Manaslu Circuit Trek, 13 Day Itinerary

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit trek is 151km from Maccha Khola to Jagat. If you start the trek from Soti Khola, this distance increases by 15 km and becomes almost 166 km. The new road construction around Manaslu has caused the trek to become longer, adding 5 to 10 kilometres to the entire trip. You will walk for 6 to 8 hours daily, covering about 18 to 19 km.

Day 1: Kathmandu to MachhaKhola distance 143 km
Day 2: MachhaKhola to Jagat distance: 22km
Day 3: Distance from Jagat to Deng: 19.9 km
Day 4: Deng to Namrung distance 19.5 km
Day5: Namrung to Shyala village 9.7 km
Day 6: Shyala village to Samagaon 8.2km
Day 7: Samagaon to Samdo distance: 16.4 km
Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala distance: 12 km
Day 10: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La pass distance: 24.7 km
Day 11: Bimthang to Gho distance 14km
Day 12: Gho to Dharapani distance: 5km
Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu distance: 118km

Manaslu Circuit Trek elevation and altitude

Note: More Details about Manaslu Circuit Trek can be found in our blog pages that has been linked here.

Altitude sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek has a high altitude and high sickness. The Manaslu circuit trek elevation is 5106 meters, and Larkya La Pass, the major highlight, is located at a high altitude.

People are prone to altitude sickness over 3000 meters. Altitude sickness can even lead to the death of a person, so one should take it very seriously. Drink enough water because hydration is the key to getting over altitude sickness. If you get any symptoms of altitude sickness on the Manaslu circuit trek, then please take Diamox or Acetazolamide. But you must drink at least 4 litres of water after taking medicine. You can also reduce the effect by having a hot garlic soup or ginger soup.

If the condition worsens, you should abort your trek and not ascend higher because it can create more risk. You can take the trekker to the nearest health post for medications.

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and health

We have already mentioned the Manaslu circuit trek difficulty in Nepal. So, you will need to have a good fitness level. You will cover the Manaslu Circuit trek distance of 177 km, it means that you will walk for 6-7 hours every day. A trekker must be prepared to walk on rough surfaces, ascend, and descend well. You must have good stamina for the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal. Practice cardio and cycling before the Manaslu Trek for stamina and strong legs.

Talking about medical, it is recommended that people with critical medical situations avoid the trek. Also, people with pressure problems must take care of their bodies, as it can be a problem at high altitudes. You should take the required medications with you before embarking on this trek. Your health is the most important aspect of your life, so make sure you take proper care of it.

Manaslu Weather 

March, April, and May mark the spring season in Nepal. March begins at -6 degrees Celsius at night but rises to 6–12 degrees in the late afternoon. The mountains are pretty warm at the end of May, even at night. Autumn is a time of celebration and fun.

After the post-monsoon, the weather in September, October and November, is relatively stable and dry. Days are pretty warm, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees in the Manaslu region. These are the best seasons for Manaslu treks in Nepal. The summer in the South Asian region marks a prominent monsoon. The rain starts to fall in the second week of June and lasts for almost a month. As December approaches, the high mountains’ temperature drops to -8 degrees Celsius. But the snowfall begins after mid-January and lasts until mid-December. At this time, the nighttime temperature is almost -10 to -6 degrees. Even if the temperature reaches zero,

Thankfully, the Manaslu trek is open for hiking at any time of the year. Sadly, the winter trek is challenging as the tea houses in the upper sections of the hike are closed. However, if you don’t want to miss the best mountain views covered in a thick white blanket, you can arrange the tour even in the winter. Also, the monsoon is considered a low season due to its slippery path and leaches. But since it’s the best time to visit for keen botanists, you can head for the trek with the proper preparation.

But one thing that should not be questioned is the relative instability of the weather and temperatures. Since the Manaslu region is at a higher altitude above sea level, the weather is not constant and keeps on changing. You need to ensure that your clothes are packed depending on the weather of the place you are going to.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Trek

On the trek, we will stay in the tea houses in Manaslu that the local families own. The lodge has a central dining area with a big stove for heating the room. The room mostly has two or three beds. They provide you with mattresses, a small blanket, and pillows. You might need to use sleeping bags for the night.

What is a tea house like?

What do you imagine a house in the most challenging mountain terrain looks like? The tea house in Manaslu looks like a small hut, mostly made of wood or mud. Every tea house has a central dining area with a big wood burner. The fire is supposed to keep the room warm while you rest after a long day. Then, there will be two or three single beds with a thin mattress and blanket. Well, bedsheets might not always be very clean (it’s safe to carry your bedsheets), and blankets are not warm enough (that’s why we recommend sleeping bags). 

