Short Manaslu Circuit Trek - 10 days

What is the best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Noting down which period, to undertake any expedition plays a significant role that can either make your journey even more fascinating or shatter your adventure. Just like that, To start the trekking to Manaslu Circuit, the ideal seasons are Spring and Autumn offering perfect weather and temperature to walk along the trail without any hassle with the spectacular views of mountains, landscapes, and many more.

Whereas, if you are a pro hiker, then you can do this Short Manaslu Circuit Trek even during the monsoon and winter. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each season has to offer:

What to expect in Spring (March-May)?

Spring is one of the best seasons to do any treks in the Himalayas, the reason is simple it provides a mild temperature to hike in the route feeling the fresh air with thriving red-blooming rhododendron forests throughout the journey. As this month of the year falls right after the winter, there is always less chance of high humidity and less snowfall.

The best part is! The trek becomes easier during this time, wondering how. Well! The slippery snowy trails are clear, making the route well-maintained and more grippy to trek with. The lower region of the Manaslu shows the golden vegetation of millets and mustards, and moving to the upper section shows the top-notch vista of mountains without any fogginess.

What to expect in Autumn (September-November)?

Autumn, is supposedly another preferable time to commence on a Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal as expected at this very season, the main festivals: Dashain and Tihar are celebrated between October showcasing enthusiastic individuals and how cultures are celebrated in the Himalayas. On top of that, just like spring, it offers impeccable temperatures ranging from 10-15 degrees Celsius- the best time to start an expedition for a long walk without being all drained out just because of the high humidity level.

What to expect in off seasons (Winter and Monsoon)?

Even though, the winter and monsoon are the off-seasons to do this odyssey, if you have some expedition knowledge to high altitudes and snowy trails then yes! you surely can do the trek without hassle. The route becomes insanely beautiful being all covered with white snowy frost and adds a eye captivating color to the boring landscapes. On the other hand, uncertain situations are always circulating, like the risk of altitude sickness, slippery/muddy trails, traffic congestion, landslides, and high avalanches so it is compulsorily necessary to be prepared for this trip to complete the journey without any fuss.

How hard is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty falls under a moderate-level trek considering the top 3 major factors, firstly the rugged and remote terrains, secondly the long duration hike, and lastly, the snowy trails while passing the high pass falling under a moderate-level trek. Well! Any expedition to the Himalayas is not an easy odyssey especially when we are rambling on higher altitudes over 3000 meters where certain risks are always evolving around. 

As this is a Short Manaslu Trek where we must cover the classic Manaslu Circuit Trail, this journey tends to be 1 step more strenuous. The main concerning factor is altitude sickness as the trek takes you to the height of 5106 meters- Larkya La Pass (5106 meters), the highest point of the Odyssey. In total, it covers approximately 174 km with a walk of 6-7 hours each day throughout the remote, less facilitated routes which might be a bit challenging who have never been to even short treks.

This adventure takes you to some of the narrow cliffs, steep sections, and rocky trails, with several uphill and downhill walks along the unpredictable weather conditions so, just choose the right season and be mentally and physically prepared. If you have done any expeditions before then you are good to go but with some preparation beforehand for sure!

How to be prepared for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Physical fitness

Being physically fit is the first and foremost priority required for any expedition, especially when we are planning the hike along the rugged, steep, narrow cliffs, and yes! the snowy trails. This Short Manaslu trek isn't a stroll around the park, if you haven't done any preparation then, this adventure can be a total disaster making your legs tremble due to the continuous ascends and descends.

So, how can one be ready to set off on this trek? Just engage in some sort of physical strengthening exercises such as short hikes of 3-4 hours nearby, a little stroll around the park making the goal of 10,000 steps, running, swimming, or just basic exertion like ups and downs by staircase of the house that will make your muscle active and build the cardio strength.

Mindset Preparation

As already mentioned, this odyssey leads you to an isolated area far away from city life, where tea houses are too basic, with simple rooms and amenities. If you have never done any long trek by remote trails before, then it would be quite hard to adjust to a new territory.

Additionally, it also passes by the highest altitude of Larkya La-5106 meters, which is not everyone's forte as walking by the snowy route with such rising revelation is no joke! Thus, just be mentally prepared and say to yourself, that it is what you have come for, to experience the authenticity of the distant Manaslu region, it makes your trip 99% easier and better.

