This ultimate guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek is written to help you plan your trek to Manaslu in a very efficient manner. 

Overview

Manaslu Round Circuit Trek lies to the west-northern part of Nepal in Gorkha District. The trek is named after Mt. Manaslu which is the 8th highest mountain in the world. Manaslu Round Circuit trek encircles Mt. Manaslu and its neighboring mountains such as Naike Peak, Pang Puche, Hiun Chuli, etc. The trek starts from Budhi Gandaki River Valley and follows an ancient salt trade route to Tibet. It culminates in the crossing of Larkya La at 5106 m and ends at Annapurna Conservation Area. Manaslu Circuit Trek highlights narrow river valleys, Bhotia culture, ancient settlements, unique terrain, picturesque mountain views, and a formidable pass. The Manaslu Round Trek is graded moderate to hard trekking route, for the distance it covers and the elevation it gains. 

How Long is Manaslu Round Trek?

Manaslu Round Circuit Trek lasts anywhere between 13 to 15 Days, depending on your budget, time, and ability. In the past, the trek used to take around 16 days, but due to the road networks, the trek is reduced to 13 days these days. The following itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek was tested and reviewed recently. 

Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola, overnight

Day 3: Trek to Jagat

Day 4: Trek Deng

Day 5: Trek to Namrung

Day 6: Trek to Shyala

Day 7: Trek to Samagaon via Pung Gyen Monastery

Day 8: Trek to Samdo

Day 9: Samdo Rest

Day 10: Trek to Dharamshala

Day 11: Trek to Bhimtang via Larkya Pass

Day 12: Trek to Gowa

Day 13: Drive to Bandipur or KTM

How Difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded moderate to difficult due to its length, terrain, remoteness, and elevation. On average, you walk for 5-6 hours every day, for 11 days, minimum, covering 10-12 km, roughly. The first three days of the Manaslu Circuit trek are a little bit lengthy but do not gain significant elevation. But some sections are steep and wind through steep cliffside areas and landslide zones. After three days, the trail opens up and goes through wide valleys, and does not present rough terrain. Since the itinerary allows you to acclimate properly, Altitude Sickness is unlikely to bother you. The difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit trek is mainly determined by the day you cross the pass. While the uphill section of the pass is not steep or long, the other side can be a little bit tough and requires extra attention, if there is snow. So, if you are doing the Manaslu Round Circuit in the late Autumn, Winter, or early Spring, microspikes are a must. 

Terrain 

Manaslu Round Circuit Trek has a very impressive elevation profile. The trek starts from 800m, ascends to 5106m, and drops to 700m again at the conclusion, featuring some of the most diverse terrains and landscapes. Like many other trekking routes, Manaslu Circuit Trek follows river valleys throughout the trip. The initial part of the trekking meanders through narrow rivers valleys, gorges, and ravines, featuring gradual uphills. After a few days, the valleys start widening a bit and the snow-capped mountains start appearing. From the village of Shyala, the route goes through plateaus and flat meadows. Samagaon is the largest village which is flat and surrounded by mountains. Samdo, the last village before the pass, looks like a valley but it is not as big as Samagaon. The valley starts to narrow again, through meadows and moraine as the trail goes to Dharamshala. The approach to pass involves a walk through a moraine, glacier, and glacial lake. As you walk down from the pass, negotiate the moraine and glaciers, with steep gradients. Bhimtang is a small flat valley, with a small river draining down from the middle of it. Continuing down from Bhimtang, enter into the tree line and start following Dudh Khola. The trek concludes in Besisahar as you take a jeep and drive through the Marshayngdi River Valley.  

Culture 

Manaslu Circuit Trek features Nubri and Bhotia culture, with rich Tibetan Buddhist Culture. Because of its proximity to Tibet, the people have retained much of the cultures their ancestors brought from there. In the lower part of Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can find Gurung people, who speak different dialects and follow different sects of Buddhism, than those living in higher settlements. As the trail goes to the northernmost area, you will see Bhotia people whose culture, art, and traditions are highly influenced by Tibet. Chortens and Mane Walls appear frequently and monasteries are seen alongside the trails, or in the distance. The structure of houses changes to thatched roofs with prayer flags standing on the top. 

