Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days

Essential Information

Best Time to Join the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Being the higher Himalayan region, the Manaslu region enjoys the alpine climate on its higher grounds and sub-tropical climate on its lower ground. Therefore, the days are pleasantly warm but the nights can be shockingly very cold.

Winters (late December, January, and February) are quite harsh with temperatures sometimes dropping below minus 40 degrees. The rain waters are replaced by the heavy snow and as you go higher, the cold intensifies dramatically. However, the skies remain clear during the day opening up the grandest vistas of the surrounding Himalayas.

However, in higher altitudes, the cold can be excessive and unbearable because of which we don’t suggest you to take Manaslu circuit trek 14 days trip in winter months.

Taking the climatic factor into account, we suggest the autumn months starting from September and continuing through November for the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary.

The mild heat during the day and night, the non-existent of rainfall, and the clearer dust free skies make this time period perfect for hiking journeys.

Another beautiful time for this trip is the spring months of March, April, and May which often see the higher influx of tourists and higher prices in hotels and lodges. However, the forests along the trekking paths burst with the varied colors of rhododendrons and the rivers flow down loaded with pristine waters from the Himalayas.

As for the remaining months of June, July, and August, it is best to avoid travelling during this period of monsoon when the roads can be blocked by landslides and the mountains lay hidden by the densely gathered black clouds.

Why is Manaslu Circuit trek the Off-Beaten Restricted Trekking Trail?

The Manaslu Circuit trek was inaccessible to visitors until 1991 and even now only a limited number of travelers are permitted to enter the region each year. Although Manaslu is very close to the famous Annapurna trails, it still remains a restricted area that requires a special entry permit known as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

For the permit, the trekkers must follow the specific regulations: hikers must travel in groups of at least two individuals and must be accompanied by a certified local guide. Additionally, the trip must be organized through a certified Nepali trekking and tour agency, such as ours.

This regulation has been followed to safeguard the cultural aspect of the Manaslu area. The region’s forests itself are a sanctuary to several endangered plant and animal species, which the government is actively working to protect and help increase in number.

In addition, Manaslu shares a border with Tibet, which itself practices some strict restrictions with regard to tourism.

The government has also learned from past experiences, as other popular trekking destinations like Everest and Annapurna have gradually lost their original charm due to the overwhelming influx of tourists. To avoid similar challenges, access to the Manaslu circuit trek remains restricted.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Our Manaslu circuit trek is classified as a medium difficulty trip which has the route that do not pose any technical challenge. However, there are outings or walking part along the slope which can force the leg and other muscles to work more.

You must also remember about the enormous 5160 m high Larkya La Pass. Additionally, your highest sleeping elevation will be 4460 meters at Dharmasala. If you are the new hikers and not used to these conditions, you will surely feel its harshness.

In addition, each day of our trip can last between 5 and 7 hours; of course with some rest and stops to hydrate, eat, and enjoy the surroundings. So you mustn’t regret the trip in the middle and ask for Uber in the middle of the hilly pathway.

We like to ensure you that our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary is not designed exclusively for athletes but for any active people who have love for walking in nature. A little preparation to walk uphill and you can easily manage this trek effortlessly.

Who can join the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Our Manaslu circuit trek 14 days program has been designed to accommodate travelers of all fitness levels. Therefore, this trek can be undertaken even by those who are just introducing themselves in the world of high altitude trekking.

The hiking tracks en route are devoid of any technical complexities, and even the ascent to Larkya La Pass is manageable. Locals have long been traversing this route with their mule caravans, making it a well-trodden path.

However, you must be prepared for long difficult hours of climbing and descending, with daily hikes ranging between 5 to 7 hours across the treacherous terrain of virgin land of Manaslu.

There are steep inclines, exhilarating suspension bridges to cross, and deep forests to walk through. In addition, the Manaslu circuit trek has just transitioned to tea house trekking which has only been nine years.

Therefore, there are limited lodges as compared to the other popular trekking destinations of Nepal. You must be prepared to give up some comforts such as hot showers, private bathrooms, and WiFi for few days. In return, you will get the nature that is increasingly deteriorating in our urban lives.

Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trek

Without a doubt, there is the heightened risk of altitude sickness in our Manaslu circuit trek 14 days adventure. However, if prompt attention is given and identified, this condition can be prevented and can be harmless. We therefore urge all our participants not to take the first signs of the condition lightly.

Generally, the first symptoms to appear involve headache, loss of appetite, nausea, listlessness, and exhaustion. When you reach a height of more than 3000 m, and feel the headache, it must be interpreted as a sign of altitude sickness. There can be other possible origins, but it is better to err on the side of caution.

The only adequate management for the altitude sickness is adequate acclimatization – in other words, a gradual increase in altitude, sleeping lower than where you climbed during the day.

Our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary has been designed taking this need and rule into account. We have thus strategically placed a rest day in Kathmandu right after your arrival with another acclimatization day in Sama Gaon. The preceding days involve only 4 to 5 hours of walking so you will be properly acclimatized before attempting the massive Larkya La Pass.

On the other hand, there are also other therapeutic measures that can help you with the rapid and enough acclimatization. Such as Diamox which is categorized as the diuretic and anti-edema drug that has been widely accepted to facilitate acclimatization.

We highly advise you to maintain proper hydration when taking this medication and when traveling to higher elevations. This simple step is often disregarded, but drinking enough water is vital for effective oxygen absorption.

Physical Readiness for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The two-week journey of the Manaslu circuit trek being moderately challenging requires trekkers to be both physically fit and mentally prepared for whatever the trail may present.

Thus, it is very crucial that you are in excellent health before you set off on this journey. If you already have any severe and chronic form of illness such as those affecting your cardiovascular, respiratory, or renal systems, it is wise that you consult your physician before committing to this trek.

The high-altitude nature of this trek can intensify such conditions and immediate health attention may not be readily available.

If you are a fit and healthy individual, then you can prepare yourself for the long daily stages of 4 to 7 hours of walking every day. The diverse landscape of Manaslu often contains challenging slopes that can be steep and tricky at times.

Therefore to prepare correctly, you can incorporate jogging, walking, running, and cycling in your daily activity. However, to build up your leg muscles, you should prioritize stair climbing. Additionally, you should also focus on enhancing your cardiovascular fitness with aerobic exercises like pull-ups and push-ups, while building leg strength through squats.

Gradually increase your exercise regimen by engaging in short and then long distance hiking adventure with lightly loaded backpack so you can create the actual hiking conditions. If it’s possible, you can also go on hiking adventures in nearby mountains with elevations of at least 3000 meters.

Mental Preparation

Most of the hikers prioritize physical training only, however, mental preparation is equally important. On the Manaslu circuit trek 14 days journey, the basic amenities and remoteness can often make you long for the comforts of your home.

Therefore, it’s essential to read up, watch videos, and gather all necessary information about the Manaslu region so that any unforeseen challenges will not catch you off guard.

You also need to understand that any trekking adventure in a remote and restricted destination is a group activity. So the people you travel with may be completely strangers to you and that’s where the real challenge lies.

You will need to create connections and form the bonds that can sharpen your teamwork skills. It is also vital that you hear and follow whatever your tour guide tells you.

After all, your team members and the guides will be the first responders and your support system in times of uncertainty. Likewise, staying calm during any disagreements or miscommunications is also essential so you can make wise decisions.

All these necessitate the need for a calm mind which you can cultivate through meditation and yoga. And don’t forget to mentally prepare for the lengthy hours of walking that will include both climbing and descending.

Alternative Routes to Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you are interested in exploring new walking routes around Manaslu, then there exists another more virgin route that will take you around the 8th tallest summit of the world.

To walk along this new route, you will need to take a bus that will transport you from Kathmandu to Manabu village. From there, your hike will take you through lesser-known rural communities of Nepal such as Yarsta, Kasigaun, Keranja, Runchet, and Hulchuk.

The trail will then eventually join Dobhan that will take you onward to Jagat, where you can follow the previously outlined trail. However, please note that this option requires you to spend your nights in the homes of friendly locals, as there are no tea houses or lodges available en route.

