Best Seasons
The ideal time to visit the Manaslu circuit is Spring, from mid-March to the end of May, and Autumn, from mid-September to early November, offering perfect weather and mild temperatures for the hike.
- Spring (March - May): While spring offers a thriving, blooming rhododendron forest, with the elusive, rare wildlife and migrating Himalayan birds accompanying you throughout the journey, you can expect to witness a crystal-clear panoramic vista of the mountains and landscapes without gloom. The temperature usually ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius during the day, while it is expected to drop significantly to 0 to -5 degrees Celsius at night. The day is quite longer than in other seasons, with mild humidity, offering great exploration time and a chill ascent to higher elevation, not drowning you out completely, but physically exhausting due to the disturbing heat all the time and high temperature levels.
- Autumn (Sep - Nov): Another ideal season for the trail in the Manaslu region is Autumn, when you can immerse yourself in the great panoramic views of the mountains, thrive amid the boisterous celebrations of the Dashain and Tihar festivals, and gaze at the brown landscapes at each stride. As this span of the year comes after the conclusion of the monsoon season (heavy precipitation), it clears out the dusty air, has less possibility of heavy snow or rainfall, and offers a mild temperature ranging from 5 to 14 degrees Celsius, making it one of the favourite times to visit the almighty Manaslu Base Camp and Larke Pass.
Off Season
Meanwhile, the 15-day trek to Manaslu during winter and monsoon is not highly recommended, as the weather and temperature fluctuate widely, with continuous rainfall and snowfall, and questionable views of the surroundings as well. On the other hand, due to heavy snowfall, the pathways to the high passes usually remain blocked, making access to the upper terrains difficult. Sometimes the tea houses remain closed because of the cold climate, making the trip problematic if not well prepared.
In winter, the temperature is expected to fall between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius, and at night between -22 and -24 degrees Celsius, causing blisters, cold mountain sickness, and a slippery path to the high pass, with the climate remaining unstable. During the monsoon, heavy rain showers at lower elevations make the navigation route slippery, with a risk of landslides, avalanches, and so on, and with unclear views of the surroundings, high humidity above 22 degrees Celsius, and 5 to 8 degrees Celsius at nighttime, with gloomy clouds and unclear views. Hence, the best time is Spring and Autumn, due to stable weather conditions, easier navigation, safe terrain to walk, and the fish lens befriending the Himalayan peaks with each stride.
To learn more about the climatic and weather patterns in the Manaslu region, check our detailed article on an overview of weather and temperature, with four seasonal variations.
15 Days Manaslu Trek Difficulty - How Hard Is It?
The 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate trek in Nepal, passing through varied terrain, from woodlands and deep forested trails to rocky, steep sections and alpine, slippery pathways, and finally reaching the highest elevation at 5106 meters above sea level. As it is a round trek, it follows different terrains, rounding off the trail rather than repeating the same pathway after crossing the high pass, making the trip full of surprises, with twists and turns and several ascents and descents.
There are three major factors, that makes the overall trip, truly difficult to opt for, firstly, the long duration hike covering the distance of 14-16 km each day, depending on the route; through continuous ascends and descends, secondly, the increasing altitude each day, and lastly, the unexpected weather challenges, bringing out heavy percipitation (snow fall), and rainfall, which makes the trail, greasy, loose gravel, and slippery.
On the other hand, the trail covers a total distance of approximately. 158 kms with a daily hike of 5-7 hours each day. Sometimes, we have to navigate for almost 8-9 hours; for instance, while ascending the Larkya La Pass with slippery trails, a basic level of fitness is required. As this trek goes through remote terrain with limited infrastructure, someone who has never been away from city life might find it challenging to adjust. Thus, in addition to physical training, you must also research the route, consult our expert teams on current terrain conditions, pack accordingly, and be mentally prepared.
The first section of the trail is quite easy to commence with; the strenuous section comes after crossing Sama Gaon, as we’ll cross over 3500 meters till then. With the thinning air, the oxygen level drops, where you might feel difficulty in breathing, but there's nothing to worry about. It usually happens in the mountains; just make sure to take a pulse rate reading with the oximeter provided and follow the safe preventive guidelines to undertake the journey safely and soundly.
Another matter of fact, that you should definitely be aware of, is that one of the most strenuous days, marked by the cross over to Larkya La Pass, that begins with an early morning hike around 4:00 AM, with the head torch light, through steep climb, however, the vista marked by the prayer flags, and the backdrop views of the surrounding mountains, make every step worth it.
