The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is an adventure High Pass Trek inside a restricted area. It is an alternative trail to the Annapurna Circuit because the length of these two Treks and the natural feelings are the same. It starts at a subtropical temperature and gradually ascends to high alpine elevation and a cold temperature.
After the road construction on the Annapurna Circuit Trail, the trekkers started to find an alternative and found the Manaslu Circuit to be the best option because of the length and scenery of the trek.
This trail opened for visitors in 1999 but used to be limited until a few years ago. After the motors started driving on the Throngla trail, the popularity of this route increased rapidly. The charming mixed natural beauty of lowland and high Himalayan territory bewitched the travelers on this trip.
The Manaslu Circuit trekking trail mainly takes place in the Gorkha district near the Tibetan border. It brings trekkers to the high Himalayan Tibetan Buddhist areas gradually from the lower Hindu region.
The restricted area begins at Jagat and is dimensional to the Larke top. The region is overcast by the Annapurna Massif in the west and the Ganesh Himal in the east. The Manaslu is a bonnie mountain higher than 8,000 meters, but around 2% of trekkers who come to Nepal globally visit this route. probably because of less advertisement, physical challenges, and remoteness. Although the Larkey La Pass Trek is rich with nature and culture,
This Adventure Circuit Trek in the Manaslu region leads by following the Budhigandaki River, keeping rice and millet fields on the sides in the lower region. Different suspension bridges along the way connect beautiful traditional towns. Some of them are quite long.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking begins from Kathmandu, driving to Arughat or Soti Khola through the hillside road. It is about a 7–8-hhour drive on a pitch-black highway and ends with a bumpy road. Walking through rice fields and cedar forest with steep ascending trails, you reach Machhakhola (8,90m) on the second day of the trip or the first day of the hike.
After the first night's stay in Machhakhola, the next destination will be Jagat. On the way, you pass a hot spring, where you can take a short break. Jagat has an entry point to check Manaslu's restricted permit. Then, you go further to Deng, Namrung, Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharmashala before crossing the Larke La Pass.
Amazing views of the edges are available when looking downward from the top in the direction you walked previously, but the front line, where you are going, comes with much better looks. While descending from the Larke La Pass, there is a huge, amazing glacier on your right. You must exercise caution if there is ice on the trail because it slopes steeply.
Frolic Adventure is operating Trekking trips to Manaslu Circuit at a reasonable cost that is safety-oriented. We arrange your trip with reasonable costs and safety rules. You can contact us for a customized Trekking itinerary. We are always happy to provide you with the best offer and services per your interest, time, and physical conditions.
Trekking Route of Manaslu Circuit
Our regular Trekking itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit is for 14 days, but it can be shorter or longer according to your time, ability, and interest. The first day starts with a long drive to Sotikhola from Kathmandu. After that, you walk to Machhakhola for the second stop, and the third day is Jagat during the Manaslu Trek.
Likewise, you hike further to Deng, Namrung, and Samagaun on this trip's fourth, fifth, and sixth days. The seventh day is your rest day for altitude practice in Samagaun. You will Hike to Manaslu base camp and Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa on the rest day in Samagaun. After that, the two days to Samdo and Samagaun are shorter than other trekking days. The tenth day is challenging with Larke La Pass. After crossing this big hill, you reach Bhimtang and feel relaxed.
People reach Dharapani from Bhimtang in one day, but it is better to stop in Tilje because you might be tired from Larkey. You can end the trek with a drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani on the 12th day of the trip or keep walking for two more days to Bhulbhule or Besishahar.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map with altitude detail
Here, you find the 17-day Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, which is from your arrival at the Kathmandu Airport to your departure to your home. According to our Trip Map for the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek, you will be greeted by our airport representative at the Kathmandu International Airport on the first day.
The second day is permit-making, so you will have a full-day Kathmandu City Tour, then depart for the Trek on the third day. Per our Trekking Map schedule, you spend 13 nights in the mountains, drive from Bhubhule on the last day to Kathmandu, and depart on the next day for your home.
It shows your drive to Sotikhola to start walking on this Map. Still, you can also drive to Machhakhola instead by private jeep and end the Trek by driving from Dharapani if you do not have enough time to complete our regular Trekking days, which you see on this Map. Please do not hesitate to contact us for the customized Itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Larke Pass Trek.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Most of the Trekking days on the Manaslu Circuit are not that difficult. However, the Larke Pass (5106m) and many hours of walking in the lower altitudes can make it a bit difficult for trekkers. If you are on a Trek in spring or the beginning of autumn, the warm temperature in the lower region also makes you uneasy while walking.
The Difficulty level is not a big issue on this Trek for regular trekkers, but it might be a bit hard for first-time trekkers during the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek. Some people hesitate to hand over the original passport to another, but you must provide the original passport with a Nepal Visa to issue a restricted area entry permit. It also makes it an uneasy and difficult feeling at the beginning for some trekkers.
Besides paperwork and physical difficulty, the altitude makes the trek challenging. It won’t be a big issue with altitude sickness before Samagaun, but once you cross Samagaun towards Samdo, Dharmashala, and Larke La Pass, you feel too tired to walk with the altitude effect. Snow and ice can sometimes make it difficult to descend the long descending trail after the Larke Pass until Bhimtang.