Balanced Diet: Foods to Avoid and Eat!

The gut-health plays the most important role in any expedition, as our mind and body act according to our health. While considering the body and mental care, do not miss out on focusing on a good diet. It's not about having only green salad throughout the expedition, but also about having meals that suit the high elevation and mountain areas. 

While you are at a higher altitude, make sure to avoid meals that are oily, and heavy and try not to consume red meats (not fresh), that tend to upset your stomach. Also, please don't consume caffeine and alcoholic beverages- makes your oxygen level low and difficulty to breathe in such thin air. Consider, having hot soups that will warm up your body like garlic soup, lentils, or any that suits your body!

Medical Consideration (Track your well-being)

Last but not least, consult your doctor if you have any sort of long-term health problem as this Manaslu Circuit Trek navigates through the remote section with the inaccessibility of immediate health care except helicopter evacuation. You must know how your body has been acting up lately!  Take some precautions with the medical expert and carry your daily medicines beforehand.

Meals and Accommodations throughout the Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Even though this trek to the Manaslu circuit passes by insanely remote trails, there's nothing to compromise for when it comes to nutritious meals and lodging facilities. Throughout the journey, you will be accommodated at the best tea house/lodges available in the stopping point considering your comfortability and ensuring hygiene at the same time.

Tea house/Lodging services: At the lower trails, the rooms are well facilitated, where you will be lodged in the guest house with a single double bedroom with an attached washroom. After crossing Deng, and moving to the upper section of the Manaslu region you will get a twin bed room due to the limited tea houses at the upper trails along with a shared toilet. However, the rooms are well-maintained and sanitized with comfortable pillows, blankets, mattresses, and bed sheets. 

** Note: If you want a sleeping bag, then we can manage it for free throughout the trail.**

Meals: 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”.

This Manaslu Circuit Trek package covers all your meals (3 standard meals- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and accommodations, check the cost details for comprehensive information. 

What is the risk of altitude sickness during this short trek to Manaslu circuit?

In general, AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can lead to anyone crossing a high altitude of over 3500 meters. Generally, one could get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) if some prevention guidelines aren't followed. This Rapid Manaslu Circuit Trekking takes you to the highest point of Larke (5106 meters), which is not a joke. AMS is categorized into 2 types: mild and severe altitude sickness (serious). We cannot eliminate it some mild effects of high elevation are quite expected. 

Conversely, our Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is customized with proper acclimatization days with a gradual ascent that bypasses the risk of AMS undoubtedly, we go uphill by not exceeding 500 M each day, which means we only ascent 300-380 M per day so it will help you to adopt the rising elevation slowly. 

As the saying goes "A little cautious beforehand goes a long way that benefits you", just like that here are some of the guides that will help you prevent altitude sickness throughout the trek.

• If you feel any sort of discomfort, for instance; being out of breath (rapid heartbeat), insomnia (loss of sleep and appetite), nausea (a feeling like vomiting and fatigue), severe headache, vomiting (puking), then inform the trekking guide immediately to get some rest or if the case is serious then he will opt for medical emergency depending on the situation.
• When you ascend walk at your own pace, trail along with the guide without leaving your group. Do not run or overdo yourself thinking of meeting the stride of fellow hikers. It could lead to a rapid heartbeat and make you out of breath!
• At least, make sure to drink 3 liters each day, if it sounds too much. Have a liquidy food item like soup that helps to meet your hydration level of the body and avoid mouth dryness.
• Inform us or the guide if you are allergic to some ingredients so, that we can take care of the food preparation done by the tea house. If possible prepare a note, mentioning your food habits and the ingredients that you are allergic to.

Travel Insurance

As this Manaslu Short Trek fetches you to an altitude over 3000 meters after crossing Namrung, travel insurance is mandatory as walking at the higher altitudes each day means walking along with some unseen problems. However, we are not saying that this trek is full of dangerous encounters which are so rare, this Manaslu trekking trail is safe to embark on. We just want you to prepare yourself for any medical emergencies. 

Medical facilities are nearly impossible, so make sure that your travel insurance policy carries the clause of helicopter evacuation (over 4000 meters), medical bills, and thefts which are the 3 important aspects to be a bit careful for this odyssey. It will help us to arrange the immediate medical services as soon as possible and make you travel with a mind free enjoying the surroundings.

