13-Day Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is not as tough as it looks by the nature of high landscape terrains. It starts with moderate walks heading towards gradual uphill and downhill with few gradual paths. The treks are enjoyable and pleasant amidst beautiful scenery of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. 

Most of the walks are on ups and downhills crossing exciting bridges, the altitude makes the walks slower. The only hardest parts of the adventure are the steep long climb to Larke-La Pass and the long tiring downhills. But overall it is one of the best and wonderful treks around the Himalayas.

The upper region of remote Manaslu high country in the early days remained a forbidden country. From the early 1960’s, since Tibet was annexed by mainland China, it was closed to outside visitors. Due to the close border of Nepal and Tibet, China is from Upper Manaslu, where the old trans-Himalayan Trade Route existed.

After Tibet became part of China it was closed, but in 1991 it was open for all world-wide visitors. When it was opened in the beginning group of trekkers was accompanied by a Government Liaison Officer. But from the past few decades Liaison officer has not been required, as all trekkers must obtain a Special Permit.

Yes, the itinerary is set accordingly with enough acclimatization days, once the walk enters the high Manaslu Valley. Having short hours of walks, from Namrung  Village towards Lo and Sama Gaon at Sama Gaon with rest days. To support acclimatization, before heading for the climb up to Larke-La Pass, by then all trekkers will be well acclimatized.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the Gorkha District, west Nepal, and it goes around Manaslu (8,163 m) - the world's eighth highest mountain. The trek takes in the pristine valleys, idyllic villages, and gorgeous Himalayan terrain.

The trek is said to be completed in 12-16 days which are dependent on one's pace, acclimatization schedule, and route chosen. The 13-day program by Treklanders Adventures is widely used and considered to be a comfortable journey covering all the main points.

The best time for trekking is when the weather is good, temperatures are pleasant, and clear mountain views can be seen. Those months are generally referred to as either spring (from March to May) or autumn (from September to November).

The trek falls somewhere between moderate and difficult level and is accordingly attributed to those with good physical fitness only. The biggest challenge would be getting over the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) at high-altitude which acclimatization and endurance are a must for.

Yes, three permits are necessary: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). All your permits will be taken care of by Treklanders Adventures.

Since it is a restricted area, Manaslu does not allow solo trekking and therefore a guide is needed. To ensure safety, you are required to have a licensed guide and be from a registered trekking agency like Treklanders Adventures.

On the way, you can find local tea houses and lodges that serve as both your accommodation and eating places offering basic but comfortable rooms and freshly cooked Nepali meals in a cozy mountain atmosphere.

The trek most often comes to a stop at Soti Khola or Machha Khola, which is reachable from Kathmandu by a very picturesque 8-9 hours car journey covering hills and riverside landscapes.

Yes, it is strongly suggested that the person trekking should have complete travel insurance that also includes emergency rescue, descent to lower altitudes, and medical assistance at high altitudes while on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Remember to bring the parts of your trekking kit that are absolute requirements like warm clothes, one pair of hiking boots which are sturdy, a pair of gloves, down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking pole, first aid-kit, and water purification tablets.

A physically fit beginner if properly prepared and guided can surely accomplish the trek, and therefore the answer is yes. It becomes a great experience for those who are looking for the less-traveled trails in the Himalayas.

What makes it special is the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and nature that the lesser crowd, real mountain villages, and the fantastic views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges bring together.

Among other measures, Treklanders Adventures takes care of safety by providing experienced, government-licensed guides, following the itineraries that are well thought out for acclimatization, and always being in contact with the support teams. Besides that, guides always carry with them first-aid kits and means for emergency communication to ensure every trekker's safety and comfort.

For this wonderful Manaslu Circuit Trek, before and after booking the trip, one should be in sound medical health. As well as having daily an hour of exercise, like walking, jogging, running ups and downs. Including any outdoor physical activities and checking with your medical doctor. As well as packing the right gear for Manaslu Circuit Treks. 

