The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular teahouse trek in Nepal that takes approximately 14-16 days to complete. It offers a unique cultural and natural experience for trekkers, taking them through remote villages, lush forests, and over high mountain passes. The trek also passes through the Tsum Valley, a hidden gem that has recently become more accessible to trekkers. The trek is considered moderately difficult and requires trekkers to obtain several permits, including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and the TIMS card. Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fantastic trekking option for those looking for a unique and challenging experience in the Himalayas, with stunning scenery and cultural encounters along the way.
Features of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular and challenging trekking destination in Nepal. It offers a unique blend of natural and cultural diversity, with stunning views of the Himalayas, forests, waterfalls, and remote villages. Here are some of the features of the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Majestic Himalayan Views
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers stunning views of several majestic Himalayan peaks. Here are some of the notable ones:
Mount Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft): The trek is named after this mountain, which is the eighth-highest peak in the world. The mountain is located in the Mansiri Himal range and offers a breathtaking view throughout the trek.
Himal Chuli (7,893 m/25,896 ft): This mountain is located east of Mount Manaslu and is the 18th highest peak in the world. It is a stunning peak with a distinctive pyramid shape.
Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft): The Ganesh Himal range is located to the west of the Manaslu range and is known for its seven peaks resembling the tusks of an elephant. These peaks are visible from various parts of the trek and offer a unique and impressive view.
Annapurna II (7,937 m/26,040 ft): This mountain is located to the west of Manaslu and is the 16th highest peak in the world. It is a prominent peak and is visible from various viewpoints along the trek.
Shringi Himal (7,187 m/23,579 ft): This mountain is located to the south of Manaslu and is a lesser-known peak in the region. However, it is still a stunning peak and offers a unique view from certain parts of the trek.
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a stunning view of some of the highest and most majestic peaks in the world, making it a popular trekking destination for mountain enthusiasts.
Off-the-beaten-path Trekking
Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered an off-the-beaten-path trekking destination in Nepal. It is a remote and less crowded trek compared to the popular Everest and Annapurna regions. The trail takes you through remote villages, lush forests, raging rivers, and high mountain passes, offering a unique cultural and natural experience.
The trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness and trekking experience. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, crossing high-altitude passes, and walking on narrow ridges. The trek starts from Soti Khola, a small village in the Gorkha district, and follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail passes through remote villages like Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaon, where you can experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the ethnic groups living in the region. The highlight of the trek is the crossing of Larkya La Pass, one of the highest passes in Nepal, at an altitude of 5,106 meters. The pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,893m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), and other peaks in the Annapurna range. The trail descends to the Marshyangdi Valley and joins the popular Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani.
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a unique and adventurous off-the-beaten-path trekking experience that offers breathtaking mountain views, cultural immersion, and challenging trekking in a remote and less crowded region of Nepal.
Rich Cultural Experience
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a rich cultural experience as it passes through several villages inhabited by the Gurung and Tibetan ethnic communities. These communities have their own unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles that are distinct from those found in other parts of Nepal. Some of the highlights of the cultural experience on the Manaslu Circuit Trek are:
Lho village: Lho is a picturesque village situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. The village offers stunning views of Manaslu and its surrounding peaks. The village is inhabited by the Gurung community, who have their own distinct culture and lifestyle. Visitors can explore the village and interact with the locals to learn about their traditions and customs.
Samagaun village: Samagaun is a traditional Tibetan village situated at an altitude of 3,530 meters. The village is home to the Samagaun Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. Visitors can witness the daily life of the monks and participate in their religious ceremonies.
Birendra Tal: Birendra Tal is a sacred lake located at an altitude of 3,450 meters. The lake is considered holy by the locals, and visitors can witness the traditional rituals performed by the locals around the lake.
Larkya La Pass: The Larkya La Pass is the highest point of the trek, situated at an altitude of 5,160 meters. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and visitors can witness the prayer flags and chortens (Buddhist shrines) that are scattered around the pass.
Nubri valley: Nubri valley is a hidden gem located in the northern part of the Gorkha district. The valley is inhabited by the Nubri people, who have their own distinct culture and language. Visitors can explore the valley and learn about the customs and traditions of the Nubri people.
Challenging High-Altitude Pass
The Manaslu Circuit Trek includes the challenging high-altitude pass called Larkya La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) above sea level. Crossing the Larkya La Pass is a thrilling experience for trekkers as it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks and glaciers.
The pass requires physical fitness and acclimatization due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. It is important for trekkers to be prepared with proper gear, warm clothing, and a good level of fitness before attempting to cross the pass.
The ascent to Larkya La Pass is steep and challenging, but the stunning views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and other surrounding peaks make it worth the effort. On the descent, trekkers will encounter a long and steep trail that leads to Bimthang, where they can take a well-deserved rest and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Manaslu.
Natural Diversity
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a diverse range of natural landscapes and environments throughout the journey. Here are some of the highlights of the natural diversity on this trek:
Subtropical Forests: At the beginning of the trek, you will trek through lush subtropical forests filled with bamboo, rhododendron, and pine trees. These forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including langurs, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer.
Alpine Meadows: As you gain altitude, you will pass through beautiful alpine meadows that are covered in wildflowers during the spring and summer months. These meadows offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are a great place to take a break and soak in the scenery.
