The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular off-the-beaten-trek in Nepal that will take you to the foot of Eight Highest Mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu. To help you prepare for this amazing trek in Nepal, we present you “A Complete Guide to Manslu Circuit Trek” which will cover:
- Basic Outline Itinerary for Beginners
- Best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek
- A full Map of Manaslu Circuit
- Required Permits and Permisiions
- Accommodation during the Trek
- Circuit Trek Difficulty Explanation
- Workout
- Packing List for the Trek
- Some important Q&A about the Trek
If you already know everything then you might like this 15 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek | Off-Limits
Manaslu Cicuit Trip Short Details:
| Total Distance | 177 km (109 miles) from Kathamndu |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to Challenging (Depends upon physical fitness) |
| Duration | 15 Days minimum for Beginners |
| Max Elevation | 5,106m (Larkya La Pass) highest point |
| Region | Manaslu Region West Nepal |
| Permits Required | MCAP, ACAP, TIMS, Special Manaslu Trek Permit |
Note*= At least 2 people is mandatory for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Solo trek in this region is impossible.
Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit:
The ititnerary depends upon your physical condition and the route you choose. Considering for the safety of the trekkers, here is the perfect 15 days itinerary of Manaslu Circuit.
- Day 01 Arrival in Kathamndu & Transfer to Hotel
- Day 02 Preparation and Sightseeing Day
- Day 03 Drive to Macha Khola (930m)
- Day 04 Trek to Jagat (1,410 m)
- Day 05 Jagat to Deng (1,800m)
- Day 06 Trekking to Namrung (2,630m)
- Day 07 Namrung to Syala (3,500m)
- Day 08 Trek to Sama Gaon (3,530m) & Visit Pungyen Gumba – 5hrs
- Day 09 Acclimatization day at Sama Gaon
- Day 10 Trekking to Samdo (3,860m)
- Day 11 Trek to Dharamsala/Lake Phedi (4,470m)
- Day 12 Larke-La Pass with 5,106m altitude and to Bhimthang-3,720m
- Day 13 Trek back to Dharapani 1,860m
- Day 14 Drive back to Kathmandu which is the starting point.
- Day 15: Departure From Kathamndu
Best Time & Weather to do Manaslu Circuit Trek:
The best weather for Manaslu Circuit Trek is from September to Novermber, and from March to May which are the Autumn & Spring season. During this time, the weather are mostly clear and warm with temperatrures ranging from 15°C to 25°C during day.
See the details of each month and find how you can trek during Monsoon and Winter season too.
Spring Season for Manaslu Circuit:
During the spring season, the weather is generally pleasent as well as less crowded than Autumn season. Manaslu Circuit Trek during this time offers clear view of mountains and lush Rhododendron forests. Here is short information about each month in Spring season.
- March: This month is the starting of Spring season and the good time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek as it will be less crowded. The temperature will change according to the elevation. Normally, 10°-20°C is expected during the day & 0°-10°C duing nighttime.
- April: It brings you along with Nepali New Year. The weather & temperature is similer to month of March however with possibility of rain or snow.
- May= It ends the spring season and slowly temperatures start to increase. The temperature is fairly warm at this time. Trekking in this month makes you break a sweat but not miserably hot. Even though the temperature is quite hot at lower altitudes, it’s mildly cold at higher altitudes.
Summer Season for Manaslu Circuit:
The summer season is also known as the monsoon season in Nepal, which means that weather will be wet & more humid. The trail is also dangerous during this time with slippery roads, risk of landslides or floods. Despite the potential danger, people still manage to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
If you are well-prepared and want to take challenge then starting of June and end of August can be the best time.
Autumn Season for Manaslu Circuit:
The autumn season is the best season to trek any trekking trails in Nepal due to its warm days and cool nights. The weather is generally dry & clear, with fields full of different types of crops, and the main festival of Nepalese people i.e. Dashain and Tihar also fall in this season.
- Septembe: September is the first month of the autumn season. Basically, the monsoon ends in the middle of September. So, most of the rain is experienced in September. This month provides stable and glorious weather conditions. The average temperature this month is 7.7°C.
- October: October is the best month for trekking in this Manaslu circuit. After September there is no chance of downpour, days are always moderate which is the perfect weather for trekkers. This month, you can examine awesome mountain views and you’ll be surrounded by eye-catching snow-capped mountains.
- November: November is the final month of this autumn season where the temperature starts to decrease remarkably. This month brings you cold and dry weather. Trekking in this month too provides eye-catching snow-capped mountains.
Winter Season for Manaslu Circuit:
During winter, the the days are shorter, with much more cold temperature and bad weather possibility. The temperature easily goes down to -20°C during night and morning. However, it is still possible to trek during this season.
If you ever go trek during Winter then you will face tough challenges however best experience and views. The trail will be so empty that there won’t be anyone to disturb you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map:
This Manaslu circuit trek map is designed according to our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary. As seen on the map, you will trek in anticlockwise starting from Soti Khola & ending at Dharapani.
