A Complete Guide for Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Feb 24, 2024
  • Rajan Dahal
  • 875

Mt Manaslu trek is a 14-day tea house-based trek in the Manaslu conservation area. Mt. Manaslu is solely based in Nepal. Mt Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Manaslu is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning the “intellect” or Soul. There are few choices available on whether to complete only the Manaslu round trek or combine it with the Tsum Valley trek. Tsum Valley is full of Tibetan culture, diverse landscape, and Monastery life. Manaslu round trek is a 13-day trek and includes Tsum Valley in 18 days, The Choice is yours! Contact us for the best offer for 2022 and 2023.

Table of Contents

Why Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal?

The Manaslu circuit trek is the off-the-beaten-path trek in the North West of Kathmandu. Forget about the traditional trekking route and escape the caravan. Global Adventure Trekking crafted just a 14-day trek starting from Kathmandu and ending in Kathmandu. The total length of the trek is 177 km./109 miles and offers unique and mesmerizing views of the landscapes and Mountains including Manaslu 8,163 m./26,774 ft. and Annapurna II, a vast range of flora and fauna, glacier lake, and monastery life. Trekking in the Manaslu circuit is a lifetime of experience. Manaslu circuit trek is a less crowded trekking trail comparing Everest base camp, Langtang Valley trek, and Annapurna circuit trek. You can enjoy the trek with peace and natural beauty as you are away from hustle and bustle.

Trek difficulty level

Manaslu circuit trek is regarded as a difficult to strenuous trek in Nepal because this trek involves 6–7 hrs. Walking in a day in the high altitude terrain. Many people struggle to accomplish it due to altitude sickness, harassment unpredictable weather, and the limited number of tea houses along the trails. Larke La pass is 5,160 m./16,926 ft. Manaslu circuit trekking is quite a physically demanding trekking trail as we need to cross the high passes.

Trek Permit and fees for Manaslu circuit

As per the rules of the Nepal Government, all permits are required to accomplish this trek. The border to Tibet is open for the locals and to avoid illegal activities everyone should obtain the necessary permit before they start the trip in Kathmandu through the government-recognized trekking company. Only a group permit is issued for the restricted area, we need at least 2 people to trek together.

permit for annapurna circuit trek nepal

A) Manaslu restricted area permit: This permit can be issued only by the Department of Immigration in Nepal. You have to go through the registered trek company to issue the permit. The cost of the permit depends on the season/month and number of the days you would like to spend in this area.

September to November First 7 days 100 USD per person and thereafter 15 USD per day per person. (beyond 1 week)
December to August First 7 days 70 USD per person, thereafter 7 USD per day per person. (beyond 1 week)

 

B) Manaslu conversation entry permit: The conservation project is successfully implemented in this area. The cost of the permit is constant throughout the year. A passport copy and printed photograph are required.

MCAP permit fees for foreigners 30 USD Or equivalent to Nepalese Rupees
MCAP permit for SAARC nations 1,000/ Rupees per person
MCAP permit for local tourist 100/ Rupees per person.

 

C) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: The permit fees and the process are the same as the Manaslu conservation entry fee structure and process

ACAP permit fees for foreigners 

230USD Or equivalent to Nepalese Rupees
ACAP permit for SAARC nations 1,000/ Rupees per person
ACAP permit for local tourist 100/ Rupees per person

 

I am a solo traveler, how can I do it?

 

Manaslu circuit trek is becoming a more popular trek destination in Nepal. If you are solo and looking for a trekking partner, then don’t worry, Global Adventure Trekking Company always has some other people to join. So, we are here to support you and make it happen. You have to join our scheduled departure group trip. We need at least 2 people excluding a guide and porter to obtain the Manaslu restricted area permit. You are welcome to join our existing small group.

 manaslu larke pass trek

Best time for Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Trek has something new to offer and experience for a lifetime. Some love to play with snowfall, whereas some would like to fill it with colorful flowers and shower it with rain and clouds. Among the four season-Spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November) are considered the best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek. But other months are also doable and l ess tourist so, I still recommend doing Manaslu circuit trekking in the off-season.

