Manaslu Circuit Trekking - 16 days

Best time to do Manaslu Circuit

It is undoubtedly crucial to anticipate the ideal time for any trekking expedition here in Nepal. Especially in the remote trails where the amenities are limited and harsh weather can lead to many unseen situations.

The ideal seasons for trekking to Manaslu Circuit are spring and autumn just like any other adventure. The reason is pretty general, as, during these mentioned seasons, the weather blends perfectly with a stable climatic condition, offering a mild temperature to hike on. Not only that, but it tends to bring the best out of nature, rewarding visitors with clear, bright skies, blooming rhododendron forests, and stunning landscapes.

What to expect in Spring (March-May)?

Spring is hands-down one of the best times to do the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal, well, there are ample reasons attached to it. Firstly, the trails are decorated stunningly with thriving rhododendrons, pines, and greenery, making the trekking route filled with colorful nature. Secondly, as this particular season falls after the winter, it has a minimum chance of snow/rainfall that makes the pathway easy, especially high passes to cross over. Last but not least, the skies become less gloomy, presenting outstanding views of mountains towering in the blue sky.

What to expect in August (September-November)?

August stands out as another peak/best season for this trek to Manaslu as the weather is quite stable, with less precipitation during this span of the year. Due to this, the sky becomes clear with no fogginess, offering a prominent view of snow-capped peaks. Not only that, but the days become longer with exceptional sunlight providing a chance to hike on the trail, exploring more out of nature along the less humidity.

Besides, the major festivals of Nepal, Dashain, and Tihar, fall in between these months, showcasing you how rich culture and tradition are celebrated on this side of the Himalayas. If you are someone who seeks to delve into the lifestyle of the remote villages, then the Autumn season fits perfectly for you to take on any expedition. 

A Typical Day on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Each day unfolds something unique, and fresh and the diverse landscapes engraved within the Manaslu region show the raw authenticity of the trek of course! The new corner of the place, the Tibetan people's lifestyle, and the terraced agriculture farms slowly changing into alpine valleys of towering mountains tend to make you fall into the remote trail even more. Although, the Manaslu Trek is one of the challenging expeditions with good lengthy days as we've set many acclimatization days in between for you to gradually adopt the high altitudes. 

Throughout the trek, our guides are along with you ensuring safety and providing every useful information within this territory and lets you learn something meaningful by visiting ancient monasteries and local cultures of Tibetans influenced by Buddhism. Hence, here is a short glimpse that tells what a typical/every day seems like:

The day begins as soon as we wake up with tea/coffee and a delightful breakfast. Packing our gear and carrying the trekking sticks the walking trail usually begins at 8:00 AM, depending on the duration and nature of the trek. Passing by the rugged terrains, diverse towering landscapes, vegetation, bamboo and rhododendron forest along wildlife diversity within the Manaslu Conservation Area, we have our lunch in between 11 AM to 1 PM. We'll usually take lunch in a tea house in between the trails or carry a packed lunch some days as there are no signs of tea houses in some trails. 

Upon reaching the destination by noon 4:00 to 5:00 pm, we can explore the surroundings by strolling around the village gaining new insight into what the tiny settlements have to offer. Returning to the tea house before dark, dinner is served in the dining area. Do not miss out on dining in the kitchen area where you can socialize with other trekkers, interact with locals, and have a short discussion about how the day trip went by and plan about the upcoming trailhead. Make sure to raise questions to the guide if in case you have any sort of curiosity about the trek, it'll help to quench your eagerness about the journey.

After the short brief meeting, enjoy the rest of the evening singing songs, playing UNO (cards), learning some Nepali language from the locals and crews, and getting a new insight into the adventure creating more memories making every second on the trek; a new journey to cherish forever.

Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty

Undertaking an expedition to the remote Himalayas is not an easy task, particularly when we are going to embark on a trail with rugged terrains and snowy sections. That is why, the Manaslu circuit trek difficulty level falls under the category of the most challenging trek in Nepal. 

Frankly speaking, the steep sections and long hike duration hike of 5-6 hours daily covering approximately 10 km each day make it quite a strenuous adventure. However, the difficult factor also depends upon one's endurance level and prior experience. If you have done some lengthy treks before then, it might not be a big deal for you. 

Two major factors that make this Manaslu trek quite a demanding journey, First thing first ascending each day at higher altitudes of over 3000 meters and reaching the highest point of Larkya La Pass-5106 m. is a physically daunting trekking condition. Secondly, the remote trails with limited amenities itself is a concerning part as being around a new environment at a tea house far away from daily life can be frustrating for some who never had any experience with the Manaslu circuit trek route. 

