Manaslu Circuit Trek 13 Days

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is situated in the north-central part of Nepal, in the Gorkha district, surrounding Mount Manaslu, which is the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres. The trek is entirely within the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected area of wilderness that was established in 1998 to preserve the region's unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Its proximity to the Tibetan border (the trek gets close, only a few kilometres away) is the reason for this restricted area and the heavy influence of Tibetan culture, as seen in the upper villages. This region is one of the most isolated and undeveloped trekking areas in Nepal.

The typical Manaslu Circuit Trekking route requires a total of 13 days to finish, including the journey from Kathmandu to the trekking site and back. Other routes may require 14 to 16 days, depending on the itinerary that involves acclimatisation days or side trips.

There are shorter versions (10-11 days) with further treks into the mountains, but these pack the acclimatisation days and are more prone to altitude sickness. Longer versions (15-17 days) include excursions to Manaslu Base Camp, Tsum Valley, or additional acclimatisation days, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration.

The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass, which is 5,160 metres (16,929 feet) above sea level. This point is the highest point of the trek and represents the transition from the Manaslu side to the Annapurna side of the trek, as it moves from the Nubri Valley to the Marshyangdi Valley.

The trek begins at Machha Khola (870m), meaning you'll gain over 4,200 metres of elevation during the journey, a massive altitude range that takes you from subtropical jungle through temperate forests to alpine meadows and finally into the high Himalayan zone of rock, ice, and snow.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is classified as moderately to very challenging, making it an upper intermediate trek in terms of Himalayan treks. Although it does not require technical climbing expertise, ropes, or any climbing gear, it still requires a certain level of physical fitness, mental toughness, and the ability to withstand long days at high altitudes.

The trekking is more challenging than popular treks such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp treks because of the higher pass and longer daily trekking distances. It is less challenging than technical peaks or high-altitude treks but should not be taken lightly.

Yes, absolutely. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is much less crowded than the Everest region and also less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Nonetheless, the popularity of Manaslu is on the rise as more people get to hear about its beauty and the fact that it is relatively less crowded. The number of trekkers has been rising in recent years, but this is from a very low base. Nonetheless, it is still one of the less crowded major trails in Nepal.

The average walking times per day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are 3-4 hours on the shortest days and 8-10 hours on the longest day. However, on most days, the trekking time is 5-7 hours.

Although previous trekking experience is not an absolute necessity, it is highly recommended. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not the best trek to gain initial trekking experience because of its length, high altitude, inaccessibility, and difficult sections. But previous experience in the Himalayas is not necessary; multi-day trekking experience in any mountain range is very helpful.

This is a complex question. Absolute beginners who have never gone hiking before should not attempt the Manaslu Circuit as their first trekking experience. But beginners who have never trekked in the Himalayas but have experience with multi-day hiking in other parts of the world can successfully complete the Manaslu Circuit.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area trek, and it also passes through two conservation areas, so it requires three different permits. All these permits need to be obtained before embarking on the trek. The permits can be obtained from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, depending on the type of permit. The permits are as follows:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) 
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

You are required to carry these permits along with you on the trek as they will be checked at various points: Jagat (entry into MCAP), Samagaon (RAP check), Samdo (check at the border area), and Dharapani (exit from Manaslu and entry into Annapurna).

The reason for Manaslu being a restricted area is because of its proximity to the Tibetan border and the concerns of the Nepalese government regarding this region.

Being a restricted area means that you have to trek with a guide from a licensed agency, and you have to trek in a group of at least two people. Although these rules seem to be quite restrictive, they have managed to preserve the character of Manaslu and have allowed tourism in this region.

Yes, a licensed guide is absolutely necessary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek as it is a restricted area. You cannot trek alone or solo. You have to hire a guide from a registered trekking agency. This is strictly enforced at the permit points. The quality guides make the journey much better with their knowledge, safety management, cultural information, and problem-solving skills. Instead of seeing the required guide as a constraint, one should look at it as an added advantage that provides safety and helps the local economy.

