Manaslu-kringstapgids
The Manaslu Trek or Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable trekking adventure that takes you to the foot of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trek lies in the Manaslu region and is one of the underrated treks in Nepal. Since it is a Restricted Region Trek, the number of tourists that can visit here is limited, resulting in a less crowded trail. Recently, it has become an alternative for Himalayan treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp.
dit Manaslu Circuit Trek guide offers a comprehensive insight into the trek, from the necessary permits to the difficulties and tips. It will also briefly introduce the estimated cost, which is essential for budgeting. Additionally, a trekking guide is required since this area is restricted. This article offers tips for selecting one. Read along to ensure you don’t miss out on anything while preparing.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Hoogtepunte
- Plek: Gorkha District, Nepal
- Duur: 14 Dae
- Stapafstand: ~177 Km
- Beginpunt: Soti Khola (760 m)
- Highest Point: Lyrkya La Pass (5,160 m)
- Moeilikheidsgraad: Matig tot Uitdagend
- Beste tyd om te trek: Lente- en Herfsseisoene
- Accommodaties: Teehuise
- Vereiste permitte: Manaslu Beperkte Gebied Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek-reisplan
Manaslu Circuit Trek (MCT) starts at the Soti Khola (Soti River) at 730 m above sea level. You will trek to Samagaon, where you will acclimatize to prepare for the trek to Lyarka La Pass (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek. The overall route that you will follow during this trek is as follows:
Soti Khola → Maccha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Samagaon → Pungyen Gompa → Samdo → Dharamsala (Larkya Base Camp) → Larkya La Pass → Bimthang → Dharapani → Syange → Kathmandu
Below is the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, with the distance covered and trek duration.
| Dag | Aktiwiteit | ~Trekking Distance (km) | ~Walking Duration (hrs) |
| 1 | Aankoms in Kathmandu | - | - |
| 2 | Ry van Katmandu na Soti Khola | ~140 (Drive) | 7-8 |
| 3 | Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 14 | 6-7 |
| 4 | Trek van Maccha Khola na Jagat | 22 | 6-7 |
| 5 | Trek van Jagat na Deng | 19 | 6-7 |
| 6 | Staptog van Deng na Namrung | 19 | 6-7 |
| 7 | Stap van Namrung na Samagaon | 17 | 6-7 |
| 8 | Akklimatiseringsdag in Samagaon | 9 | 6-7 |
| 9 | Trek van Samagaon na Samdo | 16 | 4-5 |
| 10 | Staptog van Samdo na Dharamsala | 12 | 4-5 |
| 11 | Trek from Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimthang | 24 | 8-9 |
| 12 | Staptog van Bimthang na Dharapani | 26 | 7-8 |
| 13 | Ry van Dharapani na Kathmandu | ~190 (Drive) | 8-9 |
| 14 | Finale vertrek | - | - |
Koste van die Manaslu-staptog
The Manaslu Circuit Trek will cost you anywhere from USD 1,000 tot USD 1,500, depending on your trekking style and the choices you make during the trek. The 14-day Manaslu Trek package starts at USD 1,050 on My Everest Trip. The price includes three-course meals during the trek, transportation, permits, and the guides’ fees.
It doesn’t include your travel insurance, visa fees, tips for guides and porters, the porter’s salary, and the extra food and drinks during the trek. It also excludes additional service expenses during the trek and your meals at Kathmandu.
Beraamde koste
The table below provides the estimated cost per person for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The list includes the major expenses during the trek.
| Uitgawe Kategorie | Cost Range (USD per person) |
| Permitte | 150 $ - 250 $ |
| Guide (per day) | $ 20 - $ 30 per dag |
| Porter (per day) | $ 15 - $ 20 per dag |
| Verblyf (per nag) | $8 - $20 per nag |
| Kos (per dag) | $15 – $40 per day (three meals) |
| Vervoer | 50 $ - 400 $ |
| Miscellaneous (gear rental, extra expenses) | 50 $ - 100 $ |
Manaslu Trekking Permits
You will need to obtain three permits to trek in the Manaslu-streek. The three permits are the
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: Because places like Chumnubri Rural Municipality of Manaslu are restricted for trekking.
