Manaslu Circuit Trek

Related Information on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking the Manaslu circuit is quite a unique experience that takes you through rarely explored challenging terrains and the rich cultural diversity of ethnic people. Beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, an exploration of Manaslu takes you by the prestigious Buddhi-Gandaki River and the traditional villages of Nepal. It is an adventurous journey offering multitudes of trekking routes and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique cultural practices of Tibetan-Buddhist communities.

How high is Manaslu Circuit?

Donning an altitude of 8163 meters (26782 feet), Mount Manaslu is one of the seven eight-thousanders located in Nepal. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit syllable “Manasa,” which means soul or intellect. The mountain is also called Kampunge in the local dialect and was a virgin peak until a Japanese citizen, Toshio Imanishi, along with Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa, successfully climbed it in 1956.

With a success rate of 99%, the peak is comparatively easier to begin climbing among the top 14 peaks of the world. Often, summiteers trek to Mount Cho Oyu before continuing to Mount Manaslu.

Accommodation at Manaslu Circuit Trek

Your accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit trek depends on your location and can range from a 3-star hotel to a standard teahouse. As you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to a three-star accommodation, primarily at Kathmandu Business Hotel or similar properties. 

You will have the option of twin-sharing or double accommodation with breakfast. It is a standard room with all basic amenities like a private bathroom, ample storage, a comfy bed, and more. Additionally, you can request a five-star accommodation with all amenities, but it does come with an additional cost.

While on the trek, your accommodation primarily comprises teahouses and local homestays with clean rooms and washrooms. While the services and amenities of these teahouses in lower elevation localities like Machha Khola, Namrung, Lho, etc., are better, other remote stops might not have the same.

Washroom Facilities on the Trek

Since you will be staying in standard lodges and tea houses, the washroom facilities are reasonable. Stops like Besisahar, Sama Gaun, and Dharapani have standard rooms with private attached bathrooms. However, the washroom services at other stops without settlements or at the base camp will not be that good.

While on the trail, washroom facilities might be limited until you reach a village settlement or your destination for the day. Often, you need to carry a pee bag to relieve yourself in places that lack washrooms. It is necessary to know that comfort on the trek to the mountains is modest, and often, you might have to adjust with limited choices available.

Trek Essentials

Trekking in the Manaslu Circuit is indeed challenging and involves some risks. For these reasons, you will have to check off all the boxes of your trekking essentials, as mentioned below.

Permits 

You will require three different passes along with the TIMS permit to trek through the Manaslu circuit. While the Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area permits are necessary for every trekker, Nepali citizens do not require the Manaslu Restricted Area permit.

Additionally, you must acquire a Tsum Valley Restricted Area permit to visit the valley

Travel Insurance 

The trek to Manaslu requires crossing an elevation of 5000 meters from sea level, and there is always a risk of natural disasters like glacial flooding, avalanches, and landslides. Thus, it is mandatory to have insurance. Besides, the lower temperature and scarce oxygen at higher elevations often cause altitude sickness, frostbite, and other medical emergencies. Having trekking insurance helps a lot in such scenarios.

Trekking insurance usually covers possible events like accidents, emergency evacuations, natural disasters, and flight disruptions. These insurances can be bought from several providers, depending on your location. Here are some suggestions for you:

• USA and Canada: Blue Criss, United Healthcare, Tugo, World Nomad
• Europe: Austrian Alpine Club, Europe Assistance, Allianz Europe
• New Zealand and Australia: Allianz Australia, Fast Cover
• Singapore: World Nomad, Ergo
• India: ICICI Lombard

Trek Difficulty 

Trekking through the Manaslu circuit is definitely a difficult task. You will have to trek continuously for 6 to 7 hours a day. It is physically demanding, as the trek takes you to an elevation above 5000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. You must be physically fit and mentally composed to complete the trek successfully. 

Besides, the weather can be quite unpredictable. The temperature is lower and can often drop to freezing at night. The higher-elevation areas can usually have snow storms, soft rains, and chilled breezes.

Trekking Distance of Manaslu Circuit Trek 

The Manaslu Circuit trek route encircles multiple stops and covers a distance of 177 kilometers. Beginning from Machha Khola, the starting point of the trek, the total distance up to Manaslu Base Camp is 104.5 kilometers and takes about 6 days.

Completing the entire trail of the Manaslu circuit trek takes 22 days, and it can be extended depending on the rest days or acclimatization days.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit 

It is possible to trek to the Manaslu Circuit trail throughout the year, each with different experiences. However, the cold, freezing winters or the heavy rains of the monsoon season might not be for beginners. There is nice snow during winter, but it also comes with a risk of altitude sickness, yet proficient summiteers also choose this time to avoid the crowd of peak season.

Fall and Spring are the best seasons to trek to the Manaslu region. Since the climate is suitable, the trails are dry, and the skies are clear during these two seasons, it is also the best season for climbing the Himalayan regions of Nepal. Usually, during September-November and April-May, most visitors ascend through different trekking routes of the Manaslu region. 

Safety on the Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Traveling to the high peaks in the world, situated above 5000 meters from sea level, obviously comes with some risks and challenges. However, these risks can be mitigated with proper trekking, preparation, and adaptation of the necessary safety measures. Plan your trip in favorable climbing seasons to get off safely from your adventure.

 Before travel, you must train and prepare your body to trek rough terrain for up to 7 hours daily. You will also need to be ready to tackle altitude sickness and other health conditions that might appear when traveling to high altitudes. You can buy trekking insurance to prepare for additional security, as you will be trekking above 5000 meters in an area with high avalanches and unpredictable climate risks.

Preventing Sickness during the Manaslu Circuit Trek

While trekking to higher elevations, such as the Manaslu Circuit trek, altitude sickness is inevitable and often carries fatal risks. Since medical facilities are limited en route, you need to prepare well to avoid any symptoms of altitude sickness. Ensure you bring proper layers of clothes and warmers to protect yourself well. 

You should also opt for a gradual ascent, which helps you adapt to the harsh climate and low temperatures. 

However, if you get altitude sickness on your way to the Manaslu, let your trekking guide know about the situation. The guides are prepared with first aid required for such a situation. 

Rest for a while in the same spot, and take the anti-sickness medications. After you feel a little better, you can descend to a lower altitude. If the situation worsens, request the guide contact the head office in Kathmandu for a helicopter rescue.

Wi-Fi and Internet Facilities on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek has good network and internet services, and many tea houses along the way have Wi-Fi services. But using these services comes with a charge that can range from USD 2 to 10. 

You can also use a mobile network for internet services as it takes a minimal charge to use mobile data. Nepal has two types of network providers, NTC and NCEL, which provide 3G and 4G services. However, you need to know that the network keeps getting feeble as you climb to a higher altitude. 

How to Get to the Manaslu Region? 

Getting to Manaslu is a wholesome journey on its own, as it takes you through scenic hills and river bays of Nepal. Usually, you begin with a private jeep or bus ride from Kathmandu along the Trishuli River to Machha Khola. The actual trek commences from the beautiful trails of Machha Khola. The ride will take you through scenic trails of green hills, challenging trails, village settlements, terraced fields, and rapidly flowing rivers of Nepal.

Extending Your Trips 

It is possible to extend your trek to the Manaslu Circuit even after you start the adventure as long as you have a few extra days in hand. However, adding a few additional days to your trek involves some additional costs.

Charging Your Gadgets

Electricity is available in standard guesthouses and teahouses on the route to the Everest base camp trek. However, these cost around 1-5 US dollars per charge, specifically in higher altitudes without proper electricity facilities.

It is advisable to carry your own solar-powered charges or batteries to keep the devices charged. It would be helpful while camping on the base of Manaslu, where there are no guesthouse facilities.

Similarly, remember to bring the two-pin and three-pin types of adapters to help charge your devices. In case you forget, you can buy these C-type and D-type adapters in Kathmandu.

Food in the Manaslu Region

The Manaslu region has a variety of cuisines, and different races inhabit the area. The lower region is densely populated by Gurung, Magar, and Thakali people, and their staple diet includes pulses, rice, vegetables, soups, etc. As you ascend to a higher altitude, you will find Tibetan and Sherpa people and their food on your plates, too. Higher regions are dominated by Sherpa cuisine, including potatoes, pulses, soups, noodles, etc.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

A standard Manaslu Circuit trek package costs USD 1341 per person. However, the cost may vary depending on how food and accommodation are customized, the variation of the trekking package, and the routes you choose. 

The cost might increase with added amenities like personalized guides, private rooms with attached bathrooms, additional acclimatization days, and rest days. This trekking cost doesn’t include any personal expenses or charges for services made upon request. Please check the packages for the price and find the amenities/services offered.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Packages

For an exclusive experience of the Manaslu region, you need to find the right package for your requirements. Choosing the right package ensures a smooth experience and makes the experience memorable for you. From luxurious to budget itineraries, there are multiple packages to choose from:

Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 16-day adventure that takes you through Nepal’s most remote yet stunning landscapes and offers trekkers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. This trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, following the Budhi Gandaki River and passing through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. 

The trek includes crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass, one of the most rewarding sections of the route, before descending into the beautiful valley of Bimthang. Along the way, you’ll experience the rich Tibetan-influenced culture of the region, visit traditional monasteries, and explore the serene beauty of the Manaslu Conservation Area. This trek is perfect for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Himalayas.

Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most exciting adventures. It takes you to a secluded landscape between the Manaslu mountains. This 13-day journey takes you through the rustic trails of the remotest Himalayan valley, which offers the captivating sight of high mountains like Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal. The natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Tibetan Buddhists residing here are equally interesting to experience.

How is Manaslu Circuit Different from Annapurna Circuit?

If you want to experience the solitude of the trekking trail even during peak climbing season, then you should opt for the Manaslu Circuit. However, if you are a beginner in trekking or have never hiked in the Himalayan region, it might be difficult for you on the first attempt. Instead of the Manaslu Circuit, try climbing the Annapurna Base Camp to collect the experience and prepare your body for the trek.

Training for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The trekking route of the Manaslu Circuit trek consists of rough, rocky terrain, steep hills, and narrow trails. You must train well to build your core strength, as this adventure requires you to trek continuously for 7 to 8 hours daily. It will also take you above an elevation of 5000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. You must be physically fit and mentally composed to complete the trek successfully. You will also require good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength to ascend easily through rough terrain.

If you aren’t somebody who doesn’t perform physical training regularly, it is better to start training at least ¾ months in advance. Ensure you include cardio, flexibility exercises, and strength training in your workout to prepare your body for the trek.

Some of the best ways to train for the trek are through regular cardio, focusing on breathing exercises, strength training, lifting weights, hamstring sketching exercises, and so on. You can switch to climbing stairs instead of taking lifts, walking instead of driving, or jogging instead of driving to smaller distances to prepare your body. Additionally, going on regular hikes or climbing up the hills can be the best way to train for the trek.

Beginners Guide to the Manaslu Region 

If you are a beginner to adventure trekking, aiming for the Manaslu Circuit trek is a daring task. Along with physical strength, you also need a calm and well-prepared mind to face the challenges that may come across. You must train well with cardio and strength exercises, gradual acclimatization, and adequate gear to succeed on this trek. In addition, you need to rest well and let your body recover while using your mindfulness for success. Since it is a trail that trekkers haven’t covered well, you will need to be prepared for the challenges that come with the limitation of resources.