Destination
Nepal
Activity
Trekking
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge and Tea house
Region
Manaslu Region
Distance
177 km ~
Start / End Point
Bhulbule/Arughat Bazaar
Duration
12 Nights 13 Days
Max. Altitude
5160m
Meals Included
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Group Size
2-25
Nature of Trek
Tea house trek
Best Season
March-May August-November
Trip Code
MT-MCT
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Transporation
Jeep / bus
Grade
Moderate
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a less-traveled path through Nepal, taking you deep into the heart of the Manaslu region, where the towering Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world's eighth-highest peak, majestically stands. This 14-day adventure promises awe-inspiring vistas, not limited to snow-cappeded mountains and pristine glaciers but also showcases rare and remarkable flora and fauna. Until the early 1990s, access to the Manaslu region was restricted to tourists, so now preserving its trails and offering secluded journeys to those seeking respite from the bustling trekking routes Manaslu is open.
The name "Manaslu" itself holds profound meaning, translating to the "mountain of the spirit." Local belief holds that Manaslu is the abode of "Palden Lhamo," a revered Buddhist goddess known for her ability to dispel malevolent spirits, demons, and negative energies. Many pilgrims ascend Manaslu to pay homage to this goddess, seeking her blessings and protection during their ascent.
Starting from Machhakhola and concluding at Dharapani, the Manaslu Circuit Trek traverses numerous Nepalese cultural gems, including Tamang, Magar, and Gurung (Sherpa) settlements. Ideal for those who seek an alternative to the well-trodden paths of Nepal, this trek offers a distinctive experience and creates lasting memories compared to other renowned treks such as Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.
- Remote and less crowded trek in the Gorkha region.
- Stunning mountain vistas, including Manaslu and other 7,000+ meter peaks.
- Teahouses and Nepali-Tibetan cuisine available.
- Rich cultural experiences with Gurungs and Bhutias.
- Challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,167 meters.
- Diverse landscapes from subtropical to high-altitude.
- Wildlife encounters in the Manaslu Conservation Area.
The Unique Culture of the Manaslu Region:
Nestled in the western-central part of Nepal, bordering Tibet, the Manaslu region bears a profound influence of Tibetan culture. Its inhabitants, predominantly of Tibetan descent, practice Buddhism as their primary religion. The rich tapestry of Buddhist traditions in the Manaslu region is evident through the numerous monasteries scattered across the landscape. Additionally, various ethnic groups, including the Gurung, Nubri, and Tsumba communities, each contribute their distinct cultural practices and traditions.
The dominant Buddhist community celebrates a series of festivals throughout the year, including Losar (Tibetan New Year), Buddha Jayanti (the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha), and the Mani Rimdu Festival, which spans three days. Notably, the Mani Rimdu Festival holds particular significance in the Tsum Valley, primarily inhabited by the Sherpa community. This celebration also symbolizes Buddhism's triumph over Bon, an ancient religion of Tibet. During the festival, Buddhist monks partake in various traditional dances and rituals, such as the sacred masked dance known as "Tungna." A traditional dance called "Serkam," performed in the traditional attire "Chuba," offers further cultural insights during festivals and tourist visits. Surprisingly, the Manaslu Region is renowned for its practice of polyandry, where one woman is married to multiple men. This tradition is chiefly observed in the Nubri Valley and is believed to have originated as a means of conserving land and resources in the region.
Moving to the Gurung community of the Manaslu region, they showcase their unique cultural practices during the Tihar festival, where the vibrant Ghatu dance takes center stage. This dance, featuring men and women adorned in colorful traditional attire, incorporates drums and other musical instruments. The culture of the Manaslu region is deeply rooted in Buddhism, evident not only in their cuisine but also in their daily lives and rituals, creating an immersive cultural experience for trekkers.
Furthermore, while the lower regions are characterized by Tibetan-influenced Buddhists and their distinctive way of life, the Upper Manaslu is inhabited by the Bhutias (also known as Bhotias), who are of Tibetan origin. The Bhutias migrated from Kham, Eastern Tibet, in the 17th century and follow the Buddhist faith, speaking a Tibetan dialect. In addition, the region is renowned for its locally grown produce, including apples, pears, and potatoes. These ingredients find their way into traditional dishes, infusing Gorkha cuisine with fresh, natural flavors. Thus, the cuisine of the Manaslu region is not merely about taste but also reflects a balance of nutrition, local sourcing, and cultural significance.