What are the permits required for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it requires three major permits without these the trek is impossible. As, the permits get checked starting from Jagat and maybe till the end (depends). Our Short Manaslu Circuit Trek cost generally covers all your fees and manage the required permits before your arrival. 

Mentioned are the necessary permits required for the trek:

ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project): To get into the Annapurna region, as this trail also touches the route of Annapurna this permit is mandatory. ACAP Permit costs around USD 28 i.e. nearly 3000 NRS (Nepali rupees) for foreigners. However, the permit fee for SAARC nationals is quite cheaper costing around NRS 1500 i.e. USD 10.

MCAP Permit (Manaslu Conservation Area Project): The cost for a Manaslu Permit is the same as ACAP which costs approx. USD 28 i.e. nearly 3000 NRS- for foreigners and USD 10 for SAARC citizens.

Special Restricted Area Permit (Manaslu special permit): To enter the Manaslu protected area, this mentioned permit is required. The cost depends on the duration of the trek.

For instance; From September to November, the permit fee tends to be a bit costly i.e. USD 100 (NRS 11000) for the first week, and if exceeds the 7 days (week) then, it costs $ 15 for extra 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. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo/Group for 2025 and 2026

A solo trek to the Manaslu circuit isn't allowed where the government has set three rules: firstly you must trek along with someone excluding the trekking guide and porter, secondly, your guide must be experienced and registered, and last but not least! you must apply the permits from the local registered agency.

Are you alone, and do not have any travel partner to walk along the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route? Don't shatter your dream adventure, we got you! If you are solo, you can opt for our Manaslu Circuit Trek fixed departure dates for 2025 and 2026 where other fellow enthusiastic trekkers are all set to head off on this Manaslu Trek with us. What we do is, apply for the required permits with them and make a group for this adventure, the maximum individuals will be 6 in a group, not more than that. 

If you want a private trip then, yes! we can manage it without any fuss, however, the price will be slightly high for the private expedition! If the departure date does not match your holiday duration or date then, we can customize this trek with another free mind companion for you. Either way, this adventure can surely be a success, if you have queries then mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com.

Travel Tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking (ATM, Communication, Expenses, Gears, Acclimatization, Tipping, Electricity)

1. Make sure to do money exchange here in Kathmandu as moving to the Manaslu region, there is no sign of ATM facility or credit card services, yes! QR scan does work but not for international transactions. If possible carry NRS (Nepali rupees), if not then if you have Dollars or Euros, you are good to go! (Does work in some tea houses)
2. Do not miss out on packing an extra power bank as the electricity socket isn't available in the room at the upper trails, every lodge has electric sockets but at the dining area, it might be quite frustrating to wait in a queue. For charging the gadget it costs around $5-$6 depending on the charging hour.
3. Include crampons on your packing list, as this Manaslu trek passes by the Larkya La, and the trail is quite slippery to navigate. Crampons will help you to walk along the trail with an impeccable trail.
4. At every stopping point, make sure to check your oxygen level by oximeter and ensure that you aren't having any severe effects of altitude sickness. 
5. Besides, top-notch gear please consider carrying snacks to quickly munch in such as protein bars, granola, dry fruits, nuts, cashews, or any healthy bites. Because, you will by the remote trail where in some sections the signs of tea houses are zero in between, and even if we found one it costs triple the actual price- TOO COSTLY!
6. This package covers all your meals and accommodation or you can say all the expenses required for the expedition except the tips, our short Manaslu circuit trek cost doesn't include your tips. It's not necessary but if you are satisfied with their hardworking services then it would be great gratitude.
7. If you aren't allergic to garlic then, include garlic items in your packing list as well. Dry garlic will help you to provide warmth in the cold altitudes by heating the body. Otherwise, you can even have some garlic soup at night time, it provides a good sound sleep to the restless hiking body.

Ready to Join Us? Sign Up Now with the Safe Booking Procedure!

Willing to sign up with us for the Short Manaslu Trek? Well! do not wait longer, we have a safe booking process where you just need to deposit 20% for the confirmation and the remaining amount can be paid before the trip starts upon your arrival in Nepal. 

If you have any queries then, you can talk to us anytime: give us a call or Whatsapp us at +977 9851016814 or mail us at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com.