Manaslu Circuit Trek

Useful Info

Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

There are peak seasons for travel in the high altitude Manaslu region. These two seasons include Spring which ranges from March to May, and Autumn, from September to November. These two seasons provide trekkers with the advantage of stable weather and the perfect climate.

Spring

The Spring season is quite incredible for travelers as it provides stable weather. There are no weather-related challenges, like heavy precipitation and snowfall during this season. Spring weather also provides travelers with a moderate temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius. In the nighttime, temperatures can drop about 5 degrees Celsius.

Another exciting aspect of this season is Spring weather which means that flowers bloom around the hills. You can traverse the beautiful trails during the Manaslu Circuit trek adventures. Another exciting aspect of experiencing wildlife remains active in the region.

You will get to spot various rare and endangered species during your travels. Travelers will observe the clear views of snowy mountains in clear blue sky during the Spring season. Hence, the Spring season is an ideal time for the trek.

Autumn

Autumn is another perfect time for traveling and touring in the region. These seasons provide you with stable weather conditions that are ideal for trekking. There is clear weather with unobstructed views of the mountains along the trail. You can also observe the beautiful natural diversity of the region during the season.

The trails will take you through the challenging but incredible landscapes. There are no weather-related challenges like landslides, avalanches, heavy rainfall, or snowfall. Another exciting aspect is that many festivals fall during this season, making it ideal for cultural exploration.

Off-season

The off-season treks in the winter and summer monsoons are relatively more challenging. In the winter, you will face the challenge of extreme frigid conditions and snowfall. The train remains covered in thick layers of snow. Hence, it is challenging to traverse through the remote and rugged trains.

Heavy rainfall can cause slippery trails and other challenges like landslides and avalanches during the monsoon season. You will also get slippery trails and leeches in the courses. There are overcast conditions that cover the snow-clad mountains.

Trekkers will also face delays and cancellations in the seasons, primarily due to weather-related conditions. It is pretty challenging to trail in the summer monsoon season. Therefore, you should trek in the Spring and Autumn as far as possible.

The Difficulty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Remote and rugged terrains

Manaslu Circuit trek is quite different from the other mainstream tracks in the country. Since this trek passes through the remote landscapes, you will have to face added challenges during the trekking.

You will not find many signposts and directions on tour. There is an increased chance of you getting lost or injured along the trail.

Adventurous trails

The adventurous trails on this track pass through some of the most challenging landscapes. You will pass through uphill and downhill pathways, which can be taxing for trekkers.

You will need to be in an excellent physical and mental space to complete this trek. There are high chances of trekkers getting injured, blisters, and cramps.

Altitude sickness

This Manaslu Circuit trek in the higher altitude travels above 5000m. The walk will arrive at the highest altitude in a short span of time. If you do not acclimate properly, you will not be able to adapt to changing conditions which lead to altitude sickness.

Trekkers must properly acclimatize and drink water regularly at various intervals to tackle altitude sickness. Diamox tablets tackle altitude sickness symptoms, including nausea, headache, lack of appetite, insomnia, etc. You should avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks because they can lead to dehydration, the primary cause of altitude sickness.

Accommodations

Accommodation is another challenging aspect of the trek. Since you will be staying in remote areas, you do not have many facilities. You will rest during the tour in lodges run by the local people that provide basic meals and accommodation. You need to manage these basic facilities during your stay in the region.

Things to Consider for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

There are various things to consider for the trek in the high altitude remote region. Some of them are as below:

Acclimatization

It is how the trekkers will adapt to changing high altitude conditions. In these conditions, you can explore and rest gently and gradually. You will not trek in a fast-paced manner during the process and treat the trek as a race. However, you will trek gently and rest well after arriving at the destination.

You should also sleep at a lower altitude, an altitude that is lower than the one you achieved during the trek. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee and others. Since dehydration is the primary cause of altitude sickness, you should drink water generously at 3-4 liters.

Trekking gears and types of equipment

Since this is a challenging high altitude trek, all the trackers taking this beautiful route must have tracking gear and equipment of proper quality. Trekking gear will help you during your track by providing you with a safe and comfortable journey.

This trekking gear and equipment can come off different shapes and sizes. You can also hire them in the shops around the Thamel area if you plan to use them only once.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is another essential part of this journey, as trails will take you to some of the most challenging terrains. This travel insurance will help you in an emergency and cover various injuries and accidents. Travel insurance will also help you provide the best quality coverage for loss, theft, damage to properties, and evacuation if necessary.

