Experience The Untouched Beauty Of The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. However, despite its popularity, it also offers you a raw and authentic adventure that you can get in very few places. Although it is not as popular as Annapurna or Everest region, this trek still draws a decent amount of travellers as it is in close proximity to the eighth highest peak in the world, covering a landscape where nature remains wild, and the lifestyle has not been influenced by western or modern lifestyle. From lush terraced hillsides and dense forests to the crossing of Larke Pass, every step on this trail feels like a passage through the rich tapestry of culture.

In this blog, we provide you with various aspects regarding the untouched beauty of the Manaslu circuit trek. This includes aspects such as top attractions of the Manaslu circuit trek, best seasons, trekking difficulty, required permits, and preparation tips. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!

Top Attractions Of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The first aspect of the Manaslu circuit trek that we shall discuss here is the top attractions within the trek or aroundt it. Now, it would be fair to say that just about every aspect of the trek is a gem that you can consider the top attractions. However, there are a few points that stand out among the rest. Some of the key attractions that you can explore within or around the Manaslu circuit trek include:

Mt Manaslu

Mount Manaslu stands at 8,163 meters, is the 8th highest mountain in the world, and is also considered as the spiritual heart of the circuit. The name of this peak is derived from the Sanskrit word “Manasa”, which means soul or spirit. The name perfectly reflects the awe that the mountain inspires. You can witness this peak as you wind down the lush valleys and ascend down the alpine terrain, especially from viewpoints around the Lho and Samagaon. The mountain’s mystical presence is bound to stir your soul regardless of where you view the peak from. This sacred giant stands as a constant companion throughout the majority of the trek, offering not only visual majesty but also spiritual serenity.

Larkya La Pass

Larkya La Pass stands at an impressive height of 5,106 meters and is the highest and arguably the most thrilling point of the Manaslu circuit trek. Crossing this pass is a rite of passage for trekkers and is a challenge that rewards you with unmatched panoramic views of the Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and parts of the Annapurna range. The approach to the Larkya la pass takes you across the icy landscape which can make you feel like you are travelling to another planet. Furthermore, on a clear day, the sunrise that you can view from the Larkya La pass is mesmerizing. Although reaching and crossing the pass is tough, the emotional satisfaction you can get through this pass is worth the effort.

Manaslu Base Camp

Manaslu base camp is undoubtedly one of the key attractions of the Manaslu circuit treks. Although you do have to make small side trips, the visit is worth the effort. The base camp is located at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters, and it offers you a more intimate experience of Manaslu. The trail towards the base camp takes you through yak pastures and stones covered with loose stones before opening up to the expansive glaciers and stunning rock faces. The raw power of the landscapes, when combined with relative isolation, shows you a sacred atmosphere. At this point, you are not just hiking near the Mountain but standing at the base of the peak itself.

Birendra Lake

Birendra Lake is just a short hike away from Samagaon, and it is a glacier-fed body of water that captures the essence of Himalayan purity. The lake boasts a vivid turquoise colour, set against the backdrop of the grand Himalayas and the icy peaks. This combination makes the Birendra Lake an ideal place for reflection, photography, and soaking in the beauty of the natural world. The trail to the lake also serves as a gentle acclimatization route, which makes it a popular excursion for you if you want to spend an additional day at Samagaon.

Namrung Village

This village provides you with a noticeable change in cultural and geographical shifts. Namrung village is located at around 2,660 meters. This village is beautifully preserved and is home to Tibetan-influenced architecture and customs. You can find prayer wheels, intricately carved mani walls, and stone-built houses in the grail, backed up by the grand views of the Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and the Shringi Himal. This village is also one of the best places to experience local hospitality, filled with cosy teahouses and smiling villagers who are more than willing to share their culture with you.

