The Eighth Highest Mountain in the World, "Mt. Manaslu," is positioned in the Gorkha District of mid-western Nepal and provides the backdrop for the magnificent Manaslu Circuit Trek. Hikers who want to spend their time in the mountains should consider the 14-day Manaslu Circuit. Groups of two trekkers or more are required due to the restricted nature of this trekking route, and hiring certified trekking guides through an authorized trekking service is required. This trail is perfect for hikers who want to see stunning mountain views, a distinct culture, and customs while swiftly experiencing the geographical diversity. Because the newest tea house in the area is located on Manaslu, it is a less popular walk than other trekking destinations.
Most of the places along the Manaslu Circuit offer stunning views of the mountains, a lively local culture, and centuries-old customs. This hiking path is highly recommended for individuals seeking to experience the beauty of the mountains during their travels. Groups of two trekkers or more must hire professional trekking guides through an approved trekking service, as this trekking route is located in a restricted area. Trekking from lowland rice terraced fields at Arughat to highland at Larkya Pass takes one past picturesque waterfalls and scattered little towns along the shores of the Budhigandaki River (Yashodhara Nadi) and its gorges. Visit Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, Samagaun/Nubri Valley, the birthplace of Mingyur Rinpoche's "The Joy of Living" book, and the revered Pung Gyen Gumba.
The Manaslu Circuit tour begins at Machhakhola and takes about nine to ten hours, during which time you will see beautiful scenery through Arughat Bazaar and near Narsingh Dham in Salyantar. The trail ascends through rural villages, forests, lakes, and glaciers before crossing the formidable Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). From that point, the trail's numerous glaciers leave you in awe. Among them are the Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Ganesh Himal (7,429 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Nemjung (7,140 m), Gyaji Kang (7,074 m), and Kang Guru (6,981 m). After completing the trek in Dharapani, take a car back to Kathmandu. Nepal Mother House Treks created the Manaslu Circuit Trip as a way for people to encounter unusual lifestyles, escape from the material world, and gain knowledge of Mother Nature.
The journey to Manaslu Circuit is a substitute general-adored trekking goal in the Manaslu region. Its trademark paradise is "untouched." Trekking in Nepal and set on the outskirts between Nepal and Xizang (Tibet), it was formally opened as a voyage walking trip for trekkers in 1992. Due to restricted areas, the Manaslu Circuit Voyage is one of the most limited trekking routes in the Manaslu Region and requires special trekking permits. The Manaslu Circuit Jurney provides an ideal blend of the fascinating Tibetan social structure with its abundant mountainous natural attributes, an unparalleled level of delightful heavenliness, and a rich social legacy. The eighth typically amazing look in the world is Manaslu, at 8,153 m. Manaslu suggests that "The Spirit Mount" is the local fear of the powerful, big-hearted god that endures inside. This project is among the most exquisite ones.
If you have a genuine desire to explore all the joy and want to experience the whole range of trekking abilities in Nepal, look no further than the Manaslu Circuit across Larkya La Pass. There are other ways to get to the top of Larke Pass besides climbing, but climbing is a very challenging route that demands extraordinary strength and fitness—in an unexpected way. The recently opened Tea House Trek on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is truly unique compared to the Annapurna Circuit.
You can witness real Nepalese life and visit a few Buddhist "monks" and their special, blessed homes while hiking the Manaslu Circuit. The expansive views of the vast nation of Tibet set against the flawless Himalayas highlight this particularly unique location. Typically, we continue our trek along the Manaslu Circuit. You will also visit "Samagompa," the dreadfully deserted religious home in Samagaou. Here, stunning mountains reward you. From there, we usually head downhill into dangerous tropical regions with their plants, bamboo, pine forests, waterfalls, colorful shrub forests, and blue freshwater lakes surrounded by white beaches. Along the journey, you'll witness mountains such as Himalchuli 7,893 m, Ganesa Himal 7,319 m, Shringi Himal 7,187 m, and Manaslu Himal 8,153 m.
