The Manaslu Circuit trip circles the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It starts in the bustling market town of Soti Khola, travels up and back via a separate route, and ends in Syange. Adding a side trip can extend it to 15 to 17 days. This hike is for those seeking something unique in Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is regarded as one of the top treks in Nepal by experts. Despite a recent increase in popularity, the Manaslu Trek remains far out and off the beaten path compared to Nepal’s more well-known teahouse treks.
The circuit’s route starts in Arughat, a small town in the Gorkha District. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages. Trekkers will experience local culture and customs. The trail then ascends to the Larkya La Pass, the trek’s highest point at an altitude of 5,106 meters.
Going from Kathmandu to Arughat and then to Soti Khola will take the trekkers three days. As a result, the actual trek starts on the fourth day from Soti Khola. After that, the hikers will start the elevation slowly but steadily. Besides, the hikers also pass through several checkpoints throughout the journey. They can even stay there for a night in a tent if they want to decrease their pace.
Furthermore, resting is also very necessary because the trekkers need to acclimatize to the weather. Most professional trekkers suggest trekking for one day and resting for one day for acclimatization. In this way, no health damage might be recorded.
The trek is well-known for being a solo journey with a minimum group size of two required.
Consequently, there would be at least two individuals during the first stages. Also, for lodging and acquiring permissions, it will be very beneficial.
For adventurous hikers, the trek circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and offers a distinctive and off-the-beaten-path experience. The walk passes through isolated towns and various settings, including green forests, terraced rice fields, and rocky mountain ranges.
Hotels with various amenities and homes built in Nepalese architectural style are enjoyable places to stay. You can spend the night in a tent while admiring the sky and appreciating Nepal’s stunning scenery. Manaslu, which rises to a height of 8,163 meters, is one peak that soars above 8000 meters.
One of the essential things to know before planning a Manaslu circuit trek is that because of the trek’s remote location, the hikers cannot go there without a special permit. However, even if you get a permit for trekking, you cannot do it without the help of a professional guide or a trekking agency. The Manaslu Circuit trek is known to be one of the least crowded among all the trekking circuits in Nepal. Even though people are slowly learning about this trekking circuit, there are still ten times fewer trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit trek.
What is the Best Time for the Manaslu trek?
You can trek the Manaslu circuit in four seasons. You can successfully trek the course in all four seasons. However, remember to plan the trek only in these six months: March, April, May, September, October, and November.
You might find a massive crowd if you think of trekking the circuit in April, May, October, and November. One thing to remember about the Manaslu trek is that the Larke Pass gets closed by snow during the winter, which blocks the way to the Manaslu Base Camp. As a result, it is okay to go to the Manaslu trekking in any season. However, the difficulty level might increase or decrease based on the seasons.
According to the local guides, the best time for the Manaslu trek would be spring and autumn or mid-October and mid-December. However, people might have different opinions regarding the best time for the great Manaslu circuit trek. You are responsible for when you want to go for the trek.
How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit trek?
Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging. To finish the Manaslu Circuit, trekkers must travel over rugged terrain. It requires long walks because of the area’s wild and isolated landscapes. In addition, there are several significant difficulty factors, including acute mountain sickness, lengthy walks, accommodation options, etc. The difficulty level also heavily depends on the season for trekking and unpredictable weather.
People with good physical condition with prior hiking or trekking experience are advised to do it. Furthermore, this climb is less marketed than others in Nepal and calls for special permission only given to organized groups, which is something else to keep in mind. The best option is to travel with a trustworthy company with seasoned porters and guides.
You have to take care of several factors if you want to complete the Manaslu trek successfully. Acclimatization and physical preparation are two important things to remember before starting the trek. Other than that, you also need to have the proper gear and also make sure to get travel insurance so that it covers trekking in remote areas.
As a result, ensure to be fully prepared before planning the trip. Rushing during the trip should be avoided altogether.
Food and Accommodation during the trek
At the start of the trek, there are very comfortable tea houses and lodges. These tea houses and lodges offer very well fooding and lodging services. The beds in these lodges are very comfortable as they comprise foam pads, pillows, and blankets. Besides, many lodges also have attached washrooms, where you can also take advantage of hot water.
However, as you elevate, the services become less, and lodges are expensive. Lodges or teahouse of the Manaslu circuit route offers bed-and-breakfast-like hotels at very reasonable prices. We highly recommend you bring your sleeping bag to ensure you stay warm enough at night.
17-day itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Day 4: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m)
Day 5: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,804m)
Day 7: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m)
Day 9: Acclimatization day in Samagaon
Day 10: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)
Day 11: Acclimatization day in Samdo
Day 12: Trek from Samdo to Dharmashala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m)
Day 13: Trek from Dharmashala to Bhimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
Day 14: Trek from Bhimthang to Tilije (2,300m)
Day 15: Trek from Tilije to Chamje (1,410m)
Day 16: Drive from Chamje to Kathmandu
Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu
