Manaslu Circuit Trek Blog- Ultimate Guide

Situated in the remote landscape of western Nepal, Manaslu circuit is the best for peaceful trekking. But, for many, the trek in Manaslu circuit route is often challenging. Even for most experienced trekkers with best gears for Manaslu circuit trek find this route challenging. Thus, you need to know Manaslu Circuit Trek blog before joining Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Let’s explore.

After the inaugural trekking in 1992, Manaslu circuit trek route has been the favourite among the genuine trekkers. Unlike Annapurna and Everest base camp trekking, the Manaslu base camp route is less crowded. It lets you explore the high Himalayas with utmost peace and tranquillity. 

There are many things to know about the Manaslu circuit trek before setting for it. The idea of temperature at Manaslu circuit is important to know. Also, the weather at Manaslu circuit, the best time in a year, appropriate trekking gears are crucial. Since Manaslu base camp and circuit route is a restricted area, you must have at least three permits issued by Nepal Tourism Board. So, it would be wise to know the itinerary and cost of the Manaslu circuit trek.

I believe this Manaslu circuit trek blog and ultimate guide will be informative for you. Stay till the end for all the genuine pieces of information. 

Here are some information on this Manaslu circuit trek blog

Manaslu Circuit trek has its own beauty with the dense forest, meandering rivers, the wildlife and many more.

Besides these the people here are humble and warm hearted. Particularly the Tibetans and some Nepalese people to share this majestic place.

You will not be disappointed as this place has. Some spectacular views of the mountains.This plan can rightly be called the best trek trials which is second to none.

You will also have a chance to visit the Manaslu conservation area.

However, this trek can be quite challenging and tough, So you won’t find many visitors here.

Those who made it this far, you are in for a surprise. as the landscape, the terrain, the mountains will surely captivate your senses.

Apart from the flora and fauna, you will also get glimpses of the yak here.This leaves me in awe of how beautiful this place really is.

You will also be soaked deeply with the spiritual and religious aspect of life over here.as both Hindu as well as buddhist inhabit this wonderful place.

If you get lucky you might find one or more snow leopards.

You will witness the meandering bud hi Gandaki river too.

Some of the places where you will travel are Bintang, Besi Sahara, Namrung among many others.

You can also book local skillful and experienced guides.

Some packages also offer foods for the day.

You will also have the option to hire a porter to carry all your languages.

Manaslu Circuit trek has its own beauty with the dense forest, meandering rivers, the wildlife and many more.

Besides these the people here are humble and warm hearted. Particularly the Tibetans and some Nepalese people to share this majestic place.

You will not be disappointed as this place has. Some spectacular views of the mountains.This plan can rightly be called the best trek trials which is second to none.

You will also have a chance to visit the Manaslu conservation area.

However, this trek can be quite challenging and Tough, so you won’t find many visitors here.

Those who made it this far, you are in for a surprise.as the landscape, the terrain, the mountains will surely captivate your senses.

Apart from the flora and fauna, you will also get glimpses of the yak here.This leaves me in awe of how beautiful this place really is.

You will also be soaked deeply with the spiritual and religious aspect of life over here.as both Hindu as well as buddhist inhabit this wonderful place.

If you get lucky you might find one or more snow leopards.

You will witness the meandering bud hi Gandaki river too.

Some of the places where you will travel are Bintang, Besi Sahara, Namrung among many others.

You can also book local skillful and experienced guides.

Some packages also offer foods for the day.

You will also have the option to hire a porter to carry all your languages.

Manaslu circuit trek itinerary

Manaslu circuit route starts from Soti Khola and ends at Besisahar of Lamjung. Some tour operating companies often begin this trek from Machha Khola.

Trek to Manaslu circuit trek reaches the highest elevation of 5,160 metres at Larkya La Pass of the Tibetan border. From Larkya La, you’ll descend to the Annapurna Conservation area and eventually to Besisahar. From Besisahar, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu for seven hours which marks the end of Manaslu trek. 

The standard itinerary for the Manaslu circuit trek is for 14 days. Travellers often extend this trek to 22 days for magnificent Tsum valley exploration in the Annapurna region. 

But here, I’ll present to you the 14 days itinerary in Manaslu circuit trek blog.

Manaslu circuit trek itinerary –  14 days (Standard)

Day 1 – Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700 metres) via Arughat. It’s a 7-hour drive. Tea house based overnight at Soti Khola.

Day 2 – trek to Machha Khola (930 metres). It’s a 6 hour long trek day.Overnight at Maccha Khola.

Day 3 – trek to Jagat (1,340 metres) from Maccha Khola. The expected trek time is 7 hours. Overnight at Jagat.

Day 4 – trek to Deng (1,897 metres)  from Jagat. It’s a 4 hours long trek day. Overnight at Deng.

Day 5 – Trek to Namrung (2,660 metres) from Deng. You’ll be trekking for 6 hours.Overnight at Namrung.

Day 6 – Hike to Sama Gaun (3,530 metres) from Namrung via Loh. It’s a 7 hour long day hike. Overnight at Sama Gaun.

Day 7 – It’s a day for acclimatisation at Sama Gaun. You can take a trip to either Manaslu base camp, Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Tal. Overnight at Sama Gaun.

Day 8 – Trek to Samdo (3,690 metres). The expected trek time is 4 hours.Overnight at Samdo.

Day 9 – It’s an acclimatisation day at Samdo. You can take a day tour around the Tibetan Border(5,100 metres). Overnight at Samdo.

Day 10 – Trek to Dharamshala, also known as Larkya Phedi at 4470 metres from Samdo. It’s a 4-hour trek. Overnight at Dharamshala.

Day 11 – You’ll trek from Dharamshala to Lyarke La Pass (5,106 metres), and eventually to Bimthang (3,720 metres). Overnight at Bimthang.

Day 12 – Trek to Dharapani (1,860 metres) from Bimthang. Overnight at Dharapani.

Day 13 – Drive to Besisahar (760 metres) for 3 hours. Night stay at a tea house in Besisahar. 

Day 14 – Drive to Kathmandu from Besisahar for seven hours. End of your Manaslu circuit trek. 

Manaslu circuit trek cost and permits

In total, the cost of the Manaslu circuit trek ranges between USD 1000 to USD 1200. Let us dig into this Manaslu circuit trek blog more to know the items and services you get at this price. 

Manaslu base camp is a restricted area. The government of Nepal regulates the tour in this place. Thus, you must buy three different government-issued Manaslu circuit trek permits to trek in this region. Also, the cost of these permits is different for different months in a year. Thus with the permits and other charges, the Manaslu circuit trek cost becomes quite expensive. 

Let’s explore the cost of all the permits in this Manaslu circuit trek blog.

Manaslu Restricted Permit (MRP)

1. In Autumn, this permit to Manaslu trek costs at most USD 70 for the seven days. After that, you’ll have to pay an extra USD 10 for each day. Since Autumn is the peak season for trekking in the Manaslu region, the cost of this permit becomes slightly expensive. 

But, for the rest of the months, you’ll have to pay USD 50 for this permit for the first seven days of the trek. After that, you’ll have to pay only USD 7 each day.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

Manaslu Conservation Area permitis another Manaslu trek permit you have to buy.The cost of MCAP is different for foreign nationals and SAARC nationals. As a SAARC national, you’ll have to pay NPR 200 for this permit. As a western traveller, you’ll have to pay NPR 2000 to get this permit. This permit is non-renewable. It valids as long as you wish to trek the Manaslu circuit. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

1. From the descent of Larkya La Pass, you’ll leave Manaslu region and reach Dharamshala, which lies in Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus, you’ll buy ACAP to enter this region. The ACAP permit costs USD 30 for travellers. This permit works for as long you wish to trek around the Annapurna region. Also, it comes in handy if you extend this trek to explore Tsum valley.

It would be wise to contact Actual Adventure to know the overall Manaslu circuit trek cost. Also, you’ll get precise information about Manaslu base camp trek blog for 2022/2023. We’ll arrange all necessary trek permits for you before heading on the trekking. We will also arrange the expert guiding and porters service to make your Manaslu trek successful. 

In short:

Manaslu Circuit trek permits	Cost of Manaslu Circuit trek permits
Manaslu Restricted Permit (MRP)	USD 70 in Autumn and USD 10 for extra one dayUSD 50 in rest of the year and USD 7 for each extra day
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	USD 30
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)	NPR 200 for SAARC nationalsNPR 2000 for foreign nationals

Weather and temperature at Manaslu circuit

Lets explore the weather and temperature at Manaslu circuit in this Manaslu Circuit Trek blog.

The most crucial factor, weather, and temperature report are what you should study to know the best time for Manaslu region trek. Thus, as a trekker, you have to be smart in collecting information about weather and temperature of the Manaslu circuit of past years. 

The maximum elevation of the Manaslu mountain trek reaches 5,100 metres. Thus, at this altitude, the weather can change without notice. The clear morning, foggy day, and misty night make the day at the Manaslu circuit a complete season. 

Weather and temperature at Manaslu Circuit in Summer

Summer months in Nepal are warmer and rainy. More than 80% of the annual rainfall occurs in this season. Due to which, the weather of Manaslu circuit in June, July, and August becomes terrible for trekking. The rainfall is not a suitable condition for trekking. Even if a region like Manaslu base camp receives less rainfall in summer, it will be enough to cause issues for hiking and sightseeing. 

