Everything To Know About Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal

Are you an adventure lover? If you are then you have come to the right place. The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is one of the famous adventurous trekking places. Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Together with adventure, if you are a peace lover, the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal package is the perfect one for you.

One of the highlight parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Mount Manaslu ( 8,163 m). It is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Throughout the trek, you will also get to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, tradition, and people, along with some challenging trails. Unlike other trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is most suitable for those wanting a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Your every step is worth it as the whole trail is filled with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, landscapes, suspension bridges, green forests, and wildlife. The traditional lifestyle of the local communities gives you a chance to know their lifestyle, tradition, and culture too.

In this blog, we are going to talk about everything about Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal, so that you can plan your next trip with assurance and safety.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal is a beautiful and one of the less crowded treks in Nepal. It might be often overshadowed by more famous routes like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, but it’s worth traveling there.

Located in the Manaslu region, this trek is known for its breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest peak. Despite it being one of the most beautiful regions, the Manaslu Circuit remains one of Nepal’s more restricted treks. To visit there, you will need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). With the help of guidance of a licensed trekking guide, you don’t have to worry.

One of the main highlights of this trek is crossing the thrilling Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). While crossing this pass, trekkers will get to see the beautiful views of Manaslu North (8,163 m) and Samdo Peak (3860m). The route also passes through Tsum Valley, popularly known as the ‘Hidden Valley’ as it was hidden from the world for many years. Tsum Valley is a restricted area in Nepal and you will need a permit to trek there.

However, trekking in this region requires careful planning. Due to the landscapes, it is prone to landslides and difficult weather, especially during winter when heavy snowfall can block parts of the trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

In comparison to other trekking routes, following the Manaslu Circuit Trek map, is not very technical. The trekking in Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal involves lots of walking routes. Moreover, the trail becomes more rough as we walk at higher altitudes.

One good thing about the trek is that you can stay in tea houses each night instead of camping. This makes it easier because you can rest comfortably and get rid of tiredness from all day.

The main challenge of the Manaslu Circuit is its high altitude. The highest point of this trek is 5,106 meters at the Larkya La Pass. This means you might feel the effects of altitude sickness. Additionally, the last part of the trail to the pass is often covered in snow.

The trek is also long, covering 122 kilometers. Furthermore, it involves a lot of uphill walking. Some days, you may hike more than 15 kilometers. These factors can make the trek hard, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker.

After many days on the trail, you might feel tired. However, this challenge can give you a strong sense of achievement once you finish the trek.

What Is The Best Time To Do The Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal?

When traveling the key part is choosing a perfect date. To enjoy the best out of the trip, you should always choose the best season to travel. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the weather conditions. Personal preferences, like how you feel about colder weather or wanting to avoid crowds, can also help you decide the best time for your trek.

However, traveling to remote places or any region, it’s highly recommended to book your trip during the best season. The best times to visit the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal are in the Spring and Autumn seasons. We have a detailed explanation of why we chose to visit the Manaslu region during these times.

Spring (March to May):

Spring season is the best time to visit the Manalsu region. It is also the peak season for the trek which might make the trail crowded. During the spring season, the weather is more stable and temperatures are mild. It will be sunny and the sky will be clear which makes the views crystal clear.

During this season, beautiful rhododendron flowers bloom. The forest full of beautiful flowers makes the journey more enjoyable and dreamy. Visibility is great, allowing clear views of the Himalayan peaks.

Autumn (September to November):

Besides spring, another good time to visit Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is during the autumn season (September to November). Around these months, is a great time for the trek. The weather will be dry and stable along with clear blue skies. Similarly, temperatures are also more comfortable.

Moreover, we travel to enjoy the beauty of nature. During this time, visibility is excellent and you will get to enjoy the breathtaking mountains and scenery. Autumn is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal.

Both spring and autumn provide good weather, making trekking enjoyable and safe. However, winter (December to February) can bring heavy snowfall, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings lots of rain.  making these times less suitable for trekking.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is a beautiful but restricted trail in Nepal. It includes amazing places like the Tsum Valley and the thrilling Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). However, to experience all of these,  to trek in this area, you need to get permits from the Nepal government because it is a protected region.

