Manaslu Circuit Trek is famous for its unique culture, Buddhism and tea house trail which crosses Larkya La Pass 5106 meters and simultaneously reaches the 8th highest mountain in the world – Manaslu (8163 meters).
Manaslu is a popular remote area located in the central western part of the Himalayas of Nepal. It is considered to be an arid trans-Himalayan high grassland in the sub-tropical Himalayan foothills bordering Tibet, China. The altitude of its subtropical zone varies from 1000 m to 2000 m; While the sub-alpine zone ranges from 3000 meters to 4000 meters. And its area above 4500 meters is called arctic zone. Manaslu Himal (8163 m) The eighth highest mountain in the world is the main attraction of Manaslu region. Manaslu Himal (8163 m), Nagdi Chuli (7871 m), Himal Chuli (7893 m) and Shringi (7187 m) Himal are also major peaks in Manaslu region with Budhigandaki river in the east and Ganesh Himal in the west. Marsyangdi and Annapurna Valley.
Why go to MANASLU circuit?
Manaslu Circuit has more elements than other trekking areas in Nepal including Buddhist culture, wildlife habitats, raging rivers with suspension bridges, forest greenery, breathtaking mountain views. The Manaslu Conservation Area covers 1663 square kilometers and falls within the Manaslu region. It was announced in 1998. It is home to many endangered animals including Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, etc. There are more than 110 bird species, 35 mammals, and 3 reptiles. Found here.
Nubri, Tsum, Bhutia and Gurung castes, the main inhabitants of Manaslu, have been living here for seven hundred years. In particular, the Gurung live in the central hills of Manaslu, while the Nubri and Tsum Tsum valleys live near the Tibetan border. So their culture is similar to Tibetan culture. A large number of people in this region follow Buddhism.
Before 1991, foreigners were not allowed to visit Manaslu. Now, it is a popular tea house trekking route in Nepal. However, this is still a restricted area. Foreigners are still not allowed to visit this place without special permission.
Trail and Route of Manaslu Trek
Trekking to Manaslu offers a remarkable experience for every adventurer as it passes through the eighth highest mountain Manaslu (8163m). It combines amazing mountain ranges with diverse flora and fauna along with rich cultural and archaeological sites. The trek around Manaslu, often called the Manaslu circuit trek, is one of the most popular treks encircling the Manaslu mountain range. During the trek, trekkers are gifted with various fascinating mountain scenery as well as Tibetan native culture.
Considering the historical and cultural aspects of Manaslu, the government has given special permission to foreigners to visit this area. Foreigners must issue a permit from the ministry’s department. Mainly, autumn and spring are the best season and busiest time in Nepal. So booking Manaslu trek in advance means securing a place in Manaslu trek.
If you are interested in trekking Manaslu Circuit, check the itinerary below.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek
Combined Manaslu and Annapurna Trek
Best time to trek to Manaslu
The best season for Manaslu circuit trek is autumn (October-November) and spring (April to May). During these months, mornings are usually clear, clouds form in the afternoon and disappear at night. A given temperature may rise or fall with changes in weather factors: (sun, snow, rain etc.)
Fall/Autumn:
This is when it rains after the monsoon (July to mid-September) and the weather is dry. Slightly cooler than spring but offers a clear view of the mountains. The mornings are clear, offering great mountain views, the days are warm and the nights will be cool and cool. The temperature will drop significantly as you climb higher each day. Autumn temperatures vary from a minimum of -5 to -10°C at the Larkya foothills to 20°C at lower elevations.
Spring:
Another weather window for trekking in Nepal comes from March to May. Temperatures will be relatively warm during this period but still, nights will be cold and chilly at higher altitudes. During the spring season, trekking trails across the country are filled with a vibrant mix of red, pink and white flora that provide a surreal experience along the trek. Spring brings warm temperatures, flowering plants and mild days. Autumn temperatures vary from a minimum of -0 to -5°C at the Larkya foothills to a maximum of 25°C at lower elevations.
About the perfect season
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Food and accommodation
Typical Nepali Food – Dal Bhat Vegetal will be provided when you travel on Manaslu Circuit as there are few food options that you can choose from. But unlike the Everest region, there are a limited number of teahouses and food options. Because the number of tourists in this area is less compared to the Everest area.
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel if you have ordered an airport pickup service. You stay in a hotel in Kathmandu. Different types of hotels are available in Kathmandu. 5-star standards are available at homestays for overnight stays. However, we usually offer 3-star hotels with breakfast included. Each member will get a separate room. As there are no luxurious hotels or lodges in the Manaslu area, arrangements have been made to stay in teahouses while trekking. Hence this trek is also known as Tea House Trek. In fact, you cannot find a deluxe hotel in Manaslu Kshetram.
How difficult is the Manslu circuit trek?
Manaslu Circuit is relatively less difficult to trek than Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. However, it crosses the 5200 m high Larkya Pass. The Larkya Pass lies between Dharamshala and Bhimtang, and is certainly not more than 5000 m. Hence, crossing the Larkya Pass can be very difficult.
Generally, the level of difficulty of an adventure travel depends on many aspects. By considering the altitude level, weather and climate, remoteness, available facilities etc. you can judge whether the trek is difficult or not.
Of course, Manaslu is a remote and secluded area, and trekking to Manaslu is more about exploring the fascinating culture and beauty of Manaslu than sightseeing.
Sometimes, you may feel stiff depending on how you adjust to the lack of oxygen. So you should respect this trek, and prepare a packing list before starting the journey.
Manaslu Trek Difficult (altitude sickness, acclimatization, and training)
All the trekking routes in Manaslu go up to the height of 5106 meters i.e. Larkya La Pass. So it can cause hikers to get altitude sickness. When you are crossing the Larkya La Pass, you may suffer from altitude sickness. Therefore, before going on Manaslu Padayatra, one should understand its symptoms and also have knowledge of the process of acclimatization. And note that all trekking in Manaslu is moderate but very strenuous. However, even a trekker in the age group of 58-65 years can complete this trek successfully if he takes proper ablutions during the trek.
About altitude sickness
See more here
Travel Insurance for MANASLU
Travel and trekking insurance is mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit trek. Although the risk of injury in Manaslu is relatively low, most trek operators recommend appropriate travel and trekking insurance. If something, unfortunately, goes wrong, you need adequate insurance to cover your medical fees and any emergency evacuation costs.
It is important that your insurance should cover a maximum altitude of 6000 meters. By the way, there is no standard policy on high altitude travel insurance; It should be added separately. Click here for more details on travel insurance.
Equipment checklist for trek
The packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek varies in different seasons, including some important items. Some items can be rented. But we suggest some personal things that you should bring to Nepal. Find the complete packing list for here.
A permit is required for the Manaslu circuit trek
Foreigners need 3 different permits to trek. Moreover, it requires a special restricted permit, which requires obtaining at least 2 trekkers and a local guide.
For more information about the Manaslu Permit, go here.
Media on Manaslu Circuit Trek
Now Wi-Fi service is available in most of the teahouses. You can also get a SAT phone to chat with your friends and family by paying a certain amount. But local telephones do not work in this area. Mobile networks (NTC and NCELL) also provide coverage in this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek better than Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Indeed, both are separate trails! The Annapurna Circuit offers stunning scenery and views of the picturesque high mountains surrounding Mount Annapurna, while the Manaslu Circuit offers Tibetan culture and tradition with beautiful views of the Manaslu Himalayas, Ganesh Himalayas, Buddha Himalayas and more. Annapurna circuit trek is not what it used to be due to road construction. However, it has reduced the duration of the walk. Now you can go directly to Jagat, Dharapani, Pisang, Manang villages by jeep, but the road is very dangerous and muddy. On the other hand, the Manaslu Circuit Trail road construction work is continuing, but it is incomplete. It is still considered off-the-beaten-track as it is a less visited area than other areas.
How is the climate of Manaslu region?
The Manaslu region encompasses both subtropical and tundra climates, ranging from mountainous to highlands. Therefore, the temperature is likely to remain between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year, while it is likely to drop to minus 22 degrees Celsius and below in the upper part of the Himalayas.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions is an adventure travel company in Kathmandu, Nepal founded by local alpine experts with experience in Himalayan trekking and mountaineering.