The Hidden Flavors of the Himalayas:
Traditional Meals in Manaslu Regions The Manaslu region presents a captivating fusion of Nepali and Tibetan culinary influences, offering hearty and flavorful dishes rooted in both local agriculture and enduring cultural traditions. The cornerstone of local cuisine is dal bhat, a Nepali staple primarily prepared with potatoes. Dal bhat consists of lentil soup (dal) served atop rice (bhat), often accompanied by an array of vegetable or meat curries. Additionally, the region offers "Dhido," a traditional corn or millet dish savored by many trekkers. This nourishing, well-balanced meal is a beloved choice for both locals and travelers. Popular dishes in the Manaslu region also include momos and Tibetan bread, prepared traditionally to provide a unique culinary experience.
Locally crafted momos, akin to dumplings, are filled with minced meat or vegetables and pair harmoniously with spicy sauces. Tibetan bread, known locally as "Khambheer" or "Khapa," is a dense and chewy bread with a subtly sweet flavor, enhancing its taste when served alongside savory stews and curries. The Gurung ethnic group, prominent in the Manaslu region, introduces distinctive dishes like "Kodo (millet) ko Roti" and "Sikarni" to the culinary landscape. "Kodo ko Roti" is a rustic bread crafted from millet flour, offering a wholesome, earthy flavor. On the other hand, "Sikarni" is a sweet dessert comprising yogurt, honey, and spices, providing a delightful conclusion to a meal.
Beyond these culinary delights, the Manaslu region is celebrated for its utilization of yak products in traditional cooking. Yak milk, yak meat, yak cheese, and yogurt are common ingredients, contributing unique flavors and nutritional value to the local dishes. To quench their thirst, locals enjoy beverages like masala chai, a spiced tea infused with aromatic herbs and spices, and butter tea, a traditional Tibetan drink prepared by churning tea with salt and yak butter.
Manaslu Circuit Trek location and Geography?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is situated in the western-central part of Nepal, specifically within the Gorkha District. Nestled beneath the awe-inspiring Manaslu range, this region shares its western border with the Annapurna Conservation Area and is flanked by Tibet to the north and east. The grandeur of Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak globally, graces this area, reaching an astounding elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) within the Mansiri Himal subrange of the Nepalese Himalayas. The terrain surrounding Mount Manaslu showcases dynamic altitude variations. In the lower reaches, lush subtropical climates flourish, featuring verdant forests, terraced farmlands, and meandering rivers, punctuated by traditional villages that offer rich cultural and historical insights. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into alpine terrain characterized by scrublands, meadows, and sparse vegetation, a stark reflection of the colder and more challenging conditions. Upon reaching the higher altitudes, especially around the Larkya La Pass, which exceeds 5,100 meters, the environment becomes exceedingly cold. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a captivating and pristine landscape, boasting breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and charming traditional villages. Although classified as moderately challenging due to its remote and rugged nature, it can prove especially demanding for novice trekkers, given its steep ascents and the potential for losing one's way on this less-traveled route. Carrying a map of the Manaslu circuit is highly advisable for navigating confusing sections. For those new to trekking, gaining prior experience on other trails can be beneficial, helping to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Adequate physical fitness, appropriate trekking gear, and a dependable guide are essential elements to ensure a safe and enjoyable expedition along this adventurous path. Reminder: You can combine Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley Trek. The best time to trek in the Manaslu region is during Nepal's spring season, from February to mid-May. During this period, rainfall is minimal, temperatures are mild, offering warm days and chilly nights, and the landscape flourishes with blossoming flora, making it the ideal time for exploration. Additionally, autumn, spanning from September to November, is another excellent time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This season offers spectacular mountain views along with pleasant weather. The chilly nights and moderate daytime temperatures provide an ideal environment for trekking. The summer season brings heavy rainfall to the trail, earning it the title of the off-season. Many trekkers prefer to avoid the challenges associated with rain during this time, resulting in a more isolated and pristine trail. However, those who opt for trekking during the rainy season are rewarded with breathtaking views of nature and the mountains, as more than 100 types of flowers bloom, painting the region with vibrant green and colorful scenery unparalleled in other seasons. The extreme winter months of January and February pose the most challenging conditions for trekking in the Manaslu region. The weather is harsh, cold, and dry, with icy trails that increase the risk of injuries. Visibility is poor, and the threat of avalanches is heightened during this period. During the journey to Manaslu Base Camp, Samagaun village often serves as an acclimatization stop. Positioned at the base of Mt. Manaslu, this village is renowned for its captivating landscapes, thatched houses, yaks, and the nearby glacier lake known as Birendra Taal. The inhabitants of Samagaun are primarily of Tibetan origin and practice Tibetan Buddhism, infusing the village with traditional Tibetan culture.How Challenging is Manaslu Circuit Trek?