Permits & Costs for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Manaslu Circuit Trek was opened for trekking in 1991 A.D & falls under the restricted area of West Nepal, Manaslu Conservation area. To be able to trek in this region, you will need the following permits which can be obtain from Nepa Government or trekking agenciws like us.
Note:* Permits are not issued for independent trekkers. There must be a minimum of two trekkers along with one local guide.
Special Restricted Permits for Manaslu (RAP):
Remember this permit relies upon the month & the number of days you will spend in this region.
- September to November: USD 100 per person for the initial seven days and USD 15 for each extra day from the eighth day onwards.
- December to August: USD 75 per person for the initial seven days and USD 10 for each extra day from the eighth day onwards.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP):
This Manaslu trek permit is required as soon as you enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The price of this permit remains constant throughout the year.
- MCAP fee for SAARC Nationals: NRS 1000 / Approx. USD 10
- MCAP fee for other Nationals: NRS 3000 / Approx. USD 30
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
This Manaslu permit is required from Dharapani until you exit Annapurna Conservation Area in Besishar. Similar to MCAP the price is constant throughout the year.
- ACAP fee for SAARC Nationals: NRS 1,000 / Approx. USD 10
- ACAP fee for other Nationals: NRS 3,000 / Approx. USD 30
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
Many agencies state that TIMS is not necessary for the Manaslu Circuit trek but that is not completely true. TIMS is needed in every trekking trail to ensure the safety & security of trekkers.
- TIMS fee for SAARC Nationals: NRS 300 / Approx. USD 3
- TIMS fee for other Nationals: NRS 1000 / Approx. USD 10
- TIMS for FIT (Free Individual Trekker): NRS 2000 / Approx. USD 20
Where to get these trekking permits?
On the off chance that you are doing this trek individually, at that point you can get these permits from Nepal Tourism Board Office situated on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu or in Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board Service Center.
Extra Notice*
- No entrance fee required for children under 10 years
- Should carry MCAP & ACAP individually
- 4 passport size photos for permit
Accommodation During Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Manaslu circuit trek is one of the restricted and isolated trekking regions of Nepal. You will find tea houses in the form of accommodation in Manaslu Circuit trail. Tea Houses offers basic facilities that includes private room, shared bathrooms, & a dining room.
Similarly, the avaibality of accommodation in the higher elevation is limited which is why it is important to book in advance or secure your stay. Overall, it is hard to find rooms during peak season.
If you have done this trek before then you might recall the name of the tea houses that I have listed below.
Accommodation in Soti-Khola:
- Satkar Guest House
- Tsum Valley Guest House
- Green Valley Guest House
- ABC Guest House
- Fulbari Guest House
All these guest houses provide the basic facilities i.e. food and rooms. Similarly, each guest house provides wifi service and telephone services.
Machha Khola:
- Everest Guest House
- Tsum Valley Guest House
- Larkey Guest House
- Hilltop Guest House
Jagat:
Jagat is 7hrs away from Machha Khola and it is the third day of the Manaslu trek. Like Machha Khola trekkers will find just four guest houses here too. All those guest houses provide wifi and satellite phone facilities like Machha Khola & trekkers can find four guest houses in Jagat too. They are:
- Manaslu Santi Guest House
- Himalayan Tourist Guest House
- Jagat Guest House
- Rubi Nala Guest House
From Jagat restricted permit for Manaslu as well as Tsum valley starts. Trekkers can see the check post where they need to show their permit and register it.
Deng:
- Shangri-La Cottage
- Windy Valley Guest House
- New Manaslu Guest House
All of these guest houses have wifi facility but they don’t have a hot shower.
Namrung:
- Nubri Four Season Resort
- Namrung Thakali Guest House
- Namrung Guest House
Syala:
- Lama Guest House
- Tashi Dalek Guest House
- Majestic Manaslu Guest House
- Namaste Guest House
Sama Gaun:
- Nobri Guest House
- Norling Guest House
- Mount Manaslu Guest House
- Sama Gaun Guest House
- Gurung Cottage Guest House
- Tashi Dalek Guest House
- Peace Heaven Guest House
Samdo:
- Jambala Guest House
- Yak Hotel
- Tibetan Twin Hotel
Dharmasala:
- Larkey Guest House
- Larkey Guest House
Bimthang:
- Sushma Guest House
- Ganga Guest House
- Himalayan Guest House
- Apple Garden
- Mountain Ponker Cottage
Dharapani:
Dharapani is the last stop of this Manaslu circuit trek. Here, trekkers can find lots of guest houses with lots of facilities according to your budget. Trekkers can find a room with an attached toilet too. As well as trekkers also can find wifi and hot water shower service easily.
Basically, the cost of accommodation in Manaslu differs on the basis of season. Likewise, the higher the altitude-higher the cost of accommodation will be. The cost of accommodation starts from $3-$5 in peak seasons in the lower altitude where at higher altitude the cost starts from $7-$10. While in off-season trekkers can find accommodation in $2-$3 in lower altitude and $5-$7 in higher altitude.
Manaslu Circuit Trek-Difficulty Level:
In terms of difficulty, Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered as moderate to challenging level trek which can be done by beginner to avid trekkers. However, why it can be hard for some trekkers? Here are the reasons why Manaslu Circuit Trek can be hard.
