Everest base camp Trek takes the top spot, when it comes to naming the best bucket list adventure hiking in...
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Overview
Manaslu Circuit trek, in this classic remote adventure this trek takes you to areas that are off-limits to foreigners. Because of unique trekking permission requirements, only a select number of trekkers are able to visit these areas. From the lower valley to the majestic upper valley of Manasalu, offering extraordinary trekking and stunning views of the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation region. Whilst in the Manasalu valley we have ever changing vistas of many high peaks including Larky Peak (6219m) and Mt. Manasalu (8153m), the 8th tallest mountain in the world. This route is special not only for it’s views but also for it’s culture and other special interests. Ancient monasteries, fertile framing land, cultural sites and beautiful flora and fauna mean that there is always something of interest. The area is a haven for the wildlife enthusiast as there are highly endangered animals, including Snow leopards and Red Pandas living in the mountains. Other mammals who call this home include Lynx, Himalayan Black Bear, Grey Wolf, Dhole, Assamese Monkey, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Mainland Serow, Himalayan Goral, Wooly Hare, Black Lipped Pika. There are also over 110 species of bird.
The Manaslu circuit trekking trail proceeds through a mix of settlements of different ethnic dwellers but the overriding culture is that of the, Gurung people and their Buddhist beliefs. This trek is suited to people with a moderate to high fitness level. With a high point of 5216m at Larky La pass, a good attention to acclimatisation practices is essential. A passion for local culture is a bonus. The Manasalu circuit trek offers a fantastic alternative to the more popular Annapurna circuit trek.
As with all our treks including Manaslu trek, we can be flexible with the itinerary and can adjust many details according to your time, availability and special interests
Highlights
- The classic Manaslu Circuit with spectacular scenery from start to finish
- Magnificent close-up views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu and nearby Ganesh Himala peaks
- Trek through picturesque Gurung, Tamang and Tibetan villages with full of cultural interest
- Perfect acclimatization with rest days before crossing the Larkya La
- Chance to sighting of blue sheep, gray wolf, musk deer and Himalayan Thar.
- Staying in local family run mountain guest house during the trek
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International airport Kathmandu. Pick up by Sherpa Brothers treks representative, transfer to hotel check in and welcome drink from receptionist. Trip briefing and in the evening welcome dinner at typical cultural Nepalese restaurant. O/N in hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 2 : Pick up from hotel and drive to Machhakhola [900m/ 2952ft] for 6 hours drive. O/N in tea house
Day 3 : Trek to Jagat [1340m / 4625 4395ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 6 - 7 hours
Day 4 : Trek to Deng [1,860m / 6103ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 6 - 7 hours
Day 5 : Trek to Namrung [2630m / 8630ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 4 hours
Day 6 : Trek to Lho [3,180m / 10,433ft] O/N in tea house : Approx 4.5 hours
Day 7 : Trek to Samagaon [3520m / 11,550ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 7 hours
Day 8 : Rest, hiking around Birandra lake Samagaon, O/N in tea house : Approx 3.5 hours
Day 9 : Trek to Samdo [3,875m / 12,713 ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 4 - 5 hours
Day 10 : Trek to Dharamsala [4,460m / 14, 635ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 4-5 hours
Day 11 : Trek to Bimthang [3590m / 11,780ft], via Larkya la [5,106m] pass day, O/N in tea house : Approx 9 hours
Day 12 : Trek to Goa [2515m / 8252ft], O/N in tea house : Approx 5 hrs
Day 13 : Trek to Dharapaani [1400m / 4,593ft], and drive to Besi Shahar (760m / 2493ft). Same day drive back to Kathmandu, O/N in Hotel: Approx: 10 hours
Day 14 : Final departure; as per flight time, pick up from hotel and drop 3 hour earlier to international airport for home departure
Services Includes
- Accommodation and Breakfast during 12 days Manaslu trekking period
- Professional and experience license holder trekking guide salary & insurance
- Porter salary, equipment’s and insurance
- Private transportation to Machhakhola and return to Kathmandu from trek end point Dharapani
- Transportation from Dharapaani to Besishahar
- Standard hotel with swimming pool deluxe BB in Kathmandu for 2 nights
- ACAP+ MCAP permit
- Manasalu restricted area permit
- Private transport for airport receive and departure in Kathmandu
- Trip route map
- Duffel bag for packing daily trek gears
- Warm sleeping bag
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
Services Excludes
- Personal nature expense such as WIFI internet, data pack, telephone calls, bar and beverage bills bottled drinks including (cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water, laundry)
