Facts about Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit trek is among the most challenging and adventurous circuit treks in the Nepali Himlayas. This circuit trek is perfect for anyone looking for an adventurous and daring escape to the beauty of the Himalayas. Every year many people come to attempt this circuit trek, and for your information.

Besides, the Manaslu Circuit trek is an off-the-beaten trekking route constantly gaining popularity amongst foreign trekkers. A perfect combination of the off-the-beaten trial, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the music of the river, and the joy of adventure, you can experience to the fullest while going on this circuit trek.

Furthermore, the higher altitude of this trek will also let you experience the perfect Buddhist culture, typical Nepali hospitality, and out-of-the-league support and welcome from the locals. Besides, the trekkers will also get a chance to observe the lifestyle of people in such a beautiful yet extreme destination.

Highlights of the circuit trek

Before starting with the actual content of the blog, let’s take a look at some of the major highlights of the Manaslu Circuit trek:

• The Manaslu Circuit trek offers the most stunning and heartwarming views of some of the tallest peaks and the Ganesh Himal range.
• You can experience a whole other level of Nepali culture and tradition. Also, the locals here offer some of the most heart-touching hospitality.
• This is one of the most demanding and challenging circuit treks, so you will experience the highest level of adventure regardless of the season you visit the Manaslu Circuit trek.
• The Manaslu Circuit trek takes you through some of the country’s remote and least explored areas, where people’s lifestyle varies more than those living in rural areas.
• Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area are also homes to several unique wildlife and plants. So, you could see various animals, birds, and plants that are hard to find in other parts of the world.

This article is to let all trekking enthusiasts know some of the fantastic facts about the Manaslu Circuit trek. Therefore, we suggest you read this article if you plan to go for the trek because it might teach you essential things you must know before taking a step towards the successful accomplishment of the Manaslu Circuit trek.

High Altitude and Strendous Difficulty Level

The first thing to know about the Manaslu Circuit trek takes the trekkers around the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). However, this is not a peak expedition. Hence, the maximum height we take on the Manaslu Circuit trek expedition is 5,100 meters or 17,000 feet, where we stop at the Larkya La.

The Manaslu Circuit trek takes a lot of work. It is difficult because it is one of the remote and off-the-beaten paths compared to other popular circuit treks in Nepal. Therefore, the trek is only recommended to professional trekkers with prior experience. Authorities have graded the Manaslu Circuit trek as a strenuous trek.

Therefore, trekkers must be mentally and physically prepared and have the courage to walk for 5-6 hours daily. Also, one fantastic thing to remember is that the trekkers will have to elevate an altitude of 300 to 500 meters almost every day except for the acclimatization day.

Solo trekking restricted

Keeping the difficulty of this and all the circuit treks in the point of discussion, Nepal Government has banned any trekkers from attempting any circuit treks alone. Therefore, you will need to hire a professional guide from a registered agency to get the permits for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

If you don’t know, trekking to the restricted region of Manaslu was opened for foreign trekkers and climbers in 1992. Besides, trekkers were also allowed to go for solo adventures until now. However, if you are contemplating attempting this circuit trek alone, you must think again. Solo trekking has been banned from April 1, 2023, so hiring a professional guide is mandatory to get the first and the major permit for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

The government made this decision for the foreign trekker’s safe and sound trekking experience. Besides, a guide can also provide a lot of assistance to foreign trekkers as they will be together throughout the journey. Therefore, all the trekkers are requested to respect the decision of the Nepal Government and have a safe and adventurous trek around the Manaslu Circuit.

Similar articles you may like:

• Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost And Itinerary
• Manaslu Trek in April
• Where is Mount Manaslu Located?

Several Trekking Permits Required

Suppose you have already accomplished trekking in Nepal. In that case, there are specific permits that you need to obtain before going for any treks in Nepal. However, if you have yet to attempt any other trekking in Nepal, this might be something you should know in the first place.

This section will let you know all the special permits you need for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

Trekkers must obtain this permit from Jagat if they cross Sama Gaun. For your information, the price of Manaslu RAP depends on the days you spend between Jagat and Dharapani. Let us break down the cost so the trekkers can understand the price.

Manaslu RAP in the autumn season (September to November) costs $100 for the first seven days and then $15 for each additional day. However, you will only have to pay $75 for the first seven days and $10 for the extra days if you visit the trek in Winter, spring, and summer seasons (December to August).

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit

Trekkers need to acquire this permit to get into the area that comes into the Manaslu Conservation Area. Regarding the price of this permit, it will cost NRs. 1000 per person if you belong to any of the SAARC countries, but if you come from any other nation, you will have to pay NRs. 3000 per person.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit also has the same pricing rate as the Manaslu Conservation Area. However, this permit allows you to enter the area that falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area.

