Main Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Relish the marvellous sight of the world’s eight highest Mt. Manaslu (8163m)
- Cross the most thrilling Larkya La pass (5106m) and marvel at the astounding views.
- Get a chance to immerse yourself in the amazing cultures, traditions and lifestyles of inhabitants.
- Experience a unique Tibetan culture deeply rooted in the Manaslu region.
- A spiritual journey to the most amazing destinations of Nepal.
- Traverse through the charming villages, lush forests, and pristine landscapes.
- Capture the glimmering views of Himalchuli (7,893 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m)
Embarking on Manaslu Circuit Trek– The Cultural and Adventurous Journey
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular trekking trails which sets an amazing impression on travellers with stunning mountain vistas, challenging high mountain passes, diverse landscapes, unique cultures and luxuriant lush forests. The extraordinary adventure of Manaslu will surely leave you in awe at every step you take. During the 17-day Manaslu Circuit Trekking, witness a surreal view of mountains like Manaslu (8163m), Dhaulagiri(8167m), and Annapurna II (7937m), and experience a mixed culture of Tibetan and Nepali.
The journey of the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a scenic drive to Arughat, followed by a quick trek along the charming banks of the Budi Gandaki River leads to Soti Khola. Pass through beautiful Gurung localities and continue towards Machhe Khola. Ascending from Salleri and descending towards Namrung via Deng, the trail is enhanced with glimpses of traditional Gurung life. Finally, reach Samagaon, where the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism are at Ribung Gompa. Then, the journey leads to the incredible Base Camp of Manaslu, where the stunning beauty of the Himalayas can be seen. Descending from the base camp, our journey takes us to Samdo and concludes at Dharmasala, just before the crossing challenging Larkya La Pass (5160m).
Marvel right away with the rewarding sights Himlung (7126m), Cheo (6812m), Larkya Peak (6249m), Ngadi Chuli (7871m), and Annapurna II (7937m) after attaining Larkya La Pass. Capture every moment that the Manaslu trek offers. From here, make your way to Bimthang before descending to Syange. Lastly, enjoy the scenic journey back to Kathmandu, marking the end of a memorable adventure for a lifetime surrounded by the eye-catching landscapes of the Manaslu region.
Cultural Encounters along the Manaslu Circuit Trail
The ethnically diverse Manaslu region offers an amazing chance to indulge in the rich tapestry of culture, traditions and lifestyles. The mix of inhabitants settled in the Manaslu region such as Gurungs, Tamangs, Tibetans and Sherpa captures trekkers with their unique lifestyles and cultures as well as customs and traditions. Experience the warm hospitality along the trail and interact with the locals which enhances your knowledge of the different perspectives of localities.
Most regional inhabitants follow varied religions and cultures affiliated with Tibetan-origin Buddhism religion. During your excursion, the trekkers encounter with historical monasteries, prayer flags, Mani walls, and stupas, mirroring ancient traditions. Feel the spiritual walk along the trekking trail filled with prayer flags which excite you to delve into the amazing Buddhist culture of Manaslu region. Learn everything with the locals that you are curious about and make your journey even more delightful and memorable during the Cultural trek to Manaslu Region.
Local Experiences Beyond the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail
The journey of Manaslu Circuit Trek sets you in the varied settlements where ethnic peoples are located. Likewise, the indigenous inhabitants of Tsum and Nubri Valley continuously endorse their inherited customs by continuing to celebrate festivals in the traditional manner practised by their predecessors. Furthermore, take participations in authentic cultural ceremonies wearing their familial customs. Attentively engage in various festivities during the time, sharing equal love and joy with the inhabitants which enhances your experience towards the local life. Additionally, never miss the chance to taste their own distinctive and mouthwatering traditional foods.
Traversing through Living History
Manaslu region is sprinkled with old-centuries monasteries, sacred temples and gompas that mirror the entrenched Buddhist traditions of the locality. Along the Manaslu trekking trail Namrung, Lhogaon, and Samagaon are remarkable stops to experience spiritual and cultural monasteries. Additionally, Lhogaun Gumba shines as a must-see, where budding monks drench themselves in Buddhist teachings, granting a deep insight into the spiritual heritage of the region. Don’t miss to explore these cultural wonders during your journey through Manaslu.