Difficulty by Distance:
Located in the west-central part of Nepal, the total distance of the Manaslu circuit covers is about 177 km. You’ll be walking for 15-20km on daily basis for about 10 to 12 days, which can be real trouble for beginners’ trekkers. Basically, the treks start from either Barpark or Soti Khola.
The first few days of trekking will be a little difficult as the Budi Gandaki George is harsh steep. Also, you have to walk through a lot of uphill’s & downhills frequently. The trail can be breezy while crossing the suspension bridge above the Budi Gandaki River.
Difficulty by Elevation & Acclimatization:
Manaslu trek is widely varied, taking you from its lowest point at 730m (Soti Khola) to the highest point of Manaslu, Larke Pass at 5,106m. Also, crossing Larke Pass at an altitude of 5,106m is the biggest challenge of this trek.
Throughout the trek, you’ll walk for about 6 to 8 hours on a daily basis gaining 500m to 700m of elevation. Altitude sickness can be a major problem for most trekkers. So good physical fitness is a must to complete this trek. Drinking plenty of water, walking slowly, taking regular rest along the way can help you stay away from altitude sickness.
Note*: If you find any disorder in your body such as shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite then immediately inform your guide. In case if you are alone seeking help from fellow travelers or quickly descend to lower altitudes. Altitude sickness or AMS is a serious condition & is fatal most of the time.
On our standard 15 days Manaslu circuit trek itinerary, you’ll rest at Sama Gaun (3,520m) for acclimatization. The rest day is very important for your body to adjust to higher altitudes.
Preparations for Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Trekking in Nepal may not be as easy as you thought. Walking uphill & downhill frequently for 5 to 8 hours per day with your daypack is definitely not a joke. It requires a good level of physical strength & mental preparation.
As mention already, Manaslu is a moderately difficult trek. You have to walk via steep hills, rocky paths, jungles & suspension bridges as well.
So how do you prepare for this trek?
- Strengthen your legs, since trekking is done all by walking. For leg workouts you can include leg press, squat, walking lunge, reverse table-up & so on.
- Have good cardiovascular fitness. This will help to supply oxygen-rich blood to the working muscle tissue.
- During the Manaslu trek as you gain elevation, the amount of oxygen level decreases. So in order to cope with this situation, you need to build cardiovascular fitness. To build cardiovascular fitness do activities like cycling, jogging, running & swimming.
- Do yoga & meditations. It is a must to keep yourself calm & handle stress in different conditions. In most cases, I have seen many trekkers worrying about the altitude. Don’t worry, just go slow & enjoy your trek.
Transportation in Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit trekking journey starts from Soti Khola & ends at Dharapani. And there are two options to reach Soti Khola either go by local bus or by private vehicle.
If you plan to go by public bus note that there is no direct bus access to Soti Khola from Kathmandu. You will make a transit in Arughat. The total distance from Kathmandu to Arughat is 136km & from there to Soti Khola is roughly 18 km & in total it will take you around 7-8 hours which depends on the road condition.
Riding by private vehicles is a perfect decision. This is a hassle-free alternative as you don’t need to hang tight for and search for open transports. Private jeeps with a visitor plate (in green shading) can take you directly to Soti Khola without stopping in Arughat. On the other hand, private jeeps with a red plate, then again, need to stop in Arughat, from where you have to change to a privately reserved jeep to keep on Soti Khola.
What to pack for Manaslu Circuit Trek?
I know it’s a nerve-racking task when it comes to packing for trekking in Nepal and the same goes for Manaslu circuit trek as well. Here is why we have prepared you a complete packing list for the Manaslu Circuit trek to help you get a head start.
| Cap or Hat | Neckband or Buff | Sunglasses | Warm Gloves / 1 pair |
| Wicking long-sleeve T-shirts / 2 pairs | Quick-dry T-shirts / 2 pairs | Bra / 3 Pairs (sports bra recommended) | Thermal underwear / 2 pairs |
| Underwear / 4 pairs | Fleece Jackets / 2 pairs | Insulated Jacket or Down Jacket / 1 pair ( Can be rented ) | Insulated trekking pants / 2 pairs |
| 1 pair of waterproof jackets & pants on your bag. | Shorts (optional) | Gaiters (optional) | Hiking boots / 1 pair |
| Spare shoe / 1 pair | Camp shoe or sandal / 1 pair | Woolen hiking socks / 4 pairs | Cotton socks / 2 pairs |
| Sleeping Bags ( can be rented ) | Water bottles or water bladder | Trekking pole | Portable charger |
Quick tip: Try to make your backpack as light as possible. Avoid bringing unnecessary items.
Is it possible to buy all the trekking items in Nepal?
Yes, of course. There are lots of trekking gear shops in Thamel, Kathmandu where you can easily buy every trekking gear & equipment. These shops sell quality clothes, gears & accessories at a reasonable price.
Also, you can get sleeping bags & down jackets in rent for which they will be charging you per day.
- Sleeping bag charge: Nrs 100/ $1
- Down Jacket charge: Nrs 100/ $1
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