Guides and porters.

The importance of the guides and porters is also high as they will help you immensely along the trail. They will provide you with a safe and comfortable journey to the destination, ensuring guaranteed success. They will also help you get the best cultural and natural exploration of the region.

The region’s best views from various points with the help of a guide. You will stay in tea houses that provide basic meals and accommodation facilities. These are other logistical advantages of having a guide as they have a wide range of networks around the area.

You can interact with locals and engage yourself in exploring the cultural heritage and landscapes. You can also hire potters along the trail to help you carry your luggage along the route.

Meals and accommodations

Training well will help you build physical strength, but you need to regenerate the energy with a proper and nutritious meal. So, you should eat healthily before and during your trek. Having gluten-free meals will allow them to trail comfortably.

The three-course meal in the teahouses will provide trekkers with enough energy for the trek. You can also carry protein bars, chocolate bars, and granola bars for instant energy along the trail. Stick with your diet plan and increase your food intake in high altitude conditions.

Training Required for the Trek

The Manaslu Circuit trek requires you to be in good physical condition to complete the climb. You will need to face various challenges on this tour. Hence, you should get proper training for the track, including different physical and mental exercises. These exercises are essential to keep us healthy and fit. You will have to endure an arduous journey during the region’s high altitude remote region trek.

Physical exercises

The physical exercises will rebuild your stamina along the trail. A basic fitness level is essential to travel along the journey to the circuit. You will get the best practices to help build your strength and endurance along the trail. These exercises will also help you gain muscles in various parts of your body to assist you in demanding terrains.

Cardiovascular or aerobic exercises

These cardiovascular or aerobic exercises will help you with flexibility. You will get to travel to these uphill and downhill battles, which require incredible flexibility. With the help of these exercises, which include hiking, jogging, swimming, and cycling, you will get to travel without any discomfort. You will also get saved from injuries and minor cramps. Besides that, your breathing ability also increases with the help of these exercises.

Mental exercises

Mental exercises are one of the most overlooked aspects of training. You should not overlook an essential part of the trekking journey. These exercises will help you give a decent quality idea about the track. You will know more about what distance you will cover along the way.

You can get information from the veteran trekkers, the tracking agency, or the internet. There you can also take practice hikes. You need to prepare for the track with a positive attitude.

Details About Travel Visa

For the Nepal Travel Visa, you have three options to choose from. The ‘On Arrival’ visa for tourists in Nepal is issued to travelers at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Depending on how long you wish to stay in Nepal, you can select the ideal visa for yourself.

Travel Insurance for Nepal

15 Days Travel Visa—- @US$ 30

30 Days Travel Visa— @US$ 50

90 Days Travel Visa— @US$ 125

Don’t worry; even if you want to stay longer than your intended period, you can easily get a visa extension. For that, you will need to buy a minimum 15-day visa which will cost US$ 45.

Note: If the ‘On Arrival Visa’ is not applicable for the nationals of your country, you will have to apply for the visa at the nearest embassy. You can check out the following list to see if an ‘On Arrival Visa’ is issued for your country or not.

Booking Procedure

For a seamless booking experience, you can book for Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal directly from the booking page. After putting the necessary details shown on the page, you can submit the application and our sales team will follow up to provide you more details.

You can also enquire about the trip from the product page and provide additional details if you are looking for a customized trip. Similarly, you can also directly get in touch with us using the details provided on our Contact Page.  

Our sales representatives will provide you with all the necessary details about the trip and also assist you with the booking procedure.

Note: You can write us details of the destinations you want to explore in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, and we will get in touch with you within the next 8 hours with an ideal trip befitting your adventure palate.

Payment Process and Terms

For booking Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal with Nepal Guide Trek, you will need to pay 20% of the total cost upfront for booking our product. You can make the advance via bank, online mediums, or credit cards. We will notify you about your booking in about 12 hours after you make the deposit in our account.

We will send you an invoice for the advance amount for easy and secure online payment. You can make the payment for the rest of the amount in our office. In case if you have to make a cancellation due to some unforeseen circumstances, you should do so at least 45 days prior to the scheduled starting date for a full refund.

Note: If you are using a card to make the payment, you wil be charged 4% of the total cost as the card expense.

Private Joining and Group Joining

You can enjoy your Manaslu Circuit Trek with us either by joining a group package or a privately managed trip. In the group joining option, you will explore the Manaslu region with other trekkers from all over the world who find the particular departure date flexible.