- Personal insurance
- Lunch and dinner during the trip and Kathmandu
- Unforeseen accidental rescue
- Days beyond the itinerary
- Gratitude to staff
Additional Information
Manaslu circuit trekking route follows through majestic Manaslu conservation area. From beginning to end majority part of the trail are well for walking, from lower Machhakhola 900m, Jagat 1310 to high pass of Larkey La 5106m, you should be prepared to walk for approximately 7-8 hours each day. On average, you can expect to cover a distance of around 10 kilometers per day. The route involves forward walk, steep ascend and descend through dense pine trees, meadow and rough pebble, icy terrain. As you make your walk higher up, you walk slow and take rest to have enjoyable trekking experience and ensuring safety. Acclimatization is crucial in the increasing altitude, in order to adapt to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. It allows your body to adjust to the decreasing oxygen levels and reduces the risk of any health complications during the trek. Additionally, there will be rest day in Samagaun will also give you the opportunity to explore the local culture and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains including Mt Manasalu 8163m. Our team of professionals is dedicated to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. With their expertise and assistance, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories and achieving your travel goals. The important thing is to have a willingness to challenge yourself and push your limits. Whether you’re just starting out or have been hiking for years, there will always be opportunities for growth and improvement. Hiking and walking since couple of month of this trek is a great way to improve your physical health and build endurance over time.
It is important that participants with pre-existing health check problems or conditions should make these known to us at the time of booking. This information is crucial for us to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during the event. So that, we can make necessary arrangements and provide appropriate support if needed.
Accommodation and Food
In Kathmandu: 3 stars Deluxe hotel with bed and breakfast on twin sharing.
On trek: 12 days twin sharing in a mountain tea house with 3 meals, (Break fast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks Tea/ Coffee) each day. The tea houses along the trekking route provide basic but comfortable accommodations, with twin sharing rooms available. These tea houses also offer a variety of delicious home cooked meals to keep you energized throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you can enjoy hot drinks such as tea or coffee to warm up after a long day of trekking.
Travel insurance
Sherpa Brothers Treks and Expedition Pvt/ Ltd. take every care to make our treks safe and enjoyable. All our routes are scouted to ensure the trails are safe and the facilities along route are of an acceptable standard. In addition, we have vast experience of trekking at altitude and are trained to deal with Acute Altitude Sickness. However, due to terrain, weather and altitude, risk is not always predictable in the Himalaya. To ensure you have a worry free time with us, personal travel insurance is essential to cover the cost of unforeseen accident, illness or rescue. The costs involved can be large and personally overwhelming in the unlikely event of accident or injury.
All Nepalese staff, guides and porters employed by Sherpa Brothers Pvt. Ltd. are insured locally but we regret that we cannot offer insurance for our clients.
When is the best time to do Manaslu Trek ?
While Nepal can be visited all year, the best times to go walking and trekking to Manasalu Circuit trek are in the spring (late February – May) and autumn (late September-Mid December).
Autumn; The best time of year to do Manasalu Circuit trek is supposedly in the autumn. With dry weather and crisp, clear skies, the mountain views are at their best. Since the summer monsoon, the countryside has been lush and green.
Spring; As the weather warms up in late February and May wide variety of trekking options become available. The gorgeous magnolia and rhododendron will be in bloom, even though the skies may be cloudier than in the fall. If you want to trek in Nepal in the both fall and spring time, the trails can get crowded during this time and tea house accommodation fill up fast. During this time of year, Manasalu Circuit Trek delivers the best alternative trekking options that will get you off the beaten track and away from the crowds
Winter; Generally, winter brings bright, dry days, though the evenings are bitterly cold at altitude and snow can block certain path. Winter can be an excellent time to visit Nepal and to do this trek, because there are fewer tourists. Even though incase of blizzard weather, heavy snow trekking to Manasalu might not be feasible during this season due to snow the high passes such as Larke la 5106m can be blocked and tea house are closed.
How many permits will I need for Manaslu Circuit Trek ?
