manaslu trekking In nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is often compared to the Annapurna circuit Trek before the latter got immensely busy. The Manaslu circuit trail coils around the world’s eighth highest mountain - Mt. Manaslu over a period of 14 days. The path is ideally less trodden as the area of the trek was out of bounds for outside trekkers until the early 90s and tourism is still considerably restricted. Of late, Manaslu has been transformed into a tea-house trek, making it suitable for solo trekkers to take this route enticing for its remoteness. Like other treks quintessential of Nepal, Manaslu trek Nepal too features relics and preserved artifacts of ancient Hindu and Buddhist cultures, protected wildlife, wildflowers and rhododendrons of spring blooming, absolutely thrilling suspension bridge crossings, raging rivers, cascading waterfalls, precarious cliff roads and spellbinding mountain scenery.

What is Manaslu Circuit Trek? 

The Manaslu Circuit trek has a greatly improved pathway today along the Budi Gandaki river gorge than what it used to be even, just a decade earlier. Difficulty-wise, this trek holds a moderate-difficult level of challenge and compares aptly with the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base Camp trek. An unhindered view of the Manaslu peak is undoubtedly the main draw on this trail besides the secondary pulls like forests and wildlife and ethnic cultural exposure to indigenous Nepal Himalayan villages and market settlements. The trek receives special appreciation for its crowd-free routes and an opportunity for naturists and adventurers to explore closely the Manaslu Conservation Area having the protected area status. The trek also passes through the exquisite lands of Annapurna Conservation Area, requiring exclusive permits from the authorities of these two areas.

Why should you go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal? 

The Manaslu trek has only recently started getting included in the bucket list of avid Himalayan travelers and yet to gain the traffic that treks such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek receives. The attractions of the Manaslu circuit itinerary share many typical characteristics of treks in Nepal and a few high points that are exclusively unique.

• The trail circumambulates around the eight highest mountain in the world - Mt. Manaslu
• Great views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Annapurna II from tantalizingly close ranges
• The exhilarating experience of traversing a remote Himalayan high pass - the Larkya Pass at 5106 m
• Comfortable stays at tea house lodges or sprawling tent encampments
• Identifying at least 10 peaks of over 6500m visible from different points on the course
• Passing through Manaslu Conservation Area which covers 6 climatic zones
• Sightings of blue sheep
• The surreal Trans-Himalayan high pastures
• Wonderful cultural contact with Tibetan and mountain people
• Photo-ops of peaks, snowline, people, wildlife, wilderness and unique architecture
• The opportunity to have a high altitude trekking experience with a backpack not necessarily heavier than 10 kilos
• A trek more peaceful than EBC or ABC due to lesser traffic

How High is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu circuit trek boasts of a high pass beyond 5000m, a great challenge to traverse through the bird’s eye view of the world from where you will forget every woe! The view is composed of Manaslu peak, Cheo Himal glacier, Himalchuli peak and Himlung glacier. The Larkya Pass is situated at 5106m.

When to Visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Manaslu circuit. On winters, the route remains out of bounds and in monsoon, should best be avoided for highly unpredictable weather.
March to May
The weather will be clear on most parts of the day. It will be temperate during the day though temperature may considerably dip during the night. Light showers can be expected in the afternoons but there would be no risk of landslides etc. Rhododendrons, wildflowers and summer blossoms will keep the lower reaches of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek route pretty colorful.
September to November
Clear skies and sparkling views make this period enticing. There could be light to heavy snow at Larkya Pass and beyond, Harsh cold and subzero temperatures should be prepared for.

How to Reach?

The lower Manaslu trek kicks off from Arughat and ends at Besi Sahaar, both settlements at a distance of 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu. Trekkers need to reach Kathmandu before or on the morning of the scheduled pickup, approximately near 7 a.m.

Are there Any Shops Available on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in the present has teahouse facilities along the circuit. Food, medicine and basic utilities can be found for purchase at the villages and market settlements. However, it would be best to conclude shopping for gears at Arughat on day 1. Also, depending on the season, market areas could be scarce on supplies.

How Long Does It Take To Complete The Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The around Manaslu Trek is a 14 day program from Kathmandu, including transit, rest and acclimatization days.

What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm cap
• Base layers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks
• Sunscreen

Is there Any Possibility of Altitude Sickness?

It would be wise to prepare for altitude sickness on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Precautions include refraining from alcohol and smoking, sufficient attention to hydration, following acclimatization customs and pre-trek fitness preparation. Trekkers can also consider going on a course of Diamox starting from the day of journey from Kathmandu, albeit with medical consultation.

How Busy is the Manaslu-Circuit Trek?

Compared to other popular treks such as the EBC trek or the Annapurna trek, Manaslu doesn’t attract so many trekkers or travelers. However, the month of March witnesses plenty of travelers mostly because of the Teeji Festival. The month of October remains busy as well owing to good weather conditions.