Manaslu-a mountain of sprit
Manaslu Circuit Trek is also called Manaslu Round Trek, which takes you to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Manaslu Circuit 14 days trek is 177 KM skirts the Manaslu massif over the pass down to Annapurna.
You will witness varied mountains during the trek, including more than ten peaks over 6,500m, a few over 7,000 and 8000m peaks. The highest point of this trek is Larkya La, with an elevation of 5,106m. This trek trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budi Gandaki River.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Manaslu is the land of diversities: geography, climate, culture, and religions. Manaslu Circuit trek features the dramatically changing terrain, describing the enormity of nature and serenity of isolated routes. The gigantic Himalayan peaks of Manaslu are magnificently juxtaposed with ancient rivers that are furious in some parts and tame and serene in others.
Enjoy the remarkable beauty of Manaslu’s wilderness by discovering it on two feet. This Trek is challenging yet allows for gentle ascent, and as such, there is reasonable acclimatizing. You will start from a comfortable altitude and end on an arid snow-covered pass that nestles in the shadow of a mighty peak.
Also known as the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is far less crowded than other classic treks and offers truly remote adventure. This trek features classic treks in Nepal: dramatic scenery, incredible suspension bridges, and crossing high mountain passes.
Permits: The government of Nepal has designated Manaslu as a restricted area. It means trekkers need to buy Restricted Area Permits (RAP) to enter the region. Besides (RAP), trekkers also need to purchase Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Manaslu Circuit Trek days.
Around Manaslu Trek for 14 days trial begins with an adventurous and long drive to Soti Khola from Kathmandu. The ride will take you to the green hills along the rivers with around 137.5 km, which takes about 8-9 hours the ride. From Soti Khola to Sama Gaon, there will be an adventurous and challenging trek and surprises you with a mesmerizing view of nature. Wandering into the dense forest of sal and bamboo, rapid Budi Gandaki Rivers, and wildfires, you will have a great experience. Fluttering prayer flags, mani stone, and chorten along the trial make your trek beyond the imagination. Playing with nature and enjoying the excellent view, you will reach Sama Gaon. in this village, you will spend an extra night to acclimatize and have some good hikes. This village is also the best place to see the mighty Manaslu from a distance. From Sama Gaon, you can hike to many places like Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Pungyen Monastery, and many more.
Ahead following the rugged trail, you will reach Birendra Lake, where we will stay in a temporary shelter and be ready to cross the pass. Another day we will lead to Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/16,751 ft.) and descend to Bhimthang the same day. On this day, you will witness a wide range of Himalayas like Himlung Himal, Kang Guna, Annapurna II, etc. The trial will then descend down to Tilije, Dharapani, Tal, Syange and then drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate to hard trek that takes you through the remote and secluded terrain of the Himalayan region. This trek takes you around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak at 8,163m, and is known as the best kept Himalayan secret of Nepal. There are certain factors that calculate the difficulty of round Manaslu Trek.
This trek covers approximately 177km in the distance. Though the distance is achievable for experienced trekkers, the rugged and remote terrain still presents some challenges. You can conveniently accomplish the trek if you can walk 15 – 20km on a daily basis.
It won’t be a bothering matter when you realize that an average person can walk 5km per hour. Without a doubt, the most challenging part of the Manaslu trek is its altitude. In fact, if it were not for the altitude, this trek would be just an easy multi-day hike.
Altitude factors should not be taken lightly, as they may invite fatal threats. The Manaslu round trial starts from Arughat at 900m and climbs steadily as the path makes its way to Larkya La Pass (5,135m).
The best solution to altitude threats is to walk at a gradual pace. Also, make sure that your itinerary has sufficient days for acclimatization.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in (February – late May) in spring and (September – late November) in autumn. The weather tends to remain stable in spring and autumn, with clearer views. But the pattern doesn’t remain the same.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Spring
Spring month starts from March and continues up until May. You will feel excellent, and temperatures at high altitudes are still cold during the early season. The tea houses and lodges start to initiate in an alpine zone that was closed during the winter. You can easily cross the Larke La Pass without any difficulties in this season. Forest inside Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area starts to blossom, giving the forest new greener looks, which feel amazing. You will get a chance to see many exotics and even endangered wildlife on the way to trek.