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: This permit is issued by the Nepal government and is necessary to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since the trek ends in the Annapurna region, you’ll also need an ACAP permit. You can get this permit either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Both MCAP (Manaslu Area Project) and ACAP (Annapurna Area Conservation Project) are important for protecting these regions. This permit is made to preserve the tradition and culture of the people. The valley is close to the Tibetan border and is known for its beautiful scenery and traditional Tibetan culture. Because it is a sensitive and remote area, the government has rules to protect it.

To visit Tsum Valley, you must get a Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit and hire a licensed trekking guide. Also, you need to be in a group with at least two people.

Alternatives to Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal:

If you have enough time and money, besides Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal, there are various other trips to choose from in the Manaslu region. You can visit many exciting places around the Manaslu Circuit trail. You can make the trek even more enjoyable by adding 1-2 extra days.

With an extended day, you can experience different treks, such as the Tsum Valley Trek, the Lower Manaslu Scenic Trek, the Manaslu Base Camp, or the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Some of the best side treks include the Ganga Jamuna Waterfall, Barpak Village (the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake), and Tsum Valley. If you’re interested, you can also do the Tsum Valley Trek on its own. You can also combine it with the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal for an extended adventure.

The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit is the Larkya La Pass. From this pass, you will get to see the truly breathtaking panoramic mountain views. After crossing Larkya La, trekkers enter the beautiful Annapurna Circuit region. By completing the Manaslu Trek, you’ll also have walked part of the Great Himalayan Trail.

Altitude Sickness at Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal:

Altitude Sickness is a common concern when trekking in high-altitude areas like the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal or any other Himalayan areas. It happens because the higher you go, the less oxygen there is in the air. This makes it harder for your body to function normally.

Likewise, a lack of oxygen can lead to a condition called acute mountain sickness (AMS). Trekking at high altitudes, especially at points like Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), increases the risk of altitude sickness.

Common symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some people may also have trouble sleeping. These symptoms can start slowly and worsen if you continue to climb without giving your body time to adjust.

Furthermore, in more severe cases, it can lead to serious health issues like HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) or HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema). You should be highly careful because both of these are life-threatening if not treated quickly.

To prevent altitude sickness, it’s important to climb slowly. So, always take your time and allow your body to get used to the higher altitude. Adding rest days to your trek for acclimatization is very important and helps your body adjust better.

Similarly, it’s also important to stay hydrated. Throughout the trek, drink plenty of water because dehydration can make symptoms worse. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Eating light but nutritious meals helps keep your energy up without overloading your body.

If you start to feel unwell, the best thing to do is descend to a lower altitude. Resting at a lower point can help relieve the symptoms, and it’s always important to listen to your body. If symptoms get worse, seek medical help immediately. With proper care, planning, and awareness, altitude sickness can be managed.

Accommodation and Food:

Eating during the trek is very important because trekking is physically straining. You will need energy to trek comfortably and avoid health issues. Similarly, where you will stay at night is also crucial because sleeping is the time your body will replenish.

During the Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal, you will mainly stay in tea houses. These are small lodges run by local families. They provide basic accommodation and meals. The tea houses are spread along the trekking route, so you don’t need to worry about carrying camping gear.

Furthermore, the rooms are usually simple, with twin beds, blankets, and sometimes shared bathrooms. As you go higher in altitude, the facilities may become more basic, with fewer facilities like hot water and electricity.

For food, tea houses provide meals, mostly featuring traditional Nepali cuisine like dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables). It is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for trekkers. You’ll also find dishes like noodles, soups, potatoes, and momos (dumplings). As you go higher, the variety of food may be limited, but tea houses still provide you have enough energy for the trek. Many trekkers prefer dal bhat because it’s filling and you can get unlimited servings.

Hot drinks like tea, coffee, and ginger lemon tea are also available. These drinks are great for warming up after a long day of trekking. Keep in mind that prices for both food and accommodation increase as you go higher due to the remote location and transportation costs.