Additionally, it's worth noting that the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be combined with the Tsum Valley Trek for an extended and even more enriching experience.Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Less Crowded Trekking Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Worst time for Manaslu Circuit Trekking:
Manaslu Samagaun, Nepal:
The Manaslu Circuit Trek presents an extraordinary adventure that seamlessly blends breathtaking natural landscapes with a rich cultural immersion in Nepal's Manaslu region. This trek unveils picturesque vistas of majestic mountains, verdant valleys adorned with lush forests, and vibrant greenery. With a moderate level of fitness required, this journey promises not only remarkable memories but also an introduction to high-altitude trekking. Despite the physical demands, the Manaslu Circuit Trek proves its worth by immersing trekkers in the region's profound cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity to engage with the warm and welcoming Tibetan-influenced locals, allowing you to delve into their centuries-old traditional way of life.
Along the trek, you'll encounter ancient monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, and serene chortens, each symbolizing the deep-rooted Buddhist faith and the essence of the local community. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unparalleled experience that harmoniously combines adventure, culture, and the wonders of nature. Adequate preparation, encompassing physical conditioning, essential equipment, and necessary permits, is imperative. However, the journey in return bestows trekkers with indelible memories and a newfound reverence for Nepal's captivating beauty and diversity. Whether you're an experienced trekker or embarking on your first adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek beckons as a must-experience journey in your lifetime.
Manaslu Circuit Trek- North Nepal Travel & Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
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day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to Hotel
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day 2
Kathmandu to Jagat:
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day 3
Jagat to Dyang
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day 4
Dyang to Namrung
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day 5
Namrung to Sama Gaun(3530 m)
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day 6
Acclimatization at Sama Gaun
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day 7
Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo
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day 8
Samdo to Larkya La Phedi
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day 9
Larkya La Phedi to Bimtang
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day 10
Bhimtang to Dharapani
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day 11
Dharapani to Besisahar
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day 12
Besisahar to Kathmandu/Pokhara
Manaslu Circuit Trekking Map and Altitude Graph
What’s Included in the Manaslu Circuit Package ?
- Kathmandu International Airport transfer.
- 2-night accommodation in 3-star category hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast.
- Ground transportation to the trek's starting point and from the ending point to Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- All the required permits, such as the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS Card(Trekkers Information Management System).
- A professional, local, and friendly Guide with conversational English.
- First-Aid Kit and oximeter carried by Guide.
- Trekking gear includes a duffle bag, sleeping bag, and trekking poles.
- 10-night accommodation during the Trek with Set Breakfast.
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water and some seasonal fruits along the way.
- Immediate evacuation arrangements in case of unfortunate circumstances or health hazards (funded by travel insurance).
- All government taxes, local charges, and other entry expenses.
- North Nepal Trek achievement certificate.
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek.
- Porter
- Lunch and Dinner during the trek.
Add on:
What's excluded in the package?
- Anything related to International flight airfares such as Nepal entry visa fees, excess baggage charges, International flight tickets, and so on.
- Extra night in Kathamndu due to early arrival in Nepal or late departure, or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses during the trek (any shopping, boiled drinking water, tea coffee, cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, hot showers, Wifi, cell-phone, camera battery re-charges and so on).
