Manaslu Circuit Trek- A Complete Trekkers' Guide

Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview 

An Adventure trekking into the less crowded and restricted area of Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek offer you a lifetime experience with grand views of landscapes, winding rivers, deep gorges and stunning mountain views including Mt. Manaslu ( 8163m). 

Crossing Larkya la Pass (at 5,106 meters (16,752 ft.) will be one of the major challenges of this trek yet a rewarding adventure in one’s life. Another exciting thing about the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the walk through the Manaslu Conservation Area and its diverse species of flora and fauna. 

More importantly, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is such kind of trek that takes you to the border of Tibet and lets you know about the culture, civilization and economy of the people who are living at the border between Nepal and Tibet. 

Actually, Manaslu Circuit Trek is completely distinct from other trekking routes like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Langtang Valley Trek. People who have done both treks like Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek claim that Manaslu Circuit Trek is far better than Everest Base Camp Trek regarding mountain views, landscapes, wilderness, food and accommodation culture and religious highlights. 

In terms of mountain land landscape views, there is no such kind of trekking trip in Nepal as the Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights 

- Walk through serene and less crowded trails

- Enjoy absolute wilderness with local people from the remote areas of Nepal 

- Experience Tibetan plateaus, mountain summits, culture and civilization at the Tibetan border 

- Relish on grand landscapes and mountain panoramas including Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world

- Explore other mysteries of the region with side trips like the trips to the holy caves and freshwater lakes

- Experience a diverse species of flora and fauna in Manaslu Conservation Area 

- Cross Larkya La Pass (at 5,106 metres (16,752 ft), one of the highest passes of the world and the highest point of this trek 

- Feed on local food items and accommodate local people 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route begins from Kathmandu and ends in Kathmandu with a drive of 8-9 hours to Machhakhola. But, the real trek formally begins at Machhakhola and the trekkers  ends it at Dharapani, Besisahar.  Trekkers  drive to Besisahar. Ending this trek at different destination, Dhapapani,  will provide the trekkers with a distinct experience of even Annapurna Circuit Trek which begins at Besisahar or Dharapani. 

Actually, the trip from Kathmandu to Sotikhola before Machhakhola is a bus or jeep drive for 8-9 hours and then the trekkers have to take a four-wheel jeep drive for Machhakhola for 2 hours. Then, only the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route begins or trekkers get in the Manaslu Trekking route.                     

The trek slowly ascends through various exciting and beautiful local villages like Jagat, Namrung, Lo-Gaon, Sama Gaon, Samdo, Dharamsala and Bintang. These local towns will astonish you with their distinct cultures, lifestyle of the people, economic activities, religion and civilization. Actually, the lifestyle of the people of these villages is mostly guided by Tibetan culture and civilization. So, in your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can experience Tibetan culture, civilization, religion, foods and plateaus and mountain peaks on the Tibetan side as well. 

Most importantly, you will cross Larke-La Pass( 5,106 m), on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route and finally switch your trekking trip to Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route that is Dharapani and finally drive to Besisahar. 

So, the highest elevation the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route takes you is 5106m, that is Larkya La Pass which offers you magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, Himlung and some part of Annapurna mountain ranges. Ultimately, you will take another bus/jeep/car drive for Kathmandu from Besisahar to wrap up your Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map will help you tremendously on the trail to navigate the destination and the elevation so that you tend to know more information during the trek. Most of the trekkers who are doing their Manaslu Circuit Trek get a piece of the comprehensive map so that they are much more familiar with the locations, destinations, accommodations and transportation and basically the trekking trails. 

 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Elevation Ranges 

Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with an elevation of 1320m that is Kathmandu and then you will be transferred to Machhakhola by bus or jeep. The elevation of Machhakhola is 900m which is lower than Kathmandu and equivalent to Pokhara city. Next, you will begin your trek through picturesque landscapes and local villages. Next, you will ascend to Jagat village with an elevation of 1340m through Dovan village with an elevation of 1070m. Similarly, you will have more ascent to Deng with an altitude of 1860m through Philim village. After that, you will get an elevation of 2660m which is Namrung village.  

Slowly, the ascent will rise and you will reach the elevation of 3180m which is Lo-Gaon, then, to Sama Gaon with an elevation of 3500m. Next, you will trek to Samdo with an elevation of 3875m and then to Dharmasala 4550m above sea level.  After Dharmasala with an elevation of 4550, you will ultimately get an elevation of 5106m which is the highest elevation/altitude of Manaslu Circuit Trek and you will gradually descend to Bhimtang with 3875m and then to Besisahar. So, you begin your Manaslu Circuit Trek with an elevation of 1320 get the highest elevation 5106 Larkya La Pass and end the trek again in Kathmandu with the same elevation of 1320m. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Different trekkers want different Manaslu Circuit itinerary to suit their time framing and interest. Some want proper acclimatization and some prefer without acclimatization. Similarly, some trekkers want with Kathmandu sightseeing tour while some want without it.

So, the main Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary. But, still, some trekkers are found doing it in 12-14-15 days as well. Here is one 16-day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary with the days of arrival, departure and Kathmandu sightseeing tour. 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 

Day 2: In Kathmandu trek preparation and sightseeing tour


Day 3: Drive to Machha Khola 900 m / 2,952 feet.
Driving distance: 160 km / 99. 5 miles. Approx. 6-7 hrs.

Day 4: Trek to Jagat 1,340 m via Dovan 1, 070 m -06 hours.


Day 5: Trek to Deng 1,860 m via Philim village-06 hours.


Da-  6: Trek to Namrung 2, 660 m-06 hours.


Day 7: Trek to Lo-Gaon 3,180 m-05 hours.


Day-8: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,500 m /11, 480 feet-05 hours.


Day 9: At Sama-Gaon rest day for acclimatization and excursion.


Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,875 m -04 hours.


Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala 4, 450 m /14, 596 feet-04 hours.


Day 12: Trek to Bhimtang 3, 590 m via Larke-La Pass 5,106 m -08 hours.


Day-13: Trek to Gowa 2,535 m- 04 hrs.

Day-14: Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar ( 7 hrs)

Day 15: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Day 16: Final Departure

Manaslu Circuit Trek Required Permits

People who are doing/planning to do their Manaslu Circuit Trek must collect four different types of trekking permits: TIMS ( Trekking Information Management System) Card, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit), ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and Special Area/Restricted Area Entry Permit. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit and the Manaslu Conservation Area  Entry Permit cost USD 30 per person, Manaslu Restricted Area in low trekking season (March - April - May, June, July, December - February) costs USD 75 and in peak trekking season ( Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov) cost USD 100 and TIMS Card costs USD 20. 

You can't get these Manaslu Circuit Trek Required Permits on your efforts by visiting the office of the Nepal Tourism Board or you can ask your Trekking Company through which you are doing Manaslu Circuit Trek to arrange them for you. 

Actually, in order to obtain a restricted area permit, if you are a solo traveler and don’t have a group, you have to find another person to obtain this special/restricted area permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is because no individual/solo traveler is permitted to enter into a restricted area while trekking in Nepal. So, at least it requires at least 2 people to collect a special area entry permit for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Meals and Accommodation in Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Expect very basic and ordinary meals and accommodations in Manaslu Circuit Trek as the trekking trip is based in a very remote area of Nepal where such kinds of facilities like on other major trekking trails: Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, are not available. A few years back, Manaslu Circuit Trek was entirely camping trekking where trekkers had to manage all required food and accommodation by themselves. But now, at least, the local lodges are available where you can stay overnight and have your meals. 

 

The lodges will be very basic and run by the local people but comfortable enough to spend a night. And the meals are provided by the same lodges. The lodge has got a menu mentioning items of foods and you can make the choice. You may not get all varieties of meals to find your best one but at least you will find your favorite one on the menu. And the accommodation will normally be twin a sharing basis. 

Trekkers will hardly find attached bathrooms with their accommodation and the rooms mostly will be made up of wooden planks.  In the case of Dharmasala Accommodation, there are only three lodges where you have to share the accommodation with 5-6 people. The Nepalese guide and porters have to use the tents for the accommodation in Dharamsala on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail. 

