Manaslu Circuit Trekking in brief
Circling Mt. Manaslu 8160m is one of the spectacular and popular ‘off-the-beaten-path’ trekking adventure alternative to the heavily commercialized Annapurna circuit trek which goes through rugged Himalayan breathtaking landscapes with deep Tibetan-Buddhist rich cultural immersion, traditional Tibetan influenced remote villages, and the exciting Larkya-La pass
Manaslu Circuit trek begins with gradual climbs through a beautiful terraced lush green hillside fields, Gurung/Magar villages, river valleys waterfalls, long suspension bridges with warm weather then further continues uphill walking from Numbri village with Tibetan Buddhist tradition and culture crossing colorful Mani walls, Chortens, ancient Monasteries and high alpine landscapes surrounded by the snow covered peaks. While the approach to challenging Larkya La is demanding, but reward is incomparable views of Manaslu and Himlung Himal from the pass. After the pass a steep descent into rhododendron forests will then come to the Marshyangdi River Valley and the more traveled Annapurna trails, which lead back to the road head or continue to another adventure of Thorong-la pass. The itinerary given here is heading down to Besi Sahar and drive to Kathmandu.
Day-by-day itinerary of Manaslu circuit trek
Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary actually can stretch from 12 to 21 days depending on the itinerates whether includes side-trips like Tsum Valley, Annapurna Thorong-La pass, acclimatization days and walking pace. most trekkers choose between 14 to 18 day options
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300m.
Day 2: Kathmandu heritage site tour and trek preparation
Day 3: Drive to Soti 800m via Arughat for 8 hours. Day 4: Trek to Machha Khola 940m. 8 hours.
Day 5: Trek to Jagat 1390m. 6 hours.
Day 6: Trek to Dying 1800m. 7 hours.
Day 7: Trek to Namrung 2680m.5 hours.
Day 8: Trek to Sama Gaon 3460m. 5 hours.
Day 9: Sama Gompa side trip and rest.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3700m. 5 hours.
Day 11: Trek to Dharma Shala 4470m. 4 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Bimthang 3690m. crossing Larkya La pass 5200m. 8 hours.
Day 13: Trek to Tilche 2300m. 8 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Syange1130m. 6 hours.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar for 8 hours.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
Entry Permit and Guide Regulations
Manaslu is a restricted area which is border with Tibet so navigating the regulatory framework is a strict requirement to trek in.
Recently revised trekking regulations allow a solo traveler to obtain the Restricted Area Permit individually but the requirement to be accompanied by a licensed guide remains mandatory.
Mandatory Guide Rule: Independent trekking is strictly prohibited so you legally must hire a licensed trekking guide through a registered trekking agency.
Now digital and biometric tracking checkpoints are active at Jagat or at the entry check in points and your guide will do all entry formalities but keep your physical passport just in case needed.
Required permits, estimated costs and connectivity
Trekkers need to pay Restricted Area Permit: 100 USD per week (September–November) and 75 USD per week (December–August).
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (24 USD) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (24 USD).
Daily trekking expenses with lodge based (teahouse) trek is cheaper compare to tented camp organize however be prepared to spend $ 60-80 p/day including staff expenses
Most of all are inclusive agency packages depending on group size, porter allocation, and transport (private or public jeep/bus).
Crucial Tipping is somehow compulsory so you have to carry plenty of cash in Nepalese Rupees for personal extras expenses. There are no ATMs on the trail, and teahouses charge out-of-pocket cash fees for Wi-Fi access, hot showers, device charging, and snacks. Make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers high-altitude helicopter evacuation rescues.
Manaslu Circuit Trek relies entirely on overland travel through the rural roads by local bus or private jeep, as there is no airport at the Manaslu Circuit trail-head. Start driving either from Dhading or Gorkha to Arughat then further to Machha Khola and drive down to Besi Sahar from Dharapani or Tije.
Best time for Manaslu Circuit trekking
Autumn and Spring seasons are the best time for Manaslu Circuit trek
Autumn (September to November) - Offers the most stable weather, crystal clear mountain views, crisp alpine air and teahouses facility available with full capacity even at high-altitude.
Spring (March to May) – Sunny and warmer temperatures in the lower valleys and spectacular blooming rhododendron forests, whereas bit windy and cloudy in the afternoon is common in the upper part and tea-houses facilities is available with full capacity even at high-altitude.
Packing checklists for Manaslu Circuit trek
Tea-houses are with basic facilities of warm blankets so your packing list should focus on modular layering, or good sleeping bag, headlamp and power bank.
Comfortable and good trekking boots, woollen and cotton socks, camp shoes/sandal.
Thermal base layers, lightweight down jacket, rain/wind shell and convertible trekking pants/long sleep shirts/t-shirts.
Water purification tablets or a UV steriliser as using single-use plastic bottles on the trail is not advised.
Important TIPS before starting Manaslu Circuit trek
Physically preparation – Manaslu trek involves long and high altitude walking days so good physical fitness is important
Allow time for acclimatisation - A properly designed itinerary with rest days helps the body adjust to higher elevations
Packing appropriate wears – Weather in Mountain can change quickly so bring warm clothes, good sleeping bag and reliable high altitude trekking equipment
Permits and necessary pre -arrangements – Before starting the trek all necessary entry permits and pre necessary arrangements should be organized
Respect local culture – As Manaslu region has strong culture and religious tradition; respect local customs, traditions and the natural environment
Manaslu Circuit trek organizer in Nepal
Whether individual or group travel, Holiday Mountain Treks is specialized for such a trip with a decade experience
Join us and go to Manaslu Circuit trekking for an adventurous, scenic and divers, culturally rich experience whether you are a cultural traveller, photographer, adventure trekking enthusiast or just looking for a couple of week walker through the beautiful nature, the Manaslu trek deserves to be a place on your Himalayan travel destination list that will be creating memories for a lifetime.
