Site icon Nepalgram Adventures

Ultimate Guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek

guide to manaslu circuit trek at top of larkey pass waving hand for picture

Atop of Larkey pass

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) “.

Larkey pass of mansalu circuit trek

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.

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.

  1. Trek Permit
    (USD 70.00 for first 7 days, USD 10 per day afterward)
  2. MCAP Permit
    (NPR.2000 or eqv. USD 20)
  3. 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

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.

  1. Licensed local guide
  2. Registered Trekking Agency in Nepal
  3. Valid identification
  4. Permit fees

You must trek with a licensed guide and organize with a government registered trekking agency as per state law.

Highlights of Trekking

  During the trek , we cross suspension bridges in the Manaslu region.  

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,

  1. Manaslu Annapurna Trek
  2. Short Trek to Manaslu
  3. Cultural Manaslu Trek
  4. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

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

Manaslu Cultural Trek Itinerary – 9 Days

Short Manaslu Trek Itinerary – 12 Days

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary – 20 Days

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,

  1. Distance
    As the distance is 177 km, walking 177 km in 10-22 days is not easy.
  2. Weather
    Passing six climatic zones, -20 degrees in winter, heavy snowfall, and cold weather gives another challenge.
  3. 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.

Exit mobile version