Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

• Best remote trek towards the 8th highest peak of the world
• Least crowded trekking trails
• Cultural villages of Gurung and Tibetan Buddhist community
• Flora and fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area
• Exploration of the Budhi Gandaki River Valley and its various richness
• Incredible vistas of the snowcapped peaks: Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), Shiringi (7,187m), Langpo (6,668m) and Saula (6,235m)
• Experience of crossing Larkya La Pass (5,213m)
• Side trips to Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake and Pungyen Gompa

Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the popular off-the-beaten-path trekking in Nepal. It is a wonderful combination of nature, culture, and adventure.

Located in the historical Gorkha District, it is the closest off-the-beat trekking route that gives a different experience from other treks like Langtang Valley Trek.

This Nepal Trekking Route is named after Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest peak in the world. Mount Manaslu is also called a Killer Mountain as it is one of the hardest 8,000ers to climb.

Besides, you can witness tens of snowcapped peaks above 6,000m. Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, & Ganesh Himal are some of the prominent peaks seen during this epic Manaslu trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). It is one of the Himalayan conservation areas in Nepal that has protected a large variety of flora and fauna.

This trek rewards you with unspoiled nature and culture untouched by modernity. The lifestyle of the Manaslu Region is still in its purest form because it is away from the city lifestyle.

The Manaslu Region shares its border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It used to be an ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet. Thus, it is fragile from the security perspective as well.

Due to its unspoiled nature, ancient culture, and security sincerity, the Nepal Government has declared it a restricted area for international tourists.

Trekking to the Manaslu Region is equally adventurous. The Manaslu Trekking Route begins from around 700m and rises as high as 5,167m (Larky La Pass). Gradual altitude gain is a challenge for beginner trekkers but it offers a thrilling adventure, too.

Ancient monasteries of Tsum Valley help you feel peace of mind. This Himalayan Valley has been following the footsteps of Lord Buddha since time immemorial. Animal sacrifice is forbidden in this valley. If you are non-veg, you must forget non-veg dishes at least until you remain in this valley.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits

Manaslu Region is a restricted area for trekking in Nepal. Hence, you cannot do this trek as a solo trekker but need at least two in your group. Your group must have a government-licensed trekking guide.

Among Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits, you need a restricted area trekking permit. Manaslu Trek Restricted Area Permit price is one for the autumn whereas different for the rest of the months.

From September to November, it costs USD 10 per person per day for the first 7 days. Then, you have to pay an additional charge of USD 10 per day.

From December to August, the special permit price is USD 70 per person per day for the first 7 days. Then, you have to pay an additional charge of USD 10 per day.

Another is Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit. The cost of an MCAP Permit is USD 30 per person per entry and remains the same throughout the year.

The last one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit because after crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,167m), you enter into the Annapurna Region. The ACAP Permit price is USD 30 per person per entry.

Being an off-the-beaten-path trekking in Nepal, a TIMS Card is not necessary for this trek though.

However, if you want to continue Annapurna Circuit Trek from Dharapani, the same permit works. Nevertheless, for Annapurna Thorung La Pass Trek, you must have TIMS Card mandatorily.

You do not have to worry about the Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits. The agency you book the trip with will manage all these because it is an organized trip.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

Manaslu Circuit Trek cost/Price is higher than the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Mardi Himal Trek. Besides other expenses, you have to pay for a special trekking permit for this trek.

The special trekking permit, also known as restricted area permit price is an additional expense than other treks in the Himalayas. Similarly, you need two conservation area permits: an MCAP Permit and an ACAP Permit.

Even though an off-the-beaten-path trek, it is completely a teahouse trekking in Nepal. This Nepal trekking route contains teahouses and lodges providing luxurious to basic services of food and accommodation.

However, the higher you trek, the higher the price of food, beverages, and accommodation.

You cannot do Manaslu Trek as a solo trekker, so you must pay a good amount for your guide and porter. Similarly, you might like to give incentives and allowance to your guide and porter when you become happy with their services.

Compared to the Everest Trek, transportation costs for the Manaslu Round Trek is cheaper because you do not have to pay for domestic flight tickets. You can reach to the trailhead by public bus, tourist bus or rent a private jeep. The price of roadway transportation is cheaper than flight tickets.