 The popular and staple items of meals are egg items, bread items, noodles, curries, momos, Nepali Daal Bhat and other Tibetan food items which you have to feed. you can carry some light snacks to quench intense hunger on the trail for your personal use. 

Altitude Sickness and Preventions in Manaslu Circuit Trek 

High altitude sickness also known as acute mountain sickness may make you a victim during your Manaslu Circuit Trek since you are going above 5000m high where the layer of oxygen is very thin. It also may occur because of the lack of proper preparations and unhealthy food items on the trail. However, the one who is planning/preparing/ doing their Manaslu Circuit Trek is required to know comprehensively about High Altitude Sickness and do the proper prevention of it.

 

High altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when our body is not adapting well to having less atmospheric pressure and oxygen at high altitudes. It typically affects individuals who are not acclimatized to high altitudes and can be potentially dangerous if progresses to more severe forms without treatment. Symptoms of altitude illness can begin to occur around 8000ft(2400m) but serious altitude illness is rare below 10000ft(3000m). The body tries to adapt to the lower amount of oxygen in the air by increasing the rate and depth of breathing so you breathe faster and deeper which tries to bring more oxygen into the body. An increase in the number of red blood cells (hemoglobin) occurs after staying longer at high altitudes.

Causes of Altitude Sickness

Low Atmospheric Pressure: The decrease in atmospheric pressure is primarily due to the thinner air at high altitudes. Low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes has several effects on the human body and develops altitude illness. 

Less Oxygen:  The primary factor in altitude sickness, oxygen pressure becomes thinner at higher altitudes. This leads to hypoxia, in this condition body tissues have inadequate oxygen.

Rapid Ascent: Ascending to high altitude rapidly does not give your body enough time to adjust to the changing altitude and the reduced oxygen levels.

Sometimes, it may occur due to

• Impure Water from local taps/streams/Consumption of excessive alcohol 
• Excessive smoking at higher altitude 
• Food poisoning 
• Existing health issues 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Preparations 

People need to prepare comprehensively by doing extensive research on a particular trekking trip they are undertaking next. For this, they have to read several authentic articles/blogs and watch videos about the trekking trip. Also, you should ask the people to share their experiences who have already done this trip earlier. The very things are to be done for Manaslu Circuit Trek Preparations. 

The very first thing you have to do is research on the topic. You do intense research on Manaslu Circuit Trek with subtitles like the elevation ranges, level difficulty, what kind of trek is this, how are the foods and accommodations, other facilities on the trail, required permits and most importantly, whether will you be able to do this trek, is it the right elevation within your capability. These things really matter before you make the decision to do Manaslu Circuit Trek.  

Next, if you think you can do Manaslu Circuit Trek, then, you have to find an authorized and reputed trekking company for the booking of your trekking trip. Once you complete the booking, you have to do other preparations like boosting up your stamina, getting travel documents and buying the right and reliable trekking equipment. 

To boost your stamina, you can do short treks/hikes with a sufficient backpack in the ups and downs of the mountain. Further, you can do regular jogging, aerobics, short hikes, swimming, weight lifting and many other beneficial regular exercises. Before you go for your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’d better do one or two shorter treks above 4000m. This way will benefit you with plenty of experiences of walking with a backpack in the mountains since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered to be a challenging trekking trip in Nepal. 

Then, you need to get all the required trekking equipment including the right clothing and trekking boots. The right and reliable trekking checklist /equipment will enhance your trekking trip and make you risk-free. So, for the comprehensive trekking checklist for Manaslu Circuit Trek, please read the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Equipment Checklist  and can prepare in a more organized way with the right pack list. 

Internet/Wi-fi Facility on Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Since the Manaslu Circuit trek route is located in a remote area of Nepal, it’s most of the time hard to get access to the internet and Wi-fi. However, some of the local lodges have access to Wi-fi and they share it with you and you have to pay a certain amount like Rs. 200-500 per device. But, don’t expect good access or strength of Wi-fi/internet on the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail. 

