Introduction
Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great adventure in Nepal’s most remote and stunning regions. This trek was opened in 1991 and is ideal for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The Manaslu Conservation Area is worth exploring with its untouched landscapes, which conserve rich biodiversity, amazing forests, and rare wildlife.
You pass through terraced fields, valleys like Tsum Valley, and Bhimthang along the Budhi Gandaki River and Tibetan influenced villages like Lho and Dolang on the trail.
The thing that makes this trek special is its serenity. Manaslu Circuit Trek is quieter, and more peaceful, with less commercialization than the Annapurna and Everest trails. Every moment feels special, whether crossing suspension bridges on Maccha Khola, passing through traditional monasteries like Pungyen Gompa, or soaking in the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
The Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is the crowning highlight with surrounding peaks, Mount Manaslu, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himalchuli, on display.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Where is the Manaslu Circuit?
- Why the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Beginner-Friendly
- How to Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Permits and Regulations
- Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
- Detailed Itinerary for Beginners
- Accommodation and Food on the Trek
- Tips for Beginners on the Trail
- Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- Final Say
Why choose the Manaslu Circuit Trek as a beginner?
If you are interested in Himalayan adventure but not very adventurous, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a good trek for beginners. The trek poses challenges such as crossing Larkya La Pass (5160m), but still, it is feasible for those with basic fitness levels, with no need for mountaineering skills. With well established trails, and tea houses with convenient resting spots, this trail is safer and more enjoyable.
What’s more, being off the beaten track, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is much quieter, and more peaceful and allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and local culture fully. The trek strikes a balance of moderate difficulty with beautiful views so you don’t feel too dull at all. All trekkers are accompanied by experienced guides to navigate the terrain and manage altitude concerns.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a wonderful option for adventurers to conquer the Himalayas while enjoying scenic views, cultural immersion, and once in a lifetime adventure without too extreme difficulties for beginners.
Highlights of the trek
A trek on the Manaslu Circuit provides incredible views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, alongside Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna. These majestic mountains, enrich the beauty and provide the best mountain vistas.
On the trail, the Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is one of the most challenging sections. This high altitude pass has fantastic views above the surrounding peaks and feels like a great accomplished adventure.
You will have the vantage point to experience the local culture, especially the Gurung and Tibetan communities. Visiting monasteries in Ribung and Piled will give you much more insight into the spiritual bearings of the region.
In addition, the trek has a variety of landscapes to offer, green valleys and terraced fields, and high altitude desert scenery. Each day on the trek is an experience of the new beauty of the region.
The trek also passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a restricted area with a rich natural reserve that contains rare flora such as rhododendrons and pines as well as rare wildlife, such as snow leopards and red pandas.
The perfect way to cool off after a long day is at the Tatopani, which has natural hot springs to soothe your muscles.
Where is the Manaslu Circuit?
Location
Manaslu Circuit Trek trail lies in the northern part of the Gorkha district in Nepal, near the Tibetan border. This remote and rough region is a beautiful mix of natural and cultural experiences, which makes it a hot pursuit for trekkers. This trek passes through the Tsum Valley and crosses Larkya La Pass over 5000m, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including Mountain Manaslu (8,163m), the 8th highest mountain in the world.
Longitude: 84.56° E
Latitude: 28.54° N
Brief history of the region
Manaslu region has a long historical background and its trails were long used as a trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The communities that lived in the area relied on this trade route to bring them salt as well as textiles. Today remnants of this ancient trade route are still visible along the trek, providing a glance at the area’s history and its relationship to the culture of Tibet.
The name Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word Manasa, referring to ‘Mountain of the Spirit’ and it implies a special spiritual meaning to the mountain for local communities. According to locals, the mountain is sacred and a divine presence.
A Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu conquered Mount Manaslu, at 8,163 meters, on May 9, 1956. It symbolized this historic ascent of the mountain’s history and helped put the region on the global trekking route.
Until 1992, it was a largely undisturbed area still closed to foreigners and trekkers. Since then it has become popular as a place with untouched beauty and cultural richness. Nowadays, it is one of the more isolated and peaceful trekking routes in Nepal, giving trekkers a chance to discover nature as well as history at the same time.
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Cultural and natural attractions
Manaslu Circuit Trek provides an amazing mix of culture, and natural habitats all packed into one adventure that every trekker should experience.
The adventure goes to culturally different ethnic populations, the Gurungs, the Tamang, and the Tibetan people with their traditions and customs. Monasteries like Pungyen Gompa, chortens, prayer flags, and Tibetan Buddhism influence will be along the trail.
Local spiritual practices are found in Ribung Monastery. The major local festivals celebrated by the locals are Tihar, Dashain, and Mani Rimdu which are colorful celebrations that reflect the region’s religious traditions.
The trek also takes you past majestic peaks, Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himalchuli, naturally. Much of the landscape is dense forests and terraced fields, high altitude meadows, and glacial valleys.
Rushing rivers like Budhi Gandaki with suspension bridges gives you another thrilling experience. Another beautiful high altitude lake you’ll pass is the Birendra Tal.
The Manaslu Conservation Area of the region has rare wildlife attractions, such as snow leopards and red pandas. In addition, birds like Himalayan Monal, pheasants, and floras like rhododendrons, pines, and oaks can also be seen.
Why the Manaslu Circuit Trek is Beginner-Friendly
Manaslu Circuit Trek is an easily accomplishable trek that only requires a basic level of fitness. It is a trek into diverse terrains of various altitudes. The trail is rough with some steep sections but the whole thing is doable with gradual climbs and many breaks to let you catch your breath and enjoy the scenery around you.
The gradual acclimatization process that this trek involves makes this trek extremely beginner friendly. Slow pace trek will keep your body adapting to thinner air and help you as you go to higher altitude.
This route makes sure you have enough rest days before tackling higher routes such as the Larkya La Pass (5,162 m). By ascending steadily, the risk of altitude sickness on the trek is reduced so the trek is more accessible to beginners.
Another is the availability of tea house amenities on the trekking route. In the tea houses, you get communal dining to stay cozy and get a place to stay, drink a cup of coffee, and eat traditional meals such as Dal Bhat, momo, and thukpa. These lodges are a nice way to get to know the culture and be welcomed when starting over again and again.
How to Prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Physical fitness and training tips
Before you set out on the trek you need to have basic fitness requirements. You should start by getting into cardio workouts, like hiking, running, or cycling, and aim to get as much endurance as possible.
Some sections of the trail, like Larkya La Pass, are steep, so try to incorporate hill climbs or walking on stairs into your routine. The physical demands of a trek will also be made easier with strength training for your legs, core, and upper body, which will help you easily manage the load of your backpack.
Yoga or stretching are flexibility exercises that will help increase your mobility as well as prevent muscle fatigue. Hike on uneven terrain to simulate trail conditions, and do at least a few long distance hikes (6 to 7 hours) before the trip to build stamina.
For the best result and easier trekking, you should start your physical exercise training prior 2 to 3 months. This allows the body to adapt to the demands of the trek.
Essential gear and packing list
A beginner tip for Manaslu Circuit Trek is to have the proper gear to ensure you and your trip are successful, enjoyable, and comfortable.
Your main piece of gear will fit in a backpack of 40 to 50 liters. This should have padded straps with a waist belt and good weight distribution. A small daypack of 20 to 25 liters is needed for carrying daily essentials.
To adapt to the changing weather and temperature, layering is major for clothing. Base layers (long and short sleeves) to keep you dry, a fleece jacket for warmth, a down jacket for cold weather, and a waterproof windproof jacket for rain and wind. You’ll need trekking pants and quick dry underwear, and be sure to bring some warm socks (wool is a good idea).
Comfort and safety depend on footwear. Make sure to get waterproof hiking boots that give sturdy ankle support, and a better grip on even the roughest trails. Or replace your footwear with something lighter, like trekking shoes or sandals.
The best way to reduce your joint strain is to purchase trekking poles, especially while climbing uphill and downhill.
At higher altitudes, where warmth from accommodations like basic teahouses isn’t enough, you will need a sleeping bag rated for temperatures of -10°C or lower.
Obviously, you’ll want to bring a water bottle and water purification tablets. We still recommend having extra batteries for the headlamp, to trek in the dark.
Bring cameras and phones to capture once in a lifetime moments, but don’t forget to bring power banks as the electricity supply isn’t reliable here.
A must to have is a first aid kit, which includes medicines like Diamox for altitude sickness, ibuprofen, and paracetamol for pain relievers, bandages, adhering tapes, and ointments.