No, you cannot do the Manaslu Circuit Trek alone. The rules for the restricted area state that you must have a guide and a minimum of two people. But you can still go alone with some adjustments.

Yes, the permit fees for the Manaslu Circuit are greatly reduced for SAARC nationals compared to foreign trekkers. The reduced cost makes the Manaslu Circuit more accessible to South Asian trekkers, but the cost of other services such as a guide, porter, accommodation, meals, and transportation remains the same for all.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek, which means that instead of camping, you will stay in locally-owned teahouses. The teahouses are family-run guesthouses that offer basic but adequate accommodations, meals, and a warm gathering place for trekkers.

The teahouse system allows for a true cultural experience as you are staying in local homes, is a sustainable form of tourism as it puts money directly into the local mountain communities, has less impact on the environment than camping (no need to carry tents, sleeping bags, or food), and you can pack light as you don't have to carry camping gear.

The rooms in teahouses are normally private (which means your group has exclusive use of the room), but you would normally share the room with a trekking partner in a twin-sharing system with two single beds. Single private rooms are not common, especially in the higher regions.

If you would like to have exclusive use of the room (not sharing with another trekker), a single supplement charge (usually $200 to $300 for the entire trek) would be charged by the agency. This is because the agency would not be able to accommodate another trekker in the room when you are using the twin room alone.

In peak season, when teahouses are fully booked, there are occasional circumstances in which trekkers may share common areas or even dining halls for sleeping, although this is highly unlikely on the Manaslu Circuit and normally only happens at Dharamsala before crossing the pass when unexpected groups meet.

The availability of hot showers differs greatly depending on the altitude, and when available, it is always an extra cost. Hot showers are never free on the Manaslu Circuit.

Although it is uncomfortable to go a few days without showering, it is not a serious health concern for someone in good health. Instead, concentrate on the following: washing hands frequently (especially before meals), changing into clean base layers when possible, drying out clothes when the weather allows, and keeping overall cleanliness of high-touch areas (hands, face).

Most trekkers find that after a day or two, not showering becomes normal, and everyone else is in the same situation, reducing any social concern. The incredible scenery, cultural experiences, and adventure more than compensate for a few days without bathing.

Teahouse menus offer surprising variety considering the remote location and supply difficulties. Food combines traditional Nepali dishes with Westernised options catering to international trekkers. 

Breakfast options might include porridge with milk and sugar, Tibetan bread with jam, honey, or peanut butter, Eggs, Pancakes, Toast with jam, etc.

Lunch and Dinner options might include fried rice, chow mein, thukpa, momos, pasta, pizza, spring rolls, soups, etc.

Beverages might include tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot lemon with honey, soft drinks, boiled water, etc.

Yes, vegetarian food is abundantly available throughout the Manaslu Circuit. In fact, vegetarian options often outnumber meat dishes on teahouse menus, and many trekkers choose vegetarian eating even if they normally eat meat.

Many trekkers choose vegetarian meals even if they normally eat meat because: vegetables and lentils are fresh and well-stored. Meat storage is questionable at high altitudes without refrigeration. Vegetarian meals reduce food poisoning risk, dal bhat is the most nutritious and energy-providing option, Buddhist and Hindu influences make vegetarian preparation culturally authentic, and vegetables are more sustainably transported to high elevations.

No, you should never drink untreated water on the Manaslu Circuit. There are several safe alternatives for drinking water. Hydration is essential for acclimatisation. 

Although mountain water sources appear to be clean, they can be contaminated with Giardia and other parasites, bacteria from human and animal waste, pollutants from upstream settlements, and agricultural runoff. Even cold and clear streams in the mountains can be contaminated with pathogens that cause life-threatening diseases.

