Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide
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.
This 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 Highlights
- Location: Gorkha District, Nepal
- Duration: 14 Days
- Trek Distance: ~177 Km
- Starting Point: Soti Khola (760 m)
- Highest Point: Lyrkya La Pass (5,160 m)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Time to Trek: Spring and Autumn seasons
- Accommodations: Teahouses
- Required Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
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.
| Day | Activity | ~Trekking Distance (km) | ~Walking Duration (hrs) |
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | – | – |
| 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola | ~140 (Drive) | 7-8 |
| 3 | Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | 14 | 6-7 |
| 4 | Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat | 22 | 6-7 |
| 5 | Trek from Jagat to Deng | 19 | 6-7 |
| 6 | Trek from Deng to Namrung | 19 | 6-7 |
| 7 | Trek from Namrung to Samagaon | 17 | 6-7 |
| 8 | Acclimatization Day in Samagaon | 9 | 6-7 |
| 9 | Trek from Samagaon to Samdo | 16 | 4-5 |
| 10 | Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala | 12 | 4-5 |
| 11 | Trek from Dharamsala to Larkya La Pass and descend to Bimthang | 24 | 8-9 |
| 12 | Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani | 26 | 7-8 |
| 13 | Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu | ~190 (Drive) | 8-9 |
| 14 | Final Departure | – | – |
Manaslu Trek Cost
The Manaslu Circuit Trek will cost you anywhere from USD 1,000 to 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.
Estimated Cost
The table below provides the estimated cost per person for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The list includes the major expenses during the trek.
| Expense Category | Cost Range (USD per person) |
| Permits | $150 – $250 |
| Guide (per day) | $20 – $30 per day |
| Porter (per day) | $15 – $20 per day |
| Accommodation (per night) | $8 – $20 per night |
| Food (per day) | $15 – $40 per day (three meals) |
| Transportation | $50 – $400 |
| Miscellaneous (gear rental, extra expenses) | $50 – $100 |
Manaslu Trekking Permits
You will need to obtain three permits to trek in the Manaslu Region. 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: You will be 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.
| Permit Type | Nationality | September – November (Per Person) | December – August (Per Person) |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)(Chumnubri Rural Municipality – Ward Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4) | All Nationalities | USD 100 per week + USD 15 per day (beyond 1 week) | USD 75 per week+ USD 10 per day (beyond 1 week) |
| Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) | SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) | |
| Non-SAARC Nationals | NPR 3,000 (~USD 25) | ||
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 (~USD 8) | |
| Non-SAARC Nationals | NPR 3,000 (~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 USD 15 to USD 20. The bus drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about 7 hours, costing about USD 10 to USD 15.
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 Difficulty
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:
Altitude
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. The acclimatization day in Samagaon on the 8th day of the trek is essential to deal with altitude sickness.
Tips: 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 long. 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.
Tips: Start early in the morning so you don’t have to trek in the dark. Also, ensure that you maintain your pace.
Rugged Trails
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.
Tips: While preparing for the trek, focus on exercise. Run, swim, squat, and crunch to train your heart, core, and legs.
Remoteness
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.
Tips: 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:
- Always hire a licensed guide registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Choose a guide who has experience working in the Manaslu Region.
- Ensure the guide speaks fluent English or your preferred language to avoid communication issues.
- Verify that the guide can provide first aid and essential treatment for altitude sickness in emergencies.
- Check that the guide also has travel insurance.
- A guide must be friendly, patient, and responsible. So, understand their personality before deciding.
Conclusion
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.