Also, to have access to the internet on your smartphone, you can have a local SIM card like NCELL or NT in Kathmandu beforehand the trek and can run mobile data on your phone. This way, you will easily get access over your smartphone all around the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The majority of the tourists who are travelling in Nepal choose to do this. 

If you are going to use the Wi-fi/internet offered by the local lodges/hotels/guesthouses, that’s also fine. But, in some cases, it may work slower since many people share the same Wi-fi/internet connection in the lodge. And, one more thing to say is: you have to pay for the internet/Wi-fi if you want to use the one offered by the lodge. You have to pay Rs. 200-500 per device. By this amount, you can run as long as you want. 

Drinking Water Facility in Manaslu Circuit Trek 

You won’t have any kind of drinking water facility on your Manaslu Circuit Trek by the company and the local lodges. You have to arrange it all on your own. The majority of the trekkers get bottled water on the easily available trail and ask the local lodges to boil the water for them and they carry it. Both options are open to you. If you prefer warm/hot water on the trail, you can ask the local lodges to boil it for you and they charge you some money like one liter Rs100-200. Or, if you buy bottled water, it costs Rs. 50-250 which is a cold one. You can get bottled water and can use water purification tablet or other safe medicine on the trail. Actually, the best way of using water on the trail is to ask the lodge owner/ people to boil the water for you and it will be very safe to drink it.

But, don’t try to fill the water from local taps and streams on the trail. If you do like this, then, you may have the possibility of getting high altitude sickness and other minor/major sicknesses which can spoil your entire Manaslu Circuit Trek. Never try to dare to use the water from local taps and streams on the trail. If you need help, then, you can ask your guide. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The total distance you cover from Kathmandu to Kathmandu during your Manaslu Circuit Trek is:  346km from Dharapani to Kathmandu, 143 from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and trekking distance 180 km and the total distance you cover is 669km. But, don’t get scared to see the long distance you cover during this trip. It will be divided into three sections: Driving to Machhakhola from Kathmandu, Trekking to Larkya La Pass(5160m) and back to Dharapani and drive back to Kathmandu. 

The distance from Kathmandu to Machhakhola by driving is 143km. For this drive, you will have certain breaks like toilets, snacks, tea and lunch break ranging from 15-40 minutes before you get to Machhakhola. 

The real distance you cover during your Manaslu Circuit Trek is 180 km for walking. The walk commences from Machhakhola and ends at Dharapani. This total distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek will be divided in different 12 hiking/walking days. So, if you divide the total distance with working days, you have to walk 15 kilometers in average. It may be little changes in walking distance per day depending on the itinerary and the weather condition. But you need to prepare to walk at least 12 km per day with various ups and downs with little backpacks like of 10 kg to 15. You will end this trek at Dharapani and drive back Kathmandu following different till Trishuli River via Besisahar. 

Again, you need to drive back to Kathmandu covering 346km via Besisahar from Dharapani. During this drive, you will have 3-4 different breaks for toilets, snacks, lunch and some little rests before you arrive Kathmandu. 

Therefore, the trekkers who are doing/planning to do Manaslu Circuit Trek, needs to prepare to walk at least 12 km a day in high elevation above 4000m to conquer over Larkya Pass (5160) and Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

Various indicators like trekking permits, food and accommodation, trekking equipment, transportation cost,  extra expenses, pay for guide and porters etc determine Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. However, we can tentatively calculate the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost with the help of the cost of these indicators/requirements. 

1. Permits Costs 

Those who are doing Manaslu Circuit Trek must collect 4 different types of permits. These are the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit, Special Area Entry Permit and TIMS Card. Both Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit and Manaslau Conservation Area Entry Permit cost USD 30, Special/Restricted area permits cost USD 100 during Autumn( Sep-Nov) and USD 75 in other trekking seasons and TIMS Card costs USD 20. 
2. Food and Accommodation Cost 

All foods and accommodations will be offered by local lodges and teahouses during Manaslu Circuit Trek. The staple food items are Nepali Styled meals, curries, egg items, Indian, Chinese and Japanese, breads and soups available on the menu. One item of meal costs between USD 2-6. The drink like beer cost ranges between Rs.500-800. 