The rugged Manaslu route is even more difficult to hike during the monsoon. But, late August is the best for this trek. The lush alpine forests and blooming wildflowers make the Manaslu base camp a wonder to sightsee. Also, the clear visibility at this time makes the Manaslu mountain viewing unmatched. 

The daytime temperature at the Manaslu circuit in Autumn averages to 12°C. The nighttime temperature remains around the freezing point.

Weather and temperature at Manaslu Circuit in Autumn

Autumn is the best time for the perfect weather and temperature on the Manaslu trek route. The visible weather and post-monsoon rain-free days make the day hike splendid. Also, the gentle temperature in the daytime makes trekking pleasant. 

The sightseeing around Annapurna I, Manaslu, Annapurna South would be mesmerising in Autumn. The high pass, Larkya La, at 5,160 metres, would be difficult to cross in Autumn, but with our experienced guide and porters, you’ll complete the trek with ease.

November becomes slightly chilly as it marks the end of Autumn and the start of Winter. If rainfall occurs in late November, you’ll experience some snowfall at places over 3,500 metres of Manaslu trek route.

In the Manaslu region, the average daytime temperature in Autumn months averages to 7°C. The nighttime temperature could fall below an average of around -8°C. 

Weather and temperature at Manaslu Circuit in Winter

Winter at lower regions in the Manaslu trek route is perfect for sightseeing tempting snow-capped landscapes. The Makalu, Annapurna, Ganesh, Langtang range looks spectacular when covered in winter snow. 

At lower altitudes, the temperature can be bearable. Places like Loh and Sama Gaun are ideal for winter trekking in the Manaslu region. 

But places like Samdo, Dharamshala, and Lyarke La Pass of Manaslu trek route are not ideal for a stay in winter. Even the tea houses remain closed during December and January. The heavy snowfall and fierce blizzard make trekking almost impossible. 

In Winter, the daytime temperature at the Manaslu circuit averages to 4°C. But in late January, the daytime temperature drops to around freezing. 

The nighttime temperature at Samdo averages -8°C. As you go higher than 4,500 metres, the temperature further drops to unbearable -20°C. You can expect this temperature around Larkya La and Manaslu base camp. 

Weather and temperature at Manaslu Circuit in Spring

As nature rejuvenates from the cold winter in Spring, the weather at Manaslu circuit becomes the best for trekking. The wildflowers and rhododendron bloom make the day hike in the alpine landscape tranquil. 

If you find any Manaslu expedition team too, it would be best to chat with them. Also, farmers start to plant the crops in Spring. You’ll get a chance to witness the lifestyle of these Nuri people from the Manaslu region. 

The thick snow remains of winter around the landscape is best for sightseeing in Spring. Thus March is the best time for viewing the snow-covered Manaslu, Annapurna range, and other peaks. April would be the best as the snow on the trekking trail completely melts and makes the day hike easier. 

Despite the daytime temperature at the Manaslu route in March averages between 8°C to 10°C, the nighttime temperature still falls to -6°C. 

In April and May, the daytime temperature at Manaslu circuit rises to an average of 12°C. But, the nighttime temperature averages around the freezing point.

In short:

Season	Average Daytime Temperature	Average Nighttime Temperature
Spring	8°C to 12°C	-6°C to 0°C
Autumn	7°C to 9°C	-6°C to -8°C
Winter	1°C to 4°C	-8°C to -20°C
Summer	12°C to 14°C	Around 0°C

Manaslu circuit trek : Solo and Guided

Manaslu circuit solo trekking is not possible. The prime reason is that it is a restricted area. As it is near Tibet, to reduce the illegal activities on the border, the Government of Nepal regulates the activities. 

Also, trekking in the Manaslu route is arduous. There are many risks associated with solo Manaslu trek. Altitude sickness is the primary issue for the trekkers in this trek. Thus, if you feel sick or fracture your leg, you’ll be in trouble. But, with guided trekking to Manaslu, you’ll get the treatment immediately. 

Every trekker in the Manaslu circuit must hire a licensed tour guide to trek. The Manaslu route trek with a guide will be safer for you. If you want to get rid of the backpack, you can also hire a porter. 

Reserve your 14 days Manaslu circuit trek with Actual Adventure for premium Manaslu circuit trek service. We will arrange the best guide and porter for you.  Or, to learn more,  contact our tour manager Mr. Kedar Neupane at +977 9851012358 (24 hour available on WhatsApp).

During the best time at Manaslu circuit for trekking, you, as a trekker, must get special permits issued by Nepal Tourism Board to enter this region. Thus, we will make your permits ready before you land in Nepal. 

Accommodation and meals in Manaslu Circuit trek

Accommodation in Manaslu circuit trek is tea house-based. It is similar to the homestay. The locals run these accommodations all year round except for some winter months. 