Let’s talk about the most important topic here: the bathrooms. Still called toilets in Nepal, there might be western or Indian pan restrooms that are provided in sharing basic. There are hot showers in almost all hotels in Manaslu, but you must pay extra for that. 

We often talk about electricity or charging in Manaslu Circuit Trek. The rooms in tea houses don’t have any plugs for charging, and you must give your mobile or camera in reception. They assess your devices for a couple of extra bugs. 

The tea houses offer some suitable varieties, but Nepalese Dal Bhat is always the best option. Do you want to know more about foods in Manaslu? Just get to the article here. 

Electricity on The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Yes, you can find electricity along the trail of Manaslu. But, always do not rely on the electricity of the trail. Since Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote area of Nepal, the higher altitudes on the trek may not have access to the internet. Solar energy might be an alternative in places where there is no electricity. Dharmasala does not have any electricity facility on the trek. But you have to pay extra charges for electricity services like hot showers and charging and heating services. It can cost Rs.300- Rs.700 depending on the location and altitude of the teahouses.

Food for Manaslu trekking 

Regarding the food in Manaslu, you can have any meal of your choice while you stay in Kathmandu. We only provide you with breakfast (along with a welcome or farewell dinner) so you can choose to eat whatever and wherever you want. During the trek, all three meals of the day are included. You can have a pancake, bread, dairy, juice, etc. The tea houses also have muesli and oats as options. The popular Dal Bhat with additional supplies is the best choice for lunch and dinner. However, you can also pick from noodles, momo, rolls, roti, and some curry. Some continental options, like pizza and burgers, are also available in the lower altitudes. Do try local foods such as tulpa and butter tea. 

Transportation During Manaslu Trek

Regarding the accommodation, we will predominantly travel in a private tourist vehicle. The vehicle size differs as per the group. Airport pick-up and drop-off will also be done in a private car. This particular tour does not have the option of a flight. So, most of the travelling is done by road.

Bus to Manaslu 

You have two options for a Bus to Maccha Khola/ Arughat 

1. Private Jeep/Hiace = The private jeep directly from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, thus giving a pleasant start to Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal. The one-way jeep costs $200 and the cost can be shared by up to 5 passengers. There will be 1 guide from the company in the private jeep and the porter can take the local bus if you have a large group. Reach Maccha Khola at around 3 pm.

2. Local bus- First a car/ hiace drives all group members, guide, and porter in hotel/ office to the Buspark. From Bus Park you hop in a local bus, a deluxe box that takes you up to Arughat. At Arughat, you get another Jeep/ local bus to Maccha Khola. Reach Maccha Khola at around 5 to 6 pm.

Culture and festivals of the Manaslu region

Manaslu area is probably the most culturally diverse section of Nepal. In the lower chamber, we can witness village settlements with Chettri, Brahmin, and Newar people, whose lives are guided by Hindu values. Then, as we shift to the upper section, we witness the Tibeto-Burmans and Mongoloids, who mainly belong to the Rai, Magar, Gurung, and Tamang castes. 

Their culture includes beautiful monasteries, mani walls, rotating wheels, and prayer flags. In places like Mu gumba, Gumba lungdung, and Rachen gumba, you can see many nuns, especially younger ones, practising the ancient art of meditation and medicine. 

 People also celebrate different festivals that bind them in a commonplace. Lhosar and Bouddha Jayanti are celebrated with much joy. Explore the unique clothing of Manaslu and be a part of their festivals. You will have enough time to interact with the people and learn about their local culture. 

People in Manaslu TSUM Valley

If you combine the Manaslu Circuit trek with the TSUM Valley trek, you get to meet the Tsumbas, who are the residents of Tsum Valley. Tsum Valley has a total population of 2,700, most of them being farmers. These people who claim to have met ’Yeti’ are of Tibetan origin and have their own unique dialect called Tsumke or Tsumba. Although it might sound very weird to the world, the Tibetans in TSum Valley still follow the polyandry system.

Permits for Manaslu Trek

Manaslu area limited area permits, Manaslu conservation area permits (MCAP), Annapurna conservation area permits (ACAP), and Trekkers Information Management Systems Card (TIMS) are the four types of permits required for trekking in Manaslu. You need these four licenses to accomplish the Manaslu Trek.

Why is a Restricted Area Permit required for Manaslu trekking?

A restricted Area Permit is needed for trekking in the Manaslu region, mainly to control and observe the growth of tourism in the area. Also, the Manaslu Circuit Trek falls under the Manaslu Conservation area. The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves passing through areas to avoid destroying the local social structure, agriculture, flora, and fauna. Restricted area permits effectively control the number of people allowed to attempt the trek in a given time, avoiding the degradation of natural and ancient soils.