Glacier Lakes: One of the most stunning natural features of the Manaslu Circuit Trek are the glacier lakes that you will pass by on the way to Larkya La Pass. These lakes are a beautiful shade of turquoise and are surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
High-Altitude Desert: After crossing the Larkya La Pass, you will descend into a high-altitude desert that is starkly different from the lush forests and meadows you encountered earlier on the trek. This desert landscape is characterized by rocky terrain and towering cliffs.
Birendra Lake: Located in the Manaslu Conservation Area, Birendra Lake is a hidden gem that is not often visited by trekkers. This beautiful lake is fed by the glacier melt of Mount Manaslu and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Warm Hospitality
One of the most memorable aspects of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the warm hospitality of the local people. The trek takes you through many small villages and communities where you will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their unique way of life. The people in this region are predominantly of Tibetan origin and have a rich culture and tradition that they are proud to share with visitors.
The locals are friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help. You will be greeted with warm smiles and offered tea and food at every opportunity. Staying at teahouses along the trail also provides an opportunity to learn about local customs and traditions, such as the practice of leaving a stone on a cairn as a form of prayer or gratitude.
The Nepalese culture values community and hospitality, and this is especially evident on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The locals take great pride in providing excellent service to trekkers, and their hospitality adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort to the trekking experience.
Also Read: Top Trekking Destination in Nepal.
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek can be done every days of the year and each season showcase the different verson of the nature beauty to the traveler.
Autumn (September-November): This is the most popular time to trek in the Manaslu region. The weather is generally stable and clear, with mild temperatures and little rainfall. The skies are usually crystal clear, providing excellent views of the mountains. This is also the peak season, so the trails and teahouses can be crowded.
Winter (December-February): This is the coldest season and not as popular for trekking. The higher altitudes can be very cold, and the passes may be closed due to snowfall. However, the lower regions may still be accessible, and the views can be breathtaking with snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls.
Spring (March-May): This is the second-most popular time to trek in the Manaslu region. The weather is warm and pleasant, and the rhododendrons are in full bloom, painting the hillsides with vibrant colors. The views of the mountains are excellent, and the trails are not as crowded as in the autumn.
Summer (June-August): This is the monsoon season in Nepal, with heavy rainfalls and the possibility of landslides. The trails can be muddy and slippery, and the mountain views are often obscured by clouds. However, the region is lush and green, and the lower elevations may still be accessible for trekking.
However, it's important to note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, and you should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. It's also important to check the weather forecast before starting your trek and be prepared with appropriate gear and clothing.
Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here are the necessary permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a restricted area, and all trekkers must have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The RAP is issued by the Government of Nepal through registered trekking agencies, and you must apply for it at least two weeks before your trek. The cost of the RAP varies depending on the season.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts in the Annapurna region, and you must have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter this region. The ACAP is available at the entry points of the conservation area.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): The Manaslu Circuit Trek passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, and you must have a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) to enter this region. The MCAP is available at the entry points of the conservation area.
TIMS Card: Trekkers are also required to obtain a Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. The card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or from the TIMS counter in Pokhara.
It's important to note that the permit requirements and costs may change, so it's always best to check with the Nepal Tourism Board for the most up-to-date information.
A Typical Day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek
A typical day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek may vary depending on the itinerary and pace of the trek, but here is an outline of what a typical day may look like:
Breakfast: Typically served at the teahouse where you spent the night, breakfast usually consists of tea or coffee, along with porridge, eggs, bread, and sometimes pancakes or chapatis.
Trekking: Trekking usually begins around 8:00 am and continues until midday, with frequent stops for tea and snacks along the way. The terrain varies from day to day, ranging from steep ascents to gentle descents, and the scenery changes with every step.
Lunch: Usually taken at a teahouse or lodge along the trail, lunch is often a simple affair, with options like noodle soup, fried rice, or dal bhat (a traditional Nepali dish of lentil soup, rice, and vegetables).
Afternoon trekking: After lunch, the afternoon trekking continues until the next teahouse or lodge is reached. The pace of the trek may slow down in the afternoon as the altitude and terrain become more challenging.
Dinner: Dinner is usually served around 6:00 pm, and consists of a hearty meal of dal bhat, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish. Tea or coffee is also served, and sometimes dessert or fruit is available as well.
Evening: After dinner, there is usually time to relax and chat with fellow trekkers or read a book before heading to bed early to rest up for the next day's trek. Many teahouses also offer hot showers for a small fee, which can be a welcome luxury after a day of trekking.
Important notes on Manaslu Circuit Trek
Here are some important notes on Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Physical Fitness: Manaslu Circuit Trek is a strenuous trek that involves long hours of walking in high altitude. Trekkers should be physically fit and prepared for the challenges of the trek.
Altitude Sickness: Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to a high altitude, and altitude sickness can be a serious concern. Trekkers should take the necessary precautions and acclimatize properly to avoid any health risks.
Permits: Trekking permits are mandatory for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) from the government-authorized agencies.
Weather Conditions: Weather in the Manaslu region can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Trekkers should be prepared for all types of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and strong winds.
Accommodation and Food: The availability of accommodation and food options can be limited in some parts of the trek. Trekkers should be prepared for basic accommodations and local cuisine.
Responsible Trekking: Manaslu Circuit Trek takes place in a remote and fragile ecosystem. Trekkers should be responsible and respect the local culture, environment, and wildlife. They should also follow the Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their trash.
Trekking with a Guide: Trekking with a licensed guide is highly recommended for Manaslu Circuit Trek. A guide can help you with navigation, permits, accommodations, and local insights, making your trekking experience safer and more enjoyable.
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