After the whole trip is complete, the route takes you back to Besisahar via the traditional Annapurna hiking routes. You might take a few side trips to Manaslu if you have extra time in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit offers several side trips. From Prok Village, a day hike to Kalo Tal (Kalchhuman Lake); from Shayla, Serang Gumb; from Bihi Phedi, Hining Gumba and up to Himalchuli Base Camp (4020 m); from Sho Village, a visit to Phung Gyen Gumba; and from Samdo village, visit Nubri Pema Decho Ling Monastery on the way to Manaslu Base Camp; and from Birendra Lake, which is home of the Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a trip to the Tibet border at Ruila Pass (4,998 m) are all amazing destinations.
To secure permits for the Manaslu Circuit, a group must consist of at least two members. However, since we are a Gorkha-based local trekking firm, we at Nepal Mother House Treks are pleased to arrange a solitary excursion for you by combining your permission with the group's, allowing you to go on a private trek. The simple access to the cities and increased road construction to Machhakhola are excellent news for trekkers who prefer to quickly complete the Manaslu Larkya La Pass. However, this is adverse news for hikers who prefer to take the classic Manaslu Trek trail to spend a vacation in the highlands.
Are you unsure about the Manaslu Circuit Trekking Trail following the construction of new roads? If so, a new hiking path, known as the Manaslu Circuit alternative trail, has emerged as a road solution. Walk from Arughat to Manbu (700 m) on the first day of the journey; from Manbu to Yarsa (1,877 m) or Kashigaun (1,800 m) on the second day; from Kashigaun to Kerauja (2,074 m) on the third day; and finally, on the fourth day, walk from Dobhan to the Manaslu main trail. On this walk, you will visit the Prok Village, which is located directly above the Budhigandaki River and across from the Ghap. Known as Yashodhara Nadi in the past, we undertook a worthwhile trip to Kal Tal/KalChhumar Lake (3,574 m).
Sometimes referred to as the Around Manaslu Trek or the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Circuit offers an incredible trip around the periphery of Mount Manaslu. These days, you can do a simple teahouse trek, directly empowering the locals to work in hotels and purchase local items. September, October, and November in the autumn, as well as March, April, and May in the spring, are the best months to undertake the Manaslu Trek. The Nepal Mother House provides all the necessary supplies for your trekking expedition. We invite everyone to join us for an amazing holiday because we believe in giving our clients the best possible service. If you lack sufficient vacation time, the 11-day Short Manaslu Circuit Trek would be the ideal option for you instead of the full 14-day trek.
How do you prepare yourself for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The preparation for Manaslu Circuit Trekking entails choosing the appropriate equipment, getting ready for all the paperwork, and preparing your body to face the challenge that the journey will present. Make sure you embark on a couple of hikes before the start of the trip if you are new to trekking. Similarly, aerobics, endurance, and leg power are the main goals of exercise. In addition, you need to psychologically convince yourself to spend many days in a remote area of the world devoid of contemporary amenities.
How many trekking permits do you need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
In Nepal, Manaslu is a restricted area trip requiring three separate permits. You can get those trekking permits in Pokhara and Kathmandu. The month and number of days you want to stay in the area determine how much a restricted location, particularly a permit, will cost you. Permits for restricted areas are available from the immigration offices in Pokhara and Kathmandu. To do this, you must register two hikers in a group through the Trekking Agency and a government-verified Trekking Guide (solo trek permits are prohibited).
The permit costs $100 for the first seven days, and from September to November, it costs USD 15 per day. In addition, each passenger has to pay USD 75 for the first seven days and then $15 per day. In a similar vein, permits for the Manaslu Trek require both MCAP and ACAP. You also need to have travel insurance, a valid passport, a valid visa, proof of all payments, etc. with you. For additional information about Manaslu Circuit permits, please refer to the Nepal trekking permit cost.
Do you need to purchase travel insurance for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek?
