Did you do Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang Trek? Then, Your next adventure Manaslu Trek is waiting for you. Manaslu Circuit Trek has all the features of the other treks in Nepal. World’s highest peak, dramatic landscapes, typical villages, waterfalls, rivers, high passes, suspension bridges, and many more.
This trek is one of the restricted trekking routes and it is located in the western part of Nepal. Manaslu Conservation Area safeguards this beautiful trekking trail by preserving the natural and cultural beauties of this area. This region is comparatively less crowded than Everest Base Camp; Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang Valley Trek.
Walking on the bank of the Budi Kali Gandaki river before passing the Larke La. Is always fun because of crossing the hanging bridges and walking on man-made hiking trails; just above the fast-flowing river. Typical Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and hanging prayer flags; along the way will make your journey more interesting.
Because of the restricted trekking area, individual trekkers are not allowed. So the government license holder guide is mandatory; and needs a minimum of 2 people in a group. To issue the permit a registered trekking company has the authority to organize this trip. So you have to choose one of the trekking companies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek is the best alternative trek to the popular Everest and Annapurna treks?
One of the less crowded trekking trails.
The scenery of the world’s 7th highest mountain peak.
Very remote areas, and still available of the guesthouse in every village for accommodation and food.
Traditional Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and Mani walls along the way.
Stress-free from a domestic flight because this trek starts and ends only by road.
Tibetan culture and tradition in the Nepali land.
These all reasons make this trek one of the best alternatives to other popular treks in Nepal.
Trekking routes of this amazing trek
| Day 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. |
| Day 2 | Soti Khola to Machhe Khola. |
| Day 3 | Machhe Khola to Jagat. |
| Day 4 | Jagat to Philim |
| Day 5 | Philim to Deng |
| Day 6 | Deng to Namrung |
| Day 7 | Namrung to Lho Gaun |
| Day 8 | Lho Gaun to Sama Gaun |
| Day 9 | Hike to Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp |
| Day 10 | Sama Gaun to Samdo |
| Day 11 | Samdo to Dharmasala |
| Day 12 | Dharmasala to Bimtang via cross Larke La 5106m |
| Day 13 | Bimtang to Khorsani Bari |
| Day 14 | Khorsani Bari to Dharapani |
| Day 15 | Dharapani to Besisahar and Besisahar to Kathmandu drive. |
Required Trekking Permits and their cost
MCAP Permit (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit)
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
Special Trekking Permit or restricted area trekking permit.
ACAP and MCAP will cost US$30 and a special permit will cost differently in different seasons. September to November US$100 for the first week and US$15 per day per person. On the other hand, from December to August US$75 for the first week and US$10 per day per person after the week.
Best season to do Manaslu Trek.
As usual, the best trekking seasons in Nepal are spring and autumn. Among these two seasons any month, you can do this trek. Because during this season weather will be clear and best for the surrounding views and the temperature is perfect for a trek.
Spring – March, April, and May,
Autumn – September, October, and November
Accommodation during the Manaslu Trek
During the Manaslu Trek, there are various types of accommodations are available. The most common types are teahouses, guesthouses, homestays, and camping. Still, at Dharmalsa (Basecamp of Larke Pass), there is a tent and very basic accommodation serving.
Teahouses and guesthouses are small lodges along the way that provide basic accommodation, food, and beverages for travelers. The facilities in guesthouses may vary from one to another, but normally they are all quite similar. But they normally offer a private room with 2 or 3 beds, a common dining area, and shared toilets.
Nowadays in some places, there are quite a few good hotels are building and they are offering toilet-attached rooms and hot showers. However, during the peak season, teahouses and guesthouses can get very crowded, so it’s always better to book in advance. It is because of the fewer guest houses that are there which is not enough.
Camping is another way to accommodate while doing Manaslu Trekking. To do camping requires setting up tents in designated camping sites. Camping trekking is more expensive than teahouses but it offers a more personalized and exclusive experience. Nevertheless, nowadays in the Manaslu region, very few people do Camping Treks.
Additionally, it’s recommended to bring your sleeping bag, warm clothing, and other necessary trekking equipment to ensure a comfortable stay and pleasurable trekking in Nepal.
Transportation during the Manaslu Trek
Transportation during the Manaslu Circuit Trek can be divided into two categories: getting to the starting point of the trek and transportation after completion of the trek.
To get to the starting point of the Manaslu Trek, the one and only option is to travel by road. You can take a bus or hire a private vehicle from Kathmandu to Sotikhola or Machhekhola. These places are starting point of the trek and in the future, it may change because of the road construction going on. The traveling on road will take around 7-8 hours, and the road will be bumpy and jumpy.
During the trek, walking is the primary mode of transportation. Because there is no proper road and the trekking trail is well-marked, you can follow the trail to reach your destination. However, if you have any physical limitations or are short on time, you can hire a porter / Donkyes to carry your luggage or a horse to ride on.
Trek can finish off at any place on the route to the Annapurna Circuit Trek trail such as Dharapani, Taal, Cahmje, or Jagat. But usually, people will end their Manaslu Circuit Trek at Dharapani. Nowadays there is a road all the way to Tilje therefore you can take a jeep from Tilje to Besisahar and then Bus to KTM. There is only Jeep transportation available from Tilje and Dharapani.
It’s important to note that the Manaslu Region Treks are remote and challenging treks, and transportation can be limited for some time. That is why It’s best to plan your transportation needs ahead of time and be prepared for some unexpected delays or changes in schedule.
Internet or WiFi Facilities during the trek
Internet is scattering very fast in Nepal and even in the Himalayas there is WiFi available. So Manaslu region is also not far which is why there is WIFi available till Samdo village. But to use WiFi you have to pay additional and sometimes it doesn’t work as you expected. Although it’s enough to connect with your family, friends, and loved ones.
Drinking Water
Manaslu Region is perfect for trekking like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang region. Because this trek has all the features that a trekking trail offers. While doing Manaslu Trek drinking water is very important. There are many streams from here flowing natural water. But drinking this water directly from streams might be the problem.
So that better to take with you any water purification tablets or tools which can purify the water to drink. And there is possible to buy mineral water in every village. Even though there are some small shops along the way people will sell water and tea. Hot water is also available at every guest house along the way. Therefore all depend on how you like to drink water.
[…] La Pass 5106m can be reached by doing the Manaslu Circuit Trek or can be combined with the Tsum Valley Trek. That is why the trek to Larke La Pass is also called […]