Meanwhile, so far, you've become well aware that this trek demands high-elevation navigation each day and reaches the highest altitude of 5106 m; the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is always present. Keeping that in mind, this 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is well-customised, especially guided by a professional team. The maximum altitude we’ll ascend each day is 400-500 meters, ensuring you slowly acclimate to the higher altitude without rushing, which could lead to altitude sickness.
To conclude, even though this trip is not a piece of cake, or a wander around Disneyland and fine dining in Paris, which demands a good fitness level and ample preparation, being all organised beforehand makes this trip a hassle-free adventure and smooth going.
Training and Preparations
Before embarking on any mountainous trek that leads you far away from quick access to modern amenities or isolated areas, there are certain things to consider, and make sure that you are prepared enough to begin the adventure. Just like that, for the Manaslu Hike, there are some preparations that you must do, and it's highly recommended. However, it doesn’t mean going over the top for the preps and planning, but YES! Keeping these things in mind will surely make your trip much easier.
- Be Physically Trained: Heading to the Himalayas means ascending each day, bypassing several routes like forested trails, narrow gorges, diverse landscapes, and sometimes, unfortunate weather occurrences. To make sure that you can easily let go of these things without hassle, make sure that you are physically fit and strengthen your core. It’s not like going all the way, having proteins and building muscles; you can just engage in some sort of exercise like a short hike, cycling, swimming, yoga practices, or even walking up and down stairs. If that sounds too much, then complete 10,000 steps each day to level up the stamina for the trip.
- Set a Mental Clarity: While many hikers simply consider being strong enough to complete this journey, they tend to neglect how their state of mind is working. To make it clear, please remember that it, is a tea house excursion, which is so basic and simple, far from the modern lifestyle. Someone who has never been on any trek before might find it a shock how limited the amenities and challenging the terrain are on this trail. So, before starting the trek, prepare a good mindset, “enthusiasm”, of how treks are supposed to be. Create a positive, perseverance, and patience level beforehand. Keeping this in mind, the trail will be 99% easier. Meanwhile, many of you will love the authenticity of this odyssey, as this trip is all about exploring the Himalayas.
- Medical Consideration: It is kindly suggested that you do a full body checkup 1 month before if you have any long-term health problems. As we've already mentioned, the Manaslu region has limited facilities, immediate access to health care isn't easy or quick, and it requires a helicopter evacuation. Just do a body checkup, take some precautions (if you have any health problems) with the medical experts, and carry your medicines beforehand. Other than that, no need to panic! Our trekking guides are medically trained and equipped for minor emergencies, even though such incidents are rare.
- Know your Pace Level: Before heading out, you must know how long your body can go, as everyone has their own experiences, fitness, and level. For instance, if you are an experienced hiker, then the navigation of 6-7 hours might be okay, perfect for you. Whereas, for beginners, many of the novice hikers can only undertake 4-5 hrs of hiking per day, hence, if it's you, then make sure to craft the itinerary so that your body can handle.
- Consider all seasonal variation packing essentials: As the weather conditions change unexpectedly, in the mountain areas, with rapid fluctuation of the climatic situations, within an hour, within a second, it is always suggested to comprehensively pack the gear and clothing, considering all four seasons. For instance, if you are hiking during the peak season, then also make sure to carry a down jacket, a rain cover, warm and light layerings, do not overpack, instead, intelligently enlist the packing essentials.
However, there are many preparations that one must consider before the trip starts and throughout the trip, as well, for a smooth journey. To let you understand in depth, you can check our preparation guide, with tips and effective hacks to follow.
Accommodations
Even though the trail passes all the way through the remote trailhead, in case of accommodations along the Manaslu, you don't have to worry about anything. The tea houses are simple and basic and are run by the locals themselves. In the lower terrains, the rooms have single bedrooms and attached washrooms. Moving to the upper sections, the amenities and rooms get limited, where twin bedrooms will be provided (2 beds in 1 room) with shared toilets, as there are only a few tea houses up there. Please note that you cannot expect the lodges to be luxurious, but the rooms are cosy with comfortable mattresses, blankets, pillows, and a dining room and heating area.
The accommodations for a straight 11 nights, along the trekking trail, with an extra 2 nights in Kathmandu as well, will be complimentary. Meanwhile, for the extra personal spending, such as wifi, laundry, electricity, charging, and extra beverages, for more details, you can take a look at our cost details at the top bar. Also, if you are a solo trekker, then a private room will be arranged as well.
Throughout the trail, every sort of required amenities, such as wifi accessibility, laundry services, electricity, internet facilities, hot showers, and drinking beverages from hot to cold, are available during the trip. While many people consider this kind of trip to go all around the isolated, without any connection, to the world, if you are considering such rumors, then, to surprise, no matter which tea house you get settled in throughout the Manaslu Round Trekking, every kind of facilities within the lodges are available, ensuring your comfort and safety and the finest, however, extra charges, are added, in the pircing, asked by the lodges itself, which you must take care by yourself.
