Useful Info
It's Good to Know About the Manaslu Circuit
You can walk freely on a less crowded trail than on the busiest routes, such as those to Everest Base Camp or more commercial regions.
During the Larke Pass trekking, the entire region offers a slight feeling of isolation for the visitors, but there are plenty of guesthouses at each stop, and you do not need to bring tents and food.
The first few days' hikes follow the Budhi Gandaki River, with its deep and long gorge and numerous swing suspension bridges to cross.
The journey begins with a subtropical climate and then gradually ascends to a higher alpine temperature, so you should not worry about altitude sickness.
We organize a full-board trip but remember to bring Nepalese currency for your drinks in the mountains. You can exchange foreign money in the hills but might not get a fair exchange rate.
Do not expect fancy accommodations and Western bathrooms because you are going to a remote region.
You Must Have a Guide for the Manaslu Trek.
A guide is compulsory for the Circuit Trek in Manaslu because it is a restricted region. The forbidden area is from Jagat to the top of Larkey La. Not only this trip but Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Nar Phu, and Kanchenjunga are also controlled sectors.
We provide government license holders with an English-speaking guide and a helpful assistant for their rambles. The leader who leads them is knowledgeable and helpful.
Trekking Route of Manaslu Circuit
Our regular Trekking itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit is 12 days long, 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. On the 12th day of the Trek, you can end the Trek by driving to Kathmandu from Dharapani or walking for two more days to Bhulbhule or Besishahar.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty
Most of the Trekking days on the Manaslu Circuit are relatively straightforward. However, the Larke Pass (5106m) and many hours of walking at lower altitudes make it 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 for regular trekkers on this Trek, but it might be a bit hard for first-time trekkers during the Manaslu Larke Pass Trek. Some people hesitate to hand over their original passports to others, but you must provide the original passport with a Nepal Visa to issue a restricted area entry permit.
Besides paperwork and physical difficulty, the altitude makes the Trek challenging. Altitude sickness won't be a big issue 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 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 it does not require 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 12-day Circuit Trekking package to Manaslu is all-inclusive and costs 1199 USD per person. We are bidding for a group of two travelers for a single booking, but we can offer it at a lower price if you have more than two people for a single trip booking. Contact us with your details to do so.
We can shorten or lengthen this Trek according to your time and altitude experience for the Manaslu Trek. You may also pay just for a guide, porter, and permits rather than taking a full-board trip. However, the total expenses for the journey are the same 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 the 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 before the trip starts. Detailed information about Manaslu region permit costs
Accommodation, Food, and Drink on the Manaslu Circuit Route
Getting accommodation while you trek 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.
You will receive a menu on the Trek with assorted Nepalese and Western dishes. The food is hygienic, and you can enjoy the same meals at every stop. However, you might get bored seeing the same course continuously.
During the trip, you can buy bottled mineral water everywhere. You can also fill your bottle with regular tap water, but you must use purification medication or a 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 excellent, 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 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 January and February. If you would like to visit Manaslu during the less crowded season, the beginning of December would be the best time, and the weather would be superb.
Summer brings lots of rain and poor visibility. The trekking trail is slippery, so going to the Larkey La pass during the monsoon season can be risky and unsuitable.
Altitude Sickness in the Manaslu Circuit
The Trekking itinerary for the Manaslu High Pass Trek starts at a low elevation and 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 allows trekkers to prevent mountain sickness.
Internet, Phone, and Battery Charging in the Manaslu Circuit Route
After the road construction on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it has become a more popular trekking trail among adventure trekkers. The communication facilities in the region are still being developed. Lower areas from the trip's starting point and after the pass have NTC cell phone services. If needed, you can call from an SAT phone in this region.
Most places have Wi-Fi, which you can get for free or for a fee. You can charge your camera and other gadgets during the trip, but you might need to pay. The power supply in the Manaslu Region is solar and micro hydro.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manaslu Circuit (FAQs)
When is the best time to trek to the Manaslu Circuit?
September to November and March to May are the best times to visit the Manaslu Trek. Autumn offers the most apparent visibility, and the trail is attractive due to the colorful rhododendrons in the forest.
What is the fastest itinerary for the Manaslu Trek?
According to altitude safety, 12 to 14 days is good, but if you are an adventure trekker and have visited the higher elevation many times, you can finish it in 10 days.
How hard is Larke's pass, and how difficult is it?
The most challenging section of the Trek is crossing the Larke Pass. The journey from Dharmashala to Bhimtang takes 7-8 hours, but some people may take even longer. Larkey La Pass is 5,160m ASL.
How many hours do I have to walk daily during the Manaslu Trek?
Well, it depends on the altitude. You will walk 6-7 hours in the lower elevations and 3–4 hours in the higher areas.
Why do I have to start very early in the morning to cross Larke La Pass?
A big wind will be on the top of Larke la Pass after the sun's heat, so you must start early in the morning from Dharmasala (Larkey Phedi). Also, it is a long day, and it can be dark to reach Bhimtang if you begin late for this high pass.
Can I trek without a guide on the Manaslu Circuit?
No, it is impossible because of restrictions. Having a government-licensed trekking guide for the Manaslu Region would be best.
Can a free individual trekker get the permit for the Manaslu Circuit?
No, only a trekking company can arrange the permits for the Manaslu Trek, and restricted access is granted to at least two trekkers in a group.
Is there a motor road on the Manaslu Circuit trail?
No, there is no road for motors, but if you start the trip from Arught or Sotikhola, the first two days will be on the road. Also, from Dharapani to Bhulbule, there will sometimes be a road again after the pass.