Trekking Cost for the Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Larke Pass Trek is competitively cheaper than the Everest Region because you do not need a costly fight. Lodging and food costs are very reasonable, but entry permits make them slightly more expensive. The price for the Trek depends on the service you choose or what a company offers.
Our 14-day Circuit Trekking package to Manaslu is all-inclusive, and we offer this trip for 999 USD per person. The price we are bidding is for a group of two travelers in a single booking, but we can afford it at a lower cost if you have more than two people for a single trip booking. And for that, you need to contact us with your details.
We can shorten or lengthen this Trek according to your time and altitude experience for the Manaslu Trek. Also, You may pay just for a guide, porter, and permits rather than taking a full-board trip. But the total expenses of the trip come to the same amount as our all-inclusive Package Cost.
Manaslu Trekking Permits
The trekkers in this region need to obtain three different Entry Permits. It is a restricted zone, so Nepali immigration issues a special permit, which costs 70 USD for the first seven days and 10 USD for every additional day from September to November. Likewise, 50 US dollars per week and 7 American dollars per day are extra in the other months.
During this adventure mountain trip, you will walk inside Manaslu and Annapurna conservation areas, so you also need those permits. Each preserve region Permit Costs 3,000 NPR. We arrange all essential legal entry papers in Kathmandu one day earlier than the trip's starting date. Detailed information about Manaslu region permit costs
Accommodation, Food, and Drink on the Manaslu Circuit Route
Getting Accommodation while you are Trekking to the Manaslu Circuit is easy. There are plenty of guesthouses along the way. The rooms are private with twin-sharing beds and are clean and comfortable. You will get an extra blanket and soft pillow with each bead. The bathrooms are clean everywhere, but there might not be sitting toilets in each lodge.
During the Trek, you will get a menu with assorted Nepalese and Western dishes. The food is hygienic; you can see the same meals at every stop. Sometimes, you might get bored seeing the same course continuously.
You can buy bottled mineral water everywhere during the trip. Also, you can drink regular tap water by filling your bottle, but you must use purification medication or sterilizer before drinking.
Trekking Gear for Manaslu Curcit
It is a high-adventure trek through the cold region. Of course! It is better to pack nice, warm equipment for the trip. It starts snowing in November and continues until the beginning of spring. Due to the freezing temperature, icy snow makes the trail slippery in the higher regions. Crampons and a Trekking gear help you walk on this surface. Check out the list of regular Trekking Gear for the Manaslu Trek below:
- Warm woolen or fleece hat
- Thermal layers
- Long and short-sleeve T-shirts
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- A pair of thick gloves
- High-neck sweater
- Buff
- Windproof trouser
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking boots
- A few pairs of trekking socks
- Sports shoes for the camp
- Water sandals
- Rain gear
- Sun hat, lotion, and glasses
- Trekking rukshak or duffel bag
- Daypack for your valuables, water, and snacks
- Quick-drier towel
- Moisturizers and lip balm
- Wet napkins
- Trekking pole
- power bank to charge the phone and camera
- Sleeping bag
Besides the listed things, you can pack a first-aid kit, toiletries, extra shoeless items, and daily necessities for the Larke Pass Trek. You may meet some trekkers who snore while sleeping, and it may disturb you. It is good to have earplugs for the Manaslu Circuit.
The Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit
Mid-September to November and March to mid-May are the Best times to trek the Manaslu Circuit. Autumn offers clear visibility even from a distance, and the spring season will have hazy days in lower areas. But it is nice and clear in the higher regions. The months of spring are warmer compared to autumn.
December to February are considered winter months in Nepal and will be freezing. December is doable with warm gear, but not in January and February. If you like to visit Manaslu in a less crowded season, the beginning of December can be the best time, and the weather will be superb.
The summer brings lots of rain and poor visibility. The trekking trail will be slippery, so going to the Larkey La pass during the monsoon can be risky and not worth it.
Altitude Sickness in the Manaslu Circuit
The Trekking itinerary for the Manaslu High Pass Trek starts at a low elevation. It then gradually ascends, so there is no need to worry about mountain sickness during the tour. The journey begins below a thousand meters above sea level and slowly goes above 5,000 meters to Larke La Pass.
Also, you will have an Altitude practice rest day in Samagaun. Visiting Pungen Gumba or Manaslu base camp this day for an acclimatization hike helps minimize the AMS. In the higher regions, you will have short-distance commands. It also helps prevent mountain sickness for trekkers.
Internet, Phone, and Battery Charging in the Manaslu Circuit Route
It is becoming a more popular trekking trail among adventure trekkers after the road construction on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The facilities for communication in the region are still developing. Lower areas from starting the trip and after the pass have NTC cell phone services. You can call from a SAT phone in this region if needed.
Most of the places have wi-fi, which you can get for free or pay some amount for. You can charge the camera and other gadgets during the trip, but you might need to pay. The power supply in the Manaslu Region is solar and microhydro.