There will also be a few additional walking days in your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Extension

If you are looking to extend your trekking experience in the Manaslu region, then you can also think about incorporating the outstanding little Tsum Valley trek with your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary.

For this new adventure, your journey will take off from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, followed by a hike to Jagat. From there, the trail will then guide you through the enchanting villages of Lokpa, Chumling, Chekampar, Nile, and Mu Gompa. These are the tiny yet enticing settlements of the Tsum Valley.

After their exploration, you will journey back to Chumling and continue your travel to Deng to encircle Manaslu. If you are intrigued, feel free to reach out to us and we can take you to this captivating part of the Manaslu area.

On the other hand, if you are seeking an extraordinary destination, then we recommend you to combine the Nar Phu trek with the Manaslu circuit.

First, you will begin to circumnavigate the majestic terrain around Manaslu. Then, from Bhimthang, you will head towards the Phu and Nar Valleys, which will offer extraordinarily beautiful views of these landscapes along with the challenge of ascending the 5322 m high Kang La Pass. Then you will conclude your journey returning to Besisahar.

However, if you are too exhausted after circulating the Manaslu and want a touch of some luxury and comfort, then after Dharapani, you can continue on to Annapurna circuit trek.

After Dharapani, you will journey onward towards Pisang and then to the amazing town of Manang. You will then face the challenge of crossing the 5416 m high Thorong La Pass.

Combining the Annapurna circuit trek with the Manaslu circuit will also give you the option of taking a delightful detour of Muktinath and Jomsom. Finally, you can enjoy some luxury and leisure in the heavenly city of Pokhara before traveling back to Kathmandu.

Accommodation and Meals

During our Manaslu circuit trek 14 days expedition, we will take care of all your logistical arrangements, including where you stay and what you eat in Kathmandu and the overnight villages.

In the capital, your accommodation will be at a welcoming three-star hotel located in the central town area. Rooms are to be shared with participants of the same gender, and each room will be equipped with its own bathroom and a hot shower.

During the trekking part however, your overnight accommodations will be set up in mountain shelters such as lodges or tea houses, where you will share a room with your fellow travelers. Although the facilities may be quite simple, but they provide a cozy atmosphere and warm nights, enough for resting after a day of exploration.

In terms of dining options, we offer you breakfast in Kathmandu with the independence of choosing your own menu for lunches and dinners.

When you are out on your trek, you will enjoy full board meals at the tea houses including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although the menu might not be as varied as in the city but you will still have delightful options to choose from dal bhat, momos, chowmein, pizza, thukpa, pasta, etc.

Transportation

As part of our transportation service for the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary, we provide you exclusive airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle personalized according to your group size whether it be a bus, car, van, or jeep.

On the second day of your Kathmandu sightseeing tour, we will arrange private transportation along with a tour guide and a professional driver to get around the city.

At the beginning of your trip, a private jeep (Scorpio) will transport you from Kathmandu to Machhakhola. Upon your return from Dharapani to Besisahar, a local jeep will be arranged, and then our private Scorpio jeep will travel you back to Kathmandu.

Travel Insurance

Manaslu circuit trek is an adventurous and fun journey which must be done in complete peace of mind. This peace of mind can be obtained through the proper travel insurance which is equally mandatory and necessary for our Manaslu circuit trek 14 days program as to obtain RAP, a proper travel insurance must be in place.

When you proceed to buy the travel insurance for our trip, ensure that the insurance policy includes search and rescue coverage. Many insurance plans may exclude various sports activities that are popular in Nepal, so it is important to verify that these activities are included.

It is also necessary to opt for international travel insurance that offers extensive medical coverage, repatriation, and medical transfer as your home country may not cover expenses in the event of an illness or accident.

Essential Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

On the second day of our Manaslu circuit trek, our team will acquire the needed and mandatory permits for the trip on your interest. This includes acquiring the Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP), as well as the permits for the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

We need to pay US$ 30 per participant for the entrance permit to Manaslu and Annapurna. While the payment for the entrance into the Manaslu area differs depending on the season you have chosen to trek. The autumn and spring trek costs US$100 per participant and the summer and winter trek costs US$75 per participant. Our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary package encompasses the permit fees.