Manaslu Circuit Trekking Overview
Manaslu circuit Trekking is an off-the-beaten trekking trail of Nepal that takes you through Manaslu conservation area and allows you to explore 8th highest peak in the world. Every year only limited trekkers do this trek which makes Manaslu region less crowded. Even during the trekking season, the trail is filled with less travelers. It is one of the reason why Manaslu Circuit Trekking is must do trekking in Nepal. It takes you to the remote area of 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 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 foreigner trekkers which is 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 offer stunning views of towering mountains. Likewise, trekking closer to 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 highlight 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 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 off-beaten trip, which was opened for foreign trekkers not long time ago. Moreover, the region is designated as 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 heritages are preserved very well. The trail is also isolated and remote, not well facilitate like other trekking regions of Nepal.
Best local Hospitality throughout the trek
The greetings and warm hospitality offered by local people is admirable. Every local people greets you with "Namaste" whenever you communicate with them. However, they have their own language to say "nice to meet you" as "Tashi Delek". Likewise, they serve very delicious local cuisine. Enjoying the meals served my local people with smily face is such a pleasant feeling.
Trekking paradise for soltitude trekkers
Manaslu circuit Trekking is restricted region trekking in Nepal which makes the trail traffic less. So, if you want to trek in 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 Manaslu Circuit Trekking route
The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts with countryside drive in 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 that lies in 4750 meters. After exploring Base camp, next day we head to Samdo, Dharmashala and coming across the Larkya La pass, we trek via Bhimthang to Tilije. Then from Tilije, trek ends with 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 best season for trekking in Nepal.
Autumn season
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 post monsoon period. One more reason to trek during Autumn is, major festivals of Nepal falls under these months. Therefore, you will have ample opportunity to celebrate the festivals along with Manalsu Circuit Trek.
Spring Season
After autumn, spring season (March-May) is considered as the peak trekking season in Nepal. It offers the 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 clear sky. Also, this is the main season for mountain climbing and expedition too.
Winter season
Similarly, winter season (December-February) is somehow okay to trek to Manalsu but there is always risk of snow in high altitude. Likewise, the bulk of snow and freezing cold in Larkya La Pass makes difficult to cross the pass and complete the trek. But, the views and mountain scenery it offers during the winter is quite stunning. So, if you are quite 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 idea option to trek to Manaslu circuit. The trail is full of mud with slippery route. Likewise, flood and landslide can be a big obstacles during the trek. Apart from varieties of vegetation, monsoon hardly offers any mountain views.
Difficulty Level of Manasul Circuit Trekking
If you want to know how difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trekking? The level of difficulty to Trek Manaslu circuit is challenging, means walking 7-8 hours on average and crossing a pass above 5000 meters. But, it depends on every trekkers, by their physical level, how quick they acclimatize, their pace during the trek, etc. Likewise, proper plan to minimize the risk during the trek also plays vital role to complete this trek without difficulty. Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5160 meters is not easy. Lots of strength and stamina is required to cross over the stunning high passes and landscapes. We suggest to prepare physically and mentally before start of the trek.
Permit Cards for Manslu Circuit Trek
If your are curious to know how many permit card do you need for Manaslu Circuit trek? Well, you need 3 different permit cards to trek to Manaslu region. You can get all permit cards either from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Manaslu special permit cards for restricted region.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit card. (MCAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card. (ACAP)
The special permit card for restricted region costs USD 100 for first 7 days during the months 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 first 7 Days and in additional days it cost USD 10 per days per person. MCAP and ACAP costs NRP 3000 equivalent to USD 26 respectively for whole trek.