Manaslu Short Trek

Useful Info

When to Go for Manaslu Short Trek?

The Spring season, from March to May, and the Autumn season, from September to November, is considered the best time for the Manaslu Trek in Nepal.

Spring season is sunny, dry, and stable in the Manaslu region. Since the skies remain clear, trekkers will observe the surrounding mountains and the beautiful countryside. In Spring, there are milder temperatures, and trekking is quite comfortable.

During the months of Spring, Rhododendron blooms, which is a spectacular sight for hikers. There is exotic wildlife, such as Himalayan tahr and blue sheep, and sometimes if you are lucky, you can also observe the snow leopard.

During Autumn, you will observe the majestic snow-clad mountains with high snow levels. There are trails clear of snow and ice, making it easier to navigate among the trekkers. The temperatures at the high altitude can be warm during the day and significantly more incredible at night in the Autumn season.

Festivities of the local people make the trail vibrant and enjoyable as well. Overall, pleasant weather and incredible natural scenery make the Autumn season worthwhile for the Manaslu Trek.

In the off-season, regular trek difficulty gets enhanced due to the weather and climate. Temperatures drop, and the weather gets unpredictable in the winter, with occasional snowfall. The trails get wet in the summer, leading to further challenges. Hence, trekkers must choose the peak season for the trek as far as possible.

See also :

• Manaslu Circuit Trek in October
• Manaslu Circuit Trek in April

Why Us?

• We are authorized and have many years of experience conducting successful treks in the high Himalayas.
• We operate well-planned treks by managing everything required for an easy and comfortable mountain journey.
• Our government-certified guides possess broad knowledge and experience in handling complex trails and terrains and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
• We can tailor itineraries to fit your requirements, desires, schedule and experiences. This will let you to travel at your own pace and view scenery of your interest while on the way.
• We provide good English-speaking guides who are also familiar with the local language. You will experience an interactive journey with guides who translate dialect into an understandable form for both you and the local people.

Permit Requirements

The permits essential for the short Manaslu Circuit Trek are:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) or Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

MRAP is a special permit for accessing the restricted Manaslu region. Likewise, MCAP and ACAP are the permits required to pass through the conserved Himalayan locations. ACAP is mainly needed for certain parts of the trek that pass through the Annapurna region.

Both MCAP and ACAP permits cost NPR 3,000 per head. However, the MRAP has two different fees that you need to pay based on the trekking season. From September to November, the MRAP fees are USD 100 per head per week. After one week, this fee increases by USD 15 per head per day. Likewise, from December to August, it costs USD 75 per head per week, and beyond that, an extra USD 10 per person per day is essential.

It is essential to opt for a guided package from a reputed trekking agency to go on the Manaslu Circuit journey. There must be in minimum two members in a group to obtain the MRAP. In case if you are alone we will join you with another traveler’s group and obtain permits.

How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Trek is a gorgeous trekking journey. But there are some challenges for trekkers that need tackling. Some of the significant challenges that you need to face are as follows:

High altitude

The Manaslu Trek reaches an altitude of above 5000m, so those who aren’t acclimatized get prone to altitude sickness. Hence, trekkers must regularly acclimate in the region in various settlements after multiple days. After each trek, you should explore the area and sleep at a lower settlement.

Remote location

The Manaslu trek passes through remote locations, making the infrastructure less developed. This means fewer medical, accommodation, and food options and facilities exist. There are various challenges related to this factor regarding the Manaslu Short Trek.

Harsh Terrain

There are steep ascents and descents, as with any other hilly region treks in Nepal. You will also pass through narrow trails with rocky and gravel-filled sections. Trekkers must remain at their best physically and be prepared for lengthy and strenuous hikes. The journey in the harsh terrain is especially hard for first-time trekkers and amateurs.

Extreme, unpredictable weather

The extremeness of the weather is quite challenging in this Manaslu Short Trek. You will find the trail to be challenging in the high-altitude. There you will find rapid changes in temperature dropping as you go high. Trekkers need to back themselves with necessary protection for all encompassing weather.

Trekking Route – Manaslu Short Trek

This Manaslu Trek is not only quite scenic but extremely adventurous too. While you pass through the outstanding terrain, you will also experience the cultural vista. First you drive from Kathmandu to Lapu Beshi, on a 4*4 jeep. The trail is quite scenic and fantastic compared to other routes in the region. The journey of your walk starts as you trek to Machhikhola.