This is a wonderful way to enjoy your Himalayan journey if you prefer to socialize and have people who share similar interests as you around you. As for the private joining option, it offers a more personalized experience and you can enjoy the trip on your own accord.

Unlike the group joining, on the private trip, you will have more flexibility over the starting date and even the overall itinerary plans. So, it is an ideal way to explore this remote section of the Himalayas if you are looking for a serene experience that focuses on your own pace and personal preferences.

Last Minute Booking

It will be more convenient for you to make the preparation for the trek if you book it with some spare time on hand. However, due to unfavorable factors, if you fail to do so, Nepal Guide Treks also offers a last-minute booking facility.

For the last-minute booking for any of our packages, you will have to inform us at least 24 prior to the start date. You will need to pay the full package cost for this option upfront and there isn’t a cancellation option available. 

As this is a last minute booking, it will be best if you get in touch with us directly via call or instants messaging applications such as viber and whatsapp.

Currency Exchange

In Nepal, the national currency, the Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is majorly used across the country. However, few other types of currencies are also accepted in the tourist areas. So, for your Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal, we recommend you to convert your national currency into NPR or other acceptable currencies such as the Indian Rupee, US Dollar, or Pound Sterling. 

Remember, as Manaslu is one of the most remote and isolated parts of the central Himalayas, credit cards are not widely accepted and there aren’t many reliable ATM services. So, it will be best if you properly budget your trip and carry the necessary cash with you.

Note: For a fair exchange rate, we recommend you to convert your currency in the city areas and not on the mountain.

Package Customization and Personalization

Besides the private joining option, Nepal Guides Trek also offers complete package customization and personalization options for your Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal. In this trekking mode, you will have full control over how you want to shape your exploration and enjoy it. 

From managing itinerary plans, routes, walking pace and highlights exploration or side detours around the region, you can also determine the quality of services and transportation modes. So, in overall, you will have full control over every aspect of your adventure and you can relish it in the most ideal way you see fit. 

Note: For this package customization option, you can give us an outline itinerary of your overall plans for the adventure you are looking for or we can take care of all the planning considering your preference.

Personal Expenses

Your standard Manaslu Circuit Trek cost will cover for all the general expenses during your trip. As for the personal nature expenses such as beverages, snacks, internet, charging, hot shower, etc., you will have to cover for them out of your own pocket as your package will not cover for them.  

Make a proper budgeting plan, considering the personal expenses along the trekking route. Depending on your expenditure habits, around US$ 30 to US$ 50 will be sufficient for personal expenses during your trek.

Internet and Device Charging Services

Although the Manaslu Circuit Trek map does take you across some of the most isolated parts of the west-central Himalayas, you will still be able to use the internet services and charge your devices.

The teahouses along the trekking route do offer internet services. However, as the coverage is limited in this isolated part of the mountain region, you have to rely on the data package of major mobile networks such as NTC and Ncell. 

You will also be able to charge your services across the route. As there are major isolated parts along the trails, make sure that your devices are juiced up at your break and rest destinations.

Hot Shower and Laundry Facilities

While moving along with the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary plans, you will be able to use both hot showering and laundry facilities. It is important to maintain a standard hygiene during your remote exploration.

So, with the availability of these facilities at the teahouses, you will be able to take care of your personal hygiene. Western architecture bathrooms are available in the teahouses at the lower part of the trail. 

At such establishments, you will be able to take hot showers without any issues. As for the isolated and high-altitude part of the trails, you can buy a hot water bucket to take care of your hygiene.

Similarly, a laundry facility is available throughout the trekking route for some extra cost.

Luggage Storing

During your Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal, you might be worried about the luggage space and the extra packing that you will not be bringing with you during the trek. Well, you can request the hotel you are staying at to securely store your carry-ons.

The hotel will charge some amount for storing your luggage on a daily basis and you can collect it after returning from your trek. Or, you can leave your extra luggage in our care if you don’t want to pay extra for the hotel.

Nepal Guide Treks will safely store your luggage during your exploration in the Himalayas. Then, after completing your trip, you can collect it from our office.

Transportation Mode

For your Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal, we will take care of all the transportation facilities for the activities mentioned in the itinerary plans. Nepal Guide Trek will use a comfortable private vehicle for airport and hotel transfers during your stay. 

Similarly, during your sightseeing tour, we will arrange a private vehicle convenient for the group size to explore the beautiful capital valley. If you need any kind of transportation facility beyond those mentioned in the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, we can make arrangements for that as well.

