Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the moderate level trekking activities in Nepal. The trek distance is 110 miles in the remote area of Nepal. Trek takes your around Manaslu Conservation Area and lands you to a breathtaking view of the eighth highest peak in the world, “Mount Manaslu(8,613 m) “.
Unlike Kanchenjunga Trekking, the trek is not that much difficult as it comes in the moderate level trekking category.
Before the 90’s era, Manaslu Trek was a completely banned activity. In the early ’90s, the sealed area was just opened for foreign visitors. Manaslu area is isolated and has not been touched by modernity yet.
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About Manaslu Circuit Trek Route
Manaslu Trekking route is 110 miles (177 km) in the remote area of Nepal (borderline of Tibet) with an elevation of 5100 meters(17175 ft) down to Annapurna.
Although the area is popular from many years, the area is still fresh as the trek is a less crowded trek.
Manaslu Conservation Area lies in the middle of the trek and needs a special permit to pass through. Even though, getting trek permit is not that much difficult.
Manaslu Conservation Area
The Manaslu Conservation Area Project is a protected area in Nepal. The project is active since 1998 which covers 1663 km2 (642 sq mi) in the Himalayan range of Gorkha District.
Manaslu Conservation area which lies at 600m is covered by the eighth highest peak in the world, ” Mount. Manaslu (8,613 m) “.
Trek Permit & Manaslu Trek Cost
Manaslu Trekking requires 3 kinds of permits. The permits and permit fee to trek Manaslu Circuit are below.
- Trek Permit
(USD 70.00 for first 7 days, USD 10 per day afterward) - MCAP Permit
(NPR.2000 or eqv. USD 20) - ACAP Permit
(NPR.2000 or eqv. USD 20)
Trek cost is USD 70 .00 for the first 7 days and USD 10.00 each additional day during September to November. During Dec – Aug the rate is different which is USD 50.00 for the first 7 days and USD 7.00 each extra day.
In addition, MCAP and ACAP Permits cost you NPR. 2000.00 which is equivalent to foreign currency USD 20 each per person.
Manaslu Trek permit in detail
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Restricted Area Permit
- Tsum Valley Permit ( only needed if you intend to trek to Tsum Valley)
Documents required to take trek permit
Likewise Kanchenjunga and other highest elevation treks in Nepal, Manaslu Trek requires you to get some documents in order to take trek permit. Documents required to take trek permit are below.
- Licensed local guide
- Registered Trekking Agency in Nepal
- Valid identification
- Permit fees
You must trek with a licensed guide and organize with a government registered trekking agency as per state law.
Highlights of Trekking
- Close inspection of the life of typical people of the region – Nuri or Denizens.
- Spectacular view of wildlife including Pika – Highest living Mammal, Tahr – Mountain Goat, Agali – Blue Sheep, Himalayan Marmots and, even a Snow Leopard if you are lucky enough.
- Stunning eyesight of some of the highest peaks in the world like Manaslu, Cheo, Kang Guru, Himlung, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Annapurna II.
- One of the highest passes in the world ( Larkya La Pass – 5,106 meters).
The incredible view of Himalayan panorama, mighty mountains like Ganesh Himal Range, Sringi Himal, Larky Peak, Naike Peak, Cheo Himal, Ratna Chuli, Kangaroo Himal, Bamboo forests, wildlife, beautiful cascading of waterfalls and ancient Buddhist monasteries are the main highlights of Manaslu Trek.
Types of Manaslu Trek
Manaslu Trek has many packages. Basically, the most common and different types of Manaslu trek are below,
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Being in different packages, Manaslu Trek has different itineraries. The itinerary plan is 9 to 20 days.
Manaslu Annapurna Trek Itinerary – 20 Days
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing/preparing for trekking leave in next day/ collect permits
- Day 03: Kathmandu to Arughat.
- Day 04: Trek to Soti Khola.
- Day 05: Trek to Machchha Khola.
- Day 06: Trek to Doban.
- Day 07: Trek to Phillim.
- Day 08: Trek to Deng.
- Day 09: Trek to Ghap.
- Day 10: Trek to Lho Gaun.
- Day 11: Trek to Sama Gaun / Sama Gompa.
- Day 12: Rest and explore Manaslu base camp.
- Day 13: Trek to Samdo.
- Day 14: Trek to Dharmashala.
- Day 15: Trek to Bhimtang.
- Day 16: Trek to Dharapani.
- Day 17: Trek to Jagat.
- Day 18: Trek to Besisahar. Drive to Pokhara overnight at Pokhara
- Day 19: Drive bus to Kathmandu.
- Day 20: Final departure
Manaslu Cultural Trek Itinerary – 9 Days
- Day 01: Arrival in Tribhuwan international airport .
- Day 02: City tour of Kathmandu in A/C car with spiritual Guide.
- Day 03: Drive to Baluwa and stay tonight at Baluwa.