Pack sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF, as the sun in this region has immense UV rays. It is normal to be tired during the trek, so bring snacks, energy bars, dried fruits, and trail mix. Also, bring some repellent, ones for leeches which will be useful for rains at lower altitudes.
Permits and Regulations
When going for Manaslu Circuit Trek, the first permit you need is the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP). The MRAP costs $100 for this first week, and after that, it costs $15 extra per day. MRAP is essential to protect this restricted area to preserve the environment and local culture of the region.
Next, is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). As the trek route goes near the Annapurna Region, you need to have the ACAP, costing NPR 3,000 ($30). ACAP helps improve conservation efforts and local development projects like building teahouses.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), is necessary as you are going to be trekking in the Manaslu Region. Manaslu Conservation Area permit is home to various endangered animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and birds like the Himalayan Monal. This permit costs the same as the ACAP NPR 3,000 (around $30).
Lastly, the Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Fee is required if you are going on trekking routes such as Tsum Valley. Since Tsum Valley is a region close to the Tibetan border you need to have this permit which costs NPR 1,000 ($10) for international, and NPR 100 for nationals.
You can get all of these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu, or an easier way is to take our package, which removes the hassle of getting the permit for yourself.
Best Time to Trek the Manaslu Circuit
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to trek on the Manaslu Circuit when the weather is stable so conditions are most favorable for beginners. However, dark clouds obstruct the views, and unbearable winter cold makes them one of the avoidable seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Trekking is comfortable in spring and autumn because of the moderate temperatures (10°C to 25°C), and the dry trails reduce the possibility of a slip. Spring brings colorful rhododendrons, lighting the trek bright red, pink, and white. These seasons with moderate temperatures and the best views of Annapurna, Shringi, and Himalchuli, make it perfect for beginners and professionals.
It is recommended for beginners to avoid seasons of monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). The constant unexpected rain of monsoon makes the trail slippers, and the dark clouds block the serene beauty of the surroundings. The temperatures are warmest here, going 30°C.
Winter extreme cold, and thick snow on the trails. Thick snow and extreme cold make beginner trekkers prone to accidents and altitude sickness. Temperatures going down to -20°C, increases the high risk of snowstorms and avalanches too.
Detailed Itinerary for Beginners
The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes 10 to 18 days to complete but its typical duration of 12 days allows early trekkers to trek comfortably and also go through proper acclimatization. The trek goes on at a gradual pace, giving beginners time to acclimatize and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Each day of trekking includes long hours of hiking around 6 to 7 hours.
The major stops during the Manaslu Circuit Trek are Soti Khola, Maccha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Lho. Samagaon is the most popular and lively place for acclimatization on the trek. This spot is famous as you can have a side trek to sacred Birendra Tal, religious Pungyen Gompa, and also to the base camp of the eight-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu.
To make the trek more flexible, alternate routes can be taken which can add more duration or remove the difficulty level. If time is short or you don’t mind taking a shortcut, a jeep ride from Soti Khola to Arughat can be taken to bypass the first few days of walking, being shortened.
For an extension of the trek, you can include extra days to go to the Tsum Valley, which has untouched natural beauty, and deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture in the prayer flags and chortens. There are ancient and religious monasteries like Rachen and Mu Gompa, where festivals like Budhha Jayanti, Maghe Sankranti, Holi, Dashain, and Tihar are celebrated.
Trek to Chhekampar also adds around 5 to 6 days more on your travel, where you get to explore the remote cultures of Gurungs.
Manaslu Circuit Trek can fall into the difficult side of trekking, but it has flexible routes that you can take as you please. The trek has alternatives like the Tsum Valley extension and Chhekampar, or a shortcut from Soti Khola to Arughat via jeep. You can easily adjust your trekking routes, depending on your physical conditions and preferences.
Accommodation and Food on the Trek
On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, accommodations you will see are just tea houses or camping. Tea houses provide basic facilities, beds, and bedding with a shared bathroom. They can have extra amenities like Wi-Fi and hot showers but at an extra cost. This is good for beginners, as they don’t need to carry huge amounts of gear and food.
Tea houses can have costs from $5 to $10 per night, which increases as you go higher. They provide meals like Dal Bhat, Thukpa, Noodles, Vegetable curries, Meat, Tibetan Bread, Momo, and Chowmein, all of which can be eaten for $3 to $7.