Regarding accommodation, you will be using a very ordinary teahouse/lodge accommodation for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. One night's accommodation cost ranges between USD 6-15 according to the level of luxury you choose. So, you can assume the approximate cost for your Manaslu Circuit Accommodation. 

3. Trekking Equipment Cost 

The largest amount of the budget, most probably, goes to getting the Trekking Equipment List. You need to collect all required trekking equipment or gear including the right clothing trekking boots sleeping bag and a down jacket that protects you from -10 degrees C temperature on the trail in case of snowfall. The trekking equipment cost ranges between USD 500-1000. Or optionally, you can hire some expensive trekking gear on rent but they are not very reliable. 

4. Guide and Porter Cost 

The guide who will take you to Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail will charge you between USD 30-40 since the trek is very challenging going up to 5000m above sea level and crossing Larkya La Pass (5120m), one the highest mountain passes of the world. And the porter will charge you between USD 20-30. This cost will include their food and accommodation. You will pay your own and they will settle theirs. 

5. Transportation Cost 

You will use only land transportation for your Manaslu Circuit Trek, Kathmandu- Machhakhola and Besisahar-Dharapai- Kathmandu. You will be using a public bus four-wheel jeep or private jeep for your Manaslu Circuit Trek Transportation. Normally, trekkers go by public bus as their major means of transportation to Machhakhola and back to Kathmandu from Besisahar. The one-way transportation cost from Kathmandu to Machhakhola is between Rs.1500-2000. And, while returning from Besisahar to Kathmandu, it costs Rs. 800-1000. And you have to pay extra jeep cost from Dharapni to Besisahar. If you want to hire a private jeep for Machhakhola and Dharapani-Besisahar-Kathmandu, it will cost between USD 150-200.

 

6. Extra Expenses 

How prodigal are you? The extra expenses like some minor donations, tips for the guide and porter, extra costs for drinks like beer and other liquor, getting souvenirs and helping some other people on the way are the extra costs you have to bear during your Manaslu Circuit Trek.Sometimes, you may be short of some important trekking gear too on the trail and you have to spend some extra money on it. These things/titles also contribute to you to calculate the approximate cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

So, while calculating total Manaslu Circuit Trek Package Cost ranges between USD 1300-1500 depending on the services you want during the trek. The services mean the guide and porter, trekking permits, meals and accommodations, transportations and other extra helps during the trek. 

Top 20 Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQs Answered

1. Is Manaslu Circuit Trek difficult?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is taken as a strenuous/challenging trekking trip in Nepal. It is considered a challenging trekking trip since the trek takes the trekkers who trek above 5000m crossing the Larke La Pass( 5106m), which is popular as one of the highest mountain passes of the world with remote accommodations and foods in the trail. Even sometimes, the trekkers have to encounter some weather extremes like heavy wind and snowfall. Again, sometimes,  the trekkers will be bothered by high altitude sickness/ acute mountain sickness on the trail while ascending to the higher elevation. These are the reasons why people consider the Manaslu Circuit Trek as a truly adventurous and challenging trek. So, the trekkers who are planning to do their Manaslu Circuit Trek have to prepare very well with all required packing checklists and prior preparations.

2. Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek a Restricted Area Trek in Nepal? Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek?

Yes, there is no doubt that Manaslu Circuit Trek is not a Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is a restricted area of trekking in Nepal. There are certain trekking trails which are enlisted in restricted area trekking by the government of Nepal. Among them, Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of them.

 But, why Manaslu Circuit Trek is restricted area trek in Nepal? The only answer to this question is: Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek since the trekking trail is located at the borderline between Nepal and Tibet and Tibet was very sensitive once in history. So, to stop all kinds of illegal trespassing and committing illegal activities at the border and disrupt the bilateral relationship between two nations: Tibet and Nepal. So, trekkers who are doing their Manaslu Circuit Trek requested to do their Manaslu Circuit Trek sensibly.