You’ll get the basic lodging and food service throughout the Manaslu region trek. To name a few, hot soup, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, eggs, and Nepali dal bhat are primary meals in Manaslu circuit trek. Local dishes will also be available if you wish to give a taste. You can also carry dry meats and pickles for your convenience. The overnight won’t be luxurious but would be perfect for your tired body to rest. 

In Kathmandu, the three-star accommodation will make you comfy. The luxury servings will make your Kathmandu stay perfect. 

What makes the Manaslu Circuit route the best trek route?

Manaslu circuit trek route lies in the remote part of the Annapurna region. It used to be the trade route between Nepal and Tibet in the past. Still, people here take the caravan of yaks to trade salt in Tibet following the traditional Manaslu circuit route. 

Besides, the Manaslu trek route is rich in mountains and natural aesthetics. There are more than ten peaks above 6,500 metres here. These mountains are visible throughout the route. Also, there are several peaks above 7,000 metres, such as Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Annapurna South. The major attraction of Manaslu circuit trek, Manaslu of 8,163 metres, is best when viewed from the Manaslu base camp. 

On top, hiking close to Budi Gandaki river and its gorge is an actual adventure of the Manaslu trek.

Further, the fewer hikes of the Manaslu route gives you the touch of a flawless natural aesthetic. 

However, this trek can be quite challenging and tough, So you won’t find many visitors here.

Gears for Manaslu circuit trek

Manaslu circuit trek is a challenging grade trek. The 180 km long Manaslu circuit is rugged terrain making the day hike tiresome. It demands the physical and mental endurance of trekkers. So, to cope with this strenuous trek, you must have appropriate trekking gears for Manaslu circuit trek. 

Here is a list of all the trekking gears for the Manaslu circuit trek in 2022/2023. 

Wearables

Wearable items such as trekking pants, boots, poles, down jackets are must gear for Manaslu circuit trek. These trekking gear make the hike easy and protect you from injuries and skin scratches. The premium trekking boots are the best gears for Manaslu circuit trekking. The rough hiking trails will be arduous if you hike with regular boots. 

1. Trekking Boots, Trekking Poles
2. Sunglasses
3. Thermal inner wear, Windproof gloves, Inner wears
4. Waterproof/Windproof jackets
5. Down Jacket and windproof pants

Skin Care

The places such as Larkya La, Samdo, Dharamshala in the Manaslu circuit are over 3,500 meters. Thus, you’ll likely get dry skin and sunburn. So, skincare products are also the best gears for Manaslu circuit trek.

1. Lip balms
2. Sunscreen following SPF 30-50 principle
3. Toilet Papers, Toothpaste, Toothbrush
4. Shampoo, Hand Sanitizer, and some munchy snacks.

Gadgets

Cameras and binoculars are best gears for Manaslu circuit trek for recording and sightseeing the best moments. On top of that, the beautiful landscape around the Manaslu base camp makes the sightseeing arresting. So, these items will be the best gears for Manaslu circuit trek and sightseeing. 

1. Zip Locks, Swiss Knife
2. Binoculars, Camera

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Although you may have some restrictions such as extra bills to pay for hot baths and the access to the internet.

You will have the option to have both the private vehicles as well as private vehicles.  

The Gurung people of Nepal also inhabit this wonderful place.you might end up making some friends at the end of the trip.

The scenes you will witness at this place are second to none and unmatched by any other place.Many consider this place as the best trek in Nepal.

No doubt as this place is culturally rich and naturally blessed.

The lifestyle of the people who call this place their home can make your stay here more fulfilling and exciting.The local people here are friendly and supportive.

This adventure will surely love to be one of the best adventures you have ever have had in your lifetime.

However, besides all the glory and charm, you can fall victim to altitude sickness. This is a condition at high altitudes that deprives your body of oxygen and you can experience various symptoms.if left untreated then it can have some bad consequences.so you must come prepared and have first aid along with you at all times.

People who are physically fit and active will find this trail much easier then those who are not.so there are many things to consider while taking this trek.

Because at the end of the day, it’s all safety that we are concerned about.

Here are some of the suggestions and advice that we can provide to make this journey worthwhile.

He prepared for altitude sickness because there are plenty of cases of it.

Keep yourself well hydrated and bring water along with you.keeping yourself well hydrated is the key.

Also don’t forget to keep your hunger checked.you can bring energy bars or some type of food that has enough protein in it.

Learn more about our detailed trekking gears for Manaslu circuit trek and checklist you should manage while trekking in Manaslu circuit. 

We hope this manaslu circuit trek blog was useful to you.

Did you find our well prepared Manaslu Circuit Trek blog informative? Learn more about our Manaslu Circuit Trek package.