Climate

Manaslu Circuit Trek covers four climatic zones, which is very rare in the Himalayas. Here is the climatic profile of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Sub Tropical Zone: The area between Machha Khola, Jagat and Deng, where you hike at an elevation ranging from 800 to 2000m. 
• Temperate Zone: The area from Deng, Namrung and to Lhi, where you trek at the elevation between 2000 to 3000m. 
• Subalpine Zone: The area between Shyo, Shyala, Smagaon and Samdo, where trek occurs between 3000 m to 4000m. 
• Alpine Zone: The area between Samdo, Dharamshala, Larkya La Pass and Lrakya Phedi where the elevation ranges between 4000 m to 5000m

 After you start walking down from Phedi the climatic zone starts reversing. 

Temperature in Manaslu

The temperature in Manaslu varies depending on the climate and elevation. It also varies when you trek. Below is the temperature profile of Manaslu Circuit Trek.

• Sub Tropical Zone: The area between Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng, where you hike at an elevation ranging from 800 to 2000m. The temperature remains in the range of 31-35 °C from late spring to early Autumn, and 8-13 °C from late Autumn to early Spring
• Temperate Zone: The area from Deng, Namrung, and Lhi, where you trek at an elevation between 2000 to 3000m. The temperature remains in the range of 22-25 °C from late spring to early Autumn, and -2-6 °C from late Autumn to early Spring. 
• Subalpine Zone: The area between Shyo, Shyala, Smagaon, and Samdo, where trek occurs between 3000 m to 4000m. The temperature remains in the range of 6-10 °C from late spring to early Autumn, and -6 to – 12 from late Autumn and early Spring
• Alpine Zone: The area between Samdo, Dharamshala, Larkya La Pass, and Larkya Phedi where the elevation ranges between 4000 m to 5000m. The temperature remains in the range of 1-7 °C from late spring to early Autumn, and -10-20 °C from late Autumn to early Spring

Fauna

Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the Manaslu Conservation Area and is home to highly endangered animals, including snow leopards and red pandas. Other mammals like Lynx, Asian Black Bear, Himalayan Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Goral, and Himalayan Marmots have been identified too. Local Monasteries have made a huge contribution to preserving the animals and birds after they have declared Manaslu as an animal-killing-free zone. 

Over 100 bird species of birds have been recorded, including Golden Eagle, Eurasian Golf, Koklass Pheasants, and crimson horned pheasant. 

Flora

Manaslu Circuit Trek has three main types of vegetation corresponding to its climatic features. The lower valleys have rich forests of Rhododendrons, Himalayan Blue Pine, and Oak. In the Temperate zone, the vegetation includes the forest of Fir and Rhododendron. In the Subalpine zone, you can see the sparse forest of Birch and Juniper. From 4000m above, the vegetation turned into alpine meadows. 

How many trekking permits are required for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu Circuit Trek covers two conservation areas and a restricted area. The trekking starts from the Manaslu Conservation Area, enters a restricted area, and ends at the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thus you need to obtain MCAP for the Manaslu Conservation Area, ACAP for the Annapurna Conservation Area, and a special permit for the Restricted Area. To make MCAP and ACAP permits, you have to provide your passport copy and a photo, whereas a special permit for a restricted area requires a passport copy and a valid visa number. 

How to Get Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

As Manaslu Circuit Trek belongs to a restricted area, it’s not possible to make the permits individually. As per the law, you have to make the permit through licensed and authorized trekking companies based in Nepal. Once you agree on the cost and itinerary with the company, they will make the permits for you. 

How much does the permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek cost?

The cost for Manaslu Circuit Trek stands a little higher than other trekking areas. Manaslu Circuit Trek requires two permits for sanctuary, each costing NRS 3000. Special permits for restricted areas cost between US$70 to US$100 depending on the itinerary you have agreed. The costs for permits are subject to a service charge from the company you book the trek with. 

Is Solo Trekking Possible in Manalsu?

Solo Trekking in Manaslu Circuit Trekking has been banned, ever since it was opened for trekkers. You need to be in a group of a minimum of two and hire a trekking guide.

Since Manaslu circuit trekking belongs to restricted area, solo trekking is banned. Unlike Everest, Annapurna and Langtang area, you need to book the trip with one of the local trekking operators, and hire at least a guide. Solo trekking, however is not suggested anywhere you trek in Nepal becusue of safety reasons. Solo Trekking in Manaslu has has controlled the number of trekkers hiking in this area, retaining it’s prestine nature and culture.

Is it possible to shorten the trek?

Yes, it is possible to shorten the trek by a couple of days. As there are road networks built at the starting and ending points of the trek, you can opt to drive on a jeep instead of walking. This can help you reduce the number of trekking days by one to two. 