3. What is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Everyone accepts Autumn ( Sep-Nov) is the best time of the year for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Actually, Autumn is not only the finest time of the year for Manaslu Circuit Trek, but it also offers an excellent time of the year for all kinds of trekking trips and other adventure activities in Nepal.

The months of September, October and November are the best times of the year for Manaslu Circuit Trek as they favor the trekkers with the perfect time of the year for moderate temperatures in the mountains all over Nepal and magnificent mountain views while trekking on the trail. There will not be any inconveniences regarding the issues of weather conditions while trekking in Autumn, which means, in September, October and November.

Moreover, if you travel in winter (Dec-Feb) in summer ( Jun-Aug) and in Spring ( Mar-May), you won’t get such finest time of the year to celebrate the mountain views and the climate during the trek. However, people also go with Spring as the second-best time of the year for Manaslu Circuit Trek. It means, if you don’t have time for Autumn, you can optionally go with Spring too.  

4. How Manaslu Circuit Trek is different from other trekking trips in Nepal?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is completely distinct from other trekking trips in Nepal. In one sense, it is a complete package of adventure trekking in Nepal which is different from other adventure trekking in Nepal. In another way, Manaslu Circuit or Manaslu Trek is located in such landscapes and topography of Nepal which will delight and marvel every individual trekker while undertaking it. The grand landscapes, mountain gorges, challenging ups and downs, winding rivers, off-road jeep drive, mountain views including Mt. Manaslu, the fourth highest in the world, the serenity and the wilderness on the trail, local foods and accommodation, Tibetan lifestyle, economy, culture and civilization and people with good hospitality will mesmerize you and thrill at the same time while doing Manaslu Circuit Trek while people don’t get such experiences while doing other trekking trips like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek and Langtang Valley Trek.

If you are looking forward to experiencing the true Nepali lifestyle and the massive and mountain panoramas and landscapes, go with Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

5. What kind of preparation do I require for my Manaslu Circuit Trek?

One requires a sound level of preparation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek as it is an adventurous venture into the heart of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 metres (26,781 ft), the 8th highest world mountain. More importantly, one is going to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 metres (16,752 ft), one of the highest mountain passes in the world, which will be challenging for the trekkers to cross. It means that trekkers who are planning their Manaslu Circuit Trek need to have comprehensive preparedness for the trip.

The best ways of preparing for your Manaslu Circuit Trek are: 

- Study about the best time of the year for Manaslu Circuit Trek and Weather in Nepal

- Study about the Manaslu region and trekking trail location extensively

- Have a comprehensive knowledge of foods and accommodations on the trail

- Study about the challenges that the trekkers may have to bear on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

- Pack upright and comprehensive trekking gear

- Book your Manaslu Circuit Trek with a professional and reliable trekking company and ask them to provide you dependable trekking crew

- Must have prior trekking experience: Do a short or moderate trekking beforehand Manaslu Circuit Trek

- Address health issues if you have any and carry the right medicines you need on the trail 

6. How is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Route? 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Route is not highly technical but challenging full of ups and downs and deep gorges as well. Mostly, the trekkers have to encounter stone steps going all the way up and then down for an average of at least 3-4 hours a day. Walking 3-4 hours continuously with a backpack of 5-10 kg of weight, if no porter, then, more than 20 kgs of weight, at a higher elevation above 4000m is not an easy task; actually, it is challenging. 

Sometimes, you may have to encounter slippery trails with water and snow as well during the pre-winter season. During this time, the trail hits you back and turns out to be more challenging too. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route is mostly located in the Gorkha District of Nepal in Gandaki Province bordering Tibet where the trekkers have some magnificent insights of mountain panoramas, civilization, culture and religions along with economic activities living at the border of Tibet and Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit Trek Route, beginning from Machhakhola ends at Besisahar, Lamjung district covering 177 km/110 miles as total distance. 

So, get ready to cover 177 km or to hit this distance in 12-14 days at least a walking distance of an average of 15 km.