Foods
Throughout the trek to the Manaslu region, there are various food options for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. For instance, in the morning, you can have toasted bread with jam, butter, or peanut butter, ghee tea, Tibetan tea, pancakes, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, coffee, any sort of hot drink, and more.
For lunch and dinner, you'll be given a menu from which you can choose according to your preference, and it'll be prepared accordingly. From western dishes, such as noodles, dumplings, pasta, potato items, fried rice, and any soups, to local foods like Thukpa, Sherpa Stew, Da Pao, Dhido, and yes! the ultimate Dal Bhat, with many other varied options, it ensures everyone's taste buds are satisfied. Even though the trek is considered one of the remote adventures in the Himalayas, as the region passes through the ancient tea house, each lodge that you will be settled in has a wide options to choose, for 3 standard meals, to keep you engaging and full to cover the long trekking hours, cater to the preferences of vegan, vegetarian, and non-veg options, which the locals themselves cook.
However, as higher as you ascend higher, somewhere beyond Samdo, or Samagaon, the options become more limited, especially during off-season, and even costiler, if you are willing to buy the snacks, along the route, for instance, 1 snicker cost almost $ 3- $4, for small bars, where at city you can get it, at less than $1, and same foes for other meals, as well, so, make sure to bring the quick snacks, like choco bars, protein bars, to save extra personal spendings.
Vegans and those with allergies to certain items, please share this with us or the guide beforehand so we can ensure the meals you receive are pure vegan. Meanwhile, non-veg options are wide, as well, where you can find chicken soup, chicken curry (soup-based), dried buffalo meat called as sukuti, dry fish an so on; however, it is not fresh and is preserved for many days, so many avoid such at higher altitudes, which is the safest option, rather than upsetting your health and stomach.
Rather than caring about the taste buds, and caring what's on the table, how's the table setting, at the Himalayas, you must understand having nutritious meals, comprising all the fibers, proteins, carbohydrates, hitting daily calorie intake goal, and indulging, what suits your body, matters the most, for instance, consider having, Dal Bhat - nepali dish that comes with rice, lentil soup, veg curry or non veg curry, pickle, and can be refilled time and again, keeps up your energy high, for long hour journey.
Also, take note that the 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek package covers the three standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with a cup of tea or coffee and seasonal fruit, throughout the trekking trail, whereas extra beverages and food are at your personal expense.
Drinking Facilities
Throughout the trailhead, you will find a wide variety of drinking facilities as well, from cold to hot beverages; every sort is available, keeping you warm and also boosting you with caffeine, as there is a range of coffee and tea available. For the cold drinking options, from Coca-Cola, Fanta to energy drinks, are available; however, we do not suggest you overconsume caffeine, cold drinks, or alcohol, as well. Instead, you can consider drinking hot beverages, such as hot ginger lemon water, tea, coffee, green tea, whereas the best options are hot ginger and garlic soup, tomato soup, which keep you warm and cosy during cold night altitudes.
For the drinking water options, every lodge offers hot drinking water, straight from the tap, after boiling. However, before drinking, make sure to filter the water via a water purification tablet to minimise the quick allergy reaction, which usually happens for foreign trekkers not adjusting to the new environment. For drinking bottled water, you can find it at $ 1- $2, whereas, as we support sustainability, consider bringing a bottle with you, and refill the water in tea houses, after boiling and filtering, which is the safest way.
Why 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek suit beginners?
The adventure can be easily completed by beginners new to high-altitude mountain adventures, thanks to our carefully customised itinerary and the professional guidance of expert teams. This trip proceeds at a gradual pace, with slow ascents of 400 to 500 meters each, ensuring your body gets used to the high altitude before ascending higher. While the 15-day itinerary might sound a bit of a rapid version, it follows the standard trailhead and route; the only difference is that this itinerary cuts off the extra 2 days of arrival and departure. Other than that, just like any standard package, proper acclimatisation days are included.
On the other hand, our experienced, licensed trekking guide will assist you throughout the journey, who is medically equipped and has more than 10 years of experience in the restricted Manaslu area itself, ensuring first-time hikers feel comfortable and ascend safely. The journey covers 147 kilometres in total, with 8 to 12 kilometres, which means 5 - 6 hours of walking distance per day, which can be doable by beginners as well; however, one must ensure to have a basic level of fitness to navigate through varied terrains, with multiple ascents and descents.