Nonetheless, to avoid such critical situations you must have some basic level of physical and mental preparation. Preparation doesn’t mean going all out of your comfort level but yes! Training to level up your stamina and core level is crucial getting engaged in exercises like running, cycling, jogging, swimming or even a few ascends and descends through to strengthen the leg muscle would be okay. 

Hence, with proper preparation, a well-planned itinerary with acclimatization days, appropriate gear, and equipment this trek can easily be completed even by beginners without any hassle. Just create a positive mindset with great enthusiasm before and along the trail. Such optimistic self-belief makes the trip 99% easier than it is. 

Altitude Sickness during the Manaslu Trek

In general, AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can lead to anyone crossing a high altitude of over 3500 meters. One of the most concerning parts regarding the Manaslu Circuit Trekking is the altitude sickness as during this expedition it crosses an altitude of over 5000 meters at the highest point. When the elevation rises and the air gets thinner that’s when AMS tends to hit you. 

So, how can you anticipate if such a thing happens? Well! If you feel any sort of discomforts such as severe headache, nausea (faint and tiring-like situation), difficulty in breathing, or rapid increase of heartbeat, then inform the guide immediately as soon as possible. 

If you are concerned about getting altitude sickness during this trek then, there’s nothing to panic about as our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary for 16 days is set with 2 acclimatization days which means a gradual ascent without rushing things. That way, we can simply move forward without any hassle of AMS. Besides, the guides are there to assist you and check the oxygen level with an oximeter so, even if such an unfortunate situation occurs then he’ll act accordingly.

Here are some preventive guidelines to consider for Manaslu Circuit Trekking

• Make sure to hydrate yourself with a minimum of 2 liters of water each day, if not then try to moisturize the body by having soups, teas, and fluidity hot items.
• Create a balanced diet chart before the trip that suits your body and mention to us beforehand if you are allergic to some food items.
• After crossing over an altitude of over 3000 meters, try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and caffeine.
• Walk at your pace along the guide, do not panic! Please remember that gradual ascent is the key to succeeding in any expedition.
• If you aren’t allergic to gingery items then remember to carry dry ginger (available in every mart) and consume ginger soups in the evening. It helps to warm the body and energize the muscles.

What kind of accommodation and meal facilities to expect along the Manaslu Circuit?

As we are familiar with Manaslu Circuit Trekking route passes by remote areas where the amenities are limited. During the trek, you’ll be accommodated at tea houses/lodges run by the family which is the only option. The rooms are basic with a twin or single bedroom but the hygiene and comfort are surely top-notch.

At the beginning of the trail, you can get a room with an attached washroom while moving to the upper areas, there will be shared toilets due to the limited no. of lodges up there. The rooms are spacious and made of wood mostly, with comfortable mattresses, pillows, and blankets. In Kathmandu (city area) you’ll get a 4-star hotel with the best infrastructure including a buffet breakfast. Also, if you have any choice of hotels here let us know so we can make a pre-booking accordingly.

For foods, the Manaslu region caters to all types from western to local cuisines, you’ll be given a menu and choose it accordingly as per your choice and it will be cooked by the locals. However, we highly recommend you have “Dal Bhat” filled with nutritious items containing more than 5 side dishes; pickles, lentil soup, any veg, non-veg curry, rice, and spinaches. It can be refilled and is preferred by many trekkers as there is a saying goes “Dal Bhat Power 24 hour”.

Communication Services and Wi-Fi Connectivity

The phone network works fine till the Samagaun, however, while we move to the upper section of the Manaslu circuit, the network is poor or even unreachable. It is highly recommended to get one SIM CARD of NTC before the trip to get access to the internet and calls in between the trekking section. At the stopping point, every tea house has WIFI services, it's just that you have to use it in the dining room paying $2-$4 per night. WiFi is available throughout the region, just take note of 1 thing the network might not work well connecting 3G or 4G, however, it works decent to make an emergency call back home. If you are a bit concerned then, we can provide you with 1 satellite phone to the group for emergencies in case. 

What are the permits required for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking?

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) to get into the Annapurna protected area as this trek touches the route of the Annapurna region as well. ACAP costs around USD 26 i.e. approximately NRS 3000/- for foreigners whereas for SAARC nationals the price differs costing USD 10 (NRS 1500).

MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit): The price is the same as ACAP costing around NRS 3000 and NRS 1000 for regional members (SAARC).

Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP): To enter the Manaslu restricted areas, this specific permit is required. This permit cost depends on the season you are trekking on. From September to November, it costs approx. NRS 11,000 (USD 100) for the first week and USD 15 (NRS 2000) for any other additional days. This RAP- Restricted Area Permit costs around NRS 9000 i.e USD 75 and NRS 1100 i.e USD 1000/- in any other additional days. 

Hence, There are 3 permits required for this expedition and the Manaslu Circuit Trek permit cost depends on seasonal and off-season factors along with the length of duration that you are spending within this region. 

Note: After the booking is confirmed, all the required permits will be arranged by us (Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition).

Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo

Trekking to the Manaslu circuit solo isn't allowed. To acquire the permits, you must have someone along with you excluding the guide and porter which means you must have a travel partner to trek with that doesn't count the guide. The Manaslu Conservation Area is highly regulated and the permits must be obtained through the Nepali-registered trekking company and must trek with an experienced guide. 

So, you might be anticipating what can be done if you are solo and don't have anyone to proceed with the Manaslu Trek. Well! in that case, we got you! Every year enthusiastic trekkers are lining up to undertake this expedition having no partner. To make your dream possible, we've set fixed departure dates where the only thing you must do is join them and gain the permits. That way, there won't be any hassle for the trek just because of the barrier of gaining the permits.

If you have further queries then give us a call or a mail at the given information details.

Travel Insurance

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, travel insurance is mandatory due to its remote trails and of course! the limited amenities. After reaching or crossing the high altitude of over 3000 meters, the risk of altitude sickness increases. Having said that prevention is always better than cure, we must be prepared beforehand and travel insurance stands out being the no.1 priority for expeditions in mountain areas.

Make sure that your insurance policy covers theft, medical coverage, injuries, and emergency helicopter evacuation. That way we can arrange the evacuation as soon as possible with your insurance and also tend to cost you the medical expenses much more cheaper. Although, the risk is the bare minimum we just want you to be prepared for any uncertain condition and trek with a free mind. 

Essential Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal (Personal Expenses, ATM, Gears, Meals, Acclimatization)

1. Make sure to include an extra power bank to charge the gadgets as electric sockets aren’t available in the room after crossing Samdo where the sockets are only in the dining area. It costs around $3-$4 to recharge the device lining up in a queue.
2. There are zero ATM services along the Manaslu circuit trek route, so exchange your money in Kathmandu as the card service doesn’t work on the remote trail. If possible carry Dollar or Nepali rupees anticipating daily personal expenses.
3. Carry a small waist bag or a mini bag to fit in your basic important items such as gadgets, cameras, quick snacks, chargers, water bottles, documents, and your daily medicines even if there’s a porter. It’ll help you to get quick access when it’s required.
4. Do not forget to carry dry garlic (which helps warm up the body), granola, and bars of protein (protein bars) for a quick snack time. As, someday you are hiking for even 7 hours straight with no sign of tea houses in between.
5. Don’t rush overspeeding yourself thinking about meeting the pace of others. Just walk along the guide as not gradually ascending and walking in a panic mode could lead to altitude sickness.
6. Create a balanced chart in a note mentioning your eating habits and food items you are allergic to, it will help us to be alert regarding your meals on the trailhead and inform the tea house to prepare foods accordingly.
7. Please note to carry rain/pack cover to protect the essentials beneath the hiking backpack. As you are heading to some of the forested and high passes, there's some kind of possibility of rainfall and snowfall (if in case).

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Cost

The Manaslu circuit trek price depends on various factors such as the duration of the trip, accommodation, meals, trekking seasons, and also the preference of whether you seek for luxury expedition or a simple one. Our trekking package starts from $ 850 to $ 1180 depending on how many pax your group holds. For instance, if you have more than 6 pax then, it can minimized to $1050, and over 6 the price will be much cheaper.

If you choose our package, it can cost $ 1180 for each individual and can be minimized with the number of hikers the group processes. It includes all your meals, accommodation, permits (ACAP, MCAP, special permit), transportation facilities, guides, porters, and the fees and travel insurance of helping guide and porter with some extra equipment and complimentary essentials.

Please check our include and exclude for a detailed breakdown. 

Willing to Sign Up? Booking Procedure?

Our Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 days is a carefully tailored itinerary package ensuring that it meets every corner of the region. We know how hard is it to plan the itinerary and everything required for the best trip, in that case, we are here for you! You can just reach out to us through WhatsApp/Viber give us a call at +977 9851016814 or mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.

To make the booking confirmation, you just need to pay 10% booking cost and send us a passport photocopy and 2 photos along with it. With just 1 click you are just 1 step closer to the Himalayas. Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition is all ready to befriend you at every step.