Samagaon

Samagaon is a small quaint village that is one of the most memorable locations around the Manaslu circuit trek. It is a place where time stands still as you can witness locals hear yaks. Spin prayer wheels and tend fields beneath Mount Manaslu, living a life free from the influence of the chaotic urban life. Furthermore, the village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is deeply immersed in Tibetan Buddhist culture. One of the must-visit places around Samagaon is the Pungyen Gompa, which is a remote monastery that offers both spiritual insight and stunning views. Samagaon also serves as a major acclimatization stop and offers many rewarding side hikes, such as Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp, which are also on our list of key points of attractions around the Manaslu circuit trek.

ubri Valley

The Nubri valley is one of the key cultural treasure chests in the Manaslu circuit region. This remote valley is home to the Nubri people, who are closely tied to Tibetan culture. During the Manaslu circuit trekking, you can encounter ancient monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, and stone mini-walls carved with mantras. Furthermore, the landscape in the Nubri Valley is equally captivating, with steep river gorges, waterfalls, evergreen pine forests, and stunning mountain views at every corner. Life in this valley is deeply steeped in ancient tradition, and trekking here offers you a quick glimpse into the way of life, which has not changed for centuries-existing in perfect harmony with nature.

These are some of the top attractions of the Manaslu circuit that you can either directly encounter during the journey or can encounter with just a quick hike around. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there are many other immersive attractions which you need to visit to experience yourself.

Best Seasons For Manaslu Circuit Trek

To gain the best experience when visiting the Manaslu circuit trek, it is a good idea to know the seasons which provide you with the best experiences. Although each season of Nepal brings its unique charm and challenges, there are two seasons that are ideal for Manaslu Circuit Trek. These two seasons include:

Spring (Late February to Early June)

Spring is one of the best times to trek, where you can find moderate temperatures all throughout the season, and you can witness the blooming rhododendrons painting in vibrant colours. This weather is generally stable, but you can still feel some chills and some occasional snow on the higher trails, serving as a remnant of the winter season. The air in this season is fresh, and the view of the mountain sharpens. All of these aspects make this one of the most colourful and lively times to go on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Autumn (Late August to Late November)

Similar to Spring, Autumn is one of the best seasons to go on Manaslu Circuit Trekking. The season arrives post-monsoon, and the sky is clear, the air is crisp, and the visibility is at its peak. This season offers you breathtaking views of the Himalayas alongside favourable weather with pleasant temperatures. This season is also one of the busiest trekking seasons, all thanks to the ideal conditions. Because of this reason, if you are looking for a quieter experience, you might need to see other seasons. At the same time, if you are extremely social and seek warm encounters with random strangers, then Autumn is one of the best seasons for you.

Besides this, you can also visit during the winter season, which lasts from late November to late February. While this season is ideal for those who seek solitude, you do need to understand that winter brings freezing temperatures and snow, which can and often does block the paths.

How Difficult Is The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu circuit trek is of moderate difficulty and is ideal for trekkers who have good fitness and some prior experience. This level of difficulty is not without its own reasons. Some of the key factors which contribute to this moderate difficulty include:

High altitude: The highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek is Larkya la Pass, which lies at an altitude of 5,106 meters above sea level, which causes the risk of altitude sickness.

• Long Trekking Days: Average treks range from 5 to 8 hours, and some trails are steep and rocky and pass through landslide zones.
• Remote Terrain: The terrains in Manaslu circuit treks are remote, and therefore, there is limited access to modern facilities with medical help and rescue services, which are hard to reach.
• Weather Challenges: Spring and autumn are stable weather; winter brings freezing temperatures, while autumn brings inaccessibility in the forms of muddy trails and poor visibility.
• Basic Infrastructures: You only have access to basic infrastructures, with accommodations being limited to teahouses.
• Permit and Guide Requirements: Manaslu circuit treks lie in a restricted area, so you need a special permit.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost And Itinerary

The specific costs depend on your choice of your package and the itinerary included in the package. Since the package varies from organization to organization, it is nearly impossible to provide you with the specifics. However, we can provide you with the Manaslu circuit trek costs and itinerary based on a package from the Himalayan Odyssey. Following is the itinerary based on the package from this organization:

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola
• Day 3: Trek from Macha Khola to Jagat
• Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dyang
• Day 5: Trek from Dyang to Namrung
• Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Shyala
• Day 7: Trek From Shyala to Samagaun
• Day 8: Acclimatization day at Samagaun
• Day 9: Trek From Samagaun to Samdo
• Day 10: Trek From Samdo Dharmshala
• Day 11: Trek from Dharmashala to Bhimtang via Larke-la 5106m
• Day 12: Trek From Bhimtang to Tilje
• Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara

The Manaslu circuit trek cost, as per this itinerary from The Himalayan Odyssey, is $1,115; some discounts may apply.