From Machhakhola to Philim, you will trek thoroughly on a lush trail covered in green forests. Philim is a settlement from where trekking continues leading to Namrung. The trail then leads you to the Lho village where you can observe the beautiful heritage sites and Buddhist monasteries.

The Samagaun is the last point in the trek settlement before the famous base camp. You will then descend by trekking through fantastic trails to reach the Pung Gyen Gomba. There is also Birendra lake along the way of this Manasalu short trek.

As you reach Samagaun, you will trek back along the same trail to Samdo. Now the trail will then further lead to Dharamsala from Samdo. The Larkya la pass is another landmark that will pass along the trail.

From Bhimtang to Dharapani, you will trek around the area. You will finally drive to Kathmandu, passing through Besisahar. This concludes the Manaslu Short Trek in the region.

You may also like:

• Lower Manaslu EcoTrek
• Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek
• Manaslu Larke Pass Trek

Meals

Manaslu Short Trek has many teahouses and lodges where you can stop to stay and have your meal. In these teahouses, you will get meals like a Nepalese dish of Dal Bhat, which is a curry dish with rice and lentil soup. You will also get the pasta, noodles, thukpa, and other cuisine.

Breakfast at the tea houses includes bread, tea or coffee, porridge, boiled eggs, etc. For Lunch, you can stop en route and have it at the tea houses that fall along the way. Dinner is significant, and usually, Dal Bhat includes a healthy amount of side dishes.

One thing that you should consider is drinking hot beverages at high altitudes. At the tea houses, you can get tea, coffee, garlic soup, hot chocolate, etc. Hydrate regularly while trekking to tackle altitude sickness along the trail. Water treated with purification tablets or boiled water is recommended. Besides, it is recommended to bring your snacks as the food options get depleted as you gradually cross above 3000m.

Accommodations

Accommodation facilities on the Manaslu Short Trek are in the teahouses or guesthouses. In these facilities, you will find simple facilities that are necessary and not any fancy facilities. You will also get to stay in a comfortable manner.

Rooms are small and cozy in these teahouses. Basic facilities like beds, blankets, pillows, etc., get reduced as you reach a higher altitude. While there are toilets, they are generally out of the teahouse and required to bring your own toiletries.

The heating is generally on your own which you can get through the sleeping bags and warm clothes. Some accommodations also offer hot water, mobile charging facilities etc but not much as you reach towering altitude.

Why Should you Trek in the Manaslu Region?

Awe-inspiring views:

The Manaslu region is a beautiful trail with breathtaking views. You will find the trek to be incredible in terms of its vista. There are the silver mountains of Manaslu and Annapurna and other mystical vista during this trek. There are serene lush forests and idyllic settlements that you will pass along the trail.

A unique cultural experience:

The trails offer uniqueness in terms of its experiences. The joy that you will get during this trek is unparalleled as you pass through some of the traditional settlements. Not only will you get the cultural activities you will also learn about the ancient heritage. Manaslu trek offers an exploration of the unique cultural richness of the remote trails.

No crowded trails:

Since, this trek is generally based on the off-the-beaten landscapes, you will get the best adventure in quietness. This trek will prove to be quite a spiritual experience for trekkers of all skill levels. While the walk is brutal, a good fitness level will ensure a good time and comfortable walk.

Natural exploration:

The Manaslu Short Trek offers fantastic exploration all around the trails. While the trek is rough, it is also filled with the immense wildlife. These wildlife species are of rare species, and having this as a side benefit makes the trek astonishingly beautiful.

Training Regime for the Manaslu Short Trek

The Manaslu Trek is brutal in terms of the physicality required. Hence, nothing can offer you good fitness besides a good training regime. These measures are ideal as they offer you a good physical condition and mentally stability. Some succinct exercise routine to follow are as follows:

Strength-building exercises:

The Manaslu Short Trek requires muscle power in a great strength which subsequently requires good strength building exercises. These come through exercises like squats, lunges, and planks. You can also go through the weight training exercises with the help of your trainer.

Since there are steep ascents and descents during the trek, you must go through mountain training exercises. Before the tour, you can find a hill nearby and practice hikes in the region.

Cardiovascular training:

Good cardiovascular training is essential for the Manaslu Trek. The activities like jogging, swimming, biking, etc., will help you with these exercises. These exercises will also help you breathe at a high altitude with fewer oxygen levels.

Altitude training:

The Manaslu region treks will also need altitude training. You will get help through tackling altitude sickness. Hiking at a higher altitude will put you under extreme pressure. Hence, you should train at a high altitude before the trek as a part of your preparation.