Yes, altitude sickness is a fairly common occurrence on the Manaslu Circuit, although serious instances can be prevented by proper acclimatisation. The trek reaches 5,160 metres where oxygen is approximately 50% of sea level, making some degree of altitude effect almost universal.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) prevention is a very intricate process that requires a mix of good acclimatisation, staying hydrated, being physically fit, and being attuned to your body’s signals.

By following these strategies for prevention, the risk of AMS will be greatly reduced, although nothing can be 100% guaranteed. The most important factor for healthy acclimatisation and success is to have the right itinerary, stay hydrated, ascend slowly, eat well, and be honest about your symptoms.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek and will be verified by reputable trekking agencies before departure. This isn't bureaucratic formality, it's an essential safety requirement that could save your life and financial wellbeing.

Travel insurance is not optional. It's an essential safety requirement and demonstration of responsible trekking. You must purchase full coverage insurance. You must know your policy details, and always carry your documents with you on your adventure.

Yes, helicopter rescue is available on the Manaslu Circuit trek, but with certain conditions and considerations in mind. Helicopter rescue exists as a last resort for serious emergencies. Don't rely on easy evacuation as a backup plan, prevention through safe trekking practices is far preferable to hoping for helicopter rescue.

Facilities are very basic on the Manaslu Circuit. Unlike more developed trekking trails such as Everest or Annapurna, medical facilities are very basic, and prevention and self-care are essential.

The Manaslu Circuit is a self-reliant trek when it comes to medical matters. It is essential that you have the necessary first aid kit, that you practice prevention, that you understand your limitations, and that you are prepared to evacuate serious medical issues to Kathmandu.

You must have knowledge of emergency procedures on the Manaslu Circuit. This will prepare you mentally for any serious problems that may occur. Your guide will be trained in emergency procedures and will handle all of your emergency needs.

While emergencies on the Manaslu Circuit can be dealt with, the remoteness, communication, weather, and logistical factors make every emergency a complex one. Your guide is trained to deal with such situations, and having comprehensive insurance is a great help in evacuation and treatment expenses.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek has two best seasons for trekking. These seasons offer the best combination of weather, visibility, temperature, and trail conditions. Knowing the differences between the seasons will help you decide which season is best suited for your needs.

Both seasons are suitable for trekking with a high success rate for crossing the Larkya La Pass. The choice of which season to go depends on your preferences.

Winter trekking in the Manaslu Circuit is possible but a serious undertaking not to be attempted by novice trekkers.

If you still decide to go for the trek in winter, it is best to hire guides who have experience in winter treks, have extra days in case of weather delays, and extensive trekking gear that includes a camping backup plan.

The monsoon season is the worst time to go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is not recommended.

If the monsoon season is the only time that suits you, there are other treks that are more suitable for the monsoon season, such as:

• Upper Mustang
• Nar Phu Valley
• Trekking in Bhutan

For the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is advisable to wait for the autumn or spring seasons when the conditions are more favourable.

Temperature on the Manaslu Circuit varies dramatically based on elevation and season, requiring versatile clothing and preparation for extreme ranges.

The total cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek can vary greatly depending on the size of the group, the service level, the season, and what is included in your package. It is important to understand the cost breakdowns in order to budget accordingly.

Personal spending during the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on your preferences, comfort level, and personal spending habits. The following is a realistic breakdown to help you budget accordingly.

No, there are absolutely no ATMs anywhere along the Manaslu Circuit trekking route. This is a critical fact that requires careful financial planning before departure.

Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended for the Manaslu Circuit, although they are not absolutely mandatory. The advantages far outweigh the additional cost and effort involved in carrying the trekking poles.

Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses along the Manaslu Circuit, but with serious limitations in terms of availability, quality, and cost. Your expectations should be tempered in terms of internet connectivity.

Physical conditioning is essential for your enjoyment of the Manaslu Circuit and successful completion of the trek. A comprehensive training program started 2-3 months prior to your departure will greatly enhance your experience.

The training investment pays enormous dividends. Get there early, train regularly, progress gradually, and arrive at the trek ready, fit, and eager for the adventure of a lifetime.