You should be physically training at least 6–8 weeks before leaving on your trek. Endurance can be built up by transitioning from hiking to running, stair climbing or cycling, and vice versa. Also, it will be quite beneficial if you get yourself accustomed to long hours of trekking by simultaneously walking with a backpack bearing the weight as you would and putting on your trail shoes.

Definitely, good acclimatization is what keeps the trek safe and the feelings of trekkers positive. A majority of the schedules thus have rest days in a place such as Sama Gaon or Samdo, which gives trekkers a chance to be comfortable with the altitude before going over the high pass and thus avoid altitude sickness.

enerally speaking, a moderate level of fitness will suffice the majority of trekkers. By getting ready with regular hiking, cardio, and leg-strengthening workouts prior to the trek, it becomes less likely that one will be exhausted and injured.

You should start your preparation at least 6–8 weeks prior to the trek. The main idea should be to improve stamina, leg strength, and endurance via hiking, running, stair climbing, and light strength training on a regular basis. Besides, mental preparation, having the right equipment, and being familiar with high-altitude trekking are the main factors that lead to a safe and successful trip.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is rated as a moderately difficult to difficult level of physical condition; therefore, the trekkers have to be in good shape. If hiking 6–7 hrs a day on hills or rough ground while carrying a backpack does not tire you, then you are physically fit for this trek.

You should be sure to have hiking shoes, a couple of warm outfits, thermal underwear, a down jacket, and trekking poles. Don't forget the gloves, cap, and sunglasses and also carry water purification tablets with a first-aid kit. On top of that, a warm sleeping bag (preferably -10°C rated), rainwear, and quick-drying fabrics are good for when the weather changes.

There is no need for technical climbing gear but at the same time, good-quality and comfortable trekking poles, shoes, and a strong backpack would really help you out. For remote area comfort, bring a headlamp, some spare batteries, and a power bank.

The main bag or duffel which you hand over to a porter will be heavy, but then your daypack or shoulder bag should not be more than 5–7 kg with the necessary items like water, food, raincoat, camera, and personal things. Make it as light as possible and keep it neat for convenient trekking.

Definitely yes, Kathmandu has lots of rental shops where one can hire in a budget-friendly way the essential gear such as sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and backpacks. Treklanders Adventure will assist you if you prefer to rent or buy high-quality gear before your trek.

Use the layering system when dressing for the trek so that you could easily modify your attire according to the temperature, Wear moisture-wicking underwear, insulating mid-layers (for instance fleece), and a windproof/waterproof outer layer. Warm hats, gloves, and thermal socks must be present for cold parts.

Wear trekking boots that provide solid support for the ankle and good traction and you are good to go. Sports shoes are not the right choice for rock-strewn and uneven paths, especially near high passes where can be both slippery and steep.

Indeed, packing some energy bars, nuts, or chocolates will be very helpful as they will keep you fed and energized during the hours between villages and especially on long days. Although tea houses provide food, lightweight snacks are great for breaking quickly on a trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a test of one's patience, willpower, and ability to adjust to circumstances. Prepare yourself for long hikes, less comfortable places to stay, and even changes in the weather. Having a positive attitude and taking the beauty of the trek as your main focus will make the trek turn into an unforgettable moment of an enjoyable adventure.

Most people prefer hiking in the Manaslu Circuit during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is quite stable, the air crystal clear, and the temperatures pleasant. Both of these periods guarantee the most spectacular mountain views and good weather for walking along the trail.

It is possible to trek in winter (December to February), but only a condition of the most experienced trekking persons. The weather can be very chilly, especially at Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), and there might be a lot of snow, making the path impassable. Although the winter offers peaceful trails and clear views of the mountains for those who want to be alone.

It is possible to trek in the monsoon (June to August), but it is not advisable due to the constant rains that make the paths slippery and limit the visibility. In lower regions, the leech problem may be severe while the upper areas of Manaslu are still quite dry due to the rain shadow effect.

Many people think that the best season for photographing the mountain views is autumn (September to November). The post-monsoon air is clean and allows stunning vistas of the peaks covered by snow like Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal against the deep blue of the sky.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek spring time (March to May) is the most colorful season. The rhododendrons forests are in full bloom, the weather is quite warm, and nature is alive with animals all of which combined make the trek very enjoyable and beautiful.