If you’re planning to trek to the Manaslu region, you require the Manaslu restricted permit / which is also called special trekking permit Manaslu conservation area permit MCAP and the Annapurna conservation area permit ACAP entrance Permit. These permits are mandatory to enter conservation areas along the trekking route in order to protect trekkers’ data and for their safety. The permits also help fund conservation efforts and support local communities.
Required gears check list for Manaslu Trek
Having the right gear ensures that you are prepared for adventure and all challenges or emergencies that may arise during your mountain adventures. From proper clothing and footwear to essential tools and safety equipment, your gear provides the necessary support and protection needed to navigate through rugged terrains and unpredictable weather conditions.
Below we present you a necessary complete packing list suitable for Manaslu circuit trek.
Hiking gears for Manaslu Trek
Day bag 1 – A porter will carry your primary gear in duffel bag (up to 12kg per trekker). You’ll need to bring your own daypack. 30–35L is adequate.
Dry Bag 1 – This protects your bag and clothing from potential moisture, wet object and rain.
Walking pole 1 – ( if necessary) Trekking poles can decrease the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are excellent for knees while going down. We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles.
Water bottle or camel bag 1 – Capacity to carry 3 litre of water. Options: 2 x 1.5 litre wide mouth nalgene bottles or 2 litre platypus + 1 litre water bottle.
Head light 1 – You will need a headlamp with a good light output for any late-night restroom trips, as well as importantly for Larke pass day. Petzl make renowned and affordable headlamps.
Knife / Multi tools – 1
Cloth and body wear
Down jacket 1 – You’ll need this for the Larke pass as well as in the evenings at lodge camp when you’re tired, you feel the cold a lot more.
Sleeping bag 1 – rated 0°F, -20°F.
Light or medium wight warm hiking trouser 2 – an option of convertible trousers.
For the colder parts of the trek you’ll need good winter hiking pants – just make sure they are breathable.
Warm liner 1 – For extra warmth in sleeping bag.
Towel – 2
Warm sun hats 1 – lot of heat is lost through your head, so be sure to get a warm thermal hat as well as one that protects your neck from the harsh rays of the sun.
Fleece / jacket and pants 1 – Modern technical fleeces (such as Polartec) make excellent insulation layers.
Windproof jacket and Pants 1 – pants with full-length zips make getting them on and off quick and easy.
Long and half sleeve hiking shirt 3 – As per you body size lightweight, moisture wicking long and short sleeved shirts.
Buff for (neck and head) – 1
Walking boot 1 – We recommend light- to mid-weight waterproof boots with good ankle support. You don’t need to go full-mountaineering boot.
Gloves / mittens 2 – For the cold nights through the trek and for the larke pass day, we recommend heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant gloves.
Warm hiking socks (wool / synthetic) 3-4, pairs of outer socks and 2-3 pairs of liner socks. We also recommend bringing 1 x thick thermal socks for larke day.
Gaiter 1 – Help keep your trousers clean in dusty, wet and muddy trail conditions
Flip flap/ Sandal 1 – To wear around after a day’s trek we recommend bringing a pair of sandals
Sun protection, health hygiene and water
Sun cream 1 – SPF 40+ Sunscreen is very important as the sun’s rays are much stronger at altitude.
Sun glass 2 – (incase of one broke) choose high UV protection glasses of any brand as sun intensity after 3500 is very high.
Sun hat 1 – if possible go for a hat that is wide-brimmed for protection, and has a neck cover if you aren’t going to be wearing a neck gaiter
Lip guard 1 – To keep your lip moisturized in dry air and the stronger sun ray
Tooth brush – 1
Face wash soap – 1
Sanitizer wipes – 2/2
Electrolyte/Sports drink powdered formula for adding to your water Water can get pretty boring, so it’s a good idea to bring along an electrolyte formula that’s flavored to your liking.
Snacks: Energy bars of your preference – plan for 2-4 per day Snacks such as energy bars, trail mix, and candy can help give you a quick energy boost while on the trail. Just avoid anything with caffeine in it.
Ear plugs – For light sleepers. Snoring travels in quiet high altitude lodges
Prescription medicine
Water purifier tablet / lightweight pen filter
Toilet paper – Bring two rolls of toilet paper, one to keep in your daypack for use on the trail, and one in your duffel for use at tea house camp. Taking the cardboard center out makes it easier to transport.
