Itinerary Disclaimer
The above itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit is a general guideline and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, trail conditions, permits, road situations, or unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or government restrictions. Walking hours and altitude gain are some of the essential things to consider for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Our guides reserve the right to modify the itinerary for safety and comfort. Staying flexible and cooperation from trekkers are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable Manaslu Circuit Trek experience.
Guide and Porter for Manaslu Circuit Trek
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, hiring a licensed guide and porter is essential and highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable journey. An experienced guide provides proper route navigation, cultural insights, altitude acclimatization, and ensures you stay safe in the restricted area. They even help you interact with the locals and handle unexpected situations on the trail.
Similarly, a porter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek helps carry your main luggage, allowing you to trek comfortably with just a backpack. This support helps reduce physical strain and lower the risk of fatigue and injury. Therefore, the guides and porters can enhance safety, convenience, and overall trekking experience, making the Manaslu Circuit Trek more relaxed and comfortable.
Gear and Packing Required for the trek
For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, proper gear and packing is essential, as it overall impacts your trekking experiences in Manaslu Circuit. Having all the required gears can ensures safe and comfort. Below are the list of gear and packing required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Clothing
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Fleece jacket and down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
- Hiking pants, fleece pants, and hiking shorts
- Sun hat, warm beanie balaclava
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Lightweight and waterproof gloves
- Waterproof trekking boots that are comfortable
- Gaiters for navigating through snow and mud
Gear and Equipment
- Backpack (40 – 55L) with rain cover
- Daypack (20 – 30 L)
- Sleeping bag linear
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottles
- Water purification tablets
- Basic First-aid kit
- Personal meds
- Sunscreen
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletries
- Face mask
- Portable power bank
- Travel adapter
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek requires some special permits to be obtained from Kathmandu, as it ensures your safety and makes the trek even more comfortable. As, Manaslu Circuit is one of the restricted areas in Nepal, obtaining the restricted area permit is necessary. Below are the necessary permits to be obtained for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
The Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is one of the most important permits to be obtained for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. As this region lies in the restricted area of Nepal, obtaining this permit is a must, ensuring a safe and comfortable approach. These areas are restricted because they are categorized as the areas to be preserved, helping to preserve the local cultures, manage tourism, and ensure border security in sensitive regions. This permit can easily be obtained through a registered trekking agency from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.
Permit Cost for the Restricted Area for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- $100 for the first 7 Days (Sep – Nov) and $15 per after that.
- $75 for the first 7 Days (Winter, Spring, and Summer) and $10 per person for each additional day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is one of the necessary permits to be obtained for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. As the journey includes passing through the Conservation Area, obtaining this permit is a must, as there are several checkpoints where you need to show this permit. The MCAP permit must be obtained through a registered trekking agency from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu.
Permit Cost for the Manaslu Conservation Area
- NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 30) for Foreign Trekkers
- NPR 1,000 (approx. USD 10) for SAARC Nationals
- NRP 100 for Nepali
- Children below 10 are free
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is one of the necessary permits to be obtained for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is also one of the required permits for the Manaslu Circuit, as there are some sections that include some parts of the Annapurna Conservation. The ACAP permit can also be obtained in Kathmandu or at the entry point of the conservation area.
Cost for the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)
- NPR 3,000 per person for Foreign Trekkers
- NPR 1,000 per person for SAARC Nationals
- NPR 100 per person for Nepali Citizens
- Children below 10 years old for free.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Choosing the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the important things to be considered for this journey. Trekking during favorable times offers stable weather, well-marked trails, and moderate temperatures.
Spring (March to May)
Spring for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best times to take on this journey, offering you stable conditions, well-maintained trails, and predictable weather. At this time, the forests are full of blooming rhododendrons, making morning chill and nights a bit cold at higher altitude. This time is considered to be amazing for high altitude trekking in Nepal.
Autumn (September to November)
Manaslu Circuit Trek during the time of autumn is considered one of the peak times for trekking, offering you crystal-clear skies, stable weather, stunning views of snow-capped mountains, and amazing landscapes. Autumn even aligns with the time of major festivals of Nepal such as Dashain and Tihar, providing you chances to enjoy the culture and traditions as well. This time also offers well-marked trails that make it easier to ascend higher elevations.
Winter (December to February)
Trekking at the time of Winter for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is not recommended, mainly if you are a beginner trekker. As this time brings heavy snowfall, mainly at higher altitudes, it can be challenging for first time trekkers to reach to the top. This season includes trekking with proper preparation and high-quality gears. Therefore, if you are a beginner trekker, winter trek to Manaslu Circuit is not a good time for beginners. During this time, there are less accommodation facilities provided due to heavy snow at higher elevations.
Monsoon (June to August)
Monsoon time for Manaslu Circuit Trek is also not a recommended time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as this time brings heavy rainfall, mainly at higher altitude. During this time, the mountain views are also blocked with heavy clouds, landslides at lower altitude, and fewer trekkers along the way. If you are a beginner trekking to Manaslu Circuit, then monsoon is definitely not the time for you.