- Travel insurance, which covers high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation along with medical costs.
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters.
- Excluded porters(can be add for additional cost).
- Excluded Lunch and Dinner.
- Additional costs, such as additional days due to delays caused by natural/uncontrollable phenomena such as bad weather, landslides, and change of plans(itinerary modifications) due to safety concerns, illness, and so on.
- Lastly, all of the costs and expenses that aren’t listed in the “What’s Included?” section.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Information
TIMS and Permits:
TIMS Card:
A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for all trekkers in Nepal, including those in the Manaslu region. TIMS card contains details of trekkers, signature of authorized trekking agency, date of starting and finishing the trek.
MCAP Permit:
A Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit is required for all trekkers entering the Manaslu Conservation Area. The MCAP permit costs USD 30 for all nationalities. The checkpoints for MCAP are distributed throughout the route from Jagat. Additionally, Philim is the most important checkpoint, additionally, Samagau the acclimatization point also has a checkpoint, whereas the exiting checkpoint during this Trek is at Bhimtang.
MRAP Permit:
A Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) is required for all trekkers entering the Manaslu Restricted Area. During September, October, and November, MRAP costs USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per person per day for each additional day; however, the price drops to 75$ during December to August. The checkpoints for MRAP are the same as MCAP, including Jagat, Philim, Samagaun, and Bhimtang. The necessary documents for MRAP Permits are:
- Original Passport
- Visa Number
- Travel Insurance
- QR code of Covid certification
Note:
Since the original passport is required for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the permit can only be processed after your arrival here in Nepal, and the processing time for the permit is one day.
ACAP Permit:
An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek to checkout from Dharapani, the gateway for Annapurna Circuit. The ACAP costs USD 30 per person, is valid for ten days, and can be extended for an additional ten days for an additional 15$.
1: What about Food and Accommodation?
Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley trek is one of the underrated treks among trekkers however, tea houses are very common in most places of this region. Several options are available for the food so, the guest can savor the cuisine according to their taste. As for the lodgings, each visitor get a single room but in some cases, they have to share their room. We can also spend our night in a tent but the gear and tools for the camping should be carried from the city areas. In conclusion, we can say that the facilities for food and lodging are not a problem on this journey.
2: Is this trek possible with children?
This trek is one of the longest treks so, carrying children may be burdensome. However, with extra care and caution children can conquer the trek but may face copious amounts of difficulties along the way. To minimize the burden, the hikers may opt to hire a special caretaking guide for the whole journey.
3: Do I need any special permits on this trek?
Yes, you may need to pay for the permit since this place falls under the Manaslu Conservation Area. The cost of the permit for the Manaslu region is US$ 100 per person for a week from September to November and an additional US$15 is added per day for each person after a week. Similarly from December to August, it cost US$ 75 per person for a week with an additional US$ 10 added to each person after a week of their stay.
4: How do I prepare for this long journey?
Many trekkers opt to hike to nearby hills in order to prepare for the trek. It will be better if the trekkers perform a normal medical check-up such as blood pressure, heartbeat etc. Any hikers in need of special medication must inform the guides and should take the medication. The mandatory gear and tools should be packed compulsorily and warm clothes are a must. The trek is long so, dry foods are very necessary for an energy boost during a walk. Alcohol consumption should be strictly avoided. Most importantly, the trekkers must follow the guide's instructions and advice.
5: The cultural lifestyle of this region?
The people of this region mostly follow Buddhism so, this region is greatly influenced by the Tibetan culture. We can find a handful of monasteries, and gompas along the way. We can also peek at the various Buddhist rituals, traditions, and cultures recited by the natives during special occasions.
6: Where is Manaslu located?
The Manaslu also known as Kutang, is located in the Mansiri Himal range in the Nepalese Himalayas. The Gorkha district hosts this eighth-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,163 m/26,782 ft. Manaslu is also a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers, who want to trek the isolated Manaslu region.
7: Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost?