Mental preparation:

Mentally, it would help if you also prepared for the Manaslu Short Trek. You will pass through some incredible terrains; a good mental state will help you quickly complete the trek. A positive outlook on the journey will always help you immensely along the trail.

Mountain Views During Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is well known for offering the best views of several towering Himalayan peaks. The spectacular backdrop of the majestic snow covered mountains keeps following you as you venture deep into the remote and rugged high altitude mountainous locations. Here are the lists of some prominent mountains that you will see during the exhilarating Manalsu Circuit trek.

Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft). It is the eighth tallest mountain in the world.

Himal Chuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft). It is the fifth highest peak in the Manaslu range.

Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m/25,823 ft)

Boudha Peak (6,668 m/21,877 ft)

Shringi Himal (7,187 m/23,579 ft)

Larkya Peak (6,249 m/20,502 ft). This peak is close to the Larkya La pass.

Pungyen Himal (6,446 m/21,148 ft)

Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft)

Lama Odar (6,114 m/20,059 ft)

The key points along the trail to observe these mountains are Bihi Phedi, Samagaon, Samdo and Larkya La Pass. As the Manaslu Circuit is comparatively less crowded than other well known mountain destinations like the Annapurna region and the Everest region, you can enjoy the mountain views with more peace. This will certainly enrich your trekking experience even more.

Autumn and spring are the ideal time to observe mountain views during the Manaslu Circuit Trek. At this time, you can expect a clear and less cloudy sky, a fresh, dustless atmosphere and optimal visibility conditions.

Permit Requirements

The permits essential for the short Manaslu Circuit Trek are:  

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) or Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

MRAP is a special permit for accessing the restricted Manaslu region. Likewise, MCAP and ACAP are the permits required to pass through the conserved Himalayan locations. ACAP is mainly needed for certain parts of the trek that pass through the Annapurna region.

Both MCAP and ACAP permits cost NPR 3,000 per head. However, the MRAP has two different fees that you need to pay based on the trekking season. From September to November, the MRAP fees are USD 100 per head per week. After one week, this fee increases by USD 15 per head per day. Likewise, from December to August, it costs USD 75 per head per week, and beyond that, an extra USD 10 per person per day is essential.

It is essential to opt for a guided package from a reputed trekking agency to go on the Manaslu Circuit journey. There must be in minimum two members in a group to obtain the MRAP. In case if you are alone we will join you with another traveler’s group and obtain permits.

Permit Requirements

The permits essential for the short Manaslu Circuit Trek are:  

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP) or Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

MRAP is a special permit for accessing the restricted Manaslu region. Likewise, MCAP and ACAP are the permits required to pass through the conserved Himalayan locations. ACAP is mainly needed for certain parts of the trek that pass through the Annapurna region.

Both MCAP and ACAP permits cost NPR 3,000 per head. However, the MRAP has two different fees that you need to pay based on the trekking season. From September to November, the MRAP fees are USD 100 per head per week. After one week, this fee increases by USD 15 per head per day. Likewise, from December to August, it costs USD 75 per head per week, and beyond that, an extra USD 10 per person per day is essential.

It is essential to opt for a guided package from a reputed trekking agency to go on the Manaslu Circuit journey. There must be in minimum two members in a group to obtain the MRAP. In case if you are alone we will join you with another traveler’s group and obtain permits.

Manaslu Circuit Trek During Off Seasons

Generally, the off-seasons for high-altitude trekking in Nepal are considered to be the time of summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). During these seasons, the weather conditions and temperatures are not favorable for outdoor activities like trekking.

Summer/monsoon is hot and wet, marked by intense heat and heavy rainfall. The possibility of muddy and slippery trails, landslides and avalanches, sunburns and heatstroke can make trekking challenging and dangerous.

Likewise, winter is the coldest with temperatures going bitterly low. The high altitude Manaslu landscapes are thickly covered with snow. It is difficult to navigate the Larkya La Pass at this time, which is often blocked by snow accumulation. The frigid temperatures and snow blanketed trails make the trek significantly tougher and add extra risk factors to safety and navigation.

While both of these off-season periods present challenges, they also offer unique experiences. If you properly prepare with the right gear, logistics, and safety measures, then the short Manaslu Circuit Trek at this time is bound to be equally rewarding and memorable.