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit: Jy sal wees trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area and need this permit.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: You must obtain this permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area to conclude your Manaslu Trek.
| Tipe permit | nasionaliteit | September – November (Per Person) | December – August (Per Person) |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)(Chumnubri Rural Municipality – Ward Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4) | Alle nasionaliteite | USD 100 per week + USD 15 per day (beyond 1 week) | USD 75 per week+ USD 10 per day (beyond 1 week) |
| Manaslu-bewaringsgebiedpermit (MCAP) | SAARC-onderdane | NPR 2 000 (~USD 8) | |
| Non-SAARC Nationals | NPR 2 000 (~USD 25) | ||
| Annapurna-bewaringsgebiedpermit (ACAP) | SAARC-onderdane | NPR 2 000 (~USD 8) | |
| Non-SAARC Nationals | NPR 2 000 (~USD 25) | ||
Transportation Guide for Manaslu Trek
Since no airports are nearby, the only way to reach the Manaslu Region is by bus or jeep. During your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will travel by bus or jeep twice: once to reach Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek, and again to return to Kathmandu from Dharapani. The two options available to you are as follows:
On Bus
Traveling by bus is thrilling but also tiresome. It is a budget-friendly option. The local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola takes about 9 hours, costing around USD 10 to USD 15 per person. The route passes through Dhading, Arughat, and finally Soti Khola. The road is pitched most of the way, but there are also rugged and bumpy sections.
After you complete your trek, you can take a local bus from Dharapani to Kathmandu again. Depending on the situation, you might have to arrive at Pokhara in a Jeep, which will take about 4 to 5 hours and cost about 15 tot 20 dollar. The bus drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about 7 hours, costing about 10 tot 15 dollar.
On Jeep
Jeep offers a more private and comfortable traveling experience. However, it can be expensive to hire a jeep. It is also a faster option to reach the Soti Khola as it only takes about 7 to 8 hours. You will also be free to stop the jeep at locations during the trip. Similarly, you can hire a jeep and return to Kathmandu from Besisahar. A jeep will cost you about USD 150 to 250 for a one-way trip.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Moeilikheidsgraad
Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek because of the high altitudes, remote trails, and longer duration. Let us explore the significant difficulty:
Hoogte
The highest point of the Manaslu Trek is Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). Reaching such height requires immense physical strength. Also, regardless of your experience, the risk of altitude sickness is always looming. Die acclimatization day in Samagaon on the 8th day of the trek is essential to deal with altitude sickness.
Wenk: Ensure you drink at least 4 liters of water during the trek to deal with dehydration.
Long Trekking Duration
The Manaslu Trek is about 177 km lank. Depending on the itinerary, you must cover such a long distance in 12 to 14 days, walking 7 to 8 hours daily. Walking for that long at a high altitude can be physically and mentally challenging.
Wenk: Start early in the morning so you don’t have to trek in the dark. Also, ensure that you maintain your pace.
Ruige roetes
The trails of the Manaslu Trek consist of rugged terrain with steep climbs and descents. Off-the-beaten paths with fewer facilities challenge trekkers. Walking on such a trail can cause injuries like sprains, back pain, and knee pain. Hence, you need good physical fitness and stamina to walk on such a trail.
Wenk: While preparing for the trek, focus on exercise. Run, swim, squat, and crunch to train your heart, core, and legs.
Afgeleëheid
Unlike the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Trek has fewer facilities. Getting emergency help, such as evacuation and medical attention, in isolated villages can take time. In addition, you have to adjust to the accommodations.
Wenk: Always carry a first-aid kit and descend as soon as you notice the symptoms of altitude sickness. Also, carry snacks and energy bars to deal with your hunger while on the trail.
Tips for selecting the right guide for your Manaslu Trek
Solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu Region as it is a restricted area for trekking. So, you must be accompanied by a guide for this trek. In such a case, choosing the right guide is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Here are a few tips for selecting the right guide for your Manaslu Trek:
- altyd hire a licensed guide registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Choose a guide who has ervaring working in the Manaslu Region.
- Ensure the guide praat vlot Engels or your preferred language to avoid communication issues.
- Verifieer dat die guide can provide first aid and essential treatment for altitude sickness in noodgevalle.
- Maak seker dat die guide also has travel insurance.
- A guide must be friendly, patient, and responsible. So, understand their personality before deciding.
Gevolgtrekking
In conclusion, this Manaslu Trek guide equips you with the necessary information to successfully complete the trek. Whether you are an experienced trekker seeking a more peaceful trek or a beginner, this guide will help you navigate the trails of the Manaslu Circuit. Follow these tips for an immersive trekking experience.