In addition, you do not need to spend an extra amount to purchase climbing gear. It means climbing gears like ice axes, ropes, harnesses, crampons, etc. are not necessary. You have just to pay for your stuff.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Package

There are several versions of the Manaslu Circuit Trek package available. Manaslu Circuit Trekkingpackages are made according to your budget, vacation, choice, and route you want to follow.

Manaslu Circuit Trek alone is also done if you want to avoid traversing across Tsum Valley. Avoiding Tsum Valley Trek means fewer days in an itinerary that saves your time, energy, and budget.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary ranges from 11 days to 17 days and even longer. If you are experienced in Nepal trekking routes, especially in the high altitude, you can even customize this trip.

But for beginner trekkers in Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek for 14 days will be more suitable. As a beginner, you need enough time for acclimatization and observation of natural and cultural heritage sites.

Without enough acclimatization time, you might be unable to beat the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty. Starting from around 700m, the Manaslu Circuit Trekking route in Nepal reaches as high as Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,167m.

As soon as you trek higher than 2,500m from the sea level, acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common phenomenon. To overcome possible altitude sickness during the trek to the Himalayas, you must have enough duration for pauses during the trek and acclimatization days.

So, we recommend you make sure you book the right Manaslu Circuit Trek package based on your physical fitness and experience.

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is designed for those having less than 2 weeks’ vacation in Nepal. Although short, the rewards are not different from those of a longer itinerary.

Short Manaslu Round Trek is more suitable for experienced trekkers who have already done high-altitude trekking in Nepal.

Moreover, you must have good physical fitness that can sustain with long trekking hours and AMS. Make sure you have a habit of regular exercise and sound health condition to complete the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,167m) might be challenging for beginner Nepal trekkers. This is one of the highest passes in the Nepalese Himalayas, a major challenge for Manaslu Trek.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Either the spring or the autumn is the best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek. The spring and autumn are the peak seasons of Nepal trekking.

Trekking to the Manaslu Region in the spring lets you enjoy the colorful forests due to hundreds of blooming flowers.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) contains more than 2,000 species of plants both flowering and non-flowering. The flowering plants including rhododendrons decorate the forests during the spring because this is the blooming season.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in the autumn is popular for splendid views of the snowcapped mountains including Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). The weather in this season remains stable and pleasant serving clear skies. When the skies are clear, you can see the panorama everywhere.

Autumn is also called the festive season in Nepal. You can also observe and become a part of festivals like Dashain, Tihar, etc.

Because of the natural scenery and festive occasions, spring, and autumn are called Manaslu Circuit Trek's best time.

However, if you love tranquil trekking trails and can adjust to cold temperatures, Manaslu Circuit Trek in the winter is also possible. Although an off-season to trek in Nepal, you can book the Manaslu Circuit Trek package in winter.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trekking gives a different experience from doing Manaslu Circuit Trek alone. Generally, trekkers combine Tsum Valley with Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Tsum Valley is also called a hidden treasure of the Nepalese tourism industry. This valley has maintained unspoiled nature and culture untouched by modern technology and tools.

Tsum Valley is a beautiful serene village surrounded by Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Sringi Himal. Stone-roofed houses, terraced fields, Himalayan streams, lush forests, and several snowcapped mountains above 7,000m are the assets of this village.

Tsum Valley Trek rewards you with the true flavor of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition in Nepali territory. Thousands of years-old monasteries, chortens, and mani walls make this place a completely peaceful zone.

The most significant Tibetan Buddhist shrines are Piren Phu (also called Milarepa’s Cave), Ruchen Nunnery, Mu Gompa, and Gumba Lungdang. Spending time at these monasteries helps you feel peace of mind.

The most beautiful aspect of this serene village is that animal sacrifice is not allowed in this sacred valley as well. Therefore, Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek rewards you with a lifelong experience of trekking in Nepal.

Final Words

Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Arughat at an altitude of 6,00m up to Larkya La Pass (5,167m). Traversing along the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), you might occasionally have glimpses of diverse flora and fauna.

Walking up and down the hills and mountains gives you a true sense of adventure during the Manaslu Trek. Enjoy and experience the authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions in Tsum Valley. Manaslu Round Trekking is all about a wonderful combination of nature, culture, and adventure all at once!