Generalizing the demands of the clients, we offer three different packages and encourage you to choose the cost of ABC Trekking yourself. The services we offer are:
1) Full Board Service(per person 80$ a day):
If you want a hassle-free adventure without worries about TIMS permits, transportation, food, and accommodation, this is the right package for you, as we take care of everything before and during your trek at just 80$ per person a day.
2) Half Board Service(per person 55$ a day):
Guide, TIMS, Permits, ground transportation, and breakfast and accommodation at the lodge.
3) Guide and Porter Service (30$ a day for a guide and 22$ a day for a porter):
The standard charge for a guide is 30$ per day, and for a porter is 22$ per day, but depending upon your specific request, the price may vary.
Additionally, you can add the TIMS and ACAP permits and the Land Transportation before and after the trek in this package.
Note: The above rates are standard; however, the price range may differ with your plans and special requests. We also provide custom itineraries with flexible schedules so you can email us your preferences and plans at [email protected].
What are the things to carry with yourself for Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
Depending on the season you wish to go trekking you may have to make adjustments to clothing and equipment however these are the necessities list we prepared to keep your comfort and utility in mind. We never recommend our clients bring over equipment that is not necessary for the trek.
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or Wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Body
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt made of synthetic fiber
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-shirts ( bring Lightweight wool)
- Polypropylene underwear
- down jacket ( available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
Footwear
- Hiking Boots that have been worn in
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take a porter or not).
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification
- Trekking pole
- Sleeping bag (-15 bag is best in the high altitude trek)
- Toiletries (toilet papers, toothpaste, toothbrush, )
Toiletries
- Medium-size drying towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant/ floss
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
- Extra items
- First aid kit
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
- Notebook and pen
- Binocular
Manaslu Circuit Trek Company Reviews
Excellent Service for Manaslu Trek
We organized permits and a guide for an independent Manaslu Circuit Trek with North Nepal Travels & Trek (based in Pokhara) in October 2022. We recommend North Nepal for any adventure you may have in Nepal. The owner, Mohan, is patient, knowledgeable, and very kind. We reached out via WhatsApp before our arrival and he answered our questions well.
As the time for our initial meeting approached, some late-monsoon weather caused landslides and damaged parts of the Manaslu Circuit trail, leaving many trekkers stuck in Samagaun. Mohan let us know about the conditions, and advised us to wait until it was safe. Two days later, he let us know that he got information that it was likely that local people would finish making trails across the landslides, and that we could begin our trek. We provided our passports and documents, and he got the three permits organized for us the same day (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) for $160 per person. Guide service provided for $28/day (which includes guide accommodation, food, and drinks). We paid for our groups’ transportation, accommodation, food, and drinks independently on the trail. We met with the fantastic freelance guide he organized for us (Raj Rai - recommended!) and began transportation to the trek the next day. North Nepal allowed for the payment of 8 days upfront, and the remaining 5 days after we returned from the trek. Mohan also directed us to the reputable “Trekking Shop/ Trek equipment solution” located next door, which provided excellent service for equipment rental and purchase.
During our pre-trip conversations, North Nepal also provided complementary chai masala, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was a lovely experience organizing our trek with North Nepal and recommend them fully for any adventures you want to plan, big or small.
Amazing and well organized Manaslu trek
We did the Manaslu Trek for 14 days from Pochara with Zeewan as guide and we had a perfect trip! Mohan from North Nepal was very helpful in organizing the trip and preparing us in every way with proper equipment, luggage transfer etc.
Zeewan was both a very skilled guide and animal spotter, but also an extremely kind and caring guide who took care of us in the best ways. Niranzan from North Nepal was also with us to do some PR and he too was caring and very good company while teaching us a lot about Tibetan and Nepalese culture and lifestyle.
We had a fun, beautiful, authentic and impressive trek and can highly recommend North Nepal.
Great trek with Raj
We had a great time trekking with Raj, doing the Manaslu circuit and Tsum Valley. He is an amazing guide who made trekking very fun and enjoyable. This was my girlfriend first trek in Nepal and first trek longer than 8h. Raj is a great guide for beginners, setting up a very reasonable pace through the mountains, while providing great information about the surroundings. I 100% recommend trekking with him if this is your first time trekking in Nepal.
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