Manaslu Trekking from Pokhara - 11 Days

Best Time for Manaslu Trekking from Pokhara

The ideal seasons to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek from Pokhara are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), with the idyllic climatic conditions and mild, humid weather, offering a chill and smooth journey. During this span of the year, you can expect the trails to stay dry, with no slippery pathways, and fewer chances of rain or snowfall, rewarding visitors with clear views of the mountains and landscapes. 

Spring marks one of the peak times to explore Manaslu due to the stable weather, minimal chance of precipitation, and long hours of sunny days. It is also the time of the year when the lush green valley gets scenically more beautiful, with the blooming rhododendrons, Nepal's national flower, and a chance to encounter many migrated himalayan birds and species. The temperature ranges between 5 °C and 18 °C at the lower trains, and falls upto -10 °C at higher altitudes, making day navigation easy, and cosy nights to sleep at high elevation. As the day usually lasts for a longer time, one can explore more out of the region, without having to worry about reaching the tea house or the next key stopping point on time.

Autumn is generally known as the best season to visit the Manaslu trail from Pokhara, as this span of the year comes after the end of the monsoon, with very little or no chance of a cloudburst. It is a fall dry time, where the landscapes get covered with golden leaves, and the clear mountain views are in the backdrop, with no hindrance. The walking pathway remains completely dry and smooth, so that every trekker can undertake it without having to face a technical or slippery route. The temperature is mild, but also hotter than spring, sometimes exceeding up to 28 °C and ranges from 10 °C; however, still very humid to trail for long hours. The main attraction of this time period is that the major festivals, Dashain and Tihar, fall in this period, rewarding individuals with rich cultural celebrations of the locals.

On the other hand, this excursion in the summer (monsoon) and winter becomes quite challenging, due to the heavy precipitation, uncertain weather fluctuations, massive rise and drop in temperatures and slippery, icy, and uncomfortable tea house stays, due to bugs, mosquitoes, and so on. These seasons are basically considered the off-seasonal time, where the views also tend to be questionable, due to which the route experiences fewer trekkers.

Sometimes, the route to the pass also gets blocked for 1-3 days, so setting a buffer day (an extra 2-3 days) is very crucial at this time. And comprehensive planning is required. Trailing at the two seasons, it can be a complete hurdle for beginners, but if you are an experienced hiker, then you can undertake this trek, at off seasons as well, with seasonal-focused gear and equipment.

How hard is the Manaslu Trek from Pokhara?

The Manaslu Trek from Pokhara is a moderate to challenging adventure, due to the high altitude, long duration, long hours, diverse terrains, and not because you start the trip from Pokhara instead of Kathmandu. No matter where you begin the trailhead, the difficulty level remains the same.

In total, the journey covers 150 kilometres within 11 days, with a gradual ascent from Pokhara (860 m) to the highest at the pass at 5160 meters, and descent to Dharapani. The altitude differences are high, so one must follow preventive measures and safety guidelines for a safe, altitude sickness-risk-free adventure, which is the most challenging aspect of any kind of himalayan odyssey, including this one. One acclimatisation day at Sama Gaon is included, so that your body gets adapted to the increasing elevation, thus, the possibility of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is low.

Daily, this trail entails 6 to 8 hours of hiking, with the longest being the crossing of the pass, which is the most challenging part. Apart from that, the navigation route changes rapidly, every single day, from forest trail, to stone steps, to uneven, rugged and rocky pathways, possessing several ascents and descents, which makes the terrain even more physically demanding. Besides, the medical accessibility is not available in the region itself, with basic tea houses and lodges, that maybe quite mentally tough for first-time trekkers. Experienced trekkers, who have prior high-altitude experience can smoothly commence on this trek; however, beginners must engage in some preparedness and training, such as cardiovascular exercises and strength training workouts. Nonetheless, the trip is doable for every kind of individual.

Permits to trek Manaslu from Pokhara

To do the Manaslu Trekking from Pokhara or Kathmandu, whatever the starting point is, the required permits remain the same. In total, you will require three trekking permits: firstly, the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), secondly, the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Restricted Area Permits. The required permits are essential and mandatory, which must be obtained through a locally based travel agency associated with TAAN and NMA and cannot be obtained independently.

The MCAP and ACAP cost approximately USD 30 (NPR 3000) per head, where the fees go directly to the preservation of the wildlife and flora, boost sustainable tourism practices and support the local economy. Whereas, the special restricted area permit cost changes on a seasonal basis. At peak season, Spring and Autumn, it costs around USD 100 (NPR 11,00) per person in the first week, and an additional USD 15 (NPR 1700) for the additional days. On the other hand, at off-seasonal time, the cost goes below, upto USD 75 (NPR 7700) per head, in the 1st week and USD 10 every other day.

What kind of Accommodations are available on the trail?

The accommodations, along the Manaslu region, are simple, basic, yet well-maintained, hosted/run by the local people themselves. The rooms feature a comfortable bed, blanket, and mattress, and are well-sanitised, ensuring a good night's sleep after long hours of hiking. You will find many room variations, from twin to private and even group sharing; however, due to the limited options in the higher sections, you may have to adjust to shared rooms. If you want a private single room, even at high altitudes, then you need to pay extra money, as camping privately is quite expensive up there. However, single private rooms will be provided at the lower altitudes. The bathrooms are mostly on the sharing basis; squat, eastern-style washrooms are common, but at some stopping points, you can find western-style bathrooms as well. 

Even though the rooms are simple, they are comfortable and well-maintained, and include every essential amenity, wifi, charging access, laundry services, and hot showers, but charge you extra by the locals, at the lodges, as such common requirements become luxury at high altitude.

What kind of meal variations to expect during the trip?

The food variations along the Manaslu Trekking region have wide options that you can choose as per your dietary requirement, as it caters for the taste and preferences of every hiker. From Western to international, to asian foods, to local meals, one can find every option. There will be an open menu, where you can select any food, and it will be prepared soon after, hygienically. If you are allergic to any ingredient to which you are allergic to, then please inform priorly to the visit. From non-veg to vegetarian to vegan, the menu contains expansive variations.

Is Travel Insurance necessary for the Manaslu Circuit from Pokhara?

Yes, travel insurance remains one of the crucial aspects for such high-altitude trails, like Manaslu, which poses a high risk of altitude sickness. Besides, as the trail is isolated, there are no hospitals, health posts, medicals available in case any emergency cases occur. If you get sick, injured or have to go back to Kathmandu or your hometown immediately, then the only option is the helicopter evacuation. Even though our guides are medically trained and equipped, they only handle simple injuries, and not beyond first aid, so getting a good policy insurance is important.

Make sure that your insurance policy covers all the essentials, including medical bills, trip cancellations, delays, theft and most importantly, the heli evacuation upto 5500 meters.

How to book the trip?

If you'd like to book our 11-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Pokhara package with us, we recommend paying 20% of the total trip cost in advance. This secures your booking and allows us to arrange the best logistics for your adventure. The remaining 80% can be paid after you arrive in Nepal, either in person in Kathmandu (the capital city) or at your trek's starting point. However, for last-minute bookings, 100% payment is required upfront. This can be made securely through our online payment form or website. If you have any other queries, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, +977 9851016814, or give a direct call, or you can just mail us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com. We assist you 24/7.