle of your treks. Make sure you drink pure water. Use water purifiers before you drink water from the taps.
• Take a refillable water bottle. Buying bottled water en route is expensive.
• Keep Updated on Current Weather Conditions while you are trekking.
• Get appropriate trek gears before you go. Pack some rain gears if you are trekking in Monsoon. Pack warm gears for your Manaslu treks in winter.

Outline Itinerary: Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days

Day 1:    Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2:    Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 3:    Drive to Soti Khola by public transport 
Day 4:    Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola 
Day 5:    Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat 
Day 6:    Trek from Jagat to Deng 
Day 7:    Trek from Deng to Namrung 
Day 8:    Trek from Namrung to Samagaon 
Day 9:    Trek from Samagaon to Samdo 
Day 10:   Acclimatization day at Samdo 
Day 11:   Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala / Larke Phedi 
Day 12:   Cross Larkya La and Trek to Bhimthang 
Day 13:   Trek from Bimthang to Tilije 
Day 14:   Trek from Tilije to Chamje 
Day 15:   Drive to Besisahar and then to Kathmandu 
Day 16:   Departure from Kathmandu

What Should I Pack for 16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek?

What you pack for your trek is all your choice. But here we suggest some items that you can get for your trek. While packing, make sure you pack light. Include all the necessary trekking gear.

Clothing

• A pair of comfortable hiking boots
• A pair of hiking socks
• A pair of sandals
• A pair of trekking trousers
• Down Jacket for nights
• Cotton t-shirts with and without sleeves
• Woolen gloves (for winter)
• Head cap or a hat
• Fleece jacket or Pullover
• Windcheater jacket

Toiletries

You might not find proper toiletries at most of the tea houses on the trail. So, carry what you need. Here is a list of some:

• Toilet papers
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dry and wet wipes
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Sanitizer Gel
• Anti-bacterial Handwash
• A lightweight cotton towel

 First Aid Kit

• Medicines for cold, cough, and fever
• Antiseptic cream
• Ointments for blisters
• Bandages for sprains
• Mosquito repellent cream and table salts for leeches (for monsoon)
• Medicines for Diarrhea
• Medicines for altitude sickness

 
Others trekking gears

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen and moisturizers for your face and body (high SPF)
• Tampons or sanitary pads (for females)
• A good quality sleeping bag
• Tents (if you plan on camp trekking)
• Refillable hot water bottles

Manaslu Circuit Trek Review

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a beautiful trek. Since it is less crowded than Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, the trek still preserves its originality.
 
One of the perks of Manaslu Circuit trek, there is no need for domestic flights. You will ride through Kathmandu to Arughat or Sotikhola by enjoying the geological and ecological variations.  
 
During this trek, you can enjoy the subtropical jungle at lower elevations. The trek rewards you with the magnificent views of the glistening peaks. Walking through the Himalayan foothills is a valuable experience.