Recommended Packing Lists for the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekking Gear

• Backpack and daypack with waterproof cover
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad
• Headlamp with a spare battery

Clothes

• Beanie
• Scarf
• Moisture wicking T shirts
• Sweatproof shorts and pants
• Half and full sleeve vests
• Stretchy and flexible leggings
• Quick drying trekking pants
• Thermal trousers
• Woolen tops and bottoms
• Pullovers
• Fleece jackets and pants
• Woolen sweaters
• Windbreakers
• Waterproof jackets and pants
• Full length down vest
• Down jacket
• Several pairs of underclothes
• Sports bra for women
• Insulated gloves
• Waterproof gloves

Footwear

• 3 to 4 pairs of liner socks
• A few woolen socks
• Worn in trekking boots
• Crampons for improved grip on slippery surfaces
• Light sports shoes (for short day hikes)
• Flipflops
• Sandals
• Woolen slippers
• Gaiters (to prevent moisture from getting into your boots)

Sun Protection Items

• A wide brimmed sun hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• SPF 50 + sunscreen and lip balm
• Liner gloves

First Aid Kit and Medications

• Anti inflammatory gel
• Pain relievers
• Antiseptic cream
• Small scissors
• Plaster bandages
• Gauze pads
• Elastic tapes
• Sprain spray
• Antibiotics
• Instant cold packs
• Insect repellent
• Blister treatment
• Panadol
• Oral rehydration salts
• Thermometer
• Paracetamols
• Cough syrup
• Eye drops
• Antidiarrheals
• Gastro stop
• Diamox
• Tweezers
• Water purification solutions (drops or tablets)

Electronic Devices

• Mobile and charger
• Headphones/earphones
• Mini speaker
• Camera with extra batteries
• GPS
• Portable solar charger
• Power bank
• Satellite phones

Personal Care Items

• Wet wipes
• Biodegradable soap
• Moisturizing cream
• Body spray
• Face wash
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Shampoo and conditioners
• Dental floss
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Foot powder
• Quick drying bath towel
• Sanitary pads or menstrual cups
• Small mirror
• Earbuds
• Deodorants
• Nail cutters
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• After shaving gel
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair ties and clips

Documents

• Passport with 6 months of minimum validity
• Nepal visa
• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance papers
• A few passport size photos

Miscellaneous Items

• Credit cards
• Cash in Nepali rupee
• Thermal refillable water bottle
• Whistle
• Binocular
• Travel pillow
• Books
• Diary and pen
• Ear plugs
• Eye masks
• Play cards
• High energy snacks and chocolates
• Wastage bags
• Guidebooks and maps for efficient navigation
• Compass to find out direction
• Personal Locator Becom (PLB)
• Light emergency blankets

Buying and Renting Trekking Necessities

If you already have all the required gear and clothing for the short 10 days Manaslu Circuit Trek, they can be brought along for the adventure. However, if you have yet to shop for trekking essentials, you can buy or rent them from the plethora of shops in Kathmandu.

Thamel is the ideal spot in the valley where you can find an array of shops packed with trekking clothes and equipment. Consider choosing a trusted brand while purchasing or renting trekking products so that you can rely on their comfort and resilience throughout the journey. 

The cost of trekking gear usually costs you between US$ 5 to US$ 500, depending on their material, brand, quality, durability and functionality. Likewise, the rental price usually ranges from USD 2 to USD 5 per day.

Luggage Space Options

Extra luggage that you are not going to use during your Manaslu Circuit Trek trekking adventure can be kept at different locations. There are several options for extra luggage storage in Nepal. The most common and reliable options include:

Hotel Storage: Many hotels in Nepal will allow guests to store luggage for periods of time. Sometimes, this storage facility is free, while at other times, they will charge small fees. Generally, hotel storage is safe. However, it is advisable to lock your bags just in case.

Trekking Agencies: Most trekking agencies, like us, allow luggage space for their clients. We provide complete free luggage storage services to you. Your luggage will be safe and secure with us until you get back from the trek.

Personal Expenses During the Trek

The major cost of our 10 days short Manaslu Circuit trekking journey includes the expenses for transportation, trekking permits, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodations and services of guides and porters.

Besides these, different personal nature expenses occur during the adventure, such as buying or renting trekking gear, shopping, laundry, purchasing souvenirs, snacks, drinks, electronic charging, etc.

For all these expenses you will have to pay out of your pocket. Considering your spending habits, we recommend you budget for your personal expenses accordingly. Generally, an extra amount of around USD 40 to USD 50 is required each day to cover your personal expenditures.