Nepal Tourist Visa information for Manaslu Trek

To get a visa for a Nepal trek or tour, you need a valid passport and other required documents. The Nepal Visa fees should always be paid in cash; no debit, credit card, or mobile banking can be used. The charge for Nepal Visa fees is $30 for the first 15 days, $50 for 30 days, and $125 for the first 90 days. The people of SAARC countries are not charged any visa fees for the first 90 days.

The Nepal visa extension fee for 15 days or less is $35. For more extended days than 15 each day, $2 will be charged.

Money exchange | USD to NPR

As of today, 26th May 2024, $1 = Rs. 132.83. This is the dollar rate in Nepal. The rate keeps on changing every day. If you have not carried any Nepali cash, then there’s nothing you need to worry about. You can find several money exchange centres around Kathmandu. Majorly you will find hundreds of money exchange centres in Thamel. They might charge a bit for the money exchange. The money exchange at the International Airport of Kathmandu might cost you more than the other money exchanges in the area.

Please carry Nepali rupees while you are on the trek. Because most of the teahouses and hotels on the trek only accept Nepali currency. So, make sure you are carrying enough money while traveling in Nepal.

Manaslu for Beginners

Many people ask if the Manaslu Circuit trek is for beginners. The answer is yes; a beginner can trek to the Manaslu Circuit area. However, a beginner also needs to be a regular exerciser or someone who hits the gym every day. You must walk around 15-18 km daily on the Manaslu trek. So, beginners might need some Manaslu Circuit trek tips.

Here are some major tips for the Manaslu Circuit trek for beginners:

1. Take small steps during the trek; a bigger step can consume more energy.
2. Always hydrate yourself with at least 4-5 litres of water daily.
3. Acclimatize properly, as there is no need to rush for the trek.
4. Avoid the intake of alcohol and highly caffeinated drinks.
5. Have a good amount of nutritional foods and carry energy bars.
6. Carry all essential clothes and gear as per the season, but please do not overpack.

How to Prepare for The Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must be familiar with some of its major tips and tricks. We will provide you with these tips.

1. Regularly exercised a month ago before trekking to the Manaslu Circuit.
2. Practice ascents and descents like in your home stairs.
3. Breathing exercises are the most important to keep you breathing in a rhythm.
4. Eat healthy foods and fruits and avoid eating junk before starting the Manaslu Trek.
5. Consult with a healthcare expert for more tips on how to care for your body and deal with altitude sickness on the trail.

What is a day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek actually like?

You know what we are discussing if you have been on any other high-altitude trek in the mountains. If it’s your first time, read carefully. Every trek day will be different, and difficulty adds up as you gain altitude, but a general outline can be made. 

Each day, the Manaslu Circuit trek begins after breakfast in a teahouse around seven to eight in the morning. You need to wake up quite early, freshen up before breakfast is served, and then we will start the walk. Following the trail led by our guide, we enjoyed the view along the route. When you are tired, signal and the guide will stop. We cross a couple of kilometres before the guide takes us for lunch. You will spend almost an hour in the hotel here before moving ahead. You might have to take a packed lunch sometimes, but we mostly eat fresh lunch prepared in the tea houses. 

After lunch, we walked for a couple of more hours. You might want to stuff juice, chocolates, or snacks in your small bag. Depending on the distance we covered, we reached our destination somewhere between three and seven o’clock in the evening. The guide finds you a tea house where you shall crash for the night. Manaslu Circuit Trek beginners must read. 

After the Manaslu Trek

Although a trek to Manaslu will rejuvenate your soul, it might be physically tiresome. When you return to Kathmandu, a long spa session might be the best thing to do. And for the ladies, you might need a facial and a hair care day after that. Give yourself a day or two to let that muscle relax. Short tours to Kathmandu Valley or Nagarkot might be an excellent finish for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Where can I meet Himalayan masters?

You can contact us via email or WhatsApp provided on the site. We will be available to pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport and transport you to the hotel anywhere in Kathmandu. Do note that our package begins from the day we move for the trek to Manaslu, so any accommodation costs before that are not covered. If you are already in Kathmandu, we will pick you up from the hotel. 

The Himalayan Masters believe in flexibility and comfort. We will provide you with the contact details of your client and the driver, just in case you need to ask anything. 

Booking and payment with Himalayan Masters

To get your trekking permit and start booking with the Manaslu, contact Himalayan Masters through their online site or by e-mail or phone showing your interest. They will give you an elaborate schedule, charges, and other facilities that you will expect on the trek so that you can make the appropriate arrangements. Himalayan Masters will then confirm your trekking details, provide the detailed itinerary, and ask for a deposit for the trekking.