The trail is crowded with the most trekkers during October and April, the months when trekking is at its peak. In these periods, the weather is close to perfect, the teahouses are very active, and the route provides a friendly and social atmosphere with other trekker.

Monsoon (June–August) and mid-winter (December–February) are the times of the year considered as off-seasons when the weather is usually bad. Nevertheless, during these periods, there are still some trekkers who are willing to experience the peace and unique adventures that come with being away from the crowds.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is generally ranked as a moderate to hard level of difficulty. Although no technical climbing skills are needed, it is recommended that trekkers be in good physical condition and have the capacity to endure 6-7 hours of walking on steep, rough, and high-altitude trails. The biggest obstacle is the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) crossing, where lack of oxygen and low temperatures contributes to the difficulty.

Certainly, beginners are allowed to finish the Manaslu Circuit Trek provided that they have adequate training, maintain good health, and obtain proper guidance from a trekking agency of repute. It is necessary to exercise beforehand, especially cardio and strength workouts, and to observe slow acclimatization in order to prevent altitude sickness.

The hard points are, on the one hand, the elevation, on the other hand, the lengthy days of walking and also the weather in the mountains, which can change unexpectedly. Low oxygen and steep slopes on the way down can make the journey to Larkya La Pass exhausting. At the same time, trekking apparel in good condition and a slow but steady rhythm are the two factors that can help one meet the challenge.

The point here is that you don't have to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness is necessary. The key to getting ready for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is to be able to hike 5–6 hours a day on hills or uneven ground with ease.

The section that calls for the most effort is the one leading up to Larkya La Pass, where the trek reaches its highest point. Besides the climb being difficult and the air thin, it is also quite cold and the temperature can even go below zero. However, the breathtaking views of the mountains from the top somewhat alleviate the difficulty.

Where you will stay along the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mostly a selection of tea houses and a few small lodges operated by local people. They provide fairly basic but still comfortable rooms that have two beds, blankets, and a bathroom for common use. The place is inviting and comfortable and it is the perfect opportunity to get the real mountain hospitality experience.

The majority of rooms are twin-sharing; however, single rooms might be accessible in the lower villages during the off-season. There are more instances of shared rooms in the upper reaches due to the lack of space and resources.

Hot showers can be found in quite a few tea houses, especially in the areas of lower altitudes. But an extra payment of usually 2 to 4 dollars might be required because the water is heated by gas or solar energy. The availability of hot water is limited to be low at high altitudes.

Tea houses serve a combination of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western-style dishes. In fact, the traditional Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is the most energizing and therefore the most demanded meal during a trek. Besides that, one may order noodles, soup, pancakes, omelets, and tea or coffee.

Certainly, both bottled and boiled water are readily available for sale along the entire route. For the sake of cutting down on plastic waste, trekkers should be equipped with refillable bottles and water purification tablets or filters so that they could replenish water hygienically.

Most of the villages have electricity, usually coming from solar energy; therefore you can charge your gadgets by paying a small fee. Some tea houses offer Wi-Fi but the connection could be slow or rather spotty in the remote areas.

Usually, rooms are not equipped with their own heating system. On the other hand, a lot of tea houses boast a wood stove in their dining area which is an ideal place to gather and warm oneself during the night hours. It is highly advisable to bring a warm sleeping bag to be comfortable.

During the high seasons (March to May and September to November), beforehand booking is definitely necessary especially if done through your trekking agency, as the tea houses may be fully occupied very quickly. Treklanders Adventures will take care of all the lodging and accommodation arrangements during your trek.

Food on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is freshly prepared and mainly served in local tea houses and lodges. The most common meal is Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables, and curry), which provides excellent energy for trekking. You’ll also find options like noodles, soups, fried rice, pasta, momos, pancakes, omelets, and Tibetan bread.