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficult than Annapurna Circuit?

Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered more difficult than Manaslu Circuit Trek, in terms of elevation, length, and terrain. Here are some major points that define the difficulty level of each trek.

• Length: Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done with, or without Tilicho Lake. If you do it with Tilicho Lake, it takes 14 days, and doing it with the lake takes 12 days. But usually, people do it without Lake. Manaslu Circuit Trek on the other side takes 12 days only. 

• Elevation: The highest elevation you will reach in Annapurna Circuit is 5400m whereas in Manaslu it’s 5106m.

• Terrain: The terrain in Annapurna Circuit Trek is tougher than Manaslu, as it involves a walk on steep cliffside trails and moraine. Also, the pass in Annapurna Circuit is considered harder than the other one in terms of length and elevation gain. 
•  Terrain: The terrain in Annapurna Circuit Trek is tougher than Manaslu, as it involves a walk on steep cliffside trails and moraine. Also, the pass in Annapurna Circuit is considered harder than the other one in terms of length and elevation gain. 

Meals While the tea houses in Manaslu Circuit Trek have plenty of meals on the menu, the most popular meals served are spaghetti, pasta, momo, noodle soup, and dal bhat. For breakfast, you will be served porridge, egg, bread, tea/coffee, chapati, pancake, etc.  

• You will eat breakfast and dinner at the place you stay overnight, whilst lunch during the walk will be provided at another tea house. Vegan foods are also available in Manaslu Circuit Trek but with limited options.

Accommodation

Accommodations are provided on a twin-share basis. Tea houses in Manaslu Circuit Trek are more basic than those in Everest and Annapurna regions. Most toilets are squat-style and outside the tea houses. Electricity is available at most of the tea houses in Manaslu Circuit Trek, except in Dharamshala. It has a couple of hut-style tea houses where rooms are shared between 4-6 people. 

Gears

We suggest you buy your gear early to get used to it and train with what you would wear/carry. 

The recommended gear list is based on general practice. However, some items may be unnecessary for you, depending on your body and personal preferences.

Body

• 1 set (or at least top) of Base Layer 
• 1 set of Thermal Layer (Merino is ideal)
• 1 mid-layer (fleece or similar)
• 1 Set outer layer/Windproof Jacket 
• Rain Gear (top and bottom)
• 1 pair lightweight trekking 
• Hiking shorts
• 2 trekking t-shirts/shirts-merino is ideal
• Four Season Sleeping bag.
• Four Season Down Jacket.
• 1 pair of liner gloves
• 1 warm wool hat
• 1 buff or similar
• 1 sunhat or similar
• Sleeping bag liner
• Underwear.

Feet

• 1 pair of trekking boots (must be worn in) 
• 1 pair of sandals
• 3 pairs of thick socks
• 3 pairs of lighter socks
• Running shoes

Hygiene

• Travel towel
• Sun Cream
• Had Gel
• Moisturizer
• Lip Balm
• Face Wash
• Toilet Paper
• Detergent for manual laundry
• Female Hygiene product

Kits

• Sunglass
• Duffle bag for the porters 
• 1-day pack (approx. 35ltr) with waterproof cover.
• 2 x 1 ltr. water bottles or Camelbak
• Head torch
• Water purification tablets/or filter
• Small biodegradable bags
• Mobile charger
• Adaptors: Nepal uses Type D, C, and M

Optional

• Trekking poles
• Personal medication and first aid kit
• Power bank (some tea houses may refuse to charge the power bank device)
• Solar power bank
• Playing Cards
• Book
• 1 small swiss knife
• Maps
• Note and pen
• Thermal Flask
• Permanent Marker
• To/ Finger warmer
• Warm scarf
• Fleece Pants
• Protein Bars
• Supplement glucose tablets
• Knee Cap
• Round Sun Hat

Do I get altitude sickness on Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Altitude Sickness depends on various factors, such as walking pace, acclimatization, rest, sleep, and water and food intake. No matter how fit you are at sea level, your body functions differently at altitude.  While we can not control all the factors that contribute to Altitude Sickness, we can follow some basic guidelines to mitigate the chances. 

Our Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary has many opportunities for acclimatization, with two overnights at 3500m elevation with a hike to 4100m, as well as two other nights at 3800m, with a hike to over 5000m. Similarly, our experienced guides monitor your pace and stick to the “slowly slowly” strategy.