This trek takes you through rugged trails, rushing rivers, torrential waterfalls, diverse terrains, elevated hills, remote villages, and distinct Himalayan flora and fauna. Action-packed Manaslu Circuit Trek 12-day itinerary takes you to the lap of Mt. Manaslu (8,163), the 8th tallest mountain in the world.
It is a staggering 13-day trek filled with riveting moments along the way. Because the beginning and departing paths are different, this trek feels incomplete until you catch your ride from Syange to Kathmandu, which offers an exhilarating experience.
In addition, the Manaslu Circuit Trek Tour is less crowded than other mainstream trekking sites like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, and this offers quality time in the Himalayas with mesmerizing views, stunning explorations, and first-class accommodation.
You shall dig into the atmosphere of the Himalayas and the Himalayan lifestyle while exploring numerous village settlements in-depth, as it isn’t as busy as other mainstream trekking sites.
This further enhances your local cultural immersion, exploration of monuments, and relishing mountainous experiences. The untouched beauty of the Himalayas, the pristine Himalayan lifestyle, and the unique Himalayan culture shall leave you stunned.
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Manaslu Circuit Trek Permit Cost
The government of Nepal has designated the Manaslu Region, from Jagat to Dharapani, a restricted area for tourism management. You must have a special permit to enter the Manaslu.
Special Restricted Area Manaslu Trek Permit (Maaslu RAP)
It would be best if you had a Manaslu trek permit from Jagat until reaching Sama Gaun. After passing through the village of Sama, you need an ACAP entry permit. The cost of the Manaslu RAP varies depending on the duration of your stay between Jagat and Dharapani. In Sama Gaun, you’ll find the final checkpoint for RAP.
From September to November, the permit fee is $100 per person for the first seven days. After that, it is an additional $15 per person per day. From December to August, the cost is $75 per person for the first seven days, with an extra $10 per person per day starting from the eighth day.
Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)
The Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is necessary from Philim, where the Manaslu Conservation Area begins. The pricing remains the same throughout the year, at $30 per person. Also, no restrictions or pricing changes exist on the number of days spent inside MCAP.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)
The Manaslu Trek Permit is necessary from Dharapani until you leave ACAP in Besi Sahar. The price remains consistent at $30 per person throughout the year—there are no restrictions or pricing changes on the days spent inside ACAP.
Manaslu circuit trek Difficulty
The 12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek package offers breathtaking views of Himalayan Vistas and stunning snowy landscapes. It presents a magnificent up-close view of Mt. Manaslu and magical glimpses of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Ngadi Chili, Himalchuli, and many more. Since the beginning of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll engage in sightseeing elevated hills, gushing waterfalls, soaring rivers, charming village settlements, and lush valleys.
Moreover, the beauty of this region is enhanced by two or three when a clear day summons naked picturesque snow-capped mountains. The trails take you through dense pine forests, rhododendrons, diverse landscapes, tranquil alpine lakes, and high mountain passes, offering splendid views of the Himalayan range.
Mesmerizing views
The beauty of the 12 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek is immeasurable as this trek takes you to Larkya La, the tallest point of this hike, situated at a level of 5,160m above sea level. The scenic beauty from Larkya La leaves you in a tranquil state and quenches your thirst through the pristine mountain range.
It offers a stunning view of the gigantic Mt. Manaslu and the magnificent landscapes of the surrounding mountains. Moreover, other viewpoints like Samdo village, Deng, and Dharmasala offer the Himalayan region’s mystical beauty and insights into the Himalayan Lifestyle and local culture.
Cultural Immersion
The captivating views of the high Himalayas in the Manaslu region invite numerous trekkers, visitors, and mountain climbers. This region is the heartland of diverse communities like Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans. It is blended with Hinduism (lower area) and Buddhism (Upper region).
Many festivals like Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, Tsum Shagya Centennial, and others are celebrated majestically, showing enthusiasm and respect for each other cultures. They share the same space and live under the same cold breeze of the Himalayas. Different ethnic groups have their own culture, customs, and traditions, while all communities support and respect each other culture.
Along the way to Mt. Manaslu, you’ll encounter numerous villages with ancient monasteries and prayer flags. Sama and Samdo villages mainly hold numerous monasteries and Tibetan practices that will enlighten your spirituality. The Manaslu region’s cultural variation and natural beauty fusion have attracted people worldwide.
Distinct Flora and Fauna
Manaslu region is rich in diverse flora and fauna, and the Manaslu Conservation Area is home to many species of plants and animals. This trek gives you insights into the diverse plant species of the Manaslu region, as you’ll be trekking through dense forests of rhododendrons, pine, and bamboo trees. Moreover, this trek encompasses sights of different bird species, including the Himalayan Monal (the National bird of Nepal).
The Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days itinerary also presents magical glimpses of Himalayan wild species like Red Pandas, Himalayan Tahr, Monkeys, Musk Deer, and Snow Leopards. This trek allows you to explore more of the biodiversity of the high Himalayan region.
Rip-roaring Adventure
You’ll be navigating through rugged trails, challenging terrain, dense forests, and high mountain passes during your Manaslu Circuit Trek. This trek demands your attention and trekking skills as you’ll be facing challenging paths along the way. Crossing the soaring rivers through high suspension bridges, passing through rocky trails while elevating, and spending 13 days in completely remote areas pump your adrenaline and award you with a riveting journey.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an exhilarating journey from beginning to end, as the returning route differs from the starting route. You’ll be encircled by alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and gigantic mountains, and the dynamic weather of this region will make your journey awe-inspiring and rip-roaring. C
Manaslu circuit trek route
Manaslu Circuit Trek is less traveled than other mainstream trekking sites like Everest Base Camp Trek and Langtang Valley Trek. Though the beauty of the majestic mountains and snowy landscapes awaits, due to its remoteness, it is less traveled than others. This summons enthusiastic trekkers who want to relish the beauty of the Manaslu region while experiencing its thrilling adventure.
This trek takes you to the lap of mountains, and being less crowded, it provides you with a peaceful and silent time with the high Himalayas. On top of that, you shall get insights into the Himalayan lifestyle and immerse yourself in local cultures and customs. Furthermore, this eradicates competition in acquiring first-class accommodation facilities and opens a wide range of exploration sites.
Remote experiences
The 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you through different villages and settlements to the extreme altitude of Larkya La. The high Himalayan region of Manaslu region is deprived of standard city facilities, which makes your trek more adventurous and gives insights into the traditional way of living and nature-dependent lifestyle.
Staying without a mobile phone or internet for days in the presence of the Himalayan breeze is truly a fantastic experience. The Manaslu region’s sense of remoteness allows you to immerse yourself in local practices and delve into mesmerizing views of mountain ranges. This enhances the overall trekking experience, as you’ll relish the raw beauty of nature.
Being disconnected for days and trekking to the lap of mountains through different villages, forests, rivers, and waterfalls with just basic supplies and facilities is truly astounding. Moreover, it gives you insights into environmental adaptation, distinct cultures, and ancient ways of living.
Himalayan Lifestyle
Living under nature, the lifestyle of the Himalayan region is nature-dependent. The economic sources of the Himalayan people are tourism, agriculture, local farming, and animal husbandry. Their crop cultivation includes potatoes, barley, maize, buckwheat, and many more. Their domestic species include Yak and Sheep. You shall get insights into the nature-dependent lifestyle during your trek to the Manaslu region.
Moreover, the people of the Himalayan region are warm-hearted and shall welcome you with warm hospitality. The Himalayan lifestyle is truly captivating. It is stepping into areas of nature composed of stunning landscapes and rich cultures and traditions.
The lifestyle of the Himalayan people enlightens one’s peace of mind and develops a deeper connection with nature. Manaslu Circuit Trek undoubtedly takes you to a series of lifestyles connecting different places and their ways of living, ultimately presenting you with a wonderful experience.
Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Regarding trekking in the high Himalayan region, it is important to consider climatic conditions and plan your trek during a suitable time. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are perfect for planning your trek to Manaslu. During this time, your trekking journey will be enhanced by double due to the ideal weather. This season gives you access to clear skies and warm and dry weather.
Clear and sunny days invite magical views of naked mountains, stunning sunrises, and sunsets. This ensures your trekking journey is on time without risks of delays or postponement. The exquisite weather summons outstanding sights and provides you with a stunning experience.
On top of that, you will immerse yourself in Nepali culture and festivals during Autumn. Autumn encloses many of Nepal’s main festivals, like Dashain, Tihar, and Mani Rimdu.
Planning your trek during this time will give you a quality experience and insights into Himalayan culture and lifestyle. Spring and Autumn provide a clear view of mountain vistas, and moderate temperatures reduce extreme coldness and its risks, like hypothermia and frostbite. In addition, you can witness the breathtaking dawn and sunlight penetrating the mountainside.
Also, spring and Autumn have low risks of rainfall, snowfall, and windstorms, ultimately contributing to your overall trekking experience in the mountain region. Furthermore, the Manaslu Circuit Trek allows you to witness and engage with local farming, agriculture, animal husbandry, and the Himalayan lifestyle.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost
The cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on various factors, such as the duration of your trek, transportation preferences, the level of comfort you seek, and hiring extra porters. The cost ranges from $930 to $1500.
This package includes permits, guides, accommodation, and food, while your expenses and shopping are up to you. Accommodation in teahouses is more affordable, but we also have deluxe packages if you desire supreme treatment. You may also like to tip guides and porters if you wish.