Nepal Guide Trek will book an ideal vehicle as per your travel needs and group size \so you can enjoy a seamless journey during your trip in Nepal.

Buying or Renting Equipment in Kathmandu

If you haven’t brought the necessary gear for Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal, you can easily shop for them in Kathmandu. There are plenty of trekking gear shops around Kathmandu where you will be able to buy and rent the necessary equipment for this trek. 

However, as there are also many knock-off gears in circulation, you should consider buying/renting reliable and branded equipment. Some of the most essential gear for this off-beaten trekking route are a sleeping bag, trekking pole, backpack/daypack, trekking boot, down jacket, headlamp, hydration bottle, etc.

Make sure that you are well prepared for the trip by collecting the necessary gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Permits for Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal takes you across some of the major protected regions in the Himalayas including one of the restricted areas. Thus, you will need to collect three permits for this off-beaten journey in total.

Permits Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

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

Manaslu Circuit Trek map passes through both Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation Areas. So, you will need to collect the permits for each of these protected regions, which will cost about US$ 30 each. 

Similarly, the area between Jagat and Sama Gaun has been listed as a restricted area in this circuit route. Thus, you will need a special restricted area permit to access this region, which will cost about US$ 100 in autumn (September, October and November) and US$ 75 in other seasons (spring, monsoon and winter).

Day to Day Activities

Each day of Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal rewards you with the unique mix of cultural immersion, natural elements and thrills of Himalayan exploration. Every single day of your trek will unveil a new magical landscape, challenges and interactions.

Your trek while following the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary plans, you will get started on the trails after enjoying your breakfast at around 6:30 to 7:00 AM. The itinerary plans start from early in the morning to make the bet out of the daylight and avoid the potential afternoon weather changes.

After enjoying your breakfast, you will follow the trekking route, exploring the beautiful villages, landscapes and major highlights along the route. Depending on the terrain and difficulty you will reach the lunch destination after 4 to 5 hours of trekking.

Then, you will get about an hour to eat your lunch and rest. Following the lunch, you will continue walking toward the rest destination on the particular day. The trekking part after lunch isn’t that major and you will reach your destination in about just 2 to 3 hours on a standard day. 

After settling in at the accommodation for the night, you can take your time to rest, explore the village and interact with the natives. Dinner is typically served at around 6:30 to 7:30 PM. You will have enough time to communicate with the team and prepare for the next day’s exploration after dinner.

Trip Extension

The standard duration of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary with Nepal Guide Trek is 16 days. This time frame includes itinerary plans from your arrival, and sightseeing in Kathmandu to navigating the circuit route and departure plan. 

In overall, it is a fully guided and immersive trekking plan for your trip to the west-central Himalayas. However, even after completing your trekking journey, if you plan to spend some extra days in Nepal, we can make arrangements for that as well.

Whether it is providing assistance with the visa extension procedure, managing your transport needs or taking care of your itinerary plans for your extended stay, Nepal Guide Trek will cater to all your needs.

To decide on what you want to explore during your extended stay in Nepal, we can check out our popular short touring prospects in the country.

Safety and Well-being

Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is certainly a rewarding experience. However, safety and well-being factors also should be a top priority throughout the experience. That’s why Nepal Guide Trek takes every safety protocol and precaution seriously to ensure a seamless journey during your trip.

During your off-beaten exploration, we will provide a capable guide and crew to take care of health, safety and comfort throughout the experience. Our crew is adept at high-altitude response and first-aid training.

The guide leading your team will also do proper risk assessments before starting each day’s journey and will also keep your health status updated at the head office. In case of any kind of emergency situation, the guide will make the call after properly analyzing the risks.

So, stick with the suggestions and guidelines of the expert mountain guide and there won’t be anything you have to worry about during your mountain exploration.

Altitude Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a common concern for high-altitude exploration. After crossing the elevation point of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), trekkers may start showing mild symptoms of altitude sickness if they don’t follow the appropriate acclimatization procedure.

As AMS is not a serious stage of altitude sickness, eating a balanced diet, resting properly, staying hydrated and taking enough acclimating periods can help to prevent its symptoms. While trekking with Nepal Guide Trek, you don’t have to stress yourself about the risks of altitude sickness.

You will follow a gradual pace during your Himalayan exploration with us. Similarly, we have also allocated rest periods and acclimatization days along the route. So, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable and safe journey under our expert guidance without worrying about anything.