Menstrual product for her
Diamox (if using)
Blister plasters – different shapes and sizes
Antibiotic cream or ointment
Hairbrush/comb
Foot powder
Nail cutter
Personal belonging items
Passport
Cash Visa / credit card
Cell phone
Power bank backup and charger – The standard voltage of electricity in Nepal is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric or electronic appliances in Nepal without a voltage converter.
Camera / Gopro
If hiking is something you’ve done before, you should know what is essential? How to pack and use gears? Layer clothes to stay warm and dry. It’s fairly easy for beginners if we concentrate on a few fundamental ideas here;
Important things to bear in mind before travelling from home and while on Manaslu Trek:
Bring essential trekking equipment on the plane with you, especially your walking boots, in case your luggage is delayed.
Pack a minimum of a jacket, rain pants, cameras, water, sunglasses, and a camera in your day pack. Since your main luggage won’t be accessible until the end of your trek for the day, pack any additional items you might need.
We will provide you duffel bag for your trip gear packing. Your main duffel bag will be carried by the porters. This pack can only hold a maximum weight of 12 kg per trekkers. Extra porters are needed for bags that are overweight or large.
To protect clothing from moisturizing objects, rain, and snow, place it in a dry bag.
Sherpa Brothers Treks key tips to you for staying warm in the mountains during Manaslu Trek.
The weather on the mountain is an unpredictable and subject to sudden changes. Low clouds, mist, and fog can make for a chilly and moist stroll even when it’s not raining. Even on a sunny day, the wind chill factor can make it feel very cold.
Never remain in wet clothes; as soon as you arrive at the campsite, change into dry ones.
You need outer layer to shield you from the cold wind and provide warmth in chilled weather. It should be both waterproof and breathable to resist liquid water passing through, but allow water vapour to pass through, facility to block out rain and snow while allowing vapour from sweat to evaporate.
In very cold weather, if you sweat and your base layer cannot keep the moisture out of your body, you run the risk of becoming chilled or, worse, hypothermic. To avoid the risk your inner or base layer shouldn’t be cotton, it needs to be wicking sweat, moisturize away from your body and breathable. Likewise, your mid-layer or next layer need to be warm and insulating helps sweat escape while retaining body heat.
You’ll need clothing for sleeping, relaxing in the evening, and trekking during the day. Since temperatures can vary due to changing altitude. Layers are therefore essential.
Clothes that are quick to dry, hand washable, breathable, and lightweight are ideal.
Not made of cotton! Cotton absorbs moisture rapidly since it doesn’t let it out.
It is not appropriate to hike in jeans, so don’t pack them.
Since cold weather shortens the life of batteries, bring extra sets.
Sherpa Brothers Treks Tips; How can you be practical and friendly with your Manaslu trip Trekking gears ?
Your daypack needs to be comfortable, with adjustable shoulder straps, and a hip belt. Choose one that fits properly, has room for a hydration bladder and water bottles, and is big enough to fit your rain gear, a few layers, and other daily necessities because you’ll be wearing it all day.
Not all daypacks come with a built-in rain cover; make sure to check and buy one separately.
Practice packing and unpacking your duffel bag and daypack; knowing where everything goes can be very helpful on those cold mornings when you struggle to get started.
Practice hiking with your boots, poles and your daypack. Experiment with putting on and taking off your daypack and adjusting it to fit different clothing layers combination.
Keep in mind what you will be doing before your trek, you’ll be able to leave excess luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu while you on trekking.
Don’t hesitate to ask us, get in touch with any questions you have. Our friendly and experienced team members will always be happy to help you.
Reservation cancellations policy
There will be no fees associated with cancellations made more than 45 days prior to departure.
A penalty of 30% of the total trip cost will apply for cancellations made between 30 and 44 days prior to departure.
60% of the total trip cost will be lost for cancellations made between 15 and 29 days prior to departure.
If a cancellation is made 14 days prior to departure, there will be no reimbursement.
Additional specifications
When making your reservation, please let us know about any special needs you may have so that we can make responsible efforts to accommodate your requests and special requirements, as long as the locations and resources allow.
Tour Cost & Schedule
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