Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek(MCT) lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area and is an alternative trek route to the Annapurna Circuit Trek ACT trek. This trek goes around Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain. It is full of adventures, beautiful scenery, stunning snow-capped mountains, and rich traditional Tibetan and Himalayan Sherpa and Votia culture. The trail includes several Tibetan-influenced villages, picturesque valleys, countless waterfalls, and rivers. It is a remote trekking experience that only a handful of travelers visit, making it a perfect option for anyone looking for solitude.
The trek commences at Machha Khola after a 9-hour bus ride (150 kilometers) from Kathmandu and proceeds steadily through densely forested paths and along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki. After a few days, the trail veers at Jagat to the northwest and begins steadily climbing to higher altitudes, leaving behind the tree line and winding up through picturesque mountain villages.
The majestic Manaslu and its striking twin peaks, skirted by glacial valleys, pine forests, and the scenic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal range, reign supreme over the entire region. The trek essentially circles much of the mountain’s circumference until it crests Larke La and drops into the neighboring valley of Marsyangdi, descending from there through the rock-strewn upper slopes and scenic alpine meadows to Dharapani, the modern trailhead for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
The trek offers more rewarding options than just about any other trek. One potential choice is to take the upper Manaslu route, a scenically spectacular and rarely taken path across the mountain. Another detour is the pathway to the magical Tsum Valley, long locked away from public view and only opened on a restricted basis in recent years.
Overall, this trek is an outstanding wilderness experience that offers all the classic aspects of a great trek, from cascading rivers and precipitous trails to stunning views and subtropical forests, glorious mountain scenery, and a gradual ascent to a breath-snatching high pass, and a host of side trips and add-ons that have the scope to turn the experience into an epic journey.
Planning your first Himalayan trek? If you're deciding between the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit, this guide compares both treks in detail.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek with Beyond the Limits Treks & Expedition?
- Experience and expertise: Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition has years of experience in organizing treks in Nepal, and their team of trekking guides and porters is knowledgeable and experienced in the trekking routes and local culture.
- Locals: Our Management team and field staff are from the Manaslu circuit region, and we are the Local experts for this Trek. We know the local Culture, People, routes, cuisine, and paths around the region.
- Safety and security: Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition prioritizes the safety and security of our clients during the trek. We provide necessary safety equipment (two-way walkie-talkie, Radionset, satellite telephone for communication where there is no telephone signal) and train staff to ensure a safe trekking experience.
- Quality services: Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition provides quality services, including comfortable accommodation, hygienic meals, necessary permits, and other Documents. We always customize and tailor-made packages according to our clients' interests.
- Sustainable tourism: Beyond the Limits Treks and Expedition is committed to sustainable tourism practices, such as responsible waste management, supporting local communities, and promoting eco-friendly trekking.
- Great Value of Money: Trekking packages provided by us are satisfying and memorable experiences for the cost paid. It could include features such as comfortable accommodations, experienced guides and porters, well-planned itineraries, necessary permits and paperwork, quality meals, and overall excellent service.
Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT) Cost:
We at Beyond the Limits Treks & Expedition provide fully customized treks to our customers who have limited time but want to explore the beauty of the trek. The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek can range from 900 to 1500 USD per person, depending on the group size, number of trekking days, your requirements, and the standard of service you prefer. Our 15-day all-inclusive package costs USD 1050 per person in a group of two, which includes permits, guide, porter, meals, accommodation, transportation, and other complementary services. Knowing your requirements, we shall adjust the cost for you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty Level
Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to strenuous level of difficulty trek that requires physically fit hikers, as all trek does. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and high-altitude passes, including the Larkya La Pass, which sits at an elevation of 5,135 meters (16,847 feet). Therefore, it's important to acclimatize properly and follow a gradual ascent. You have to have physical fitness to do the Manaslu Circuit.
Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek-MCT
When it comes to trekking the Manaslu Circuit, timing is everything. You'll want to plan your journey carefully to ensure that you experience the best that this incredible region has to offer. Beyond The Limits Treks and Expedition offers a 14-day package for the Manaslu Circuit Trek from (March-May) and (September to November.
In the spring season (March to May), the trail is decorated with blooming rhododendrons, and the weather is warm and pleasant. This season is also the best time to witness the spectacular views of the Himalayan range.
In the autumn season (September to November), the weather is stable and dry, with clear skies and beautiful views of the mountains. This season is also the busiest time of the year for trekking, and the tea houses and lodges can get crowded, so it's important to book your accommodation in advance.
