Manaslu Circuit Trek Map has an adventure to Nepal’s most amazing Himalayas and the richness of cultural heritages. The trek takes you to Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eight-highest peak in the world, which gives you a chance to view surrounding mountains such as Annapurna, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and so on.
Along the trek, you pass by lovely rivers like Budi Gandaki River and Dudh Khola while Samdo and Samagaon, local villages, also allow you to experience the cultural heritages. Mostly, the Gurung community fills the villages, where they follow their culture and tradition that is deeply connected to Tibetan and Buddhism.
Around the villages, there exist colorful forests of rhododendrons, pine, and juniper. You can also get to see the diverse wildlife that are red panda and snow leopards. These floras and faunas are well to be seen in the famous restricted area, Manaslu Conservation Area.
Besides the amazing sights you get, there are some parts in the trek that are quite difficult, mainly the Larkya La Pass. Located at 5,106m, the Larkya La Pass is covered mostly in snow and presents rough terrains which can be difficult if you are a beginner.
Crossing sections like these can be difficult to someone who isn’t expert in navigating the terrains. The geography of the region, and the unpredictable mountain weather can divert your route often. This is when the route map comes into play. Your route map will give valuable insights on the terrains and landmarks which avoids you from going off the trail.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map assists you in making your trip successful by helping you understand the terrains, elevations and their difficulty.
Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map reveals the 177 kilometers long trek, usually taking between 14 to 18 days to complete. Our adventure starts by reaching a small village, Soti Khola, taking 6 to 7 hours of trek daily and reaching the end at Dharapani.
Starting from Kathmandu, the trek begins by a drive to Arughat and then to Soti Khola where we have our first glance at the charming villages and mountains. Next, our trip moves towards Machha Khola (890m), crossing those thrilling suspension bridges.
You then start to face uphill trekking to Jagat, a small village with beautiful stone houses decorated with prayer flags. We continued to another small village near the riverbanks, Deng. Here we get a glance at the cultural heritage of the region, mostly Tibetan-influenced.
Moving towards Namrung, the terrains get difficult but you don’t want to take your eyes off the amazing Mount Manaslu in the distance. Leaving Namrung, you reach Sho village, taking in the views of Manaslu and Simnang Himal, and Ribung Monastery, a sacred site.
When you reach Samagaon, you have a rest day but the views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Simnang Himal keep your eyes open. The highlights here are the side trips to religious Pungyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp, and even Birendra Lake for refreshments.
After Samagaon, there are thrilling experiences at Samdo, crossing the suspension bridges over the famous Budhi Gandaki River and later reaching Dharamsala. Continuing the trip, we faced the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the main highlight, with its steep and uneven terrains. Combination of surrounding peaks, and spirituality from prayer flags, it is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
With the accomplishment, you take in the celebration and return to Bimthang and later back to Dharapani, marking the end of our trip.
Understanding the Route Map
Seeing the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, particularly for beginners, is a puzzling moment. You need to have an understanding of the entire trail without being confused at any sections.
We do always need to know the overview. With a map having good coverage, you can mark important stops and viewpoints like Macchakhola, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaon. These valleys can be a way for you to track your progress as you trek.
Altitudes of mountains such as Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Saula, Shringi Himal, all can be seen. You can figuratively track your elevation gain on the route, Larkya La Pass (5,106m) being the highest.
You should also take notes of alternative routes, possibly at Samagaon. Even if it is not clearly given in the map, our guides and locals can give an idea for other routes which are to be used in case of emergencies like avalanches.
For guidance, we have a small table beside the map, named index. There you can find multiple symbols to learn and search on the map. It will help you know what a place exactly is, where exactly it is, and where else it can be. For instance, you can see the availability of health posts, a number of them at Macchakhola, Jagat, Deng, and till Samdo.
Mountains, base camps, and lakes have their symbols in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, which you use to locate them. Within a few seconds, I can spot Birendra Lake located on the southeast side of Manaslu North and Manaslu Base Camp.
Key Sections of the Manaslu Circuit Route
At the start of Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, in the lower altitudes from Soti Khola to Jagat (1,340m), you get to take in the initial scenery of mountains and landscapes. When you go deeper into the trail, you can get a sense of nature from the greenery of the forests and farmlands.
This section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map is memorable due to the thrilling suspension bridges we come across. Suspension bridges were over different rivers, but I do remember a thrilling one over the Budhi Gandaki River.
Along the trek, you will find valleys with Gurung communities like Lokpa, Nyak, Larkya Bazaar, Lho and Sho . They serve as a community deeply rooted to ancient Tibetan cultures. Interacting with them respectfully gives knowledge about their lifestyle and traditions.
When you are in the middle region, going from Jagat to Samagaon (3,530m), you are now at the halfway point. After the continuous altitude gain, you proceed for a day rest at Samagaon for acclimatization. Remember acclimatizing isn’t about resting at once single place, it is to adjust your body to the altitude by going round the region. At Samagaon, we can go around sacred sites like Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, and Birendra Lake to adjust your body well.