With prior preparation for physical fitness, a well-crafted four-season packing list, and a perfectly customised itinerary, this trek can surely be achieved by newbies as well. Get more detailed guidelines on our recently updated blog, Manaslu Trek preparation for beginners, which provides an overview of how to prepare as a first-time trekker, with tips, tricks, packing essentials, and suggestions for a successful ascent.
Permits
There are three types of required permits to explore the Manaslu region; however, to obtain the required permits, there are two major rules set by the Government of Nepal: firstly, you must apply for the special restricted area permits through a local registered trekking agency, and secondly, you must have someone to trail along with. This means that solo trekking is not allowed; at least two hikers, including a guide, are required to obtain the necessary permits.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs): USD 28, i.e., approximately NRS 3000/- for foreign nations and the SAARC residents; the fee is cheaper, costing around USD 12, i.e, NRS 1500/-
- MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit costs): The cost for the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) is the same as ACAP, costing around NRS 3000 approx. USD 28 and USD 12 for SAARC nationals.
- Special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit costs: To enter the Manaslu protected area, the mentioned restricted permit is required. The cost depends on the duration of the trek. From September to November (peak seasons), the permit fee becomes higher, i.e., USD 100 (NRS 11500) for the first 1 week, and after exceeding that first 1 week, it costs USD 15 for every additional day. During the off-seasons, Restricted Area Permit costs around NRS 9000, i.e., USD 75, and NRS 110,0, i.e., USD 1000/- on any other additional days.
Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance is one hundred per cent mandatory for the Manaslu, as it is a high-altitude odyssey that takes you to higher and higher altitudes each day, and reaches the highest elevation of 5160 meters. Each day, you ascend higher, with a lower thinning oxygen level, and an unfamiliar environment, which has a risk of minor problems or even altitude sickness. The trailhead does not have any big health posts or medical facilities, or hospitals, that can hospitalise you, if any uncertain situations occur, although the risk is rare.
Thus, having insurance helps us to arrange a quick medical response, like a helicopter evacuation, and also allows us to hike with ease, without having to worry constantly about what might happen, what to do, or how much the heli costs, medical expenses, and so on. Meanwhile, we do not sell any travel insurance; make sure to get it in your own country, and the policy covers the following contingencies:
- Helicopter evacuation up to 5500 meters
- Medical bills (expenses) and also for minor injuries
- Trip delays and cancellations
While the insurance is not compulsory, we still highly recommend and suggest that you get one, which is the most crucial factor that you must consider before this trip.
Travel Tips
- Throughout the journey, follow the trekking guide and follow his navigation route, make quick medical calls, and follow the safety guide.
- Before undertaking this hike, discuss with our expert teams regarding your prior experience, physical fitness, and medical conditions (if you have any), so the itinerary can be crafted accordingly.
- Along the route, do not get influenced by other hikers or their hiking pace; just stick to your daily altitude gain, distance coverage, trekking hours, and proceed with the hike as planned already.
- If you feel any discomfort or symptoms of altitude sickness, such as mild headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, physical exhaustion, insomnia (loss of sleep or breathing), or any emergency conditions, inform the guide immediately.
- If you are a beginner, then we suggest you hire a porter to carry your bagpack, assisting you to ascend smoothly, and your gear and essentials will be looked after.
- While packing your gear and essentials, consider all seasonal variations; for instance, if you are trekking in peak season (spring or autumn), ensure that you also take crampons, a bagpack cover, a raincoat, a down jacket, or even sleeping bags.
- The route does not have any ATMs or banks, so take cash along with you.
Booking Process
Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition has been operating as a registered trekking and tour agency for more than 15 years, being affiliated with TAAN (Trekkers Association Agency of Nepal) and NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association); hence, your bookings are fully secured, and the trip promises to be a safe and comfortable adventure.
To make your booking, we just require 10% of the total trip cost, which can be paid through bank transfer via the website, Western Union, or, if you are already here in Nepal, then you can make the payment via cash, credit, or debit card.
After your booking is made, we will send you a confirmation via the payment bill, which will include the amount paid, the name of the company, and yours, along with your arrival and departure dates. This ensures that your payment is fully secured. After the booking, you just have to send your passport photo, passport-sized photo, travel insurance photocopy, and so on.
Last Minute Booking
If you are already late, and your holiday time is just a week or a few days, then do not worry, as last-minute booking or any span of the year is available with us. However, to make your booking at the last minute, 100% payment must be made, because all the logistics arrangements must be made as soon as possible, especially during peak times, to manage the best lodging, transportation, and trekking guides as well. The payment can be made via our website. For further queries, feel free to connect with us at [email protected] or just call or WhatsApp us at +977 9851016814 anytime.