If you want to visit Tsum Valley as a side trip, you will need one more permit: the Tsum Valley permit. It will cost you $35 per person, and the permit will only be valid for one week.

The Fact that Manaslu is known as The Spirit Mountain

One of the significances of Mount Manaslu is that this mountain is known as the “Spirit Mountain” in Nepali history. Furthermore, the Nepalese and Tibetan folks also say Mount Manaslu is home to several powerful deities and spirits. Therefore, while going for the Manaslu Circuit trek, you should remember that you are ascending one of the most sacred paths in the country.

As per the locals, a powerful deity, “Manas,” resides in this mountain. Nepalese and Tibetans also believe that he embodies the mountain’s spirit. As a result, you can experience the devotee of Nepalese and Tibetans on their holy deities and how they are conserving their religion and culture.

Therefore, the Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the best circuit treks in Nepal that allow you to experience the religion as well as natural aspects of the country and the lifestyle of the local people living inside the Manaslu region.

Experience the Diverse Landscapes and breathtaking views

The Manaslu Circuit trek lets you wander through a trail covered with lush forests and diverse landscapes. Furthermore, you can also see terraced farming, high mountain passes, and barren landscapes. In addition, the Manaslu Circuit trek offers you a great experience of the culture and tradition of the country and the lifestyle of the people living in the locality of the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Other than that, the Manaslu Circuit trek also offers some stunning glimpses of some of the highest peaks in the world, such as Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna (8,091m), and also the Ganesh Himal Range. Therefore, you will not only get to experience the Manaslu mountain alone, but you will also get a view of several other mountains. If you plan the circuit trek in peak season, you might see the perfect pictures from the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

You will support the local communities and contribute to sustainable tourism

Isn’t it a beautiful feeling when you can support someone and help in their prosperity? You will do both while going on the Manaslu Circuit trek journey. Manaslu Circuit trekking is not just about reaching a point and returning; it’s about supporting the locals and promoting tourism in Nepal.

The locals of this area try to be the trekkers with the highest level of hospitality in every regard. You will be pleased by the way they treat the trekkers and the support that they offer while you are on the ascend. Therefore, you can also take this trek as an opportunity to show some of your respect and honor towards the hard work of the locals.

Besides, you will also cross several remote villages, where people’s primary source of income will either be the profession of tourist guides or porters or owning tea houses and lodges. So, whenever you hire a guide or a porter or stay at any lodges and tea houses, you directly support the living of those people, their families, and the Manaslu region. The locals take pride in assisting the foreign trekkers who might need help understanding what they say. Therefore, one of the best things you will experience throughout the Manaslu Circuit trek is the determination and hard work of the people living in the remote areas of Nepal.

Planning and preparation for the Manaslu Circuit trek

As you have gained a lot of knowledge about the Manaslu Circuit trek and checked out some interesting facts about this circuit trek, let us give you a brief description of what planning and preparation steps should be followed while going for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

The Manaslu Circuit trek is considered one of the most demanding and adventurous circuit trek in Nepali Himalayas, so the planning and preparations for this trek should also be very advanced.

For this circuit trek, the first thing that you must need is physical and mental strength. Therefore, we suggest all trekkers start exercising, yoga, and other activities that help them gain the psychological and physical fitness necessary for the trek.

After you are physically and mentally prepared, we suggest you research the circuit trek and everything necessary for the journey. Besides, pack your bags attentively and check out for the valuable guides and trekking agencies to accompany you throughout the journey.

Accommodation during the circuit trek

One of the first things that any trekker would want to know while going for any trek is the available accommodation and food facilities. We have already mentioned that the trekking routes have a lot of tea houses and lodges. Even though the food menu is slightly limited, there is no compromise in the accommodation facilities.

Local people have opened several lodges and tea houses to make it easier for the trekkers to acclimatize during their journey. Besides, they also try to provide the best food, perfect for the non-stop journey towards the Larkya La Pass. Furthermore, you will also be accompanied by professional guides who will assist the trekkers throughout the journey.

FAQs about Manaslu Circuit Trek

What is the Manaslu Circuit trek?

The Manaslu Circuit trek is considered the off-the-beaten circuit trek path that has yet to be wandered by many trekkers. This trek also takes you around the eighth-highest mountain on the planet, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters).

How long does the Manaslu Circuit trek take?

If you choose us as a trekking agency and go as per our itinerary, the Manaslu circuit trek will take 15 days. However, you can also extend a few days for acclimatization between the walks.

Do I need any permits to go for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

You must have the Manaslu RAP and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit along with Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to be eligible for the Manaslu Circuit trek. Furthermore, if you visit Tsum Valley, you must also obtain the Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit.

What is the best time to go for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

Spring and autumn are the perfect times to go for any trek in Nepal. So the same is for the Manaslu Circuit trek as well. In Nepal, spring and autumn fall from September to November and March to May.