Reaching at high altitudes, you are at the highlight of the trek, Larkya La Pass (5,106m). From here you get stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Himal Chuli. This section is a bit rough and can be challenging to beginners without preparation.
Finally, after the strenuous part at Larkya La Pass, you descend back for return. During the descent, we return back to Bimthang, and next we go lower to Dharapani (1970m).
This ending section is a time for celebrating the accomplishment of your trek and reflecting on the adventure you had done.
Route that are the most challenging
Without a doubt, at the highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, Larkya La Pass is the most challenging section in the trek. It is located at 5,106 meters and is filled with thick snow and uneven lands. Apart from that, you are at a very high altitude, and risk of altitude sickness lurks around. Even the weather at such altitudes can go unpredictable and affect your trekking.
We also should talk about routes near the Larkya La Pass, the ascent from Samagaon and descent to Bimthang. From Samagaon to Larkya Phedi and Larkya La Pass, the altitude gets higher and air gets thinner. It is in this section that you burn all your energy and stamina for the steep ascent uphill.
Later, crossing Larkya La Pass, when you move downwards to Bimthang, it still is difficult. While not as strenuous as an uphill climb, the strain to your knees is an issue during the steep and rocky descents.
Essential Information on the Route Map
For traveling in unknown and difficult terrains, a Manaslu Circuit Trek Map is necessary to provide detailed insights.
We first get to see our starting of the trek, at Machha Khola and over the days of trekking ends at Dharapani. The route map got us every information needed from navigating terrains to lovely spots for photography.
We can see major highlights in the trekking such as Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo with Larkya La Pass (the highest point). Crossing near Namrung, we first get a beautiful view of the Kalchuman lake and various villages like Tatopani, Dobhan, Nyak, Lokpa, Ghap and so on.
Samagaon is a popular spot for acclimatization where you can even go for side trips to Birendra Tal, Manaslu Base Camp, and Pungyen Gompa. From Macchakhola to Larkya Bazar, you can see the healthpost almost frequently, and many checkposts at Macchakhola, Jagat, Namrung, Samdo, and near the end, Dharapani.
At the starting of the trek, views of Ganesh Himal, Voke Peak, Shringi Himal will keep you fixated, while at higher altitudes, Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Saula takes over.
After the straining section in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, from Samdo to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass, we descend to Dharapani crossing villages such as Monjo, Tilije, and Gho.
Reaching Dharapani, the walk is over and the drive back to Kathmandu starts via Dumre Bazar. You get to glance at the final views of traditional villages like Chyamje, Nadi Bazar, and Besi Sahar.
Permits and Restricted Areas on the Route
Manaslu Circuit Trek Map showcases the Restricted Area that needs permits to enter. The permits have their purpose and objective to preserve the endangered animals (red pandas and snow leopards), floras (rhododendrons and pines), development of infrastructures, and historical cultures of the region. You can easily grab the permits while in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board.
The primary permit you need is the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP). This protected region of Nepal covers 1,663 square kilometers, holding diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. The permit supports the essential culture of Gurung and Tibetan in the region. Cultures and traditions from ancient history of Tibetan-Buddhism are kept safe in these Restricted Areas. The cost to get MCAP is $30 for foreigners and around $10 for SAARC nationals.
Another permit is the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which has been established for managing and protecting regions of Nepal. Nepal holds some rare species and beautiful floras that are not to be extinct.
RAP also allows the governments to manage the crowd from tourism that has a serious impact on security, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. RAP not only handles the safety of trekkers but also the preservation of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures and traditions. The cost for RAP is $100 for the first seven days and charged $15 each day after that.
As we cross near the Annapurna Region, we first need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The Annapurna Conservation Area covers 7,600 square kilometers, making it the largest protected area in Nepal. It holds unique biodiversity and helps maintain the environment via sustainable tourism. ACAP cost us around $30, and the pay directly went to the development of the community, its infrastructure, and its preservation for the future generation.
Safety and Emergency Details
The Manaslu Circuit Trek Map offers valuable information on the safety and emergency points.
You can see the availability of the health posts, mainly from Macchakhola to Dharamsala. These health can be seen throughout the trek, but are only few in number after Bimthang. Health Posts are important places during the trek, as you can have multiple minor injuries.
From the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, you get clear information about the altitude you will trek at, highest being the Larkya La Pass. At this altitude, the risk of altitude sickness being higher and the availability of health posts lower.
Dehydration or fatigue can affect your trekking physically. So, when you have any uncomforts or negative symptoms, we recommend you get to one of the health posts. Mind the health care center accessibility too. We see that the health centers are mostly at lower altitudes, from Machhakhola to Samdo, and as you go higher, you should be alert and plan your trek carefully.
Looking at the map, checkposts are few, mostly at Macchakhola, Jagat, Namrung, Samdo, and Dharapani. Here, you require the permits, all three of them, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Restricted Area Permit. Your movements are recorded here, and also they check if you got yourself a guide or not.