Conquering the Larkya La pass (5106m)
Larkya La Pass elevated at 5106m is considered the longest pass in the Himalayas of Nepal where the travellers have to challenge themselves to cross this thrilling high pass. In the Manaslu Circuit journey, Larkya La Pass is the main highlighting point that attracts adventurers from different nations. Conquering the Larkya pass is truly the adventure of a lifetime that will be cherished forever. After attaining the thrilling pass, the views you will be rewarded are just worthwhile. The Larkya La Pass frequently covered in snow and ice, required trekkers to use crampons for their descent. Although the Pass is quite challenging.
Challenges and Difficulties occur on Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging yet rewarding trekking adventures in Nepal. This trek takes you up to the altitude of (5106m) Larkya La Pass which is strenuous for every trekker to cross. Manaslu Circuit Trek involves high altitudes, steep ascents and descents, and long walking hours. With a prior trekking experience and good physical fitness can easily complete this trek. To attain this trek, it requires lots of stamina to walk in rugged landscapes for about 7-8 hours a day. Before embarking on a journey prepare yourself with rigorous training, various exercises and short hiking.
Furthermore, factors such as acute mountain sickness, long walks, and lodging arrangements, among others, also cause significant challenges. Uncertain weather conditions and the timing of the trekking season also contribute to the overall difficulty level. However, there are several strategies to reduce the difficulties and make the trek achievable.
Physical Fitness Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trekking in Manaslu region is quite difficult which is moderate level to demanding high passes and steep ascends. So, to undertake this Manaslu trek, physical fit is the measure concern and make sure to consult with personal doctors as well.
For the preparation of the trek, it’s essential to participate in regular physical activity, such as cardio exercises and leg strengthening training, to enhance your stamina and endurance. Hiking on hills with a backpack can help imitate the actual conditions of the trek. These exercises will keep you fit for the low Oxygen level and air pressure conditions of the higher elevations.
In addition, keeping a positive mindset and pursuing mental flexibility is important. Familiarizing yourself with the trek and its hurdles can be advantageous, permitting you to mentally brace for the long hiking hours and the possibility of altitude sickness.
Altitude Sickness risk and prevention during Manaslu Circuit Trek
Altitude sickness is the main problem that occurs on the high-altitude terrain in which the Manaslu Circuit Trail also exists. With no doubt altitude sickness symptoms can be faced as you ascend higher than 5000m. The symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness insomnia, and loss of appetite at higher elevations will be experienced by the trekkers. If there is any kind of inconvenience regarding your health, make sure to share it with your guide without any hesitation so that action can be taken right away.
The following are the preventions to overcome Altitude sickness.
- Ascend gradually, ensuring adequate rest and proper acclimatization.
- Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient and nutritious food.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol, cigarettes, or tobacco throughout the trek.
- Prepare mentally and psychically.
- Train your body for uphill hikes through consistent workouts in the three months leading up to the trek.
If you follow this suggestion, there will not be any problems during the trek. Stay peaceful and use these measures instead of stressing.
Variations in Difficulty Across Seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
The ideal season for trekking to Manaslu falls in spring (March, April, or May), earlier than the start of the monsoon. During this time, you will be walking on a dry path, enjoying great weather conditions, relishing the excellent visibility of the Mountains, and extended trekking hours.
Similarly, Autumn (September, October, and November) presents another perfect period for venturing on the Manaslu trek following the monsoon season. During the post-monsoon phase, the skies will be crystal clear, the weather becomes enjoyable, spectacular mountain sights unravel, and the absence of snowfall furnishes this time optimal for trekking.
The summer and winter seasons present a quite challenging path due to heavy rainfall and freezing cold weather. The trail becomes wet and slippery, with more risk of landslides. Also, the weather conditions become even more severe as you ascend higher elevation. So, the trekking in this season is not done mostly but if any trekkers demand we will manage it anyway following measure precautions which might be challenging.
Required Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek
During Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll need these types of permits;
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
The Manaslu circuit trek permit costs $100 for seven days and charges an extra $15 for each additional day from September to November. The Manaslu Circuit Trek permit costs $75 for the first 7 days and charges an extra $10 each additional day from December to August.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
You’ll need MCAP for the Manaslu Conservation area where the cost will be $30 per person. There will be no restriction or change in price with the number of days you spend inside MCAP.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
After obtaining these two permits, lastly, you’ll need to enter at Annapurna Conservation Area so, ACAP is required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The cost of ACAP will be $30 per person. There will be no restriction or change in price with several days you spend inside ACAP.
Note: All the required permits will be organized by the company. Your company will complete the necessary process and have your permit issued.
Foods and Accommodations during Manaslu Circuit Trek
Foods along the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail will be served from local traditional dishes to Western dishes. Three meals a day will be catered to our travelers such as; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. You can choose the options given on the menu for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. Breakfast options on the Manaslu trek include eggs (, Tibetan bread, oats, chapati, pancakes, cornflakes, muesli, granola with milk, toast, hot drinks like tea, and so on. You can ask for the slices of bread to be served with jam, honey, or fruits like apples. For lunch and dinner on the Manaslu Trek, the choice is up to you noodles, pasta, pizza, Momo (dumplings), spaghetti, vegetables, salads, potatoes, rice, and sometimes pizza. Among all, Dal Bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables) is the most popular which revitalizes your body for trekking high.
Guest Houses, alternatively referred to as Tea Houses, along the path, offering comfortable beds for an exhausting overnight rest and amenities like showers, Wi-Fi (available for an extra cost) and dining facilities. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek accommodations provide the needed comfort of a twin sharing bed and shared bathroom, especially after a day of extensive hiking. The majority of these villages are Tibetan, providing travellers with valuable insights into their distinctive culture. As you stay in varied types of accommodation learn more about their unique cultures, customs and traditions.
Note: Don’t expect luxurious food and accommodation services likewise in Kathmandu City. During the trek, the services may vary depending upon the altitudes and the quality of teahouses.
Equipment list for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Below is the complete list of essential equipment for the Manaslu Circuit trek. As luggage weight is restricted to 9 kg, We advised packing only important items. If you need to carry more, hire a porter to carry more luggage.
Head Wear
- Warm insulated winter hat / Wooly hat
- Sun hat / Wide-brimmed hat
- Scarf
- Neck gaiter or Fleece Buff (Optional)
- Neoprene face mask (Optional)
- Balaclava / Bally ski mask / Monkey cap (Optional)
- LED Headlamp × 2 and spare batteries
Face/body care items
- · Sunscreen with SPF above 50
- · Sunglasses with UV protection × 2 pairs
- · Face/body cleansing wipes (biodegradable wipes)
- · Moisturizer lotion for face/body
- · Lip balm
Hand Wear
- Liner gloves × 2 pairs
- Fleece gloves × 2 pairs
Body Wear
- Hiking shirts × 2 pairs
- Full-sleeved thermal undershirts × 2 pairs
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof and windproof hooded rain jacket
- Down jacket (thick down jacket for winter treks)
- Polypropylene underwear × 5-6 pairs
- Synthetic material hiking pants × 2 pairs
- Long johns × 2 pairs
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-shirt
Foot Wear
- Woollen socks × 6 pairs (thick light socks)
- Lightweight shoes/scandals
- Hiking Boots
- Essential gear
- Backpack
- Day pack for basics
- Waterproof covers for your bags and packs
- Thermal water bottle (hydration bladder often freezes in winter)
- Sleeping bag (rated at least 0°C for summer and -15° for winter)
- Water purification tablets, drops or portable water purifier/filter bottles,s or, gadgets
Trekking pole
- Crampons
- Large plastic bags and stuff sacks
Personal Toiletries
- medium size towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
- Toilet papers
- Shampoo
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
- Lighter
Extra items / Travel gear
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport Travel insurance documents
- Notebook and pen
- Books
- Personal entertainment
- Binoculars
- International electrical adapter
Conclusions
The Manaslu Circuit trek is not entirely a physical adventure but a soul-thrilling journey that leaves an ineradicable mark on those who undertake it. Whether looking for adventure, cultural absorption, or spiritual resumption, this trek assurance a memorable journey through one of the world's most splendid Himalayan terrains.
From the spectacular peaks of Manaslu and encircled Himalayan peaks to the warm hospitality of the local people, every step of the trek is filled with amazing encounters. The cultural variety along the route, with impact from Tibetan Buddhism and centuries of traditions, adds charms to the experience, permitting adventurers to connect with the essence of the region.
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