Overview
Overview
Manaslu stands tall as the eighth highest mountain in the world. With Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the right, it forms a mountain range that is truly spectacular to behold.
While most people keep their eye on Everest, this circuit goes underappreciated. However, it is great news for thrill-seekers like you as you will be able to trek here in peace and enjoy the quiet beauty along the way.
You will be greeted with magnificent peaks like Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Kang Guru, Gyaji Kang, and Nam Jung. Setting foot on the highest point of this trek, the Larkya La Pass will deliver unparalleled views of the snowy landscape.
In only 15 days, you can get an experience of a lifetime. Mountains aside, this trip includes luscious rhododendron and oak forests, fast-flowing rivers, glimpses of rare birds and animals, as well as a chance to mingle in the local lifestyles of different villages.
The best time to go on this trek is Spring or Autumn. This trek can be quite difficult at places, so to ensure your safety, we avoid traveling during rainy seasons. Furthermore, the skies will be clearer and offer a better view during these seasons.
With Nepal Social Trek & Expedition, you can rest assured that our trained professionals will be fully prepared to shoulder this responsibility. Whether it is history, culture, or architecture, our guides are ready with their knowledge to ensure that you can truly understand the land beneath these trails. We also have porters and first aid kits handy so that we can ensure that all you have to do is enjoy your trek and marvel at the beauty around you.
This trip combines a spiritual, geographical, and cultural trekking experience in one and will be a perfect trip for you if you are looking for this blend.
Why You’ll Love Manaslu Circuit Trek!
- The highest point is Larkya La Pass (5106m).
- The stunning natural beauty of forests, rivers, and flora all along the trek.
- You will get to visit the historic town of Gorkha.
- This trip will include glimpses and views of the Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, and more.
- You will get to visit wide terraces of crop fields and see rare wildlife like the Tahr (Mountain Goat), Agali (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Marmots, and perhaps even a Snow Leopard.
- Trekking along the beautiful Budi Gandaki valley.
- Experience Tibetan culture and immerse in the local environment.
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Right For You?
- You will be walking for 4-7 hours per day for about two weeks. You might need some mental and physical preparation to tackle this.
- This trek falls under a difficult category, so ideally, you have some previous experience of trekking.
- The elevation crosses 3000m and even gets to 5106m at the Larke La Pass. There can be a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If you are suffering from any pre-existing condition, you should seek your doctor’s approval before going on this trip.
Permits Required:
Manaslu Region has been declared as a restricted region for the preservation of the area. As such, independent trekkers are not allowed in this region. You will need special permits to enter these regions. The rules dictate that there must be at least two trekkers in a group, and you need to be accompanied by a local guide. Following are the permits that you need for this circuit:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This permit is required for trekking between Jagat and Samagaon. You will be asked to show this permit at multiple checkpoints between these places. The cost varies depending on the length of your stay as well as the time of the year.
- USD 100 per person for the first seven days between September to November. It will be an additional USD 15 per person for every additional day.
- USD 75 per person for the first seven days between December to August. It will be an additional USD 10 per person per day for additional days.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)
This permit is required for trekking from Philim. This area is known as the Manaslu conservation area. Here, the cost does not depend on either the number of days you choose to stay or the time of the year. It remains USD 30 per person. You should carry an extra photograph as you might need one for this permit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
This permit is required for trekking from Dharapani to Besi Sahar. The cost of this permit remains the same no matter how long you spend in this area or what time of year you choose to travel. It will cost you USD 30 per person. This permit might also require a printed photograph, so be sure to have that handy.
Once you obtain these three permits, you will also need to get a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) as it is mandatory for all trekkers.
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
This permit is mandatory for all trekkers travelling in Nepal. For this permit, you will need to carry some passport size photographs as well as a photocopy of your passport. The costs are detailed as follows:
- USD 20 for individual trekkers
- USD 10 for trekkers in groups
- USD 6 for individual trekkers from SAARC countries
- USD 3 for group trekkers from SAARC countries
15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day | Itinerary | Altitude (m) | Duration (hours) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | N/A | N/A |
2 | Kathmandu-to Arugath (Bus)-to Soti Khola (Trek) | 550 | 9 |
3 | Soti Khola to Macchakhola (Trek) | 869 | 6 |
4 | Machha Khola to Jagat (Trek) | 1340 | 7-8 |
5 | Jagat to Deng (Trek) | 1860 | 6-7 |
6 | Deng to Namrung (Trek) | 2630 | 6-7 |
7 | Namrung to Samagaon (Trek) | 3520 | 6 |
8 | Rest day at Samagaon, Acclimatization walk Birendra Tal and to Manaslu Base Camp | 2300- 4400 | N/A |
9 | Samagaon to Samdo (Trek) | 3875 | 3-4 |
10 | Samdo to Dharmasala/Larke Phedi (Trek) | 4460 | 3-4 |
11 | Trek from Dharamsala/Larke Phedi to Bimthang (Trek) | 3590 | 8-10 |
12 | Bintang to Tilije (Trek) | 2300 | 6 |
13 | Tilije to Syange (Trek) | 1136 | N/A |
14 | Syange to Besisahar (Jeep) to Kathmandu (Bus) | 760-1400 | 9-10 |
15 | Departure Day | N/A | N/A |
Important Notes
- You will need to arrive one day earlier to Kathmandu in order to get Manaslu Special Permit organized. Make sure to keep your original passport with the valid Nepali Visa handy as we will need these for processing.
- You might want to carry a universal adapter for your charging needs as we go to more remote places. You can also purchase this at Kathmandu itself.
- As the weather can be unpredictable, you should pack a down jacket so that you are comfortable even if it gets cold or rains.
- ATMs and credit card acceptance are scarce in higher altitudes, so remember to have some cash handy for your purchases.
- You might need to carry some passport size photographs for your permits along the way.
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