Accommodation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek- MCT
Our trekking package includes a comfortable Three-star standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu for your convenience. During the Manaslu trek, you will be staying in lodges or tea houses nestled in the beautiful mountains. These accommodations offer simple and rustic rooms with shared toilets that may not have a Western commode. While toilet paper may not always be provided, it is advisable to bring your own. However, despite the basic amenities, the lodges/tea houses are clean and comfortable enough to provide trekkers with a good night's rest after a long day of hiking.
It is important to note that the lodges/tea houses provide blankets and pillows, but it’s better to bring a sleeping bag. You can rent a sleeping bag in Kathmandu if you do not have one, for which we can help. Additionally, while hot showers and Wi-Fi are available at some lodges/tea houses, they usually come at an extra cost. You can expect to pay around $2-$5 for a hot shower, and Wi-Fi costs around $3-$5.
Food during the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
- Breakfast: Porridge, Pancakes with honey and jam, scrambled, boiled, or fried eggs, Bread and Jam, Tibetan Bread with honey or jam, Muesli.simple Breakfast set, Breakfast, etc.
- Lunch: Dal Bhat consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, a vegetable curry, (meat or fish not recommended non non-veg items in the mountains), Momos, Fried Rice, Noodles, Thukpa, Chaumin, Pizza in some places, papad, Vegetable salad, Potato items, Pasta, soup.
- Dinner: Dal Bhat consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, a vegetable curry, meat or fish, Momos, Fried Rice, Noodles, Thukpa, Chaumin, Pizza in some places, papad, Vegetable salad, Potato items, Pasta, and Soup.
Note: It is advisable to have garlic soup, hot lemon, ginger tea, and lemon tea during the trek as they can help with acclimatization and can also provide warmth and comfort in the cold mountain climate. These hot drinks can also help to prevent dehydration, which is important at high altitudes. It is recommended to avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages as they can cause dehydration and can also worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Regarding food, it is generally recommended to have vegetarian items rather than meat as you go higher up, as the quality and freshness of meat can deteriorate at higher elevations.
- Snacks: You can also buy snacks like chocolate bars, cookies, and chips.
- Drinking Water: It is not recommended to drink tap water during the trek, as it may not be safe. Most tea houses and lodges sell bottled water, but this can get expensive. A more affordable option is to bring water purification tablets or a water filter to purify water from the streams or rivers along the trail.
Fitness level required for Manaslu Circuit Trek-MCT
The trail takes you through remote terrain with steep ups and downs, which requires good physical fitness, and endurance. During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will encounter high altitudes, narrow ridges, and high altitude Larkya Pass, which can be difficult in snowy conditions. In addition, the trek demands 6-8 hours of walking up and down each day, which can be tiring on the legs.
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging but rewarding trek that offers stunning mountain views, unique cultural experiences, and a chance to explore a less-crowded trekking region of Nepal. We advise you to train yourself physically and mentally before embarking on the journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It's recommended to walk for 10-14 days for a couple of hours each day before starting the journey as Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered as “Challenging”.
Side Trips Add-on
If you have some extra time on your hands, then you can combine an extra side trip Tsum Valley Trek, with the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which would require an extra 7 days. Moreover, you can extend your trip to Annapurna Circuit (5,416m), Nar Phu Valley (5,306m), Kalmachum Lake (3,800 m), Birendra Lake (3,620 m), Serang Gompa (3,100 m), or Hinang Gumba (3,100 m). These trips will enrich your journey even further. If you are in between the Manaslu Circuit or the Annapurna circuit
Not sure whether to choose the Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit Trek? Read our detailed comparison here.
Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Treks
To embark on your journey towards Manaslu, you will need to obtain three permits: the Special Restricted Area Permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
The Special Restricted Area Permit costs USD 100 per person per week for trekking between September to November. If you wish to stay for more than one week, it will cost an additional USD 15 per person per day. For trekking between December to August, the permit costs USD 75 per person per week, and extending the permit for more than one week costs USD 10 per person per day.
- The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) costs Rs 3000 for non-SAARC nationals and Rs 1000 for Indian nationals.
- The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) also costs Rs 3000 for non-SAARC nationals and Rs 1000 for Indian nationals.
It is important to obtain all three permits before starting your trek. This will ensure that you have legal permission to trek in the Manaslu region and help in conservation efforts to protect the natural environment and local communities.
Related Trips around Manaslu Regions:
