Important Update About the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Due to ongoing road construction around the starting section of the Manaslu Circuit Trail, this iconic trekking route might lose its remoteness and off-the-beaten-path character in the coming years. If you want to experience the authentic, rugged beauty of the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek, now is the best time to do it, before increased road access changes the nature of the trail. We highly recommend booking your trek soon to enjoy this incredible adventure in its purest form. Contact us to book your trip and for more information
Solo Travellers and Group Requirements
The Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area, and it requires special permits issued by a registered trekking company like Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition. A recent update has made it possible even for solo travellers to do the Manaslu Circuit through an authorised trekking company. Before, you had to have a minimum of 2 foreign nationals to apply for the permits. Now you can trek the Manaslu Circuit even if you are travelling solo, but you have to go with a licensed guide and a registered local trekking company.
At Beyond the Limits Treks & Expedition, we can arrange private departures and assist solo trekkers with all necessary permits and logistics. Trip costs may vary depending on group size, accommodation standard, transportation preference, and additional services requested.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to strenuous level of difficulty trek and is suited for all trekkers who are physically fit. The trail involves walking 5-8 hours daily, through steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and high-altitude passes, including the Larkya La Pass, which sits at an elevation of 5,106 meters and is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Nepal. So, it's important to acclimatise properly and follow a gradual ascent.
If you have previous trekking experience, it would be helpful, but it is not essential. We advise you to train yourself physically and mentally before starting on the journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It's recommended to walk for 10-15 days for a couple of hours each day before you arrive in Kathmandu.
Note: If you are wondering if Manaslu Circuit is more difficult than Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, then you should know that these three treks require almost the same level of physical fitness. If you can do one of the treks, you won't have much difficulty doing another.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation
Manaslu Circuit is a high-altitude trek and reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, so there is a possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Proper acclimatisation is one of the most important aspects of a successful trek.
Our itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatisation day in Samagaun to help your body adjust gradually to the altitude before crossing Larkya La Pass. If you are unsure about your body you can add an extra acclimatisation day in Samdo, which we can customise in the trip. Drinking plenty of water, walking at a steady pace, avoiding alcohol, and informing your guide of any symptoms are important preventive measures against altitude sickness while trekking.
Common symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Our experienced guides are trained in first aid and take appropriate action if altitude-related issues arise.
Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
When it comes to trekking the Manaslu Circuit, timing is everything. You'll want to plan your journey carefully to ensure that you experience the best that this incredible region has to offer. The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
In the spring season (March to May), the trail is decorated with blooming rhododendrons, and the weather is warm and pleasant. This season is also the best time to witness the spectacular views of the Himalayan range.
In the autumn season (September to November), the weather is stable and dry, with clear skies and beautiful views of the mountains. This season is also the busiest time of the year for trekking, and the tea houses and lodges can get crowded, so it's important to book your accommodation in advance.
Winter trekking is possible for experienced trekkers, but colder temperatures and snow at Larkya La Pass can create additional challenges. The monsoon season from June to August brings heavy rainfall and is generally less suitable for trekking.
Accommodation During the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
During the Manaslu trek, you will be staying in local tea houses run by local families. In Kathmandu, our package includes accommodation in a comfortable tourist-standard hotel.
Along the trekking route, teahouses provide basic but comfortable rooms, usually on a twin-sharing basis. Most teahouses along the route offer shared bathrooms, while a limited number of teahouses provide attached bathrooms, except Dharamsala, where there is only a shared bathroom and the teahouse is very, very basic. However, in lower elevations, you can get your own attached bathroom as well with a Western-style toilet. However, despite the basic amenities, the lodges/tea houses are clean and comfortable enough to provide trekkers with a good night's rest after a long day of hiking.
Though blankets and pillows are provided by the teahouse, we recommend you take a sleeping bag for additional warmth and comfort. You can rent a sleeping bag in Kathmandu if you do not have one, for which we can help. Additionally, while hot showers are available at some lodges/tea houses, they usually come at an extra cost. You can expect to pay $2-$5 for a hot shower, and $1-$3 for Wi-Fi.
Meals and Drinking Water
Meals during the Manaslu Circuit Trek are served in local teahouses and include a variety of Nepali, Tibetan, and international dishes. Our package includes daily breakfast, lunch and Dinner whereas for drinks like drinking water are on your own.
- Breakfast: Porridge, Pancakes with honey and jam, scrambled, boiled, or fried eggs, Bread and Jam, Tibetan Bread with honey or jam, Muesli.Simple breakfast set, etc.
- Lunch: Momos, Fried Rice, Noodles, Thukpa, Chaumin, Pizza in some places, papad, Vegetable salad, Potato items, Pasta, soup.
- Dinner: Dal Bhat consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, a vegetable curry, meat or fish, Momos, Fried Rice, Noodles, Thukpa, Chaumin, Pizza in some places, papad, Vegetable salad, Potato items, Pasta, and Soup.
Note: It is advisable to have garlic soup, hot lemon, ginger tea, and lemon tea during the trek as they can help with acclimatisation and can also provide warmth and comfort in the cold mountain climate. These hot drinks can also help to prevent dehydration, which is important at high altitudes. It is recommended to avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages as they can cause dehydration and can also worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Regarding food, it is generally recommended to have vegetarian items rather than meat as you go higher up, as the quality and freshness of meat can deteriorate at higher elevations.
For drinking water, trekkers can purchase boiled water or refill water bottles at teahouses. We strongly encourage the use of water purification tablets, water filters, or reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste and save costs during the trek.
Internet, WiFi, and Electricity
Internet and WiFi services are available in many villages along the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, Samagaun, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Bimthang. Most teahouses provide WiFi access for an additional fee, although speeds can be slow in remote areas.
Mobile network coverage from NTC and Ncell is available in many sections of the trail, with NTC generally offering better coverage. Connectivity becomes less reliable at higher elevations and during adverse weather conditions.
Electricity is available in most villages, but charging electronic devices may incur an additional fee. We recommend carrying a power bank for convenience.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires several permits because the region is designated as a restricted area. All the permits required for the trek are included in the package. The permits you will require to do this trek are;
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers who want to make their trip longer can combine the Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley which also require an additional Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit.
A licensed trekking guide is mandatory, and all permits must be arranged through a registered trekking company.
A Possible Add-on in the Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days:
If you have some extra time on your hands, then you can combine an extra side trip to Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which would require an extra 7 days. Moreover, you can extend your trip to Annapurna Circuit (5,416m), Nar Phu Valley (5,306m), Kalmachum Lake (3,800 m), Birendra Lake (3,620 m), Serang Gompa (3,100 m), or Hinang Gumba (3,100 m). These trips will enrich your journey even further. If you are in between the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna Circuit
Tips for a successful Manaslu Circuit Trek:
As the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you 5,106 meters above sea level, there is always a chance of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Therefore, make sure to include enough acclimatisation days between the trek and keep yourself hydrated
- The trail is tricky and not clearly marked. So, follow your guide attentively and do not wander far alone
- You can carry water purification tablets or other devices to double-purify water
- Confirm all the permits needed to get with your company before the beginning of the journey
- Take out insurance that covers any emergency situations or property loss
Related Trips around Manaslu Regions:
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