Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an off-the-beaten trekking trail of Nepal that takes you through the Manaslu conservation area and allows you to explore the 8th highest peak in the world. Every year only limited trekkers do this trek which makes the Manaslu region less crowded. Even during the trekking season, the trail is filled with fewer travelers. It is one of the reasons why Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a must trekking in Nepal. It takes you to the remote area of the Manalsu region where you will witness authentic lively culture and panoramic views. The Manaslu region is ornamented by Annapurna in the west and Ganesh Himal in the east. You will get to see magnificent views of the Annapurna range, Mt. Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and many other small peaks.
Trek to Manaslu circuit was opened in 1992 for foreign trekkers which is an untouched paradise trekking destination of Nepal. The trail begins from Machhakhola and takes you to Larkya La pass via different charming villages. Larkya La pass lies at 5160 meters which offers stunning views of towering mountains. Likewise, trekking closer to the Tibetan Border allows you to experience the Tibetan lifestyle and culture. Also, alpine meadows, lush green forests, landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are the notable highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
What makes Manaslu Circuit Trek unique?
Larkya La Pass
The Larkya La pass is getting popular day by day among the trekkers. Situated at 5213 meters, it is the highest point of the Manaslu trek and a challenging part too. It is the testing point of your trip as you have to give your all strength and stamina to pass this point. At the same time, you will get to see amazing views of surrounding peaks and landscapes. The feeling of completing this pass with magical views can’t be explained in words.
Off-Beaten-Trail
The Manaslu region is an off-beaten trip, that was opened for foreign trekkers not long time ago. Moreover, the region is designated as a restricted trekking region by the Government of Nepal. It means, less number of trekkers come across this trail to explore the high Himalayas. Moreover, less crowd means the culture and the natural heritage are preserved very well. The trail is also isolated and remote, not well facilitated like other trekking regions of Nepal.
Best local Hospitality throughout the trek
The greetings and warm hospitality offered by local people are admirable. Every local people greets you with "Namaste" whenever you communicate with them. However, they have their language to say "nice to meet you" as "Tashi Delek". Likewise, they serve very delicious local cuisine. Enjoying the meals served by local people with smiley faces is such a pleasant feeling.
Trekking paradise for soltitude trekkers
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a restricted region of trekking in Nepal which makes the trail traffic less. So, if you want to trek on a peaceful trail with astonishing mountain views this trek is for you. Compared to EBC Trek or ABC Trek, this trail is less crowded with wholesome views of natural beauty.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route
Now, let’s have a glance at the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route
The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with a countryside drive on a local Bus from Kathmandu to Macchkhola. Then, we follow the trail of villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, and Samagaun. The first acclimatization phase will be at Samagaun. On that particular day, we will hike to Manaslu Base Camp which lies at 4750 meters. After exploring the Base camp, the next day we head to Samdo, Dharmashala, and coming across the Larkya La pass, we trek via Bhimthang to Tilije. Then from Tilije, the trek ends with the drive back to Kathmandu.
Best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Trekking to Manaslu Circuit is open anytime a year. However, the trail might be difficult during the winter (November-January) and in Monsoon (June-July). Apart from these two seasons, Autumn and Spring are regarded as the best seasons for trekking in Nepal.
Autumn season
The Autumn season comes under the months of (September-November). It is the most popular time for trekking to Manasu Circuit. The weather is so perfect with moderate temperature. The sky becomes clear after a post-monsoon period. One more reason to trek during Autumn is that the major festivals of Nepal fall under these months. Therefore, you will have ample opportunity to celebrate the festivals along with Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Spring Season
After autumn, the spring season (March-May) is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal. It offers a wide range of biodiversity in Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Likewise, the trail becomes colorful with varieties of flowers blooming in the trail. The views are spectacular during the day with a clear sky. Also, this is the main season for mountain climbing and expeditions.
Winter season
Similarly, the winter season (December-February) is somehow okay to trek to Manalsu but there is always the risk of snow in high altitudes. Likewise, the bulk of snow and cold in Larkya La Pass makes it difficult to cross the pass and complete the trek. But, the views and mountain scenery it offers during the winter are quite stunning. So, if you are quite an adventure lover and love to take risks, then you can do this trek in winter too.
Monsoon Season
The monsoon season or summer (June-August) is not an ideal option for trekking to Manaslu circuit. The trail is full of mud with the slippery route. Likewise, floods and landslides can be a big obstacle during the trek. Apart from varieties of vegetation, monsoon hardly offers any mountain views.
Difficulty Level of Manaslu Circuit Trekking
If you want to know how difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trekking? The level of difficulty to Trek Manaslu circuit is challenging, which means walking 7-8 hours on average and crossing a pass above 5000 meters. But, it depends on every trekker, by their physical level, how quickly they acclimatize, their pace during the trek, etc. Likewise, a proper plan to minimize the risk during the trek also plays a vital role in completing this trek without difficulty. Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5160 meters is not easy. Lots of strength and stamina are required to cross over the stunning high passes and landscapes. We suggest preparing physically and mentally before the start of the trek.
Permit Cards for Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you are curious to know how many permit cards you need for the Manaslu Circuit trek? Well, you need 3 different permit cards to trek to the Manaslu region. You can get all permit cards either from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Manaslu special permit cards for restricted regions.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit card. (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card. (ACAP)
The special permit card for restricted regions costs USD 100 for the first 7 days during the month of September-November. But, after 7 days, it costs USD 15 per day. Likewise, If you trek during the months of December-August, it costs USD 75 for the first 7 Days and in additional days it costs USD 10 per day per person. MCAP and ACAP cost NRP 3000 equivalent to USD 26 respectively for the whole trek.