Whether it is an emergency or not, hiring a guide is necessary. Stated by the Nepalese government, trekking without a guide is banned in Nepal since April 1, 2023. We do have our own guides at Radiant Trek to take care of you. They will inform you about challenging parts of the trek, particularly the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters.
In addition, they tell you about spots in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map for emergency evacuation from altitude sickness or unexpected situations from weather changes.
Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit
Trekking to most regions including the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map is best during Spring (March to May). During the spring, we get the perfect mild temperatures, around 10°C to 15°C. Springtime is when all the flowers bloom, making everything lively. We are blessed by the colorful views of rhododendrons and the peaks covered in bright white snow.
The views we have here are heavenly with clear skies and moderate temperatures mixed with the flowers blooming in the surrounding. We get to engage culturally as the season hosts festivals like Holi (festival of colors) celebrated in March and Buddha Jayanti (commemorating Gautama Buddha) occurring in April or May.
Similar to spring, autumn is also a perfect time to trek for you. Autumn is a peak season and invites fellow trekkers like us. Mild temperature (15°C and 25°C) with the colorful autumn leaves brings a lovely atmosphere to enjoy. Even in the Autumn, we have festivals to celebrate such as Dashain and Tihar. Celebrated nationwide, these famous festivals are essential for the entire Nepalese.
Dashain takes place around September or October, and is to worship the Goddess Durga signifying the win of good over evil. While it is unfamiliar, during October to November, we could see the worship of dogs, crows, and cows in Tihar (festival of light).
Winter and Monsoon are both off-season with various challenges and peaceful trails. The less crowd makes it peaceful but danger lurks around. Firstly, we want to get the serene views of mountains and valleys, which are disrupted by the frequent rain clouds of monsoon. Additionally, the leeches during monsoon makes it uncomfortable to trek at all.
Trekking in winter demands proper gear as it’s too cold. After December 15, we should better avoid the trek at all due to the risk of snowstorms and avalanches.
How weather affects trail accessibility
The unpredictable mountainous region makes the trekking quite difficult and not the smooth one. Manaslu Circuit Trek Map can have blockages depending on the seasons. While going to high altitudes, I could see clear skies and surrounding peaks in the back and moments later, clouds took away the amazing views.
Mostly the weather and trail are dependent on the season. Hiking during the spring and autumn has almost no disturbances and the skies clearer and temperatures are mild. Even though the temperature at night can drop low, when you look at trail difficulty and accommodation availability, both are easier.
Hindrance starts during monsoon and winter, considered as off-peak season. We call this the off-peak season for a reason and it’s not just because of less crowd, it just poses too many risks.
During monsoon, the rain clouds are to be seen too often. When you stand high after trekking, waiting to get the views of stunning mountains, you are disturbed by the sudden dark clouds ruining the views. Not just the view, but constant rain is the primary reason and affects the soil, and causes landslides. These natural disasters are too dangerous and are better left aside during the trek.
Leeches are another hindrance during the trek. They can stick onto our feets and make the trip insanely uncomfortable to do.
Winter has its own problems with trail accessibility. As winter starts, snowfalls are thicker and more frequent. Temperatures can drop -15°C and even lower which is really cold. In addition to having proper gear for cold, you should also take consideration of snowstorms and avalanches.
One sweep and everything can be vanished away due to these natural disasters, so it is better to keep avoiding trekking, particularly after December 15 when temperatures are freezing cold.
Tips for Using the Manaslu Circuit Route Map
As a beginner to trekking, the first problem is understanding and using the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map. You can avoid the hassle by equipping yourself with proper tools. Start by getting an adequate map that covers more than just the Manaslu region. This scale and coverage from the map gives you an idea to plan and comprehend.
Maps have specific symbols and markings, learning and using those while navigating can make it easier. At the bottom right of our map, there is a table called index, where a list of symbols are present. You need to remember the essential marking such as health post in case of medical needs.
Versions of maps are different from time to time. Equipping yourself with the latest version can allow you to avoid any expected situations such as blockade of roads from landslides or creation of new paths to the routes.
If you can identify the landmarks, like mountains, peaks, villages, and monasteries, they can serve as a marking of your trail. With visualizing the area physically, you can get to know the map better.
In addition to maps, a compass can be your buddy to find direction and easily follow the remote trail routes at Samagaon and Larkya La Pass. For backup and issues with maps, GPS devices can help you out. You can face conditions with low visibility and unclear routes, and GPS devices can effortlessly bring you to the place you need to be.
For problems with understanding the Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, you should take help from guides or even the locals. They are well experienced with the region, and assisting you without a map is not a hassle for them.
Navigating routes with GPS
GPS navigation is a helpful and convenient device but it does have some limitations. It is an electric device after all, so when the battery power is down, you are pretty much going to stroll around searching for locals.
While they can be accurate in the open conditions with no obstacles, signals and reliability is decreased in the high altitude region. Looking at a physical version of Manaslu Circuit Trek Map, the only thing to disrupt its accuracy is when dissolved in water or torn apart.
So, GPS provides real time navigation, very useful in tracking locations, however, the reliability and accuracy is decreased at times with obstacles or low signals.