- Day 04: Initiate trekking from Baluwa to Barpak, hiking to Boudhha himal viewpoint and get back to the hotel.
- Day 05: Continue trekking from Barpak to Singla village via Laprak.
- Day 06: Trek from Singla to Khorlabensi.
- Day 07: Khorlabensi to Soti Khola.
- Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu in Bus.
- Day 09: Our vehicle will drop you to airport for your next trip.
Short Manaslu Trek Itinerary – 12 Days
- Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Soti khola(710m). Tonight at Soti Khola
- Day 02: Hike to Dobhan.
- Day 03: Trek from Dobhan to Phillim 1400m; 6 hours approx
- Day 04: From Phillim to Ghap; 6 hours
- Day 05: Ghap to Samagaun (3500m)
- Day 06: Acclimatizing day and sightseeing at Samagaun.
- Day 07: From Samagaun to Samdo (3860m); 3 hours
- Day 08: Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala (4480m); 5 hours
- Day 09: From Dharmashala to Bhimtang, Today we cross the Larke pass (5213 m) Trek down to Bimtang (3720 m); 8-12 hours
- Day 10: Bhimtang to Tiliche
- Day 11: Trek from Tiliche to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar
- Day 12: Drive back from Besisahar to Kathmandu, tonight at Thamel.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary – 20 Days
- Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan and international airport
- Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing tours with guide in A/C car.
- Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazar(608m).
- Day 04: Initiation of Trek from Soti Khola(700m) to Khorlabeshi(970m).
- Day 05: Khorlabeshi to Dobhan(1070m).
- Day 06: Dobhan to Philim(1570m).
- Day 07: Philim to Chumling(2386m).
- Day 08: Chumling to Chhokangparo(3031m).
- Day 09: Chhokangparo to Nile- Chhule(3361m)
- Day 10: Nile- Chhule to Mu Gumpa(3710m).
- Day 11: Day excursion at Mu Gumpa and hiking around the village.
- Day 12: Mu Gumpa to Rachen Gumpa(3240m).
- Day 13: From Rachen Gumpa trek down to Dhumje(2460m).
- Day 14: Dhumje to Gumpa Langdung (3200m)
- Day 15: Gumpa Langdung to Ripchet(2470)
- Day 16: Ripchet to Philim(1570m)
- Day 17: Philim to Tatopani (990m).
- Day 18: Tatopani to Sotikhola(700m)
- Day 19: Drive back from Sotikhola to Kathmandu.
- Day 20: Drop to the airport by our vehicle, for your onward destination.
Trek Difficulty
Being the off beaten Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek is regarded as a challenging trek. The trek is moderately difficult. Manaslu circuit trek takes you through the remote villages in the Himalayan region so the physical condition of the trekker must be in good shape and fit.
The difficulty of Manaslu Trek is due to the reasons below,
- Distance
As the distance is 177 km, walking 177 km in 10-22 days is not easy. - Weather
Passing six climatic zones, -20 degrees in winter, heavy snowfall, and cold weather gives another challenge. - Altitude
Being the eighth highest peak in the world, altitude of 5213m is also a huge challenge.
What is the best time to trek Manaslu?
The best time to trek Manaslu is Spring and autumn season. As in these months, the weather is calm and clear. The best months of Spring Season to trek Manaslu are March, April, and May. The best months in autumn season is October and November.
Can I trek Manaslu Solo? Trek without a guide.
As you’ll need a restricted area permit to trek Manaslu, unfortunately, it will not be possible to trek Manaslu without a guide or a solo trek to Manaslu is impossible.
The reason behind this is that the trek consists of restricted and semi-restricted areas of Tibet and Nepal like sum valley, Larkya La pass, and Manaslu Base Camp. Also, either a guide or a porter is compulsory to get a trekking permit.
CONCLUSION
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a moderate level trekking activity in the restricted area of Tibet and Nepal. Being 700 km trekking distance in the high-altitude area of the eighth highest peak in the world, “Manaslu”, the trek is not easy.
The cost of the trek is the cost of taking different permits and the cost of guide and porter. You can combine Manaslu Trek with different treks like Tsum Valley Trek, Annapurna Trek to make the trek more exciting.
Trek itineraries are also different according to the different trek packages. The best time to trek Manaslu is Autumn and Spring season while March, April, May, October, and November being the best months to trek. Solo Trek to Manaslu is not possible due to the requirement of a trekking permit with a recommendation of guide and porter.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Manaslu Trek, you may ask us. We will respond to you within 24 hours of getting your email.
More destination from Nepal
Explore Nepal with us – to the deep in those nook and corners of Nepal Himalaya. Suggestions other than Manaslu circuit trekking.
Annapurna Conservation Area (46 Trips)
Nar Phu Valley (3 Trips)
Annapurna Base Camp (5 Trips)
Thorong La pass (8 Trips)
Tilicho Lake (2 Trips)
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