The payment process is usually straightforward, and reliable payment methods such as bank transfer and other secure online payment methods are always available. The Himalayan Masters will provide final details, including your trek date, packing list, required permits, and health concerns. They will also conduct another briefing before the trek to attend to issues not discussed earlier or to ratify the logistical problems.

On the trek’s starting day, the guide and the Himalayan Masters’ team will be at the start venue. They will guarantee that all necessary provisions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of trekking through some of the most beautiful geography and ethnography that the Manaslu Circuit has to offer.

Manaslu Trek Packing List by Himalayan Masters

Our expert leader made this complete packing list, so please look at the Manaslu Trek packing list.

Head :

1. Sun hat or scarf (Himalayan masters will provide the trekking caps)
2. Winter hat, insulating hat or wide-brimmed hat
3. Headlights with extra batteries

Face :

1. Sunscreen, lip balm, and lip guard
2. Sunglasses with UV protection
3. Face/body wipes

Hand :

1. Lightweight gloves
2. Heavyweight winter gloves

Body :

1. Hiking shirt
2. Long-sleeved shirt
3. Hooded rain jacket
4. Fleece jacket
5. Lightweight cotton pants
6. T-shirt (lightweight wool)
7. polypropylene underwear
8. Down jacket (-20 is the best at high altitude trekking / is complimentary by Himalayan Masters)
9. sweater
10. waterproof jacket and pants
11. walking trousers

Footwear:

1. Trekking boots (Goretex ones)
2. Thick wool socks (take the extra pain of thick light socks)
3. Flip flops/sandals
4. Crampons

Essential gear:

1. Backpack/daypack (size depends)
2. Thermal bottle
3. Water purification (is complementary to Himalayan Masters)
4. Trekking pole
5. Sleeping bag (-20 is the best for high-altitude trekking / is complimentary by Himalayan Masters)

Others :

1. Hand sanitizer (if needed)
2. Antiseptic cream or spray
3. Personal medicine
4. Toilet papers
5. Wash bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, etc.)
6. Rain cover
7. Waterproof trousers, jacket, and gloves
8. Compass/trekking maps

Customized Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary For 2024/2025

Himalayan Masters does customize Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary for 2024/2025. We customize your itinerary to fit your needs. We can make it exactly like you want. Himalayan Masters can add or reduce the number of days as per your need. So please remember us when customizing your Manaslu Trek.

Alternative Treks Around the Manaslu Region

Do you wonder if there are any alternative treks around the Manaslu region? Well, yes, there are. At the same time, the Manaslu Circuit trek remains at the top position for the famous treks around the Manaslu region. But some other treks provide a beautiful experience for you, too.

Some of the famous treks around the Manaslu region are:

• Tsum Valley Trek
• Rupina Lake Trek
• Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek Travel Insurance

As you know, travelling or trekking to the mountain area cannot be fully in your hands. Sometimes, some inconvenience can occur and cause huge losses, physically or financially. So, you must be prepared for both of these things during the trek. In that case, you must have travel insurance for you to keep you safe. Whether it’s a helicopter evacuation or health-related things, your travel insurance will cover all your expenses on the trek for such inconvenience. It can cost you around 1000 USD or even lower or sometimes higher, but it can cover all your expenses just in case.  Please be extra careful when choosing an agency for travel insurance for Manaslu Trek.

Tipping on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Tipping might not be considered mandatory on the trek. It depends on the trekker whether to tip or not. But we suggest tipping the guides and porter since they are your best companions on the trek. They work very hard to make your trek successful. Major tipping can also be done based on the work and performance of the guide and porter. But at least a minor tip can be given to fellow guides and porters for all the hard work they have done for you on the Manaslu Trek.

Booking Manaslu Trek and Payment 

With Himalayan Masters, the booking and payment process for the Manaslu Circuit trek is simple and hassle-free. We provide a simple way to book any kind of trek with us.

You can simply visit our website and go to the booking option. If you want to inquire about the trek before booking, you can contact them through the contact number shared on the website or by mail at [email protected]. They will try to reach you as soon as possible.

Last-minute booking

We prefer advanced booking for every kind of trek. But if any inconvenience causes a last-minute booking, we will also try our best to make your booking properly. During the peak season, we request everyone to book their treks and tours beforehand because the trails are overcrowded. Due to this, we may not find a teahouse or hotel for our accommodation. In case of such emergencies and last-minute bookings, we will try our best to find accommodation for you.