Yes, vegetarian and vegan meals are widely available throughout the trek. Most tea houses cook with locally sourced vegetables and grains. However, it’s best to inform your guide or lodge owner in advance if you have dietary preferences or allergies.

Yes, the food served in tea houses is generally clean and safe, especially when freshly cooked. To avoid stomach issues, eat hot meals and avoid raw salads or unboiled water at higher altitudes. Treklanders Adventures ensures that all lodges maintain proper hygiene standards.

Meat is available in lower regions, but it’s not recommended above Samagaon, as meat is often carried up from lower villages without proper refrigeration. It’s better to stick to vegetarian meals at higher altitudes for safety.

Tea houses serve black tea, milk tea, coffee, hot lemon, and herbal tea. You can also find soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drinks. Alcoholic beverages are available in some places but should be avoided before crossing Larkya La Pass due to altitude effects.

Yes, bottled and boiled water is available in most villages. To reduce waste, trekkers are encouraged to carry a reusable bottle and water purification tablets or filters for safe refills along the way.

Yes, almost every tea house provides boiled or filtered water for refilling bottles, usually for a small fee. It’s the most eco-friendly and affordable way to stay hydrated during the trek.

Mobile network coverage is obtainable in a handful of areas of the Manaslu region, thereby; the lower villages like Soti Khola, Machha Khola, and Jagat are the main places where one can avail of such services. Unfortunately, due to the remote nature of the terrain, the signal becomes weak or even completely unavailable in the upper regions such as Samagaon, Samdo, and Dharamsala.

There is a very limited number of Wi-Fi connections, that is to say, a few tea houses especially in bigger villages may have some but the speed of the internet is mostly slow and unstable. To have a better connection, you can get a local Ncell or NTC SIM card in Kathmandu which is good for some lower areas.

Certainly, for instance, in high-altitude or remote segments without mobile coverage, guides and trekking agencies additionally equip themselves with satellite phones for the purpose of emergency communication and safety. Shall you partner with Treklanders Adventures, your guide will never be out of touch as they always have access to communication means.

Sure, nearly all tea houses have electricity that is either solar or small hydro-powered, thus, they offer charging opportunities for a small money (usually around USD 1–3 per charge). It certainly does not hurt if you also carry a power bank or solar charger with you to be sure of the availability, particularly in lofty areas west of Larke Pass.

While you correspond with your family in the lower regions through mobile or Wi-Fi, communication in higher villages will probably be limited or you might even face delays. So, before going on trekking, it is advisable to tell your family about the trek, which is in the faraway, and your plan.

Certain guides with licenses, taking care of your security together with the provision of help through communication via their local SIM cards or otherwise a satellite phone, which is the usual practice in Nepal trekking with an agency like Treklanders Adventures.

Since the Manaslu Circuit Trek goes through a restricted area, you are required to hire a guide with a license. They don’t allow trekkers to go by themselves into that region, and the permits have to be taken from a registered trekking agency like Treklanders Adventures.

Guide operates as a safety officer, navigation helper, and interpreter throughout your journey. The Manaslu region is known for having very remote trails with fewer signs and a restricted zone so the guide can also help you with coordination, permits, and assist you with altitude-related problems.

Each of the Treklanders Adventures guides has a government license and is a professional with several years of experience in the Manaslu area. They have gone through first aid, altitude awareness, local culture, and emergency training so that your trekking experience will be safe and unforgettable.

Sure, most of the guides are fluent in English, and a few of them may know other languages too depending on the group. Besides being able to give detailed explanations about the area’s history, culture, and mountain lifestyle, they also assure good communication with locals.

Porters will be there to take your luggage that is generally up to 20–25 kg per porter, and thus you will be able to go with just a light daypack. The hiring of porters also helps the local economy, providing more jobs for the mountain communities.

The guide will handle all your permits, accommodations, routes, safety, and will also share with you the local knowledge and manage your daily routine. Besides that, they look out for your health by checking for altitude-related symptoms to make sure that the journey will be comfortable for you.