Around mid-spring, the temperature in lower elevations starts to rise, and it will be even hotter in late spring. Still, the upper elevation is perfect to trek during this weather. You will experience the blossom of flowers in the entire lush green forest in late spring. Green hills and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop view are amazingly stunning.
If you are wandering in lower elevation, we will recommend you wear sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses as sunlight can be strong. During the trek, we will recommend wearing sunglasses as the direct sun to white snow causes difficulties. Spring is the best season to trek Manaslu Circuit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Summer
June to August months fall in the summer season in Nepal and also known as the monsoon or rainy season. During this season, you will experience the super-hot in the lower region, especially in the eastern region of the Terai and Hilly region.
The month of June is the pre-monsoon period, and temperature declines during the downpours and thrives on sunny days. Clouds are most likely cover majestic views of mountains, but you may see mountains occasionally. From July to August, you will experience frequent rainfall in Manaslu Trek. Flight cancellation happens during these months.
As Nepal is located in a hilly area, there will be a chance to occur landslide problems during monsoon seasons. If you decide to trek in this season, just be sure to take precautions and safety measures. Your trek will be memorable if you have a proper guide who knew the route well as this is the offseason, so there will be few lodges that remain open in this weather condition.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Autumn
The autumn season starts from September to November when the monsoon is just leaving its effect. But still, the possibility of rainfall is high in the first two weeks.
Rain steadily decreases, and moderately skies become clear where the green rich forest and stunning snow-capped mountain views will come to life. During the season, the trek route will be perfect with not much wind or clouds resulting in the best view of nature and mountains.
The autumn season is also the perfect time of the year, and many Nepalese festivals fall in this season. Taking part in local culture and celebrations is an experience not to be missed. During the late autumn, you will encounter cool weather at high altitudes.
The number of tourists will slowly decrease in late autumn. Even the weather is cold; it doesn’t affect the spectacular view of the mountains.
Manaslu Circuit Trek in Winter
December to February is the winter season in Nepal. It is moderately cold at high altitudes, but the perspectives of the landscape are crystal clear.
In mid-winter, massive snowfall will make your trek tough or impossible sometimes. Larke La Pass is yet possible to cross before thick snow seal it down. These high-altitude passes will be excessively challenging at this time. You can pass the trail but only with the best trekking gears.
The lodges will be closed this season, and you may have to camp at some stops. As the weather at a high altitude is challenging, it will add to the adventure. In the late winter, the temperature starts to improve. The snow deposits begin to meltdown, and wildflowers start to blossom everywhere at the lower altitudes.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
When you are planning for high altitude trekking, many factors will be considered. This includes route, best time, duration, and the number of pax. Whether you are budget dependent or not, it is good to consider how much you want to pay for the trip and what is the actual cost. The cost of this trek is based on how much you want to be comprehensive.
On average, this trek will take around 13 -14 days, and the cost will be somehow high compared to other treks because this is a restricted area. This cost will be between USD 1355, to USD 1435, PP and the cost will included All the ground transportation, accommodation, food during the trekking, permits, Guide,porter, insurance, 2 night Hotel in kathamndu on BB, Basis, Airpot pick up and drop etc.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit depends on the seasons and the number of days you spend in this region. During this trek, you will need three kinds of permits issued by the Government of Nepal.
Restricted Area Permit
Manaslu trek permit costs USD100 for the first seven days and USD15. each additional day from September to November.
Manaslu trek permit costs USD 75. for the first seven days and USD10 for each extra day from December to August.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
The entry fee for SAARC Rs.1,000 per person, and for other Nationals Rs.3,000 per person.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The entry fee for SAARC USD.10 per person, and for other Nationals Rs.3,000 per person.