Manaslu Trek weather

Weather conditions and temperature are the major factors of the trek. The days are warmer and sunny in the lower part of the trek and snowfall and cold in the upper part. However, the weather is unpredictable in the mountain region and the day temperature could be +15 degrees to 0 degrees in the nighttime.

Necessary trek gear for the Manaslu circuit Trekking and Hiking 

The trekking gear plays an important role in making the trip successful. It depends on the personal body choice and body temperature, here is the list of the trekking gears

  • Rucksack Bag with a waterproof cover (to save from rain and dust)
  • T-shirts
  • Thermal Vest
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  • Fleece Jacket or Pullover
  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Women's sports bras, synthetic
  • Undergarments
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight walking pants
  • Fleece or tracksuit pants
  • Waterproof shell pants
  • Thin inner socks
  • Thick warm wool hiking socks
  • Towel
  • Hiking boots
  • Camp Sandals
  • Walking poles
  • Heavyweight gloves
  • Woolen Hat
  • Sun Hat
  • Bandana or scarf
  • Sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sunscreen
  • Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
  • Water bottle
  • Water purifier
  • Head torch
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Toiletries
  • First Aid Kit

necessary trek gear for manaslu circuit trek

Manaslu Trek food

Manaslu Circuit Trek is highly influenced by Tibetan culture and the food also serves similar types of Tibetan like Momo (dumplings), Chowmin, rice and dal, hot veg and non-veg soup, and some continental cuisines are commonly served. You could have a variety of food during the trek. 

Manaslu circuit trek highlights

  • The intermingling of local Buddhism and Tibetan culture with warm hospitality
  • Circle Mt. Manaslu through the shadows of Manaslu and its neighboring mountain.
  • Flawless landscape, river, forest, flora, and fauna
  • Cross Manaslu Valley to Annapurna Valley over the Larke Pass (5,106 m.16,746 ft.) 
  • Off-The-Beaten Trail experience
  • Eight highest Mountains in the World

manaslu circuit flora and fauna

Manaslu Trek itinerary

Manaslu circuit trek itinerary depends on the person to person and where you would like to start and end the trek. The road development is extending day by day and trek length is shrinking. It is just a 14-day trek around Manaslu. Our expertise explores and researches frequently and develops the itinerary. For the details of the itinerary, please visit here.

Side trips in Manaslu Trekking

Manaslu trek has become more popular since 1992 AD. The flora and fauna, fluttering flag, chirping birds memorable Chorten, and diverse landscape are the major places to visit on the Manaslu trek.

a) Serang Gompa (3,100 m,/10,170 ft): Known as Nubri Gumba lies Tsum above the Bhi village. It is a meditation monastery bordering Tibet, and a refugee has existed for more than 500 years in this high-altitude southern slop.

b) Kal Tal, meaning 'Death Lake' (3,600 m./11,808 ft.): The detour to Kal Tal is 4 hours of walking above the Prok village. This is a scenic place to view the diverse landscape.

c) Hinang Gompa and Himalchuli Base Camp (4,020 m, 13,186 ft.): It is a beautiful monastery from Bhi. Walk for about one hour and reach the monastery in the meadows of pine forest.

d) Phungen Gompa (Around 4,050 m./11,316 ft.): You may take a detour from Shyalla or Sama Gaon. This is the most picturesque place at Manaslu Base Camp.

manaslu side trip to pugen gumba

e) Birendra Tal (3,450 m./ 11,316 ft.): This is a freshwater turquoise lake fed from glaciers. It is a hour's walk from Sama Gaon. You may try to swim or wash your feet.

birendra lake in manaslu circuit trek

f) Manaslu Base Camp (4,900 m./16,072 ft.): The base for the Manaslu expedition patches their tent and stays for acclimatization. It is 4 hour's walk from Sama Gaon onto the steep slope. The views are extraordinary of the lake, glacier, landscape, and vegetation.

The 14-day Manaslu circuit trek is the best alternative trek in Nepal. Start from Machekhola and end at Dharapani. It is a great achievement to cross the Larke Pass (5,106 m). Join us for your safe and successful journey with us for your lifetime of happy memories.