It is not necessary to have travel insurance to visit Manaslu Base Camp; however, it is advisable to purchase coverage that extends up to 5,160 meters. Travel insurance ought to cover emergency evacuation, medical costs, property loss or theft, and optional trip cancellation. When you are traveling in remote areas, travel insurance serves as a sort of safety net. You may depend on it and hike without restriction, savoring every minute of the experience.
You need to know the cost and itinerary before trekking in Manaslu Circuit.
The services you use in the packages and hiking schedule will determine how much Manaslu Circuit Hiking will cost. Should each trekker require a personal porter, the cost will double. The cost of a trip can also vary depending on private transportation. How long you spend in the Manaslu Restricted Area and the expedition route also matter. After the first seven days in the area, the permits cost extra. According to international fuel prices and regulations set by the Nepali government, the cost of the trek is gradually rising each fiscal year; however, Nepal Mother House Treks is offering you a 14-day Manaslu Circuit early booking discount for 2024 and 2025's spring and fall seasons.
In this package, we have included the most popular Manaslu attractions in a 14-day itinerary, but if you would prefer to spend more time in the mountains, you can combine the holy Tsum Valley Trek with the Manaslu Circuit to make the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek an 18- to 26-day journey. Trekkers aiming for the shortest journey in Manaslu can complete the Manaslu circuit trek in 11 days if they are in ideal physical condition and can endure walking for eight to nine hours most days, as they would in the high Himalayas. This is a comprehensive guide to the Tsum Valley Trek and the Manaslu Circuit.
What to Expect in the Difficulty Level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Journey, if you're wondering? Manaslu's difficulty level ranges from moderate to strenuous, requiring you to cross the high Himalayas and walk for seven or eight hours on certain days to pass above 5000 meters. Usually beginning with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, the trek follows the Budhigandaki river bank to the 5,160-meter-high Larke La Pass. The trail passes through several types of jungle, including subtropical, alpine, and alpine tundra vegetation. It also passes via a narrow trail that winds through a rock cliff and a glacier-marine instability rock trail. This trek is ideal for hikers of all ages who are physically fit and have a strong sense of resolve.
The Trip Advisor Review's past has been documented for us at Nepal Mother House. Trekkers ranging in age from preschoolers to 70 years old have finished the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
However, each trekker's experience level, degree of physical fitness, level of acclimatization, and the weather in the coming days will all affect how challenging the trek to Manaslu Circuit is for them. To reduce the risk associated with such a high-altitude hike, it is essential that you adequately prepare and plan for it.
Is this the right time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek trail is accessible year-round, though snowfall in the winter may occasionally cause it to close. The Manaslu hike is the ideal option for you when you're ready. Every one of the four seasons has distinct worth and wealth. The best months for this trek, however, are March, April, and May in the spring, as well as September, October, and November in the fall.
Monsoon
The trail will be muddy, and in the monsoon months of June, July, and August, there is a chance of landslides and flooding blocking the path. The surrounding greenery, which includes a wide variety of flowers, will make your trip unforgettable even though trees will typically obscure the mountain view.
Winter
In December, January, and February, there will be snow in the higher regions, and it will get cold enough to potentially obstruct the Larke La Pass. Winter will still be ideal for you. If you want to spend more time in the Himalayas without having to deal with throngs of hikers, winter will still be ideal. Except for the cold, the weather will be ideal, including a brilliant sky and breathtaking views of the mountains.
Spring
The second-most popular season is spring (March, April, and May), when you may enjoy the Manaslu Circuit's complete ecological range. During this time, you will have a better chance of witnessing the Buddha Jayanti celebration in the Manaslu area. Around the end of April, Lord Buddha's birthday falls on Earth. The "Holi" festival's springtime hues coincide with Phagu Purnima, Nepali New Year, and Bisket Jatra. In the Himalayas, this is the peak season for mountaineering and expeditions. This season, approximately 35 percent of hikers come to Manaslu Trekking. The high area's jungle comes to life with the blossoming of magnolia and rhododendrons, as well as a breathtaking vista of the snow-capped mountains.