7. Is there an age restriction for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

No, people of any age can do Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, since the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and strenuous adventure trekking in Nepal, people who are below 12 and above 60 are not recommended to do this trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes the trekkers above 5000m to one of the highest mountain passes of the world, Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters (16,752 ft) at the border of Tibet into the heart of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres (26,781 ft) above sea level with astonishing landscapes and mountain panoramas. Crossing Larkya La is the main challenge in Manaslu Circuit Trek and most of the trekking days will be based at higher altitudes above 4500m high. Therefore, those who have a sound level of stamina with all the required preparations and people having no serious illnesses can do this trek. For this trek, one requires such stamina of walking at least 7-8 hours a day. 

8. How difficult is Manaslu Circuit trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a very challenging and strenuous trekking trip in Nepal unlike Everest Bas Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These treks are categorized as moderate to difficult but Manaslu Circuit Trek is absolutely challenging and strenuous trekking trip. Therefore, only the people who love the real thrills of adventure trekking above 5000m, Larkya LaPass (5120m) with all required preparations and with the enhanced level of stamina can do this trek successfully and they celebrate the real adventure in their life.

Actually, there is a common question that why Manaslu Circuit Trek is taken as a challenging trekking trip in Nepal? There are a few but very important things to know why Manaslu Circuit Trek really challenging trek?

-Trekking in one of the remotest regions of Nepal’s Himalayas

-Food and Accommodation Challenges on the trail

-Weather Extremes Challenges

-Rescue challenges/ Hard to rescue the trekkers in case of acute mountain sickness or other accidents

-Restricted Area Trekking to the border of Tibet

-Challenging and strenuous ups and downs and deep gorges

-Hard to find the trekking equipment and first aid service in case one requires

-Need a boosted stamina and confident like walking at least 8-9 hours a day

-Crossing one of the highest passes of the world, Larkya La Pass ( 5130m)

Therefore, one required preparing with all must-needed things/stuffs or equipment to battle the wild nature, weather extremes and challenging up and downs on the trail. However, if you prepare very well and you are confident that you will win over the Larkya Pass with the grand view of Mt. Manaslu ( 8160m) the eighth world highest mountain of the world. 

9.How to plan Manaslu Circuit trek?

One requires planning Manaslu Circuit Trek very comprehensively as it is truly a challenging trekking trip in Nepal. The trail is located at the border between Nepal and Tibet and takes you above 5000m into the less spoiled, less crowded and solely remote area of Nepal. Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a unique and distinct trekking trip in Nepal than other trekking trips like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. Actually, you are ascending above 5000m which is Larkya La Pass (5160m), the highest point of this trek and also known as Manaslu Pass. Since you are walking above 5000m in this trip into the wild nature of Manaslu region, you must plan this trip very technically and organized way. 

-Plan your Manaslu in the following Ways: 

-Make Sure that your Manaslu Circuit Trek is booked and reserved for you

-Make Sure that all arrangements (trekking crew, accommodation and transportation) regarding your Trip is over by your travel agent/company 

-Get and pack up right and reliable trekking gears 

-Book all your international and domestic flights on time and reconfirm them 

-Be prepared physically and mentally (regular exercises, walks, joggings, short hikes, yoga and meditations) 

-Explore and Search about the Trekking Trip you are going to do and note some important things to do during the trip 

-Ask some authentic information and experiences about the trip you are doing with other people who have already done the same trip 

-Address sickness issues if you have go any beforehand the trip commences 

-Get, arrange and carry a compressive First-Aid Kit for the trip 

-Prepare and carry authentic and comprehensive travel insurance 

-It is recommended to let your travel partner what type of person you are like (spiritual, nature lover, luxury lover, volunteering lover, social worker etc.) which will better help the crew member understand you 

-Inform your family members, relatives, friends and whoever is closer to you that you are doing this trip. This will help you to track and know your -condition during the trip 

-Prepare all required gadgets you require during the trip 

-Prepare and Carry some materials/books to read during the trip if you like

-Prepare and pack some light snacks to kill immediate hunger during the trek 

-Plan in such way that you are going to conquer over Larkya La Pass (5160m) , one of the highest mountain passes of the world, also known as -Manaslu Pass