Required Permits For Manaslu Circuit Trek

Before you start heading towards these treks, you need to have Manaslu circuit treks permits. Manaslu circuit trekking does lie in the restricted area, after all. Some of the key required permits for Manaslu circuit treks include:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

• Mandatory for all trekkers entering the restricted section between Jagat and Sama Gaun.
• Cost varies by season:
  • September to November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per day thereafter.
  • December to August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per day thereafter.
• Note: A minimum of two trekkers are required, and you must be accompanied by a licensed guide.

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)

• Required for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person.
• No time limit; valid for the duration of your trek.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Required for the section of the trek that connects to the Annapurna region, especially from Dharapani onward.
• Cost: NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person.
• Also valid for the full duration of the trek.

Preparation Tips For Manaslu Circuit Trek

The final aspect that we shall discuss is the preparation tips. Now, there are a wide range of preparation tips out there. Some of the best Manaslu circuit trek tips we have to share with you are:

• Guide and Porter Hire: You will need to hire a licensed guide for the Manaslu region because it is a closed region, and you will also need to trek in groups of two or more individuals. It's highly recommended to hire a porter for carrying heavy gear to make your journey easier and more pleasant.
• Understanding Altitude Sickness: The trek goes above 5,000 meters, so altitude sickness is a real risk. To prevent it, trek slowly, stay hydrated, take acclimatization days, and consider carrying medication like Diamox after consulting a doctor.
• Required Physical fitness: You'll be walking for 5-8 hours every day on uneven trails therefore endurance and leg strength are vital. Regular cardio, hiking and strength training prior to the hike will help prepare you for physical challenges.
• Packing essentials: Pack light and layer up with waterproof clothing, a raincoat and insulating socks in order to adjust to the temperatures. Do not forget essentials like trekking shoes, sleeping bag, headlamp, trekking poles, and bare-bones first-aid kit for comfort and safety.

Why Choose The Himalayan Odyssey For Your Manaslu Trek

Choosing the ideal trekking partner can really be the make-or-break experience—and with The Himalayan Odyssey, you're not just booking reservations for a trek; you're planning your tailor-made adventure. From our off-the-record tips and inside information, to carefully planned itineraries and guided journeys, a smooth, real experience is yours in Manaslu's unspoiled perfection with us as your guide.

All logistics from transport to permits, we arrange, so you are free to fully participate in the experience. Dedicated to responsible tourism and customer satisfaction, we ensure that every second of your trekking is worthwhile, inspiring, and meaningful.

So, are you ready to enter the virgin beauty of Manaslu?

Become a part of The Himalayan Odyssey and turn your dream trek into a reality. Contact us now and begin planning your journey!

FAQ

How long is the Manaslu Circuit trek?

The Manaslu Circuit trek is approximately 13 days depending on your itinerary and acclimatization days and sidetrips such as Manaslu Base Camp or Tsum Valley. The trek is around 177 kilometres (110 miles) in total.

Is the Manaslu Circuit trek worth it?

The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal's most rewarding treks, with spectacular mountain views, pristine culture, and fewer crowds than more popular, commercialized routes. It's perfect for anyone who seeks uncompromised Himalayan beauty and that sense of untainted adventure.

Is the Manaslu Circuit harder than Everest base camp?

Yes, in general, the Manaslu Circuit is more challenging due to its remote trails, fewer infrastructure amenities, and larger day-to-day altitude gains. But it's less crowded and quiet, which is well worth the small extra effort to most trekkers.

What is the toughest hike in Nepal?

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek and the Great Himalayan Trail are generally considered the most challenging due to the fact that they are very high altitude, long, and technical. These treks demand top-level fitness, experience, and preparation.

What is the highest altitude of the Manaslu trek?

The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Larkya La Pass, which stands at 5,106 meters (16,750 feet) above sea level. It's a tough section but with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Is it possible to trek Manaslu independently?

No, Manaslu region is a restricted area, and you must not trek without a licensed guide. You must also trek in two or more members (not the guide) and obtain special permits from a registered trekking company.