Autumn
Trekking in Nepal is most enjoyable in the fall (September, October, and November) when the Manaslu Circuit excursion takes place. After the monsoon, the foliage is greener, and the weather is ideal for walks—it's neither hot nor chilly. After the monsoon has cleared the air completely, the spectacular mountain vista is at its most breathtaking. In Nepal, this is the most popular trekking season; during this time, 45% of trekkers complete their route. Dashain, Tihar/Dipawali, Chhath, and Manirimdu are the primary autumnal festivals, observed for one to seven days. Thus, when hiking in the mountains, you have a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the event with the people.
Is this a suitable itinerary for you?
Due to restricted road access at the start and finish of the trek, Manaslu Circuit Travel was once able to be finished in the least amount of time—21 days. However, there are no direct bus connections from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, and you can even take a private Jeep to reach the Sirdibas. After passing through the Larke La Pass in Dharapani, you can drive to Pokhara or Kathmandu on the same day within two days. Access to transportation has reduced the Manaslu Circuit trip to less than an 11-day journey. On the other hand, spending time in the Himalayas is the ideal use of a lengthy vacation. There are several side-trip routes in Manaslu, where you can easily spend the other days with the joy of celebrating. During the extended days on the trek, you may visit the Kal Tal from Prok Village, Serang Monastery at Nubri, Hiunchuli Base Camp and Henning Monastery, Phung Gyen Gumba from Shayla, Manaslu Advance Base Camp (4,800 m) from Samagaun, and explore the Tibet border at Ruila Pass (4998 m) from Samdo village. This makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek a 14- to 18-day experience. The distance covered during the 14 days of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 175 kilometers.
Weather Expectations During the Trip
The Manaslu Circuit Odyssey is located in Gorkha District in northern Nepal; the monsoon season, which lasts from June through July, August, and September, impacts the local climate. Because of the daily downpour, the trail's weight and slick conditions make hiking difficult. Sometimes, landslides and flooding from severe rain might destroy the bridge and restrict the trail.
The best months to hike Manaslu are October, November, and mid-December, when the weather clears and turns dry. The hills are still verdant with vegetation, and some vibrant flowers are in bloom just after the rainy season.
This is a wonderful time to experience Nepal's vibrant culture and festivals of Dashain, Chhath, and Tihar/Dipawali. The daytime highs are pleasant and bright, while the evening lows are chilly.
The winter months occur in the third week of December, January, and February. The temperature drops quickly during this time, and the trail gets more treacherous due to snow and ice. Before traveling to the Larkya La Pass, you should speak with locals about the weather, the teahouse, and the trek. During this period, most tea houses remained closed.
Once more, the months of March, April, and May deliver pleasant, clear weather, though there is still a potential for rain on occasion. After fall, people consider this a good period because the trails are dry, visibility is good, and the plants, especially the magnolia and rhododendrons, begin to bloom.
In conclusion, the best months to go trekking are mid-September, October, and November. At this time of year, the trekking track is dry and in excellent shape, with foliage following the post-monsoon season. The sky is clear, and there is plenty of sunshine, making for ideal weather. Similarly, this season coincides with several festivals, including Dashain, Tihar/Dipawali, and Chhath. Climate change has made the Himalayas unreachable, and the glaciers are growing larger and deeper every day. Could mid-December also be a perfect time for the trek to escape the crowd of trekkers and favorable weather?
Can I do a shorter trek on the Manaslu Circuit?
Indeed, road access at Dharapani, the trailhead, Machhkhola, Jagat, and neighboring Philim allows for a shorter version of the route. You must be physically fit to complete the 7-8-hour hike most days, particularly at high elevations. A 10- to 12-day Manaslu Circuit trip is feasible. If a week-long journey proves to be too much, consider the 11-day Manaslu Circuit trip. Please click the link to view more information.