Indeed, all the Treklanders Adventures guides receive first aid training and are knowledgeable about altitude management. They are capable of dealing with minor health issues, recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness, and, if necessary, coordinating rescue operations.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a safe journey in general, provided you have a proper preparation and a licensed guide. The trails are well-maintained, and safety is assured by Treklanders Adventures through the provision of experienced guides, acclimatization days, and the continuous monitoring of trekkers’ health during the trip.

It is a fact that the most significant danger is altitude sickness, which will most likely be experienced whilst crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). You should immediately report to your guide any symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea. Good acclimatization, plenty of water, and taking it easy are the major steps towards the prevention of altitude-related problems.

When you suffer from shortness of breath, headache, or nausea, you should immediately notify your guide. The guide will determine the course of action to be taken (rest, descent, or medical help) based on the situation.

Never forget to drink lots of water, consume freshly-made foods, and make sure your clothing is suitable for the ever-changing weather. Do not drink alcohol or smoke while you are at a high altitude, and make sure you get enough rest during your days of acclimatization so that your body stays strong and well-balanced.

The safest water to drink is either purified or boiled. Remember to bring along water purification tablets or a portable water filter to ensure that you are drinking safe water all through your trek and at the same time you are reducing the use of plastic.

Definitely, travel insurance that covers high-altitude hiking and an emergency helicopter evacuation is a must-have. It is a requirement of the trek that medical support can be given at once in the case of altitude sickness or any other health problems that might come up.

Somewhat limited services can be available at health posts in bigger villages like Sama Gaon and Samdo. If the issue is of a serious medical nature, then the patient has to be transported to Kathmandu for treatment. For this reason, getting travel insurance is of utmost importance.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires three essential permits that every trekker must have - the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Without these permits, trekking in the region is not allowed.

The Manaslu area is a government-designated restricted region as it is located near the Tibet border and to maintain the natural environment and the local culture. The Restricted Area Permit is aimed at managing tourism and ensuring conservation and safety in the area.

All the permits for trekking are given in Kathmandu at the Department of Immigration. You are not allowed to apply on your own; you have to get permits through a trekking agency that is officially registered like Treklanders Adventures.

No, the Manaslu area does not allow lone trekking. At least one person must accompany you (in a group) along with a licensed guide and you should get permits from a authorized agency.

The first 7 days of the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is priced at USD 100 per person and every extra day will be charged with USD 15 in the period from September to November. In other months, the price is USD 75 for the first 7 days and USD 10 for every additional day. The Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits are each NPR 3,000 (about USD 25) per person.

Without a doubt, you need to present your valid passport, Nepal visa, passport-sized photos, and the details of your travel insurance. Treklanders Adventures will complete the whole permit process for you once you have submitted these documents.

Absolutely, every trekker has to possess a permit to enter the Manaslu region, even minors, whereas the charges for children under the age of 10 may differ.

Manaslu is a restricted area and also a part of the RAP system, therefore, a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card is not a must-have for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Along the way, there are several points where permits must be presented, for instance in Jagat, Philim, and Samagaon. In addition, trekkers are obligated to have printed copies of their permits with them during the whole trek.

Indeed, the management of all the permissions involving the official processing and documentation is the only thing that Treklanders Adventures is concerned about. Therefore, to enable you to have a carefree journey and concentrate solely on your trekking, they do it for you.

The trek is generally started from Soti Khola or Machha Khola; both places can be reached within 8–9 hours by road from Kathmandu. The drive is quite picturesque as it goes along hills, rivers, and small towns.

One can go by a private jeep or a local bus. Private jeeps are quicker, more comfortable, and thus better for a group of people. On the other hand, local buses are far more economical but might be slower due to the road and weather conditions.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the typical long walk from Dharapani or Besisahar. After a jeep or bus trip, tourists can return to Kathmandu. The time that it takes to return is about 6–8 hours and it is dependent on the traffic as well as the condition of the road.

Yes, Treklanders Adventures takes care of all your transfer needs with private jeep services available for you. They also provide a pickup and drop-off service that assures you a safe and comfortable ride to and from the Manaslu region.