While camping is possible, in this remote region, you need to have guides, porters, and logistics to ensure your safety. Benefit of camping is when the facilities of tea houses are not the best. Sometimes in higher altitudes, tea houses do not have reliable beds and bedding for cold, and they can be unhygienic as well. To have a warm and hygienic sleep, it is better to bring a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to keep the cold away.
If you can have extra gear like layered clothing, clean, and healthy food, your trek is bound to be a smooth one. You should also have a first aid kit for any minor injuries, and take as much sleep and rest as you can.
Tips for Beginners on the Trail
- Take rest days at higher altitudes to acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness.
- Drink at least 4 liters of water a day to stay hydrated, and nutritious meals like Dal Bhat and vegetable curries.
- Develop endurance and do strength training 2 to 3 months before to comfortably complete the trek.
- Hire a guide or a porter to navigate the difficult sections, interact with locals, and reduce the loads of trekking like a backpack.
- Have a comfortable pace and don’t rush by skipping necessary breaks.
- Don’t expect ATMs, online and card payments on the routes, bring your own Nepali rupees in cash for payments in teahouses.
- Respect the local cultures and customs by taking shoes off in religious places like monasteries, and asking permission before taking photos.
- Bring essential gear like a sturdy backpack, sleeping bag, waterproof jackets, trekking poles, first aid kit, headlamp, and layered clothing.
- Prepare for the mental and physical demands of the trek and have positivity.
- Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations, accidents, and baggage loss or damage.
- Don’t forget important permits such as MCAP, MRAP, ACAP, and Chum Nubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit.
- Pack light by bringing only essential items and not unnecessary items like laptops, books, etc.
- Dispose of waste properly and use reusable water bottles to be on an eco-friendly trek.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging treks where one usually succumbs to altitude sickness. Headaches, nausea, and fatigue symptoms resulting from lack of oxygen at higher altitudes.
Stop this from happening by pacing yourself, taking acclimatization days, drinking plenty of water, and not drinking alcohol or caffeine. Bring medications such as Diamox. Eat nutritious food like Dal Bhat, to keep your energy, and if symptoms worsen, you should descend immediately.
Rocky trails, and steep roads on difficult sections like Larkya La Pass, can be quite challenging. This is when you have high chance of altitude sickness, and reduces physical performance. The trek on sections like this can be difficult to navigate, but you can overcome this by having our experienced guides and porters.
For strain on your knees and instability of your balance, you can bring trekking poles that will help you on the uneven terrains of Larkya.
Trekking can be difficult in harsh weather. Be ready for the unexpected rain and snow by wearing a good quality waterproof jacket, insulated layers, gloves, and a warm hat. Never take a chance and always plan a trek when the weather is favorable.
For beginners, it can be a pain to maintain motivation on long, exhausting days. Divide up your trek into much smaller manageable pieces and take in the great landscapes and cultural experiences one step at a time. We provide you with expert guides, porters, and group treks who provide you with with support and motivation throughout the trek.
Towards the end, that long trek is bound to wear you out physically. Cardio, strength work, and hiking that stimulate the trek will be useful. To stay energetic, prioritize nutritious and high energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, fruits such as bananas, and dried fruits like nuts. Each night should have proper rest and nutritious meals like Dal Bhat to recover and get ready for the trek ahead.
Final Say
Manaslu Circuit Trek provides one of the most unique and serene experiences of trekking. Manaslu is different from other popular treks like Annapurna or Everest Circuits as it offers less crowded conditions and has much untouched natural beauty, at the same time you’ll have deeper cultural immersion.
You will trek through remote villages like Lho, Samagaon, and Bhimthang, dense forests, and mountains like Shringi Himal, Himal Chuli, Manalsu, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna.
The specialty of Manaslu Circuit Trek comes from its cultural wealth of Gurungs and natural beauty. En route, you’ll pass traditional Tibetan style villages like Dharapani, Samdo, Jagat, and Deng, and see lively festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Buddha Jayanti. Meeting villages like these gives you a feeling of trekking in ancient times.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an isolated region with fewer crowds that gives a serene and peaceful adventure. This trek provides an opportunity to blend in with the dense nature of rhododendrons, oak, pine forests, wildlife like red pandas, and snow leopards, as well as birds such as Himalayan Monal.
If you are looking for a rich cultural and natural beauty trip in Nepal, then Manaslu Circuit Trek is for you.