Accommodation and Food for the trek
Accommodation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is mostly provided at basic teahouses, which are mostly run by the locals of this region. The rooms are simple with clean rooms, twin-beds, warm blankets, shared bathrooms, mainly at higher altitude. Some teahouses even offer Wi-Fi and hot showers at little extra cost. Booking your accommodation in advance during peak season is highly recommended, as there are limited options at this time.
Similarly, food for the Manaslu Circuit Trek includes simple yet fulfilling dishes that are necessary to provide you energy for long walking days. The meals are basic with options like Dal Bhat, noodles, pasta, MoMo, and Thukpa. Food is offered three times a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, that are delicious and made using local ingredients.
Safety Tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Staying safe during the Manaslu Circuit is one of the important things to be considered throughout the journey. Below are the useful safety tips that can help you stay safe during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Make sure to properly acclimatize to the higher altitude and ensure you prevent yourself from the risk of altitude sickness.
- Maintain a steady pace, as it helps you enjoy the scenery and easily complete the journey without major challenges.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek, as always drink purified water.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable trekking shoes.
- Include extra days to your itinerary, as trekking in higher altitude can bring some delays to your journey.
- Always ensure an experienced guide and local porter to make the journey comfortable and safe.
- Include travel insurance with high altitude trekking above 5,000 meters.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is essential, as trekking to higher altitude can include potential risk. So, ensuring travel insurance can help you cover high-altitude trekking, especially Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). Make sure to include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and minor injuries, as well as trip cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Where is the Manaslu Circuit Trek located?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the western part of Nepal, mainly around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), considered one of the eighth-highest mountains in the world.
-
Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek a better choice for beginners?
First-time trekkers can easily take on the Manaslu Circuit trek, if done under the guidance of an experienced and licensed guide. Having them can help you navigate safely, arrange accommodations, and ensure safety throughout the journey.
-
How long does the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes?
The Manaslu Circuit takes about 15 to 18 days, depending on the itinerary of the agencies, and days required for acclimatization. However, our team has ensured proper acclimatization days that can be easier for first-time trekkers to complete the journey
-
How much does the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
The cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek is around US$1750 per person, including transportation, accommodation facilities, three meals per day, Sightseeing in Kathmandu, and licensed guide and local porter for the journey. However, there is a huge discount for group trekkers, along with early bird bookings.
- How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered one of the moderately challenging journey in the Manaslu region of Nepal. This trek can easily be completed by those who are physically fit.
-
What is the highest point to be reached during the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The highest point to be reached during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is at the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), offering you unmatched views of Mount Manaslu and other surrounding peaks.
-
Are there any major risk of altitude sickness during this trek?
Altitude sickness during the Manaslu Circuit Trek is possible, as it is common for a everyone while they reached at higher altitudes. However, proper acclimatization and steady pace can help to prevent from the risk of altitude sickness.
-
Can I do the Manaslu Circuit trek independently?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek cannot be done independently, as the journey includes doing through registered guide. As the journey is one of the restricted areas in Nepal, you need to complete this journey through a registered trekking agency.
-
Why is Manaslu Circuit Trek one of the restricted areas in Nepal?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered one of the restricted areas in Nepal because of the border lying near to Tibet. Therefore, if you plan to take on this trek, obtaining the restricted area permit is a must. This helps to control the flow of trekkers and protect the environment and maintain sustainable tourism.
-
What are the accommodations and food available on the trek?
Accommodation for this trek is provided at local teahouses, which are mostly run by the local families, including clean rooms, twin-beds, and shared bathroom at higher altitude. Same way, meals for the trek are offered at the teahouses, which are delicious and fulfilling.
-
Are there any best times to take on the trek?
Yes, trekking the Manaslu Circuit is best during spring (Mar – May) and Autumn (Sep – Nov), offering you crystal-clear views, impressive landscapes, and astonishing views of snow-capped peaks.
-
What makes the Manaslu Circuit different from Everest and Annapurna routes?
The Manaslu Circuit is one of the restricted areas of Nepal, offering fewer trekkers along the way, amazing scenery, and mesmerizing views of Mount Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. Whereas, the Everest and Annapurna routes are more crowded and include more comfortable accommodations with well-maintained routes.
-
What are the essential gear required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Essential gear such as layered clothing, warm jackets, thermal underwear, waterproof and windproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, water purification tablets, sleeping bag for cold temperatures, and basic first-aid kit.
-
Do I need to obtain any permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Permits such as Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) are required for this trek. All these permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency.
-
Are there mobile networks and internet available throughout the trek?
Yes, mobile network and internet are available throughout the trek, as mobile network may not be reliable at higher altitude, same way internet is offered at the local teahouses, but don’t expect it to be fast.
-
What is the average walking hours per day for this trek?
The average walking days during the Manaslu Circuit trek is about 5 to 8 hours, depending on the route and altitude.
-
Is travel insurance a must for the Circuit Trek?
Yes, ensuring travel insurance is must for this trek, as the journey includes reaching a restricted area, which can include various challenges, as well as crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) is more tough. So, having travel insurance can offer you peace of mind.